2021 Honda Odyssey problems

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Two intermittent problems began about one year ago at approximately 43,000 miles (current mileage approximately 48,000): 1) Rearview (backup) camera intermittently fails. When shifting into reverse, the display screen goes black or the camera image freezes. This causes a loss of rear visibility while backing up, creating a risk of striking a pedestrian or object behind the vehicle. 2) Audio system intermittently produces loud static and distortion across all audio sources (AM/FM radio, Bluetooth, etc.). This distracts the driver and can mask audible safety alerts. Contacted a Honda dealership regarding recall coverage for these issues; the dealership stated this VIN is not included in the recall. Neither issue has been repaired. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. These symptoms match NHTSA recall campaign 23V-431 (Honda MOST communication coaxial cable recall — intermittent loss of MOST connection causing rearview camera failure and audio popping/crackling); the dealership stated this VIN is not included in that recall.

NHTSA complaint #11762897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Two intermittent problems began about one year ago at approximately 43,000 miles (current mileage approximately 48,000): 1) Rearview (backup) camera intermittently fails. When shifting into reverse, the display screen goes black or the camera image freezes. This causes a loss of rear visibility while backing up, creating a risk of striking a pedestrian or object behind the vehicle. 2) Audio system intermittently produces loud static and distortion across all audio sources (AM/FM radio, Bluetooth, etc.). This distracts the driver and can mask audible safety alerts. Contacted a Honda dealership regarding recall coverage for these issues; the dealership stated this VIN is not included in the recall. Neither issue has been repaired. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. These symptoms match NHTSA recall campaign 23V-431 (Honda MOST communication coaxial cable recall — intermittent loss of MOST connection causing rearview camera failure and audio popping/crackling); the dealership stated this VIN is not included in that recall.

NHTSA complaint #11762897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The infotainment system and back up camera screen went completely black. We took it to Howdy Honda since there was a NHTSA Recall 23V-482 that they had fixed once before. Now though, they are saying the issue isn't covered by safety recall and that we have to pay $6900 to have it repaired. However this faulty camera system is a known issue. In addition to the recall, there has also been a class-action lawsuit filed Mar. 22, 2019 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, owners of the affected vehicles report that the infotainment system – an integrated in-vehicle communication, navigation and entertainment system – behaves erratically, malfunctioning, freezing, and creating a safety hazard and distraction. This is exactly what happened with our vehicle. The defect caused safety-related systems (including backup camera functions) to fail. The defect also caused the entire center console to go black while the vehicle is in motion, and caused navigation and other dashboard features to shut down completely while in use. The lawsuit alleges Honda breached its own warranty by simply replacing defective parts with equally defective parts. This is exactly what they did with the first recall. And now they're trying to charge us $6900 to fix it.

NHTSA complaint #11761842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Mileage: 121000 When stopped and the auto idle initiated, we have had numerous incidents where the van has shutoff and required a restart. More recently, when the auto idle initiates, the entire engine turns off and the van has no power(car won't restart, can't get the car into neutral, sliding doors and tailgate won't open). I would then need to jump start the car with my portable battery. This has occurred 4 times thus far. Honda dealership had recharged the battery but it still died and required a start. Currently in the shop and my 120k extended warranty just ran out. Very disappointing.

NHTSA complaint #11761544 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Mileage: 121000 When stopped and the auto idle initiated, we have had numerous incidents where the van has shutoff and required a restart. More recently, when the auto idle initiates, the entire engine turns off and the van has no power(car won't restart, can't get the car into neutral, sliding doors and tailgate won't open). I would then need to jump start the car with my portable battery. This has occurred 4 times thus far. Honda dealership had recharged the battery but it still died and required a start. Currently in the shop and my 120k extended warranty just ran out. Very disappointing.

NHTSA complaint #11761544 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

At 64,000 miles both rear shock absorbers failed (rusted), one completely the other on the verge. Driving the car was dangerous as the car became unstable at higher speeds when going over normal bumps and road holes. The repair including parts, labor, and necessary four wheel alignment was $1,051. The dealer did not acknowledge this being a common issue nor did they deny it. A google search indicates this is a common issue with Honda Odyssey Vans for the 2021-2024 manufacturing years. There were no warning indicators other than experiencing the effect of the shock absorber failures while driving the vehicle. The vehicle passed PA State Inspection earlier in 2026 (March).

NHTSA complaint #11760327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The van’s CarPlay quit working while navigating thru Louisville traffic. The display scene indicated MOST Net off error. It has happened 5 times since then.

NHTSA complaint #11760088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The van’s CarPlay quit working while navigating thru Louisville traffic. The display scene indicated MOST Net off error. It has happened 5 times since then.

NHTSA complaint #11760089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The first problem I came across was Auto start. It always say temporary off because either I didn't press on the break hard enough or the Ac is running. Mostly it off saying it need to be charge and the company already put a battery in the car and it still say the same thing. The other thing that keep happening with the car is the screen that pop up the back camera and also control the air conditioning.it shut off and mos network failed and trun off and it keep going off and on. Im scared imma drive and it gonna shut off while driving already it hard at time using my back cameras since the screen work when it want to. I did talk to the dealership about the car and the problems since they said they check it and it was ok but I'm still having problem. I only had the car for 9 months and the problem start happening 2nd month with the Auto start and 5 months for the mos network fail within me having the car.

