FaultScore

Honda Odyssey seat problems

242 of the 17,040 complaints filed about the Honda Odyssey are about the seats — 1% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2016.

242

Complaints

1%

Share of all complaints

18

Crashes

3

Fires

Seats complaints by model year

1996 Odyssey 1 0.4%
1998 Odyssey 1 0.4%

Median failure at 126,000 miles

1999 Odyssey 11 4.5%

Median failure at 100,790 miles

2000 Odyssey 17 7.0%

Median failure at 118,000 miles

2001 Odyssey 9 3.7%

Median failure at 102,000 miles

2002 Odyssey 13 5.4%

Median failure at 69,166 miles

2003 Odyssey 14 5.8%

Median failure at 132,000 miles

2004 Odyssey 23 9.5%

Median failure at 152,500 miles

2005 Odyssey 5 2.1%

Median failure at 87,617 miles

2006 Odyssey 12 5.0%

Median failure at 64,600 miles

2007 Odyssey 4 1.7%

Median failure at 78,135 miles

2008 Odyssey 6 2.5%

Median failure at 65,500 miles

2009 Odyssey 2 0.8%

Median failure at 110,000 miles

2010 Odyssey 4 1.7%

Median failure at 20,600 miles

2011 Odyssey 15 6.2%

Median failure at 100,000 miles

2012 Odyssey 13 5.4%

Median failure at 52,500 miles

2013 Odyssey 9 3.7%

Median failure at 37,500 miles

2014 Odyssey 19 7.9%

Median failure at 26,000 miles

2015 Odyssey 16 6.6%

Median failure at 40,000 miles

2016 Odyssey 26 10.7%

Median failure at 12,000 miles

2017 Odyssey 1 0.4%
2018 Odyssey 6 2.5%

Median failure at 9,500 miles

2019 Odyssey 5 2.1%

Median failure at 20,150 miles

2020 Odyssey 3 1.2%
2021 Odyssey 2 0.8%
2022 Odyssey 3 1.2%

Median failure at 500 miles

2023 Odyssey 1 0.4%
2025 Odyssey 1 0.4%

What owners said

2019 Honda Odyssey Batavia, OH

SEATS

Vehicle: 2019 Honda Odyssey Issue: Unintended airbag deployment consistent with Honda Recall UNW (SRS Control Unit Calibration Defect) Incident Type: Safety defect – airbags deployed without collision Location & Date: Highway 131, outside of Kalamazoo, MI - travel – normal road conditions on July 6, 2026 Insurance Outcome: Denied due to manufacturer defect, will only cover minor wheel damage While driving my 2019 Honda Odyssey on the highway, the vehicle hit a pot hole in the main lane and multiple airbags deployed without any collision, impact, or hazardous event. The side, and curtain airbags all deployed simultaneously. These airbags also did not deflate making it very difficult to see and could have been extremely dangerous. There was no crash, no debris, and no external damage to the vehicle. The deployment was sudden, violent, and completely unexpected. The circumstances of this incident match the description of Honda Safety Recall UNW, which identifies a defect in the SRS control unit calibration that can cause airbags to deploy from normal road vibration, potholes, or bumps. My vehicle’s behavior aligns exactly with the recall conditions. I filed a claim with my insurance provider (Allstate), and they issued a denial because the airbag deployment was caused by a manufacturer defect, not a collision or comprehensive event. As a result, I am left with over $10,000 in airbag related repair costs, including replacement of the airbag modules, seat airbags, curtain airbags, SRS sensors, and interior trim damaged by the deployment. I contacted Honda to request reimbursement under the recall, but Honda has refused my claim and pushed me back to my insurance provider. The lack of response from Honda leaves me with significant financial damage caused directly by a known recall defect. I am requesting NHTSA’s assistance in compelling Honda to address this recall related failure, reimburse the repair costs and ensure proper handling of unintended airbag deployments

NHTSA complaint #11750385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Honda Odyssey Brooklyn, NY

SEATS

2020 Honda Odyssey EX-L, 49k miles, no prior collisions. 1. Faulty system: SRS airbag module, defective factory aluminum clip (official Honda recall defect). EDR data verified this component failure by dealer technicians. ​ 2. Safety risk: Driver airbag spontaneously deployed at 41MPH with zero impact. Seven occupants suffered soft tissue injuries and PTSD; sudden deployment created severe risk of secondary crash. ​ 3. Dealer confirmation: Bay Ridge Honda (Brooklyn NY) diagnosed and confirmed the airbag clip defect via EDR readout and physical teardown, filed service records for this issue. ​ 4. Inspectors reviewed vehicle: Honda dealer techs, EDR forensic specialists, and GEICO adjuster all inspected the car and confirmed no pre-crash damage. ​ 5. Pre-fault warnings: No SRS warning lights, error codes or abnormal electrical symptoms appeared before the airbag deployed unexpectedly.

