Most common 2009 Honda Odyssey problems
Share of the 198 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Honda Odyssey complaints by model year
Best Odyssey years: 2017, 2015, 2013. Years to avoid: 2025, 2019, 2018, 2020, 2002. Compare all years →
2009 Honda Odyssey recalls (3)
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain 2005-2010 Honda Odyssey vehicles manufactured June 23, 2004, through September 4, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the fuel pump strainer cover may deteriorate allowing fuel to leak out.
Remedy: Parts to permanently repair the affected vehicles are not currently available. Honda will notify owners with an interim letter during May 2014.
Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Support device/strut
Honda is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 odyssey vehicles, the gas-filled struts that help to raise and support the liftgate of vehicles equipped with a power liftgate system May be prone to early life failures due to a manufacturing flaw.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace both power liftgate gas struts free of charge. The safety recall began on March 12, 2012. Owners May contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
Parking brake › Driveline › Hydraulic › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Honda is recalling 421 my 2009 odyssey vehicles. During assembly, incorrect front brake hoses were installed. The brake hose can contact the caliper bolt and over time a hole May develop which will allow brake fluid to leak. This would eventually result in reduced brake system performance.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect both front brake hoses and replace with the correct brake hoses free of charge. The recall began on February 12, 2009. Owners May contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2009 Honda Odyssey:
Unexpected Closing of Power Liftgate
The investigation found that the liftgate struts were failing prematurely and at an abnormal rate in certain model year (MY) 2008 Honda Odyssey Touring and 2009 Honda Odyssey Touring and EX-L model vehicles equipped with power-operated rear liftgates (note: MY 2008 Odyssey EX-L was not equipped with a power liftgate).Unlike vehicles with non-powered (manual) liftgates, the subject vehicle's liftgate can be opened…
Stabilus Rear Liftgate Struts Failing
Please see the attached closing resume summary.It has been attached to this document as a PDF.
What 2009 Honda Odyssey owners say
Body & structure all 63 →
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. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 231,438.
Passenger side slider won't shut, Driver's side slider won't latch. Driver side door suddenly opens when driving!!!! Honda dealer Tech found worn bushing on passenger side center rollers, faulty, driver side, sliding door rear latch, passenger side, outer handle cable popped out. Check installed cable for passenger side outer handle recommended replaced driver side sliding door rear latch assembly estimated $930. Also recommended latch passenger side center rollers estimated 485.
Engine & cooling all 40 →
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. Van is maintained regularly, no check engine light indicating any issues with vehicle. Entire engine caught fire. Fire dept extinguished fire. No comprehensive insurance so no inspection to cause of actual fire. Neighbors Ring camera shows alarm going off and as soon as it was disarmed, engine completely engulfed in flames. This video was sent to fire dept for their report. Vehicle still sitting where it caught fire, in front of my residence. I have yet to get it towed or inspected.
The contact owns a 2009 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while underneath the vehicle, he became aware that there was severe rust on the muffler. The contact stated that there were flakes on the ground. The contact touched the muffler and put a hole in the plate. The manufacturer and dealer were notified of the failure however, the vehicle was not inspected by an independent mechanic or dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Brakes all 21 →
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. There were no injuries and the police were not contacted. One week prior to the crash, the vehicle was taken to the dealer for replacement of the brake pads and the resurfacing of the rotors. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,000.
Front brakes and rotors were changed several times. Last with drilled/slotted rotors. Vibration is less with those, but still there. This seems to be a problem with other people as well. So speed little vibration, higher speed increases vibration. Has been going over the years, is worse when in the mountains.
2009 Honda Odyssey engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Minivan.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Honda Odyssey a good car?
Based on 198 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Odyssey rates better than average: 41% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Odyssey at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 Honda Odyssey?
The body & structure — 63 complaints, 32% of all complaints for this model year, most often about body. Next are the engine & cooling (40) and brakes (21).
How many recalls does the 2009 Honda Odyssey have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2009 Honda Odyssey, the most recent from March 14, 2014 (fuel pump). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Honda Odyssey?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2017, 2015 and 2013. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2025, 2019, 2018, 2020 and 2002. See the full Honda Odyssey years comparison.
At what mileage do 2009 Honda Odyssey problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 65,000 miles; 43% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.