2018 HONDA ODYSSEY Electrical System Problems

214 NHTSA complaints on file

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Electrical System Issues in the 2018 HONDA ODYSSEY

214 electrical system complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2018 HONDA ODYSSEY. Of these, 0 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, and 3 resulted in injury.

214
Complaints
0
Crashes
1
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Deaths

All Electrical System Complaints

#11719241 |
The vehicle previously received a manufacturer dash wiring recall repair. After the recall repair was completed, the vehicle began experiencing intermittent and cascading electrical and communication failures across multiple integrated systems. Affected systems include Apple CarPlay, the DVD system, in-vehicle camera systems, CabinWatch, and repeated “MOST network unavailable” error messages. These failures occur intermittently and result in multiple systems disabling simultaneously. The vehicle was inspected by a Honda dealership, which confirmed the issue involves wiring within the dash harness. The dealership stated the affected wiring is not sold or serviceable separately and that correction would require replacement of the entire dash harness, but that this portion of the harness is not included in the original recall coverage. Because these systems share common power and communication pathways, failures cascade across multiple modules. When the camera system fails, rear view camera functionality and related warnings are unavailable while backing up, reducing the...
#11718063 |
Defective body seam on roof panel over drivers side rear wheel - resulting water leak on control panel for power liftgate caused the rear tailgate to continually open and close while driving. The vehicle was parked and the fuses controlling the tailgate were removed to enable the closure of the hatch and allow vehicle operation. Prior to this, the vehicle battery died while parked due to the continuous tailgate operation and required a battery jump. The vehicle was taken to D&J Auto (an independent service center) where a previous liftgate control panel was replaced for failure to open the tailgate. A search of the internet on 2018 Honda Odyessey liftgate problems revealed multiple instances of water leaks on the liftgate control panels due to body seam issues which caused liftgate failures. This information was relayed to the auto repair shop where the leak was discovered. The vehicle was taken to...
#11716255 |
The front facing camera has stopped working. Anytime we turn the vehicle on we get multiple warning lights (lane assist, cruise control, bright lights, braking, etc) aren't working.
#11716295 |
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while reversing, the back over prevention camera screen failed to display an image. The contact stated that the screen occasionally shut off unintendedly, and frequently disconnected from connected Bluetooth devices. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 52,750.
#11711338 |
After I received a software update for my 2018 Honda Odyssey Elite the car has been stalling when idle. It is very dangerous because I will be at a stop light in drive, and the vehicle will shut off with no power. Cars will be behind me or no cars, and I have almost been rear ended. I did not have this problem until I received the new software update. It keeps occurring more and more often.
#11709081 |
My computer screen that has my radio and backup camera will black out randomly while I’m driving. There are times I can’t use it for a backup camera because it won’t cut on. I’m not able to control my heat and a/c when it goes blank too.
#11708824 |
Since I own this vehicle, 3 times tailgate failed. I have done repair it twice in Honda dealership at Paramus NJ. Now it happened again after a year of last fix. Instrument cluster = Warning sign appears stays there. Somewhere on back = Constantly sound beeping - When driving Tailgate = Does not open and if open some how, it does not close. Neither automatic nor manually. I have to drive vehicle since I have no choice. I inspected all fuse in front under hood and in rear at cargo area.
#11706173 |
The Tailgate Control Module failed due to water getting in to it from normal rain. There seems to be a leak in the seam and caused the failure. I took it to the shop and confirmed the failure, purchased a new control module and replaced the faulty one. I opened up the faulty one and it had water damage inside.
#11704855 |
The Infotainment Display has been malfunctioning. The display goes black and the back-up camera is not available. On the night of December 12, 2025, we were driving the car on the highway and the screen flickered in and out and then went black and so did the dashboard display. This was very scary as the entire car went dark and we were driving blindly on the highway. It appears that all 2018 Honda Odysseys have a recall for the Infotainment electrical system except for the Elite model that we purchased. I called the dealer last week and was told no recall available and we will need to pay the $179 diagnostic fee plus the cost to repair which will be significant. We will take the car in this week as the car cannot be driven safely without full dashboard and backup camera display.
#11703760 |
My vehicle repeatedly and unexpectedly shifts into neutral while in Drive, causing a sudden loss of power in traffic. This has happened multiple times without any input from me and has nearly caused a crash.
