I’ve had a look at each Honda Odyssey from 1999 until the latest model of this year and categorize the top and worse years with this article.
In this article I’ll breakdown the most recent Honda Odyssey generations, revealing the best years for Odyssey to purchase and the most problematic Honda Odyssey years to avoid.
Through meticulous research using authoritative sources such as NHTSA as well as Consumer Reports, I’ve reviewed Honda Odyssey’s typical issues to its standout features.
You can expect to learn about every generation, from beginning Honda Odyssey models’ transmission problems and recalls to the most reliable and up-to-date Honda Odyssey years.
Let’s begin.
Honda Odyssey Generations
It is a fact that the Honda Odyssey has seen significant changes throughout its history and each generation brings improvements and features that are designed to meet the changing requirements of families. Changes in the generations could have a significant impact on your decision to choose the best Honda Odyssey for your next automobile.
| Generation | Years |
| 2nd Generation (RL1) | 1999-2004 |
| 3rd generation (RL3/RL4) | 2005-2010 |
| 4th generation (RL5) | 2011-2017 |
| 5th generation (RL6) | 2018-Present |
The subsequent generations kept pushing boundaries, with the introduction of new technology, such as integrated vacuum cleaners, as well as sophisticated security features.
The most recent version is impressive with its stylish design and numerous driver-assistance technology that makes traveling with the family not just safer but also fun.
Honda Odyssey Best, Neutral and Worst years
In our search to identify the top and worst Honda Odyssey years, we’ve adopted a comprehensive approach by weighing a myriad of elements which include but not be the least:
- Reliability of the owner (surveys)
- Costs for annual maintenance
- Ratings for safety
- Consumer Reports score on reliability
- Consumer Reports Owner satisfaction scores
- NHTSA recalls, conducts investigations and also complaints
- Edmunds owner reviews
- JD Power owner ratings
- Kelley Blue Book (KBB) owner ratings
- Owner ratings for VehicleHistory
- Cars.com owner reviews
The next step is the visual representation of the ratings that are gathered from the sources mentioned above.
In accordance with the graph, I’ve listed the categorizing for each Honda Odyssey model year into the best, neutral and worst years for your reference.
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| Generation | Best Years | Neutral Years | Worst Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd generation (RL1) | 2004 | N/A | 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 |
| 3rd generation (RL3/RL4) | 2009 2010 | 2008 | 2005 2006 2007 |
| 4th generation (RL5) | 2012 2013 2015 2016 2017 | 2011 | 2014 |
| 5th generation (RL6) | 2021 2022 2023 | 2020 | 2018 2019 |
When we refer to “Neutral Years”, we’re talking about model years with well-balanced performance, with no extraordinary highs or lows.
A number of factors, such as, NHTSA recalls, contribute negative. The high volume of recalls and complaints suggests less reliability for the model year.
Now, let’s look at the specs of Honda Odyssey’s most successful neutral, worst, and best years.
Best & Worst Honda Odyssey Years 2nd Generation (1999-2004)
The second generation of Honda Odyssey, spanning from 1999 until 2004 has had many positives and negatives. 2002 is being one of the top years for this model, characterized by a modern exterior design and significant improvements to safety features like regular side curtain airbags.
The Year with the Most Fun Honda Odyssey: 2004
The year 2004’s Honda Odyssey stands out as the highest level of quality and reliability in the auto industry. It was backed by Edmunds as well as Consumer Reports, this model has received acclaim due to its dependable reliability and sturdy engineering.
The Odyssey comes with 3 trims–LX EX, LX, and EX-L — the Odyssey in 2004 Odyssey was able to accommodate a broad choice of buyers without sacrificing the quality or the quality or.
Incorporating rear-seat DVDs to enhance the experience of driving to families. It makes long trips easy and keeping the passengers happy.
In the second generation (1999-2004) Honda Odyssey lineup it was an illustration of Honda’s commitment to innovation and excellence by creating vehicles that do not just outperform in performance, and reliability, they also established new benchmarks in reliability.
With praise from consumers and critics alike, it’s clear that the 2004 Odyssey remains an iconic car icon.
The worst years 1999, 2000 2001 2002 2003
Honda Odyssey’s second generation vans that were produced from 1999 to 2004 had a known transmission problem that drew much attention and criticism.
The problem with the transmission, typically resulted in gears sliding or rough shifting, or total failure, brought about immense frustration and financial burden for owners who were affected.
To add to the list of issues was the frequent electrical issue that was a result of the automatic sliding doors. A lot of Odyssey owners experienced difficulties with the door’s operation and had issues closing and opening, or even complete failures all together.
These issues not only hampered the convenience of passengers but also created safety security concerns for the passengers who were that were entering or leaving the vehicle.
Best & Worst Honda Odyssey Years 3rd Generation (2005-2010)
When it was the Honda Odyssey embarked on its third generation between 2005 and the year 2010 It was designed to improve the mistakes of the past and create an improved, reliable and feature-packed minivan.
Later years of the model 2010 and 2009 are the best Honda Odyssey years, but it is recommended to stay clear of in the years 2005, 2006 as well as 2007 Honda Odyssey model years.
The Best Years: 2009, 2010,
With excellent CarHistory along with Cars.com ratings from owners 2009 and 2010 are among the best Honda Odyssey years of the 3rd generation.
The more durable 5-speed transmission of the Honda Ridgeline was added into the Odyssey to further enhance transmission reliability.
In the trims with higher levels buyers could enjoy high-end features like motorized tailgate Bluetooth and navigation system and cameras for rear-view.
Safety was a major concern during these years, with features such as stability control as well as anti-lock disc brakes side-impact airbags in the front of the seat, as well as airbags that extend to the side of the vehicle.
For fuel efficiency in terms of fuel efficiency, the Odyssey displayed figures of approximately 12 mpg when driving in the city as well as up to 28mpg for highway driving which makes it a viable option for family outings.
Although these models were generally free of major issues however, some minor issues concerning brakes, and occasionally electrical issues were reported, but they were not common.
The Neutral Years 2008
The year 2008 serves as an intermediate year for the Odyssey year, which is a bridge between Honda Odyssey’s greatest year and its most disappointing.
Although it was true that the 2008 Honda Odyssey had some brake issues that were more prominent in its successors, it benefitted from the safety and technological advancements Honda introduced in the current generation.
Its 3.5L J35A6 V6 engine, coupled with a 5-speed automatic transmission was reliable along with trim levels that ranged between LX through Touring supplied customers with a wide selection.
The sunroof feature as well as leather seats as well as a DVD entertainment system in the back were among the highlights of the upper models.
However, ongoing issues related to brakes, particularly the increasing, but less severe instances of malfunctions in sliding doors caused the 2008 Odyssey not the greatest or the most problematic Honda Odyssey year, thus placing it in the neutral category.
The worst years 2005, 2006, and 2007
With low ratings for owners on platforms such as VehicleHistory and a variety of problems with the powertrain 2005, 2006 and 2007 are the most problematic Honda Odyssey years you should be avoiding.
Many transmission problems affected this year’s Honda Odyssey. Owners complained of transmission slippage or jerky shifting. They also reported hard shifting.
Sliding doors, a pain issue from to the 2nd generation were still a problem.
In addition, this year witnessed recalls relating to brake fluid, fuel pumps leakage, and decreased brake performance.
Alongside the ongoing problems with the engine and transmission A significant portion of owners of the Honda Odyssey owners lamented about the loss of power steering assist particularly at lower speeds as well as during parking maneuvers.
In 2007, the Honda Odyssey was struggling with many issues including increasing distances between brakes to constant sliding and steering issues.
The lower braking performance of the vehicle was a particular issue and led to a Honda recall to solve the problem.
Read about NHTSA the 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 Honda Odyssey recalls and complaints.
Best & Worst Honda Odyssey Years 4th Generation (2011-2017)
Honda Odyssey, the 4th version of Honda Odyssey, manufactured between 2011 to 2017, has had its fair number of lows and highs.
In terms of reliability and performance The model of 2014 stands out as one of the most reliable models to own the Odyssey. It was a smooth ride, plenty of interior space and a highly efficient engine.
Honda Odyssey Best Years: 2012, 2013, 2015 Honda Odyssey Best Years: 2012 2013, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017,
The years 2012, 2013 and 2015 and 2017 were an exciting period in Honda Odyssey. Honda Odyssey 4th Generation. It was in 2012 that the Odyssey received significant improvements in safety and technology that made it a top option for families.
The Honda Odyssey continued to impress by its innovative vacuum cleaner built-in and its modern interior design. This year, new driver assistance systems were implemented, increasing the comfort and safety for motorists.
The demand from consumers for functional and stylish family vehicles grew during 2015 Honda was able to respond by offering new entertainment choices as well as improved performance in handling.
This year’s Honda Awards highlighted Honda’s commitment to constantly improving on an already outstanding product.
The Neutral Years 2011
The year 2011 saw the launch of the much sought-after fourth-generation Honda Odyssey, a revolutionary minivan that challenged the traditional notions of family vehicles.
With its stylish design and modern options, it is a step above SUVs with its the appeal of modern families. Its spacious interior, advanced technology, and outstanding fuel efficiency set a new benchmark for family-friendly transport.
In 2011, the Honda Odyssey perfectly aligned with this new trend, offering eco-friendly driving without compromising the power or performance.
This time period also witnessed the increasing importance of safety features, as evident in the sophisticated safety features that are now included in fourth generation Honda Odyssey model.
The Worst Years of 2014:
The year 2014 was not without its challenges to Honda Odyssey owners, particularly owners who have models that were built in Fourth generation (2011-2017). A lot of owners reported issues with the transmission of the vehicle, which included abrupt shifting and jerking motions.
