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Honda · NHTSA safety record

2016 Honda Odyssey

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

Owners have filed 270 safety complaints about the 2016 Honda Odyssey with the US government. Of those, 9 describe a crash, 2 mention a fire, 10 people were injured and no death is recorded. 6 recall campaigns are open against it, covering the gasoline fuel system and the seats.

The most complained-about system is the engine, named in 93 complaints, 34% of the total. The typical failure was reported at 30,344 miles, the median across the 129 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files · Covers January 2016 to September 2026 · How this is counted

What is on file

270 complaints on file

270

Complaints

9

Describe a crash

2

Mention fire

10

People injured

0

Deaths

A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.

A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free. Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a model year.

Which system owners named

Complaints naming each system
ENGINE 93 · 34%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 39 · 14%
POWER TRAIN 38 · 14%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 31 · 11%
SEATS 26 · 10%
STRUCTURE 25 · 9%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 18 · 7%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 13 · 5%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 12 · 4%
SERVICE BRAKES 11 · 4%
AIR BAGS 10 · 4%
LANE DEPARTURE 8 · 3%
0 38 77

Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it. One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 270.

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2024 at 35.

40 30 20 10
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure happened. The range runs from 2016 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program

NHTSA crashes a car into a barrier and a pole and measures what happens to the dummies inside. This is what it awarded the 2016 Honda ODYSSEY, and it is a separate question from what owners report going wrong later.

Test VAN FWD
Overall
Frontal crash
Frontal, driver
Frontal, passenger
Side crash
Side barrier
Side pole
Rollover
Chance of rollover 12.7%
Stability control standard Forward collision warning standard Lane departure warning standard

A dash means NHTSA did not rate that test for this vehicle.

Recall campaigns

6 on file

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

23V858000 · December 18, 2023

The defect
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.
The risk
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
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.

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) · up to 2,490,460 vehicles across all model years covered

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

18V170000 · March 13, 2018

The defect
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Honda Odyssey vehicles. The second row outboard seats have a lever to fold the seatback and slide the seat forward to access the third row seats. Due to a manufacturing error, if the walk-in release lever is used to fold a fully reclined left outboard seatback forward, the seatback may stay in the unlocked position (free-folding) or unexpectedly unlock without engaging the walk-in or recliner lever.
The risk
An unlocked second row left outboard seatback increases the risk of injury to the seat occupant during a crash.
The remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will confirm proper operation of the second row left outboard seatback, and install a support bracket to the seat recliner. If the seatback cannot lock, dealers will replace the seatback frame assembly. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is X0R.

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) · up to 254,568 vehicles across all model years covered

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

17V725000 · November 17, 2017

The defect
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. If a seat is placed between either of the two positions when attaching the seat to the vehicle floor, the seat will not latch properly to the seat striker, allowing the seat to tip forward unexpectedly during braking.
The risk
If the seat tips forward during braking, it can increase the risk of injury.
The 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. Honda's number for this recall is S0G.

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) · up to 806,936 vehicles across all model years covered

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

16V933000 · December 27, 2016

The defect
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Odyssey vehicles manufactured August 17, 2010, to October 1, 2015. The affected vehicles have second row outboard seats that have a release lever that allows the seats to move for easier access to the third row of seats. This release lever may remain in the unlocked position allowing the seats to move unexpectedly.
The risk
An unlocked second row outboard seat increases the risk of injury to the seat occupant during a crash.
The 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 . Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is KD5.

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) · up to 633,753 vehicles across all model years covered

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

16V932000 · December 27, 2016

The defect
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2016 Odyssey vehicles manufactured September 23, 2016, to October 24, 2016. The affected vehicles have a second row center seat with a horizontal adjuster bar that may stick in the unlocked position, allowing the seat to unexpectedly slide. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seat Systems."
The risk
An unlocked second row center seat may increase the risk of injury to the seat occupant in the event of a crash.
The remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the slide function and replace the horizontal position adjustment bar, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is KD4.