NHTSA complaint #11750427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Honda Odyssey Harrisburg, NC

SEATS

The front seat slide lever on my 2023 Honda Odyssey failed completely on its own with no accident, force, or misuse involved. The lever detached from the seat rail mechanism, making it impossible to slide the seat forward or backward. The vehicle was purchased in August 2022 and this failure occurred approximately 3.5 years later, just 10 months outside the bumper-to-bumper warranty. When I brought the vehicle to the Honda dealer, I was informed I would be charged $100 for diagnostics even if I declined the repair, leaving me no real choice but to proceed. The total repair cost was $276 (parts $189.78, labor $70.95, misc $15.60) plus taxes. I contacted Honda Customer Relations requesting goodwill reimbursement. After a 3-week review, Honda denied the request. I believe this may be a manufacturing defect as another owner of the same Odyssey model has reported the identical failure.

NHTSA complaint #11747240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Honda Odyssey Jena, LA

SEATS

Engine will fail to start when shut off to stop light or when shut off at anytime when engine is hot. Very dangerous situation. Acts like starter is dragging. There is a clunking in the steering column when making a turn mainly to the left that can be felt in the steering wheel. Driver seat is splitting open on the side. Keeps setting code p0441 for evap system..

NHTSA complaint #11744123 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Honda Odyssey Sunnyvale, CA 1 injured

SEATS

While child was seated in the rear right second-row seat of a 2022 Honda Odyssey Touring, the seat belt became stuck and jammed, trapping the child in the car seat. Multiple attempts were made to release the child but the seat belt mechanism would not release. The child became distressed and complained of difficulty breathing. As an emergency measure, the child car seat had to be physically cut and destroyed to free the child. The vehicle was subsequently taken to the dealer. The dealer confirmed that the rear right second-row seat belt was found cut in half and that the seat frame had to be replaced. Dealer stated the belt mechanism tested normal during post-incident inspection but was unable to reproduce the entrapment condition. The seat belt tensioner is suspected of having gotten stuck, causing the entrapment. This is a serious child safety incident involving potential entrapment and breathing distress in the second-row seating area.

NHTSA complaint #11741904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Honda Odyssey Princess Anne, MD

SEATS

Left Side Airbag Deployment control circuit - B0020 Right Side Airbag Deployment control circuit - B0028 Driver Seat Belt Sensor - Circuit open B0050 Occupant Classification System- missing message - BOOAO Driver Seat Track Position - BOOB5 Passenger Seat Belt Sensor - B0052

NHTSA complaint #11741128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Honda Odyssey Bogalusa, LA

SEATS

The driver side middle row seat slide while driving back and forth and never latch into place every time you brake or accelerate

NHTSA complaint #11733428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Honda Odyssey Plainfield, IN 1 injured

SEATS

The rear passenger side tire hit a pothole and it caused all of the airbags to deploy on April 6, 2026. The impact should not have set the airbags off. This has caused a severe rash/burn on my son's face and neck. The vehicle is now being totaled by my insurance company and forcing me to have to purchase a new vehicle and my insurance rates to go up. Three days later, April 9, 2026, a safety recall on the over-sensitive airbags was issued for this Odyssey. There were no other warnings leading up to this. Insurance has inspected the vehicle and deemed it a total loss.

NHTSA complaint #11731509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Honda Odyssey Chesapeake, VA

SEATS

Vehicle bought certified pre owned in April 2024 with Honda 182-Point checklist completed. In November 2025 owner experienced the second row driver side sear shifting forward and back approximately an inch easily while seemingly locked into place. Took vehicle to local Honda dealership for diagnosis. They said the LEFT MIDDLE SEAT FRAME has failed and the estimate for replacement is $2350.93. Could not get a definite straight answer as to the safety of this seat for our children.

NHTSA complaint #11702086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 Honda Odyssey San Diego, CA

SEATS

The contact owns a 2013 Honda Odyssey. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V933000 (Seats) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issues, and a case was filed.

NHTSA complaint #11696069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Honda Odyssey Dallas, TX

SEATS

I am submitting this complaint regarding a faulty Multi-Model Seat Weight Sensor (SWS) in my 2020 Honda Odyssey. I understand that NHTSA Recall 24V-064 covers this issue for certain vehicles; however, my VIN is not included, even though my vehicle is exhibiting the same malfunction described in the recall notice. Multiple independent mechanics and certified airbag technicians have inspected my vehicle and confirmed that the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) circuit is open, indicating that the front passenger airbag will not deploy in the event of a collision. This represents a serious safety hazard consistent with the defect outlined in the official recall documentation (NHTSA Recall 24V-064 Report: [XXX] ) The warning light for this malfunction was present when I purchased the vehicle in August 2025. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11692074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Honda Odyssey Northlake, TX

SEATS

The contact owns a 2015 Honda Odyssey. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V725000 (SEATS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11671704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Honda Odyssey NEW Windsor, NY

SEATS

contacted dealership in Newburgh NY for recall. The rep pushed back making me wait 8 weeks. Dearlership in Middletown NY did not return call.

