[jmg32]

After the addition of our 3rd child, we are needing to upgrade to an Odyssey. Currently getting by in a couple Honda CR-Vs, but not sure we'll be able to make those work once our infant moves into a larger car seat. We were going to try waiting out the crazy used car market, but analysts don't see it ending any time soon, so I guess we have to bite the bullet.

I have a search saved on Autotrader. When I look nationwide for 2015-2017 Odysseys, there are 96 total vehicles which fit my search criteria. If I look only at 2018 models, there are 298. So, 96 total vehicles for the years 2015-2017 combined and nearly 300 just for 2018. Are there so many more 2018 models because the 2018 model sucks and owners are dumping them? Or is it likely people just cashing in on the prices dealers are willing to pay for used vehicles right now. Are the pre-2018 models more reliable, so people are more inclined to hold to them?

TIA

 

[jmg32]

Honda Odyssey Problems

Compare Honda Odyssey complaints, problems, & worst model years. There are 2,951 complaints on file for the Honda Odyssey.

www.carcomplaints.com

2017 Odyssey has fewer complaints than 2018 (New Model Year).
2018 Odyssey has fewer complaints than 2014 & 2015 model years, about same for 2016.
We purchased 2019 Odyssey Elite (10 speed transmission), put on 10,000 miles, no issues, like smooth 10 speed.
I had read dissatisfaction with the 9 speed transmission on lower trim levels, jerky shifts at 20-45 mph.
I believe the 2018 model change is where the second row can slide sideways. We use this feature every day.
Good luck with your search.

Thanks. And, yes, the magic slide feature is a very attractive option.

 

[jmg32]

Aside from recalls, my 2018 has been rock solid. Zero issues at 57000 miles. I am, however getting very aggravated at the gas mileage. I'm only getting about 16 in the city now down from 19-20 earlier on.

Is the gas mileage issue fairly common?

 

[jmg32]

2017 will naturally have fewer complaints. Last year of the generation vs first year of a new generation.

I would try and look for a 2019 or newer to avoid that.

That makes sense.

2019 is gonna be out of our price range though. Might need to back up and look at the 2017s.

 

[jmg32]

What kind of prices are you seeing for used 2018+ Odysseys? I was recently at the dealership, and they had a bunch of 2018+ Odysseys. The used price (same trim, same model year) was almost identical to the price I paid for my vehicle new. Keep in mind that I purchased the van shortly after the new model came out, and there wasn't much negotiating at that time ($3000 off list if I remember correctly).

You may want to consider purchasing a new van at list price, versus a used van at nearly list price.

Anything decent starting in the low 30s. Had been looking at a '18 EX, 29K miles for $31,750. That's probably the maximum upper limit of what I would want to pay, maybe even a tad high, but if we plan to drive the thing for a decade or more, then it's probably justifiable.

 

[jmg32]

As fuego mentioned, forums are where you find all the horror stories. Relative to the number sold, the 2018 is likely a success story for Honda. Their warranty claims on first issue are probably on par with the other car makers. I have a 2018 EX and despite the terrible build quality from the Alabama plant, a 9-speed transmission that I can't get used to no matter what, the removal of common sense Japanese design features, terrible gas mileage despite all the "modern tech," and an over-taxed electrical system that requires a new battery every three years, my 2018 has also been reliable.

Have you looked into other products?

Early on when I first started looking at minivans I looked at the Sienna and Pacifica as well. Most of my thought process has centered on functionality with car seats. Based on all I have read (relying heavily on thecarseatlady.com which provides extensive vehicle reviews related to their use with car seats), the Odyssey stands out from the pack when it comes to car seat functionality. Aside from that, we have owned 3 CRV's and currently own two, of which one just passed 200,000 miles and the other over 100,000 miles, so I feel pretty comfortable with Honda. But, of course, it's possible the Odyssey is an inferior product compared to the CRV.

 

[jmg32]

Not a bad idea. The 4th gens have far less of the new problematic tech and they're still well built vehicles.

It seems the 2018 has a lot more bells and whistles...the magic slide seats and walk-in mode would be awesome with 3 car seats...but the 2017 would work fine for us.

 

[jmg32]

I had to sit out the 17 and older Odys because there just wasn't the leg room I needed in the driver's seat. We'd have bought a 16 if I'd fit, we ran down to grab the "new" 17 only to find it a clone of the 16s.

I'm happy enough with the reliability but the original assembly was a big mess. I'd not hesitate to get another 18 if the owner had the faults fixed, and of course it was a good bit cheaper than new models.

What kind of assembly issues in the 2018 are you referring to?

 

[jmg32]

If I my break in here, jmg32...

• Multiple body panels way out of alignment.
• Doors that when closed were so improperly fit that the internal indicator light would not go out unless you really slammed the door.
• Incorrect A/C charge levels that caused the A/C to be basically useless in the hotter areas.
• Battery terminals that were only finger tight, causing electrical failures.
• Poor DC grounds that required disassembly, scuffing, reassembly, and then painting or some other coating.
• Carpet that had to be replaced because it was one inch too short.
• Leaking body members because the factory caulking was incomplete or so sloppy you wondered how it held any water back at all.
• Creaking suspension during turns or when going over bumps because of incorrect torque values.
• Premature peeling paint.
• Side doors that would open at will.
• Side doors that wouldn't close due to faulty pinch sensors.

These are just a few that I can remember from the forum posts. Some on the list are from my own experience. After owning an earlier Ody Model, I was astounded at how poorly my 2018 was built. I had it back to the dealer five times for these defects to be corrected. Unacceptable. I think the inspectors at the Alabama plant were on one long coffee break during their shift 🙃!

Yeesh. I think I'd rather stick with a '17 then.

 

[jmg32]

I think you'll be fine with a '17. I almost bought one myself but no, like an idiot, I had to have the newest one! My friend cautioned me to never buy a first issue car. He was right of course. And to be fair, I think a lot of those nightmares have been corrected, but there's still no excuse for sloppiness, when you have to pay more for a car then your first house!

At any rate, good luck.

Honestly, the main reason I'd look at the '18 is that it seems to have a better backup camera and it has Apple CarPlay. My wife will primarily be driving it and she would probably appreciate those features, but those factors are obviously much less important than build quality.

 

[jmg32]

Yes, the backup camera is good. There was a recall on it. I forget what for. But it works well. I don't use Apple Car Play. Some of the electronic toys on the 2018+ models have proven to be a nightmare of reliability.

The other issue is with battery longevity. The off hours drain is substantial due to some these electronic do-dads running in background. You're lucky if you can get more than two years out of the battery. My wife has a 2012 CRV and its battery lasts about 5 years with no issues. For my 2018, I bought a battery maintainer. It not only charges the battery but it also restores it.

Thanks. I do like the tech stuff, but from what I'm reading here it does seem to be buggy. Unfortunately, anything newer than 2018 is out of the range of what I'm willing to pay for a car.