NHTSA complaint #11759833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The first problem I came across was Auto start. It always say temporary off because either I didn't press on the break hard enough or the Ac is running. Mostly it off saying it need to be charge and the company already put a battery in the car and it still say the same thing. The other thing that keep happening with the car is the screen that pop up the back camera and also control the air conditioning.it shut off and mos network failed and trun off and it keep going off and on. Im scared imma drive and it gonna shut off while driving already it hard at time using my back cameras since the screen work when it want to. I did talk to the dealership about the car and the problems since they said they check it and it was ok but I'm still having problem. I only had the car for 9 months and the problem start happening 2nd month with the Auto start and 5 months for the mos network fail within me having the car.

NHTSA complaint #11759833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

When coming to a complete atop, the engine switches off (the idle stop function), which is ok, but when I release the brake the engine often fails to restart. I’ve replaced the battery but this appears to be a common problem. It’s been happening more now at the end of summer when it’s hot for some reason. I was told there is a similar investigation open: EA25004

NHTSA complaint #11757074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

When coming to a complete atop, the engine switches off (the idle stop function), which is ok, but when I release the brake the engine often fails to restart. I’ve replaced the battery but this appears to be a common problem. It’s been happening more now at the end of summer when it’s hot for some reason. I was told there is a similar investigation open: EA25004

NHTSA complaint #11757074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

When coming to a complete atop, the engine switches off (the idle stop function), which is ok, but when I release the brake the engine often fails to restart. I’ve replaced the battery but this appears to be a common problem. It’s been happening more now at the end of summer when it’s hot for some reason. I was told there is a similar investigation open: EA25004

NHTSA complaint #11757074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera display flickered on and off. The contact stated that while using the GPS, the display went blank. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer attempted to reset the rear-view camera display; however, the failure reoccurred. The dealer was made aware of the failure, and a diagnostic test was scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact contacted NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V431000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,231.

NHTSA complaint #11756220 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while stopping at a red light, the vehicle idled and automatically turned off while stopped and then the vehicle restarted but the vehicle stalled. The electronics on the vehicle were not operating as designed. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to start. The contact's brother was able to jumpstart the vehicle, and the vehicle operated as needed. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

NHTSA complaint #11753593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2021 Odyssey EXL shuts off completely at a traffic stop light. Happened 2 times in a 2 week period. Without warning the engine switches off completely and puts itself in "P" mode, all light comes on as if in accessory mode, radio switches off, all doors unlocked. To get going, the driver had to press brake pedal and start the car again (via Engine Start /Stop button). This issue started in my car at 93K miles. Never had any issue with mine before that. But it is scary especially the engine switch off at stop lights and blocking traffic for a number of minutes before you know what happened and are able to restart the can. I have seen this issue reported a number of times on this site and it appears repetedly in web searches. Honda needs to identify the cause of this problem and issue a recall for it.

NHTSA complaint #11752152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

2021 Odyssey EXL shuts off completely at a traffic stop light. Happened 2 times in a 2 week period. Without warning the engine switches off completely and puts itself in "P" mode, all light comes on as if in accessory mode, radio switches off, all doors unlocked. To get going, the driver had to press brake pedal and start the car again (via Engine Start /Stop button). This issue started in my car at 93K miles. Never had any issue with mine before that. But it is scary especially the engine switch off at stop lights and blocking traffic for a number of minutes before you know what happened and are able to restart the can. I have seen this issue reported a number of times on this site and it appears repetedly in web searches. Honda needs to identify the cause of this problem and issue a recall for it.

NHTSA complaint #11752152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The infotainment screen randomly shuts off and displays the errors "Network communication lost" and "MOST Net Off". This has happened numerous times while in the middle of backing up and using the backup camera that normally displays on that screen. We took it to the dealership for repairs of the problem in 2025 and after changing a wiring harness, the screen itself, and then the harness again, they thought they had fixed it but the issue continued to happen and has increased in frequency since then. Honda has a recall that includes our model (NHTSA Recall No. : 23V-431) but we were apparently not included in it and their press release on it estimates 50% of vehicles of the year and model are affected. It's unclear what arbitrary data was used to determine effected vehicles but it's obvious by the amount of discourse about it online that it affects more than their initial estimate. Many people, like us, have tried to have it repaired at a dealership to no avail.

NHTSA complaint #11751816 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The infotainment screen randomly shuts off and displays the errors "Network communication lost" and "MOST Net Off". This has happened numerous times while in the middle of backing up and using the backup camera that normally displays on that screen. We took it to the dealership for repairs of the problem in 2025 and after changing a wiring harness, the screen itself, and then the harness again, they thought they had fixed it but the issue continued to happen and has increased in frequency since then. Honda has a recall that includes our model (NHTSA Recall No. : 23V-431) but we were apparently not included in it and their press release on it estimates 50% of vehicles of the year and model are affected. It's unclear what arbitrary data was used to determine effected vehicles but it's obvious by the amount of discourse about it online that it affects more than their initial estimate. Many people, like us, have tried to have it repaired at a dealership to no avail.

