NHTSA vehicle safety data

2012 Honda Odyssey Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2012 Honda Odyssey has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 245 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Honda dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2012 Honda Odyssey, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2012 Honda Odyssey owner complaints

Owners have filed 245 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Honda Odyssey, describing incidents dated October 6, 2011 to September 4, 2026.

Most-cited components

Service Brakes 60 complaints
Engine 45 complaints
Electrical System 37 complaints
Structure 25 complaints
Power Train 24 complaints
Unknown or Other 23 complaints

Of the 245 complaints on file, 14 report a crash and 6 a fire; across all 245 complaints, owners report 22 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11765690 · Filed September 20, 2026
My vehicle electrical system has been acting up since I got vehicle and I don't know where to take vehicle for recent recalls to fix it.
ODI #11763713 · Filed September 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked or while driving at undisclosed speeds, the clock on the vehicle was flashing, causing a distraction to the driver while driving. The contact stated that the flashing of the clock was controlled by satellite…
ODI #11763084 · Filed September 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle and while driving at an undisclosed speed, the radio screen displayed "0:00", and the navigation system was inoperable. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was…

Read all 245 complaints

Owner-reported

2012 Honda Odyssey mileage at failure

183 of the 245 complaints on file for the 2012 Honda Odyssey give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
Component	Median	Middle half	Based on
Service Brakes	Median 20,000 miles	Middle half 15,000–35,000 miles	Based on 48 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2012 Honda Odyssey in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Defect Petition DP26-005: Inadvertent Deployment of Air Bags
Closed September 24, 2026

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Second Row Seats may Tip Forward when Braking

NHTSA #17V725000 · Seats — Mid/Rear Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported November 17, 2017 · Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Potentially affected: 806,936 vehicles

Repair completion: 79.88% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Honda campaign P0Q · Owners notified April 2, 2018

Defect description

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 seat striker, allowing the seat to tip forward unexpectedly during braking.

Safety consequence

If the seat tips forward during braking, it can increase the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

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. Honda's number for this recall is S0G.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Second Row Outboard Seats may Stay Unlocked

NHTSA #16V933000 · Seats — Mid/Rear Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported December 27, 2016 · Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Potentially affected: 633,753 vehicles

Repair completion: 80.78% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Honda campaign KD5 · Owners notified April 3, 2017 · Vehicles built August 23, 2011 – September 12, 2012 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Odyssey vehicles manufactured August 17, 2010, to October 1, 2015. The affected vehicles have second row outboard seats that have a release lever that allows the seats to move for easier access to the third row of seats. This release lever may remain in the unlocked position allowing the seats to move unexpectedly.

Safety consequence

An unlocked second row outboard seat increases the risk of injury to the seat occupant during a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional bracket and spring to both second row outboard seats, free of charge. Interim letter has been mailed, and a second notification will be sent . Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is KD5.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Brake Shift Interlock/FMVSS 114

NHTSA #13V143000 · Power Train — Automatic Transmission · NHTSA notice

Reported April 15, 2013 · Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Potentially affected: 204,169 vehicles

Honda campaign S96, S97, S98 · Owners notified May 13, 2013 · Vehicles built June 11, 2012 – September 12, 2012 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Honda is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 CR-V, Odyssey, and model year 2013 Acura RDX vehicles. During sub-freezing temperatures, the brake-shift interlock blocking mechanism may become slow and allow the gear selector to be moved from the Park position without pressing the brake pedal. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Safety consequence

If the gear selector is moved from the park position without pressing the brake pedal it can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda or Acura dealer. The dealer will install an updated brake shift interlock blocking mechanism free of charge. The recall began on May 13, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009. Honda's campaign recall numbers are S96, S97, and S98.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Driver's Airbag Module may be Missing Rivets

NHTSA #13V016000 · Air Bags · NHTSA notice

Reported January 18, 2013 · Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Potentially affected: 748,481 vehicles

Honda campaign S75 · Owners notified March 14, 2013 · Vehicles built August 23, 2011 – September 12, 2012 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Honda is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 Pilot and 2011-2013 Odyssey passenger vehicles manufactured from March 13, 2008, through December 21, 2012. One or more rivets that attach the airbag module to the airbag cover may be missing.

Safety consequence

The absence of more than one rivet could alter the performance of the driver's airbag during deployment. This could potentially increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda dealer. The dealer will inspect the driver's airbag module and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 14, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.

Notes

Honda's recall campaign number is S75.Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

FRONT SUSPENSION DAMPER BOLT

NHTSA #11V602000 · Suspension — Front · NHTSA notice

Reported December 22, 2011 · HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)

Potentially affected: 9 vehicles

Honda campaign S13 · Owners notified December 19, 2011 · Vehicles built October 31, 2011 – November 30, 2011 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012, ODYSSEY VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 31, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2011. THE RETENTION NUT FOR THE FRONT RIGHT LOWER SUSPENSION DAMPER BOLT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER TORQUE, POTENTIALLY ALLOWING THE NUT TO LOOSEN.

Safety consequence

IF THE NUT LOOSENS, THE FRONT HUB ASSEMBLY WOULD ONLY BE ATTACHED BY ONE BOLT, ALLOWING THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY TO SHIFT TO AN EXTREME INWARD ANGLE, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF STEERING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

HONDA CONTACTED ALL NINE OWNERS BY PHONE ON DECEMBER 19, 2011, AND REPAIRED THE VEHICLES AS NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.

Notes

OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

2012 Honda Odyssey VAN FWD

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Frontal Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Rollover

13% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

1 investigation

245 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Honda Odyssey.

Electrical System; Seats

ODI #11765690

Incident: August 20, 2026 · Filed: September 20, 2026

My vehicle electrical system has been acting up since I got vehicle and I don't know where to take vehicle for recent recalls to fix it.

Electrical System

ODI #11763713

Incident: September 4, 2026 · Filed: September 11, 2026

The contact owns a 2012 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked or while driving at undisclosed speeds, the clock on the vehicle was flashing, causing a distraction to the driver while driving. The contact stated that the flashing of the clock was controlled by satellite GPS, and the system could not be reset. The dealer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

Electrical System; Equipment

ODI #11763084

Incident: August 15, 2026 · Filed: September 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2012 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle and while driving at an undisclosed speed, the radio screen displayed "0:00", and the navigation system was inoperable. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.

Electrical System

ODI #11756147

Incident: April 9, 2026 · Filed: August 11, 2026

I own a Honda Odyssey equipped with the Auto Idle Stop (automatic engine start-stop) system. The feature has not operated properly and behaves inconsistently. In addition to frequently failing to engage when the vehicle is stopped, I have experienced several instances where the engine shut off as part of the Auto Idle Stop function and then failed to restart promptly when I attempted to proceed. On several occasions, while stopped at red lights on major roads and highways, the vehicle stalled and took a considerable amount of time to restart. During these incidents, I was unable to move the vehicle when traffic began moving, leaving me stranded in active traffic lanes and creating a significant safety hazard. The delayed restart exposed me and my passengers to the risk of rear-end collisions and other accidents. This issue has occurred multiple times and has caused me to lose confidence in the reliability and safety of the Auto Idle Stop system. A vehicle should not become temporarily disabled in traffic due to the failure of a system intended to improve fuel efficiency. Given the repeated nature of the problem and the potential for serious injury, I believe this issue warrants investigation. On August 7, 2026, I brought my Honda Odyssey to an authorized Honda dealership to diagnose the Auto Idle Stop system due to repeated incidents in which the vehicle failed to restart promptly after the engine shut off at a stop. According to the dealership's service report, the technician stated that they had identified similar complaints from other Honda Odyssey owners and that Honda is currently investigating the concern. The technician monitored live vehicle data and determined that the battery voltage did not drop excessively, the starter was not drawing excessive voltage, and no diagnostic snapshots or fault data were stored by the vehicle at the time of inspection. As a result, the dealership was unable to perform any repairs.

Power Train

ODI #11738298

Incident: December 11, 2023 · Filed: May 16, 2026

piston rings wore out prematurely on our 2012 honda odyssey. this was caused by the vcm system. its a known issue on hondas. it only had 88,600 miles at the time. we were driving our 2012 honda odyssey in december 2023. the check engine light began to flash. it starting running rough. we had it towed to a honda dealer for inspection. they pulled codes p303 and p304. they said the rings were worn and spark plugs fouled. they said this is a common issue because of the vcm. they peformed a rering job and with all parts and labor the cost came to $4000. we are very disgusted that this issue was already known by honda and they failed to place the vehicle on recall or wave the repair cost. they had a previous recall for this issue, but they say it was for a limited time frame. my mother only drives less than 10k miles a year, so the issue wouldnt have happened before 2016, as the miles on her van were still very low. we are issueing a complaint against honda for this issue. we are asking for reimbursement for the repair for the piston ring job which was $4000 while we had the vehicle in for this repair, we were also informed of other issues with the van, and we went ahead with those repairs as well, which brought our repair bill total to over $6419, which is also shown on the same receipt.

Electrical System

ODI #11735117

Incident: April 29, 2026 · Filed: May 1, 2026

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Honda Odyssey. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. The vehicle mileage was 117,000 at the time of purchase; however, the title listed the mileage at 14,580. The Department of Motor Vehicle reported that the actual mileage as 214,000.

Electrical System

ODI #11735013

Fire

Incident: April 22, 2026 · Filed: May 1, 2026

The 2012 Honda odyssey alternator caught on fire after the battery light came on which luckily I, the driver, was able to put out. The next day I towed the vehicle to Boyd Honda Auto in Oxford, NC, where they confirmed with diagnostic that the alternator was overworking and that there was a seeping spool valve. This seeping spool valve is a manufacturer’s defect.

Electrical System

ODI #11733644

Fire

Incident: April 22, 2026 · Filed: April 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 there was a sweeping spool valve that had leaked which must have caused the alternator to blaze because this is a manufacturer’s defect from Honda.

Electrical System

ODI #11703691

Incident: December 8, 2025 · Filed: December 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 report that the mileage was 285,000.

Engine

ODI #11687498

Incident: September 1, 2025 · Filed: September 16, 2025

Vcm problems burn oil and misfire code

Other Honda Odyssey model years

Check your 2012 Honda Odyssey VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Honda Odyssey at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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