2021 Honda Odyssey
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 142 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 22nd highest complaint count among 26 Odyssey model years with reports.
Of the 2021 reports, 2 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 4 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, sensor, occupant classification, front passengerMay 21, 2026
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
Campaign 26V332000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, air bag/restraint control module, softwareApr 9, 2026
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Odyssey vehicles. A software programming error can cause the side and side curtain air bags to deploy unexpectedly.
Air bags that deploy unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.
Dealers will reprogram the supplemental restraint system (SRS) electronic control unit (ECU) software or replace the ECU, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is UNW. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 16, 2026. The information in your report suggests that Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) may have been aware of this issue more than five business days before filing a report with NHTSA. Please be reminded that under Federal law, this agency is to be notified of all safety defect and/or noncompliance decisions within five business days. 49 CFR 573.6 Significant civil penalties can be assessed for this violation.
Campaign 26V227000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment adaptive/mobility, wheelchair restraints/securement, latch/anchorDec 17, 2025
Vantage Mobility, LLC (VM) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Honda Odyssey, 2021-2025 Chrysler Pacifica, and Toyota Sienna vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.
An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
Dealers will inspect and replace the retractors, free of charge. Owner notification letters was mailed January 27, 2026. Owners may contact Vantage Mobility customer service at 1-800-488-9082.
Campaign 25V877000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, sensor, occupant classification, front passengerFeb 1, 2024
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
Campaign 24V064000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpDec 18, 2023
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Campaign 23V858000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, display functionJun 15, 2023
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Pilot, and 2019-2023 Passport vehicles. Due to a faulty Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) communication coaxial cable connector, the rearview camera image may not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Dealers will replace the MOST cable harness and install a straightening cover over the vehicle cable connector, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are EEL, ZEM, and SFC.
Campaign 23V431000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, rearview mirrors/devices, exteriorMar 16, 2023
Honda (American Honda Motor Co) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2020-2022 Passport and Odyssey vehicles. The heating pads behind both side-view mirrors may not be bonded properly, allowing the mirror glass to detach. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace both left and right side-view mirrors, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 17, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is FE5.
Campaign 23V174000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storageJan 14, 2021
Braun Corporation (Braun) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Braun-modified Honda Odyssey vehicles. The fuel tank assembly installed by Braun may be susceptible to the fuel tank overfilling into the charcoal canister. If the charcoal canister fills with a sufficient amount of fuel, fuel may leak out.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Braun will notify owners, and dealers will inspect vehicles. If evidence of a fuel leak is present, a new fuel tank assembly and a new Honda charcoal canister will be installed, free of charge. The recall began February 22, 2021. Owners may contact Braun customer service at 1-800-488-0359.
Campaign 21V010000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
54 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Sep 28, 2026
Auto start stop not restarting while stopped at intersection. Needed to manually turn car off and back to restart.
Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Sep 8, 2026
Two intermittent problems began about one year ago at approximately 43,000 miles (current mileage approximately 48,000): 1) Rearview (backup) camera intermittently fails. When shifting into reverse, the display screen goes black or the camera image freezes. This causes a loss of rear visibility while backing up, creating a risk of striking a pedestrian or object behind the vehicle. 2) Audio system intermittently produces loud static and distortion across all audio sources (AM/FM radio, Bluetooth, etc.). This distracts the driver and can mask audible safety alerts. Contacted a Honda dealership regarding recall coverage for these issues; the dealership stated this VIN is not included in the recall. Neither issue has been repaired. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. These symptoms match NHTSA recall campaign 23V-431 (Honda MOST communication coaxial cable recall — intermittent loss of MOST connection causing rearview camera failure and audio popping/crackling); the dealership stated this VIN is not included in that recall.
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 2, 2026
Mileage: 121000 When stopped and the auto idle initiated, we have had numerous incidents where the van has shutoff and required a restart. More recently, when the auto idle initiates, the entire engine turns off and the van has no power(car won't restart, can't get the car into neutral, sliding doors and tailgate won't open). I would then need to jump start the car with my portable battery. This has occurred 4 times thus far. Honda dealership had recharged the battery but it still died and required a start. Currently in the shop and my 120k extended warranty just ran out. Very disappointing.
