Last updated: 2026-03-04

2021 Honda Odyssey Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2021 Honda Odyssey scores 69/100 ("Good"). With 6 recalls and 108 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
6
Complaints
108
Complaint Rate
14.2
per 10k sold
Below 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
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
6 recalls on record
Should You Buy the 2021 Honda Odyssey?
The 2021 Honda Odyssey scores 69/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory.
With 108 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to electrical system (34). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2022 Honda Odyssey, which scored 4 points lower. See also the 2020 Honda Odyssey for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- $100 cheaper to maintain than avg minivans
- Low major repair risk (12%)
- Below-average complaint rate for Minivan
Cons
- Above-average recall count
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Power tailgate and Auto Idle Stop (AIS) system (34 complaints)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER issues reported (15 complaints)
Compare 2021 Honda Odyssey With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 6 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (34)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (15)
- AIR BAGS (15)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (10)
- ENGINE (5)
- POWER TRAIN (5)
- SUSPENSION (4)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (4)
- STRUCTURE (3)
- LANE DEPARTURE (3)
- VISIBILITY (3)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (2)
- STEERING (1)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1)
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (1)
- SEATS (1)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1)
Recall Overview
6
recalls on record
The 2021 Honda Odyssey has 6 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
14.2
per 10k soldSegment avg: 14.6
Safety Incidents
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
4
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2021 Honda Odyssey Recall Details
6 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Honda Odyssey. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Vantage Mobility, LLC (VM) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Honda Odyssey, 2021-2025 Chrysler Pacifica, and Toyota Sienna vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.
Consequence
An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the retractors, free of charge. Owner notification letters was mailed January 27, 2026. Owners may contact Vantage Mobility customer service at 1-800-488-9082.
AIR BAGS
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
Consequence
An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024, October 18, 2024, and August 2025. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
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.
2021 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 2021 Honda Odyssey
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Inspect rear coil springs for damage or wear
- Check for water leaks in the tailgate area and test power tailgate operation
- Test the Auto Idle Stop system for proper restart function
- Verify Forward Collision Avoidance system does not brake unexpectedly
- Ensure all airbags are functional and check for outstanding recalls
- Test infotainment system for freezing or error messages
Check Any 2021 Honda Odyssey's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2021 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.
2021 Honda Odyssey Common Problems by Component
108 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
34 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Honda Odyssey frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, particularly related to the power tailgate and Auto Idle Stop (AIS) system. Complaints commonly describe water leaks causing damage to the tailgate's electrical components, resulting in the tailgate failing to operate or opening unexpectedly. Another prevalent issue involves the AIS system, where the car stalls and fails to restart properly at traffic lights, often requiring multiple attempts to restart. These problems are reported across a range of mileages, with some occurring as early as 32,000 miles. Safety concerns are noted, as some incidents involve the vehicle unexpectedly shutting off in traffic, posing a risk of rear-end collisions. Buyers should be aware of these potential issues and the associated repair costs, especially if the vehicle has been exposed to heavy rain or has a history of electrical problems.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
15 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Honda Odyssey frequently report issues with the Auto Idle Stop system, which can cause the vehicle to completely shut off at stops, requiring a restart. This issue is often described as occurring without warning and can be particularly concerning at intersections or in traffic, posing a safety risk of potential rear-end collisions. Complaints also highlight problems with the power tailgate, which may stop functioning and emit a constant warning noise, and in one case, unexpectedly close with force, resulting in injury. Additionally, some owners experience malfunctions with the infotainment system, where error messages prevent the use of essential features like navigation and hands-free calling. These issues typically arise at various mileage points, with some occurring soon after purchase and others developing over time, indicating potential ongoing reliability concerns.
AIR BAGS
15 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Honda Odyssey frequently report issues related to airbag recalls, specifically citing the unavailability of parts needed for repairs. Many complaints mention that parts have been unavailable for extended periods, with some owners being told that parts may not be available until 2025. In addition to recall-related concerns, a few owners describe unexpected airbag deployments, such as passenger side curtain airbags deploying without impact, occurring at low mileage around 8,000 miles. These issues raise potential safety implications, as unexpected airbag deployment can occur while driving. Buyers considering a used 2021 Honda Odyssey should be aware of these airbag-related concerns and the potential for long wait times for recall repairs.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (10 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
10 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Honda Odyssey frequently report issues with the vehicle's Forward Collision Avoidance system, particularly involving unexpected automatic braking when no obstacles are present. Common symptoms include the vehicle abruptly slowing down, often accompanied by a dashboard warning and audible alerts, with some incidents occurring in clear weather conditions and on open roads. Complaints also highlight persistent "Radar Obstructed" warnings following light rain or snowfall, which can disable several driver assist features. One report involves a crash where the automatic braking led to a rear-end collision. These issues are typically reported in regular driving conditions, such as school drop-offs or highway travel, and may pose safety risks due to sudden braking and potential rear-end collisions.
