3 Most Common Honda Odyssey Problems Reported by Many Real Owners
The Honda Odyssey is a top choice for the minivan segment, with its pleasing driving dynamics, spacious interior, and many useful features and technologies. However, like any vehicle, the Odyssey isn’t completely immune from issues. Find out the three most common Honda Odyssey problems reported by many real owners. We also see if it’s a reliable minivan, as well as the cost of repairs.
What are the most common Honda Odyssey problems?
To determine the most frequent Honda Odyssey problems, we looked at reliability analysis from RepairPal. For its analysis, the automotive site received information and complaints from real owners — showing the frequency, severity, and cost of repairs for the minivan.
Here are the three most common problems for the Honda Odyssey:
- Issue with the electric sliding door
- Vibration when braking due to warped front brake rotors
- Transmission issue produces illuminated D4 and check engine lights.
For current and prospective owners of the Odyssey, it’s crucial to note that these problems don’t affect most models. However, they are the most frequent ones for the minivan, so let’s cover them in greater detail.
Most common Honda Odyssey problem is an issue with the electric sliding door
The most common problem that real owners reported for the Honda Odyssey is an issue with the electric sliding door — according to RepairPal. In some cases, the sliding door won’t open when pressing the activation button, and in other cases, it has trouble closing. However, it generally can still be opened and closed manually. Getting to the root of the problem for the minivan typically requires a general diagnosis by a technician.
Vibration when braking due to warped front brake rotors
The second most frequent issue for the Honda Odyssey is vibration that occurs when braking. This pulsating on the brake pedal is due to warped front brake rotors, a condition that’s called lateral runout. For this condition, the heat builds up in the brake pads and rotors, which is caused by friction.
Most vehicles are equipped to handle the heat, but for some Odyssey models, the heat is too much for the rotors, which makes them warp over time. And once the warping starts, it accelerates due to uneven heating. Initially, it begins as light pulsating on the pedal, and as the condition becomes more severe, there’s vibration of the entire minivan.
Honda is aware of this problem, and to address it, the Japanese automaker has revised brake rotors that are not as susceptible to warping. The resolution of the issue requires the replacement of both the brake pads and rotors.
Transmission issue produces illuminated D4 and check engine lights
The other common problem that Honda Odyssey owners reported is an issue with the transmission. Specifically, the transmission can have rough shifting, which produces illuminated D4 and check engine lights on the dashboard. In turn, the minivan stores corresponding OBD trouble codes in the computer
At the most severe, the problem is a mechanical failure of the transmission, especially if the shifting is very rough. However, if the D4 and check engine lights illuminate without any shifting issues, then a defective sensor could be to blame. Another possible cause is dirty transmission fluid. To accurately resolve the problem, the use of diagnostic equipment by a mechanic will likely be needed, followed by any necessary repairs and parts replacement.
Is the Honda Odyssey a reliable minivan — and is it expensive to repair?
With these various problems, some may wonder if the Honda Odyssey is a reliable minivan. RepairPal gives it an “average” reliability rating of 3.5 out of five.
Also, the automotive site states the Odyssey has an annual repair cost of $547, which is lower than the average for the minivan segment, as well as all model types. The yearly average cost of repairs is $647 for minivans and $652 for all vehicles.
