Last updated: 2026-03-04

2018 Honda Odyssey Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2018 Honda Odyssey scores 53/100 ("Mixed"). With 13 recalls and 841 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.
Recalls
13
Complaints
841
Complaint Rate
79.1
per 10k sold
Above avgEst. Annual Cost
$547
Below avgMajor Repair Risk
12%
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.
Top Issues
13 recalls on record
Should You Buy the 2018 Honda Odyssey?
The 2018 Honda Odyssey scores 53/100 ("Mixed"). Buyers should proceed with caution.
With 841 owner complaints and 13 recalls, the complaint volume is above average. Reported issues — particularly in electrical system (186) — can be costly to repair.
An extended warranty is strongly recommended. A thorough pre-purchase inspection focused on electrical system (186) is essential before committing.
Compared to the 2019 Honda Odyssey, which scored the same.
Pros
- $100 cheaper to maintain than avg minivans
- Low major repair risk (12%)
Cons
- Below-average reliability score
- Above-average recall count
- Above-average complaint rate for Minivan
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Water leaks affecting the tailgate control module, leading to repeated failures... (186 complaints)
Compare 2018 Honda Odyssey With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 13 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (186)
- POWER TRAIN (147)
- ENGINE (98)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (82)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (75)
- STRUCTURE (59)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (31)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (24)
- FUEL SYSTEM (23)
- SERVICE BRAKES (18)
- LANE DEPARTURE (17)
- AIR BAGS (15)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (12)
- STEERING (11)
- SUSPENSION (8)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (8)
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (7)
- SEAT BELTS (6)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (5)
- ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (2)
- SEATS (2)
- VISIBILITY (1)
- EQUIPMENT (1)
- Carry Handle (1)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1)
- WHEELS (1)
Recall Overview
13
recalls on record
The 2018 Honda Odyssey has 13 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
79.1
per 10k soldSegment avg: 46.8
Safety Incidents
Crashes
13
Fires
3
Injuries
24
Deaths
3
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2018 Honda Odyssey Recall Details
13 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Honda Odyssey. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
Consequence
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.
Consequence
A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 28, 2024. 2016-2017 Acura MDX owner letters were mailed November 1, 2024. 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed in mid-December 2024. Honda began mailing owner notification letters as of March 18, 2024. 2015-2016 Acura owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-December 2024, 2018 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed the end of March/early April 2024, 2019 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-May 2024, 2020 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-June 2024, and 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed January 27, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XG1 and GG0.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Pilot, and 2019-2023 Passport vehicles. Due to a faulty Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) communication coaxial cable connector, the rearview camera image may not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence
A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the MOST cable harness and install a straightening cover over the vehicle cable connector, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are EEL, ZEM, and SFC.
Showing 10 of 13 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →
2018 Honda Odyssey NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 13.6%
Safety Technologies
Honda Odyssey Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$547
vs $647 avg for minivans
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.5
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
12%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
When Buying a Used 2018 Honda Odyssey
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Test infotainment system for freezing at startup
- Inspect for water damage in tailgate and sliding doors
- Check for delayed acceleration from a stop
- Verify engine for knocking sounds or metal shavings in oil
- Test forward collision avoidance systems for functionality
- Inspect rear shock absorbers for rust or leaks
- Check for unexpected airbag deployment history
Check Any 2018 Honda Odyssey's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2018 Odyssey in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Honda Odyssey with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2018 Honda Odyssey Common Problems by Component
841 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
186 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Honda Odyssey frequently report issues with the electrical system, particularly involving water leaks affecting the tailgate control module, leading to repeated failures and malfunctions of the tailgate. Complaints often describe the infotainment and media touch screen displays going blank, which affects the backup camera and climate controls, sometimes occurring more frequently when the vehicle's AC is used. Additionally, multiple reports highlight problems with the vehicle's cameras, such as the monocular camera overheating, causing numerous warning lights to illuminate and disabling various safety features like lane assist and cruise control. These issues are typically reported at mileage around 50,000 to 60,000 miles, and while no crashes are directly mentioned, the loss of critical safety systems and the potential for the tailgate to open unintentionally pose safety risks. This information is crucial for potential buyers considering a used 2018 Honda Odyssey, as these electrical issues could impact both convenience and safety.
POWER TRAIN
147 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report that the 2018 Honda Odyssey experiences frequent transmission issues, with common symptoms including hesitation when shifting gears, unexpected shifts into neutral or park, and a lack of response from the accelerator. Complaints frequently mention these issues occurring at lower speeds, such as 15-30 mph, and at higher mileages, often around 40,000 to 108,000 miles. Safety implications are notable, with reports of the vehicle unexpectedly losing power in traffic and some incidents leading to crashes and one reported injury. Prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring transmission problems and their potential impact on vehicle safety and drivability.
