2011 Honda Odyssey
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 233 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 18th highest complaint count among 26 Odyssey model years with reports.
Of the 2011 reports, 11 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 13 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Seats, mid/rear assemblyNov 17, 2017
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Honda Odyssey vehicles. The second row outboard seats can slide sideways to one of two positions. If a seat is placed between either of the two positions when attaching the seat to the vehicle floor, the seat will not latch properly to the seat striker, allowing the seat to tip forward unexpectedly during braking.
If the seat tips forward during braking, it can increase the risk of injury.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install a bracket to the second row outboard floor strikers, free of charge. The recall began April 2, 2018. Owners may contact American Honda Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is S0G.
Campaign 17V725000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, mid/rear assemblyDec 27, 2016
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Odyssey vehicles manufactured August 17, 2010, to October 1, 2015. The affected vehicles have second row outboard seats that have a release lever that allows the seats to move for easier access to the third row of seats. This release lever may remain in the unlocked position allowing the seats to move unexpectedly.
An unlocked second row outboard seat increases the risk of injury to the seat occupant during a crash.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional bracket and spring to both second row outboard seats, free of charge. Interim letter has been mailed, and a second notification will be sent . Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is KD5.
Campaign 16V933000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsJan 18, 2013
Honda is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 Pilot and 2011-2013 Odyssey passenger vehicles manufactured from March 13, 2008, through December 21, 2012. One or more rivets that attach the airbag module to the airbag cover may be missing.
The absence of more than one rivet could alter the performance of the driver's airbag during deployment. This could potentially increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda dealer. The dealer will inspect the driver's airbag module and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 14, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 13V016000 on NHTSA.gov
VisibilityMar 21, 2011
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 HONDA ODYSSEY VEHICLES. THERE IS A POTENTIAL FAILURE WITH THE DRIVER AND THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR POWER WINDOWS IN WHICH THE WINDOW MAY COME OFF THE TRACK CAUSING THE WINDOW TO BECOME INOPERATIVE AND PREVENTING IT FROM BEING ROLLED UP OR DOWN OR IT COULD DROP INTO THE DOOR.
THE WINDOW MAY SHATTER INTO THE PASSENGER CABIN CAUSING A RISK OF INJURY TO THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE EITHER THE PASSENGER'S AND/OR THE DRIVER'S FRONT DOOR WINDOW GLASS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 28, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 11V181000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, windshield wiper/washerMar 15, 2011
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 HONDA ODYSSEY VEHICLES. IF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES BECOME FROZEN TO THE WINDSHIELD AND THE WIPER MOTOR IS SWITCHED ON, ONE OF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER LINKAGE RODS MAY BEND OR SEPARATE FROM THE MOTOR DUE TO INSUFFICIENT STIFFNESS OF THE ROD.
THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS MAY FAIL TO OPERATE, DECREASING THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY IN ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER ROD FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 28, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 11V180000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: power train
19 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Engine, Nov 24, 2025
On 3/8/14, I purchased this van as a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle from an authorized Honda dealership, but wasn't notified of known defects resulting from the Alex Soto v American Honda Motor Co, Inc class action suit. The suit wasn't finalized until 4/10/14, yet Honda NEVER notified me, as REQUIRED by the settlement. Had I been notified prior to purchase, I would NOT have purchased the van. If I'd been notified per the settlement's requirement(s), I could've used Indiana's Lemon Law to nullify the purchase. Honda PURPOSELY withheld the suit's settlement and associated SB 13-081 from me, even though I did receive OTHER SBs and recall notices from them (which is UDAP/fraudulent concealment). Since 5/1/25, I've spent over $10,000 repairing the van, caused by these known defects and it requires another $7,000 to replace the engine, which Honda was made known of the problem prior to 100,000 miles. The Indiana Attorney General's office has agreed to take on my complaint against Honda.
Power train, Air bags, Structure, Feb 12, 2020
PURCHASED VEHICLE FROM DEALERSHIP. ACCORDING TO PAPERWORK, VEHICLE HAS CLEAN TITLE. WHEN I TRY TO INSURE VEHICLE APPARENTLY VEHICLE IS DEEMED "UNSAFE" BECAUSE IT SUFFERED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE AND NEEDS A REBUILT TITLE. DEALERSHIP NEVER MADE ME AWARE THE VEHICLE HAD 3 ACCIDENTS. AFTER AGREEING TO BUY BACK VEHICLE FROM ME, THEY SAID THEY WOULD NO LONGER ACCEPT IT.