NHTSA complaint #11751816 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Our van is experiencing Auto Idle Stop failure to restart. We experienced it one time last month (June 2026) and then again 2 days ago. I also experienced it 2 summers ago in 2024. We noticed it seems to happen in the heat and when we have been driving a while. In 2024 and then June 2026, I was able to quickly turn off and restart the car. Two days ago, we were stuck at a busy intersection with the car unable to start but also unable to turn off the car nor switch gears. After 5 min with multiple security alerts flashing it seems as though the computer timed out and we were able to start the car. We drove another 300 miles this weekend on a road trip with no further issues but we were sure to manually turn off auto stop each time. We are concerned about the safety implications of being stopped at traffic stop due to auto stop.

NHTSA complaint #11751420 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

COMPONENT/SYSTEM: The infotainment/audio head unit and instrument display, which communicate over the vehicle's MOST (Media Oriented Systems Transport) fiber-optic network via FAKRA connectors. The vehicle is available for inspection on request. FAILURE: While driving, the center display and Carplay screen spontaneously reboot and show "Network Communication Lost." During these events I intermittently lose the rearview backup camera and other display functions and navigation as well as communication. The failures are intermittent, happen more often over bumps, and sometimes at startup, and even during smooth road conditions. SAFETY RISK: Losing the rearview camera is a hazard when backing up, and having the instrument/infotainment display reboot while driving is distracting and removes information the driver relies on constantly. CONFIRMED BY A DEALER: Yes, repeatedly. The manufacturer issued a safety recall (Recall 23-047, "MOST FAKRA service cables"), which a franchised dealer performed in May 2024, replacing MOST network components. About 15 months later, the same defect returned; the dealer found the audio-unit connection was not secured, reseated it, and confirmed the wiring had proper continuity (ruling out rodent or wire damage). The dealer otherwise offered only workarounds - an aftermarket Bluetooth adapter and recording video of the failure - not a durable repair. The issue still persists. INSPECTED BY MANUFACTURER: The manufacturer-directed recall remedy was performed by the dealer; there has been no police or insurance inspection. WARNING MESSAGES: Yes - a "Network Communication Lost" message accompanies each reboot. The problem was present before and after the May 2024 recall and had clearly recurred by mid-2025. KEY POINT: This is a failed safety-recall remedy. Recall 23-047 was performed at about 29,000 miles and the same defect returned by about 36,700 miles - a failure within roughly 7,600 miles. It persists today.

NHTSA complaint #11750723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

I have a 2021 HONDA Odyssey ,40K miles, some lights on about few months ago, then i went to dealer on June 29,2026. I paid for a dealer diagnoses, they told me is the VSA modulator faulty. I don't believe that is over 36K miles warranty , so i search it on Google, shows Honda had some recall on different model and year car with the VSA modulator, so i think we must check it ,if on odyssey need recall it too.

NHTSA complaint #11750699 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

I have a 2021 HONDA Odyssey ,40K miles, some lights on about few months ago, then i went to dealer on June 29,2026. I paid for a dealer diagnoses, they told me is the VSA modulator faulty. I don't believe that is over 36K miles warranty , so i search it on Google, shows Honda had some recall on different model and year car with the VSA modulator, so i think we must check it ,if on odyssey need recall it too.

NHTSA complaint #11750699 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING

I have a 2021 HONDA Odyssey ,40K miles, some lights on about few months ago, then i went to dealer on June 29,2026. I paid for a dealer diagnoses, they told me is the VSA modulator faulty. I don't believe that is over 36K miles warranty , so i search it on Google, shows Honda had some recall on different model and year car with the VSA modulator, so i think we must check it ,if on odyssey need recall it too.

NHTSA complaint #11750699 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My 2021 Honda Odyssey Touring has experienced a severe engine stalling defect that creates an immediate traffic hazard. On multiple occasions during warm weather conditions, the Auto Idle-Stop system has engaged at a stoplight, but the vehicle completely failed to restart automatically when pressing the accelerator. Instead, the engine completely stalled out mid-drive, leaving the vehicle stranded in active traffic and requiring a manual cycle of the ignition button to turn back over. There were no dashboard warning lamps, error messages, or check engine lights prior to the engine stalling. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership (Honda of Middleburg Heights) for an emergency safety evaluation. The certified technician physically tested the starting system and explicitly confirmed the physical hardware failure on the invoice, stating: "The starter motor can be heard cranking slower than usual during start up. Recommend replacing the starter motor and relays." Despite this official mechanical diagnosis of a failing starter component causing an immediate traffic stall, regional management issued a flat refusal of coverage because my specific VIN was omitted from the automated database recall screens for Service Bulletins A23-008 and A23-010. I am filing this complaint to ensure federal investigators document this rigid VIN exclusion loop under the active NHTSA Engineering Analysis EA25004.

NHTSA complaint #11750213 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.