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 26, 2026
The first problem I came across was Auto start. It always say temporary off because either I didn't press on the break hard enough or the Ac is running. Mostly it off saying it need to be charge and the company already put a battery in the car and it still say the same thing. The other thing that keep happening with the car is the screen that pop up the back camera and also control the air conditioning.it shut off and mos network failed and trun off and it keep going off and on. Im scared imma drive and it gonna shut off while driving already it hard at time using my back cameras since the screen work when it want to. I did talk to the dealership about the car and the problems since they said they check it and it was ok but I'm still having problem. I only had the car for 9 months and the problem start happening 2nd month with the Auto start and 5 months for the mos network fail within me having the car.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 14, 2026
When coming to a complete atop, the engine switches off (the idle stop function), which is ok, but when I release the brake the engine often fails to restart. I’ve replaced the battery but this appears to be a common problem. It’s been happening more now at the end of summer when it’s hot for some reason. I was told there is a similar investigation open: EA25004
Electrical system, Jul 29, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while stopping at a red light, the vehicle idled and automatically turned off while stopped and then the vehicle restarted but the vehicle stalled. The electronics on the vehicle were not operating as designed. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to start. The contact's brother was able to jumpstart the vehicle, and the vehicle operated as needed. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 22, 2026
2021 Odyssey EXL shuts off completely at a traffic stop light. Happened 2 times in a 2 week period. Without warning the engine switches off completely and puts itself in "P" mode, all light comes on as if in accessory mode, radio switches off, all doors unlocked. To get going, the driver had to press brake pedal and start the car again (via Engine Start /Stop button). This issue started in my car at 93K miles. Never had any issue with mine before that. But it is scary especially the engine switch off at stop lights and blocking traffic for a number of minutes before you know what happened and are able to restart the can. I have seen this issue reported a number of times on this site and it appears repetedly in web searches. Honda needs to identify the cause of this problem and issue a recall for it.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 21, 2026
The infotainment screen randomly shuts off and displays the errors "Network communication lost" and "MOST Net Off". This has happened numerous times while in the middle of backing up and using the backup camera that normally displays on that screen. We took it to the dealership for repairs of the problem in 2025 and after changing a wiring harness, the screen itself, and then the harness again, they thought they had fixed it but the issue continued to happen and has increased in frequency since then. Honda has a recall that includes our model (NHTSA Recall No. : 23V-431) but we were apparently not included in it and their press release on it estimates 50% of vehicles of the year and model are affected. It's unclear what arbitrary data was used to determine effected vehicles but it's obvious by the amount of discourse about it online that it affects more than their initial estimate. Many people, like us, have tried to have it repaired at a dealership to no avail.
Electrical system, Jul 16, 2026
COMPONENT/SYSTEM: The infotainment/audio head unit and instrument display, which communicate over the vehicle's MOST (Media Oriented Systems Transport) fiber-optic network via FAKRA connectors. The vehicle is available for inspection on request. FAILURE: While driving, the center display and Carplay screen spontaneously reboot and show "Network Communication Lost." During these events I intermittently lose the rearview backup camera and other display functions and navigation as well as communication. The failures are intermittent, happen more often over bumps, and sometimes at startup, and even during smooth road conditions. SAFETY RISK: Losing the rearview camera is a hazard when backing up, and having the instrument/infotainment display reboot while driving is distracting and removes information the driver relies on constantly. CONFIRMED BY A DEALER: Yes, repeatedly. The manufacturer issued a safety recall (Recall 23-047, "MOST FAKRA service cables"), which a franchised dealer performed in May 2024, replacing MOST network components. About 15 months later, the same defect returned; the dealer found the audio-unit connection was not secured, reseated it, and confirmed the wiring had proper continuity (ruling out rodent or wire damage). The dealer otherwise offered only workarounds - an aftermarket Bluetooth adapter and recording video of the failure - not a durable repair. The issue still persists. INSPECTED BY MANUFACTURER: The manufacturer-directed recall remedy was performed by the dealer; there has been no police or insurance inspection. WARNING MESSAGES: Yes - a "Network Communication Lost" message accompanies each reboot. The problem was present before and after the May 2024 recall and had clearly recurred by mid-2025. KEY POINT: This is a failed safety-recall remedy. Recall 23-047 was performed at about 29,000 miles and the same defect returned by about 36,700 miles - a failure within roughly 7,600 miles. It persists today.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 14, 2026
