2021 Honda Odyssey Safety Report

2021 Honda Odyssey: Excellent Crash Ratings, but Plagued by Electrical, Airbag, and Recall Resolution Issues

111Complaints
6Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
65/100Reliability Score
4Injuries
Most reported components: Electrical System (15)Air Bags (15)Unknown Or Other (12)Forward Collision Avoidance (9)Suspension (4)Structure (3)Engine (3)Visibility/Wiper (3)Visibility (3)Electrical System,Unknown Or Other (2)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating, including 5 stars for frontal and side impacts, and 4 stars for rollover, its complaint and recall data reveal several concerning patterns. With 111 total complaints, including 4 reported injuries, there are notable issues beyond crashworthiness. A significant number of complaints, 15 each, are directed at the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and AIR BAGS, with another 12 under 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER'. The FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE system also accounts for 9 complaints, indicating potential malfunctions in active safety features. The recall history for the 2021 Odyssey is extensive, with 6 recalls addressing critical components. These include recalls for AIR BAGS (specifically occupant classification sensors), FUEL SYSTEM (fuel pump failure leading to engine stall), and BACK OVER PREVENTION (rearview camera display issues). Other recalls cover EQUIPMENT (wheelchair restraints), VISIBILITY (side-view mirror bonding), and FUEL SYSTEM (fuel tank overfilling). The presence of multiple recalls for fundamental safety systems like airbags and fuel delivery, coupled with a high number of complaints about electrical and airbag systems, suggests potential manufacturing or design flaws that could impact real-world safety despite strong crash test scores. Common complaint patterns include issues with the forward collision avoidance system engaging brakes unnecessarily, power tailgate malfunctions often linked to water leaks, and problems with the auto idle stop feature causing the vehicle to stall. Several complaints also highlight the unavailability of parts for recall repairs, particularly for the airbag recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000), which leaves owners driving vehicles with known safety defects. This indicates that while issues are identified, the resolution process can be slow, potentially prolonging safety risks for owners.

Reliability Score

The 2021 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 2021 Honda Odyssey

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Honda Odyssey:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Forward Collision Avoidance System Malfunction
The forward collision prevention system engages brakes unnecessarily, even when no obstacles are present, or misinterprets lane markings, leading to sudden braking and increased crash risk. Accounts for 9 complaints.		 High Occasional variable miles
Power Tailgate Failure Due To Water Leaks
Water leaks from the rear window seal or roof rail into the tailgate assembly, causing the power tailgate unit to fail and become inoperable. Multiple complaints describe this issue, with repair costs over $1000.		 Medium Common variable miles
Auto Idle Stop System Stalling
The vehicle's auto idle stop feature malfunctions, causing the engine to shut off completely and fail to restart at traffic lights or in stop-and-go traffic, requiring a full restart and posing a safety hazard.		 High Occasional variable miles
Rearview Camera Display Failure
The rearview camera does not display an image, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash or injury. This is also subject to a recall (NHTSA ID: 23V431000).		 High Occasional variable miles
Airbag System Recall (24v064000) Parts Unavailability
Owners are unable to get the airbag occupant classification sensor recall (24V064000) repaired due to a lack of available parts, leaving vehicles with a known defect that could lead to unintentional airbag deployment.		 High Common N/A miles
Infotainment/Electrical System Malfunctions
The main screen goes black, crashes, or displays 'Network Connection Lost' messages, affecting navigation, backup camera, and other critical functions. This is reflected in the 15 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' complaints.		 Medium Occasional variable miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Honda Odyssey:

Electrical System 13% of complaints

Frequent issues with infotainment system blackouts, network connection loss, and general electrical malfunctions, accounting for 15 complaints.

Air Bags 13% of complaints

Concerns related to airbag system functionality, including recall 24V064000 for occupant classification sensors, and issues with recall part availability, accounting for 15 complaints.

Forward Collision Avoidance 8% of complaints

Malfunctions where the system applies brakes unnecessarily or misinterprets road conditions, leading to sudden stops, accounting for 9 complaints.

Back Over Prevention 3% of complaints

Rearview camera display failures, which are also subject to recall 23V431000, reducing driver visibility, accounting for 4 complaints.

Structure (Tailgate) 2% of complaints

Water leaks into the power tailgate assembly, causing the tailgate to fail and become inoperable, accounting for 3 complaints specifically mentioning this issue.

Engine 2% of complaints

Issues such as stalling due to the auto idle stop system or loss of power while driving, accounting for 3 complaints.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Honda Odyssey

Is the 2021 Honda Odyssey safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 Honda Odyssey received excellent 5-star overall, frontal, and side crash test ratings, with a 4-star rollover rating. However, it has 111 complaints, 4 injuries, and 6 recalls, indicating potential reliability and safety concerns with specific components like the electrical system, airbags, and forward collision avoidance system, despite strong crash performance.

What are common problems with the 2021 Honda Odyssey?

The most reported issues for the 2021 Honda Odyssey are related to the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (15 complaints), AIR BAGS (15 complaints, including recall part unavailability), and FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (9 complaints for false braking). Other common problems include power tailgate failures due to water leaks and the auto idle stop system causing the vehicle to stall.

How many recalls does the 2021 Honda Odyssey have?

The 2021 Honda Odyssey has 6 recalls. These include recalls for airbag occupant classification sensors, fuel pump failure, rearview camera display issues, side-view mirror bonding, wheelchair restraints, and fuel tank overfilling.

Are there issues with the 2021 Honda Odyssey's safety features?

Yes, there are reported issues with safety features. The Forward Collision Avoidance system has 9 complaints for unintended braking, and the rearview camera has a recall (23V431000) for display failure. Additionally, an airbag recall (24V064000) for occupant classification sensors is ongoing with reported parts unavailability.

Is the 2021 Honda Odyssey reliable?

While crash test ratings are high, the 111 complaints and 6 recalls, particularly concerning electrical systems, airbags, and stalling issues, suggest potential reliability challenges. The difficulty in getting recall repairs due to parts shortages further impacts perceived reliability and owner satisfaction.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While the 2021 Honda Odyssey excels in crash safety, potential buyers should be aware of recurring electrical, airbag, and forward collision avoidance system issues, as well as the challenges with recall part availability. Thoroughly check if all 6 recalls have been addressed and consider an extended warranty for electrical and powertrain components.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Honda Odyssey

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Honda Odyssey. The data includes 111 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 6 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 4 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 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.