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2009 Honda Odyssey Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2009 Honda Odyssey has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Sliding door failure to latch or stay closed.” Honda vehicles use the Maintenance Minder system — your dashboard displays a Code A (oil change) or Code B (oil change plus inspections) along with sub-codes 1-6 for additional services. Intervals adjust based on how you drive. The schedule below reflects Honda's underlying targets.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2009 Honda Odyssey.

Reported to NHTSA

Sliding door failure to latch or stay closed

STRUCTURE

20 NHTSA complaints · 2009-08 → 2025-04

“The contact owns a 2009 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side door failed to open. The contact’s handicapped wife was trapped in the vehicle. The contact had to remove the door handle to unlock the door”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11510431
“THE POWER SLIDING DOOR ON THE DRIVER SIDE FELL OFF. THE DOOR WAS STICKING AND WOULD NOT SLIDE CLOSED, SO I TURNED OFF THE POWER TO THE DOOR. WHEN I TRIED TO MANUALLY CLOSE THE DOOR, THE DOOR PULLED OFF THE TRACK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11105249
“I THOUGHT THE DRIVER SIDE SLIDING DOOR ON MY 2009 HONDA ODYSSEY WAS CLOSED BUT WHEN DRIVING AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE DOOR FLEW OPEN. I PULLED OVER AND TRIED TO CLOSE THE DOOR BUT IT WOULD NOT CLOSE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10680419

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Excessive engine oil consumption and misfire

ENGINE

24 NHTSA complaints · 2010-01 → 2025-08

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONSUMED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF ENGINE OIL. THE CONTACT WAS THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE AND LOW OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11330892
“HONDA ODYSSEY OIL CONSUMPTION-I HAVE A 2009 ODYSSEY THAT CONSUMES OIL. ROUGHLY, EVERY 1,000 MILES, I AM ADDING 1 TO 2 QUARTS OF OIL EVERY 3 TO 4 WEEKS. NO SPOTS ON THE GROUND. ENGINE IS CONSUMING OIL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11056278
“3.5L V6 ENGINE MISFIRE, PLUGS FOULING, PISTON RING REPLACEMENT AS PART OF THE CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT FOR ENGINE MISFIRE, HONDA CORP ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN TO UPDATE THE PCM SOFTWARE AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED SPARK PLUGS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11119758

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Exterior paint peeling and oxidation

STRUCTURE

8 NHTSA complaints · 2015-11 → 2025-01

“White paint is peeling, chipping and of inferior quality to a black Chevy Trailblazer I own that is 8 years older”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11633932
“CLEAR COAT PAINT IS PEELING (HOOD)-LOOKS TERRIBLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11055297
“PAINT IS RELEASING FROM THE PRIMER ON AND IN FRONT/BACK OF EACK FRONT DOOR. THERE IS NO PEELING ON THE ROOF OR BEHIND EACH REAR TIRE WHERE WE WOULD EXPECT PROBLEMS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10790510

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear liftgate gas strut collapse

STRUCTURE

35 NHTSA complaints · 2009-12 → 2020-02

“WE OWN A 2009 HONDA ODYSSEY THAT RECENTLY EXPERIENCED FAILED GAS STRUTS IN THE HATCH.THE CAR WAS PARKED & I WAS LOADING GROCERIES INTO IT WHEN THE REAR LIFTGATE CAME CRASHING DOWN - I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO JUMP OUT OFTHE WAY IN TIME OR COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY HURT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10873713
“THE STRUTS SUPPORTING THE REAR HATCH DOOR ARE NO LONGER SUPPORTING THE DOOR AND IT FELL ON MY HEAD WHEN PUTTING IN MY GOLF CLUBS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10552048
“POWER LIFT GATE FAILURE - WITHOUT WARNING THE POWER LIFT GATE FAILED TO OPERATE AND THE STRUTS DO NOT KEEP IT OPEN. THE LIFT GATE FALLS WITH SUCH FORCE THAT IT CAUSED A SERIOUS INJURY (NEEDED 8 STITCHES)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10294156

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Premature brake rotor wear and soft brake pedal

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

21 NHTSA complaints · 2009-06 → 2017-11

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FELT ABNORMALLY SPONGY WHEN DEPRESSED. WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC STOP ON AN INCLINE, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKES WHEN THE BRAKES FAILED AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10454822
“THE VEHICLE, A 2009 HONDA ODYSSEY, HAS A SOFT SPONGY BRAKE PEDAL THAT OCCASSIONALLY GOES ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR, RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE ROLLING PAST STOP SIGNS AND RED LIGHTS WHILE THE PEDAL IS FULLY DEPRESSED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10370873
“BASED ON MY RESEARCH, THERE ARE MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS BY HONDA OWNERS OF PREMATURE BRAKE ROTOR WEAR AND/OR WARPING. THIS CAUSES THE STEERING WHEEL TO SHIMMY OR VIBRATE WHEN APPLYING BREAKS DURING HIGH SPEEDS ESPECIALLY ON THE FREEWAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10436197

