2012 Honda Odyssey
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Service brakes is the leading concern among 245 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 17th highest complaint count among 26 Odyssey model years with reports.
Of the 2012 reports, 14 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 22 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
Power train, automatic transmissionApr 15, 2013
Honda is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 CR-V, Odyssey, and model year 2013 Acura RDX vehicles. During sub-freezing temperatures, the brake-shift interlock blocking mechanism may become slow and allow the gear selector to be moved from the Park position without pressing the brake pedal. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
If the gear selector is moved from the park position without pressing the brake pedal it can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda or Acura dealer. The dealer will install an updated brake shift interlock blocking mechanism free of charge. The recall began on May 13, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009. Honda's campaign recall numbers are S96, S97, and S98.
Campaign 13V143000 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
Suspension, frontDec 22, 2011
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012, ODYSSEY VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 31, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2011. THE RETENTION NUT FOR THE FRONT RIGHT LOWER SUSPENSION DAMPER BOLT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER TORQUE, POTENTIALLY ALLOWING THE NUT TO LOOSEN.
IF THE NUT LOOSENS, THE FRONT HUB ASSEMBLY WOULD ONLY BE ATTACHED BY ONE BOLT, ALLOWING THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY TO SHIFT TO AN EXTREME INWARD ANGLE, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF STEERING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
HONDA CONTACTED ALL NINE OWNERS BY PHONE ON DECEMBER 19, 2011, AND REPAIRED THE VEHICLES AS NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 11V602000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
245 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, Seats, Sep 20, 2026
My vehicle electrical system has been acting up since I got vehicle and I don't know where to take vehicle for recent recalls to fix it.
Electrical system, Sep 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked or while driving at undisclosed speeds, the clock on the vehicle was flashing, causing a distraction to the driver while driving. The contact stated that the flashing of the clock was controlled by satellite GPS, and the system could not be reset. The dealer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Electrical system, Equipment, Sep 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle and while driving at an undisclosed speed, the radio screen displayed "0:00", and the navigation system was inoperable. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
Electrical system, Aug 11, 2026
I own a Honda Odyssey equipped with the Auto Idle Stop (automatic engine start-stop) system. The feature has not operated properly and behaves inconsistently. In addition to frequently failing to engage when the vehicle is stopped, I have experienced several instances where the engine shut off as part of the Auto Idle Stop function and then failed to restart promptly when I attempted to proceed. On several occasions, while stopped at red lights on major roads and highways, the vehicle stalled and took a considerable amount of time to restart. During these incidents, I was unable to move the vehicle when traffic began moving, leaving me stranded in active traffic lanes and creating a significant safety hazard. The delayed restart exposed me and my passengers to the risk of rear-end collisions and other accidents. This issue has occurred multiple times and has caused me to lose confidence in the reliability and safety of the Auto Idle Stop system. A vehicle should not become temporarily disabled in traffic due to the failure of a system intended to improve fuel efficiency. Given the repeated nature of the problem and the potential for serious injury, I believe this issue warrants investigation. On August 7, 2026, I brought my Honda Odyssey to an authorized Honda dealership to diagnose the Auto Idle Stop system due to repeated incidents in which the vehicle failed to restart promptly after the engine shut off at a stop. According to the dealership's service report, the technician stated that they had identified similar complaints from other Honda Odyssey owners and that Honda is currently investigating the concern. The technician monitored live vehicle data and determined that the battery voltage did not drop excessively, the starter was not drawing excessive voltage, and no diagnostic snapshots or fault data were stored by the vehicle at the time of inspection. As a result, the dealership was unable to perform any repairs.
Power train, May 16, 2026
piston rings wore out prematurely on our 2012 honda odyssey. this was caused by the vcm system. its a known issue on hondas. it only had 88,600 miles at the time. we were driving our 2012 honda odyssey in december 2023. the check engine light began to flash. it starting running rough. we had it towed to a honda dealer for inspection. they pulled codes p303 and p304. they said the rings were worn and spark plugs fouled. they said this is a common issue because of the vcm. they peformed a rering job and with all parts and labor the cost came to $4000. we are very disgusted that this issue was already known by honda and they failed to place the vehicle on recall or wave the repair cost. they had a previous recall for this issue, but they say it was for a limited time frame. my mother only drives less than 10k miles a year, so the issue wouldnt have happened before 2016, as the miles on her van were still very low. we are issueing a complaint against honda for this issue. we are asking for reimbursement for the repair for the piston ring job which was $4000 while we had the vehicle in for this repair, we were also informed of other issues with the van, and we went ahead with those repairs as well, which brought our repair bill total to over $6419, which is also shown on the same receipt.
