Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2012 Honda Odyssey
The 2012 Honda Odyssey is a minivan that earns a Carivo score of 7.2/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.4/10, while Performance at 5.7/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional minivan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.9/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 8.4/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 5.7/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.3/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $20,480–$25,024, 10 MPG, seating 8, the Honda Odyssey sits in the budget-friendly tier of the minivan market. At 7.3/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 14 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: The 2012 Honda Odyssey sits in the middle of the field. Until its technology and performance scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Minivans
The 2012 Honda Odyssey ranks #36 of 47 minivans in the Carivo database — better than 26% of the segment. Its 7.2/10 overall score is 0.4 points below the segment average of 7.6/10. Its $20,480 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $33,751 by about 39%.
$0 — 5 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Odyssey Year Should You Buy?
Across the Odyssey model years we've scored, the 2012 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Accessible entry price makes it one of the more affordable options in the category
✗ Where it falls short
Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
Infotainment and tech features feel dated compared to newer rivals in this segment
Fuel economy at 10 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
NHTSA Recalls — 2012 Honda Odyssey (5 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Seats / Mid/rear assembly 17/11/2017 · 17V725000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Honda Odyssey vehicles. The second row outboard seats can slide sideways to one of two positions. If a seat is placed between either of the two positions when attaching the seat to the…
Seats / Mid/rear assembly 27/12/2016 · 16V933000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Odyssey vehicles manufactured August 17, 2010, to October 1, 2015. The affected vehicles have second row outboard seats that have a release lever that allows the seats to move for…
Suspension / Front 22/12/2011 · 11V602000
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012, ODYSSEY VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 31, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2011. THE RETENTION NUT FOR THE FRONT RIGHT LOWER SUSPENSION DAMPER BOLT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER TORQUE, POTENTIALLY…
Power train / Automatic transmission 15/04/2013 · 13V143000
Honda is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 CR-V, Odyssey, and model year 2013 Acura RDX vehicles. During sub-freezing temperatures, the brake-shift interlock blocking mechanism may become slow and allow the gear selector to be moved from the Park…
Air bags 18/01/2013 · 13V016000
Honda is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 Pilot and 2011-2013 Odyssey passenger vehicles manufactured from March 13, 2008, through December 21, 2012. One or more rivets that attach the airbag module to the airbag cover may be missing.
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2012 Honda Odyssey that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2012 Honda Odyssey
Is the 2012 Honda Odyssey reliable?
We rate the 2012 Honda Odyssey's reliability 7.9/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2012 Honda Odyssey have?
5 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2012 Honda Odyssey worth buying?
It scores 7.2/10 overall, ranking #36 of 47 minivans in our database (better than 26% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2012 Honda Odyssey cost?
The 2012 Honda Odyssey starts at $20,480 and ranges up to $25,024 across trims (MSRP when new). At 10 MPG, expect roughly $5,250/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Odyssey years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Odyssey years we've rated are 2017 (7.6/10), 2015 (7.6/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (8.1/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2012 Honda Odyssey have?
The documented issues for the 2012 Honda Odyssey are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Seats, Suspension, Power train, Air bags (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Honda Odyssey
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Similar Minivan to Consider
Other minivans at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Representative photo — may show another model year
