RoadVitals

2020 Honda Odyssey Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
444
Latest Aug 12, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
14
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
5

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2020 Honda Odyssey, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

196
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Camera failed after 65,000 miles and is a known problem out there with thousands of these requiring a $2000 dealer replacement.

NHTSA ID 11756449 · filed Aug 12, 2026

The electrical component is failing. I have brought in this vehicle 2 times for failed electrical issues over several years (around 2 years), and it only has 52,000 miles currently. The back up sensors no longer work, as well as warning lights for the following began to appear a year ago: collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, road departure mitigation. Sometimes, our electrical side door will not close and will keep opening when trying to shut. This electrical issues has been draining our battery, and while driving, my car shut off in the middle of the street while I was waiting for a light. After a few attempts, I got my car started again. We replaced the battery, and a few days later the car would randomly turn on and I could not use an electrical key to open the car door. Only way to open it is with the physical key. The battery had to be unplugged in order to stop the car for randomly turning on. All electrical systems would turn on in the car, including the alarm and radio, even if the radio had been off when the car was last turned off. The car has been inspected by Honda mechanics, who told me the electrical component is dying, but they don't know why, the car isn't that old, and it has very few miles on it.

NHTSA ID 11753893 · filed Jul 30, 2026
All 196 reports naming driver assistance

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

158
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Right sliding door warning alarm and at the same time flashing message on cluster. It has happened dozens of times since new. Sets a service code in computer and has been in at local Honda dealer twice and they found failure code in computer but cannot duplicate problem. I also learned part associated with code is on back order. Dealership charges us for diagnosing each time. When this alarm goes on, it makes you panic that the sliding door may open at any time or may not close.

NHTSA ID 11754370 · filed Aug 3, 2026

The electrical component is failing. I have brought in this vehicle 2 times for failed electrical issues over several years (around 2 years), and it only has 52,000 miles currently. The back up sensors no longer work, as well as warning lights for the following began to appear a year ago: collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, road departure mitigation. Sometimes, our electrical side door will not close and will keep opening when trying to shut. This electrical issues has been draining our battery, and while driving, my car shut off in the middle of the street while I was waiting for a light. After a few attempts, I got my car started again. We replaced the battery, and a few days later the car would randomly turn on and I could not use an electrical key to open the car door. Only way to open it is with the physical key. The battery had to be unplugged in order to stop the car for randomly turning on. All electrical systems would turn on in the car, including the alarm and radio, even if the radio had been off when the car was last turned off. The car has been inspected by Honda mechanics, who told me the electrical component is dying, but they don't know why, the car isn't that old, and it has very few miles on it.

NHTSA ID 11753893 · filed Jul 30, 2026
All 158 reports naming electrical

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

66
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Vehicle: 2020 Honda Odyssey VIN: [XXX] Mileage at time of failure: 155413 Component: Engine — Connecting Rod BearingsDescription: My 2020 Honda Odyssey experienced a failure of the connecting rod bearings on 7/30/26, resulting in loud knocking noise. The failure was diagnosed by Luis Asturias at Jim Coleman Honda in Clarksville, MD. This vehicle falls within the scope of NHTSA's open Preliminary Evaluation PE25008, which covers 2018-2020 Honda Odyssey vehicles with the 3.5L J35 V6 engine for this exact failure mode. My dealer declined to cover the repair cost under warranty because no recall has yet been issued. I am filing this complaint to document my experience as part of the ongoing federal investigation. Repair cost estimate: $4573.00. The vehicle is not driveable without this repair.Thank you for your prompt attention,[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11754505 · filed Aug 3, 2026

The vehicle is a 2020 Honda Odyssey. A recurring and dangerous safety failure occurs involving the Auto Idle-Stop system. With the system enabled and the vehicle at a complete stop, the engine shuts off as designed. However, upon depressing the brake pedal to resume driving, the engine severely struggles to restart and completely fails. Simultaneously, the vehicle immediately and automatically shifts itself into PARK, and the entire dashboard display illuminates with all available warning icons and messages. This malfunction creates an immediate, high-risk safety hazard. When the incident occurs, I am trapped, locked in PARK, in live traffic lanes, sometimes at busy intersections or during left-hand turns. It is impossible to shift back into drive or quickly restart the engine. I am forced to remain stationary in traffic for multiple minutes until the system allows me to cycle the ignition completely OFF and then back ON to attempt a full restart and shift back into Drive. This leaves my vehicle, my passengers, and other drivers vulnerable to rear-end collisions.