Electrical system, May 1, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Honda Odyssey. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. The vehicle mileage was 117,000 at the time of purchase; however, the title listed the mileage at 14,580. The Department of Motor Vehicle reported that the actual mileage as 214,000.
Electrical system, May 1, 2026, fire
The 2012 Honda odyssey alternator caught on fire after the battery light came on which luckily I, the driver, was able to put out. The next day I towed the vehicle to Boyd Honda Auto in Oxford, NC, where they confirmed with diagnostic that the alternator was overworking and that there was a seeping spool valve. This seeping spool valve is a manufacturer’s defect.
Electrical system, Apr 24, 2026, fire
On Wednesday night, the battery light initially came on and after a few minutes the van had this burning smell so I pulled over and the alternator was on fire. I put it out with several bottles of water from papa John’s. Today, at Boyd Honda in Oxford said in the diagnosis that there was a sweeping spool valve that had leaked which must have caused the alternator to blaze because this is a manufacturer’s defect from Honda.
Electrical system, Dec 8, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Honda Odyssey. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 80,000. It was later discovered, after checking the Carfax report that the mileage was 285,000.
Engine, Sep 16, 2025
Vcm problems burn oil and misfire code
Engine, Aug 31, 2025
For several years now, we have misfire issue or code P0304. We continue to change spark plugs cylinders. Both usually last a year or so then they need replaced again. I research the problem, no recall or the like. I did see his report on-line, wondering if it applies to us, Warranty Extension: MIL Comes On with DTCs P0301 thru P0304. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 26, 2025
Dear NHTSA Advisor, Thank you for regarding my request for warranty coverage for the critical misfire and overheating defect with my 2012 Odyssey Honda Engine 3.5L Engine. Odyssey, as described in Honda’s Service Technical Bulletin 13-081. I must reiterate the severity of my situation: the part required for repair is quoted at $7,500.00—and that does not include labor. This amount far exceeds the current market value of my vehicle, effectively making it impossible to afford repairs without Honda’s intervention, it’s aSafety Defect & Known Manufacturer Issue. The misfiring and overheating problems represent major safety risks for my family and anyone who operates the vehicle. This is not routine maintenance, but a substantial defect that Honda has addressed in its own technical bulletin. I have adhered diligently to Honda’s maintenance schedule throughout my ownership. Attached to this correspondence is a PDF containing the complete Service Technical Bulletin 13-081. I am prepared to provide any additional documentation upon request. WARRANTY EXTENSION: MIL COMES ON WITH DTCS P0301 THRU P0304 TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN Reference Numbers): 13-081, Date of Issue: October 08, 2020 HONDA: 2011-13 Odyssey Superceded Bulletin(s): 13-081, Date of Issue: June 18, 2019 Aug 5, 2025 License: Odometer: NOTE: Supersedes 13-081, dated June 18, 2019, to revise the information below. AFFECTED VEHICLES AFFECTED VEHICLES Year Model Trim Level VIN Range 2011-13 Odyssey ALL Check the iN VIN status for eligibility. REVISION SUMMARY Under CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION, outdated information was removed. CORRECTIVE ACTION 2011 Models: Complete diagnosis procedure and if necessary, update PCM software (Procedure A) , replace affected spark plugs then clean pistons and replace the piston rings (Procedure B) • 2012-13 Models: Complete diagnosis procedure, replace affected spark plugs then clean the pistons and replace the pistons rings (Procedure B). No need for software update as 2012-13
Steering, Tires, Jun 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Odyssey equipped with Cooper Tires, Tire Line: CS5 Grand Touring, Tire Size: P235/65/R17, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle started to vibrate abnormally. The driver was able to pull over safely and became aware of a blowout of the front passenger’s side tire. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, there was an abnormal vibration in the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to a tire center where it was determined that the failure was linked to a busted tire core. The damaged tire and driver's side rear tire were replaced. The contact stated that while continuing to drive, the steering wheel and the vehicle continued to vibrate. The vehicle was taken to a tire center, where it was determined that the driver's side front tire had a shifted radial belt, and a bulge was detected. The tire was replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle failure mileage was approximately 79,694. The tire mileage was approximately 20,000.
