2020 Honda Odyssey
The 2020 Honda Odyssey is a popular minivan known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and family-friendly features. It comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Many owners appreciate its smooth ride, versatile seating configurations (Magic Slide 2nd-row seats), and advanced safety features. However, some common complaints include issues with the infotainment system, sliding door malfunctions, and occasional transmission problems.
Engine
3.5L V6
- Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, rough idling, vibrations, and potential spark plug fouling due to cylinder deactivation. This can lead to catalytic converter failure over time.
- Solution: Installation of a VCM disabler device (like S-VCM or VCMTuner II) to prevent cylinder deactivation. In severe cases, engine repair or replacement may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 for VCM disabler; $500 - $1500+ for engine repairs/replacement.
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
10-Speed Automatic
- Harsh Shifting and Hesitation
- Description/Symptoms: Rough or jerky shifts between gears, hesitation when accelerating, and occasional transmission slipping. Can be more prominent in lower gears.
- Solution: Software update (TCU reflash), transmission fluid change, or replacement of faulty solenoids. In severe cases, transmission replacement may be required.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 for software update; $100 - $200 for fluid change; $300 - $800 for solenoid replacement; $3,000 - $6,000 for transmission replacement.
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
- Description/Symptoms: The infotainment screen freezes, becomes unresponsive, or reboots unexpectedly. Can affect navigation, audio, and climate control functions.
- Solution: Software update from the dealership. In some cases, replacement of the infotainment unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $200 for software update (usually covered under warranty); $500 - $1500+ for infotainment unit replacement.
- Recalls: None Found
- Sliding Door Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: Sliding doors fail to open or close properly, get stuck, or make unusual noises. Can be caused by faulty door actuators, sensors, or wiring.
- Solution: Inspection and replacement of faulty actuators, sensors, or wiring. Resetting the door control module.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per door depending on the failed component.
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Automatic Tailgate Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Tailgate failing to open/close properly, intermittent operation.
- Solution: Replacing tailgate struts, sensors, or motor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Magic Slide Seat Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty sliding or locking the second-row “Magic Slide” seats, or the seats becoming stuck in a particular position.
- Solution: Cleaning and lubricating the seat tracks, inspecting and replacing faulty locking mechanisms or cables.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+ depending on the complexity of the repair.
- Recalls: None Found
- Rear Entertainment System (RES) Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The Rear Entertainment System freezing, glitching, or not displaying video. This can occur with either Blu-ray or HDMI input.
- Solution: Software update from the dealership. Replacement of the RES unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $0-$200 for software update (usually covered under warranty); $500 - $1500+ for RES unit replacement
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2020 Honda Odyssey has some notable issues. The most prevalent concerns revolve around the engine’s VCM system and the 10-speed transmission, which can lead to costly repairs. Electrical issues with the infotainment and sliding doors are also common. While the Odyssey offers many desirable features, prospective buyers should be aware of these potential problems and factor in potential repair costs.