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: steering
21 reports, newest first. Show all
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.
Steering, Wheels, Service brakes, Sep 20, 2021
When applying the brake fro my 2012 Honda Odyssey I feel my steering shaking that may cause an issue while driving on Freeway. I have done the wheel balancing on new tires again too... But still i fee the same.
Steering, Dec 1, 2019
HONDA ODYSSEY CREAKING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL.
Steering, Nov 11, 2019
WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT THERES A NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. IT ONLY HAPPENS AT SLOW SPEEDS. IT FEELS LIKE SOMETHING IS GOING TO FALL OFF.
Steering, May 19, 2019
POPPING IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN TURNING WHEEL BACK; MORE COMON AT LOWER SPEEDS.
Steering, Suspension, Oct 5, 2018
CLUNKING SOUND WHEN TURNING. SOMETHING APPEARS TO BE LOOSE.
Steering, Dec 1, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS REVERSING OR IN DRIVE, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE ECONO DRIVE WARNING INDICATOR FLASHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SEVERAL INDEPENDENT MECHANICS, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED OR DIAGNOSED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER (GARDEN STATE HONDA, 225 RIVER DR, PASSAIC, NJ 07055, (973) 777-1600) WHERE THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TIGHTENED, BUT THE DEALER DID NOT SPECIFY A REMEDY AND WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE FAILURE WHEN THE DTC WAS NOT SHOWN. THE CONTACT LATER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Steering, Service brakes, Oct 31, 2017
VERY VIOLENT VIBRATION WHEN BRAKES APPLIED EVEN AT RELATIVELY SLOW SPEEDS, ESPECIALLY GOING DOWNHILL. VEHICLE BECOMES HARD TO CONTROL. HIGH SAFETY CONCERN CONSIDERING IT IS A FAMILY VEHICLE AND CHILDREN ARE OFTEN PRESENT IN THE CAR. DEALERSHIPS AND HONDA US DO NOT COOPERATE ON THE ISSUE. THEY SOLUTION IS TO RE SURFACE FONT BRAKE ROTORS OR REPLACE THEM WITH NEWER VERSION. THE FACT THAT THERE IS A NEWER IMPROVED VERSION OF ROTORS IS AN ADMISSION BY HONDA THAT ORIGINAL BRAKE ROTORS ARE EITHER DEFECTIVE OR HAVE DESIGN FLAW. I HOPE NHTSA ACTS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS INJURED IN THE CRASH.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Oct 13, 2016
THERE WAS A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND UPON INSPECTION, HONDA NOTIFIED ME THAT THE PISTON RING REPLACEMENT WAS NECESSARY AND THAT HONDA EXTENDED THE WARRANTY TO 100K MILES. THE PROBLEM WAS THE TIMING BELT AND FEW OTHER PARTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THEY WOULD GET DAMAGED DURING THIS WARRANTY REPAIR. HONDA REFUSED TO PAY FOR THE TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT AND MADE ME PAY ALMOST $800.00 IN PARTS AND LABOR. 2. MY CAR STARED TO VIBRATE EVERY TIME I BRAKED FROM ABOUT 15K MILES. I TOOK IT IN AND INSTEAD OF MAKING THE PROPER REPAIRS THE SERVICE CENTER HAD THE FRONT ROTORS RE-SURFACED 3 TIMES. THE PROBLEM KEPT ON COMING BACK BECAUSE THE FRONT ROTORS ARE UNDERSIZED FOR THE VEHICLE. I HAD TO BUY MY OWN FRONT ROTORS FROM A GENERIC MAKER ALONG WITH PADS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. IT COST ME $350 FOR PARTS AND $200 AT HONDA SERVICE CENTER TO REPAIR IT PROPERLY. 3. THERE'S A POPPING SOUND WHEN I MAKE TURNS. I'VE ADDRESSED IT AND NO ONE WILL FIX IT. I DON'T THINK ITS NORMAL THAT CLICKING AND POPPING SOUND COMES WHILE STEERING.
