This guide is a look back at the Honda Odyssey models from 1999 to this year’s latest model. I have categorized them by best and worst years.
This guide will break down Honda Odyssey models by generation, showing you the best Honda Odyssey model years and which Honda Odyssey models to avoid.
This article is based on extensive research using authoritative sources such as NHTSA and Consumer Reports. I have analyzed everything from Honda Odyssey’s most common issues to its best features.
From the early Honda Odyssey transmission problems and recalls, to the most recent Honda Odyssey generations.
Let’s get right into it.
Related:
Honda Civic Years: Best and Worst
Honda Odyssey Generations
In 1995, the first-generation Honda Odyssey was released. It quickly became one of the most popular minivans on the market.
It was not long before the uniqueness of The Odyssey in terms of comfort, safety and functionality became widely recognized. This laid a strong foundation for subsequent generations.
To give you a better idea of the Odyssey’s development over time, I have listed its various generations between 1999 and the present.
| The Generation of the Right to Generate | The Year |
|---|---|
| Second generation (RL1) | 1999-2004 |
| 3rd generation (RL3/RL4) | 2005-2010 |
| 4th generation (RL5) | 2011-2017 |
| 5th generation (RL6) | 2018-Present |
It is important to understand the differences between the generations when choosing the Honda Odyssey as your next car.
Honda Odyssey’s Best, Worst, and Neutral Years
We’ve used a comprehensive approach to find the best and worse Honda Odyssey years.
- Owner-reported reliability surveys
- Maintenance costs
- Safety Ratings
- Consumer Reports reliability score
- Consumer Reports scores of owner satisfaction
- NHTSA investigations, recalls and complaints
- Edmunds Owner Ratings
- JD Power Owner Ratings
- Kelley Blue Book (KBB) owner ratings
- Owner ratings for VehicleHistory
- Owner ratings on Cars.com
Next, you will find a graphic representation of all ratings combined from the sources mentioned above.
For your convenience, I’ve tabulated each Honda Odyssey year in the following graph into the best, neutral and worst categories.
| The Generation of the Right to Generate | Best Years | Neutral Years | The Worst Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second generation (RL1) | 2004 | N/A | 19992000 2001 2002 2003 |
| 3rd generation (RL3/RL4) | 2009 2010 | 2008 | 2005 2006 2007 |
| 4th generation (RL5) | 2012 2013 2015 2016 2017 | 2011 | 2014 |
| 5th generation (RL6) | 2021 2022 2023 | 2020 | 2018 2019 |
We refer to “Neutral Year” model years when we say they offer a balanced performance without extremes.
NHTSA Recalls are examples of factors that can negatively impact the reliability. The number of recalls and complaints is high, which indicates a lower level of reliability.
Let’s now dive in to the specs of Honda Odysseys’ best, neutral and worst years.
Honda Odyssey Second Generation: Best and Worst Years (1999-2004).
Honda Odyssey’s second-generation minivan has a new look with upgraded features. The aim is to penetrate further into the market for minivans.
Honda Odyssey 2004 has a relatively high score for reliability and customer satisfaction, making it the best year of this generation. 1999-2003 is the Honda Odyssey to avoid at all costs.
Note: This generation is not recommended due to its age and the expensive transmission issues reported by previous owners.
The Best Years of 2004
In terms of reliability, the best Honda Odyssey model year from 2nd Generation – 2004, received Consumer Reports scores that were quite good.
The 2004 Odyssey is powered by a V6 3.5L engine coupled to a 5 speed BYBA transmission.
The model is available in three trims: EX, LX and EX-L to suit different budgets and customer requirements.
The 2004 Odyssey is equipped with traction control and anti-lock breaks, as well as side curtain airbags.
The addition of the first-ever DVD navigation system for Honda vehicles and rear seat DVD entertainment systems were also notable.
Odyssey 2004 owners reported transmission problems despite its many positive features.
The worst years: 1999, 2000 2001 2002 2003
Which Honda Odyssey year should you avoid? Honda Odyssey Years to Avoid: 1999, 2000 2001 2002 2003 Why?
The transmission and electrical system problems were most prominent.
Transmission failures were reported for the 1999 Honda Odyssey. Electrical malfunctions were also reported, which caused unexpected stalling because of defective ignition switches.
Honda deemed these problems so serious that they issued two recalls.
In 1999, the infamous sliding-door issue was revealed. Faulty latches caused unexpected door openings when the vehicle is in motion.
Honda Odyssey 2000, 2001 and 2002 models were affected by the transmission problem.
Honda acknowledged the transmission problems in 2002 by issuing a recall. This included the Odyssey 2003 and 2004 models.
NHTSA Honda Odyssey Recalls and Complaints 1999-2003.
Honda Odyssey Third Generation: Best and Worst Years (2005-2010)
The Honda Odyssey’s third generation, which ran from 2005 to 2010, was designed to correct the mistakes of the previous two generations and create a minivan that is more reliable and packed with features.
Honda Odyssey models from 2009 and 2010 have the best value, while those of 2005, 2006 and 2007 are the worst.
The best years: 2009 and 2010
The best years for the Honda Odyssey 3rd Generation are 2009 and 2010, according to VehicleHistory, and cars.com owner ratings.
Odyssey’s 5-speed transmission, which is more reliable than the Honda Ridgeline transmission, was added to improve the transmission reliability.
Customers can get premium features like a power reargate, Bluetooth systems, navigation, and a reversing camera with the higher trims.
In these years safety became the main focus, thanks to features such as stability control, brakes with anti-lock, side impact airbags for front seats, and side curtain airbags that cover all sides.
Fuel efficiency figures for the Odyssey range from 12 to 28 miles per gallon on highways, which makes it an attractive choice for family trips.