NHTSA ID 11750904 · filed Jul 16, 2026
All 66 reports naming engine

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

29
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The high pressure fuel pump has failed on this vehicle. This is a known problem for vehicles between 2017 and 2020 and has not been adequately addressed by the corporation.

NHTSA ID 11744487 · filed Jun 16, 2026

High pressure fuel pump failed on a low mileage 2020 Honda Odyssey. Upon initial inspection the Honda mechanic reported the area around the fuel pipe was saturated with fuel.

NHTSA ID 11738681 · filed May 19, 2026
All 29 reports naming fuel system

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

29
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

While traveling from Florida to our home in Pennsylvania in December 2022, we were on [XXX] and after going over a pothole, the side curtain airbag, and the driver seat side airbag inadvertently deployed. It was very traumatic and we are fortunate that we were able to pull off the side of the highway without getting hit by vehicles., The repair, which totaled over$16,000 was done by GERBER COLLISION AND GLASS Easton, PA. we personally are trying to recoup our out of pocket expenses of $781.08 from HONDA. And now, a month ago, May 2026,(almost 4 years after our incident) we received a SAFETY RECALL notification from explaining the exact issue we had.NHTSA Recall number26V227. we can provide photos and documentation, invoices, out of pocket expenses, etc if necessary but we have no idea how to include them on this form. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11746315 · filed Jun 24, 2026

Power tailgate won't stay open. It is a known issue (Honda service bulletin 22-018) and has tried to close while people are underneath - including my small children. I have knocked my head into it numerous times since the issue started. It almost always slowly closes, and sometimes it beeps a few times then closes automatically and if I'm under it I have to forcefully hold it open. A small child would not be able to.

NHTSA ID 11742684 · filed Jun 8, 2026
All 29 reports naming body & structure

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

18
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

NHTSA Campaign 26V227000. My vehicle VIN: [XXX] Vehicle modified by Vantage Mobility International (VMI) into a Mobility Van. Van submitted to dealer 7/16/2026. Dealer claims they cannot perform work until factory clearance obtained. I cannot get information on when repair can be completed. VMI engineer Andrew Socha (602) 304 3294 informed me on 7/20/2026 there was nothing in the VMI modification that would interfere with this safety upgrade I called American Honda Motor Co, Inc Headquarters in Torrance, CA (800 999 1009) pn 7/22/2026 where safety recall department employee Antonio (would not give last name) commiserated with my situation but had no authority to ameliorate the situation I can't get a straight answer from American Honda Motor Co. Inc. and when or whether this repair is done. The 30 day window for this repair is closing in 5 days. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11756210 · filed Aug 11, 2026

My SRS light went on without being in an accident. Around the same time I noticed that there was a recall reported (NHTSA Recall Number 26V-227) which states that the vehicle may deploy airbags without cause by going over a pothole etc. I took my vehicle in to the Honda dealership and they confirmed that my SRS ECU needs to be replaced bc it detected an airbag deployment but since it already deployed they will not replace it under the recall. However, the recall states that they need to update the SRS ECU to prevent this exact scenario from happening without proper cause and if it already happened the SRS ECU will need to be replaced. The worst part is, that they cleared the recall through the database for my vehicle but did not actually fix any issues and the SRS system is still not functioning. I already made a complaint with Honda corporation over two months ago but so far they have not provided a resolution.

NHTSA ID 11751830 · filed Jul 21, 2026
All 18 reports naming airbags

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

18
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Vehicle has all time on the brake system, front collision, auto high beam, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist abd road departure warnings. Sometimes the vehicle turns off suddenly when stop, and the steering wheel gets hard when parking.

NHTSA ID 11730057 · filed Apr 8, 2026

Receiving ACC, lane keep assist, front collision , auto high beam errors on the instrument screen. None of the safety features work. Cruise control does not work.