#11698368 |
The infotainment center has completely failed. It began with sporadic shutting off and then restarting of the infotainment system as if a wire or connector were loose, along with popping sounds until the unit no longer turns on and appears to have completely failed. This effects ability of back up camera to function because the screen no longer works. There appears to be a recall of other Honda vehicles needing new wire connectors for a similar problem but it does not seem to include this vehicle.
#11693765 |
The media touch screen display periodically goes blank and reboots during driving, which affects the backup camera, defrost control, and every other component controlled on the touchscreen display.
#11693481 |
Windshield monocular camera overheated. No longer working.
#11692121 |
FAILED MONOCULAR CAMERA : It is a very common issue across majority of HONDA ODYSSEY. It's the overheating of the camera and start to malfunction, causing all the warning systems lights to illuminate. A lots of people and families who have owned or currently owns HONDA ODYSSEYS minivans have either faced this problem in the past or having it more commonly now. Due to the malfunction caused by the FAILED MONOCULAR CAMERA, it tends to automatically disables the Lane assist function, Engine light comes on, Cruise control get disabled and two other warning comes on the dash. Please note that there are a lots of families who own these HONDA ODYSSEY have been facing this manufacturing fault that HONDA needs to address.
#11692158 |
The camera started malfunctioning and now I have a bunch of warning lights on the dash. I think is crazy that a lot of people have the same issue and still there is no recalls for it. Is a MAJOR safety issue.
#11690995 |
Mass safety system failure due to front projector camera/ wiring harness. noted systems below failed: Adaptive cruise control Auto emergency braking Forward collision warning Lane departure warning Lane keeping assistance Auto High beams All above system are not operational
#11690111 |
Like many other people on the [XXX] forums, our Honda Odyssey has a water leak that dripped onto the Tailgate Control Module, causing it to corrode and stop working. Now, our tailgate door will not open or close electrically, nor even manually using the handle outside. We have to crawl through the vehicle into the trunk, open a trim piece with a screwdriver, and stick our finger into the mechanical parts to disengage the latch to allow the door to open. Safety issues: 1) It's hard to know whether the door is fully closed and latched, so it could pop open while driving. 2) In the event of a car crash or other emergency, we may need to rely on that tailgate door being operational, so it being jammed by a widespread and known problem seems like a predictable life threatening issue. Links to some of the forum threads where...
#11689701 |
D passenger side, rear electric door get stuck a lot of times and open by itself. When you close it , it goes all the way till get close to the end then open as it there is something it try not to close on . This being going for the last 2 to 3 years.
#11686916 |
On [XXX], while driving in traffic, my 2018 Honda Odyssey suddenly and without warning shifted itself into Park. The vehicle slammed to a stop in the middle of an intersection, stranding my family and creating a serious risk of collision and injury. The vehicle would not move afterward and had to be towed from the scene. After the failure, the dashboard displayed multiple warnings: “Transmission Problem,” “Stop Driving When Safe,” “Emission System Problem,” and *“Blind Spot Information System Problem.” The gear shift indicator also blinked. The Odyssey has remained undrivable since the incident. The vehicle is at Stockton 12 Honda in Sandy, Utah, where the dealer confirmed a hard transmission failure (RO #[XXX]). Honda Corporate opened two cases (#[XXX] and #[XXX]). Despite my repeated calls and emails, Honda’s assigned case manager verbally denied coverage on Sept 12, 2025, stating the denial would only be reflected in Honda’s internal case notes....
#11682526 |
In our 2018 Honda Odyssey EX-L, a few weeks ago 5 different warning lights started coming on when the vehicle was started and continued while the car was driven. Lane Assist, collision warning, auto high beams, braking system and adaptive cruise control. Just yesterday the rear hatch started to malfunction; currently the rear hatch can be opened and closed manually but the power lift does not function and now is the 6th warning on the driving display. The car was taken to a Honda Dealership for diagnosis, and after paying $99 for the diagnosis of the issues, several other diagnosis fees would be required to get to the root of the issue which the Tech states is most likely a control module malfunction due to a water leak. The fix would then be finding and fixing the leak, then replacing the module and wrapping the module in plastic to prevent...