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) · up to 7,549 vehicles across all model years covered

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

16V417000 · June 9, 2016

The defect
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2015 Acura MDX 2WD and MDX 4WD vehicles, 2016 Acura MDX 4WD vehicles, 2015-2016 Honda Odyssey vehicles, and 2016 Honda Pilot 2WD and 4WD vehicles. The affected vehicles have fuel tanks that were manufactured with insufficient welds which may separate and allow fuel to leak out.
The risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
The remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tanks, free of charge. Owners may contact Honda/Acura customer service at 1-888-234-2138. The recall began on July 29, 2016. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA9 (Honda vehicles) and KB0 (Acura vehicles).

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) · up to 39 vehicles across all model years covered

Defect investigations

1 on file

An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.

Inadvertent Deployment of Air Bags

DP26005

Closed defect petition · opened July 13, 2026 · closed September 24, 2026

the air bags

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has completed its review of a Petition dated May 30, 2026. The Petition requested an investigation into inadvertent air bag deployment in model year (MY) 2011-2017 Honda Odyssey vehicles. The Petition contended that air bags can deploy absent a sufficiently severe event to trigger a deployment, such as an impact, rollover event, or G-force threshold breach. The Petition further alleged that the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) conflict and inaccurate data is being recorded for the air bag system. An air bag is a supplemental vehicle occupant restraint system that deploys a cushion designed to inflate in milliseconds during a collision. The cushion prevents vehicle occupants from striking hard interior surfaces and, in some cases, exterior surfaces. Air bags are designed to work in conjunction with seat belts, the primary occupant restraint system. Seat belts restrain occupants keeping them in place for the air bag to provide proper protection and to mitigate injury from air bag deployment. An air bag system consists of an air bag cushion, an inflator module, an air bag Electronic Control Unit (ECU), and impact sensors. When a crash begins, impact sensors located on the vehicle exterior begin to measure impact severity. If a crash is severe enough, the sensors send a signal to the system’s ECU, which then signals the inflator to fill the air bag. ODI reviewed 9 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs), one Early Warning Reporting (EWR) Death & Injury (D&I) report, and several TREAD (Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability, and Documentation) Field Reports alleging inadvertent air bag deployment in the Subject Vehicles. Several complaints allege that the inadvertent deployment of air bags occurred while traveling over potholes, road debris, or during minor curb strikes. All the complaints allege that there was no warning prior to the inadvertent deployment. In general, different types of air bags are designed for different types of impacts. For instance, frontal air bags are generally designed to deploy during frontal impacts; side curtain air bags are generally designed to deploy both during rollovers and impacts to the sides of the vehicle; and side thorax air bags are generally designed to deploy during impacts to the sides of the vehicle. While these are broad categories of crash scenarios, the specific conditions under which deployment is intended are multifaceted and dependent on complex algorithms. Differences in particular variables can make a deployment an intended part of the design in one scenario and not in another similar scenario. Although the reports described above all contain allegations of inadvertent deployment, the conditions under which those reported deployments occurred differ widely. The reports ranged different types of air bags, different combinations of air bags, and different driving scenarios preceding the deployment. Based on the data available to ODI, there is no clear pattern or factor to prompt the alleged inadvertent deployments. Thus, ODI’s review did not identify a trend of a vehicle defect regarding any type of air bag in the Subject Vehicles. Moreover, ODI did not identify any reports of inadvertent air bag deployment that resulted in a loss of vehicle control. ODI is likewise not aware of any crashes or severe injuries involving the Subject Vehicles that resulted from inadvertent deployment of the air bags. ODI recognizes that inadvertent air bag deployments can create dangerous safety hazards. For instance, an inadvertent deployment can surprise a driver, leading to a loss of vehicle control; or if an inadvertent deployment occurs when an occupant is out of position, the force of the deployment may injure the occupant. Inadvertent deployments have been the basis for past NHTSA recalls and investigations. Here, the Petition cites one such recall: Recall 26V-227, which concerns inadvertent deployment of the side curtain and thoracic air bags in MY 2018 to 2022 Honda Odyssey vehicles (the “Recalled Vehicles”) due to the air bag ECU containing incorrect deployment parameters. Although this recall involved Honda Odyssey vehicles in adjacent model years to the Odyssey vehicles that are the subject of this Petition, ODI understands certain key differences to exist between the two groups of Odyssey models. Honda introduced a new generation of the Odyssey line in 2018. This new generation involved a large-scale redesign and a new vehicle platform compared to the previous model years. As a result, the vehicles covered by the Petition differ from the recalled vehicles in many characteristics, including physical dimensions, engines, transmissions, and air bag ECU algorithms. Given these differences, ODI’s review has not identified evidence that the reports of inadvertent deployment in the Odyssey models covered by the Petition correlate to Recall 26V-227. After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by the Petitioner, consumer complaint information in NHTSA’s databases, and other relevant information already in possession of the Agency, NHTSA has not found sufficient evidence to indicate that a trend of inadvertent air bag deployments as alleged by the Petitioner is likely to present a safety related defect that would warrant a formal investigation. After full consideration of the available information the Petition is denied. A denial report will be posted in the Federal Register. The closing of the Petition does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety related defect does not exist, and the agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. The Petition can be viewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11744118.

