Honda Odyssey 2005–2010
3rd generation (RL3/RL4)
NHTSA data through 13 August 20264,164 complaints, 3,360 with mileageMethod
- Reports with mileage
- 3,360
- Median of reported failures
- 65,000 mi
- Most-reported system
- Body structure (15.2%)
- Recalls
- 6
Before-you-buy checklist ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
On this generation, failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 30,500 and 105,000 miles.
Figure 1 · Honda Odyssey 2005–2010 · 3,360 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
Complaints per 5,000-mile bin, 0 to 200,000 miles, equal bins on a linear scale. Tallest bar = 255 complaints.
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 85 complaints (2.5%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 8,000
- 25%
- 30,500
- Median
- 65,000
- 75%
- 105,000
- 90%
- 150,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 255 | 7.6% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 114 | 3.4% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 119 | 3.5% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 107 | 3.2% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 103 | 3.1% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 100 | 3.0% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 129 | 3.8% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 147 | 4.4% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 122 | 3.6% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 113 | 3.4% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 137 | 4.1% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 106 | 3.2% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 127 | 3.8% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 106 | 3.2% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 103 | 3.1% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 115 | 3.4% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 104 | 3.1% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 96 | 2.9% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 102 | 3.0% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 102 | 3.0% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 108 | 3.2% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 69 | 2.1% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 70 | 2.1% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 42 | 1.2% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 59 | 1.8% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 61 | 1.8% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 58 | 1.7% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 55 | 1.6% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 52 | 1.5% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 37 | 1.1% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 51 | 1.5% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 26 | 0.8% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 30 | 0.9% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 31 | 0.9% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 29 | 0.9% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 15 | 0.4% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 36 | 1.1% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 12 | 0.4% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 19 | 0.6% |
| 195,000–200,000 | 8 | 0.2% |
| 200,000+ | 85 | 2.5% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain. Complaint counts reflect what owners reported and are not a measure of failure rate per vehicle sold.
What this can and cannot tell you: these are complaints owners chose to file, not a failure rate. Popular models accumulate more of them simply by being common. How this is built.
Owners filed 4,164 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005–2010 Honda Odyssey, and 3,360 of them record the mileage at which the failure happened. That is enough to show not just what fails, but when.
Failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 30,500 and 105,000 miles. The median is 65,000 miles.
The most-reported areas are body structure (15.2% of complaints, typically around 72,000 miles), the steering (9.4% of complaints, typically around 51,000 miles), the hydraulic brake circuit (8.8% of complaints, typically around 18,000 miles).
6 recall campaigns cover this generation.
If you arrived asking “is it reliable?” — this page answers the version of that question the data can support: which problems owners reported, and at what mileage.
How many miles does a 2005–2010 Honda Odyssey last?
Half of the failure reports on the 2005–2010 Honda Odyssey were filed by 65,000 miles and 90% by 150,000 miles — figures drawn from 3,360 NHTSA complaints that record an odometer reading, so they time reported failures, not the cars whose owners never filed one.
85 reports (2.5%) came in past 200,000 miles — each one proof a Odyssey reached that mileage, not that it died there.
Before you buy a 2005–2010 Odyssey: the 3-minute check
Generated from 3,360 mileage-tagged complaints, 6 recall campaigns, 2 documented problem areas. Print this page — the checklist survives print.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 campaigns cover this generation; an open recall is a free repair you can make the seller's problem.
- Check engine on 2005–2010 (VCM–equipped trims) cars. VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) side effects: running on three cylinders lets oil past the rings on the deactivated bank, causing elevated oil consumption, fouled spark plugs and misfire codes P0301-P0304, and the…
- Check body on 2005–2010 cars. Power sliding door and power liftgate actuator failures continue.
- Complaint reports are not spread evenly across model years here — see the by-model-year table below before you settle on a year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car. Aggregate data describes the population; the example in front of you has its own history.
For a buyer, failures on this generation are spread rather than concentrated: the middle half falls between 30,000 and 105,000 miles, with a median of 65,000. There is no single mileage threshold to watch, which means condition and maintenance records are more informative than the odometer.
On inspection, body structure and the steering are where this generation's reports concentrate, so those are the areas worth a specific look. The steering in particular shows a median failure mileage of 51,000, which gives a concrete number to compare against the odometer of any car you are considering.
None of this is a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on the individual car. Aggregate patterns describe a population; the example in front of you has its own history.
