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
142 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Apr 13, 2024
Team Honda in Merrillville refused to fix my recall unless I paid for diagnostics.
Forward collision avoidance, Lane departure, Apr 12, 2024
I am writing to urgently bring to your attention a critical issue plaguing the driver assist systems in Honda Odyssey 2018+ vehicles. Despite meticulous maintenance and adherence to manufacturer guidelines, I have encountered a persistent and alarming problem that appears to affect numerous other vehicle owners, as evidenced by online forums and discussions. The issue initially arose during a rainstorm, where I received a warning message stating, "Some Driver Assist Systems Cannot Operate: Radar Obstructed." Despite the weather clearing and thorough cleaning of both the sensors and the windshield camera, the warning persisted. Subsequently, a series of related problems emerged, including: Illumination of the BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT Malfunctioning adaptive cruise control Faulty collision mitigation system Inoperative road departure mitigation system These errors not only pose a significant safety risk to myself and others on the road but also indicate a systemic issue with the vehicle's safety systems. As my vehicle is just past the three-year mark and out of warranty, I am apprehensive about incurring substantial costs for dealership repairs, especially considering the widespread nature of these complaints among Honda Odyssey owners. Extensive research reveals that I am not alone in experiencing these issues. Multiple reports and discussions online highlight similar complaints from other Honda Odyssey 2018+ owners, particularly following exposure to adverse weather conditions. Therefore, I implore the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to conduct a thorough investigation into this matter. It is crucial to identify the underlying cause of these recurring issues and hold the manufacturer accountable for any design flaws or defects contributing to the malfunction of critical safety systems. Furthermore, I urge NHTSA to prioritize public safety and take immediate action to ensure affected vehicles are promptly recalled or repaired to prevent further incident
Electrical system, Structure, Mar 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the "Passenger’s Sliding Door Failure" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that the rear passenger’s side sliding door failed to fully open upon entering or exiting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to two dealers, Honda of Fort Myers (3550 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33966) and Coconut Point Honda (22240 S Tamiami Trail, Estero, FL 33928) and the contact was provided a diagnostic test fee to determine the cause of the failure, but the contact declined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.
Air bags, Mar 9, 2024
Supplemental restraint system went out. Air bags won’t deploy. Vehicle only 3 years old.
Other or unspecified, Feb 15, 2024
The 2021 Honda Odyssey with the VIN provided had 1) Auto Stop Idle Failure in June 2023 where the car would turn off completely at a stop (intersection, stop sign, etc.) and the car would have to me restarted. Sometimes restarting more than once. Honda replaced the car battery and conducted a software update. 2) About 7 months later in February 2024 the dashboard displayed two warnings A) Auto Engine Idle Stop System Problem and B) Charging System Problem. Honda had performed a second software update just prior to the second occurrence on 1/25/24. As of 2/15/24 Honda still has the car and is going to replace a battery sensor.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Feb 3, 2024
Recall for driver side view mirror completed. However the replacement mirror is distorted and causes blurred, wavy, double images. This replacement mirror needs to be addressed as soon as possible since proper representation of objects is distorted and poses a high safety concern. This issue has been reported in several forums as well.
Other or unspecified, Jan 16, 2024
The front windshield cracked on its own on [XXX] evening around 8 pm while the vehicle was parked. I stopped at gas station to fill gas. When I was done pumping gas and sat in the car, I can hear the crack unfold and could not believe my ears and eyes. A big crack on bottom side of front windshield. Crack is smooth to touch both inside and outside but clearly visible. No object struck the windshield. The temperature was very frigid here in cleveland, ohio at that time. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Dec 21, 2023
All of the safety system and efficiency systems had failures which made us take to our local Honda dealership for evaluation. After the first visit we were told that they could not find the problem, although they saw all of the error messages. The error messages appeared again 3 days later so we took it back to our local Honda dealership. This time one of the service reps had seen that problem before and said it probably was due to water entering the rear trunk circuit board controller and shorting out the connections. This was confirmed by a service tech during the 2nd evaluation. After research this is apparently a common issue. We had to pay approximately $700 to fix the situation because Honda does not have this issue as a recall. We believe this is a clear design error that allows water to enter the circuit board housing. This created a dangerous situation as the head lamps as well as the driver safety features and direction signals intermittenly worked due to the shorted out circuit board.
Other or unspecified, Dec 17, 2023
My sunroof exploded on my 2021 Honda Odyssey while I was driving on the interstate, I-10 East, on Dec 16, 2023, around 4:30 pm. There was no impact from a rock or other debris. There was no rain or hail present. I was not near an overpass. I was driving and heard an explosion above me and then heard outside air like the windows were open. The center of my sunroof exploded and shattered onto my sunroof cover.
Visibility/wiper, Lane departure, Nov 27, 2023, crash
Rear view mirror on the windshield has a factory defect. It falls off and causes hazardous conditions. I backed into a parked and unoccupied vehicle. It was dark, the warning beeper did not sound until I hit the vehicle. The dealership has attempted to fix the issue 3 times, the item is ordered to fix the mirror. I have reported this issue to the NHSTA twice. This is my second update after the initial report. The sales manager, Bobby, (cell#336-740-4273), says that he is aware that other Honda vehicles have had this problem with the mirror.
Visibility/wiper, Nov 23, 2023
After 4 attempts by the dealership to correct the issue, The windshield inside view mirror malfunctions when adjusted. The mirror dislocated and falls off and cannot be adjusted per driver viewing needs. There is a defective assembly and it inhibits driver view causing hazardous conditions that could cause accidents.