#11679342 |
Water intrusion, verified by observation/application of water. The leak resulted in water dripping on the Tailgate/Liftgate Control Module and the general rear cargo area, causing corrosion inside the control module rendering the control module inoperable, which made the power liftgate inoperable as well. Additionally, the rear cargo area had standing water that had accumulated over an unknown period of time that was visible when you lifted the carpeting. The liftgate latch mechanism also "locked" while the liftgate was open, making securing it closed in the normal way impossible. I would have needed to secure it with bungee cords or tape or some other haphazard way if I wanted to drive it safely on the streets or any contents in the back of the van could have fell out in traffic, or the liftgate may have inadvertently lifted at any time or place uncommanded, causing any type of hazard. Replacing the...
#11679027 |
The vehicle body weather seal did not function water was leaked into the rear trunk of the vehicle, resulting in water damaged carpet/ foam and malfunctioning/ broken power liftgate control module for the rear hatch. The control module was found to be corroded resulting in a nonfunctional rear hatch.
#11677900 |
Suddenly the Van gave me 5 different warnings as below. 1. Adaptive Cruise Control problem. 2. Lane Keep Asist Problem 3. Collision Mitigation System Problem 4. Road Departure Mitigation System Problem 5. Auto High-Beam Problem On top of these, 'Brake System' light also turned on.
#11676638 |
the sensor/computer/camera on the windshield overheats and causes it to fail mines at 100,000 and its a $1600 repair dealer said because the windshield sits in sun while driving etc and the sensor overheats and melts the inside of the computer soldering. unacceptable so much for my safety features all gone i dont have the money to replace
#11672974 |
Front camera failure causes multiple safety issues. Lane keep assist collision mitigation road departure mitigation high beam problem This is a known issue and the dealership knew about this immediately hearing the multiple warning signs. Cost of replacement is over $2000.
#11668905 |
Crack in body seam above driver and passenger side of the tailgate AND underneath the roof rail cover caused water leakage. This resulted in a short of the power tailgate control module which draws down my battery and causes unexpected trunk closing during normal use. Family members have been hit in the head by the trunk due to the unexpected automatic emergency closing.
#11667784 |
Defect-Linked Electrical Failures and Refusal of Support – 2018 Honda Odyssey I am filing a formal complaint regarding Honda’s refusal to cover a known, dangerous defect in my 2018 Honda Odyssey (VIN: [XXX] ). My vehicle is experiencing electrical and system-wide malfunctions that directly match Technical Service Bulletin 21-013, yet I’ve been denied goodwill coverage, and I am being forced to pay out-of-pocket for diagnosis and repair. The problems include: •Ongoing, loud popping sounds from the speakers while driving and after shutdown •System power failures, with audio and Bluetooth activating before the key is turned •Low battery warnings without cause •Factory HondaVAC system failure, now showing “PWR SAVE” despite a running engine I am a parent of five children and rely on this vehicle for daily transportation. These failures not only distract and stress the driver but compromise safety, communication, and vehicle reliability. Honda’s decision to shift financial responsibility for...
#11667860 |
The power liftgate stopped working so the rear door won’t latch. We had to drive home with it closed but not latched and beeping the whole way. I believe water has leaked into the control unit from the roof. The error on the dashboard says Tail Gate: Power tailgate problem
#11667240 |
I have had four diagnostics on this vehicle and it's pointing to sensors which are inside the transmission transmission was not leaking and wasn't slipping or nothing I went to get in the vehicle after it was sitting for an hour and I put it in reverse it went right back in the park I put it in dry went right back in the park I couldn't get it out of the park and it was saying on the dash that stop driving one safe transmission problem emission system problems okay like a four diagnostics that are saying that it is sensors transmission pressure sensor A park neutral switch is bad power source failure steering angle low voltage sensor failure four different things I cannot get any help I hear a bunch of different stories some are saying the transmission not so we're saying it's not a transmission isn't slipping...
#11663454 |
The automatic tail gate stopped working. When I went to replace the tailgate control module I found out that it was damaged due to water that leaked into the rear driver side cabin area. After doing some research to figure out the problem, I found that there where many others that have had the same problems on the same year, make and model as mine.
