Should I buy a 2009 Honda Odyssey with documented body problems?

Depends on the price and the specific vehicle. Documented body issues should be priced into the purchase — if the seller is asking full retail, negotiate down by the expected repair cost. A pre-purchase inspection from an independent shop tells you whether THIS specific vehicle has already shown the symptoms or not.

2009 Honda Odyssey body problems

severe 54 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,500

Complaints

Recalls

Crashes

Avg fix

$1,500

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 12V062000 16/02/2012

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

STRUTS WITH DIMINISHED PERFORMANCE CAN LEAD TO UNEXPECTED CLOSURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Fix: 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.

What owners are reporting 6 most recent

body · filed 12/26/2018

PAINT ON THE ROOF OF VEHICLE, TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP AND SAID "NO RECALLS FOR THAT 2009 COLOR BUT ALSO SAID THERE WAS A 2008 AND A 2010 PAINT RECALL SO THE DEALERSHIP AND I PAID HALF AND HALF ABOUT 2 MONTHS I FOUND OUT THE CORROSION WAS ALSO ON THE HOOD SO I TOOK IT BACK I WAS TOLD THIS TIME THE WHOLE CAR HAD TO BE REPAINTED AN THE MONEY I SPENT PREVIOUSLY DID NOT COUNT BECAUSE I COULD NOT AFFORD TO …

body · filed 12/26/2011

AS I WAS UNLOADING GROCERIES FROM THE REAR OF MY VAN, THE LIFT GATE SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY DROPPED ON ME. I WAS NOT INJURED BUT IF I HAD BEEN A SMALL CHILD OR A WEAK ELDERLY PERSON IT COULD HAVE HAD TRAGIC RESULTS. THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED WHEN I TRIED TO OPEN THE GATE A SECOND TIME WHILE STANDING SAFELY AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE WITH THE STAY ASSEMBLY TAILGATE OPENER W…

body · filed 12/19/2014

ON TWO RECENT OCCASIONS, THE TAILGATE HAS LOWERED ITSELF WITHOUT THE DRIVER PRESSING THE TAILGATE BUTTON ON THE DASHBOARD OR ON THE TAILGATE ITSELF. IT LOWERS WITHOUT GIVING THE NORMAL AUDIBLE SIGNAL. AND IN BOTH CASES, THERE WAS A MINOR INJURY OCCURRING AS A RESULT OF THE PROBLEM. ONCE TO A CHILD, AND THE LATEST TO AN ADULT. IN THE LATEST INCIDENT, THE DRIVERS HEAD (EAR) WAS IMPACTED BY THE …

body · filed 12/18/2017

CLEAR COAT PAINT IS PEELING (HOOD)-LOOKS TERRIBLE

body · filed 12/18/2013

THE TAILGATE STRUTS THAT SUPPORT THE TAILGATE (BACK) DOOR OF THE MINIVAN FAILED (COLLAPSED) WHEN THE AUTOMATIC DOOR WAS OPENING. THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS VERY PROBLEM, MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR: HONDA ODYSSEY 2009, HOWEVER, MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. HONDA INC CONFIRMS THAT THEY ARE RECEIVING REPORTS LIKE THIS ONE FROM OTHER PEOPLE WHOSE CARS WERE NOT MADE PART OF THE RECALL. *TR

body · filed 12/08/2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE RETRIEVING HER INFANT FROM THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, THE SLIDING DOOR DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TOP ROLLER OF THE DOOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS …

Common questions

How serious is the body problem on the 2009 Honda Odyssey?

It's a meaningful issue. 54 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,500.

At what mileage does the body typically fail?

Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $1,500 for body repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.

Are there any recalls related to body?

Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover body issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.