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2021 Honda Odyssey

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

Honda Odyssey
Pictured: 2021 Honda Odyssey EX-L (facelift), front 1.1.21. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Minivan - 2WD
Body styles
Minivan
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl
Horsepower
280 hp
Transmission
10-speed automatic
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Seats
7–8
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
22 combined · 19 city / 28 hwy
Length
205.1 in
Curb weight
4,548 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
8 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Seats up to 83 rows of seating.
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.

Watch out for

  • Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 22 MPG combined, 14% below the 2021 minivan average of 25.5 MPG.
  • Many owner complaints147 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 45 for similar models — most often about the electrical system.
  • 8 recallsMore than similar models (about 4). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2021 Honda Odyssey is a minivan offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 205 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 118-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,548 lb.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 28 highway), 14% worse than the 2021 minivan average of 25.5 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 8 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 147 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2021

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Odyssey — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Odyssey →

Trims, performance & features

Engine280 hp3.5L 6-cyl
Transmission10-speed automatic
Seating7–8 seats · 3 rows

Trims

EXLTOURINGELITEEXLX

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Lane centeringStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

Built in: Lincoln, Alabama

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 Odyssey configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Minivan205.1 in78.7 in68.1 in118.1 in66.9 / 67.3 in4,548 lb55/45

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Odyssey3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S10)Front-Wheel Drive19 / 28 / 22-14%$3,050394
4/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
4/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $3,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
25.5 MPG2021 Minivan - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2021 Honda ODYSSEY VAN FWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★13.6%
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2021 Honda ODYSSEY VAN FWD
Frontal crash test — 2021 Honda ODYSSEY VAN FWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2021 Honda ODYSSEY VAN FWD
Side crash test — 2021 Honda ODYSSEY VAN FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2021 minivans

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2021 Honda Odyssey (this car)22 MPG★★★★★8
2021 Toyota Sienna36 MPGNot rated4
2021 Kia Sedona21 MPG★★★★★0
2021 Chrysler Voyager22 MPG★★★★★2
2021 Chrysler Pacifica30 MPG★★★★★8

Recalls (8)

Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · May 21, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V332000 · 98,892 vehicles

Problem
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
Risk
Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
Air Bags › Air Bag/Restraint Control Module › Software · Apr 9, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V227000 · 440,830 vehicles

Problem
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Odyssey vehicles. A software programming error can cause the side and side curtain air bags to deploy unexpectedly.
Risk
Air bags that deploy unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will reprogram the supplemental restraint system (SRS) electronic control unit (ECU) software or replace the ECU, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is UNW. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 16, 2026. The information in your report suggests that Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) may have been aware of this issue more than five business days before filing a report with NHTSA. Please be reminded that under Federal law, this agency is to be notified of all safety defect and/or noncompliance decisions within five business days. 49 CFR 573.6 Significant civil penalties can be assessed for this violation.
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility › Wheelchair Restraints/Securement › Latch/Anchor › · Dec 17, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V877000 · 1,019 vehicles

Problem
Vantage Mobility, LLC (VM) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Honda Odyssey, 2021-2025 Chrysler Pacifica, and Toyota Sienna vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.
Risk
An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the retractors, free of charge. Owner notification letters was mailed January 27, 2026. Owners may contact Vantage Mobility customer service at 1-800-488-9082.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · Feb 1, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V064000 · 750,114 vehicles

Problem
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
Risk
An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Dec 18, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V858000 · 2,490,460 vehicles

Problem
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Back Over Prevention › Display Function · Jun 15, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V431000 · 1,209,673 vehicles

Problem
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Pilot, and 2019-2023 Passport vehicles. Due to a faulty Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) communication coaxial cable connector, the rearview camera image may not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace the MOST cable harness and install a straightening cover over the vehicle cable connector, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are EEL, ZEM, and SFC.
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior · Mar 16, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V174000 · 339,404 vehicles

Problem
Honda (American Honda Motor Co) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2020-2022 Passport and Odyssey vehicles. The heating pads behind both side-view mirrors may not be bonded properly, allowing the mirror glass to detach. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace both left and right side-view mirrors, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 17, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is FE5.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage · Jan 14, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V010000 · 1,258 vehicles

Problem
Braun Corporation (Braun) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Braun-modified Honda Odyssey vehicles. The fuel tank assembly installed by Braun may be susceptible to the fuel tank overfilling into the charcoal canister. If the charcoal canister fills with a sufficient amount of fuel, fuel may leak out.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Fix
Braun will notify owners, and dealers will inspect vehicles. If evidence of a fuel leak is present, a new fuel tank assembly and a new Honda charcoal canister will be installed, free of charge. The recall began February 22, 2021. Owners may contact Braun customer service at 1-800-488-0359.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2021 Honda Odyssey is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

147Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
2Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
4Injuries reported
32,329 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System55
Unknown Or Other34
Engine26
Air Bags16
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking15
Structure › Body9
Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings8
Suspension8
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/10: 324/11: 224/12: 425/01: 425/02: 425/03: 525/04: 325/05: 225/06: 325/07: 325/08: 525/09: 625/10: 425/11: 125/12: 226/01: 426/03: 426/04: 226/05: 126/06: 626/07: 1026/08: 626/09: 626/10: 424/1025/0125/0425/0725/1026/0126/0526/08max 10

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2021 Honda Odyssey buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 8 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 55 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Engine — 26 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Air Bags — 16 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 32,329 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Honda Odyssey. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Odyssey years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Odyssey22–Not rated00
2026 Odyssey22205.1 inNot rated257
2025 Odyssey22205.1 in★★★★★2438
2024 Odyssey22205.1 in★★★★★3121
2023 Odyssey22205.1 in★★★★★5105
2022 Odyssey22205.1 in★★★★★9141
2020 Odyssey22203.9 in★★★★★14490
2019 Odyssey22203.9 in★★★★★20995
2018 Odyssey22203.9 in★★★★★161,009
2017 Odyssey22202.8 in★★★★★239
2016 Odyssey22202.8 inNot rated6271
2015 Odyssey22202.8 inNot rated6203

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Honda. How we calculate this →