My 2021 Honda Odyssey Touring has experienced a severe engine stalling defect that creates an immediate traffic hazard. On multiple occasions during warm weather conditions, the Auto Idle-Stop system has engaged at a stoplight, but the vehicle completely failed to restart automatically when pressing the accelerator. Instead, the engine completely stalled out mid-drive, leaving the vehicle stranded in active traffic and requiring a manual cycle of the ignition button to turn back over. There were no dashboard warning lamps, error messages, or check engine lights prior to the engine stalling. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership (Honda of Middleburg Heights) for an emergency safety evaluation. The certified technician physically tested the starting system and explicitly confirmed the physical hardware failure on the invoice, stating: "The starter motor can be heard cranking slower than usual during start up. Recommend replacing the starter motor and relays." Despite this official mechanical diagnosis of a failing starter component causing an immediate traffic stall, regional management issued a flat refusal of coverage because my specific VIN was omitted from the automated database recall screens for Service Bulletins A23-008 and A23-010. I am filing this complaint to ensure federal investigators document this rigid VIN exclusion loop under the active NHTSA Engineering Analysis EA25004.
Electrical system, Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 1, 2026
In mid-March 2026, the power tailgate on my [year] Honda Odyssey lost power entirely. It does not respond to the key fob, the tailgate button, or the dashboard button — it will not open or close by any control. I personally inspected the tailgate area and found corrosion and rust present, consistent with prior water intrusion. I have since learned that this is a widely reported issue among 2018–2021 Honda Odyssey owners, and that a class action lawsuit ([XXX] v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc., filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California) alleges a defect in rear body seam seals that lets water leak into the power tailgate control module, causing it to fail. The symptoms and physical evidence I found match those described by other owners and in the litigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 29, 2026
When stopping at an intersection the engine fails to restart after stopping due to the auto start/stop feature. The car tries to start and stalls and dies, and must be completely turned off before it will restart. This has happened 5-6 times now. There are no warning lights on the dash.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 6, 2026
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Auto Start/Stop function only works intermittently on our 2021 Honda Odyssey. Occasionally, when the Auto Start/Stop function does shut off the engine when the vehicle is at a complete stop, the engine fails to restart on its own. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? This malfunction occurs intermittently and without warning when the vehicle is at a complete stop in traffic. The vehicle cannot be driven under its own power in this condition, often leaving it disabled in a traffic lane with other vehicles stuck behind and/or passing by at normal travel speeds. As such, it endangers both the occupants of my vehicle and the other vehicles in the vicinity. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. My local Honda dealership acknowledged the problem and completed a PGM-FI software update. However, this update did not correct the issue, and Honda refuses to take financial responsibility for the repairs necessary to correct the problem. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes. The following timeline details my interactions with my local Honda dealership regarding this issue: 4/13/23 - The dealership inspected the vehicle and claimed the Auto Start/Stop system was "operating as designed"; 9/6/24 - The dealership completed a PGM-FI update as directed by a Honda product update campaign; 2/12/26 - The dealership inspected the vehicle, suggested battery replacement (which tested good on 3/3/26), and if still not corrected, advised replacement of the starter at my expense. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? The problem has occurred without notice since purchase on 3/11/21.
Electrical system, May 15, 2026
System crackles through the speakers and infotainment system shuts down completely. It may or may not reboot.. Most recently the screen was completely unresponsive, the radio would not turn off manually, and it did not turn off when the car turned off and the door was opened. Occurrence is random. The system may work fine for a few months and then crash multiple times daily and then go back to working normal again for a few months.
Electrical system, Structure, Apr 12, 2026
Leaking from the roof and tail gate caused the electronic control modules in the sliding door and rear gate to fail.