In owners’ own words

Quoted from the complaint file

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

AIR BAGS

1 injured · crash · towed · 25,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A DEER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK AND BACK, BUT DID NOT RECEIVE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL BODY SHOP FOR REPAIRS TO THE FRONT END. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT IT WAS A MINOR CRASH AND THE AIR BAGS WERE NOT DESIGNED TO DEPLOY DURING MINOR CRASHES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 25,000.

NHTSA complaint 11282240. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

POWER TRAIN

1 injured · crash · 101,000 miles

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Odyssey. The contact parked the vehicle, turned the engine off, and removed the ignition key from the ignition but failed to switch the shifter from the drive position. While attempting to exit, the vehicle rolled backward down the driveway and crashed into the mailbox. During the incident, the contact attempted to reenter the vehicle to prevent the rollaway and was pushed to the ground and dragged down the driveway causing multiple injuries which included a back injury, leg contusions, ankle injuries, and a lacerated left leg which required medical treatment. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the incident. The

NHTSA complaint 11480750, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SEATS

1 injured · 18,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE MIDDLE ROW PASSENGER SEAT UNEXPECTEDLY SHIFTED FORWARD, WHICH CAUSED THE PASSENGER'S HEAD TO HIT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FAILURE WAS SIMILAR TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V933000 (SEATS); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000.

NHTSA complaint 10938818. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SEATS

1 injured · 12,000 miles

MY THREE YEAR OLD GRAND DAUGHTER WAS BUCKLED INTO CAR SEAT IN SECOND ROW PASSENGER SIDE. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WAS MOVED ALL THE WAY FORWARD TO ALLOW EASY EXIT FOR HER AND HER BOOK BAG. I STOPPED SUDDENLY FOR A YELLOW LIGHT. THE SEAT MY GRAND DAUGHTER WAS IN FLEW FORWARD AND LANDED HER FACE ON THE SEAT IN FRONT OF HER. SHE WAS SCREAMING, I HAD TO LEAN OVER AND PUSH HER SEAT BACK INTO PLACE. I WAS DRIVING BETWEEN 35-45 MPH. AT FIRST IN MY MIND I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST THE CAR SEAT BUT KNEW IN WAS WELL STRAPPED DOWN, I WAS SHOCKED TO SEE THE WHOLE SEAT LEANING FORWARD. SHE HAS A FEW BRUISES ON HER FACE. I DROVE TO THE HONDA DEALER TO EXPLAIN IT TO THEM. I WILL BE DROPPING THE CAR BACK OFF