ENGINE (5 complaints)
ENGINE
5 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Honda Odyssey frequently report issues with the engine related to the idle stop feature, where the vehicle fails to restart automatically after coming to a stop. Symptoms include the engine shutting off completely and requiring a manual restart, often without prior warning or error messages. These incidents typically occur during stop-and-go traffic or when the idle auto-off feature engages at stoplights. Some complaints note that these issues persist even after following manufacturer recommendations, such as software updates and battery replacements. The problems often arise in cold weather conditions and have been reported over multiple years, suggesting a recurring issue. Safety implications include the potential for unexpected loss of power, which can be hazardous in traffic situations.
POWER TRAIN (5 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
5 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Honda Odyssey report issues related to the power train, with symptoms including unexpected shifts into neutral while driving, delays in acceleration from a stop, and inability to shift from neutral to drive. These issues often occur after electrical anomalies such as the radio turning off or warning lights flashing. Complaints frequently describe these problems arising intermittently, typically after a few months of ownership, and sometimes around 14,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as the sudden loss of power or unexpected neutral shifts can lead to potential accidents, especially in traffic or on highways. Buyers should be aware of these reported issues, as they may affect vehicle performance and safety.
SUSPENSION (4 complaints)
SUSPENSION
4 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Honda Odyssey commonly report issues with the suspension, particularly involving rear coil springs breaking and causing loud popping noises and shuddering, even at low speeds. Complaints frequently mention these failures occurring around 55,000 to 57,000 miles, with some owners unable to obtain replacement parts due to backorders, leading to prolonged periods of driving with compromised suspension. Additionally, there are reports of uneven tire wear, specifically the inside shoulder of all four tires becoming bald while the rest of the tread remains intact, which may go unnoticed until a traction event occurs. These issues have significant safety implications, as they can lead to a loss of vehicle control and require immediate attention to ensure safe operation.
VISIBILITY/WIPER (4 complaints)
VISIBILITY/WIPER
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report persistent issues with the rear view mirror in the 2021 Honda Odyssey, with multiple complaints describing the mirror detaching from the windshield, which impairs visibility and poses a safety risk. Symptoms frequently mentioned include the mirror falling off and becoming unadjustable, inhibiting the driver's ability to view traffic behind the vehicle. One complaint specifically notes a crash resulting from this defect, indicating a potential safety hazard. Another issue involves the driver side mirror replacement, where owners describe distorted images that hinder safe lane changes and merging. These problems are reported despite repeated service attempts to resolve them, suggesting a recurring pattern that may affect vehicle safety.
STRUCTURE (3 complaints)
STRUCTURE
3 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Honda Odyssey report issues with the vehicle's power tailgate and sliding doors, often linked to water damage and unexpected door operation. A common failure involves the tailgate control module becoming inoperable due to water intrusion, causing the tailgate and sliding doors to malfunction and remain unlocked, posing a safety risk. Symptoms include the inability to latch the tailgate and warnings like “power tailgate problem.” Additionally, incidents involving the sliding doors have led to injuries, such as a child’s finger being cut and a passenger being injured by a door unexpectedly hitting them. These complaints suggest potential safety implications, particularly concerning electrical system failures and door operation, though specific mileage details are not consistently reported.
LANE DEPARTURE (3 complaints)
LANE DEPARTURE
3 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Honda Odyssey report issues with the lane departure system, particularly in situations involving pedestrians or construction zones. Complaints frequently mention the system steering the vehicle towards hazards, such as a pedestrian on the highway shoulder or Jersey barriers in construction areas, despite driver input to avoid these obstacles. The system's interference occurs suddenly, sometimes within seconds, and can trigger automatic braking, which poses a risk of collision in traffic. One owner notes that using the turn signal can temporarily disable the lane-keeping feature, while another mentions disabling the system entirely to avoid these issues. These reports highlight potential safety implications, such as unintentional steering and braking, which are particularly concerning at highway speeds.
When Do 2021 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
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 2021 Honda Odyssey reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Honda Odyssey?
How many recalls does the 2021 Honda Odyssey have?
Is the 2021 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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