#11660611 |
My tailgate stopped working, I was getting messages on my dash board that there was transmission system problems, reverse warning problems, keyless entry system problems. It always seemed to happen after a rain. I found that the van is leaking water through the driver’s side roof rack gully, near the back, and water is leaking right on the tailgate control system, causing all these other problems. It is also causing the battery to drain when car is parked idle. There should be recall to fix the leakage and replace the controller. It's a design defect, water shouldn't sip inside and burn the electrical components. Costing me hundreds/thousands. This is also safety issue because water damaged controllers causing issues with ADAS components too - getting check engine, break lights, etc. while the car is in motion. If those safety features are not working, that can be very dangerous. Thanks
#11653585 |
The tailgate module has been fixed three times by Honda, along with the tailgate being resealed by honda, however, the car continues to leak water through a seal in the drivers side upper rarea. The electrical components and fuse boxes have been full of water causing the vehicle to turn on automatically, have every light illuminated, tailgate open on its own, tailgate won’t close, no turn signals, no power to infotainment center, infotainment permanently displaying back up camera while in drive mode. The tailgate has been resealed by Honda (balise Honda of West Warwick) in March of 2024 and vehicle will be back there this week due to same issue. Battery needed replaced due to all the electronics misfiring and automatically turning on- car has left my family, my children stranded multiple times due to electrical issues misfiring and depleting battery.
#11652551 |
The car has stalling problems and low power problem (changed 3 batteries in 5 years), took to dealership first time and they could not confirmed what's wrong. The problem became worse and stalled a few times, took to local shop and code p2638 torque management feedback signal came back, indicating problem with transmission or TCU. Then, it was noted that there's a NHTSA RECALL NUMBER:19V-299, specifically "Low voltage situations resulting from loose battery terminal connection(s) or a degraded battery could cause the Transmission Control Unit to reboot and shift the transmission to Park". The recall was on 2018-19 Honda Odyssey, however, my car's VIN is not included, therefore it is not covered. Contacted Honda corporate, they are saying since VIN is not part of the recall, it is not covered. The year, the model and the problem are exactly matches what's in the recall but Honda refuse to cover it...
#11651756 |
The power tailgate has a failure. I took my minivan to a local mechanic who said the motor has failed. I tried to see if I could do the repair myself and came across a number of forums and YouTube videos that detail this is a known, reoccurring issue.
#11651433 |
Front facing camera malfunctioning, and it is available for inspection upon request. This malfunction causing 5 different warning lights to show up on dashboard. Including 1.) Auto high beam problem, Lane keeping assist problem, collision mitigation system problem, adaptive cruise control problem, road departure mitigation problem. The issue has been confirmed by the dealer. There were no warning lights prior to the random malfunction. I have not had wind shield replaced (which I have read could mean a calibration of the camera issue), nor has there been any accidents taken place. My safety is at risk as I am unable to use these features while driving unless the front camera is replaced.
#11650984 |
Failure of the tailgate module and blind spot sensor simultaneously. Electrical issues previously fixed due to water infiltration and this seems to be a recurring issue.
#11649921 |
Auto engine stop feature shuts off the vehicle when engaged. When the vehicle comes to a complete stop at a light or in heavy traffic, the auto engine stop feature will engage but the engine will not restart. The only way to restart the engine is to shutoff the vehicle, open and close the drivers door, then restart the car. This problem has been occurring for a few years. We have brought the vehicle to a dealer but they say nothing is wrong.
#11649789 |
During rain and snow storms I will get warning lights that the power tailgate isn’t working. Last year when I took it into the dealer they said the tailgate would open and close randomly and there was water in the rear fuse box. I thought I fixed the issue by replacing all the wires from the rear all the way to the front. They fixed my tailgate and did water testing to make sure no water was coming in through the tailgate and all was great. Fast forward to this year and the middle of February we had an all day snow and rain storm and I start having these same warning lights along with a couple others. By the end of the day the tailgate completely stops working. I take it back to the shop that had originally fixed it and water is getting in. Not from the tailgate...
#11648776 |
Improper seal on exterior driver side roof near trunk lift gate. Allows water inside during heavy rain or when going through a car wash and the water damages the control module for the power tailgate. Damage to the control module cuts off any use of the tailgate, even manually. This is a $900+ repair due to a MANUFACTURER ERROR
#11648601 |
The power tailgate opened by itself while I was driving on high way at around 60mph. Later it stopped working/won't open and the car battery died as well. Went to Honda dealership for a Diagnosis and found a water leakage on the roof of the back, causing the tailgate control module to be burned out by water damage.
#11646681 |
The circuit board for the module that controls the power lift gate is damaged from water. Water seeps in the roof rail and wets the panel causing the the power tailgate to lock shut and unable to be opened.