NHTSA complaint 10979992, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
My 2016 Honda Odyssey has experienced repeated engine misfires associated with oil-fouled spark plugs. In May 2024, while driving, the check-engine light began flashing and the vehicle ran rough. An authorized Honda dealer inspected the vehicle and documented an oil-fouled spark plug. The dealer replaced all six spark plugs, but the underlying cause was not repaired. In November 2025, the check-engine light returned. An independent repair shop documented code P0303, Cylinder 3 Misfire, and replaced all six spark plugs again. In August 2026, the same problem returned. The repair shop again documented a Cylinder 3 misfire and found all three rear-bank spark plugs fouled. They recommended an

NHTSA complaint 11767545, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am reporting a serious electrical shock/electrocution hazard involving the factory-installed 115V AC power inverter outlet in my 2016 Honda Odyssey. While the vehicle was in motion, my [XXX] son was able, without tools, to pull the AC outlet assembly completely out of the interior panel. He was then able to detach the molded electrical connector/plug from the back of the outlet, exposing the electrical terminals/conductors. The inverter/outlet was powered at the time, meaning my [XXX] had direct physical access to energized electrical components. He was about to touch the exposed terminals when his sibling saw what he was doing and stopped him. This prevented potential electrical contact

NHTSA complaint 11760769, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness
The central front adjuster lever (the release mechanism located at the front bottom of the car seat shell) has suffered a catastrophic mechanical failure. The lever is physically stuck in the "open" position and fails to snap back down or engage. Because the lever remains stuck open, the internal metal locking teeth cannot clamp down onto the harness adjustment webbing strap. Consequently, the child restraint harness completely fails to lock or hold tension. In a vehicle collision, sudden braking event, or even under standard manual pressure, the harness straps pull entirely loose. This defect prevents the seat from securing the child, posing an immediate risk of severe injury or ejection

NHTSA complaint 11760034, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
the problem only happens after driving for more than 30 minutes. when I stop at a light, the engine starts shaking and stalls. the starter seems cranking normally, but it takes about 3 attempts and about 40 seconds to restart. One day, the engine stopped while I was driving. There is no Check Engine Light. I took it to Honda dealer. but they keep saying they cannot replicate the problem. It is so dangerous to drive this car.

NHTSA complaint 11760168. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am writing to formally report a serious and potentially life-threatening safety issue involving my Honda Odyssey’s locking system. For several years, I have experienced an ongoing problem in which the doors of my Odyssey have unexpectedly locked while the key fob was still inside the vehicle. This has happened to me at various stores and even at my own home. On those occasions, I was fortunate that my husband was nearby and could bring the spare key fob to unlock the vehicle. I have repeatedly brought this issue to my local Honda dealership and specifically questioned the locking system. Unfortunately, the dealership has either been unable to duplicate the problem or has made changes to

NHTSA complaint 11756578, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

162,600 miles

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, engine, and VSA warning lights were illuminated. While at the stoplight, the vehicle started jerking and sputtering. The contact stated that the failure was related to Technical Service Bulletins: 25-060 and 25-061. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was a misfire coming from the engine. The contact stated that there was oil in the cylinder head. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The manufacturer confirmed that the warranty had expired months earlier, and the case was closed. The

NHTSA complaint 11755217, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Honda Odyssey

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2026 38 2 —
2025 390 2 —
2024 108 3 —
2023 99 5 —
2022 135 9 —
2021 142 8 —
2020 474 14 —
2019 975 20 —
2018 992 16 3
2017 39 2 —
2015 206 6 —
2014 308 5 —
2013 210 6 —
2012 245 5 —
2011 233 5 —
2010 255 1 —

Other 2016 Honda models

Pilot 1,709 Civic 1,081 Accord 607 CR-V 393 HR-V 239 FIT 120

Complaints on file, same model year.

Every Honda on this site — 192 vehicles.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst