NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 245 owner complaints for the 2012 Honda Odyssey. Most complaints involve service brakes (58) and engine (39). The EPA rates it 21–22 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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.
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.
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."
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Odyssey model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 77 |
| 1997 | 27 |
| 1998 | 73 |
| 1999 | 528 |
| 2000 | 685 |
| 2001 | 629 |
| 2002 | 972 |
| 2003 | 940 |
| 2004 | 585 |
| 2005 | 829 |
| 2006 | 703 |
| 2007 | 830 |
| 2008 | 499 |
| 2009 | 198 |
| 2010 | 255 |
| 2011 | 235 |
| 2012 | 245 |
| 2013 | 210 |
| 2014 | 310 |
| 2015 | 207 |
| 2016 | 271 |
| 2017 | 39 |
| 2018 | 1,012 |
| 2019 | 998 |
| 2020 | 492 |
| 2021 | 147 |
| 2022 | 142 |
| 2023 | 105 |
| 2024 | 126 |
| 2025 | 447 |
| 2026 | 63 |
| 2027 | 1 |
“My break petal went soft - as in goes all the way to the floor - it has been looked at by 2 different mechanics - no warning lights, no sounds, just all of a sudden no breaks - it has all new break pads, master cylinder, rotors, etc… the break petal is as soft as can be. I can not stop suddenly.”
“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, Warranty Extension: MIL Comes On with DTCs P0301 thru P0304. Any help would be greatly appreciated.”
“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.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Odyssey Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | $2,900 | 404 |
| Odyssey Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,050 | 423 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
5 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 245 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes (58), engine (39), electrical system (37). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2012 Honda Odyssey at 21–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2012 Honda Odyssey 5 out of 5 stars overall.