2009 Honda Odyssey: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2009 Honda Odyssey? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 198 complaints, with Structural Problems as the top reported area.
2009 Honda Odyssey Fuel Economy
β EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2009 Honda Odyssey trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2009 Honda Odyssey Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2009 Honda Odyssey has 198 owner complaints, 6 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Structural Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Honda
- Model
- Odyssey
- Model year
- 2009
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 198
- Crash-related complaints
- 6
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Structural Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 20
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 17 / 25
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2009 Honda Odyssey Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Structural Problems
Engine Problems
Brake System
Complaint patterns center on Structural Problems, Engine Problems, Brake System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2009 Honda Odyssey?
The 2009 Honda Odyssey shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2009 Honda Odyssey
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the vehicle for any structural damage or rust, especially around the frame and body panels.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components, particularly engine and brake system.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on structural integrity and engine performance.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the vehicle for any structural damage or rust, especially around the frame and body panels.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components, particularly engine and brake system.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on structural integrity and engine performance.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2009 Honda Odyssey, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The 2009 Honda Odyssey has 198 NHTSA complaints, with the highest number related to structural problems. Engine and brake system issues are also frequently reported. The data suggests potential concerns with body integrity and powertrain reliability, though the low confidence level means these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Structural problems account for the largest share of complaints at 63.
- Engine problems are the second most reported issue with 40 complaints.
- Brake system complaints total 21, indicating a possible area of concern.
- Structural Problems: 63 complaints, suggesting possible body or frame issues.
- Engine Problems: 40 complaints, indicating potential powertrain reliability concerns.
- Brake System: 21 complaints, pointing to possible braking performance issues.
All 2009 Honda Odyssey Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Honda Odyssey. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structural Problems | 63 | β | 2 | β | |
| Engine Problems | 40 | β | 5 | β | |
| Brake System | 21 | 1 | β | β | |
| Electrical Faults | 20 | β | 1 | β | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 18 | β | β | β | |
| Hydraulic | 16 | 1 | β | β | |
| Steering Defects | 8 | β | β | β | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 7 | β | β | β | |
| Suspension Failures | 7 | β | β | β | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 7 | 3 | β | β | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 6 | β | β | β | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 6 | 1 | β | β | |
| Fuel System | 6 | β | β | β | |
| Tire Issues | 5 | β | β | β | |
| Gasoline | 5 | β | β | β | |
| Door Lock Issues | 4 | β | β | β | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | β | 1 | β | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 3 | 1 | β | β | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Traction Control System | 2 | 1 | β | β | |
| Visibility | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Electric | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Equipment | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Child Seat | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Other | 1 | β | β | β |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Honda Odyssey. Type a keyword (e.g. βtransmissionβ, βstallingβ, βbrakesβ) to filter.
Honda installed a VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) in this engine which shuts down the back three cylinders to save fuel when the car warms up. Youβll know when it kicks in when you see ECO on your dash. When the cylinders shut down it starts an abnormal wear and tear on those β¦
Passenger side slider wonβt shut, Driverβs side slider wonβt latch. Driver side door suddenly opens when driving!!!! Honda dealer Tech found worn bushing on passenger side center rollers, faulty, driver side, sliding door rear latch, passenger side, outer handle cable popped outβ¦
White paint is peeling, chipping and of inferior quality to a black Chevy Trailblazer I own that is 8 years older.
The contact owns a 2009 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while underneath the vehicle, he became aware that there was severe rust on the muffler. The contact stated that there were flakes on the ground. The contact touched the muffler and put a hole in the plate. The manufactureβ¦
Windshield wipers and also the key fob and the sliding doors as well as the blinkers do not work all at the same time first time itβs ever happened. It was December 8, 2023 and now it happened again in January 29 of 2024 and the issue still persisted when I look this issue up thiβ¦
The contact owns a 2009 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that the front passengerβs side door failed to open. The contactβs handicapped wife was trapped in the vehicle. The contact had to remove the door handle to unlock the door. There were no warning lights illuminated. The loβ¦
Twice during the last year, the bolt securing the drive belt tensioner has broken while driving the vehicle. This results in loss of steering, electrical, and cooling of the engine. The first time the incident occurred on a stretch of rural highway where the lone occupant had tβ¦
Transmission gears, while driving gears don't engage properly. It struggles to change gears specifically between 3rd to 4th gear. Also when parked and change to Drive makes a stump noise.