These models are largely trouble-free, but a few complaints about brakes or electrical problems have been reported.
The Neutral Year: 2008
The year 2008 is a transitional one for Honda Odyssey. It stands between the best and worst of its history.
The 2008 Honda Odyssey was not immune to the brake issues that plagued its predecessors. However, the technology and safety improvements Honda made in this new generation were a big plus.
It was a reliable engine, with a 5-speed transmission and trim levels from LX up to Touring.
The higher trims included features like leather seats, a sunroof and even an entertainment DVD system for the backseat.
The 2008 Honda Odyssey was neither the best or the worst year for the Honda Odyssey, due to the lingering problems, particularly with the brakes.
The worst years: 2005, 2006. 2007
Honda Odyssey models from 2005, 2006 and 2007 should be avoided due to their low ratings and powertrain issues.
The 2005 Honda Odyssey was plagued by a variety of transmission problems. Transmission slipping and jerky shifts were reported by owners.
The sliding doors, which were a problem in the second-generation, remain problematic.
This year, there were also recalls related fuel pumps, brake liquid leakage and decreased braking performance.
A significant number 2006 Honda Odyssey owner’s complained about the loss of power steering assistance, particularly at low speed and when parking.
Honda Odyssey 2007 was plagued by a variety of issues, including increasing brake distances and persistent steering problems.
Honda has issued a second recall in response to the reduced brake performance.
View NHTSA 2005, 2006 2007 and 2008 Honda Odyssey complaints.
Honda Odyssey, 4th Generation: Best and Worst Years (2011-2018)
Honda Odyssey’s fourth generation, which spans from 2011 until 2017, was another important period in the history of this minivan.
Avoid the 2014 Honda Odyssey. Honda Odyssey is at its best in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.
The best years: 2012, 2013 2015, 2016 2017
The Honda Odyssey’s best years are 2012, 2015, 2016 and 2017. They have excellent ratings on platforms such as VehicleHistory and Consumer Reports.
These models were powered by a robust J35Z8 3.5L engine, which generated 248 horsepower.
The majority of trims were equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission, which further enhanced fuel economy. They averaged about 13 mpg for city driving and 31 mpg for highway driving.
It was significantly improved with Bluetooth and touchscreen controls. The Touring trims also have the HondaVAC, a vacuum cleaner built in.
Safety was paramount with the introduction of the
Owners have reported problems such as excessive steering wheel vibration, battery drain, and brake failures due to the brake rotor design.
The 2011 Honda Odyssey was not the best year, nor the worst in this model generation.
The worst years: 2014
The black sheep is 2014. Honda Odyssey 2014 should be avoided due to engine and transmission issues.
Transmission problems include shuddering or jerking when shifting.
VCM (Variable-Cylinder-Management) also presented issues with the engine.
The “Check Engine Light” is often activated by oil leakage from piston rings. This causes misfires and internal engine damage.
Honda was forced to settle a lawsuit for class action after this problem became so serious.
View NHTSA 2014 Honda Odyssey Recalls and Complaints.
Honda Odyssey 5th Generation: Best and Worst Years (2018 to Present)
Honda Odyssey, now in its fifth generation has further improved its position on the minivan competition market.
A number of NHTSA-issued recalls have made 2018 and 2019 the years to avoid when buying a Honda Odyssey. The Honda Odyssey’s most reliable years are 2021,2022, and 2023.
The best years: 2021-2022-2023
J.D. Power, Consumer Reports, and Cars.com ranked Honda Odyssey as the best in its generation. Power, Consumer Reports, Cars.com.
The 3.5L J35Y6 V6 continued to run reliably, and was paired with an automatic 10-speed transmission that improved fuel economy, reaching 14 mpg for urban areas, as well as a commendable 32 mpg for highways.
This year has seen a wide range of innovations, from an upgraded infotainment with improved responsiveness and CabinWatch to CabinTalk integrated systems.
The Honda Sensing Suite became standard in these years. It offers adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance, as well as collision mitigation brakes.
The exterior styling has been improved with more sharp lines and an aerodynamic profile.
The interior of the Magic Slide offers a second row seating area, plenty of cargo space and refined materials to make travel more convenient.
The Neutral Years 2020
While the 2020 Honda Odyssey boasts significant improvements, it is still in neutral territory mainly because of some teething problems.
This year, the 3.5L engine was a familiar feature, but many of the new features would appear in future models.
Some owners have reported infotainment issues and powertrain problems that are similar to earlier models.
2018 and 2019: The worst years
Honda Odyssey Years to Avoid: 2018 and 2019. These years have an unusually high number of NHTSA Recalls for various issues.
Honda Odyssey owners reported jerking and shuddering as well as occasional power loss.
Owners were unhappy with these performance problems, as well as the informationtainment systems. The rearview camera would occasionally fail due to a combination Media Oriented Systems Transportation cables and software issues.
2018 Odyssey recalls were issued due to loose terminal connections on the battery, defective sliding door latches and reduced brake performance.
The 2019 Honda Odyssey also faced similar issues and was subject to a recall due to fuel pumps that could have caused the vehicle’s stalling.
View NHTSA 2018,, 2019, and 2020 Honda Odyssey complaints.
Honda Odyssey Average Resale Values
This graph shows the average values of Odysseys over time.
The conclusion of the article is:
Honda Odyssey models from 2010-2013 are the best-selling and most reliable. I also recommend those produced in 2015-2017 and 2021-2023. Avoid the Honda Odyssey 2nd Generation, Early 3rd, 5th, and 6th generations, as well as 2014 models.
Own a Honda Odyssey that is from one of the top years we recommend? What has been your experience?
Comment below to share your Odyssey experience!
