Severe Issues

2012 HONDA ODYSSEY Problems

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2012 Honda Odyssey. This model year has 238 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Brake System.

238
Complaints
14
Crashes
5
Fires
22
Injuries
β€”
Deaths
5
Recalls

Before you buy β€” check the actual VIN

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.

Worst 2012 Honda Odyssey Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#1
60
complaints

Brake System

Crash-related:3
Injuries:3
#2
45
complaints

Engine Problems

Crash-related:1
Fires:3
Injuries:4
#3
31
complaints

Electrical Faults

Fires:3
Injuries:2

Considering a 2012 Honda Odyssey?

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2012 Honda Odyssey. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Brake System603β€”β€”
Engine Problems4513β€”
Electrical Faults31β€”3β€”
Structural Problems252β€”β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain23β€”β€”β€”
Uncategorized Issues2311β€”
Steering Defects21β€”β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues13β€”β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration134β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System1111β€”
Airbag Malfunctions106β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues93β€”β€”
Wheel Issues7β€”β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures71β€”β€”
Tire Issues6β€”β€”β€”
Suspension Failures5β€”β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper5β€”β€”β€”
Visibility3β€”β€”β€”
Door Lock Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Hydraulic1β€”β€”β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)1β€”β€”β€”
Air1β€”β€”β€”
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility1β€”β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Honda Odyssey. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

πŸ”

Showing 238 most recent complaints

Electrical FaultsπŸ”₯ FireApr 24, 2026

On Wednesday night, the battery light initially came on and after a few minutes the van had this burning smell so I pulled over and the alternator was on fire. I put it out with several bottles of water from papa John’s. Today, at Boyd Honda in Oxford said in the diagnosis that t…

Electrical FaultsDec 8, 2025

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Honda Odyssey. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 80,000. It was later discovered, after checking the Carfax …

Engine ProblemsSep 16, 2025

Vcm problems burn oil and misfire code

Engine ProblemsAug 31, 2025

For several years now, we have misfire issue or code P0304. We continue to change spark plugs cylinders. Both usually last a year or so then they need replaced again. I research the problem, no recall or the like. I did see his report on-line, wondering if it applies to us, Warr…

Transmission / DrivetrainAug 26, 2025

Dear NHTSA Advisor, Thank you for regarding my request for warranty coverage for the critical misfire and overheating defect with my 2012 Odyssey Honda Engine 3.5L Engine. Odyssey, as described in Honda’s Service Technical Bulletin 13-081. I must reiterate the severity of my…

Steering DefectsJun 6, 2025

The contact owns a 2012 Honda Odyssey equipped with Cooper Tires, Tire Line: CS5 Grand Touring, Tire Size: P235/65/R17, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle started to vibrate abnormally. The driver was able to pull over safely and became aware …

Electrical FaultsApr 17, 2025

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 130,000, and at t…

Engine ProblemsFeb 7, 2025

vehicle loses acceleration power intermittently. No response when pressing accelerator or when speeding up with cruise control. Pressing the gas harder does not help but the vehicle starts working normally a few seconds later. Dangerous on busy roads. I don't think it is a weak f…

Engine ProblemsApr 23, 2024

The front valve cover is exposed to extreme temperatures from the catalytic converter mounted next to it. There is nothing to protect the rubber components inside from the catalytic converter's excessive heat which is causing them to fail. The steel components inside the cylinder…

Electrical FaultsApr 19, 2024

While driving on Thursday, 18 April 2024, the CHECK CHARGE SYSTEM alert and warning light came on in my 2012 Odyssey. I was able to get to a garage that was a few miles away, but the electrical system gave out about 1/4 mile from the garage. I was able to shift into neutral and c…

Structural ProblemsMar 25, 2024

A few weeks ago a cable for the sliding door on the passenger side snapped. We were able to use it manually until this weekend when the whole door fell right off when sliding it closed.

Structural ProblemsFeb 15, 2024

Cable on passenger side sliding door snapped and door shut without latching on the arm of the person getting in.

Electrical FaultsJan 17, 2024

Drivers side heated seat switch turns on then off shortly after.

Engine ProblemsNov 21, 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power inadvertently in the middle of the roadway. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was unable to veer to the side of the roadway. The contact stat…

Electrical FaultsOct 3, 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, several unknown warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the alternator. The vehicle was not repaired. Th…

Electrical FaultsSep 23, 2023

Prior to the problem, the radio cut off, various lights (battery, abs, etc) lit up and Check System warning light appeared. The car remained running for approximately 10 miles although stepping on the accelerator did not always result in increased speed. Touching the brake caus…

Uncategorized IssuesJun 13, 2023

Misfiring, I have had to change the spark plugs and coils multiple times. I have contact Honda in Green Bay wi and Appleton wi, they have told me the recall has expired. We just bought this car this year from a none Honda dealership used. Had this problems days after getting it.

Transmission / DrivetrainMay 11, 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking. The check emissions and check VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) warning lights illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a local d…

Structural ProblemsApr 16, 2023

Paint is falling off

Uncategorized IssuesApr 12, 2023

I was driving down the highway and my sunroof exploded.

Page 1 of 12

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2012 Honda Odyssey.

Recalls for 2012 Honda Odyssey

5 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 Honda Odyssey. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

17V725000Invalid Date
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

16V933000Invalid Date
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

11V602000Invalid Date
SUSPENSION:FRONT

13V143000Invalid Date
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

13V016000Invalid Date
AIR BAGS

2012 Honda Odyssey β€” FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2012 Honda Odyssey reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. The 2012 Honda Odyssey has 238 NHTSA owner complaints, 14 crash-related, and 5 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Brake System (60 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Honda Odyssey?β–Ύ

#1: Brake System (60 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (45 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (31 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Honda Odyssey?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2012 Honda Odyssey?β–Ύ

The 2012 Honda Odyssey has 14 crash-related complaints and 5 fire reports out of 238 total NHTSA complaints. 22 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2012 Honda Odyssey have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes β€” 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2012 Honda Odyssey. The largest issue: SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

Should I buy a 2012 Honda Odyssey?β–Ύ

The 2012 Honda Odyssey has severe issues β€” review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Brake System issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

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.

Check Your Specific 2012 Honda Odyssey

Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.