The 2018 Honda Odyssey logged 863 NHTSA complaints. The 2022 logged 113. Same platform. Same engine. Same basic shape. But the 2018 has three class action lawsuits attached to it, and the 2022 has none. That gap defines this generation.
The 5th gen Odyssey is one of the most capable minivans ever made. It is also one of the most uneven. The 2018-2019 models are genuinely problematic in ways that hit families right when they need a car least: during school pickup, on road trips, in freezing parking lots where the side door won't latch. The 2022 and newer models are genuinely excellent.
The key to buying this generation is not just picking the right year. It is picking the right transmission. In 2018 and 2019, your transmission depends on your trim level. Get that wrong and you have bought yourself a class action lawsuit.
This Generation at a Glance
The 5th generation Honda Odyssey launched for 2018, replacing the 4th gen that ran from 2011. It rides on a dedicated FWD platform. All-wheel drive has never been offered on any Odyssey generation, and that holds here.
A mid-cycle refresh arrived for 2021, updating the exterior and making Honda Sensing standard on all trims. A second lighter refresh came for 2025. The 2024 was the last year before that update.
| Powertrain | Years Available | HP / TQ | Transmission | MPG (Combined) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L V6 (i-VTEC) | 2018-2019 LX/EX/EX-L | 280 HP / 262 lb-ft | ZF 9-speed automatic | 22 |
| 3.5L V6 (i-VTEC) | 2018-2019 Touring/Elite | 280 HP / 262 lb-ft | Honda 10-speed automatic | 22 |
| 3.5L V6 (i-VTEC) | 2020-2024 all trims | 280 HP / 262 lb-ft | Honda 10-speed automatic | 22 |
The engine is identical across all years and trims. No turbos. No diesel. No hybrid. One engine. The difference that matters is the transmission behind it.
Year range links: 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024
Powertrain and Trim Breakdown
ZF 9-Speed (2018-2019 LX, EX, EX-L)
This is the one to avoid. Honda sourced the 9-speed automatic from ZF for the three lowest trims of the 2018 and 2019 Odyssey: LX, EX, and EX-L. It was the first time Honda used a ZF transmission, and the results were documented in a class action lawsuit.
Owners reported violent shuddering and juddering during acceleration, rough shifting, hesitation from stops, and sudden unexpected lurches. The cause, according to the lawsuit "Moore v. Honda," was a software miscalibration in the Transmission Control Module and Powertrain Control Module, which caused the torque converter lock-up clutch to deteriorate. Honda issued multiple TSBs reprogramming the TCM but never issued a recall. Many owners found the TSBs provided temporary relief but did not fully solve the problem.
NHTSA complaint data reflects the damage. The 2018 Odyssey generated 863 complaints and the 2019 generated 796. Transmission issues were among the top categories. The complaints drop sharply for the 2020, when Honda moved all trims to its in-house 10-speed.
If you are looking at a 2018 or 2019 Odyssey in LX, EX, or EX-L trim: confirm whether all relevant TSBs were performed at a dealer. Test drive cold. Accelerate from a stop at normal throttle. Any shudder, jolt, or hesitation in that first 1-4 gear range is the ZF 9AT doing what it does. Walk away.
If you want a 2018 or 2019 Odyssey, buy Touring or Elite. They got the Honda 10-speed from the beginning.
ZF 9AT pre-purchase check: Start cold. Accelerate at normal pace from 0-30 mph. The transmission should shift smoothly and promptly. Any shuddering, hesitation, or lurching in the first four gears is a known ZF failure symptom. Do not dismiss it.
Honda 10-Speed (2018-2019 Touring/Elite; All 2020-2024)
The Honda-built 10-speed automatic is a different machine entirely. Forum consensus on odyclub.com is consistent: the 10AT is reliable, smooth, and not the source of meaningful complaint volume. One owner documented 45,000 trouble-free miles on a 2019 Elite; another had a 2022 rated 9 out of 10 with no drivetrain issues.
There have been isolated 10AT failures. A 2022 example with under 300 miles had a random disengagement requiring a transmission replacement under warranty. A 2018 Elite at 62,600 miles experienced 4-5 upshift slip and loss of reverse. These are rare cases, not a pattern.
The one caveat from forums: the 10AT is not designed to be rebuilt. If something goes wrong outside warranty, dealers typically replace the whole unit. That is a meaningful repair bill. Maintain the fluid. Honda recommends changes every 30,000-40,000 miles under severe use. A used Odyssey with no transmission fluid service record at 70k+ miles is a risk regardless of which transmission it carries.
10AT long-term check: Ask for transmission service history. No service at 60k+ miles is a yellow flag. During the test drive, confirm the transmission doesn't hunt between gears at highway speeds or show any slipping between 3rd and 4th.
Trim-Specific Notes
The 5th gen trim ladder is: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, Elite. In 2023, Honda discontinued the LX and added a Sport trim between EX-L and Touring.