A few owners experienced issues due issues with VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) system, which caused engine misfires and vibrations.
The constant struggle to fix these mechanical problems creates a shadow on what could have been a better ownership experience. A lot of Honda Odyssey drivers found themselves dissatisfied by the unforeseen issues that occurred in 2014.
2014 is recognized as being one of the most difficult seasons to Honda Odyssey owners. The difficulties that they faced in 2014 brought light to the crucial issues with reliability in the fourth generation of the models.
Best & Worst Honda Odyssey Years 5th Generation (2018-Present)
In the midst of its fifth generation Honda Odyssey, the Honda Odyssey further refined its position in the minivan market.
In light of NHTSA recalls relating to numerous issues, 2018, and 2019 are considered to be the most dangerous Honda Odyssey year you should be avoiding. 2021, 2022 and 2023 are the most reliable and most trustworthy Honda Odyssey years of the generation.
The Best Years 2021, 2022 and 2023
Honda Odyssey’s most successful years of the current generation – 2021, 2022 and 2023 were among the top performers on J.D. Power, Consumer Reports, and Cars.com.
Under the under the hood underneath, beneath the bonnet, 3.5L J35Y6 V6 engine has continued to run reliably coupled with a 10 speed automatic transmission. This has also enhanced fuel efficiency. It reaches around 14 mpg when driving in urban environments and a laudable 33 mpg when driving on highways.
This year saw an amazing variety of features, including an upgraded infotainment system that has more responsiveness to integration of CabinWatch as well as CabinTalk system.
Safety was a key feature of the past few years, with Honda Sensing Suite being standard. It offers an adaptive cruise control system, lanes-keeping assistance and collision mitigation brakes.
One of the highlights of the past few years is the improved appearance of the exterior, featuring more defined lines and an aerodynamic design.
Inside the cabin, inside, Magic Slide second-row seating, plenty of storage space for cargo, and the finest materials made the journey more enjoyable and easy.
The Neutral Years The Neutral Years
In 2020, the Honda Odyssey, while boasting important improvements, landed in the neutral zone mostly due to teething issues.
Based on the success of previous models it was equipped with the dependable 3.5L V6 engine. Additionally, most of features that were to be further refined in the future models were added this year.
Some owners have reported issues with the infotainment system as well as occasional issues with the powertrain that resembled previous models.
The Most Worst Year: 2018and 2019
The years 2018 and 2019 are characterized by an astonishingly high number of NHTSA recalls for various issues which is why they are chosen to be those years that are Honda Odyssey years to avoid.
In 2018, the Honda Odyssey was plagued by numerous powertrain issues, with owners often mentioning incidents of jerking, shaking and sometimes loss of power.
These issues of performance, as well as complaints regarding the infotainment systems – which has the rearview camera frequently failing due to an underlying issue with the Media Oriented Systems Transport cable and software issues – have caused major dissatisfaction among owners.
The 2018 Odyssey came with recalls because of disconnected battery terminals as well as defective sliding door latches, as well as diminished brake performance.
In the meantime, the new Honda Odyssey grappled with similar issues and was forced to recall due to a malfunctioning fuel pump which could have caused the vehicle to stop.
Read about NHTSA for 2018, 2019, 2020 Honda Odyssey recalls and problems.
Honda Odyssey Average Resale Values
The Honda Odyssey has long been an absolute favorite among families who want an affordable large and comfortable minivan. When it comes to resales value, this beloved car has always surpassed its competitors.
With its long-standing reputation for reliability and dependability and durability, the Honda Odyssey maintains an impressive average resale price over time.
Contrary to other cars in its category and class, the Odyssey is able to hold its value well, which makes it an excellent purchase for anyone looking for a family-friendly car that will not lose its value.
Sellers and buyers alike are aware of this important aspect in assessing the value of a vehicle that is used. Since the desire of consumers for convenient and comfortable family vehicles is growing The demand for pre-owned Odysseys remains strong.
Conclusion
We’ve reviewed the top and most difficult Honda Odyssey years. The first decade of 2000 saw many of the safest and popular models, whereas in recent times, they have become stricken with recalls and issues with transmissions.
It is essential for prospective buyers to do their research thoroughly and think about the particular model and year they’re interested in prior to buying. Honda Odyssey is an excellent choice. Honda Odyssey remains a popular choice for families who are in need of a roomy and flexible car.
FAQS: Best & Worst Honda Odyssey Years
Are there any issues that are common that are common to the Honda Odyssey? Honda Odyssey?
Certain owners have reported problems with electric sliding doors that power the sliding doors as well as electrical problems during the 2014 model year.
What changes were made to the new Honda Odyssey compared to previous years?
The 2019 model was upgraded in technology, like the latest infotainment system as well as driver assistance features, such as the adaptive cruise control.
