2015 Honda Odyssey Safety Report

2015 Honda Odyssey: Strong crash ratings, but plagued by engine/powertrain complaints and multiple seat-related recalls.

189Complaints
6Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
65/100Reliability Score
8Injuries
Most reported components: Engine (24)Power Train (24)Unknown Or Other (16)Structure (16)Seats (12)Power Train,Engine (11)Electrical System (9)Air Bags (6)Fuel/Propulsion System (3)Suspension (3)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2015 Honda Odyssey

The 2015 Honda Odyssey presents a generally strong safety profile based on NHTSA crash test ratings, achieving a perfect 5-star overall rating, including 5 stars for frontal and side impacts, and 4 stars for rollover. However, this strong crash performance is contrasted by a notable number of consumer complaints and a significant recall history. With 189 total complaints, 8 of which involved injuries, there are clear patterns of concern. The vehicle has been subject to 6 recalls, many of which address critical safety components like the fuel pump (potentially causing engine stalls), and multiple recalls related to the second-row seats, which could increase injury risk during a crash if not properly secured or positioned. The most frequent complaints revolve around the ENGINE and POWER TRAIN, indicating potential reliability issues that, while not directly crash-related, can lead to loss of motive power or unexpected vehicle behavior, as evidenced by complaints of engine misfires and transmission shifting problems. The fuel pump recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V-652) is particularly concerning as it directly links to engine stall risk.

Reliability Score

The 2015 Honda Odyssey receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2015 Honda Odyssey

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2015 Honda Odyssey:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Engine Misfires Due To Piston Ring Deterioration
Honda's VCM system can cause oil to seep past piston rings, leading to fouled spark plugs, engine misfires (DTCs P0301-P0304), rough idling, and loss of drivability. This is a known issue with a warranty extension.
High Common unknown miles
Fuel Pump Failure
A widespread recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V-652) addresses fuel pump failure that can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing crash risk. Some complaints indicate failures outside the recall scope.
High Occasional unknown miles
Spool Valve Oil Leak Onto Alternator
The front rocker arm oil control valve (spool valve) gasket can fail, leaking engine oil directly onto the alternator, causing it to fail. This leads to loss of electrical power and vehicle stalling.
High Occasional unknown miles
Automatic Sliding Door Malfunction
Sliding doors may fail to open or close properly, sometimes remaining open unexpectedly, posing a security and safety risk.
Medium Occasional unknown miles
Transmission Shifting Issues
The vehicle may shift abruptly from 1st to 2nd gear, causing a loud jerk and feeling like the car will break down. Dealerships often suggest fluid replacement without a permanent solution.
Medium Occasional unknown miles
Second-Row Seat Latch/Slide Mechanism Issues
Multiple recalls (NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 17V-725, 17V-724, 15V-827) address issues where second-row outboard seats may not properly latch or can slide sideways, increasing injury risk during a crash if not secured.
High Common unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2015 Honda Odyssey:

Engine 12% of complaints

Frequent complaints about engine misfires, rough idling, and loss of power, often linked to piston ring deterioration and oil leaks from the spool valve.

Power Train 12% of complaints

Issues include abrupt shifting, particularly between 1st and 2nd gear, and general transmission malfunctions.

Seats 6% of complaints

Multiple recalls and complaints regarding the second-row seat mechanisms, including issues with latching and sliding, posing a safety risk in a crash.

Fuel System, Gasoline 3% of complaints

Concerns about fuel pump failures leading to engine stalls, with a significant recall issued for this component.

Electrical System 4% of complaints

Problems often stem from alternator failure due to oil leaks, leading to loss of electrical power and vehicle systems shutting down.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2015 Honda Odyssey

Is the 2015 Honda Odyssey safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2015 Honda Odyssey received excellent crash test ratings (5-star overall, frontal, and side, 4-star rollover). However, it has 189 total complaints, 8 involving injuries, and 6 recalls, many addressing critical safety components like fuel pumps and second-row seats. While it performs well in crashes, potential reliability issues, particularly with the engine and powertrain, and unaddressed recall repairs, could pose risks.

What are common problems with the 2015 Honda Odyssey?

The most reported issues for the 2015 Honda Odyssey are related to the ENGINE (24 complaints) and POWER TRAIN (24 complaints), often involving engine misfires due to piston ring deterioration, oil leaks onto the alternator, and abrupt transmission shifting. There are also significant concerns and recalls regarding the SEATS (12 complaints) and FUEL SYSTEM (3 complaints) due to fuel pump failures.

Are there any recalls for the 2015 Honda Odyssey?

Yes, the 2015 Honda Odyssey has 6 recalls. These include recalls for fuel pump failure (NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V-652), multiple recalls for second-row seat latching and sliding mechanisms (NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 17V-725, 17V-724, 15V-827), a recall for potential fuel leaks from the fuel tank assembly (NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V-828), and a recall for wheelchair restraint systems (NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V-709).

Does the 2015 Honda Odyssey have engine problems?

Yes, the 2015 Honda Odyssey has a notable number of engine-related complaints (24 total). Common problems include engine misfires caused by piston ring deterioration, often linked to the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system, and oil leaks from the spool valve onto the alternator, which can lead to engine stalling and loss of power.

How reliable is the 2015 Honda Odyssey?

The reliability of the 2015 Honda Odyssey is a mixed bag. While Honda generally has a reputation for reliability, the 2015 Odyssey has 189 NHTSA complaints, with significant patterns in engine and powertrain issues, and 6 recalls. This suggests that while some owners may have a trouble-free experience, there are known, recurring problems that could impact long-term reliability and require costly repairs.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given its excellent crash test ratings but significant number of engine/powertrain complaints and multiple safety recalls, prospective buyers should ensure all recalls have been addressed and consider a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine, transmission, and second-row seat mechanisms.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2015 Honda Odyssey

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2015 Honda Odyssey. The data includes 189 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 6 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 8 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2015 Honda Odyssey an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.