Steering, Jan 22, 2016
THERE IS A POPPING NOISE WHEN TURNING. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE AND THE FOLLOWING WAS REPORTED: "HEARD NOISE COMING FROM POWER STEERING" "COMPARED TO NEW UNIT AND HAD SAME NOISE" "NOISE IS FROM PRESSURE BEING PUT ON PUMP ON TIGHT TURNS. NO ISSUE WITH THE SYSTEM FOUND" "NO REPAIRS TO BE MADE AT THIS TIME". FEEL NOT SAFE TO DRIVE.
Steering, Service brakes, Aug 7, 2015
WHILE MOVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH DOWN A MODERATE GRADE, I APPLIED LIGHT TO MODERATE BRAKING. I IMMEDIATELY FELT A VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END AND SHAKING IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS VIBRATION AND SHAKING ONLY OCCURRED WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE SENSATION WAS SEVERE ENOUGH TO QUESTION STABILITY OF THE VEHICLE SO I EVENTUALLY VISITED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY ADVISED ME THAT THE FRONT ROTORS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. IT SEEMS PREMATURE FOR THE ROTORS TO NEED REPLACEMENT AFTER ONLY 29,000 MILES, PARTICULARLY CONSIDERING THAT THE ORIGINAL BRAKE PADS THEMSELVES HAVE PLENTY OF LIFE LEFT. MY CONCERN FOR MY FAMILY'S SAFETY COMPELLED ME TO SPEND OVER $200 TO HAVE THE DEALERSHIP REPLACE THE ROTORS (AT THEIR RECOMMENDATION) WITH NEWLY DESIGNED HONDA ROTORS. THE DEALERSHIP WAS GENEROUS IN GIVING ME A DISCOUNT, (ORIGINAL COST WAS TO BE IN EXCESS OF $300) HOWEVER HONDA CORPORATION REFUSED THE COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIRS WHATSOEVER. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE AND HAVE LEARNED THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE EXPERIENCED EXACTLY WHAT I HAVE. HONDA'S REDESIGN OF THE ROTORS AND COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE DEALERSHIP CONFIRMS THAT THERE IS A LEGITIMATE PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES OF THIS VEHICLE. BRAKING AND STEERING CONTROL ARE COMPROMISED WHEN NEEDED MOST- GOING DOWN A HILL AT INTERSTATE SPEED. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A SERIOUS, ONGOING SAFETY CONCERN FOR THIS VEHICLE AND ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN. I WANT TO REITERATE THAT THE DEALERSHIP HAS DONE ALL THEY CAN TO FIX THIS PROBLEM, THE INACTION LIES WITH HONDA CORPORATION EXCLUSIVELY. THANK YOU *TR
Steering, Apr 26, 2015
WHEN I WENT THROUGH A PUDDLE OF WATER MY BATTERY LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN. *TR
Steering, Apr 24, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000.
Steering, Service brakes, Nov 3, 2014
MY 2012 HONDA ODYSSEY SHAKES VIOLENTLY WHEN YOU BRAKE AT HIGH SPEED INCLUDING THE STEERING WHEEL AS IF YOU WILL LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THIS WAS REPORTED TO THE HAMILTON HONDA DEALER FOR FIRST TIME IN 28 SEP 2013 WHO RE-SURFACED THE FRONT ROTORS UNDER WARRANTY AT 12428 MILES. THE ISSUE WENT AWAY FOR ABOUT 7000 MILES AND REAPPEARED AT 19963 MILES IN JULY 2014. WHEN I REPORTED THIS TO THE SAME DEALER THEY AGAIN RE-SURFACED BOTH FRONT AND BACK ROTORS + BALANCED ALL WHEELS UNDER WARRANTY. HOWEVER THE ISSUE CAME BACK AGAIN IN 2700 MILES CURRENTLY AT 22645 MILES. THE MECHANIC WENT WITH ME FOR THE TEST DRIVE AND I WAS ABLE TO SHOW HIM HOW THE VEHICLE SHAKES WHEN YOU BRAKE IN SPEEDS EXCESS OF 55 MILES. THE DEALER CHECKED AND SAID ALL THE ROTORS ARE WITHIN SPECS AND CANNOT BE FURTHER RE-SURFACED. I NEVER HAD THIS KIND OF ISSUE IN ANY OF MY OTHER VEHICLES I OWNED SO FAR. THIS ISSUE IS SHOWING UP FOR 3RD TIME BUT IT IS MORE SEVERE NOW. WHAT IS MY WAY FORWARD SINCE AMERICAN HONDA IS NOT COMING BACK WITH ANY RESOLUTION EVEN AFTER COMPLAINING TO THEM (IT IS MORE THAN 9 BUSINESS DAYS TODAY). I REPORTED TO AMERICAN HONDA ON 22-OCT-2014 AFTER SERVICING FROM DEALER. *TR
Steering, Engine, Sep 29, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED INTERMITTENTLY AND THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE BECAME INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.
