2012 Honda Odyssey problems
For the North American market, the Honda Odyssey, is a minivan manufactured and marketed by Japanese automaker Honda since 1994, now in its fifth generation, which began in 2018.
The Odyssey had originally been conceived and engineered in Japan, in the wake of the country's economic crisis of the 1990s – which in turn imposed severe constraints on the vehicle's size and overall concept, dictating the minivan's manufacture in an existing facility with minimal modification. The result was a smaller minivan, in the compact MPV class, that was well received in the Japanese domestic market and less well received in North America. The first generation Odyssey was marketed in Europe as the Honda Shuttle.
Subsequent generations diverged to reflect market variations, and Honda built a plant in Lincoln, Alabama, United States, incorporating the ability to manufacture larger models. Since model year 1999, Honda has marketed a larger (large MPV-class) Odyssey in North America and a smaller Odyssey in Japan and other markets. Honda also offered the larger North American Odyssey in Japan as the LaGreat (ラグレイト, Ragureito) beginning in June 1999 through 2005. Both versions of the Odyssey were sold in Japan at Honda Clio dealership locations. Both versions of the Odyssey are currently sold in the Middle East.
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Common 2012 Honda Odyssey problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 2012 Honda Odyssey, several common problems have been reported:
- Transmission Issues: A class-action lawsuit was filed against Honda in 2019 due to problems with the 9-speed automatic transmission in the Odyssey. Owners experienced rough shifting, sudden power loss, and other transmission-related issues.
- Interior Problems: Owners of the 2016 Odyssey have reported discomfort with the minivan's interior, particularly citing hard and uncomfortable seats, along with non-adjustable headrests leading to neck pain during long drives.
- Windows and Sliding Door Issues: Model years 2004-2010 and 2015 were reportedly plagued with defective windows and sliding doors. Owners faced challenges fully closing windows and operating sliding doors due to sticking seals.
- Ignition Switch Failure: The 2004 Odyssey models have been known to experience ignition switch failures, resulting from a defective ignition cylinder lock that prevents the key from turning despite repair attempts.
- Engine Issues: Various engine problems have been reported between 1999 and 2016, including rough running engines, poor fuel economy, vibrations, stalling, and issues with the exhaust gas recirculation valve. Additionally, these models were prone to oil leaks and clunking noises from a broken front engine mount.
- Catalytic Converter Failure: Premature catalytic converter failure has been a common issue in various Honda Odyssey model years, particularly in the 1995, 1999-2001, 2005-2007, 2009, and 2012 models. This failure is often linked to misfiring spark plugs or burned exhaust valves, leading to overheating and eventual failure of the catalytic converter.
- Steering and Suspension Problems: Complaints include issues with shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage, power steering, wheel balance, springs, and bushings. Owners have reported the need for replacements due to wear and tear, leaks, and other related problems.
These issues highlight the range of concerns faced by owners of the 2012 Honda Odyssey, encompassing safety, performance, and comfort aspects of the vehicle.
Do 2012 Honda Odyssey have transmission problems?
2012 Honda Odyssey Transmission Problems
One of the most plentiful signs is when your transmission shifts gears but the result of those shifts are delayed. Transmission fluid leaks are the most plentiful sign you need a transmission fluid change or potentially even a complete flush service.
Is 2012 Honda Odyssey a good car?
Edmunds says
Though it can end up being expensive, the 2012 Honda Odyssey is a top pick for a minivan thanks to its highly versatile interior, long list of features and responsive handling. Notably, we picked the 2012 Honda Odyssey as one of Edmunds' Best Used Cars.
What is the most common problem with Honda Odyssey?
Most Common Honda Odyssey Problems
- Transmission Issues. The most important issue on this list is related to the transmission. ...
- Ignition Switch Problems. Another item of concern might be related to the Honda Odyssey ignition switch problems. ...
- Check Engine Light. ...
- Automatic Doors. ...
- Fuel Pump Issues.
How long should a 2012 Honda Odyssey last?
On average, a well-maintained Honda Odyssey can last for 200,000 miles or more. Some Odyssey owners have reported achieving even higher mileage, with their vehicles still running smoothly. However, this is not a guarantee for every vehicle, as individual experiences may vary.