NHTSA complaint #11642774 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 Honda Odyssey Millbrae, CA

SEATS

Dear NHTSA Representative, I am writing to formally express my concern regarding the failure of Honda to notify me of a safety recall related to my vehicle, as required by 49 U.S.C. § 30119. As a current owner of the vehicle in question, I was never informed of the recall despite actively driving the car with my children, unknowingly putting our safety at risk. According to the law, manufacturers are obligated to obtain up-to-date owner information from state DMVs and notify all registered owners of safety defects or noncompliance issues. This lack of notification not only violates the legal requirements but also leaves me deeply concerned about how such an oversight occurred. As a consumer, I expect manufacturers to prioritize safety and follow mandated processes to ensure proper communication. I kindly request that you: Investigate why I was not notified of the recall in accordance with federal law. Take appropriate action to ensure no other current owners face similar risks. Provide a formal response outlining the steps being taken to resolve this issue. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I trust that you will treat this situation with the seriousness it warrants and look forward to hearing back from you promptly. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] VIN: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11636333 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Honda Odyssey West Point, NY

SEATS

The seam seals on the rear driver's quarter panel of the vehicle are faulty and allowed water to flow into the cabin of the vehicle. The resulting damage was loss of function to the rear power lift gate, front seats, remote start and other key fob functions, as well as a dead battery(assumedly due to arcing on wet circuitry). The damage rendered the lift gate inoperable as I it initially closed but came open during operation. We continued to receive a power lift gae problem on the "Heads Up Display" but the power gate would not open or close, electrically or manually. After a few days the gate opened but would not close, rendering the vehicle unsafe to operate. Furthermore, the battery was dead and would not start. Had this incicdent not occurred in our driveway we could have been susceptible to being stranded in sub-freezing temperatures with kids. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and they confirmed a roof leak was a cause of the water incursion. The power lift gate module and floor harness were damaged causing failures to lift gate operation and other electronics. It will cost $7000 to have it repaired at the local Honda dealer. Pending completion of repairs and paperwork for submission.

NHTSA complaint #11635802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2002 Honda Odyssey at 80,933 miles Norwalk, CT

SEATS

The contact owns a 2002 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the power seat lifted inadvertently while accelerating and when the brake pedal was depressed, the front corner of the seat went back down. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 80,933.

NHTSA complaint #11631557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Honda Odyssey Stafford, VA

SEATS

I was attempting to move the passenger side 2nd row seat forward so that my children could extricate themselves from the third row while we were stopped. The mechanism locked, and subsequently the seat back was unable to lock. This was a safety issue, and so I move my child to another seat. We took the vehicle to a dealership and we're informed that it was an issue with the lock for the recliner function and that it was damaged. Upon reviewing recall information, it was noted that there were recalls for 2016 Honda Odysseys with a reported similar issue of second row seats being unable to lock after releasing to allow access to the third row.(Recall Numbers 18V170000 and 16V933000). I was informed that my vehicle was not covered as the end of the recall ended with vehicles made two months prior to mine despite being the same year model. A seat not locking is a significant safety issue and I question if the above recalls need to extend to include more cars.

NHTSA complaint #11604886 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Honda Odyssey Porterdale, GA

SEATS

The third row seat latching mechanism will not lock the seat into place on the floor. We had a child who was sitting in the seat and the seat flipped backward. It is the left side seat in the third row. It appears the mechanism inside the seat that secures to the floorboard is missing or broke.

NHTSA complaint #11586354 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Honda Odyssey Gap, PA

SEATS

The passenger side second row seat will not lock. It has been diagnosed by a Honda dealer that the seat back frame part number 81326-TK-A22 needs replaced. A recall has been made for the drivers side second row seat in bulletin 18-026. The part number is 81726-TK8-A22. It is the seat frame as well. Honda said they would assist me in paying 1/3 of the bill, but I was responsible for the remainder of the balance. But I see it that there was a seat frame issue with the drivers side second row seat and now I also have a seat frame malfunction on the passenger side second row. I believe they should cover the passenger side as well because of it being an important safety issue.

NHTSA complaint #11580946 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Honda Odyssey Avon, OH

SEATS

Left drivers side seat back does not lock on second row seat. This puts passengers at risk for injury. We are working to schedule an appointment with the dealer for inspection / fix. There are no warnings associated with this failure. We are unsure when the defect occurred, as our children typically sit in this seat.

NHTSA complaint #11577250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Honda Odyssey problems