LX is the only trim without Honda Sensing standard until 2021. If you are buying 2018-2020 LX, you have no adaptive cruise, no LKAS, and no automatic emergency braking. Combined with the ZF 9AT in 2018-2019, the LX is the weakest value in this generation.
EX adds Honda Sensing (but not always standard in 2018-2020), Magic Slide second-row seats, 8-inch infotainment, dual-zone climate, and roof rails. For 2018-2019 it carries the ZF 9AT.
EX-L adds leather, heated front seats, navigation, and a power tailgate. Still ZF 9AT in 2018-2019. The EX-L is where most used shoppers land on price. Watch the transmission.
Touring jumps to the Honda 10-speed in 2018-2019 and adds a rear-seat entertainment system, two 10.2-inch screens, CabinTalk, power second-row sunshade, and wireless charging. This is the sweet spot for families who need the entertainment system. The 10AT makes Touring a meaningfully better buy than EX-L in 2018-2019.
Elite adds a vacuum cleaner (Honda's CabinControl), rear console, premium audio, and HondaVAC. The Elite is expensive on the used market, but it is also the only trim that always had the 10AT and the fullest feature set. For those who need the entertainment and premium features, the Elite holds its value but offers the best ownership experience of any 2018-2019 example.
Honda Sensing coverage by year: Standard on all trims from 2021 onward. For 2018-2020, standard only on EX and above in most configurations. If Honda Sensing matters, confirm it is equipped on the specific VIN.
Which Model Years to Target Within This Gen
| Year | NHTSA Complaints | Key Recalls | Key Changes | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 863 | 11 | Launch year. ZF 9AT on LX/EX/EX-L, 10AT on Touring/Elite | Avoid unless Touring/Elite |
| 2019 | 796 | 9 | Infotainment class action. ZF 9AT on LX/EX/EX-L | Avoid unless Touring/Elite |
| 2020 | 358 | 5 | All trims move to Honda 10AT. Fuel pump recall. | Acceptable. Best 2018-2020 option |
| 2021 | N/A | ~4 | Mid-cycle refresh. Honda Sensing standard everywhere. | Good. MOST bus TSB applies |
| 2022 | 113 | 3 | Post-refresh quality improvement. CR: above average | Best value overall |
| 2023 | 78 | 2 | LX dropped. Sport trim added. Steering recall on some units | Best if budget allows |
| 2024 | Emerging | 2 | Final year before 2025 refresh | Strong but pricier |
Year-by-year verdicts:
2018: Avoid for general buyers. 11 recalls. The infotainment class action, the ZF 9AT class action, and the sliding door recall all land on the 2018. Consumer Reports reliability: 2 out of 5. If you find a 2018 Touring or Elite at a steep discount with documented dealer service history, that is a different calculus. Otherwise, skip.
2019: Near-identical to 2018 in terms of complaint structure. The infotainment settlement covers 2018-2019 only. 9 recalls. Same ZF 9AT risk on lower trims. Same advice: Touring or Elite only if you insist on a 2019.
2020: The transmission problem goes away for all buyers. Honda moved every 2020 trim to the 10-speed. Complaint volume drops to 358. The fuel pump recall (Denso impeller, campaign 21V215) applies to 2018-2020, so verify this was completed. Sliding door recall (20V437) also applies. At its price point in the used market, the 2020 offers good value if the recalls are done.
2021: The refresh year. Honda Sensing standard everywhere, updated exterior, improved cabin quietness. A service bulletin (TSB) applies to 2018-2021 for the MOST bus connector issue in the infotainment network. Check for static audio or "Network Loss" errors. Reliability is about average per Consumer Reports, but meaningfully better than 2018-2019.
2022: This is the sweet spot. Above-average reliability per Consumer Reports. Substantially lower complaint volume (113). The post-refresh quality improvements have settled in. Three recalls are all minor. Pricing is attractive for what you get.
2023: Strong year. Steering gearbox recall (campaign 24V114) affects some 2023-2024 units. Confirm it was completed. The removal of the LX makes every 2023 a higher-spec vehicle than its 2022 counterpart at the same price. 78 complaints is a generation low.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
For Any Year
- Run the VIN through the recall lookup before you go see the van. Confirm all open recalls are closed.
- Ask for the transmission fluid service record. For any Odyssey over 60k miles, no service record on the transmission is a flag.
- Test every power sliding door from outside using the handle, inside using the button, and via the key fob. Do this before the vehicle warms up if you can. The 2018-2020 sliding door recall (20V437) involves ice formation in the handle cable in cold weather. A door that hesitates or does not fully latch needs inspection.
- Start the infotainment from cold. Navigate through all menus. Switch to rear entertainment if equipped. Listen for static or crackling through any speaker. Check for "Network Loss" or black screen. These are MOST bus connector symptoms. The fix is a known TSB repair, not an expensive part, but confirm a dealer has addressed it.
