2018 Honda Odyssey: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

Troubled 5th-gen launch: 9-speed hesitation/power loss, J35 connecting-rod-bearing engine failures, and widespread electrical/infotainment glitches. 5 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2018 Honda Odyssey ranged from $29,990 to $46,770 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

4/10
Troubled track record

Troubled 5th-gen launch: 9-speed hesitation/power loss, J35 connecting-rod-bearing engine failures, and widespread electrical/infotainment glitches.

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

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…
  • lemonlawhelp.comhttps://lemonlawhelp.com/blog/honda-odyssey-9speed-transmission-problems/

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.
  • Early 5th-gen (2018-2019) suffers 9-speed transmission and infotainment problems; the later 10-speed years are much smoother.
  • No all-wheel drive or hybrid option, unlike the Toyota Sienna and Chrysler Pacifica.

Trims & original pricing

TrimOriginal base MSRPNew todayEngineMPG
LX $29,990 discontinued — —
EX $33,960 discontinued — —
EX-L $37,460 $42,795 — —
Touring $44,610 $47,495 — —
Elite $46,770 $51,695 — —

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/2018-honda-odyssey-price
  • iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/honda-odyssey-price

Depreciation

$12k $23k $35k $46k 201820202022202420262028
2018 entry trim from new typical floor (assumed, past curve data) same model bought new today

Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.

Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($29,990). Higher trims started higher (up to $46,770), 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)≈ $1,900–2,000/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 2018 Honda Odyssey have?

Documented issue patterns include: ZF 9-speed automatic (lower trims) shifts roughly, hesitates, and can briefly lose power/drive, especially from a stop or when merging; subject of owner class actions; J35 3.5L V6 connecting-rod-bearing failure causing engine knock and, in some cases, a thrown rod and total engine loss, reported even at moderate mileage; Forward-collision and lane-keep driver aids can false-activate (phantom braking/warnings) in normal driving; In-tank fuel pump can fail and cause stalling or no-start; addressed by recall on affected vans. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2018 Honda Odyssey reliable?

Troubled 5th-gen launch: 9-speed hesitation/power loss, J35 connecting-rod-bearing engine failures, and widespread electrical/infotainment glitches.

How much did the 2018 Honda Odyssey cost new?

Between $29,990 and $46,770 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.