2012 Honda OdysseyUNDER FEDERAL INVESTIGATION

242 federal complaints (326 component records) · 5 recall campaigns on file · 1 federal investigation · 118 service bulletins · 5 Canadian recalls
See all 34 model years of the Honda Odyssey →
Engine
3.5L 6-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
18 city / 27 hwy
Federal complaints
242
Recall campaigns
5
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Brakes
60
Engine & cooling
45
Electrical system
34
Body & structure
25
Power train
24
Other
23
Steering
21
Speed control
13
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Brakes

60 complaint records3 crash reports
"CAR VIBRATES AND SHAKES WHEN ON HIGHWAY AND DECELERATING FROM ABOUT 65 MPH TO EVEN JUST 50 MPH, CONTINUOUS PROBLEM. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

45 complaint records3 fire reports1 crash report
"VAN STARTED TO CHUG WHEN DRIVING. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLASHED AND IT WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. PISTON RINGS ARE BAD AFTER 130,000 MILES...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Electrical system

34 complaint records4 fire reports
"DRIVER'S SIDE HEATED SEAT NO LONGER FUNCTIONS. ONLINE FORUMS SUGGEST THAT IT IS A CONTINUITY ISSUE IN THE SEAT. THE HEATING WIRE HAS BROKEN SOMEWHERE NO LONGER CREATING A CLOSED CIRCUIT. LOCAL HONDA DEALER ACKNOWLEDGES THE ISSUE BUT WANTS TO CHARGE $600+ TO FIX...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
DP26005
opened Jul 2026
OPENAir BagsInadvertent Deployment of Air Bags
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a Petition dated May 30, 2026. The Petition is requesting an investigation into inadvertent air bag deployment in model year (MY) 2011-2017 Honda Odyssey vehicles.

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
17V725000SeatsHonda (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.Normally free
16V933000SeatsHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Odyssey vehicles manufactured August 17, 2010, to October 1, 2015.Normally free
13V143000Power TrainHonda is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 CR-V, Odyssey, and model year 2013 Acura RDX vehicles.Normally free
13V016000Air BagsHonda is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 Pilot and 2011-2013 Odyssey passenger vehicles manufactured from March 13, 2008, through December 21, 2012.Normally free
11V602000SuspensionHONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012, ODYSSEY VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 31, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2011.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2017567
2017-11-17
Seats And Restraints69,839On certain vehicles, the rear outboard strikers of the second row outboard (outer) seats have a collar to define two set positions.
2016645
2016-12-20
Seats And Restraints52,710On certain vehicles, the lever on the second row outboard seats, which allows access to the third row seat, may stay in the unlocked position after returning the seat to its normal seating position.
2015598
2015-12-18
Label50,551Certain vehicles may not comply with Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations. The compliance label may bear incorrect rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) information (lower than the vehicle's actual rear GAWR).
2013114
2013-04-10
Other20,763On certain vehicles, the brake-shift interlock may not function properly at low temperatures. This could allow the transmission gear shift lever to be moved out of the PARK position without depressing the brake pedal.
2013018
2013-01-18
Airbag44,762On certain vehicles, the airbag cover may not have been adequately secured to the driver’s airbag module. As a result, the airbag may deploy with an irregular shape, or the cover may detach during deployment.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
APD04142022901
Apr 2022
Trailer HitchesDealer message - On January 23, 2016, American Honda announced a product update for 2011-14 Odyssey vehicles. The trailer hitch weight was not properly calculated into the gross axle weight rating (GAWR) on the vehicle certification label.
APaS02262021902
Feb 2021
Service BrakesDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2011-2016 CR-Zs, 2010-2014 Insights, & 2011-2017 Odysseys with a customer complaint of the brake pedal feeling soft or spongy when depressed, almost reaching the floor.
APaS02102021902
Feb 2021
Service BrakesDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2011-2016 CR-Zs, 2010-2014 Insights, & 2011-2017 Odysseys with a customer complaint of the brake pedal feeling soft or spongy when depressed, almost reaching the floor.
A07-030
Jan 2021
Equipment"Service Bulletin - There are several A/C leak detection tools available. -Refrigerant Gas Leak Detector -Ultrasonic Leak Detector -Leak Dye"
APaS01222021909
Jan 2021
Service BrakesDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2011-2016 CR-Zs, 2010-2014 Insights, & 2011-2017 Odysseys with a customer complaint of the brake pedal feeling soft or spongy when depressed, almost reaching the floor.
APaS01062021907
Jan 2021
Service BrakesDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2011-2016 CR-Zs, 2010-2014 Insights, & 2011-2017 Odysseys with a customer complaint of the brake pedal feeling soft or spongy when depressed, almost reaching the floor.
APaS12102020902
Dec 2020
Service BrakesDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2011-2016 CR-Zs, 2010-2014 Insights, & 2011-2017 Odysseys with a customer complaint of the brake pedal feeling soft or spongy when depressed, almost reaching the floor.
A13-081
Oct 2020
Engine And Engine CoolingService Bulletin - American Honda announced a powertrain warranty extension in 2013 as a result of a settlement of a class action captioned, Soto et al.v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Case No. 3:12-cv-1377-SI (N.D. Cal.).
DOR-M3J3F-07
Jun 2020
Engine And Engine CoolingThese SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected.
DOR-M9J4S-07
Jun 2020
Engine And Engine CoolingThese SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected.
APP05122020
May 2020
EquipmentDealer Message - The May episode of Tech2Tech is now posted. We've got some valuable information for you, so check it out! This month we're featuring "Replacing That Leaky Front Rocker Arm Oil Control Valve."
A20-023
Mar 2020
Engine And Engine CoolingService Bulletin - The front rocker arm oil control valve is leaking.
AAW10212019
Oct 2019
VisibilityDealer Message - On August 29, 2019, American Honda launched five revised and one new Warranty Extension paint bulletins. Please review the following summary of requirements within these bulletins and share with the appropriate staff to ensure proper claim submission.
A19-056
Aug 2019
StructureService Bulletin - This warranty extension only applies to 2011-12 Odyssey vehicles painted NH-578 Taffeta White. The exterior paint on the roof and/or tailgate may peel off.
A19-058
Aug 2019
StructureService Bulletin - This warranty extension only applies to 2012 Odyssey vehicles painted NH-603P White Diamond Pearl. The exterior paint on the roof and/or tailgate may peel off.
ONL6R108092019_1
Aug 2019
StructureOwner Notification Letter - On some 2012 Odyssey models, the exterior paint on the roof and tailgate may peel off. To ensure your confidence in your vehicle, American Honda is extending the warranty on the paint in these areas to 7 years from the original date of purchase.
ONL6R108092019_2
Aug 2019
StructureOwner Notification Letter - On some 2011-12 Odyssey models, the exterior paint on the roof and tailgate may peel off. To ensure your confidence in your vehicle, American Honda is extending the warranty on the paint in these areas to 7 years from the original date of purchase.
AAW08072019
Aug 2019
StructureDealer Message - In the last few weeks, American Honda has issued several paint warranty extension service bulletins on the Pilot, Odyssey, HR-V and Fit models due to paint defects under S/B# 19-055, 19-056, 19 057, 19-058 and 19-064.
A19-056
Jul 2019
StructureService Bulletin - This warranty extension only applies to 2011-12 Odyssey vehicles painted NH-578 Taffeta White. The exterior paint on the roof and/or tailgate may peel off.
A19-058
Jul 2019
StructureService Bulletin - This warranty extension only applies to 2012 Odyssey vehicles painted NH-603 White Diamond Pearl. The exterior paint on the roof and/or tailgate may peel off.
A13-081
Jun 2019
Engine And Engine CoolingService Bulletin - American Honda is announcing a powertrain warranty extension as a result of a settlement of a class action captioned, Soto et al.v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Case No. 3:12-cv-1377-SI (N.D. Cal.).
A19-056
Jun 2019
StructureService Bulletin - The exterior paint on the roof and/or tailgate may peel off. American Honda is extending the warranty on the paint of the affected vehicles to 7 years from the original date of purchase with no mileage limit.
A19-058
Jun 2019
StructureService Bulletin - The exterior paint on the roof and/or tailgate may peel off. American Honda is extending the warranty on the paint of the affected vehicles to 7 years from the original date of purchase with no mileage limit.
ABOM06012019
Jun 2019
StructureDealer Message - Today, June 1, 2019, American Honda is announcing a warranty extension for certain 2011-14 Odyssey and 2013-16 Pilot vehicles with either Taffeta White or White Diamond Pearl paint to address customer concerns with peeling paint.
A13050F
Apr 2019
EquipmentServiceNews Article - Here's something you really ought to know about: When you play a DVD with 5.1 surround sound (Dolby Digital), you'll hear the dialogue coming from just the front speakers. You won't hear it coming from any of the rear speakers.
A13-081
Dec 2018
Equipment"Service bulletin - American Honda is announcing a powertrain warranty extension as a result of a settlement of a class action captioned, Soto et al.v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Case No. 3:12-cv-1377-SI (N.D. Cal.).
A17-052
Sep 2018
Power TrainService bulletin - A judder from the torque converter lock-up clutch may be felt while driving between 20 and 60 mph. The problem is typically diagnosed as a bad torque converter.
A18-017
Sep 2018
Power TrainService bulletin - A judder from the torque converter lock-up clutch may be felt while driving between 20 and 60 mph. The problem is typically diagnosed as a bad torque converter.
TS-WI-0290
Sep 2018
SeatsService Bulletin sent to all dealers to inspect L-track bolts for correct torque and to incorporate torque check as part of regular maintenance
APSa08012018901
Aug 2018
SeatsDealer message - The August episode of Tech2Tech is now posted. We've got some valuable information for you, so check it out! This month, we're featuring ?Safety Recall: Left (Driver) Side Second Row Seat Recliner Does Not Lock??

Showing 30 of 118 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
  2. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  3. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 5 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Honda Odyssey →