NHTSA ID 11716845 · filed Feb 9, 2026
All 18 reports naming brakes

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

16
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

At roughly 5,000 miles, this 2020 Honda Odyssey was brought into an authorized Honda dealership due to transmission concerns. The dealership service department improperly evaluated the 10 speed transmission, and diagnosed a 9 speed transmission system, assured me that what I was feeling was completely normal, and instructed me to only bring the vehicle back if the issue got worse. At approximately 60,000 miles, after experiencing a transmission slip, I immediately took the vehicle to an ASE Blue Seal Certified shop for a complete transmission service to ensure proper maintenance was performed by qualified technicians. At approximately 80,000 miles, while driving on a highway during a family trip, the transmission suffered a sudden, catastrophic failure, resulting in a total loss of motive power at speed. Losing all propulsion on a high-speed highway created a severe safety hazard for my family and surrounding traffic. The complete mechanical failure was subsequently confirmed by a service center, and the failed transmission assembly remains available for inspection upon request. Initial symptoms were presented directly to an authorized Honda dealer in Annapolis MD while under factory warranty and the vehicle was properly maintained by certified technicians thereafter, but the underlying defect went unaddressed until complete failure occurred on the road.

NHTSA ID 11754107 · filed Aug 1, 2026

The vehicle is a 2020 Honda Odyssey. A recurring and dangerous safety failure occurs involving the Auto Idle-Stop system. With the system enabled and the vehicle at a complete stop, the engine shuts off as designed. However, upon depressing the brake pedal to resume driving, the engine severely struggles to restart and completely fails. Simultaneously, the vehicle immediately and automatically shifts itself into PARK, and the entire dashboard display illuminates with all available warning icons and messages. This malfunction creates an immediate, high-risk safety hazard. When the incident occurs, I am trapped, locked in PARK, in live traffic lanes, sometimes at busy intersections or during left-hand turns. It is impossible to shift back into drive or quickly restart the engine. I am forced to remain stationary in traffic for multiple minutes until the system allows me to cycle the ignition completely OFF and then back ON to attempt a full restart and shift back into Drive. This leaves my vehicle, my passengers, and other drivers vulnerable to rear-end collisions.

NHTSA ID 11750904 · filed Jul 16, 2026
All 16 reports naming powertrain (other)

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Dealership has not resolved the problem since they are waiting for parts

NHTSA ID 11753625 · filed Jul 29, 2026

Backup camera stopped working for no reason, says camera system failure and is a black screen. Research says this is a recall but my dealership says it is not.

NHTSA ID 11735462 · filed May 4, 2026
All 9 reports naming visibility

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The driver side rear coil spring broke abruptly on both the top and bottom leaving the majority of the spring mechanically unattached. The driver side rear shock also broke from the additional strain on it. With a complete loss of suspension on the rear driver side, as I hit bumps on the freeway, I could feel the van jerking quickly nearly sending me out of the lane. If it was slippery with rain or snow, I felt like the van would spin out. The broken parts were confirmed and shown to me by an independent service center. The shop also informed me that he has seen many Honda Odysseys from the same model year with broken coil springs. When he called to order parts from the Honda dealer, none of the 3 nearby dealers had springs in stock and all had vans in their service center waiting to replace their broken springs. There were no warning signs before this happened. I perform all regular maintenance such as brakes, tire rotations/replacements, and oil changes by auto shops so the car is regularly looked at. This happened at 6 years old and 60,000 miles. While springs generally lose some tension, snapping through in two places is unacceptable. Honda has recalled other vehicles for rear suspension failures and needs to expand that recall to additional vehicles. Specifically the Odyssey.

NHTSA ID 11755377 · filed Aug 6, 2026

The rear coil spring snapped with no warning. My safety was at risk because the spring broke and collapsed on the suspension while driving on a tollway. The bottom of the spring that was snapped off completely which presents a safety risk to others as it becomes a heavy sharp steel projectile flying into traffic. The problem has been confirmed by a service center and it is a large issue as the parts are extremely hard to source due to the frequency of these coil springs breaking in Honda Odysseys. They can’t make them fast enough to replace. They are not supposed to break and are not part of any scheduled maintenance. The component has been inspected by a Honda service center. There were no warning lamps or symptoms. The part broke suddenly and without warning.

