Problems · NHTSA complaints
2020 Honda Odyssey problems
Owners filed 492 complaints about the 2020 Honda Odyssey with NHTSA between Nov 2019 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is forward collision avoidance (187).
Complaints
492
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
20
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Forward collision avoidance187
- Electrical system173
- Lane departure128
- Engine71
- Structure32
- Fuel/propulsion system24
- Back over prevention23
- Service brakes21
- Air bags20
- Power train17
- Vehicle speed control14
- Suspension10
- Visibility/wiper7
- Fuel system, gasoline7
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
2
23
13
27
47
78
134
168
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2020 | 23 |
| 2021 | 13 |
| 2022 | 27 |
| 2023 | 47 |
| 2024 | 78 |
| 2025 | 134 |
| 2026 | 168 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Forward collision avoidance
187 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2020 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle in the driveway, the automatic braking system, adaptive cruise control, auto hi-beams, and Lane Keep Assist warning lights illuminated, followed by a beeping sound, and the systems became inoperable. In addition, the multi-point camera was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an internal failure of the multi-point camera was diagnosed. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 83,300.”
Electrical system
173 reports2 related recalls
“My 2020 Honda Odyssey EX-L intermittently fails to restart after the Auto Idle Stop feature shuts the engine off at a red light or stop. This has happened probably 10 times in the past 6 months. In order to start the engine, I must recognize that the engine isn't starting, turn off the vehicle, and turn it back on, often 2-3 times before it actually starts. This leaves the vehicle stopped in a traffic lane at an intersection with traffic trying to pass, which creates a risk of rear-end collision or cars trying to pass me. Cars have gotten into near misses trying to pass me while my vehicle is inoperable. I have no warning lamps or messages before it happens. History: The dealer performed Honda’s idle-stop software update (service bulletin 23-008) in November 2024 at about 63,100 miles. The problem continues. The battery was replaced in December 2022, and the dealer’s October 2026 inspection rated the battery “Good.” (as did a second independent auto shop). At 93,331 miles in October 2026 the dealer documented the complaint, charged a diagnosis fee, and recommended replacing the starter motor at a cost of $954.53 plus a diagnostic fee of $184.95. I contacted…”
Lane departure
128 reports
“Over the course of 3 days, cruise control and lane assist systems would shut off and messages would display about adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and collision avoidance system not working. Sometimes a transmission problem message would also become active. Sometimes the messages would be present at startup but other times the systems would show up green on the display and then the systems would shut off while driving causing the vehicle to suddenly slow down in highway traffic. The root issue seems to be a broken or malfunctioning multipurpose camera for the driver assist system. The camera has not been replaced yet to verify but related codes are active based on a code scanner and symptoms match what is expected for the camera failure. The vehicle is 6 years old with 99,400 miles at the first occurrence of the issue and does not have any windshield damage or signs of water leaking that would contribute to a failure. My primary concern is that the software completely disables cruise control when the camera for adaptive cruise and lane keep assist fails causing the vehicle to suddenly slow down rather than allow normal cruise…”
Engine
71 reports1 crash1 fire
“While Automatic IDLE was on, engine shut down at a red light. Dashboard showed message: put in park. Alternator was fine. Battery fine. I DID get the software update but this happened AGAIN. This time was able to put in park and was able to start the car. I have to remember to turn OFF Automatic IDLE to avoid this from happening again.”
Structure
32 reports
“The power tailgate on my 2020 Honda Odyssey EX-L will not stay open sometimes. After it is raised it sags and soemtimes closes on its own, with a beep. This happened mutltiples times over the past year and a few times in XXX where it has closed on my young children while they were near or loading into the vehicle, and it hit me on the head. Nobody was seriously injured, but a heavy tailgate closing on a child's head or neck could cause serious harm. Honda service bulletin 22-018 (XXX) describes this condition and says to replace the right tailgate spring (74981-THR-A01) and clips. Honda has not issued a recall. I opened Honda Customer Care case XXX. The dealer told me Honda needs a paid $250 diagnosis before it will consider goodwill, which I declined. I am concerned this is a safety defect affecting other Odysseys and ask NHTSA to review it.”
Fuel/propulsion system
24 reports
“The auto idle start when I am at a red light it will turn off and put it in park. I have to restart the van and put it back in drive. I believe this to be a safety issue. I have my kids with me and its dangerous. I would like to know what can be done and why hasn't this been a recall. I have to remember to push the auto idle button each time I get in to drive otherwise Im afraid ill get stranded at an intersection. Its been going on for at least a year and the dealership thought it was the battery we have replaced the battery so that is not the issue.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.