Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (seat frames, recliners, heated seats and seat tracks).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Honda Odyssey owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that the driver's side seat became fractured while attempting to secure the seatbelt and would not remain in an upright position. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was advised that the entire driver's side seat track would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was also contacted but advised that they would not be willing to assist with the repair costs due to the age of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 172,835.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Honda Odyssey. Upon taking the vehicle in for state inspection, it was discovered that the rear bench seat was loose due to corrosion of the uni-body. As a result, the vehicle failed inspection. Due to the corrosion, it was unsafe to have passengers in the seat. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and did not assist. The failure mileage was 255,000.
Need a recall to be issued by NHTSA or proper gov organization. The passenger seat belt tensioner and the buckle were replaced after the SRS light was illuminated. Now the driver-side buckle and seat belt tensioner is causing a problem and SRS light is on again. Honda is using delay tactics. Want to scan the car for $100 to re-confirm the same problem even though the car was scanned in the prior week! SRS light stays on after engine start (obviously stationary)
Our drivers side plastic mold has completely broken the seat frame has also broke causing this to be a huge safety issue. If I am rear ended, this seat will have no way to prevent me from being thrown backwards! The seat is wobbly and unsafe to drive! I have read many more complaints with this same issue! Please issue a recall!
Our 2004 Honda Odyssey driver side seat broke from the bracket. The welds that hold the seat to the bracket broke causing the seat to start tilting and wobbling while we were driving down the road. This is a safety issue due to the fact that it is possible to loose control of the vehicle while driving increasing risk of collisions.
Driver's seat has come loose and it is not stable when driving, especially when adjusted for different drives in the family. Went to dealer and they said they don't fix that!!! Moves side to side and stays on one side. Happens when driving, and when stopped.
The drivers seat all of a sudden rocks back and forth and is not stable. I removed the side panel and could see the metal bracket that is riveted to the seat holding frame broke - metal actually cracked on it. The vehicle was stationary when problem started.
I am guessing that when I went to the car wash about a week ago, they lifted up the captains chairs, in the 2nd row, in my Honda Odyssey to clean. I didn't know that they had done this and checked my 2 year olds car seat to make sure it was secure but not the seat itself and drove away. Today I was driving on the freeway and had to slam on my brakes when my daughter, car seat, and captain chair flew into the back of my drivers seat. The captains chair was not secure. My daughter was just fine with a few cuts and bruises. I spoke to all of my friends to warn them about this and not a one would have thought of that as being and issue. You cannot see easily that the seat is not securely attached and because I had not touched the seat myself I didn't have any idea that they would be any issue. …
Driver seat bracket failure (metal fatigue) renders bottom of seat loose, not holding driver in fixed position. Failure renders seat restraint system ineffective. Dealership position is that failure is due to age, and will not replace at its cost. Metal bracket is not rusted at failure location. Pictures show stress fatigue due to riveting process. Repair cost = $1681. Current blue book value = $2475. Cost for me to repair is excessive. Other similar failures reported on internet since 2002. My position is that Honda corporation is shirking its responsibility to manufacture a safe vehicle (that has been maintained) regardless of age.
Driver's seat turns into a rocker and reclined backwards towards the second row while in mid traffic. Dealer says that the seat tray is broken and costs to the owner is $2500 to replace it. Seems like a manufacturer defect and a safety issue since incident was not provoked and seats looks new. I noticed drivers seats in models post 2004 are designed differently, a one-piece unit instead of a tray+seat. Believe manufacturer is aware of this issue prompting redesign of subsequent models. Car is unsafe to drive with the driver's seat rocking and reclining. All other seats seem to be fine.
Seat complaints in other Odyssey years
Frequently asked questions
How common are seat problems on the 2004 Honda Odyssey?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the seats of the 2004 Honda Odyssey, 4% of the model year's 585 complaints. The component named most often is mid/rear assembly (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Honda Odyssey seat problems?
No. NHTSA lists no seats recall for the 2004 Honda Odyssey, though it has 13 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2004 Honda Odyssey seat problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 160,000 miles, and 12% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.