Last updated: 2026-03-04

53
MixedReliability score: 53 out of 100, rated Mixed
2018 Honda Odyssey

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 avg

Est. Annual Cost

$547

Below avg

Major Repair Risk

12%

NHTSA Rating

5/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
34/100 (Risky)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
70/100 (Good)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
52/100 (Mixed)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
63/100 (Good)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Caution

Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.

Top Issues

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (186)POWER TRAIN (147)ENGINE (98)

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)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

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 sold

Segment avg: 46.8

LowAvgHigh
High

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.

23V8580002023-12-18

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.

23V7510002023-11-13

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.

23V4310002023-06-15

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

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 13.6%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Not Available)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Available)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Honda Odyssey Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5

Based 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

Odyssey
$547
Category Avg
$647
All Vehicles
$652

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.

186
147
98
139
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)Other (139)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

186 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

186 complaints total1 fire3 injuries

POWER TRAIN

147 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

147 complaints total3 crashes1 injury

ENGINE

98 complaints

Owners 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.

98 complaints total
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (82 complaints)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

82 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

82 complaints total2 crashes
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (75 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

75 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

75 complaints total1 crash1 fire2 injuries
STRUCTURE (59 complaints)

STRUCTURE

59 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

59 complaints total1 fire1 injury
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (31 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

31 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

31 complaints total1 crash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (24 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

24 complaints

Owners 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.

24 complaints total1 injury
SERVICE BRAKES (18 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

18 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

18 complaints total1 crash3 injuries
AIR BAGS (15 complaints)

AIR BAGS

15 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

15 complaints total4 crashes3 injuries

When Do 2018 Honda Odyssey Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

66,000–167,000 milesEngine failures
40,000–108,000 milesTransmission issues
50,000–80,000 milesSuspension failures

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).

53
MixedReliability score: 53 out of 100, rated Mixed

2019

17 recalls · 768 complaints

53
MixedReliability score: 53 out of 100, rated Mixed

2018(this page)

13 recalls · 841 complaints

See full Honda Odyssey years-to-avoid analysis →

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.

avg 65
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Honda Odyssey reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201853/100Mixed
201953/100Mixed
202060/100Good
202169/100Good
202265/100Good
202370/100Good
202473/100Good
202573/100Good

Honda Odyssey Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202672/100 (predicted)Predicted23
202573/1000Good282
202473/100+3Good343
202370/100+5Good575
202265/100-4Good8108
202169/100+9Good6108
202060/100+7Good11342
201953/1000Mixed17768
2018(selected)53/100Mixed13841

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2018 Honda Odyssey reliable?
The 2018 Honda Odyssey has a "Mixed" reliability rating (53/100) and may present some ownership challenges. With 13 recalls and 841 complaints, buyers should research known issues carefully.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Honda Odyssey?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 Honda Odyssey include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (186 complaints), POWER TRAIN (147 complaints), ENGINE (98 complaints), FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (82 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (75 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2018 Honda Odyssey have?
The 2018 Honda Odyssey has 13 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2018 Honda Odyssey expensive to maintain?
The 2018 Honda Odyssey has estimated annual repair costs of $547/year, which is $100 less than the minivans average of $647. Its reliability score of 53/100 and 841 owner complaints suggest that unexpected repairs are more likely. Budgeting for maintenance reserves is advisable.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue