2021 Honda Odyssey: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2021 Honda Odyssey? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 114 complaints, with Electrical Faults as the top reported area.
2021 Honda Odyssey Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA official fuel economy rating for the 2021 Honda Odyssey.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions.
2021 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
13.6% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
13.6% probability
Source: 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 2021 Honda Odyssey has 114 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Honda
- Model
- Odyssey
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 114
- Crash-related complaints
- 2
- Safety recall campaigns
- 7
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 28
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2021 Honda Odyssey Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Uncategorized Issues
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Uncategorized Issues, Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2021 Honda Odyssey?
The 2021 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 2021 Honda Odyssey
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the electrical system, including battery and wiring, for any signs of issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components such as the forward collision avoidance system.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle's engine and airbag systems before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the electrical system, including battery and wiring, for any signs of issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components such as the forward collision avoidance system.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle's engine and airbag systems before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 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
Complaints for the 2021 Honda Odyssey are concentrated in electrical faults, with a notable number of forward collision avoidance issues. The data suggests potential concerns with the vehicle's electronic systems and safety features, though the low confidence level indicates these findings should be interpreted cautiously.
- Electrical faults account for the highest number of complaints among all components.
- Forward collision avoidance issues are the third most reported concern.
- Engine problems and airbag malfunctions also appear frequently in complaints.
- Electrical Faults
- Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB
- Engine Problems
All 2021 Honda Odyssey Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Honda Odyssey. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 40 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 25 | — | 1 | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 19 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 17 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 16 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 9 | — | 1 | — | |
| Lane Departure | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | 1 | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
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 2021 Honda Odyssey. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Power tailgate problems caused by water leaking through body seams. A visible gap in the rear hatch allows water to flow into the vehicle and shorts out control module. This has ruined my control module, caused mold and I noticed a burning smell.
Leaking from the roof and tail gate caused the electronic control modules in the sliding door and rear gate to fail.
Both door latches have failed, the first was at 3 years and the second at 5 years. When this happens the door cannot close all the way. This should be a recall as it’s a safety issue and also very costly to repair.
Rear passenger side shock absorber snapped on a family road trip. Vehicle began to fishtail with every bump in the road leading to excursions very close to lane markings at times. Inspection by dealer not only confirmed the damage but also found older damage involving the right…
The forward collision prevention system engages the brakes when nothing/no one is in front of us. It will also engage the lane departure warning, which also engages the brakes, when construction zones remove the actual lane lines and temporary lines are put down. The car gets con…
The rearview camera that does not display an image which can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. I had the vehicle inspected by a third party which believes this could be from insufficient repairs as part of the prior recall NHTSA ID Number: 2…
The error message “Power Tailgate Problem” appeared on the dash. Following the error message, the power tailgate stopped working. It would not open or close with the remote, the button on the dash, or the button on the tailgate itself. I discovered water had been leaking in the t…
the trunk door stopped working due to a leak from the rear left window seal causing the computer to become waterlogged the mechanic that fixed it said its a common issue with the Honda odyssey and should be recalled by Honda, I am therefore requesting the nhtsa to investigate thi…
Power tailgate stopped working. Warning indicator indicated Power Tailgate failure. Dealer found water to be leaking onto tailgate unit from driver’s side roof rail. Recommended replacing and programming new PTG unit and resealing water leak. Repair cost was $1,311.51
My rear hatch for the trunk was filling up with water every time it rained. Took it in to be looked at and they found the door wasn’t sealed during manufacturing and they sealed it. The water damage was already done and buttons for all things no longer lifts or opens the trunk do…
After driving for 2 hrs in single digit temperatures I entered the on ramp to interstate freeway. I lost power, couldn’t accelerate further and the Check engine light was flashing. I pulled over on the 4 lane interstate, turned off my car and restarted. CEL went away. This is the…
The power tailgate on my 2021 Honda Odyssey suddenly failed. A “power tailgate problem” warning appeared, and the tailgate became completely inoperable. It would not latch manually or automatically, even when applying force. The latch would spring back open, and no mechanical sou…
The main screen went black for 3 mins while driving. Booted halfway back up then crashed again. Booted up again and then worked. Its done this 3 times and I've had van for 6 days. 32k miles one owner. Mint looking
Active recall cannot be repaired as there is no parts after reaching out to four local Honda dealerships in the upper Annapolis, Md area. Have been added to the "list" of owners needing the recall completed for about a year and a half now.
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Odyssey. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the reca…
Component or System Failed: Idle Stop System – The vehicle completely shuts off and requires a full restart at red lights or when stopped for several minutes. Safety Risk: The vehicle shutting off unexpectedly in traffic poses a serious safety hazard to both occupants and nearby…
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Odyssey. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the reca…
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Odyssey. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (Air Bags). The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle. The contact called the local dealer, who stated that parts for the recall repair were sent to the dealer s…
I hear a popping/crackling noise from the speakers then I get complete network loss for my backup camera, my dvd player, my clock, maps etc.System does a report after 5+ minutes. Message displayed before everything goes black is Network Connection Lost and MOST Net Off. This issu…
My van is braking when there are no cars or dangers in front of it. Sometimes there's a metal plate on the ground or speed bump when it brakes. Other times there's nothing in front. The car slams on the brakes and I cannot override it with the gas pedal. This puts my kids and I i…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Honda Odyssey.
2021 Honda Odyssey Recalls
7 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Honda Odyssey. 7 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.
2021 Honda Odyssey Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Honda Odyssey reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 114 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 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 2021 Honda Odyssey?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (40 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (25 complaints). #3: Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB (19 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Honda Odyssey?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Honda Odyssey?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Honda Odyssey, NHTSA complaints include 2 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 114 total complaints. 4 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Honda Odyssey have any recalls?▾
Yes. 7 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Honda Odyssey. A major recall area is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE. 7 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 2021 Honda Odyssey?▾
The 2021 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 Electrical Faults 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 2021 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.