MYRModel Year Report

1996 Honda Odyssey

▲ Better than typical
1996 Honda Odyssey
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:12:20.540Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Honda Odyssey Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1996 highlighted. 1990: 2 complaints 1990 1994: 1 complaints 1995: 96 complaints 1996: 70 complaints 1996 1997: 20 complaints 1998: 73 complaints 1998 1999: 518 complaints 2000: 675 complaints 2001: 619 complaints 2002: 959 complaints 2003: 914 complaints 2003 2004: 584 complaints 2005: 830 complaints 2006: 703 complaints 2007: 829 complaints 2008: 499 complaints 2008 2009: 198 complaints 2010: 254 complaints 2011: 232 complaints 2012: 241 complaints 2013: 209 complaints 2013 2014: 307 complaints 2015: 199 complaints 2016: 261 complaints 2017: 38 complaints 2018: 932 complaints 2018 2019: 876 complaints 2020: 417 complaints 2021: 123 complaints 2022: 126 complaints 2023: 87 complaints 2023 2024: 70 complaints 2025: 231 complaints 2026: 12 complaints 2026
1996: 70 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19902
19941
199596
199670
199720
199873
1999518
2000675
2001619
2002959
2003914
2004584
2005830
2006703
2007829
2008499
2009198
2010254
2011232
2012241
2013209
2014307
2015199
2016261
201738
2018932
2019876
2020417
2021123
2022126
202387
202470
2025231
202612

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

AIR BAGS 21%

21% of complaints: air bags — 15 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

CRUISING AT 35 MILES AN HOUR DOWN PARK BOULEVARD WITHOUT HITTING ANY BUMPS THE PASSENGER AIRBAG EXPLODED. THE EXPLOSION WAS SO HARD THAT IT KNOCKED DOWN THE REARVIEW MIRROR, THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT DOOR, AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE WINDSHIELD.

NHTSA ODI report, 20210424

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING, THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20140902

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 11%

11% of complaints: electrical system — 8 distinct reports on file.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

2 RELATED INCIDENTS -- CAR NO LONGER RUNS OR SHUTS OFF IF IGNITION KEY IS NOT FIDDLED WITH. SOLDER FROM IGNITION SWITCH MELTED, DRIPPED AND BURNED MY WIFE'S FOOT. *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20060605

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 10%

10% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 7 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 10%

10% of complaints: electrical system — 7 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

I PURCHASED A 1996 HONDA ODYSSEY VAN NEW IN 1996. (VIN#: [XXX]) ON MARCH 11, 2003 WE DROVE IT WITH SOME FRIENDS TO A NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT WHERE WE PARKED AND LOCKED THE CAR, AND WENT IN.

NHTSA ODI report, 20030414

THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE, WHICH SEEMED TO BE ELECTRICAL RELATED. *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20030331

WAS WAITING IN THE LEFT TURN LANE TO MAKE THE TURN, LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND WHEN TRYING TO MAKE THE TURN, VEHICLE STALLED SUDDENLY WITHOUT ANY NOTICE OR ENGINE PROBLEMS. A FAMILY MEMBER WAS PRESENT IN THE CAR WHEN THIS HAPPENED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20140427

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 7%

7% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 5 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

BACKING OUT DRIVEWAY; TURNED A/C ON; PUT INTO DRIVE & VEHICLE SHOT FORWARD; A BRICK WALL IN FRONT OF VEHICLE WAS HIT DUE TO BRAKES FAILING. BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19970813

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20090511 — exterior lighting

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONF

Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1996 Honda Odyssey — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (15 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2017 ▲ 2024 ▲ 1998

WORST YEARS

■ 2002 ■ 2018 ■ 2003

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1996 Honda Odyssey reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Honda Odyssey is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1996 Honda Odyssey?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1996 Honda Odyssey have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.