Electrical system, Apr 17, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 130,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 230,000. Local authorities had been notified.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 7, 2025
vehicle loses acceleration power intermittently. No response when pressing accelerator or when speeding up with cruise control. Pressing the gas harder does not help but the vehicle starts working normally a few seconds later. Dangerous on busy roads. I don't think it is a weak fuel pump because it accelerated quickly after an event
Engine, Apr 23, 2024
The front valve cover is exposed to extreme temperatures from the catalytic converter mounted next to it. There is nothing to protect the rubber components inside from the catalytic converter's excessive heat which is causing them to fail. The steel components inside the cylinder (e.g., the seal ring) are insulated by these rubber components. When these rubber insulators fail, the steel components are exposed and make contact with the aluminum valve cover resulting in the galvanic corrosion of the aluminum. The most common result I have seen is the deformation of the area where the seal ring is seated (along with holes and cracks). Some people have also suggested possible defects in the casting of the aluminum as a contributing factor (the aluminum is also very thin in that area). Some have suggested the possibility of the uninsulated spark plug arcing, but it seems unlikely to generate enough heat to compromise the aluminum's integrity. The way people have described how the aluminum crumbles seems more indicative of corrosion. There are countless testimonies online of similar defects in Odysseys, Pilots, Accords, and Crosstours with the same engine. I have included a photograph of my damaged valve cover and those of others I have found online.
Electrical system, Apr 19, 2024
While driving on Thursday, 18 April 2024, the CHECK CHARGE SYSTEM alert and warning light came on in my 2012 Odyssey. I was able to get to a garage that was a few miles away, but the electrical system gave out about 1/4 mile from the garage. I was able to shift into neutral and coast into the parking lot. The dash lights were all off and the electrical system had stopped working. When I tried to exit the vehicle, I could not open the driver door. The lock was frozen in place and wouldn’t budge. I was able to pull the handle, but it did not unlatch or open the door. The power lock buttons did not work either. I tried all the other doors and it was the same situation. I was literally trapped inside my minivan. Someone tried opening it from the outside and that did not work as the doors had auto locked due to driving. The hood release mechanism worked fine, so I was able to pop the hood and a the mechanic jump started my battery and I was then able to unlock and open my car door. This is a serious safety concern as it suggests that an electric system shutdown due to fire, immersion in water, or other emergency situation would render any occupants stuck inside the vehicle. The mechanic evaluated the situation and said my alternator was broken and needed to be replaced. He did that successfully and I was back on the road in about 2 hours. It’s been running fine since then. I think this is a serious issue that Honda needs to address.
Structure, Mar 25, 2024
A few weeks ago a cable for the sliding door on the passenger side snapped. We were able to use it manually until this weekend when the whole door fell right off when sliding it closed.
Structure, Feb 15, 2024
Cable on passenger side sliding door snapped and door shut without latching on the arm of the person getting in.
Electrical system, Jan 17, 2024
Drivers side heated seat switch turns on then off shortly after.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power inadvertently in the middle of the roadway. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was unable to veer to the side of the roadway. The contact stated that he shifted into park (P) and was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had been occurring approximately twice per day while driving. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Electrical system, Oct 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, several unknown warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the alternator. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,000.
Electrical system, Sep 23, 2023
Prior to the problem, the radio cut off, various lights (battery, abs, etc) lit up and Check System warning light appeared. The car remained running for approximately 10 miles although stepping on the accelerator did not always result in increased speed. Touching the brake caused the RPM gauge & speedometer to immediately drop to zero and removing my foot from the brake immediately resulted in both gauges resuming correct reading. Eventually, the car ceased to function and I removed the key. Then I tried to exit the vehicle. None of the doors would open and I remained in the car until my wife arrived with a spare set of keys which opened the door. A mechanic later determined the alternator needed replacement. Had I not had a mobile phone to call someone, I might still be there. Had the weather been either extremely hot or cold the consequences could have been life threatening
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 13, 2023
Misfiring, I have had to change the spark plugs and coils multiple times. I have contact Honda in Green Bay wi and Appleton wi, they have told me the recall has expired. We just bought this car this year from a none Honda dealership used. Had this problems days after getting it.
Power train, May 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking. The check emissions and check VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) warning lights illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the piston rings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.