Van was driven at approximately 7:50pm a short distance. After parking vehicle, 10 minutes later the alarm went off. Upon disarming the alarm, the entire engine was engulfed in flames. Van is maintained regularly, no check engine light indicating any issues with vehicle. Entiβ¦
Vibration between 30-40 mph is usually caused by axles of this car, 06-09 models, that might have safe issue in long run.
On 6/18 I installed a set of aftermarket front left and right lower control arms made by Mevotech part #'s CMS601007 (left) and CMS601008(right), Mevotech has installed a grease zerk on the ball joints which are not on the OEM control arms, in theory this might be good but the gβ¦
my drivers side door started making a grinding noise and when we attempted to close the door it it fell off the track, it almost closed my child in the door, now there is significant body damage and my door is not working
When Honda IT Department wrote and installed the in-dash Navigation Computer System they neglected to correct a permanently and known Date and Time Glitch. January 2022 the date and time went back to 2002. Owners can not correct this glitch. Each time as you start the engine andβ¦
Starting on January 1, 2022, my vehicle's clock (2009 Honda Odyssey Touring w/Navigation) are showing incorrect times on both the dash vehicle clock as well as the one on the Navigation screen, and cannot be adjusted. Time on Navigation screen always starts at around 7.17pm, thenβ¦
A miss fire in the engine which is causing slow speed when going up a hill or using the Air Conditioner. If it was to fail while driving it would be not good, could cause an accident. Also need to bring attention that Honda lack of concern for the safety of the driver and other pβ¦
I PURCHASED A 2009 HONDA ODYSSEY FROM WEST AUTO SALES LOCATED AT 6145 E. LANCASTER RD. FORT WORTH, TX 76112 ON 03/27/2021. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH IT. THE FIRST TWO DAYS OF DRIVING IT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON DUE TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTOR NEEDING TO BE REPLACEβ¦
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND EXCEEDING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT, VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST WARNING, AND TPMS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVE INDICATOR LIGHT β¦
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONSUMED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF ENGINE OIL. THE CONTACT WAS THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE AND LOW OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE IDLING THE VEHICLβ¦
SLIDING DOOR ISSUES. FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND MY PASSENGER SLIDING DOOR OPENED. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP AND GOT FIXED AT A COST. CONTINUED TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH BOTH MY SLIDING DOORS NOT CLOSING PROPERLY FOR A TOTAL OF 6 TIMES. I AM NOW HAVING THE Sβ¦
MY 2009 HONDA ODYSSEY BOTH POWER SLIDING DOORS NEITHER ONE WORKS. THE DRIVER SIDE SLIDE DOOR OPENED AND COULDN'T CLOSE HAD TO TAKE IT OFF THE HINGE AND DO A MANUAL CLOSE YOU JUST CAN'T OPEN IT OR THE DOOR WILL COMPLETELY COME OFF. THE PASSENGER SIDE SLIDING DOOR WILL NOT OPEN AT β¦
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Honda Odyssey.
2009 Honda Odyssey Recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Honda Odyssey. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2009 Honda Odyssey Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2009 Honda Odyssey reliable?βΎ
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 198 owner complaints, 6 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2009 Honda Odyssey shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Honda Odyssey?βΎ
#1: Structural Problems (63 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (40 complaints). #3: Brake System (21 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Honda Odyssey?βΎ
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2009 Honda Odyssey?βΎ
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2009 Honda Odyssey, NHTSA complaints include 6 crash-related reports and 6 fire reports out of 198 total complaints. 14 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2009 Honda Odyssey have any recalls?βΎ
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2009 Honda Odyssey. A major recall area is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2009 Honda Odyssey?βΎ
The 2009 Honda Odyssey shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Structural Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Honda Odyssey reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2009 Honda Odyssey based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.