2017 Honda Odyssey Safety Report

2017 Honda Odyssey earns high safety ratings but faces recurring engine, transmission, and electrical complaints with two recalls.

36Complaints
2Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
65/100Reliability Score
1Injuries
Most reported components: Engine (6)Unknown Or Other (5)Power Train (4)Electrical System (3)Structure (2)Fuel System, Gasoline (2)Visibility/Wiper (2)Service Brakes (2)Fuel/Propulsion System (1)Electrical System,Latches/Locks/Linkages (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Honda Odyssey

The 2017 Honda Odyssey presents a generally strong safety profile, evidenced by its excellent NHTSA crash test ratings, achieving 5 stars overall, 5 stars for frontal and side impacts, and 4 stars for rollover. However, a review of 36 NHTSA complaints reveals several recurring mechanical and electrical issues that could pose safety risks, despite only 1 reported injury and no crashes or fires. The most prominent complaint category is the ENGINE, with 6 reports, often detailing stalling, misfires, and piston ring failures, which can lead to sudden loss of power while driving. The POWER TRAIN also shows 4 complaints, frequently related to transmission shuddering, jerking, and even sudden failure, increasing the risk of a crash. Two recalls have been issued for this model. The first, affecting the FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP, addresses a critical issue where fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, directly increasing crash risk. The second recall pertains to SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY, specifically the second-row outboard seats, where improper positioning could lead to the seat tipping forward during braking, increasing injury risk. While these recalls address significant safety concerns, the complaint data suggests ongoing issues beyond these specific recall remedies, particularly with engine and transmission performance. Beyond the engine and powertrain, other notable complaint areas include UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3 complaints), and STRUCTURE (2 complaints), which includes issues like sliding doors detaching or slamming shut unexpectedly. Several complaints also describe sudden unintended acceleration and electrical malfunctions affecting locks, alarms, and even causing the vehicle to attempt to start itself. While the crash test performance is commendable, the pattern of mechanical and electrical failures reported by owners indicates potential reliability and safety concerns that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Reliability Score

The 2017 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 2017 Honda Odyssey

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Honda Odyssey:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Engine Misfire/Stalling
Multiple complaints detail engine misfires, piston ring failures, and sudden stalling while driving, often requiring spark plug and coil replacements.		 High Common 60000-70000 miles
Transmission/Torque Converter Issues
Owners report transmission shuddering, jerking, hard shifts, and sudden failure, sometimes leading to limp mode or complete loss of power.		 High Common 25000-70000 miles
Sliding Door Malfunction
Complaints include sliding doors detaching, cables snapping, or doors opening/closing unexpectedly and forcefully.		 Medium Occasional unknown miles
Sudden Unintended Acceleration
Several reports describe the vehicle spontaneously accelerating rapidly, sometimes leading to collisions, with no clear cause identified.		 High Rare unknown miles
Electrical System Malfunctions
Issues include alarms activating uncontrollably, power locks failing, turn signals not working, and the vehicle attempting to start itself.		 Medium Occasional unknown miles
Fuel Pump Failure (Recall)
A recall addresses fuel pump failure which can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing crash risk.		 High Common unknown miles
Second Row Seat Tipping (Recall)
A recall for second-row outboard seats that can tip forward during braking if placed between specific positions, increasing injury risk.		 Medium Rare unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Honda Odyssey:

Engine 16% of complaints

Frequent reports of misfires, stalling, piston ring issues, and loss of power while driving.

Power Train 11% of complaints

Common issues include transmission shudder, jerking, hard shifts, and sudden transmission failure.

Unknown Or Other 13% of complaints

A variety of unspecified issues, some related to sudden acceleration or general vehicle malfunction.

Electrical System 8% of complaints

Problems with alarms, power locks, turn signals, and unexpected vehicle activation.

Structure 5% of complaints

Issues primarily related to the sliding doors, including detachment or unexpected operation.

Service Brakes 5% of complaints

Reports of front end shaking severely when brakes are applied.

Fuel System, Gasoline 5% of complaints

Includes issues like fuel valve problems and the fuel pump recall.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Honda Odyssey

Is the 2017 Honda Odyssey safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 Honda Odyssey received excellent crash test ratings, achieving 5 stars overall, 5 stars for frontal and side impacts, and 4 stars for rollover. However, it has 36 owner complaints, including reports of engine stalling, transmission failures, and sudden unintended acceleration, which are significant safety concerns. Two recalls have also been issued, addressing fuel pump failure and second-row seat safety.

What are common problems with the 2017 Honda Odyssey?

The most reported issues for the 2017 Honda Odyssey are related to the ENGINE (16.7% of complaints), including misfires, stalling, and piston ring failures. POWER TRAIN issues (11.1%) like transmission shuddering and hard shifts are also common. Other notable problems include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM malfunctions (8.3%) and STRUCTURE issues (5.6%), particularly with the sliding doors.

Are there any recalls for the 2017 Honda Odyssey?

Yes, the 2017 Honda Odyssey has two recalls. One recall (NHTSA ID: 21V215000) addresses a fuel pump failure that can cause an engine stall. The second recall (NHTSA ID: 17V424000) concerns the second-row outboard seats, which could tip forward during braking if not properly positioned.

How does the 2017 Honda Odyssey perform in crash tests?

The 2017 Honda Odyssey performed exceptionally well in NHTSA crash tests, earning an Overall 5-Star Safety Rating. It received 5 stars for Frontal Crash, 5 stars for Side Crash, and 4 stars for the Rollover assessment.

Should I buy a 2017 Honda Odyssey?

While the 2017 Honda Odyssey boasts strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the recurring owner complaints regarding engine, transmission, and electrical issues, as well as the two active recalls. It is advisable to ensure all recall repairs have been completed and to have a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, specifically checking for known powertrain and engine issues.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Despite excellent crash test ratings, prospective buyers should be cautious due to recurring engine, transmission, and electrical complaints, and ensure all recall repairs are verified before purchase.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Honda Odyssey

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Honda Odyssey. The data includes 36 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 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.