What fails, and when
Figure 2 · Honda Odyssey 2005–2010
When each system fails
Bar spans the middle half of reports; the notch inside each bar is the median. Miles at failure on a proportional scale — equal distances are equal ratios, not equal miles.
- Hydraulic brake circuit368 reports18,0005,500–34,000Hydraulic brake circuit: 368 reports, median 18,000 miles, middle half 5,500 to 34,000 miles.
- Steering390 reports51,00034,000–85,000Steering: 390 reports, median 51,000 miles, middle half 34,000 to 85,000 miles.
- Engine and its cooling system231 reports54,00020,000–80,000Engine and its cooling system: 231 reports, median 54,000 miles, middle half 20,000 to 80,000 miles.
- Transmission and driveline356 reports70,00040,000–102,000Transmission and driveline: 356 reports, median 70,000 miles, middle half 40,000 to 102,000 miles.
- Body structure633 reports72,00045,000–110,000Body structure: 633 reports, median 72,000 miles, middle half 45,000 to 110,000 miles.
- Electrical system250 reports90,00049,000–140,000Electrical system: 250 reports, median 90,000 miles, middle half 49,000 to 140,000 miles.
- Engine320 reports100,00075,000–129,000Engine: 320 reports, median 100,000 miles, middle half 75,000 to 129,000 miles.
- Your odometer — appears after you enter it in “Where your car sits”
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first. The first 12,000 miles are shaded: that is the boundary this site uses between a manufacturing defect and ordinary wear, not a property of the world.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body structure | 633 | 15.2% | 72,000 | 45,000–110,000 |
| Steering | 390 | 9.4% | 51,000 | 34,000–85,000 |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 368 | 8.8% | 18,000 | 5,500–34,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 356 | 8.5% | 70,000 | 40,000–102,000 |
| Engine | 320 | 7.7% | 100,000 | 75,000–129,000 |
| Electrical system | 250 | 6.0% | 90,000 | 49,000–140,000 |
| Engine and its cooling system | 231 | 5.5% | 54,000 | 20,000–80,000 |
| Brakes | 214 | 5.1% | 75,000 | 46,000–105,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 185 | 4.4% | 100,000 | 65,000–147,000 |
| Airbag system | 172 | 4.1% | 98,000 | 56,000–133,000 |
Where your car sits
Failure reports by the odometer reading they were filed at. Pick the anchor nearest your car — or type the exact mileage: your marker lands on this curve and on the timing chart above.
Figure 3 · Honda Odyssey 2005–2010 · 3,360 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Share of mileage-tagged reports filed at or below each odometer reading. Steps rise only at bin edges, by exact counted shares.
- 60,000 mi — 46% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 66% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 80% of reports below
- Median — the staircase crosses the 50% line here
- Your odometer — appears after you enter it below
The staircase tops out at 97%: the remaining 2.5% of reports (85) came above 200,000 miles.
Nothing is smoothed or interpolated. Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
At 60,000 miles
46% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.
Reported earlier than this mileage — ask for repair records
- Hydraulic brake circuit — median 18,000 mi
In the reporting window
- Body structure — middle half 45,000–110,000 mi
- Steering — middle half 34,000–85,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline — middle half 40,000–102,000 mi
- Electrical system — middle half 49,000–140,000 mi
- Engine and its cooling system — middle half 20,000–80,000 mi
Mostly reported later
- Engine — middle half 75,000–129,000 mi
At 90,000 miles
66% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.
Reported earlier than this mileage — ask for repair records
- Steering — median 51,000 mi
- Hydraulic brake circuit — median 18,000 mi
- Engine and its cooling system — median 54,000 mi
In the reporting window
- Body structure — middle half 45,000–110,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline — middle half 40,000–102,000 mi
- Engine — middle half 75,000–129,000 mi
- Electrical system — middle half 49,000–140,000 mi
At 120,000 miles
80% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.
Reported earlier than this mileage — ask for repair records
- Body structure — median 72,000 mi
- Steering — median 51,000 mi
- Hydraulic brake circuit — median 18,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline — median 70,000 mi
- Engine and its cooling system — median 54,000 mi
In the reporting window
- Engine — middle half 75,000–129,000 mi
- Electrical system — middle half 49,000–140,000 mi
Which systems, and when
Complaints about this generation are not spread evenly across the vehicle, and the systems that generate the most of them do not all fail at the same point in a car's life. The median failure across all systems here is 65,000 miles; the figures below show which parts of the car run ahead of that and which run behind.