NHTSA ID 11755147 · filed Aug 5, 2026
All 9 reports naming suspension

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

2020 Honda Odyssey EX-L, 49k miles, no prior collisions. 1. Faulty system: SRS airbag module, defective factory aluminum clip (official Honda recall defect). EDR data verified this component failure by dealer technicians. ​ 2. Safety risk: Driver airbag spontaneously deployed at 41MPH with zero impact. Seven occupants suffered soft tissue injuries and PTSD; sudden deployment created severe risk of secondary crash. ​ 3. Dealer confirmation: Bay Ridge Honda (Brooklyn NY) diagnosed and confirmed the airbag clip defect via EDR readout and physical teardown, filed service records for this issue. ​ 4. Inspectors reviewed vehicle: Honda dealer techs, EDR forensic specialists, and GEICO adjuster all inspected the car and confirmed no pre-crash damage. ​ 5. Pre-fault warnings: No SRS warning lights, error codes or abnormal electrical symptoms appeared before the airbag deployed unexpectedly.

NHTSA ID 11750427 · filed Jul 14, 2026

The rear passenger side tire hit a pothole and it caused all of the airbags to deploy on April 6, 2026. The impact should not have set the airbags off. This has caused a severe rash/burn on my son's face and neck. The vehicle is now being totaled by my insurance company and forcing me to have to purchase a new vehicle and my insurance rates to go up. Three days later, April 9, 2026, a safety recall on the over-sensitive airbags was issued for this Odyssey. There were no other warnings leading up to this. Insurance has inspected the vehicle and deemed it a total loss.

NHTSA ID 11731509 · filed Apr 16, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My son turned around in his second-row seat of our Honda Odyssey, causing the seat belt to cinch tightly around his waist. Even after the buckle was released, the seat belt continued to tighten instead of loosening. It became so tight that he could barely breathe, and we ultimately had to cut the seat belt to free him. There was no way to manually release or loosen the belt once it had locked. This presents a serious safety hazard. Seat belts should include an emergency release or override mechanism that allows a locked belt to be loosened during an entrapment situation.

NHTSA ID 11754973 · filed Aug 5, 2026

While traveling from Florida to our home in Pennsylvania in December 2022, we were on [XXX] and after going over a pothole, the side curtain airbag, and the driver seat side airbag inadvertently deployed. It was very traumatic and we are fortunate that we were able to pull off the side of the highway without getting hit by vehicles., The repair, which totaled over$16,000 was done by GERBER COLLISION AND GLASS Easton, PA. we personally are trying to recoup our out of pocket expenses of $781.08 from HONDA. And now, a month ago, May 2026,(almost 4 years after our incident) we received a SAFETY RECALL notification from explaining the exact issue we had.NHTSA Recall number26V227. we can provide photos and documentation, invoices, out of pocket expenses, etc if necessary but we have no idea how to include them on this form. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11746315 · filed Jun 24, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I have been getting front end clunking noise since I bought vehicle. Honda is not able to identify and resolve issue after taking to multiple dealers. And after 5 years and 45k miles white paint started flaking in different penal of car

NHTSA ID 11674714 · filed Jul 19, 2025

Was driving to work while raining.hit a water puddle hydroplaned, The stop brake warning light came,vehiical slammed on the brakes, and the steering wheel locked up. There where not other vehicals on the road.Rolled the vehical 3 times. On several occasions our honda van has slammed on the brakes without any vehicle or obstacle present.

NHTSA ID 11563777 · filed Jan 5, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Tailgate control module damaged by water leaking from faulty rear body seam seals on left top of vehicle Doors would lock and unlock on their own while driving and tailgate signaled it was open but never unlatched Manual tailgate opening/closing did not work at all Constantly beeped when unlocked and alarm went off randomly All electrical activity drained battery and made vehicle undriveable; tow was necessary First sign was "power tailgate problem" light on dash 5 days before vehicle battery was dead Honda charged for and replaced Tailgate control module and recommended an outside company to repair leak issues; outside company confirmed issue and noted repairs for same issue on similar models

NHTSA ID 11722497 · filed Mar 6, 2026

Car would randomly die while I was driving, causing my children and I to be in severe danger in the middle of a busy road multiple times

NHTSA ID 11708966 · filed Jan 5, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .