Used Car Checklists

2026 Honda Odyssey: What to check before buying

Only 3 owner complaints are on file with NHTSA for this car, so this sheet is short. Problems reported on neighboring Odyssey years are listed below the checklist.

Honda Odyssey2026
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
2
Crashes reported
0
Reliability
Good
74/100 on Auto Reliability Index

Run the VIN before you go

A history report shows accidents, title brands, odometer readings, and open recalls for this 2026 Honda Odyssey. Ask the seller for the VIN; it is also on the dash at the base of the windshield.

Your inspection sheet

Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.

0/5 checked

1

Paperwork and questions

Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3

2

Test drive

At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/2

These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.

Reported on neighboring Odyssey years

Few owners have reported problems with this year yet. Nearby years usually share most parts, so their problems are worth checking on this car too.

2025 Odyssey

82 owner complaints
  • Electrical 29
  • Engine 16
  • Transmission 6

Worth adding to your 2026 checks

  • Leave Auto Idle Stop on and make repeated stops in traffic; confirm the engine restarts smoothly every time you release the brake.
  • Ask for service records showing starter, battery, or idle stop repairs, and check the VIN for open recalls.
  • Let the van sit in hot sun, then start it and watch for driver-assist or Adaptive Cruise Control warning messages.
Open the 2025 checklist

2024 Odyssey

43 owner complaints
  • Electrical 13
  • Automatic emergency braking 5
  • Engine 5

Worth adding to your 2026 checks

  • After a long, warm drive, make several stops with Auto Idle Stop on and confirm the engine restarts instantly every time.
  • Ask for service records showing battery replacements, idle stop complaints, or dealer visits for restart failures.
  • Run the VIN through federal recall records and confirm the steering gearbox recall work is done.
Open the 2024 checklist

Which Odyssey is it?

EPA figures for each version of the 2026 Honda Odyssey. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.

VersionDriveEPA rating
3.5L 6-cylFWD22 mpg
  • Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Odyssey that averages well under the EPA 22 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.

Recalls to confirm (2)

Recall repairs are free at any Honda dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.

  1. 25V877000Equipment Adaptive/mobilityDec 2025

    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.

  2. 25V759000Equipment Adaptive/mobilityOct 2025

    Braun Corporation (Braun) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Chrysler Pacifica, 2022-2025 Toyota Sienna, and 2022-2026 Honda Odyssey vehicles equipped with wheel chair restraint retractors. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.

    Risk: An unlocked wheelchair can move during transit or during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 23, 2025. Owners may contact Q'Straint's customer service at 1-800-987-9987 or Braun's customer service at 1-800-488-0359.

Also looking at these instead of a Odyssey?

Cars shoppers compare with the Honda Odyssey, with their own 2026 checklists.