Head-to-head reliability
Honda CR V vs Honda Odyssey
How the Honda CR V and Honda Odyssey compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Honda CR-V vs Honda Odyssey: The CR-V has 5,805 complaints over 10 years (580.5/yr) versus Odyssey's 3,092 (309.2/yr). CR-V's top issue is steering (1,299 complaints), while Odyssey's is electrical (922). Both have forward collision problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda CR V or Honda Odyssey more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda CR V
The Honda CR-V, in ownership terms, is a compact SUV that owners report as having a concerning number of issues, particularly with steering and forward collision avoidance systems. The complaint pattern suggests that while it may be a popular family vehicle, owners frequently encounter problems that affect drivability and safety, such as steering difficulty, sudden power loss, and malfunctioning safety tech. These issues can make daily driving unpredictable and potentially hazardous, especially when they occur without warning.
Honda Odyssey
The Honda Odyssey, a minivan, shows a different but equally troubling reliability picture. Owners report a high volume of electrical system problems, including issues with the auto idle stop and infotainment, as well as forward collision avoidance systems that can brake unexpectedly. Engine complaints include fuel odors and power loss, which can be alarming and uncomfortable. The overall pattern suggests that while the Odyssey offers family-friendly features, its advanced systems and electrical components are prone to failures that can disrupt driving and raise safety concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Honda CR V | Honda Odyssey |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 5,805 | 3,092 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 40 Better | 81 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 207 | 46 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 580.5 | 309.2 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 184 | 118 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 Better | 3 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Honda CR V
- 01STEERING1,299
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1,165
- 03ENGINE907
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM760
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM741
Owners report the steering wheel making cracking noises and becoming hard to turn at certain angles, sometimes accompanied by the engine stuttering or stopping. This can make the vehicle difficult to control, especially during maneuvers like turning in a parking garage.
The front radar module is reported as easily accessible, raising security concerns, and there are instances of the system malfunctioning, such as unexpected braking. This can lead to sudden stops or a lack of confidence in the safety features.
There are reports of sudden significant power loss on the highway, with dashboard warnings about emissions system problems. This can be dangerous if it occurs during high-speed driving, as the vehicle may not respond to acceleration.
The same power loss incidents are often linked to the fuel/propulsion system, with warnings indicating reduced power. This suggests a systemic issue that could leave drivers stranded or unable to maintain speed.
“While driving, car engine stutters and stops. The infotainment system went black while driving. The system is hard to steer often while turning. The trunk would not open when touching button for it to open. Took out the key fob and it also would not respond.…”
“After having my car for a month I noticed the steering wheel making a cracking noise when turning going down a parking garage. It made this sound when turning both left and right along with suddenly making it hard to turn the wheel in certain angles. The vehi…”
Honda Odyssey
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM922
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE662
- 03ENGINE619
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER507
- 05LANE DEPARTURE420
Owners report the auto idle stop restarting the engine briefly then shutting down, shifting into Park unexpectedly. Also, the infotainment system can glitch when using Apple CarPlay with rear entertainment, causing distractions.
The CMBS (Collision Mitigation Braking System) can malfunction and slam on the brakes without reason, even when there is no obstacle. This can cause rear-end collisions or startle drivers, leading to loss of control.
There are complaints of strong exhaust/fuel odor in the cabin causing dizziness and nausea, as well as engine failure requiring replacement of ignition coils and spark plugs. These issues can be health hazards and lead to breakdowns.
Some owners report engine judder and acceleration issues after repairs, indicating that fixes may not be permanent. This can lead to repeated trips to the mechanic and ongoing frustration.
