2012 Honda Odyssey recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2012 Honda Odyssey and 245 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are service brakes (60), engine (39), electrical system (37). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 21–22 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2012 ranks #8 of 14 Odyssey model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (336). It has 5 recalls vs. an average of 7.6 per model year.
Recalls 5
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2012 Honda Odyssey. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Seats · mid/rear assembly
Problem: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Honda Odyssey vehicles. The second row outboard seats can slide sideways to one of two positions. If a seat is placed between either of the two positions when attaching the seat to the vehicle floor, the seat will not latch properly to the seat striker, allowing the seat to tip forward unexpectedly during braking.
Risk: If the seat tips forward during braking, it can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install a bracket to the second row outboard floor strikers, free of charge. The recall began April 2, 2018. Owners may contact American Honda Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is S0G.
Seats · mid/rear assembly
Problem: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Odyssey vehicles manufactured August 17, 2010, to October 1, 2015. The affected vehicles have second row outboard seats that have a release lever that allows the seats to move for easier access to the third row of seats. This release lever may remain in the unlocked position allowing the seats to move unexpectedly.
Risk: An unlocked second row outboard seat increases the risk of injury to the seat occupant during a crash.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional bracket and spring to both second row outboard seats, free of charge. Interim letter has been mailed, and a second notification will be sent . Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is KD5.
Power train · automatic transmission
Problem: Honda is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 CR-V, Odyssey, and model year 2013 Acura RDX vehicles. During sub-freezing temperatures, the brake-shift interlock blocking mechanism may become slow and allow the gear selector to be moved from the Park position without pressing the brake pedal. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Risk: If the gear selector is moved from the park position without pressing the brake pedal it can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda or Acura dealer. The dealer will install an updated brake shift interlock blocking mechanism free of charge. The recall began on May 13, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009. Honda's campaign recall numbers are S96, S97, and S98.
Air bags
Problem: Honda is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 Pilot and 2011-2013 Odyssey passenger vehicles manufactured from March 13, 2008, through December 21, 2012. One or more rivets that attach the airbag module to the airbag cover may be missing.
Risk: The absence of more than one rivet could alter the performance of the driver's airbag during deployment. This could potentially increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda dealer. The dealer will inspect the driver's airbag module and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 14, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Suspension · front
Problem: Honda is recalling certain model year 2012, odyssey vehicles manufactured from october 31, 2011, through november 30, 2011. The retention nut for the front right lower suspension damper bolt may not have been tightened to the proper torque, potentially allowing the nut to loosen.
Risk: If the nut loosens, the front hub assembly would only be attached by one bolt, allowing the wheel assembly to shift to an extreme inward angle, resulting in a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Honda contacted all nine owners by phone on december 19, 2011, and repaired the vehicles as necessary free of charge. Owners may contact honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
My vehicle electrical system has been acting up since I got vehicle and I don't know where to take vehicle for recent recalls to fix it.
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked or while driving at undisclosed speeds, the clock on the vehicle was flashing, causing a distraction to the driver while driving. The contact stated that the flashing of the clock was controlled by satellite GPS, and the system could not be reset. The dealer was contacted. The failure mi…
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle and while driving at an undisclosed speed, the radio screen displayed "0:00", and the navigation system was inoperable. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
Safety ratings
2012 Honda Odyssey VAN FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2012 Honda Odyssey.
Odyssey
Auto 5-spd · 6 cyl · 3.5 L
Regular
Odyssey
Auto 6-spd · 6 cyl · 3.5 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Honda Odyssey have?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2012 Honda Odyssey, most recently for seats · mid/rear assembly (11/17/2017). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Honda Odyssey?
Based on 245 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are service brakes (60), engine (39), electrical system (37).
Is the 2012 Honda Odyssey safe?
The 2012 Honda Odyssey earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2012 a good year for the Honda Odyssey?
The 2012 ranks #8 of 14 Odyssey model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (336). It has 5 recalls vs. an average of 7.6 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Honda Odyssey get?
EPA ratings for the 2012 Honda Odyssey range from 21 to 22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2012 Honda Odyssey in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: ODYSSEY, Odyssey.