Is the Honda Odyssey 4th Gen reliable?

Our reliability score for the Honda Odyssey 4th Gen is 8/10 (80/100), which puts it as strongly reliable. Most owners report 200,000+ miles with proper maintenance. RepairPal rates it 4/5.

How much does it cost to own a Honda Odyssey 4th Gen per year?

Total estimated annual ownership cost for a Honda Odyssey 4th Gen is approximately $2,407 for a 25-year-old male driver. This includes fuel at current US average prices, insurance, scheduled maintenance, tires, and oil changes. The 40-year-old female estimate is $2,187.

What is the Honda Odyssey 4th Gen gas mileage?

EPA combined fuel economy for the Honda Odyssey 4th Gen is 22 MPG, with 19 MPG city and 28 MPG highway.

What years does the Honda Odyssey 4th Gen cover?

This generation of the Honda Odyssey was sold from 2011 to 2017.

Is the Honda Odyssey 4th Gen safe?

Our safety score for the Honda Odyssey 4th Gen is 9.5/10 (95/100), which means it is genuinely safe by current data. IIHS rates the crash protection good. NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Is the Honda Odyssey 4th Gen a good first car?

Not according to our criteria. Good first cars need a safety score 7.5+, insurance under $2,200/yr for a 25-year-old male, repairability score 7.0+, low rollover risk, and compact dimensions. The Honda Odyssey 4th Gen misses on at least one of these.

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Honda Odyssey 4th Gen

11-17 · Honda Odyssey

91out of 100

The Honda Odyssey 4th Gen is a capable 8-passenger minivan with Honda J35 V6 reliability — the 2014-2017 models are among the best family vehicles available under $20k.

Scores last updated: January 1, 2025

Score breakdown

80/ 100Reliability×2.5 84/ 100True Annual Cost×2.0 95/ 100Safety×2.5 100/ 100Practicality×2.0 100/ 100Repairability×1.0

78/ 100Long-Distance Comfort

22/ 100Enthusiast Appeal

Strong across all dimensions. Best safety score of the minivans. VCM vibration and 2011-2013 transmission risk keep reliability from higher.

Our take

What it really is

Honda's best minivan generation — more reliable than the troubled 3rd gen, with a 6-speed automatic, a powerful V6, and genuine 8-passenger utility.

Why it's on this list

The 2014-2017 Odyssey avoids the 2011-2013 torque converter issues and offers the best combination of Honda reliability and minivan practicality available under $20k.

The honest trade-offs

VCM cylinder deactivation causes vibration. The 2011-2013 torque converter shudder can become a $2,000-3,500 repair if the transmission fluid fix does not hold. Buy 2014 or later if possible.

What to buy and what to avoid

The 2014-2017 EX-L for heated seats and the revised drivetrain. Confirm the transmission fluid has been changed on any 2011-2013. Test for vibration at highway cruise speed.

Annual cost of ownership

Regular fuel. 6-speed transmission torque converter shudder in 2011-2013 can be resolved with fluid change.

Fuel (12k mi)

$1,870 (USD)^[5]

Maintenance

$547 (USD)^[1]

Tires (prorated)

$480 (USD)

Insurance (25yr male)

$1,300 (USD)^[8]

Insurance (40yr female)

$1,080 (USD)^[8]

Total (25yr male)

$2,407 (USD)

Total (40yr female)

$2,187 (USD)

Key specs

MPG combined

22^[5]

MPG city / hwy

19 / 28^[5]

Tank

21 gal^[5]

Engine

3.5L V6

Horsepower

248 hp

Torque

250 lb-ft

Seats

Cargo (behind 2nd row)

38.4 cu ft

Cargo max

148.5 cu ft

Tow capacity

3,500 lbs

Ground clearance

6.3"

Stock tires

235/60R17

Body

Minivan

Rear seats

Folds flat

3rd row

Folds flat

Safety

NHTSA overall

5/5 ★^[2]

Rollover risk

22%^[2]

IIHS rating

Good^[4]

ESC standard

Yes

Driver assists

Optional lane watch (2013+); backup camera standard (2015+)

Rust vulnerability

Overall severity

Minimal

Frame rust risk

Minimal

Salt belt impact

Minimal

Excellent corrosion resistance for the class. Minimal issues reported even in salt states.

Known issues by mileage

30,000-60,000 Miles (48,000-97,000 KM)

6-speed automatic torque converter shudder (2011-2013)Moderate$2,750 (USD)

Transmission shudder. Fluid change ($150) is first step. Converter replacement $2,000-3,500 if ignored.

60,000-100,000 Miles (97,000-161,000 KM)

VCM cylinder deactivation vibrationModerate$350 (USD)

Same issue as Ridgeline. VCM muzzler workaround applies.

Best and worst years

Best years

2014Post-transmission revision; torque converter issues largely resolved
2015Backup camera standard; best safety year of gen
2016Strong reliability; pre-refresh features well-sorted
2017Final year; best resale value; all generation issues addressed

Years to avoid

2011Launch year; torque converter shudder most prevalent
2012Torque converter issues continued; do transmission fluid check first

Reliability data

RepairPal annual cost

$547 (USD)^[1]

Industry avg annual cost

$652 (USD)^[1]

RepairPal rating

4/5^[1]

Unscheduled visits/yr

0.3^[1]

Severe issue probability

12%^[1]

250k-mile survival

42%^[7]

Repairability

Headlight type

Halogen

DIY replacement cost

$25 (USD)

At major retailer

Yes

Headlight benchmark

10/10

Honda J35 V6 shared with Pilot and Ridgeline. Parts cheap. VCM software updates available from dealer.

References

Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.

[1]dataset
RepairPal
Annual maintenance cost, reliability rating, unscheduled visit frequency, severe issue probability
[2]government
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings
Overall crash test stars, rollover risk %, rollover stars, frontal and side ratings
[3]government
NHTSA Technical Service Bulletins
Manufacturer-acknowledged technical issues and dealer fixes
[4]dataset
IIHS Safety Ratings
Small overlap, side impact, overall safety rating, Top Safety Pick status
[5]government
EPA Fuel Economy Guide
MPG city/highway/combined, fuel grade required, tank size
[6]forum thread
CarComplaints
Most complained-about model years, common failure patterns by year and mileage band
[7]dataset
iSeeCars Long-Term Reliability
250k-mile survival rate, depreciation curve, best age to buy used
[8]publication
Bankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates
Insurance cost estimates by vehicle class and driver profile

Before you buy

Looking to buy a Honda Odyssey?

Start with our fully customized pre-purchase inspection checklist for you or your mechanic. Three versions: one for buyers who are not mechanics, one for enthusiasts with tools, one for handing off to a professional. Print or save as PDF.

Get the checklist