#11646512 |
Multiple warnings occurred simultaneously for the "brake system" intermittent. I have the same issue per [XXX] for my Honda Odyssey 2018 elite. I can see the same problem by a lot of people. I told Honda and paid them $220 diagnosis fees and they ended up asked me to change the whole camera that cost 4k. This obviously defect issue from Honda. Looks like known issue for this. Can this escalate back to Honda? For example [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
#11644077 |
My car has had all recommended service completed by the dealership since I purchased my Honda Odyssey in 2018. On 2/18/25, my power liftgate started malfunctioning. An error message beeps inside my car 4 times, every 4 seconds and cannot be manually turned off. I took the car to the dealership and was quoted $7500 to make the repair. My car only has 90,000 miles on it and has passed all of my previous service inspections. Supposedly, water is getting into the rear control module. I have never had water in my car so this is clearly a manufacturer's defect that is allowing water to seep into the rear control module.
#11644210 |
Went to leave my house at 8pm and the car was malfunctioning. Blind spot problem, parking sensor problem, road departure mitigation system problem, auto engine idle stop problem . Lights flickering on and off, console lights not working, can’t control heating speed. Light would not stay on as I was driving . I have a couple videos of the malfunction.
#11639122 |
The Tailgate Control Module (TCM) was infiltrated with water due to a crack in the seam on the rear driver side panel. This caused the tailgate to be unusable and no longer latch as a result of no power to the tailgate latch. The TCM (Part #: 74970-THR-A12) had to be replaced as well as all seams needed to be sealed.
#11637555 |
Did not control Engine up and down fuel nt work.
#11635802 |
The seam seals on the rear driver's quarter panel of the vehicle are faulty and allowed water to flow into the cabin of the vehicle. The resulting damage was loss of function to the rear power lift gate, front seats, remote start and other key fob functions, as well as a dead battery(assumedly due to arcing on wet circuitry). The damage rendered the lift gate inoperable as I it initially closed but came open during operation. We continued to receive a power lift gae problem on the "Heads Up Display" but the power gate would not open or close, electrically or manually. After a few days the gate opened but would not close, rendering the vehicle unsafe to operate. Furthermore, the battery was dead and would not start. Had this incicdent not occurred in our driveway we could have been susceptible to being stranded in sub-freezing temperatures with kids. The...
#11634668 |
Tailgate warning beeps. Tailgare Will NOT open or Close. Dashboard lites flash. Vehicle will NOT START ! CANNOT START or move Vehicle!
#11633584 |
Power tailgate malfunctions. Random errors showing on dashboard and randomly attempts to open on its own.
#11628911 |
Infortainment center shuts down and loses connection. Which means there is no communication with the backup camera or navigation. Popping noises from the front speakers start static and pop then the screen states connection lost then goes black. Turns back on in about 5-10 minutes depending. Also the lighting for the buttons around the center are not working as well. Idk if this is related or is an overload that the system cannot keep up.

Other 2018 HONDA ODYSSEY Problem Areas

Engine 162 complaints Power Train 150 complaints Unknown Or Other 130 complaints Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control 101 complaints Forward Collision Avoidance Warnings 88 complaints Structurebody 85 complaints Fuelpropulsion System 70 complaints Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking 67 complaints Lane Departure Warning 55 complaints Lane Departure Assist 52 complaints Vehicle Speed Control 47 complaints Service Brakes 36 complaints Fuel System Gasoline 23 complaints Lane Departure Blind Spot Detection 20 complaints Air Bags 16 complaints Visibilitywiper 14 complaints Engine And Engine Cooling 12 complaints Back Over Prevention Warnings 11 complaints Steering 11 complaints Suspension 9 complaints Electronic Stability Control Esc 7 complaints Seat Belts 6 complaints Seats 6 complaints Back Over Prevention Rearview System Braking 5 complaints Exterior Lighting 4 complaints Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch 4 complaints Back Over Prevention 3 complaints Forward Collision Avoidance 3 complaints Latcheslockslinkages 3 complaints Back Over Prevention Sensing System Camera 2 complaints Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel 2 complaints Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslock 2 complaints Structurebodydoor 2 complaints Carry Handle Shell Base 1 complaint Equipmentelectricalinfotainment 1 complaint Equipmentelectricalnavigational Systemglobal Positioning System 1 complaint Forward Collision Avoidance Sensing System Radar 1 complaint Lane Departure Lane Keep Steering Assist 1 complaint Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch Plate 1 complaint Structurebodyhatchbackliftgatesupport Devicestrut 1 complaint Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly 1 complaint Wheels 1 complaint
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