2018 Honda Odyssey Safety Report
2018 Honda Odyssey: Excellent Crash Ratings, but Plagued by Numerous Recalls and Engine/Electrical Complaints
AI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Honda Odyssey
Reliability Score
The 2018 Honda Odyssey receives a reliability score of 55 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 2018 Honda Odyssey
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Honda Odyssey:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Failure (Rod Knock/Bearing Failure) Numerous complaints detail engine knocking, misfires, and complete engine failure, often attributed to rod bearing issues, requiring costly engine replacements. |
High | Common | 70000-90000 miles |
| Power Liftgate And Sliding Door Malfunctions Water intrusion into electrical modules in the rear causes the power liftgate and sliding doors to malfunction, open unexpectedly, or fail completely. This is also covered by a recall for sliding door latch issues. |
Medium | Common | unknown miles |
| Multipurpose Camera/Adas System Failure The front-facing camera, crucial for Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, and Collision Mitigation Braking System, frequently fails, disabling critical safety features. This is also covered by multiple rearview camera recalls. |
High | Common | unknown miles |
| Transmission Issues (Stalling, Failure To Respond) Reports of the vehicle shifting into neutral, accelerator not responding, and complete transmission failure, sometimes linked to loose battery terminal connections as per a recall. |
High | Occasional | 40000-60000 miles |
| Fuel Pump Failure A widespread recall addresses fuel pump failure that can cause engine stalling while driving, increasing crash risk. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Honda Odyssey:
81 complaints related to engine issues, including rod knock, misfires, and complete engine failure, often requiring replacement. This is also covered by a recall for engine hard parts.
79 complaints, many detailing issues with the multipurpose camera, ADAS systems, and general electrical failures, some linked to water intrusion or wiring harness problems (covered by recall).
76 complaints, including transmission malfunctions, stalling, and issues with the parking rod, some of which are addressed by recalls related to battery connections affecting the TCU.
56 complaints, frequently mentioning water leaks from roof seams or around the tailgate, leading to damage to electrical components and power door malfunctions.
53 complaints specifically about the failure of these advanced safety systems, often due to the multipurpose camera malfunction.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Honda Odyssey
Is the 2018 Honda Odyssey safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 Honda Odyssey received excellent 5-star crash test ratings for overall, frontal, and side impacts, and a 4-star rollover rating, indicating strong crash protection. However, it has a high number of owner complaints (860 total) and 13 recalls, including issues that could increase crash risk like engine stalls, rearview camera failures, and power sliding door malfunctions. While it performs well in a crash, its reliability and potential for component failures are significant concerns.
What are common problems with the 2018 Honda Odyssey?
The most reported issues for the 2018 Honda Odyssey are related to the ENGINE (81 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (79 complaints), and POWER TRAIN (76 complaints). Specific common problems include engine failure (often rod knock), malfunctions of the power liftgate and sliding doors due to water intrusion, and failures of the multipurpose camera which disables critical ADAS features like collision mitigation and lane keeping assist.
How many recalls does the 2018 Honda Odyssey have?
The 2018 Honda Odyssey has a significant number of recalls, totaling 13. These recalls address various issues including fuel pump failure, engine hard parts, rearview camera display problems, seat belt buckle manufacturing defects, fuel tank overfilling, power sliding door latch failures, electrical wiring shorts, and transmission control unit issues.
Are there any known engine issues with the 2018 Honda Odyssey?
Yes, there are significant known engine issues with the 2018 Honda Odyssey, with 81 complaints related to the ENGINE component. Many owners report experiencing rod knock, misfires, and complete engine failure, often around the 70,000-90,000 mile range. There is also a recall (NHTSA ID: 19V-858) specifically for engine hard parts that could lead to engine damage or stalling.
Does the 2018 Honda Odyssey have issues with its safety features?
Yes, the 2018 Honda Odyssey has reported issues with its safety features, particularly those relying on the multipurpose camera. There are 53 complaints related to 'FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE' and 28 for 'FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE' alone. Owners report the camera failing, which disables Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, and Collision Mitigation Braking System. Multiple recalls also address rearview camera display failures.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Despite its strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the 2018 Honda Odyssey's numerous recalls and common complaints regarding engine failure, electrical issues, and power door malfunctions; thorough pre-purchase inspection and service history review are highly recommended.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Honda Odyssey
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Honda Odyssey. The data includes 860 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 13 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 24 reported injuries, and 3 fatalities associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2018 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.