Power train, Oct 28, 2019
NOV OF 2016 TOOK MY 2011 HONDA ODYSSEY INTO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A SHUDDER BETWEEN 40-45 MPH. SERVICE TECH STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID NEEDS TO BE DRAINED PER HONDA PROCEDURE. FLUIDS WERE DRAINED AND SHUDDER STOPPED. MAY 2018 TOOK BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP SAME PROBLEM AS BEFORE IN 2016 AT THIS TIME SERIVCE TECH STATES THAT MY FRONT BRAKE CALIPER, LEFT FRONT DRIVE SHAFT NEED REPLACING. THOSE ITEMS WERE REPLACED. THEN OCT 2019 BACK AT THE SAME DEALERSHIP AGAIN WITH THE SHUDDER AT 40-45 MPH. THE SERICE TECH NOW STATES THAT MY TRANSMISSION FLUID NEEDS TO BE CHANGED AGAIN PER HONDA PROCEDURE THAT ITS DARK AND DIRTY. AFTER LOOKING AT TRANSMISSION FLUID ITS NOT DARK OR DIRTY. STILL TRANSPARENT AND NO BURNT SMELL OF BAD FLUID. AFTER RESEARCHING THESE YEAR MODEL VANS ARE BIG ON TORQUE CONVERTER PROBLEMS. SERVICE TECH PERFOMED A SNAP SHOT AND VERIFIRED TORQUE CONVERTER JUDDER BUT ARE NOT WANTING TO FIX THE PROBLEM. SOFTWARE HAS BEEN UPDATED AND STILL HAVING SAME ISSUE WITH SHUDDER. HONDA DECLINES TO ACCEPT THE ISSUE.
Power train, Jun 20, 2018
CAR ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION JUDDERS AND GEAR SHIFTS UP AND DOWN CONSTANTLY WHEN CRUISING BETWEEN 30-45 MPH AND 60MPH. ENGINE SHAKES AND RPM IS SEEN GOING UP AND DOWN ALSO.
Power train, Jul 11, 2017
AT 95K MILES, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED DUE TO INSUFFICIENT COOLING, FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTER. THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER USED FOR TOWING. THIS SEEMS TO BE A CHRONIC THEME (BAD TRANSMISSIONS) WITH HONDA ODYSSEYS.
Power train, Service brakes, Apr 4, 2017
WHEN ACCELERATING THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS AND SHUDDERS WHEN THE SPEED CROSSES 35 MILES / HR (OCCURRING SINCE PURCHASE) AND AGAIN AT 70 MILES / HOUR (OCCURRING SINCE 2016). EVEN WHEN FOOT BRAKE IS APPLIED, VEHICLE MOVES A LITTLE (A FEW CENTIMETERS)
Power train, Engine, Dec 23, 2015
THE ENGINE SHUTTERS AT LOW SPEEDS AND GOING UP HILL. HONDA DECLINES TO ACCEPT THE ISSUE. BATTERY LOW INDICATOR WARNING POPS UP EVEN WHEN THE BATTERY IS FLOODED. MAY NEED A SOFTWARE UPDATE TO BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.
Power train, Jun 23, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND SHIFTED INTO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED IN REVERSE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000.
Power train, Air bags, Structure, May 30, 2014, crash
I FILE THIS COMPLAINT TO REPORT A DANGEROUS DEFECT IN MY 2011 HONDA ODYSSEY VAN TO PREVENT OTHERS FROM SUFFERING SIMILAR OR WORSE HARM WHAT HAPPENED TO ME. I STOPPED MY VEHICLE AT THE TOP OF MY DRIVEWAY, WHERE IT IS FLAT, TO GET MY MAIL I PLACED THE VAN IN PARK BEFORE I STEPPED OUT OF THE VEHICLE TO GET MY MAIL. THE VAN WAS NOT MOVING WHEN I EXITED THE VEHICLE. MY TWO CHILDREN REMAINED IN THE VEHICLE. AS I WENT TO GET THE MAIL, THE NEXT THING I KNEW MY VAN WAS MOVING ON ITS OWN DOWN THE DRIVEWAY. BECAUSE MY KIDS WERE STILL BUCKLED IN THEIR SEATS IN THE VEHICLE, I DID EVERYTHING I COULD TO STOP THE VAN. HOWEVER, I DID NOT SUCCEED. THE VAN CUT OFF THE DRIVEWAY, WENT THROUGH THE LANDSCAPED PORTION OF MY YARD, ROLLED OVER A RETAINING WALL AND CRASHED INTO MY HOUSE. AS A RESULT OF ME TRYING TO SAVE MY CHILDREN, I SUFFERED SIGNIFICANT INJURIES WHICH INCLUDED DIFFICULT SURGERY AND THE LOSS OF MOBILITY WITH POTENTIAL PERMANENT DEBILITATING INJURY. I AM STILL IN PHYSICAL THERAPY AND WILL BE FOR A WHILE. WE ALSO HAD A LOT OF PROPERTY DAMAGE. THE CAR WAS STILL IN PARK WHEN IT HIT THE HOUSE. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVERS HAD TO ENGAGE THE SHIFT LOCK RELEASE TO TAKE THE SHIFTER OUT OF PARK IN ORDER TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE SLIGHTLY TO POSITION IT TO BE PICKED UP BY THE TOW TRUCK. THE VEHICLE MOVED WHILE IN PARK AND NEVER CAME OUT OF PARK WHEN IT WENT DOWN THE DRIVEWAY. I HAVE INFORMED HONDA OF THIS DANGEROUS LIFE THREATENING DEFECT. HONDA INSPECTED THE VEHICLE ON MAY 23RD AT BRANNON HONDA IN BIRMINGHAM ALABAMA AND SAID NOTHING IS WRONG WITH MY VAN. I KNOW THEY ARE WRONG. THIS DEFECT COULD HURT OTHER PEOPLE OR KILL SOMEONE. I HOPE THE GOVERNMENT WILL THOROUGHLY INSPECT MY VEHICLE BEFORE SOMEBODY ELSE GETS HURT. MY VEHICLE IS AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE INSPECTION. *TR
Power train, Oct 3, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LETTERS ON THE GEAR SHIFTER WERE NOT VISIBLE AT NIGHT. THE CONTACT WAS AFRAID HE WAS GOING TO SHIFT INTO THE WRONG GEAR. THE CONTACT SENT A LETTER TO THE MANUFACTURER BUT RECEIVED NO RESPONSE. THE DEFECT WAS BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF SEVERAL DEALERS BUT NONE OFFERED ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 15,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 11/07/12*LJ
Power train, Sep 2, 2012
TRANSMISSION SOMETIMES SHUDDERS TERRIBLY WHEN SHIFTING, DOES NOT KNOW WHEN TO SHIFT, SOMETIMES DELAYS WHEN SHIFTING INTO REVERSE. CURRENTLY HAS 44,000 MILES. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 3, 2012
I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING HESITATION IN ACCELERATION FROM A STOP THROUGH THIRD GEAR AT LOW SPEEDS. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HONDA DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAD NOT HEARD OF THE PROBLEM AND WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE SEVERITY OF MY ISSUE BUT DID NOTICE HESITATION. MANAGER SAID HE WOULD SPEAK TO CORPORATE REPRESENTATIVE. YESTERDAY, WHILE TAKING A LEFT TO CROSS HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE HAD TROUBLE ACCELERATING TO CROSS HIGHWAY WITH APPROACHING VEHICLES TRAVELING 65 MILES PER HOUR. MY FRIEND AND HER CHILD WERE IN THE VAN ALONG WITH ONE OF MY CHILDREN. I HAVE NOT LOOKED AT THIS AS A SAFETY ISSUE UNTIL YESTERDAY BUT AM NOW VERY CONCERNED BECAUSE I LIVE OFF THIS BUSY HIGHWAY AND REGULARLY MAKE THIS TURN OFTEN WITH THREE OR MORE CHILDREN. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Mar 2, 2012
I GET A MAJOR DEAD SPOT ON ATTEMPTED ACCELERATION MOVING FROM A SLOWDOWN (AS TOWARD A SIGNAL) TOWARD ACCELERATION (AS THE SIGNAL CHANGES) AT ABOUT 5 -10 MPH. THIS IS CONSISTENT. I CAN STEP HARD ON THE GAS OR PUMP THE ACCELERATOR AND GET NO RESPONSE FOR AT LEAST 2 SECONDS. IT SEEMS LIKE IF YOU HIT THE BRAKE, YOU CANNOT USE THE ACCELERATOR UNLESS IT IS FULLY RESET. I AM THINKING IT IS A SOFTWARE PROBLEM. THE INJURY RISK IS YOU HIT THE ACCELERATOR AND THE CAR CANNOT GET OUT OF A DANGEROUS SITUATION. *TR
Power train, Jan 23, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO JERK VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 10,000. UPDATED 02/22/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION HAS A VIBRATION AND SHUDDER. UPDATED 02/24/12
Power train, Jan 18, 2012
AS SOON AS THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS TO THE SECOND GEAR, THE ENTIRE CAR WILL SHUDDER. SAME THING HAPPENS OFTEN ON THE THIRD, FOURTH, AND FIFTH. ANOTHER THING THAT HAPPENS ON THE TRANSMISSION IS THAT WHEN IT'S IN OVERDRIVE IN THE SIXTH GEAR, THE RPM WILL JUMP ABOUT A HUNDRED OR TWO, UP AND DOWN, RANDOMELY. WHEN IT'S ALSO IN OVERDRIVE, IT MAKES A WEIRD NOISE. IN THE CABIN, IT SOUNDS LIKE AN EXTREME WIND NOISE, BUT YOU CAN TELL THAT IT'S COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION BECAUSE IT HAPPENS EVERYTIME I GIVE THE CAR SOME GAS. SOME OTHER PEOPLE ARE ALSO HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS I'M HAVING BECAUSE PEOPLE ON THE FORUM ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE.