Steering, Service brakes, Sep 15, 2014
CAR VIBRATES AND SHAKES WHEN ON HIGHWAY AND DECELERATING FROM ABOUT 65 MPH TO EVEN JUST 50 MPH, CONTINUOUS PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Aug 23, 2014
WHENEVER YOU PRESS THE BRAKES THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES A LOT. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Jul 29, 2014
WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE STEERING BEGINS TO SHAKE AS SOON AS BRAKES ARE APPLIED (EVEN LIGHTLY). THIS IS MY SECOND HONDA MINIVAN AND I DID NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM WITH MY PREVIOUS ONE. I'VE ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR 2 YEARS. *JS
Steering, Service brakes, May 8, 2014
STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES SEVERELY WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE BRAKES WERE HOT DUE TO STEEP DESCENTS WHILE MOUNTAIN DRIVING. STEERING WAS SERIOUSLY IMPAIRED DUE TO EXTREME SHIMMYING EFFECTING THE ENTIRE FRONT END. BRAKING WAS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE. *TR
Steering, Apr 23, 2014
I LEASE A HONDA ODYSSEY YEAR 2012. I LIVE IN SOUTH FLORIDA, AND DURING THE SUMMER IT RAINS DAILY HERE. ALREADY IN TWO DIFFERENT INSTANCES WHEN DRIVING THROUGH A SHALLOW PUDDLE OF WATER THE CAR'S BATTERY INDICATOR LIGHTED ON AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP- AUTONATION HONDA HOLLYWOOD, 1450 NORTH STATE RD 7, HOLLYWOOD, FL 33021- SERVICE DEPARTMENT AS SOON AS THIS HAPPENED IN THE SUMMER OF 2013. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS PROBABLY BECAUSE THE BELT WAS GETTING WET, AND TO AVOID GOING THROUGH PUDDLES OF WATER, WHICH IS IMPOSSIBLE IN THIS REGION! I SPOKE TO THE SUPERVISOR AND HE TOLD ME THEY RECEIVED MANY REPORTS ABOUT THE PROBLEM, BUT HEADQUARTERS HAD NOT ISSUED ANY RECALL. SO, HE COULDN'T PROVIDE ANY SOLUTION. THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENED, I WAS DRIVING WITH MY 6 AND 4 YEAR OLD IN THE CAR, AND I ALMOST HAD A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH ANOTHER CAR BECAUSE I COULD NOT COMPLETE MY TURN. I WAS YESTERDAY AT THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR MY CAR'S SERVICE AGAIN, AND I MENTIONED IT TO THE SUPERVISOR AGAIN. HE SAID HE HEARD THIS SEVERAL TIMES, BUT HE COULD NOT PROVIDE ANY SOLUTION. WITH THE RAIN SEASON APPROACHING, IT IS A MATTER OF TIME FOR ME OR ANOTHER DRIVER TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS A FAMILY CAR, AND MOST OF THE TIMES USED TO TRANSPORT LITTLE CHILDREN. *TR
Steering, Aug 23, 2013
THERE IS A POPPING NOISE WHEN TURNING. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE AND THE FOLLOWING WAS REPORTED: "HEARD NOISE COMING FROM POWER STEERING" "COMPARED TO NEW UNIT AND HAD SAME NOISE" "NOISE IS FROM PRESSURE BEING PUT ON PUMP ON TIGHT TURNS. NO ISSUE WITH THE SYSTEM FOUND" "NO REPAIRS TO BE MADE AT THIS TIME". *TR