2012 Honda Odyssey car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Honda Odyssey problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Service brakes problems
- Engine problems
- Electrical system problems
- Structure problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2012 Honda Odyssey vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2012 Honda Odyssey
The NHTSA has received 230 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2012 Honda Odyssey. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2012 Honda Odyssey vehicles.
2024-04-23
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-13
- VIN: 5FNRL5H68CB
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The front valve cover is exposed to extreme temperatures from the catalytic converter mounted next to it. There is nothing to protect the rubber components inside from the catalytic converter's excessive heat which is causing them to fail. The steel components inside the cylinder (e.g., the seal ring) are insulated by these rubber components. When these rubber insulators fail, the steel components are exposed and make contact with the aluminum valve cover resulting in the galvanic corrosion of the aluminum. The most common result I have seen is the deformation of the area where the seal ring is seated (along with holes and cracks). Some people have also suggested possible defects in the casting of the aluminum as a contributing factor (the aluminum is also very thin in that area). Some have suggested the possibility of the uninsulated spark plug arcing, but it seems unlikely to generate enough heat to compromise the aluminum's integrity. The way people have described how the aluminum crumbles seems more indicative of corrosion. There are countless testimonies online of similar defects in Odysseys, Pilots, Accords, and Crosstours with the same engine. I have included a photograph of my damaged valve cover and those of others I have found online.
2024-04-19
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-18
- VIN: 5FNRL5H62CB
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: While driving on Thursday, 18 April 2024, the CHECK CHARGE SYSTEM alert and warning light came on in my 2012 Odyssey. I was able to get to a garage that was a few miles away, but the electrical system gave out about 1/4 mile from the garage. I was able to shift into neutral and coast into the parking lot. The dash lights were all off and the electrical system had stopped working. When I tried to exit the vehicle, I could not open the driver door. The lock was frozen in place and wouldn’t budge. I was able to pull the handle, but it did not unlatch or open the door. The power lock buttons did not work either. I tried all the other doors and it was the same situation. I was literally trapped inside my minivan. Someone tried opening it from the outside and that did not work as the doors had auto locked due to driving. The hood release mechanism worked fine, so I was able to pop the hood and a the mechanic jump started my battery and I was then able to unlock and open my car door. This is a serious safety concern as it suggests that an electric system shutdown due to fire, immersion in water, or other emergency situation would render any occupants stuck inside the vehicle. The mechanic evaluated the situation and said my alternator was broken and needed to be replaced. He did that successfully and I was back on the road in about 2 hours. It’s been running fine since then. I think this is a serious issue that Honda needs to address.
2024-03-25
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-23
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 5FNRL5H42CB
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: A few weeks ago a cable for the sliding door on the passenger side snapped. We were able to use it manually until this weekend when the whole door fell right off when sliding it closed.
2024-02-15
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-15
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 5FNRL5H42CB
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: Cable on passenger side sliding door snapped and door shut without latching on the arm of the person getting in.
2024-01-17
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-17
- VIN: 5FNRL5H65CB
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Drivers side heated seat switch turns on then off shortly after.
2023-11-21
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-21
- VIN: 5FNRL5H65CB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power inadvertently in the middle of the roadway. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was unable to veer to the side of the roadway. The contact stated that he shifted into park (P) and was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had been occurring approximately twice per day while driving. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
2023-10-03
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-03
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, several unknown warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the alternator. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,000.
2023-09-23
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-21
- VIN: 5FNRL5H61CB
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Prior to the problem, the radio cut off, various lights (battery, abs, etc) lit up and Check System warning light appeared. The car remained running for approximately 10 miles although stepping on the accelerator did not always result in increased speed. Touching the brake caused the RPM gauge & speedometer to immediately drop to zero and removing my foot from the brake immediately resulted in both gauges resuming correct reading. Eventually, the car ceased to function and I removed the key. Then I tried to exit the vehicle. None of the doors would open and I remained in the car until my wife arrived with a spare set of keys which opened the door. A mechanic later determined the alternator needed replacement. Had I not had a mobile phone to call someone, I might still be there. Had the weather been either extremely hot or cold the consequences could have been life threatening
2023-06-13
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-01
- VIN: 5FNRL5H61CB
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: Misfiring, I have had to change the spark plugs and coils multiple times. I have contact Honda in Green Bay wi and Appleton wi, they have told me the recall has expired. We just bought this car this year from a none Honda dealership used. Had this problems days after getting it.
