2018 Honda Odyssey

The 2018 Honda Odyssey is a popular minivan known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and family-friendly features. It’s powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a 9-speed or 10-speed automatic transmission, depending on the trim level. Owners generally appreciate its practicality, smooth ride, and abundant storage. Common complaints include issues with the infotainment system, sliding door malfunctions, and concerns about the reliability of the newer 10-speed transmission.

Engine

3.5L V6

• Variable Timing Oil Control Valve Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check Engine Light illuminated, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0021, or P0022. Engine may run rough or stall, and fuel economy may decrease.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty variable timing oil control valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fuel Injector Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, misfires, reduced power, and a check engine light. Diagnostic trouble codes may indicate a fuel injector issue on a specific cylinder.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty fuel injector(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ (depending on how many injectors need replacing)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

9-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Jerky or abrupt shifts, especially between lower gears. Hesitation when accelerating or shifting from park to drive or reverse.
  • Solution: Software update to the transmission control module (TCM). In some cases, replacement of the transmission may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software update: $100 - $200. Transmission replacement: $4,000 - $6,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

10-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Shifting Problems, Harsh Shifting, and Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Many drivers have reported issues with hard shifting and shift shock. Other complaints include sudden transmission failure with little to no warning.
  • Solution: Some drivers have had luck with software updates, valve body replacement, or complete transmission replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $6,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment screen freezes, becomes unresponsive, or crashes frequently. The system may also reboot unexpectedly.
  • Solution: Software update for the infotainment system. In some cases, replacement of the infotainment unit may be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software update: $0 - $150. Infotainment unit replacement: $500 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sliding Door Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The power sliding doors fail to open or close properly. The doors may also get stuck or make unusual noises.
  • Solution: Inspection and lubrication of the door tracks and rollers. Replacement of the sliding door motor, latch, or cable may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature battery failure, requiring frequent jump starts. May be caused by a parasitic drain from a faulty module or accessory.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and repair of the parasitic drain. Common culprits include the infotainment system, hands-free link module, or aftermarket accessories.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Automatic Sliding Door Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The Automatic Sliding Doors fail to open, close, or latch properly. The vehicle may display a door ajar warning.
  • Solution: Common fixes are recalibration of the door, lubrication of the door track, and replacing the latches or the sliding door motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Rear Entertainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The rear entertainment system may freeze, black screen, or otherwise be non-functional.
  • Solution: Some owners have had luck with software updates, but in some cases the unit will need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2018 Honda Odyssey has some common issues, primarily related to the infotainment system, sliding doors, and transmission (especially the 10-speed). While some issues can be resolved with software updates, others require more costly repairs. The severity of the issues ranges from minor inconveniences to potentially significant mechanical failures. The estimated cost to fix these issues can vary widely, from a few hundred dollars for software updates or minor repairs to several thousand dollars for transmission replacements. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and consider having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic.