2011 Honda Odyssey: problems, recalls and what it’s worth
NHTSA has 1 open defect investigation (not a recall). Known weak spot on this generation: J-series V6 with VCM — oil burn, plug fouling, mounts. 5 recall campaigns to confirm with a dealer. A lot of owner complaints, 28% about electrical.
Scan for misfire codes, ask when the rear plugs were last done, feel for a shudder at idle in gear (worn mounts). Many owners fit a 'VCM disabler' — ask.
Known problems on the 2011 Honda Odyssey
J-series V6 with VCM — oil burn, plug fouling, mounts $600–$2,500 to fix
The 3.5L V6 with Variable Cylinder Management burns oil and fouls the rear bank of spark plugs (misfire codes P0300/P030x), and the VCM-induced vibration kills engine mounts early. A class action was settled with an extended plug/mount warranty.
Check for: Scan for misfire codes, ask when the rear plugs were last done, feel for a shudder at idle in gear (worn mounts). Many owners fit a 'VCM disabler' — ask.
Basis: Honda spark-plug/VCM class-action settlement; NHTSA complaints
Known patterns for this year and model, not findings about one car. A well-kept example may already have had the fix. Costs are rough US shop prices.
2011 Honda Odyssey recalls
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2011 Honda Odyssey. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.
- Seats
If the seat tips forward during braking, it can increase the risk of injury.
Details 17V725000
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.
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
An unlocked second row outboard seat increases the risk of injury to the seat occupant during a crash.
Details 16V933000
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.
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.
- Airbags
The absence of more than one rivet could alter the performance of the driver's airbag during deployment.
Details 13V016000
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.
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.
- Visibility & wipers
THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS MAY FAIL TO OPERATE, DECREASING THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY IN ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Details 11V180000
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 HONDA ODYSSEY VEHICLES. IF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES BECOME FROZEN TO THE WINDSHIELD AND THE WIPER MOTOR IS SWITCHED ON, ONE OF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER LINKAGE RODS MAY BEND OR SEPARATE FROM THE MOTOR DUE TO INSUFFICIENT STIFFNESS OF THE ROD.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER ROD FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 28, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-999-1009.
- Visibility & wipers
THE WINDOW MAY SHATTER INTO THE PASSENGER CABIN CAUSING A RISK OF INJURY TO THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
Details 11V181000
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 HONDA ODYSSEY VEHICLES. THERE IS A POTENTIAL FAILURE WITH THE DRIVER AND THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR POWER WINDOWS IN WHICH THE WINDOW MAY COME OFF THE TRACK CAUSING THE WINDOW TO BECOME INOPERATIVE AND PREVENTING IT FROM BEING ROLLED UP OR DOWN OR IT COULD DROP INTO THE DOOR.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE EITHER THE PASSENGER'S AND/OR THE DRIVER'S FRONT DOOR WINDOW GLASS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 28, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-999-1009.
2011 Honda Odyssey safety investigations and free repairs
Under investigation (not a recall):
- Inadvertent deployment of air bags since Jul 2026
Ask the seller if the car has had this problem.
Free repairs to ask about (warranty extensions):
- Engine: The piston rings on certain cylinders may rotate and align, which can lead to spark plug fouling.
- Paint: The exterior paint on the roof and/or tailgate may peel off.
- Doors and locks: "dealer message - since the posting of service bulletin 16-066 for 2010 crosstour software update for lock-up function there has been a sharp rise in…
- Warranty extension: "dealer message - american honda motor, co., inc.
A dealer for the brand can check these by VIN.
Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.
2011 Honda Odyssey safety and fuel
From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.
What owners complain about
233 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, which is a lot.
Share of complaints that mention each area. One complaint can mention several.
What a 2011 Honda Odyssey is worth
Rough trade-in values — roughly what a dealer would pay — by mileage, from published trade-in guides. Private sales and dealer prices run higher. For the exact car, add its VIN.
| Mileage | Trade-in (rough) |
|---|---|
| 40,000 mi | $4,225 |
| 120,000 mi | $3,938 |
From new to now
What each Honda Odyssey model year trades in for today at typical mileage.
Typical mileage = 12,000 miles a year; values between two published mileages are estimated in a straight line.
Other Honda Odyssey years
2010 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Printable inspection checklist · Out-the-door price calculator