2023 Honda Odyssey Safety Report

2023 Honda Odyssey: High crash test scores, but multiple recalls and recurring complaints about steering, fuel pump, and advanced safety systems.

78Complaints
4Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
70/100Reliability Score
9Injuries
Most reported components: Forward Collision Avoidance (10)Structure (5)Electrical System (5)Engine (4)Unknown Or Other (4)Electrical System,Engine (3)Visibility/Wiper (3)Electrical System,Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance (3)Seat Belts (3)Electrical System,Unknown Or Other,Forward Collision Avoidance (2)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2023 Honda Odyssey

The 2023 Honda Odyssey presents a generally strong safety profile, earning a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with perfect 5-star scores in frontal and side crash tests, and a 4-star rollover rating. However, despite its high ratings, the vehicle has accumulated 78 complaints, with 9 resulting in injuries, though no crashes or fires were reported. A significant concern is the recall history, with four recalls issued. These include a critical recall for potential steering gear box assembly issues that could lead to a loss of steering control, and another for fuel pump failure that could cause an engine stall. Additionally, a recall addresses rearview camera display issues, and another for unsecured wheelchair restraints in modified vehicles. Complaint data highlights issues with the Forward Collision Avoidance system (10 complaints), structure (5 complaints, including water intrusion and liftgate malfunctions), and electrical system (5 complaints, often related to auto idle-stop and dashboard failures). Engine-related complaints, including knocking noises and oil shavings, also appear, with 4 specific engine complaints and 3 combined electrical system/engine complaints. The presence of multiple recalls addressing fundamental safety components like steering and fuel delivery, alongside recurring complaints about advanced safety features and engine reliability, suggests that while the Odyssey performs well in controlled crash tests, real-world reliability and the functionality of certain safety systems warrant attention.

Reliability Score

The 2023 Honda Odyssey receives a reliability score of 70 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.

Known Issues for the 2023 Honda Odyssey

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2023 Honda Odyssey:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Steering Gear Box Malfunction
Recall issued for improperly tightened steering gear box assembly, allowing water intrusion and potential corrosion, leading to loss of steering control.
High Rare new-unknown miles
Fuel Pump Failure
Recall for fuel pump failure causing engine stall while driving, increasing crash risk. Affects a wide range of Honda models including the Odyssey.
High Occasional new-unknown miles
Rearview Camera Display Failure
Recall due to faulty communication coaxial cable preventing rearview camera image display, reducing driver's rear view.
Medium Occasional new-unknown miles
Forward Collision Avoidance System Malfunctions
System randomly triggers 'brake' warnings and slams on brakes without obstacles, or sensors go off randomly.
Medium Common new-unknown miles
Auto Idle-Stop System Failure
Engine fails to restart after auto idle-stop, leading to vehicle stalling in traffic and loss of electrical power.
Medium Common new-unknown miles
Engine Knocking/Oil Shavings
Reports of engine knocking noise, cam shaft bearing deterioration, and oil full of shavings, potentially leading to engine failure.
High Occasional 30000-40000 miles
Rear Liftgate Malfunctions
Liftgate randomly opens/closes while driving or parked, or fails to stop, causing damage or injury.
Medium Occasional new-unknown miles
Spontaneous Glass Shattering
Reports of passenger side mirror or sunroof glass spontaneously shattering without impact.
Low Rare new-unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2023 Honda Odyssey:

Forward Collision Avoidance 12% of complaints

Frequent complaints (10) about the system falsely activating or sensors malfunctioning, leading to unexpected braking or constant alerts.

Structure 6% of complaints

Issues (5) including water intrusion in the trunk/tailgate area and rear liftgate malfunctions.

Electrical System 6% of complaints

Problems (5) with the auto idle-stop system failing to restart the engine, dashboard failures, and general electrical glitches.

Engine 5% of complaints

Reports (4) of knocking noises, cam shaft bearing deterioration, and engine stalling issues.

Unknown Or Other 5% of complaints

Miscellaneous issues (4) not clearly categorized, some potentially related to other systems.

Electrical System,Engine 3% of complaints

Combined issues (3) where electrical problems impact engine function, particularly related to auto idle-stop.

Visibility/Wiper 3% of complaints

Complaints (3) including rearview camera display issues and spontaneous mirror shattering.

Electrical System,Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance 3% of complaints

Interconnected issues (3) where electrical faults, braking system, and forward collision avoidance systems malfunction simultaneously.

Seat Belts 3% of complaints

Complaints (3) related to seat belt functionality or issues.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2023 Honda Odyssey

Is the 2023 Honda Odyssey safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2023 Honda Odyssey received a 5-star overall safety rating, with 5 stars in frontal and side crash tests, and 4 stars in rollover. However, it has 4 recalls, including critical ones for steering and fuel pump issues, and 78 complaints with 9 injuries, indicating potential real-world safety concerns despite strong crash test performance.

What are common problems with the 2023 Honda Odyssey?

The most reported issues are related to the Forward Collision Avoidance system (10 complaints), often involving false activations. Other common problems include structural issues like water intrusion and liftgate malfunctions (5 complaints), electrical system failures (5 complaints, particularly with auto idle-stop), and engine concerns such as knocking noises and stalling (4 complaints).

Are there any recalls for the 2023 Honda Odyssey?

Yes, the 2023 Honda Odyssey has 4 recalls. These include recalls for potential steering gear box assembly issues, fuel pump failure that can cause engine stalls, rearview camera display malfunctions, and unsecured wheelchair restraints in modified vehicles.

How reliable is the 2023 Honda Odyssey's engine?

While the 2023 Honda Odyssey's engine is generally reliable, NHTSA complaints include reports of knocking noises, cam shaft bearing deterioration with oil shavings, and stalling issues, particularly related to the auto idle-stop system. There are 4 specific engine complaints and 3 combined electrical system/engine complaints, suggesting some potential reliability concerns.

Should I be concerned about the advanced safety features?

Yes, there are concerns regarding the advanced safety features. The Forward Collision Avoidance system is the top complaint category with 10 reports of false activations and sensor malfunctions. Additionally, the auto idle-stop system has multiple complaints about failing to restart the engine, leading to stalls.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Despite high crash test ratings, thoroughly investigate the recall repairs and be aware of recurring complaints regarding the Forward Collision Avoidance system, auto idle-stop, and potential engine issues before purchasing.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2023 Honda Odyssey

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2023 Honda Odyssey. The data includes 78 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 9 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2023 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.