Visibility/wiper, Nov 15, 2023
The interior rear view mirror falls off. Dealership is not fixing the problem after 4 visits. This creates a safety issue because the driver cannot view traffic that is behind the vehicle while driving in traffic
Electrical system, Nov 3, 2023
Upon going to start my vehicle it would not start. I ended up jump starting the car and going to buy a new battery. I replaced the battery even though repair facility stated battery was at 78% and in good state. Two days later I went to start the van again and the battery was again dead. I jumped the car to get it started and have had to continually jump start the car due to no start issue. The alternator is showing a constant 14.3 volt charge when running but the battery continues to die. Has left my family stranded multiple times in the past week. No known cause or fix.
Other or unspecified, Oct 23, 2023
The rear view mirror on the windshield After I had the service work done for the recall, The rear view mirror on the windshield keeps breaking and hanging down. This causes hazardous conditions while driving. I took the vehicle for an oil change, and to correct the recall problem. The mirror fell apart and hung from the windshield shortly after that. The shop has confirmed that this is the part they worked on for the recall. Bisbee Honda of Danville, VA, has attempted to fix the problem 3 times. They have only been able to “stick it back together”. It causes a safety hazard as it cannot be adjusted. Meanwhile, per the service department, they initially ordered the wrong part, and failed to call me when it arrived. The (hopefully) correct part is now in backorder and per the service manager, it could be days, weeks or months. I guess it’s stuck back up with super glue or Velcro and I’ve been advised not to touch it…
Power train, Sep 16, 2023
While driving the car suddenly lost power and display warning indicated that you should steer to a safe location and turn off the vehicle. Turned the vehicle on to put it into neutral (would not go into neutral unless the engine was running) to get it on the wrecker. Smoke started coming from the engine compartment. Called Honda dealership to ask how to put the vehicle in neutral without turning on the engine and was told there was no bypass. Vehicle was taken into dealership for repairs and was told the air conditioning compressor and compressor clutch had failed. Drive belt was also damaged due to failure. Compressor, clutch, condenser, and drive belt all require replacement.
Visibility, Aug 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Odyssey. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V174000 (Visibility), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the recall repair was completed; however, while driving from the dealer, the contact noticed that the replacement side-view mirrors displayed a distorted image. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who replaced the side-view mirrors; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer a third time, and the side-view mirrors were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 23,000.
Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 26, 2023
Once the cruise control is set, it consistently drops below the set speed and surges back up or over the set speed. Set on 62, it drops to 59 or 60, then surges back up to 62 or 63. This happens on perfectly flat roads with no traffic in front or beside the car. The dealership tried to tell me that the camera for the adaptive cruise might be seeing things in its peripheral vision area, but there is nothing there, the shoulder of the road is wide and free of obstacles. I've owned many other brands of vehicle, and never had this trouble with the cruise control on any of them. This is also a safety issue because sometimes it just randomly slows down or speeds up when there are cars behind you or beside you.
Visibility/wiper, Aug 24, 2023
Completed a safety recall on Odyssey for a driver side mirror replacement and the mirror Honda provided and installed creates distorted images. It is nearly impossible to focus on traffic and safely change lanes. While driving in Chicago this weekend the mirror made it nearly impossible to merge with traffic or safely observe traffic entering on left side entrance ramps. Honda replaces the mirror a second time and the second mirror is also defective.
Back over prevention, Aug 9, 2023
HI, A driver of a 2021 Honda odyssey EX-L struck and ran over my 6 yr old child, driver was unable to see the child sitting on the driveway ground from his view, If this Honda odyssey EX-L would have Parking Sensors this accident would be avoided. I urge you to request Honda to install this feature in all Honda Odyssey models as this feature can save lives. Thanks
Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 8, 2023
While driving in highway construction zones the car's lane departure system attempted to steer the car along lane markings set before the construction zone was established. In several instances this caused my car to steer, contrary to my steering input, towards Jersey barriers and dangerously close to a collision. The car's collision warning and automatic braking systems then engaged and applied the brakes regardless of following traffic. After the first instance, luckily in light traffic, I became aware of this issue and aware of how to quickly defeat these safety systems. After several additional instances, some in traffic at highway speed, I determined the lane departure system was more dangerous than helpful and I suspended it by a simple dashboard procedure. I am now able to negotiate construction zones without issue.
Visibility, Jul 18, 2023
I received a recall and call from the Honda dealership about a left and right side mirror recall, and they needed to be replaced. They were replaced with distorted blurry concave mirrors. Honda dealership was aware of this issue yet still installed them. After going back and getting them installed again, the mirror is still distorted. There has been no remedy or follow up.
Forward collision avoidance, Jun 21, 2023, crash
I was driving through an intersection. My automatic brakes activated for no reason, my car rapidly slowed down in the middle of an intersection, a bus hit my car from behind.
Other or unspecified, Jun 12, 2023
The rear lift gate will be open and then all the sudden decide it needs to be shut. Beeps really load and then come down hard and fast with no real time to recognize what is happening and get out of the way. It hurts and doesn’t stop when it hits a person
Back over prevention, Jun 12, 2023
The rear camera is missing items that aren’t moving behind the car. Like a parked car or person. When backing up. Will recognize to the sides of the object is moving but not directly behind the car or fully stationary items
Forward collision avoidance, Jun 5, 2023
While driving on a straight, wide open road at approximately 45mph with no vehicle in any close proximity in front, the forward Collision Mitigation Braking System alarmed and activated and strongly braked, slowing the car quickly down to about 20mph before releasing. Fortunately, there was no one behind me to react to the unexpected slowing down of my car. There was no apparent reason why this should have activated. The CMBS has activated previously in other non-threatening situations but there was usually a condition where you could justify why it made a mistake, such as being in the left lane of a two lane road which curves to the left and a car in the right lane slows to turn right, my car thinks it is in front of me when it is not. Still, these situations result in a danger of getting hit from behind.