Crowned as America’s best-selling minivan, the Honda Odyssey has had a successful story ever since the vehicle’s introduction in 1994. However, you may wonder: Is the Honda Odyssey reliable? Which models are regarded as the best? What about its competitors?
Read our guide to explore every aspect of this legendary minivan and uncover what makes it a family favorite.
Overview
The Honda Odyssey has a reputation as a well-designed and versatile minivan. It boasts thoughtful features, eager performance, and good fuel economy. Behind the wheel, you’ll enjoy a blend of safety, practicality, and comfort.
Is the Honda Odyssey reliable? Definitely! A well-maintained Honda Odyssey averages 200,000 miles. However, this doesn’t refer to every vehicle, and there are a few caveats, depending on the model.
So, what makes this minivan so popular? It’s an ideal choice for families. The Odyssey ranks among the top-rated minivans, widely favored by families for its spacious interior and extensive safety features.
Honda Odyssey Reliability by Year
2018–2024 Models
Across the generations, the Honda Odyssey has shown its commitment to the minivan class. The fifth-generation Honda Odyssey offers robust V6 performance from a 3.5-liter engine delivering 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
These models come with a more refined 10-speed automatic transmission, which became standard from 2020 onward, enhancing drivability and fuel efficiency. Plus, the last-generation Odyssey has a lighter, more rigid chassis and improved suspension for better ride comfort.
What’s changed inside the car? Tech upgrades include a new Rear Seat Reminder system integrated into CabinWatch; the Magic Slide 2nd-row outboard seats, as well as Android Auto, and wireless Apple CarPlay.
The latest Honda Odyssey models boast strong reliability. Thus, the 2024 and 2025 versions have earned J.D. Power Quality & Reliability scores of 78/100 and 77/100, respectively.
2011–2017 Models
These Odyssey versions came with a 3.5 L V6 producing ~248 hp and paired with a 5-speed automatic (2011–13) or more refined 6-speed automatic (2014–17), achieving up to 22 mpg combined. The family-friendly models offered spacious interiors, strong safety ratings, and innovative features like the built-in HondaVac and Magic Slide seats.
Even though the fourth-generation Odyssey was a favorite among minivan buyers, it still had some trouble spots. These models were prone to excessive oil consumption, engine misfire and rough idling, excessive vibration, premature engine mount failure, decreased engine longevity, and poor fuel economy.
Older Models (Pre-2010)
The first-generation Honda Odyssey was powered by a 2.2 L inline‑4 (140 hp), which was later upgraded to a 2.3 L (150 hp). It was a compact minivan-like car built on the Accord platform with sedan-style rear doors, a fold-away third-row seat, and a flat floor aimed at practicality and fuel economy.
The second generation was redesigned and transformed into a full-size minivan with a stronger V6 engine, standard dual sliding doors, and a more traditional minivan look. However, despite the innovative features, this generation struggled with severe reliability issues, particularly frequent automatic transmission failures.
The third generation was redesigned, introducing sleeker and more modern looks. It featured a powerful 3.5L V6 engine, improved aerodynamics, and a wider stance.
So, if you’re set on getting a first or second-generation Odyssey, be prepared to spend some money on maintenance. Data from repairpal.com shows that these old models require from $1000 to $2000 in repair and maintenance costs annually.
It’s time to take a closer look at common Honda Odyssey issues so you know what to expect.
Common Honda Odyssey Problems and How to Avoid Them
The most common issue reported by the owners of the Honda Odyssey is transmission problems. In particular, the early 2010 models experienced symptoms like humming, vibration, and jerky shifting attributed to torque converter failure. It’s recommended to always check the D4 light, a warning indicator showing transmission-related troubles as well as engine or emission control system issues.
Another frequent problem is power sliding doors. The sliding door may fail to open or may stop midway. To avoid such door malfunctioning, we recommend regularly cleaning and lubricating the door tracks, checking and replacing door rollers, and avoiding forcing the door manually.
The Honda Odyssey is also plagued with high oil consumption and engine misfires. The 2008-2013 Honda Odyssey owners often report the necessity of adding oil every 1,000 to 2,000 miles. The problem is linked to the way Honda's Variable Cylinder Management system functions. The VCM’s cylinder deactivation can also cause engine misfires, leading to extreme shaking.
If buying a used Honda Odyssey sounds good for you, then keep in mind questions concerning the VCM system and oil consumption habits, as well as ask for maintenance records for transmission service and timing belt replacement.
Maintenance and Ownership Costs
To understand if you can properly look after the Honda Odyssey, you should assess its maintenance costs. Here are some tips. Compared to other minivans, the Odyssey offers very affordable routine service expenses of about $547 yearly. The tune-up could include: inspection of engine components, new spark plugs, changing of filters, transmission fluid, etc.
In terms of longevity, most of the Odyssey models offer strong reliability and durability. In the minivan segment, the Odyssey is ranked among the top longevity vehicles with about 236,000 miles. When it comes to depreciation, this minivan holds its value comparatively well, especially the EX-L and above trims. For instance, Edmunds.com expects the 2024 Odyssey EX-L to depreciate by $18,303 over five years.
Through comparison comes the truth. Let’s see how the Odyssey stands alongside other options.
How Does the Odyssey Compare to Other Minivans?
Honda Odyssey vs Toyota Sienna
Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna are two of the most well-known minivans in the US market. Both provide features tailored for families, alongside advanced safety and comfort standards.
Odyssey boasts a smooth ride and agile handling in daily driving situations. However, in poor conditions, the Sienna may be a better bet with an available all-wheel-drive option. Concerning reliability, the Odyssey has a little bit of an advantage, with a J.D. Power reliability rating of 81/100 as compared to 74/100 for the Sienna.
Odyssey is packed with a number of unique technologies that the Sienna doesn't have. Its cabin is more effective and innovatively designed than the Sienna’s. Buyers can purchase the 2025 Toyota Sienna LE Pass Van for $39,185, while the 2025 Honda Odyssey EX-L costs $43,670.
Honda Odyssey vs Chrysler Pacifica
Both Odyssey and Pacifica dominate the US minivan market, showcasing the latest technology and sophisticated driver assistance systems. Both share many similarities, like flexible seating arrangements, cutting-edge safety features, and rear-seat entertainment options.
In terms of reliability, the Honda Odyssey is the winner. Odyssey is known for its strong longevity reputation. You can find the vehicle in the third rank of J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study. It also has higher scores in Consumer Reports reliability ratings than the Pacifica. When it comes to comfort, especially on long trips, Odyssey again outperforms Pacifica, offering a more refined and comfortable ride.
On the other hand, Pacifica has a hybrid version and AWD, neither of which is available on the Odyssey, and due to this, Pacifica owners can hit more adventurous roads. The starting price for the 2025 Odyssey is $43,670, and the 2025 Pacifica can be purchased for $44,445.
Honda Odyssey vs Kia Carnival
Another strong competitor to the Odyssey, boasting a solid reputation as a family-focused minivan, is the Kia Carnival. Both offer a comfortable ride, advanced safety features, and a spacious interior.
However, in terms of reliability, Odyssey has a slight edge over Carnival. In J.D. Power’s 2023 Vehicle Dependability Study, the Kia Carnival scores 81 out of 100, while the Odyssey has 84 out of 100, meaning that the owners of the latter experience fewer problems with their cars over time. The price tag for the Kia Carnival LX (base) starts around $37,895.
Best Model Years for a Used Honda Odyssey
Let’s explore the best and worst dependable models. Significant distinctions should be considered, like various driving conditions, maintenance standards, and regular maintenance schedules, when choosing the best year for the Honda Odyssey. Taking into account the wear of the vehicle, proven reliability, owner satisfaction, and current market evaluation, the following Honda Odyssey models are regarded as the best ones.
- 2013 Honda Odyssey: Boasting top reliability scores, the model is appreciated for its smooth ride, roomy interior, and advanced safety standards. The vehicle comes with a 3.5L V6 engine delivering 248 horsepower.
- 2017 Honda Odyssey: The last representative of the fourth generation is known for its smooth performance, durability, and affordable maintenance costs. This dependable minivan is a family favorite. It features the 3.5L V6 engine producing 248 horsepower.
- 2020 Honda Odyssey: With modern safety and technology features, the fifth-generation Odyssey rises above all the others. Boasting a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, the minivan is a worry-free version for buyers. It’s powered by a 3.5L V6 engine with 280 horsepower.
Nothing is perfect, and this iconic minivan has certain years you’d better avoid.
- 2005 Honda Odyssey: The vehicle has reliability problems leading to costly repairs. Frequent troubles cover transmission, brake, fuel pump, and electrical issues.
- 2007 Honda Odyssey: Another model with frequent reliability problems. Owners have experienced engine misfires, body paint problems, electrical system failures, and problematic brakes.
- 2002 Honda Odyssey: You should definitely avoid this model due to the frequency of transmission issues. The minivan holds the highest number of complaints on the NHTSA, and the transmission repair cost can reach up to $3,500.
What to Look for When Buying a Used Odyssey
Getting a used Honda Odyssey can be a smart choice for those seeking a combination of affordability and reliability. Here’s what you need to know before making your purchase. When buying a used Honda Odyssey, a test drive is non-negotiable. Take a ride at various speeds and check for rough shifting, shuddering, or delays signaling transmission issues.
Because some models are prone to transmission problems, you should inspect transmission fluid and look for leaks or warning lights. In addition, get a professional pre-purchase inspection to reveal all the possible hidden defects. Plus, be sure to check the odometer to define the vehicle’s actual mileage and request detailed service records to see if the minivan was properly maintained.
Finally, a worry-free option is obtaining a CPO Honda Odyssey with high-quality and reliability standards.
Final Verdict – Is the Honda Odyssey a Reliable Used Minivan?
So, is the Honda Odyssey reliable? Yes, if you go for the right year and model.
If you want durability, comfort, and safety on the road, consider the 2013, 2017, and 2020 Honda Odyssey models. These years are renowned for their solid reliability records, high safety standards, and family-friendly features.
Meanwhile, it’s smart to avoid the 2002, 2005, and 2007 models, so you don’t deal with recurring mechanical issues and high maintenance costs. As a class-leading minivan, the Honda Odyssey is one of the best family choices. The legendary vehicle leaves no choice but to be the top pick for families seeking space, safety, and reliability.