Body structure accounts for 15.2% of complaints (633 reports, 516 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 72,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 45,000 and 110,000 miles.
The steering accounts for 9.4% of complaints (390 reports, 330 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 51,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 34,000 and 85,000 miles.
The hydraulic brake circuit accounts for 8.8% of complaints (368 reports, 299 of them with a mileage figure), and it fails early — a median of 18,000 miles, well before the vehicle's overall median. Failures clustered this far below the rest of the car usually point to a design or manufacturing problem rather than wear, because wear does not selectively target one system on low-mileage examples. The middle half of these reports falls between 5,500 and 34,000 miles.
The transmission and driveline accounts for 8.5% of complaints (356 reports, 314 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 70,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 40,000 and 102,000 miles.
The engine accounts for 7.7% of complaints (320 reports, 277 of them with a mileage figure), and it fails late — a median of 100,000 miles, considerably beyond the vehicle's overall median. That pattern is consistent with normal service life rather than a defect, though it matters for anyone buying an example already near that mileage. The middle half of these reports falls between 75,000 and 129,000 miles.
The electrical system accounts for 6.0% of complaints (250 reports, 192 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 90,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 49,000 and 140,000 miles.
Differences between model years
Within this generation, complaint volume is not constant across model years. The 2005 model year drew the most — 1,046 complaints — while 2009 drew the fewest at 243. The median year sits at 748.
Recalls and what they cover
NHTSA records 6 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation. A recall means the manufacturer or the regulator concluded there was a safety defect or a standard was not met, and that a free remedy is owed to owners — including second and later owners.
The campaigns cluster around body structure (2), the fuel system (1), the electrical system (1). Repeated recalls against the same area of the car generally mean the first remedy did not fully resolve the underlying problem.
Recall status is specific to the individual vehicle, not the model. Checking a VIN against NHTSA's lookup is free and takes under a minute, and it is the only way to know whether a particular car has had the work done.
Reported severity
What owners reported alongside the failure itself, out of 4,164 complaints against this generation:
- Crashes
- 191 (4.6%)
- Fires
- 85
- Injury reports
- 219
- Fatality reports
- 1
These flags are self-reported by complainants and unverified by NHTSA; one report can carry several flags, so the counts overlap and do not sum to a total. They are not adjusted for how many of these vehicles are on the road. No chart is drawn here on purpose: overlapping counts spanning very different magnitudes cannot be honestly encoded as lengths.
Documented problems
Engine 2005–2010 (VCM–equipped trims)
VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) side effects: running on three cylinders lets oil past the rings on the deactivated bank, causing elevated oil consumption, fouled spark plugs and misfire codes P0301-P0304, and the resulting rough running destroys the active engine mounts. Honda ran a warranty extension for VCM spark plug fouling covering the J35 VCM engines.
Body 2005–2010
Power sliding door and power liftgate actuator failures continue.
By model year
| Year | Complaints | With mileage |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 1,046 | 846 |
| 2006 | 879 | 697 |
| 2007 | 1,039 | 843 |
| 2008 | 617 | 528 |
| 2009 | 243 | 199 |
| 2010 | 340 | 247 |
Recalls (6) — is your car included?
Oct 2014 · 2005–2010 · Fuel System, GasolineA fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
The defect. American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain 2005-2010 Honda Odyssey vehicles manufactured June 23, 2004, through September 4, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the fuel pump strainer cover may deteriorate allowing fuel to leak out.
What can happen. A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
The free fix. Parts to permanently repair the affected vehicles are not currently available. Honda will notify owners with an interim letter during May 2014. A second notice was mailed to owners October 6, 2014 when the remedy became available. Any vehicles that are currently leaking from the fuel pump cover will get a replacement, original cover. All vehicles, including those receiving the interim repair, will get an improved cover when they are available. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009. The recall numbers associated with this campaign are JD9 (inspection and/or preliminary part replacemen
Apr 2014 · 2007–2008 · Electrical SystemThe vehicle may suddenly and unexpectedly brake hard, and without illuminating the brake lights, increasing…
The defect. American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Honda Odyssey vehicles manufactured August 8, 2006, through September 8, 2008. Due to a combination of system components and software, the Vehicle Safety Assist System (VSA) may apply the brakes unexpectedly.
What can happen. The vehicle may suddenly and unexpectedly brake hard, and without illuminating the brake lights, increasing the risk of a crash from behind.
