2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey is a popular minivan known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and family-friendly features. It is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the Odyssey’s reliability, smooth power delivery, and versatile seating configurations. However, some common complaints include issues with the infotainment system, automatic sliding doors, and some electronic components.

Engine

3.5L V6

• Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with the VCM system, which shuts down cylinders to improve fuel economy. This can lead to vibrations, rough idling, and potential engine damage over time. Some owners report increased oil consumption when the VCM is active.
  • Solution: Disabling the VCM system with aftermarket devices like VCM Tuner II. Or if VCM components are damaged, replace the affected components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ for VCM disabler; Component replacement will vary based on the needed repair.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

10-Speed Automatic

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing rough or delayed shifting, particularly between certain gears. There may also be hesitation or lurching when accelerating.
  • Solution: Software update for the transmission control module (TCM). In some cases, a transmission replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 for software update (if covered by warranty or TSB), $4,000 - $6,000+ for transmission replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Glitches
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can experience glitches such as freezing, slow response times, and random reboots. Problems with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity have also been reported.
  • Solution: Software update to the infotainment system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 for software update (if covered by warranty or TSB).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Automatic Sliding Door Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The automatic sliding doors may fail to open or close properly, or may exhibit unusual noises during operation. Sensors may become faulty.
  • Solution: Replacing the sliding door actuator, sensors, or track components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ depending on the specific part needing replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing unexplained battery drain, leading to difficulty starting the vehicle. This is sometimes caused by a faulty Hands Free Link (HFL) module.
  • Solution: Identify the source of the drain (often the Hands Free Link (HFL) module) and replace it.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Rear Entertainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The rear entertainment system may freeze, fail to play media, or have display issues.
  • Solution: Software update or component replacement of the rear entertainment system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 for software update (if covered by warranty or TSB), $300 - $1000+ for component replacement
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Automatic Tailgate Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The automatic tailgate may fail to open or close, become stuck, or exhibit erratic behavior.
  • Solution: Replacing the tailgate motor, sensors, or struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ depending on the component needing replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2021 Honda Odyssey has some common issues that owners have reported. The severity of these issues can range from minor infotainment glitches to more significant mechanical problems with the transmission or engine. While some problems may be resolved with software updates, others may require more costly repairs.