2023-05-11
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-05-01
- VIN: 5FNRL5H99CB
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking. The check emissions and check VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) warning lights illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the piston rings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.
2023-04-16
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-16
- VIN: 5FNRL5H99CB
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: Paint is falling off
2023-04-12
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-12
- VIN: 5FNRL5H97CB
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I was driving down the highway and my sunroof exploded.
2023-02-06
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-06
- VIN: 5FNRL5H66CB
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The power door was not shutting correctly. A 5 year old was getting into the car when the door decided to shut. It hit her, and then reopened. When it reopened, the door went off the tracks and fell on my husband. Now the door is completely off the tracks and the body of the car is messed up.
2023-01-13
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-03
- VIN: 5FNRL5H46CB
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: Mastercraft Stratus As size 235/65R17 While driving on highway tire pressure light illuminated then immediately proceeded to tire shop to check tire . Then found left rear tire had a ball and saw the sidewall bead protruding. I had a shop dismount the tire and they mentioned they have seen this before where the inside of the bead started to come apart. He saw the brand and mentioned it seems like they haven’t fixed the issue.
2022-11-23
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-09
- VIN: 5FNRL5H97CB
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: My break petal went soft - as in goes all the way to the floor - it has been looked at by 2 different mechanics - no warning lights, no sounds, just all of a sudden no breaks - it has all new break pads, master cylinder, rotors, etc… the break petal is as soft as can be. I can not stop suddenly.
2022-09-10
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-10
- VIN: 5FNRL5H42CB
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: My 2012 Honda Odyssey brake suddenly failed today. I felt the brake paddle was very soft and had to push all the way to the floor and the vehicle would slowly stop. I had to push very fast repeatedly to feel enough pressure on the paddle to stop the vehicle quickly. There is no indications on the instrument panel indicating the failure at all. My car is maintained regularly.
2022-09-07
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-07
- VIN: 5FNRL5H97CB
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Without warning the breaks will not work. You have to push them all the way down and it sometimes lurches forward after breaking. I’ve had it looked at and they can find nothing wrong. This is a serious problem and needs recalled.
2022-07-11
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-07-11
- VIN: 5FNRL5H99CB
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle made ticking sounds. The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an appointment for the diagnostic test. The contact related the failure to the timing belt; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 163,000.
2022-06-16
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-05-16
- VIN: 5FNRL5H65CB
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The dealer stated that oil was leaking onto the spark plugs. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 87,000.
2022-04-12
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-11-14
- VIN: 5FNRL5H93CB
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light would suddenly illuminate and the vehicle would not properly accelerate and would drive very rough. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that cylinder number one was faulty. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the oil pressure switches were faulty and needed to be replaced. The oil pressure switches were replaced; however, failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 78,000.
2022-03-10
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-06
- VIN: 5FNRL5H69CB
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: Sliding doors on both sides will not close reliably. When closing the sliding doors, the door slides along the track smoothly initially but when it is close to shutting anywhere from 2 feet to a couple inches (usually within inches of closing) the moving door studders its motion, or hesitates and then the door opens again. This has been ongoing for a couple years and although it is intermittent, it has become worse over time. There are only two reliable ways to close the sliding doors. One is to lean heavily on the sliding door at the end of the closing cycle and the other is to drive the vehicle either forward or in reverse while the door is near the end of closing. This poses an obvious safety hazard. We have had a local mechanic look at it but it was not reproducible and seems to be better when the whether is fair so she did not find a solution. We just took it to Marion Honda in Southern Illinois and they cleaned the tracks without charging us and thought it had resolved the problem but it did nothing to help. Problem persists
2022-03-04
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-03-03
- VIN: 5fnrl5h61cb
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: False abs activation at speed above 45mph.
2022-01-11
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-12-18
- VIN: 5FNRL5H65CB
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: a cable on the automatic sliding door snapped while normally opening door with my fob. The door would no longer work automatically. Both automatic doors have been sensitive to weather changes and won't open sometimes, before the cable snapped.
2021-12-11
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-12-06
- VIN: 5FNRL5H6XCB
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Misfire in cylinder 1 Caused van to lose power on freeway almost causing an accident. From 2011-2013 there was a settlement that gave an 8 year extended warranty, but why is it only 8 years when not everyone’s driving is the same? My van was brought to the Honda dealer Check engine light came on, then it flashes
2021-09-20
STEERING,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-08-17
- VIN: 5FNRL5H47CB
- Components: STEERING,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: When applying the brake fro my 2012 Honda Odyssey I feel my steering shaking that may cause an issue while driving on Freeway. I have done the wheel balancing on new tires again too... But still i fee the same.
