2016 Honda Odyssey: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
VCM V6 oil-consumption / spark-plug-fouling peak (subject to a service campaign) plus second-row seat complaints. Verify oil-burn history before buying. 4 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2016 Honda Odyssey ranged from $29,550 to $45,025 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
VCM V6 oil-consumption / spark-plug-fouling peak (subject to a service campaign) plus second-row seat complaints. Verify oil-burn history before buying.
Sources (3)
- cargurus.comhttps://www.cargurus.com/research/articles/honda-odyssey-buying-guide
- cars.usnews.comhttps://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/honda/odyssey
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=honda&model=odyssey…
Known issues
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VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) 3.5L V6 burns oil and fouls spark plugs, causing misfires (P0301-P0304); a service campaign addressed premature piston-ring wear.
commonly reported · 71 NHTSA complaints · typically 70k–150k miles · engine
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Powertrain complaints including transmission shift quality/judder and torque-converter issues on the 5-/6-speed automatics.
occasional · 70 NHTSA complaints · transmission
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Power sliding doors and power tailgate can stick, fail to latch, or operate intermittently due to motor/actuator and wiring faults.
occasional · 24 NHTSA complaints · body
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Second-row seat complaints including latch/recline problems; some vans subject to seat-related recalls.
occasional · 24 NHTSA complaints · other
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (3)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=honda&model=odyssey…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=honda&model=odyssey…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=honda&model=odyssey…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Smooth, strong V6 with a composed, sedan-like ride and surprisingly sharp steering for a minivan.
- Spacious, flexible interior with comfortable second-row seats and easy third-row access; very practical for families.
- Strong long-term durability and resale; many examples reach 250,000+ miles with proper maintenance.
- Comprehensive standard safety suite (automatic emergency braking, lane-keep, adaptive cruise) on later models.
Cons
- Front-drive V6 returns only about 22 mpg combined, behind hybrid-minivan rivals.
- VCM V6 can burn oil and foul spark plugs over time; premature brake wear is also common.
- No all-wheel drive or hybrid option, unlike the Toyota Sienna and Chrysler Pacifica.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX | $29,550 | discontinued | — | — |
| EX | $32,700 | discontinued | — | — |
| SE | $33,650 | discontinued | — | — |
| EX-L | $36,200 | $42,795 | — | — |
| Touring | $42,455 | $47,495 | — | — |
| Touring Elite | $45,025 | discontinued | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2016-honda-odyssey-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/honda-odyssey-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($29,550). Higher trims started higher (up to $45,025), and options added more.
The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/honda-odyssey/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $500–550/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $1,800–1,900/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~250k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/honda/odyssey
- moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/honda-odyssey-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2016 Honda Odyssey have?
Documented issue patterns include: VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) 3.5L V6 burns oil and fouls spark plugs, causing misfires (P0301-P0304); a service campaign addressed premature piston-ring wear; Powertrain complaints including transmission shift quality/judder and torque-converter issues on the 5-/6-speed automatics; Power sliding doors and power tailgate can stick, fail to latch, or operate intermittently due to motor/actuator and wiring faults; Second-row seat complaints including latch/recline problems; some vans subject to seat-related recalls. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2016 Honda Odyssey reliable?
VCM V6 oil-consumption / spark-plug-fouling peak (subject to a service campaign) plus second-row seat complaints. Verify oil-burn history before buying.
How much did the 2016 Honda Odyssey cost new?
Between $29,550 and $45,025 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Honda Odyssey expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $500–550/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.