“My 2026 Honda Odyssey was stopped at a traffic light with Auto Idle Stop engaged. When traffic was ready to move, the engine appeared to restart for about half a second and then shut down. The vehicle then shifted itself into Park and would not resume normal…”
“I own a 2026 Honda Odyssey Elite equipped with the factory rear entertainment system and Apple CarPlay. When using Apple CarPlay navigation (Apple Maps, Google Maps, or Waze) while passengers are watching a movie on the factory rear entertainment system, ever…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Honda CR V — 40 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Acura Integra, Civic Type R, CR-V Hybrid, CR-V, HR-V, 2022-2025 Civic, Civic Hatchback, 2024-2025 Acura Integra Type S, 2025 CR-V Fuel Cell EV, Civic Hybrid, and Civic Hatchback Hybrid vehicles. The steering gearbox assembly may have b…
The risk: Difficulty steering can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the worm gear spring and redistribute or add grease as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2024. Owners may contact Honda Customer Service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers f…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017, 2020, and 2022 CR-V vehicles. The certification label on the driver's side door states incorrect Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR), and tire size information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with th…
The risk: An incorrectly sized tire may cause premature tread wear, or a tire blow out, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install a new corrected label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 18, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is CF7.
The defect: 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,…
The risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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 expansi…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022…
The risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH,…
Honda Odyssey — 81 recalls
The defect: 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.
The risk: An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: 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.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022…
The risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH,…
The defect: Honda (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. If a seat is placed between either of the two positions when attaching the seat to the vehicle floor, the seat will not latch properly to…
The risk: If the seat tips forward during braking, it can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install a bracket to the second row outboard floor strikers, free of charge. The recall began April 2, 2018. Owners may contact American Honda Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138.…
The defect: 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,…
The risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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 expansi…
Buyer analysis
Honda CR V or Honda Odyssey: which should you buy?
The Honda CR-V has nearly double the complaints per year (580.5) compared to the Odyssey (309.2), indicating a higher rate of reported issues. While both have serious problems, the CR-V's higher complaint volume suggests a greater likelihood of encountering a defect. However, the Odyssey has more recalls (81 vs 40), which may indicate more proactive safety campaigns but also more known issues.
Key differences
- The CR-V has a much higher complaint rate per year (580.5) than the Odyssey (309.2), suggesting a higher likelihood of problems.
- The CR-V's top issue is steering (1299 complaints), while the Odyssey's is electrical (922), indicating different failure areas.
- The Odyssey has more than double the recalls (81) compared to the CR-V (40), which may mean more known issues but also more fixes.
- Both have significant forward collision avoidance problems, but the CR-V's radar module security concern is unique, while the Odyssey's unexpected braking is more prominent.
- Inspect the steering system for unusual noises or stiffness, especially when turning, as owners report cracking sounds and hard steering.
- Check for any signs of power loss or emissions warnings, as sudden power reduction on the highway has been reported.
- Test the auto idle stop feature to ensure it doesn't shut down the engine unexpectedly or shift into Park without command.
- Check for any fuel or exhaust odors in the cabin, as these have been reported and can be a health concern.
Before you buy
- Have a mechanic inspect the steering column and power steering system on the CR-V for any play or noise.
- On the Odyssey, verify that the forward collision braking system does not activate without a clear obstacle during a test drive.
- Check the CR-V's engine for any hesitation or loss of power during acceleration, and look for warning lights.
- On the Odyssey, test the infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and rear entertainment to ensure no glitches.
- Review the recall history for both vehicles and ensure any open recalls have been addressed.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Honda CR V | Honda Odyssey |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 118 | 23 |
| 2025 | 234 | 288 |
| 2024 | 373 | 85 |
| 2023 | 500 | 91 |
| 2022 | 247 | 127 |
| 2021 | 314 | 131 |
| 2020 | 339 | 442 |
| 2019 | 1076 | 915 |
| 2018 | 2104 | 951 |
| 2017 | 500 | 39 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Honda CR V or Honda Odyssey in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda CR V vs Honda Odyssey
- Honda CR V total complaints
- 5,805
- Honda Odyssey total complaints
- 3,092
- Honda CR V total recalls
- 40
- Honda Odyssey total recalls
- 81
- Honda CR V avg complaints/year
- 580.5
- Honda Odyssey avg complaints/year
- 309.2
- More reliable overall
- Honda Odyssey
- Honda CR V top complaint area
- STEERING
- Honda Odyssey top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM