Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Honda Odyssey owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2011 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the messages "check Systems" and "Check Power" were displayed, and the battery warning light illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, after refueling, the vehicle failed to restart. After several attempts, the vehicle was able to restart; however, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was constantly illuminated, and the battery warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure persisted. The contact stated that since the failures started, the battery had been replaced twice. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while attempting to trade the vehicle, the Carfax Report indicated that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 121,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 211,000.
The passenger side electric door cord snapped while children were getting out of the vehicle and no we cannot open the door any longer. The safety of my children were put at risk since there was no warning that this was going to happen; the door made a loud noise and started to shut quickly. The problem has been confirmed by an independent auto repair center and we were quoted $1,100 to repair (the entire motor and door pulley system needs to be replaced; we cannot ONLY fix the cord - we have to replace the entire thing). Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? NO. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? NO WARNING.
Vehicle stalled was able to safely get to side of road and stop and then everything locked up. I tried to get out of the doors. I manually unlocking them, but they would not allow me to get out. It was 90 outside and at this point the internal temperature was probably creeping to 120. I started to panic as I tried the other doors. Finally realizing I had to call 911. It was taking a while for her to believe me that I was stuck inside vehicle and not able to physically get out. I then tried the last sliding door and was able to pry it open and get out. This was a very scary situation. If the vehicle computer system turns off there should be a way to manually get out of the vehicle.
Both navigation clock and vehicle radio clock are showing incorrect time and I am not able to set it to correct time either. It is causing confusion all the time as we are very used to of these clocks.
Have a recurring issue with TPMS light on my Honda Mini-van. Have been to the dealer several times to have it looked at, the code coming back is "radio frequency third wheel", and this light on the dashboard will not shut off. The dealer told me this is something they cannot fix. Honda corp needs to acknowledge the problem and inform dealers how to fix the TPMS indicator light. I have read that Smart phones, laptops, etc can cause this problem, which should not even be an issue. I will always have my Smart phone with me for safety purposes. Technology should never be an interference issue with TPMS. This indicator jolts/scares me when it comes on, most times on the highway nearly causing an accident. The dealer today told me to put black tape over the lights so they don't bother me, that was their answer!! Not acceptable. …
Have a brand new battery and every time I start or when I turn off the van it tells me "bat low". The dealer also replaced the battery sensor but the problem did not go away. I took van several times to dealer but they say: the van runs as designed, but, how ironic, it could not pass the nys inspection.they told me to drive it for 60 miles at high speed and hopefully it would then pass inspection. It did. There is a design fault with the electric system and Honda refuses to address the problem. Did some research online and a lot of other people have the same problems with their 2011 Honda Odyssey. Attached is their servicenews article of feb 2011 outlining the problem. The dealer followed the directions but the problem persists. Honda needs to correct the problem once and for all. Thank you. The consumer requested an update.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Honda Odyssey. While driving at an unknown speed, the ABS indicator illuminated and the vehicle abruptly braked. The contact also stated that the vehicle accelerated without the accelerator pedal being depressed. The vehicle was towed to autofair Honda (200 keller st, manchester, nh 03103) where it was diagnosed that the alternator needed replacement. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred the following day. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer for further diagnostic testing and repairs. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was 105,000. The VIN was not available.
Passenger side door motor assembly and cable. Coated cable rusted and snapped. Substandard cable quality. Premature failure. Car was stationary. Cable snapped and popped outside of the vehicle potentially injuring person standing near door. Door unable to close without unreasonable force posing danger to passengers riding with open door. Passenger can not exit car with cable snapped. Can not replace just the cable causing undue financial hardship. Seat heater- faulty, crimp in heater broke causing failure with normal use by 100 pound person.
While driving the vehicle the check battery light comes on. It's not a battery issue. I have installed a brand new battery. Once the voltage drops the vehicle become sluggish and will not accelerate. This could be very dangerous in a high-speed situation such as on a busy freeway. In doing research I have found this appears to be a fairly widespread issue. But I do not know if there have been any deaths as a result of it yet. I do not believe Honda is doing anything about the issue. It appears to be affecting some later models as well.
Electrical complaints in other Odyssey years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2011 Honda Odyssey?
NHTSA has 66 complaints about the electrical system of the 2011 Honda Odyssey, 28% of the model year's 235 complaints. The component named most often is 12v/24v/48v battery (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Honda Odyssey electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2011 Honda Odyssey, though it has 5 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 2011 Honda Odyssey electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 2,000 miles, and 71% 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.