- Engage adaptive cruise control on a highway test. It should hold speed cleanly and not throw ACC/LKAS error warnings during normal operation. False alerts often trace to a weak battery or dirty radar sensor.
- Check all exterior mirrors for secure glass attachment (2020-2022 recall applies to mirror heating pads; glass can detach if not properly bonded).
Specific to 2018-2019 LX, EX, EX-L
- Start the van cold. Accelerate at normal pace from a stop. Pay close attention between 15-35 mph. Any shudder, jolt, or hesitation during upshifts is the ZF 9AT symptom. It should feel smooth, not urgent. If you feel the transmission hunting or lurching, do not buy this vehicle without a dealer inspection and documentation of TSB compliance.
- Ask if the infotainment recall or extended warranty work was performed. The $33M class action settlement provided a warranty extension to 2018-2019 owners. If it was used to repair the system, get that documentation.
Specific to 2023-2024
- Test the steering at low speeds in parking lots. Any binding, resistance, or grinding in the steering is a sign the gearbox recall (24V114) was not yet addressed. This recall replaces the entire EPS rack. Confirm completion before purchase.
Running Costs
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine oil | 5.7 quarts, 0W-20 full synthetic. Honda Maintenance Minder typically calls for service every 5,000-7,500 miles. Change at Minder notification, not by fixed interval. |
| Transmission fluid | Honda recommends service every 30,000-40,000 miles under "severe" conditions. No service at 70k+ miles is a risk. |
| Fuel economy | 19 city / 28 highway / 22 combined (EPA, all trims, all years). Annual fuel cost approximately $2,000 at average miles. |
| Sliding door motor | $1,478-$1,555 average for full motor replacement (RepairPal). Cables alone run less but shops often recommend full assembly replacement since parts prices are similar. |
| Front camera replacement | Owners report $1,500-$2,000 at dealers for camera failure at 80,000+ miles. |
| MOST bus repair | Covered under TSB dealer repair if documented. If not under warranty, connector repair is typically under $500. |
| Battery | Replace around 3 years. The 5th gen's electronics load is high. A weak battery causes cascading Honda Sensing and infotainment errors that disappear after a fresh battery. |
FAQ Block
Is the 5th gen Honda Odyssey reliable? It depends entirely on the year and trim. The 2018-2019 LX, EX, and EX-L with the ZF 9-speed automatic are documented problem vehicles with active class action lawsuits. The 2022 and 2023 Odyssey are above-average in reliability per Consumer Reports. This is not a generation you buy without checking the specific year and transmission.
Which year 5th gen Honda Odyssey should I avoid? Avoid 2018 and 2019 unless you are buying Touring or Elite trim, which came with the Honda 10-speed. The 2018 had 863 NHTSA complaints and 11 recalls. The 2019 had 796 complaints and 9 recalls. Both years have class action lawsuits covering the transmission and infotainment system.
What is the best year of the 5th gen Honda Odyssey to buy used? The 2022 is the sweet spot: above-average Consumer Reports reliability, 113 NHTSA complaints (versus 863 in 2018), all recalls minor, and post-refresh build quality. The 2023 is also excellent if the steering gearbox recall (24V114) was completed. Both are FWD only.
What does the Honda Odyssey ZF 9-speed problem feel like? Owners describe sudden, violent shaking and jerking during acceleration, particularly between 15 and 35 mph. It can feel like a rough road when the road is smooth, or like a sudden lurch when applying normal throttle. Honda issued TSBs reprogramming the transmission control module. Many owners report temporary improvement followed by recurrence.
Does the 2020 Honda Odyssey still have transmission problems? No. Honda moved all 2020 trim levels to the in-house 10-speed automatic, dropping the ZF 9-speed entirely. The 2020 complaint volume dropped to 358 from 796 in 2019. The 2020 does carry the Denso fuel pump recall (21V215) and the sliding door handle recall (20V437), so verify those were completed.
Bottom Line
Buy a 2022 or newer if your budget allows. The 2021 with a documented MOST bus TSB fix is the next best option. If you are stretching toward 2019 to save money, buy Touring or Elite only. Never buy a 2018-2019 LX, EX, or EX-L without driving it cold and feeling the ZF 9AT yourself.
Run every VIN through a recall lookup before you go. The fuel pump recall, the sliding door recall, and the steering recall (2023-2024) are all safety items. None should be outstanding on a used vehicle you buy.
CarScout members can track price drops on specific Odyssey trim and year combinations at usecarscout.com. Set a scout for 2022+ Touring or Elite and let the price come to you.
Data sourced from the NHTSA recalls and complaints database, EPA fuel economy data, and real owner experiences from odyclub.com (Honda Odyssey Forum), CarGurus community discussions, lemonlawhelp.com legal case documentation, Consumer Reports reliability data, and class action reporting from classaction.org and topclassactions.com. See the full Honda Odyssey market data for current pricing and inventory.