Which year is the Honda Odyssey most reliable?

The Honda Odyssey is widely regarded as one of the most reliable minivans on the market. However, not all model years are created equal when it comes to reliability. Based on extensive research and expert reviews, the most reliable Honda Odyssey model year is the 2019 edition.

Reliability Ratings and Factors

The 2019 Honda Odyssey has consistently received high reliability ratings from authoritative sources like J.D. Power and Consumer Reports. The 2019 model scored a 4 out of 5 on J.D. Power's Vehicle Dependability Study, indicating "better than average" reliability. Additionally, Consumer Reports named the 2019 Odyssey one of the "Most Reliable" minivans, praising its "excellent predicted reliability."

Several key factors contribute to the 2019 Odyssey's strong reliability performance:

• Proven powertrain: The 2019 Odyssey uses Honda's well-established 3.5-liter V6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission, both of which have demonstrated long-term durability in other Honda models.


• Minimal design changes: The 2019 model year represented the third year of the Odyssey's current generation, allowing Honda to refine and optimize the design without major overhauls.


• Robust construction: The Odyssey is known for its high-quality materials and assembly, contributing to its reputation for dependability.

These factors, combined with Honda's reputation for reliability, make the 2019 Odyssey a standout choice for families seeking a minivan they can count on for the long haul.

Other Reliable Odyssey Model Years

While the 2019 model is considered the most reliable Honda Odyssey, other recent model years have also earned strong reliability ratings:

• 2018 Honda Odyssey: Also highly rated for reliability, with a 4 out of 5 score from J.D. Power.li>
  
• 2017 Honda Odyssey: The last model year of the previous Odyssey generation, the 2017 model received a 4 out of 5 reliability rating from Consumer Reports.


• 2020 Honda Odyssey: The latest model year, the 2020 Odyssey continues the nameplate's reputation for dependability with a 4 out of 5 reliability score from J.D. Power.

Ultimately, the 2019 Honda Odyssey stands out as the most reliable model year, offering families a minivan they can trust to provide years of trouble-free service.

Which Odyssey is the best?

The "best Odyssey" depends on what you're looking for, as it can refer to the Honda Odyssey minivan, Odyssey golf putters, or the epic poem The Odyssey. For a used minivan, the 2018-2022 Honda Odyssey models are often recommended for their driver-assist technology, while the first (1995-1998) and fourth (2011-2017) generations are praised for their reliability. In golf, a top putter is the Odyssey Ai-One Rossie Putter, or the Odyssey Square 2 Square Jailbird Putter for its stability and forgiveness. 
Honda Odyssey

• For technology: The 2018 and newer generations are highly desirable due to advanced driver-assist features, with 2021 or 2022 models often being a top pick. 
• For reliability: The first generation (1995-1998) and fourth generation (2011-2017) are considered the most durable long-term options. 
• For luxury: The Elite trim is the highest level, featuring ventilated front seats, a hands-free tailgate, and premium audio. 

Odyssey Golf Putters

• Odyssey Ai-One Rossie Putter: A popular choice, especially for those who prefer a stunning model with an Ai-ONE insert face. 
• Odyssey Tri-Hot 5K #2: A very stable blade putter with a White Hot face. 
• Odyssey Eleven Putter: Visually appealing and very forgiving, with a White Hot face. 
• Odyssey Square 2 Square Jailbird Putter: Praised for its zero-torque technology and forgiveness. 

The Odyssey (epic poem)

• Author: Traditionally attributed to the ancient Greek poet Homer.
• Subject: An epic tale of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, and his ten-year journey home after the Trojan War. 

What is the most reliable year of the Honda Odyssey?

The most reliable Honda Odyssey years include the first generation (1995-1998) and the fourth generation (2011-2017), with the latter generation having specific models like 2014-2017 being highly regarded, especially after 2014 when safety features improved and crash test performance was better. The fifth generation is also considered very reliable, particularly newer models like 2021-2022 which have had fewer reported issues than earlier models in that generation. 
This video discusses the reliability of the first-generation Honda Odyssey: 1mAbsolute Automotive ChannelYouTube · Sep 10, 2022
First generation (1995-1998) 

• Known for exceptional reliability and fuel economy due to its smaller, four-cylinder engine. 
• It is a good choice if you are looking for a reliable and smaller minivan. 

Fourth generation (2011-2017) 

• Generally considered very reliable, with 2014-2017 models being particularly recommended for their improved safety and features. 
• Note: Vehicles in this generation have Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), which some owners report can cause issues. It is often recommended to disable VCM on these models to help ensure long-term reliability. 

Fifth generation (2018-Present)

• Overall, this is a highly reliable generation, though some early model years (2018-2020) had minor glitches. 
• Recommendation: Prioritize 2021-2022 models for a good balance of the latest features and proven reliability within this generation. 

What year does the Honda Odyssey have issues?

Used Honda Odyssey Model Years to Avoid
Due to possible transmission and engine issues, we'd avoid the 2011-2013 and 2018-2020 vans. If you're looking at a third-generation or older Odyssey, we suggest you run it by a trusted mechanic first.

What is more reliable, a Honda Odyssey or a Toyota Sienna?

Both the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey are highly reliable minivans, but the Toyota Sienna is often considered slightly more reliable for long-term peace of mind. The Sienna's reputation is built on its consistent performance and hybrid powertrain, while the Odyssey, although highly rated, has had some model years with reported issues affecting long-term dependability.
 
Toyota Sienna

• Strengths: Considered by many experts to have a stronger long-term reliability reputation, partly due to its hybrid system. The hybrid powertrain offers better fuel economy and comes with long-term warranties on the hybrid components, which can lead to significant savings. 
• Potential drawbacks: The hybrid powertrain can feel less powerful in some situations, and some repairs, like replacing rear spark plugs, can be more complex. 

Honda Odyssey

• Strengths: Often has a higher J.D. Power reliability rating, with more standard safety features and features like the Magic Slide rear seats, notes Planet Honda New Hampshire. 
• Potential drawbacks: Has had a few model years with reports of issues that may impact its long-term reliability. Some maintenance tasks, such as spark plug replacement, can be more time-consuming than in other minivans. 

Conclusion

• For maximum peace of mind and lower running costs: The Toyota Sienna is generally the slightly more reliable choice, especially considering its hybrid system's long-term warranty and excellent fuel efficiency. 
• For a more engaging driving experience and more versatile interior: The Honda Odyssey is a great option, but it is important to research specific model years to avoid any potential reliability issues that may have been reported in the past.