2012 Honda Odyssey recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 2012 Honda Odyssey.
2017-11-17
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
- Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Honda Odyssey vehicles. The second row outboard seats can slide sideways to one of two positions. If a seat is placed between either of the two positions when attaching the seat to the vehicle floor, the seat will not latch properly to the seat striker, allowing the seat to tip forward unexpectedly during braking.
- Consequence: If the seat tips forward during braking, it can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install a bracket to the second row outboard floor strikers, free of charge. The recall began April 2, 2018. Owners may contact American Honda Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is S0G.
2016-12-27
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
- Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Odyssey vehicles manufactured August 17, 2010, to October 1, 2015. The affected vehicles have second row outboard seats that have a release lever that allows the seats to move for easier access to the third row of seats. This release lever may remain in the unlocked position allowing the seats to move unexpectedly.
- Consequence: An unlocked second row outboard seat increases the risk of injury to the seat occupant during a crash.
- Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional bracket and spring to both second row outboard seats, free of charge. Interim letter has been mailed, and a second notification will be sent . Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is KD5.
2013-04-15
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
- Summary: Honda is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 CR-V, Odyssey, and model year 2013 Acura RDX vehicles. During sub-freezing temperatures, the brake-shift interlock blocking mechanism may become slow and allow the gear selector to be moved from the Park position without pressing the brake pedal. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
- Consequence: If the gear selector is moved from the park position without pressing the brake pedal it can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda or Acura dealer. The dealer will install an updated brake shift interlock blocking mechanism free of charge. The recall began on May 13, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009. Honda's campaign recall numbers are S96, S97, and S98.
2013-01-18
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Honda is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 Pilot and 2011-2013 Odyssey passenger vehicles manufactured from March 13, 2008, through December 21, 2012. One or more rivets that attach the airbag module to the airbag cover may be missing.
- Consequence: The absence of more than one rivet could alter the performance of the driver's airbag during deployment. This could potentially increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy: Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda dealer. The dealer will inspect the driver's airbag module and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 14, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
2011-12-22
- Manufacturer: HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)
- Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT
- Summary: HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012, ODYSSEY VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 31, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2011. THE RETENTION NUT FOR THE FRONT RIGHT LOWER SUSPENSION DAMPER BOLT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER TORQUE, POTENTIALLY ALLOWING THE NUT TO LOOSEN.
- Consequence: IF THE NUT LOOSENS, THE FRONT HUB ASSEMBLY WOULD ONLY BE ATTACHED BY ONE BOLT, ALLOWING THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY TO SHIFT TO AN EXTREME INWARD ANGLE, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF STEERING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: HONDA CONTACTED ALL NINE OWNERS BY PHONE ON DECEMBER 19, 2011, AND REPAIRED THE VEHICLES AS NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2012 Honda Odyssey problems:
Common issues with 4th Generations. | Honda Odyssey Forum
https://www.odyclub.com/threads/common-issues-with-4th-generations.364262/
Jun 12, 2021 ... oil leaks from above the alternator from the vvt solenoid are common. power steering return hose leaks have been posted here. rear main seal ...
2012 Honda Odyssey. I'm considering buying a 2012 Honda ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/p7d1k5/2012_honda_odyssey_im_considering_buying_a_2012/
Aug 19, 2021 ... The biggest issues with this van is the vcm issue, it's a terrible system that allows build up of sludge on the rings which leads to rapid oil ...
2012 Honda Odyssey Problems and Complaints - 13 Issues
https://repairpal.com/2012-honda-odyssey/problems
Top 2012 Honda Odyssey Problems · Electric Sliding Door Issues · Warped Front Brake Rotors May Cause Vibration When Braking · Check Engine and D4 Lights ...
2012 Honda Odyssey Problems | Kelley Blue Book
https://www.kbb.com/honda/odyssey/2012/common-problems/
How reliable is the 2012 Honda Odyssey? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
2012 Honda Odyssey Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
https://www.vehiclehistory.com/report/honda/odyssey/2012
Apr 7, 2022 ... The Odyssey can last over 300,000 miles with some oil consumption and paint issues. Transmission problems have been fixed in 2012, and at ...
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