Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2021 Honda Odyssey
The 2021 Honda Odyssey is a minivan that earns a Carivo score of 7.9/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.9/10, while Performance at 6.3/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability stands out at 8.7/10. The Odyssey nameplate has earned that score through its track record and a comparatively clean recall sheet. On safety, it scores 8.9/10 in our assessment. Always confirm the official crash-test results for your exact trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.3/10 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. At 7.3/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.
Priced from $35,271–$44,440, 19 MPG, seating 8, the Honda Odyssey sits in the mid-market bracket of the minivan segment. At 7.8/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2021 Honda Odyssey will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on performance if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good minivan should — quietly and competently.
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 2021 Honda Odyssey ranks #14 of 47 minivans in the Carivo database — better than 72% of the segment. Its 7.9/10 overall score is 0.3 points above the segment average of 7.6/10. Its $35,271 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $33,751.
$0 — 8 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?
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Honda Odyssey scores 7.8/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.9 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
✗ Where it falls short
Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
Fuel economy at 19 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
NHTSA Recalls — 2021 Honda Odyssey (8 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.
Braun Corporation (Braun) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Braun-modified Honda Odyssey vehicles. The fuel tank assembly installed by Braun may be susceptible to the fuel tank overfilling into the charcoal canister. If the charcoal canister fills with a…
Honda (American Honda Motor Co) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2020-2022 Passport and Odyssey vehicles. The heating pads behind both side-view mirrors may not be bonded properly, allowing the mirror glass to detach. As such,…
Back over prevention / Display function 15/06/2023 · 23V431000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Pilot, and 2019-2023 Passport vehicles. Due to a faulty Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) communication coaxial cable connector, the rearview camera image may not…
Air bags / Sensor / Occupant classification / Front passenger 01/02/2024 · 24V064000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020…
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda…
Showing 5 of 8 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Own a 2021 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 — 2021 Honda Odyssey
Is the 2021 Honda Odyssey reliable?
We rate the 2021 Honda Odyssey's reliability 8.7/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 8 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 2021 Honda Odyssey have?
8 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 2021 Honda Odyssey worth buying?
It scores 7.9/10 overall, ranking #14 of 47 minivans in our database (better than 72% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2021 Honda Odyssey cost?
The 2021 Honda Odyssey starts at $35,271 and ranges up to $44,440 across trims (MSRP when new). At 19 MPG, expect roughly $2,763/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 2021 Honda Odyssey have?
The documented issues for the 2021 Honda Odyssey are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Fuel system, gasoline, Visibility, Back over prevention, 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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More Honda Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Honda models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
Representative photo — may show another model year