The free fix. Parts to remedy these vehicles will not be available until the spring of 2014. Honda will send owners an interim letter notifying them of the issue and instruct them how to prevent unintended braking. A second notification will be sent when the parts become available. Interim notification was mailed in December 2013. The recall began on April 29, 2014. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009 or visit their website at www.recalls.Honda.com. Honda's recall number is JC5.
Mar 2012 · 2008–2009 · StructureStruts with diminished performance can lead to unexpected closure, increasing the risk of personal injury.
The defect. Honda is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 Odyssey vehicles, the gas-filled struts that help to raise and support the liftgate of vehicles equipped with a power liftgate system may be prone to early life failures due to a manufacturing flaw. The flaw can result in a leak of the pressurized gas, leading to reduced strut performance.
What can happen. Struts with diminished performance can lead to unexpected closure, increasing the risk of personal injury.
The free fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace both power liftgate gas struts free of charge. The safety recall began on march 12, 2012. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
Dec 2010 · 2005–2007 · Service Brakes, HydraulicA leak of brake fluid could lead to a change in brake pedal feel and overtime a degradation in braking…
The defect. Honda is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 Odyssey and Acura rl vehicles. Brake fluid containing polymers is used that acts as a lubricant for certain brake system components. If replacement brake fluid is used that does not contain such polymers, or that contains only small amounts, a part of the rubber seal located at the rear of the brake master cylinder may become dry, and the seal may curl during movement of the piston. If this occurs, a small amount of brake fluid could slowly leak from the seal into the brake booster.
What can happen. A leak of brake fluid could lead to a change in brake pedal feel and overtime a degradation in braking performance increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder seal free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during december 2010. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
May 2010 · 2007–2008 · Service Brakes, AirIf the owner does not have any brake service or maintenance performed over a period of months or years, the…
The defect. Honda has notified NHTSA of a defect in certain model year 2007 and 2008 Odyssey and element passenger vehicles manufactured between july 28, 2006 and august 21, 2008. Air can enter the vsa modular pump during an initial self-check process that occurs shortly after each time the engine is started. It is possible for enough air to enter the system to result in a brake pedal that feels soft or lower to the floor.
What can happen. If the owner does not have any brake service or maintenance performed over a period of months or years, the system can continue to accumulate enough air to affect braking performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Honda will notify owner and Honda dealers will repair the vsa modulator by removing any existing air in the brake system then apply sealant and caps to prevent air from entering the brake system free of charge. The safety recall began on may 3, 2010. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Mar 2010 · 2005 · StructureInjury may result from a power liftgate closing unexpectedly when a person is within the closing path of the…
The defect. Honda is recalling certain model year 2005 Odyssey touring vehicles equipped with power operated rear liftgate. The power liftgate gas struts may deteriorate unexpectedly early. Struts that have worn out prematurely may fail to hold the power liftgate in the fully open position, causing the power liftgate to close unexpectedly.
What can happen. Injury may result from a power liftgate closing unexpectedly when a person is within the closing path of the liftgate.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the gas liftgate struts and replace if within the recall population. This service will be performed free of charge. The campaign began on march 26, 2010. Owners may contact Honda automobile customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
What owners reported
Dt: the fan in the vehicle is blowing hot air. When vent is used (110 degrees) outside temperature is about 70 degrees. It is apparent that the air coming from vent has been heated. The engine or hot air from engine has leaked into the air intake. In order to be comfortable in vehicle, air conditioner must be used…
2005 · Engine and its cooling system
Dt: the problem began last october there has been a problem with the vehicle door being loose from the track. The vehicle has been taken to dealer 5 times. The dealer just tightened the bolts. The problem has been reported to Honda. Upon investigation the owner found out that others have the same problem. There have…
2005 · 10 miles · Latches and locks
The consumer is experiencing problems with the transmission. When the vehicle is going 45 MPH or greater the RPM's drops down to about 1400 RPM's. When shifting into over drive. The engine begins to vibrates and will continue up to 55 MPH. When accelerating above 55 MPH the problem disappears. Owner has taken the…
2005 · 12 miles · Transmission and driveline
I purchased a new 2005 Honda Odyssey exl-res on 7/21/05 and i've had a consistent problem ever since. From the first day i picked up the vehicle from clinton Honda's parking lot i immediately experienced excessive steering wheel vibration. It was horrible and started at 65 MPH and continued to 75 MPH. I took the…
2005 · 15 miles · Suspension
Built from 3,360 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-08-18 · open data · reproduce this page