ENGINE
98 complaintsOwners report that the 2018 Honda Odyssey frequently experiences engine failures primarily due to connecting rod bearing issues, often necessitating full engine replacements. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as knocking noises, engine stalling, and the presence of metal shavings in the oil, with failures occurring typically between 66,000 and 167,000 miles. Many owners indicate that these failures occur without prior warning lights or messages, posing potential safety risks such as sudden loss of power or stalling in traffic. Used car buyers should be aware of these recurring issues, especially considering that some vehicles with these symptoms fall outside the scope of existing recalls.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (82 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
82 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report that the 2018 Honda Odyssey frequently experiences failures in its forward collision avoidance systems, primarily due to issues with the front-facing monocular camera. Typical symptoms include multiple dashboard warnings for adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, collision mitigation, and other safety features, often occurring without prior indication. Complaints suggest these issues can emerge at varying mileages, including some vehicles with low mileage. Notably, two complaints involve crashes, highlighting potential safety implications when these systems fail. Potential buyers should be aware that resolving these issues may involve significant repair costs, as reported by some owners.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (75 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
75 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Honda Odyssey frequently report issues with the power tailgate and sliding doors, often linked to water intrusion and sensor malfunctions. Complaints describe tailgates failing to latch or open unexpectedly, and sliding doors that do not reverse when obstructed, posing potential safety risks, especially to children. The Auto Engine Idle Stop system is another common concern, with reports of the engine stalling or failing to restart at intersections, sometimes accompanied by multiple dashboard warnings. Transmission problems, such as delayed acceleration and unexpected disengagement, are also noted, with some incidents leading to crashes. These issues often appear in vehicles with mileage under 50,000, and prospective buyers should be aware of potential safety implications and repair costs associated with these problems.
STRUCTURE (59 complaints)
STRUCTURE
59 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the 2018 Honda Odyssey's sliding doors and tailgate, often linked to water intrusion and faulty components. Complaints commonly describe sliding doors that intermittently fail to open or close, sometimes unexpectedly unlatching while driving, with some reports mentioning repeated dealership visits for repairs that do not fully resolve the issues. Tailgate problems are frequently associated with water damage to the control module, leading to non-functional tailgates and sporadic opening or closing. Several owners note these problems occurring at various mileage points, with some mentioning issues persisting despite recall repairs. Safety implications include potential entrapment due to door failures and risk of injury from doors or tailgates opening unexpectedly. These patterns suggest prospective buyers should thoroughly inspect these components and verify any recall work.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (31 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
31 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Honda Odyssey frequently report issues related to the fuel pump, with common symptoms including engine hesitation, difficulty accelerating, and stalling, particularly during merging or starting from a stop. Many complaints highlight problems with both high and low-pressure fuel pumps, often occurring around or after 80,000 miles. Safety implications are notable, as some owners describe situations where the vehicle unexpectedly loses power or stalls, leading to hazardous driving conditions. Additionally, one report involves a crash, and several owners express frustration with recall-related delays and inadequate dealer responses, which leave the issues unresolved and vehicles potentially unsafe.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (24 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
24 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Honda Odyssey frequently report issues with vehicle speed control, particularly hesitation and delayed acceleration from a stop or low speed. Complaints describe scenarios where pressing the accelerator results in no immediate response, followed by a sudden burst of speed, often causing the tires to spin. This issue is commonly noted when making turns or merging into traffic, with reports mentioning occurrences at various mileage points, including as early as 40,000 miles. These acceleration delays are cited as creating dangerous situations, with one injury reported due to near-miss collisions. Additionally, several complaints highlight failures in the vehicle's safety systems, such as adaptive cruise control and lane assist, often linked to issues with the front-facing camera, which some owners note began after a battery replacement. These symptoms suggest potential safety concerns for prospective buyers.
SERVICE BRAKES (18 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
18 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Honda Odyssey frequently report issues with the vehicle's automatic emergency braking system, particularly the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), which engages unexpectedly and without obstacles present. This often occurs during turns or at intersections, leading to abrupt stops that risk rear-end collisions. Complaints also describe a soft or low brake pedal, which affects braking performance and requires more effort to stop the vehicle. Several reports mention these issues arising at various mileage points, with some occurring as early as 2,000 miles. One incident involved a crash with three injuries, highlighting significant safety implications related to these braking problems.
AIR BAGS (15 complaints)
AIR BAGS
15 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report that the 2018 Honda Odyssey frequently experiences unexpected airbag deployments without any impact or external trigger, often while driving on normal roads. Complaints commonly describe the sudden and loud deployment of airbags, which can startle drivers and potentially impair vehicle control. In several cases, this issue has led to crashes and injuries, with airbag systems failing to deploy during actual collisions or deploying unnecessarily in minor incidents. The reported mileage at the time of these incidents varies, with some occurring at over 100,000 miles. Prospective buyers should be aware of these airbag system concerns, as they pose significant safety implications, including potential injuries and increased repair costs.
When Do 2018 Honda Odyssey Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Honda Odyssey Years
Best Honda Odyssey Years to Buy
The best Honda Odyssey year is 2025 with a reliability score of 73/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (73/100) and 2023 (70/100).
Honda Odyssey Years to Avoid
The worst Honda Odyssey year is 2019 with a score of 53/100, primarily due to electrical system (155) issues. Also avoid 2018 (53/100).
2019
17 recalls · 768 complaints
2018(this page)
13 recalls · 841 complaints
Honda Odyssey Reliability Score Trend
Honda Odyssey reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 70/100 compared to 59/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 53/100 | Mixed |
| 2019 | 53/100 | Mixed |
| 2020 | 60/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 69/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 65/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 73/100 | Good |
Honda Odyssey Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2018 Honda Odyssey reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Honda Odyssey?
How many recalls does the 2018 Honda Odyssey have?
Is the 2018 Honda Odyssey expensive to maintain?
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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