2012 Honda Odyssey
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 2 |
| 1994 | 1 |
| 1995 | 96 |
| 1996 | 70 |
| 1997 | 20 |
| 1998 | 73 |
| 1999 | 518 |
| 2000 | 675 |
| 2001 | 619 |
| 2002 | 959 |
| 2003 | 914 |
| 2004 | 584 |
| 2005 | 830 |
| 2006 | 703 |
| 2007 | 829 |
| 2008 | 499 |
| 2009 | 198 |
| 2010 | 254 |
| 2011 | 232 |
| 2012 | 241 |
| 2013 | 209 |
| 2014 | 307 |
| 2015 | 199 |
| 2016 | 261 |
| 2017 | 38 |
| 2018 | 932 |
| 2019 | 876 |
| 2020 | 417 |
| 2021 | 123 |
| 2022 | 126 |
| 2023 | 87 |
| 2024 | 70 |
| 2025 | 231 |
| 2026 | 12 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
24% of complaints: service brakes — 58 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY16% of complaints: engine — 39 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY12% of complaints: electrical system — 28 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
On Wednesday night, the battery light initially came on and after a few minutes the van had this burning smell so I pulled over and the alternator was on fire. I put it out with several bottles of water from papa Johnâs.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260424
9% of complaints: structure — 21 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
A few weeks ago a cable for the sliding door on the passenger side snapped. We were able to use it manually until this weekend when the whole door fell right off when sliding it closed.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240325
Cable on passenger side sliding door snapped and door shut without latching on the arm of the person getting in.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240215
I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT ON OCTOBER 21, 2017, WE WERE HEADING TO CABELAS AN OUTDOOR SPORTING GOODS STORE. I WAS NOT AWARE OF ANY STOP SIGNS AND DID NOT NOTICE THE CAR COMING FROM THE LEFT OF ME.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171108
9% of complaints: steering — 21 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
Remedy: 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 — check if this car was fixed
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 m
Remedy: 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 o
Campaign 13V016000 — check if this car was fixed
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 a
Remedy: 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 be
Campaign 13V143000 — check if this car was fixed
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Odyssey vehicles manufactured August 17, 2010, to October 1, 2015.
Remedy: 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 .
Campaign 16V933000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 17V725000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Honda Odyssey — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (58 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (39 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (28 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 11V602000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V016000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V143000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V933000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V725000 (seats) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2012 Honda Odyssey reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Honda Odyssey is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Honda Odyssey?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Honda Odyssey have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.