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag deployment malfunction

AIR BAGS

7 NHTSA complaints · 2009-04 → 2019-02

“THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS ON OUR 2009 HONDA ODYSSEY DEPLOYED WITHOUT KNOWN CAUSE WHILE ROLLING INTO OUR GARAGE. THIS HAPPENED AROUND 9:00AM ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16TH, 2018”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11156648
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A DEER IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE FLATTENED AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11180375
“I WAS IN MY 2009 HONDA ODYSSEY AND I WAS THE LAST OF 3 CARS THAT HAD STOPPED FOR A SCHOOL BUS. I WAS REAR-ENDED BY A 4TH CAR THAT DID NOT STOP. THEN MY FRONT END HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10263934

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration without pedal input

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

7 NHTSA complaints · 2010-04 → 2019-09

“ON 2/3/2019 I WAS ATTEMPTING TO PARK MY 2009 HONDA ODYSSEY ON A CITY STREET WHEN IT ACCELERATED WITHOUT ANY PRESSURE BEING APPLIED TO THE GAS PEDAL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11174361
“ON TWO OCCASIONS (11/28/2011 AND 11/30/2011), AFTER DRIVING FOR SEVERAL MINUTES (WARMED UP ENGINE) AND WHILE APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT AT ABOUT 3 MPH (ALMOST STOPPED) AND WHEN THE ENGINE HAD ALREADY COME TO IDLE, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY SURGED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10438034
“2009 HONDA ODYSSEY MINI VAN WAS CRASHED BY HITTING A CONCRETE BLOCK IN THE PARKING BUILDING WITH AN UNINTENDED SUDDEN ACCELERATION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10326288

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine compartment fire

ENGINE

6 NHTSA complaints · 2014-03 → 2022-11

“Van was driven at approximately 7:50pm a short distance. After parking vehicle, 10 minutes later the alarm went off. Upon disarming the alarm, the entire engine was engulfed in flames”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11495290
“WHILE MY CAR WAS PARKED AT A STORE, MY ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE LEADING TO A TOTAL LOSS OF THE VEHICLE. I DROVE MY CAR FOR A SHORT DISTANCE TO DO TWO ERRANDS (MAYBE 15 MIN. DRIVE)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11217104
“WE OWNED A 2009 HONDA ODYSSEY . THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN MAINTAINED WELL FOR YEARS AT HONDA DEALERSHIPS. I HAVE PURCHASED EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR 120K MILES ON THIS VEHICLE SINCE WE WERE PLANNING TO USE THIS VEHICLE FOR A LONG TIME”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10572813

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Code A)

Every 7,500 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter. The Maintenance Minder triggers Code A between 7,500 and 10,000 miles depending on driving conditions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation (Sub-code 1)

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires front-to-back to even out wear. Honda triggers Sub-code 1 alongside every other oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection (Code B)

Every 15,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake. Code B includes a multi-point inspection of brakes, suspension, and fluids.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid (Sub-code 5)

Every 45,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 3 years regardless of mileage to prevent moisture absorption and corrosion of ABS components.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission / CVT Fluid (Sub-code 3)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace ATF or CVT fluid. Honda CVT models (Civic, HR-V, Accord LX) use Honda HCF-2 — do not substitute. The Maintenance Minder triggers earlier under heavy stop-and-go.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Rear Differential Fluid (AWD models, Sub-code 5)

Every 30,000 mi

AWD CR-V, Pilot, Passport, Ridgeline: replace rear diff fluid every 30,000 miles, sooner if towing.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Engine Air Filter (Sub-code 4)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Honda uses a long-life cellulose element on most port-injected engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs (Sub-code 6)

Every 105,000 mi

Honda uses iridium-tipped plugs rated for 100,000+ miles. Replace at 105,000 miles or whenever Sub-code 6 displays.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant (Sub-code 5)

Every 60,000 mi

Honda Long-Life Type 2 (blue) coolant: first change at 120,000 miles, then every 60,000 miles. Do not mix with other coolant types.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter (Sub-code 3)

Every 15,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter — accessible behind the glove box on most Hondas. Honda recommends 15,000 miles in dusty conditions, longer in clean climates.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Valve Clearance Adjustment (Sub-code 6)

Every 105,000 mi

Inspect and adjust valve clearances at 105,000 miles. Critical on K-series and L-series engines to prevent valve recession.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$495–$535

Shop

~$345–$375

DIY

Pro only

Mechanical-bucket valvetrains (many Honda 4-cyls, older Toyotas) need this. Hydraulic lifters don't. Shop work — feeler-gauge precision required.

Timing Chain — No Replacement

On condition / lifetime

Modern Honda engines (K-series, L-series, R-series, plus all Earth Dreams 1.5T and 2.0T) use a timing chain designed to last the life of the engine. No scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

29 crashes 1990–2024

How the 29 occupant deaths break down

19

driver deaths

10

passenger deaths

29

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2008 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

6

complaints mentioning a crash

6

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2009 Honda Odyssey reflects Honda's published service intervals and the Maintenance Minder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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