Electrical system, Mar 4, 2026
The rearview camera that does not display an image which can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. I had the vehicle inspected by a third party which believes this could be from insufficient repairs as part of the prior recall NHTSA ID Number: 23V431000 related to this same issue. Honda's recall service center's only solution is that I take the vehicle to a Honda dealership for inspection, at my expense, and that they will reimburse me if they determine it is related to this recall. The issue with the display not working has been going on for several weeks. The display will work temporarily when the battery is reset, the fuse is reset, or when the display itself was removed/replaced by the party I had inspect the unit.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 21, 2026
The error message “Power Tailgate Problem” appeared on the dash. Following the error message, the power tailgate stopped working. It would not open or close with the remote, the button on the dash, or the button on the tailgate itself. I discovered water had been leaking in the tailgate and the trunk area of my vehicle as well as the back seat that was folded down in storage had gotten soaked. I took my van to the service center and they told me it was the seal above the door and that the leak had ruined the power module controlling the door. They repaired the issues. That was in April 2025. The same thing happened last week (January 2026). After looking into the error message and the tailgate problem, I’m finding that the door may open or close at any time on its own. The water in the electrical module may also start a fire. I have two small children and this van is our primary vehicle. I’ve reached out to the dealership from which I purchased the van, I reached out to a local Honda dealer and I contacted Honda customer service and no one is willing to fix this issue. I will be required to pay out of pocket again. I’m requesting a recall on this defect in design.
Electrical system, Structure, Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2026
the trunk door stopped working due to a leak from the rear left window seal causing the computer to become waterlogged the mechanic that fixed it said its a common issue with the Honda odyssey and should be recalled by Honda, I am therefore requesting the nhtsa to investigate this matter further so Honda should reimburse for the cost of the repair this issue can be a safety hazard in the event of a emergency egress from the trunk as it's not possible to open from the exterior and there was no prior warnings lamps or messages
Electrical system, Structure, Other or unspecified, Jan 14, 2026
Power tailgate stopped working. Warning indicator indicated Power Tailgate failure. Dealer found water to be leaking onto tailgate unit from driver’s side roof rail. Recommended replacing and programming new PTG unit and resealing water leak. Repair cost was $1,311.51
Electrical system, Jan 6, 2026
My rear hatch for the trunk was filling up with water every time it rained. Took it in to be looked at and they found the door wasn’t sealed during manufacturing and they sealed it. The water damage was already done and buttons for all things no longer lifts or opens the trunk door. My dash displays “ power tailgate problem” and nothing works to open it. I have to do it manually and I’m afraid it will cause further problems to the door.
Electrical system, Nov 25, 2025
The main screen went black for 3 mins while driving. Booted halfway back up then crashed again. Booted up again and then worked. Its done this 3 times and I've had van for 6 days. 32k miles one owner. Mint looking
Electrical system, Back over prevention, Sep 26, 2025
I hear a popping/crackling noise from the speakers then I get complete network loss for my backup camera, my dvd player, my clock, maps etc.System does a report after 5+ minutes. Message displayed before everything goes black is Network Connection Lost and MOST Net Off. This issue is ongoing and seems to happen now every day sometimes multiple times in a driving session. It just started about 2 weeks ago. There is an active recall for this exact issue for 2021 Honda Odysseys but my VIN does not seem to be included.
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 23, 2025
Vehicle lost power resulting in the vehicle automatically going into park and powering off while driving. This has happened multiple times. In addition, we will get strange electronic codes. Tested battery and systems successfully, but problem persists.
Suspension, Electrical system, Engine, Aug 27, 2025
Can has been making a popping noise that can be felt in the steering wheel for 2 years. Honda has told me nothing was wrong after taking it in 4 times. Now my car keeps stalling at lights, sometimes it takes a while to get it to restart, and they can not figure out why. They keep saying the battery is fine and diagnostics finds nothing.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 25, 2025
Vehicle applied brakes for no reason. Lost ability to see reverse camera during backing up. Half of the instrument cluster went dim to become barely visible. Radio screen freezes randomly. Engine cuts out or shudders intermittently.