Power train, Oct 11, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH THE CONTACT HEARD A TICKING SOUND WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THE CV JOINTS HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Oct 9, 2011
THE VAN HAS, ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS (APPROX 1 PER 1000 MILES) FAILED TO ACCELERATE ON COMMAND, IN FACT, IT ACTUALLY SEEMS TO STALL OUT FOR 1 TO 5 SECONDS. THE LONGER IT STALLS OUT, THE MORE EXPLOSIVE THE ACCELERATION, ONCE IT COMES. THIS CONDITION SEEMS TO CROP UP MOST OFTEN JUST AFTER SLACKING OFF ON THE GAS. FOR EXAMPLE: IN TRAFFIC, IF I AND HAVE TAKEN MY FOOT OFF THE GAS TO MAINTAIN SPACE FROM THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, THEN TRY TO ACCELERATE TO GET INTO AN OPENING IN THE ADJACENT LANE, THE VAN JUST HANGS THERE, AS IF THE IGNITION HAS BEEN TURNED OFF. THEN SUDDENLY, THE CAR RESPONDS TO THE ACCELERATOR WITH A JERK. MY THEORY IS THAT IT HAS TO DO WITH THE FUEL CONSERVATION SYSTEM THAT TURNS VARIOUS NUMBERS OF CYLINDERS OFF AND ON, DEPENDING ON DEMAND. I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO THE DEALER WHO SOLD THIS TO ME AND THEY ASKED ME IF I COULD TAKE IT OUT FOR A DRIVE AND DUPLICATE IT FOR THEM. I TOLD THEM IT WOULD BE OKAY IF THEY WERE WILLING TO PAY FOR THE GAS BECAUSE I CAN'T "MAKE" IT DO IT ON COMMAND. I'VE JUST BECOME AWARE THAT WHAT I DESCRIBE IS THE MOST COMMON CIRCUMSTANCE: STEADY OR SLIGHT ACCELERATION FOLLOWED BY SLACKING OFF, FOLLOWED BY AN ATTEMPT AT RAPID ACCELERATION. THE ATTEMPT AT RAPID ACCELERATION RESULTS IN HESITATION AND THEN RAPID ACCELERATION, EITHER OF WHICH, COULD CREATE THE SITUATION FOR AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Power train, Jul 25, 2011
2011 HONDA ODYSSEY EX-L WITH 300 MILES ON IT, STUMBLES/HESITATES AT LOW SPEEDS (15-20 MPH) WHEN LIGHT THROTTLE APPLIED WITH TRANSMISSION IN "D" ON A SLIGHT INCLINE. HONDA DEALER IN BOONE, NC COULD NOT RESOLVE PROBLEM. ON 7-25-2011. OWNER DROVE CAR FROM DEALER AND PROBLEM HAPPENED THREE MORE TIMES. IMMEDIATELY RETURNED CAR TO DEALER BUT DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM BUT SAID THEY WOULD CONTACT HONDA FOR ADVICE. THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED SIX TIMES SINCE NEW AND CAR HAS JUST 525 MILES ON IT AND GIVES DRIVER SENSATION THAT ENGINE HAS STALLED. *TR
Power train, May 26, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED HARD WHILE SLOWING DOWN UNDER 30 MPH. THE CONTACT COULD FEEL AND HEAR THE TRANSMISSION DOWN SHIFTING, AND THE FAILURE BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. THE DEALER TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE AND THAT THE COMPUTER CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. THE MANUFACTURERS ENGINEER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH TRANSMISSION AND IT WAS SHIFTING NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,000.