Leak in roof rail seam causes interior water leak and fried liftgate opener. Known issue manufacturer is not willing to address. Recent class action: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2019 Honda Odyssey electrical problems
moderate 181 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
181
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1crash
1fire
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 181 electrical complaints filed for the 2019 Honda Odyssey, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 181 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 21 model years of Honda Odyssey in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2019 Honda Odyssey has a documented pattern of electrical faults affecting critical safety systems—transmission shift-to-neutral incidents, power door latch failures, infotainment blackouts, and battery drain issues—with many owners reporting unresolved problems even after dealership visits and recalls. Purchase with caution and expect potential out-of-pocket repairs, especially if warranty has lapsed.
The 2019 Honda Odyssey shows a consistent cluster of electrical and electronic failures across 173 complaints. Most prevalent is intermittent starting failure and unexplained battery drain; owners replace batteries at 30,000 miles or more, yet dealerships find no fault. Equally serious are sudden transmission shifts to neutral at highway speeds, accompanied by cascading warning lights (emissions, brake, ABS, VSA)—vehicles stall and cannot restart, stranding families in traffic.
Power sliding door latches fail frequently, with doors getting stuck halfway closed or reopening while driving. One owner's door sensor failed to detect her daughter's head and nearly crushed her. Power tailgate modules corrode due to water leaking through body seams (roof rail, D-pillar); tailgates open unexpectedly at 55 mph, creating ejection hazards. Infotainment screens go black, disabling the mandated backup camera and climate controls. Front camera/sensor failures trigger simultaneous loss of lane-keeping, adaptive cruise, and collision braking—all disabled without warning. Dealerships report Honda has no solution for MOST network faults affecting these systems.
Owners consistently describe dealerships unable or unwilling to replicate faults, denying warranty coverage for water-related failures as "wear," and quoting $500–$4,800 for repairs Honda refuses to recall. Many report identical failures across multiple 2018–2020 Odysseys online, suggesting design defects, yet Honda declines recalls based on VIN exclusions. Several post-recall failures suggest service work may introduce new faults.
Same Honda Odyssey electrical reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2018 · 2020 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Intermittent starting failure / parasitic battery drain
Vehicle fails to start intermittently despite battery testing normal. Battery replacement required at low mileage (30K miles). Some owners report repeated dead batteries, others describe the issue as undiagnosed electrical system drain. Dealerships unable to replicate or diagnose the root cause.
When: As early as 30,000 miles; persists throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle won't start without delay or won't start at all; Battery drains despite being new or recently replaced; Multiple battery replacements required in vehicle lifetime; No diagnostic codes or alternator/battery defects found
Codes mentioned: P0600, No codes found in many cases despite symptoms
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement ($240 out-of-pocket); dealers suspect software issue or unknown parasitic drain but cannot confirm. Some suggest transmission control module reprogram required.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda recalls related to battery connection (2019 Odyssey recall mentioned but not applicable to all affected VINs); TSB related to parasitic drain via MOST Bus network (Honda Service Bulletin 23-061)
Transmission shift to neutral while driving / loss of power
Vehicle suddenly shifts into neutral without driver input while accelerating or on highway. Multiple system warnings light up simultaneously (emissions, brake, ABS, VSA). Engine stalls and vehicle becomes uncontrollable. Incidents occur at speeds 25–70 mph creating serious traffic hazards.
When: Unpredictable; mileage not always specified
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of drive; vehicle shifts to neutral; Engine stalls mid-drive; Multiple warning lights illuminate at once (emissions, brake, ABS, VSA, brake hold, EPS, road departure mitigation); Vehicle cannot be restarted immediately; Loss of acceleration control
Codes mentioned: No trouble codes stored in many cases, DTC codes related to transmission or fuel pump suspected by owners
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships unable to replicate; no repairs performed in most cases. Some replaced transmission fluid; others blamed alternator or fuel pump without confirmation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall identified for this specific failure; related to suspected fuel pump issue (owners mention fuel pump recall exists but VINs not included)
Power tailgate control module failure due to water intrusion
Power tailgate stops working or operates erratically (opens part way, closes suddenly, refuses to open/close). Failure traced to water leak through body seams (roof rail, D-pillar area) causing corrosion on tailgate control module circuit board. Multiple owners report identical issue. Some report tailgate opens unexpectedly while driving.
When: Typically 1–3 years into ownership; mileage varies (40K–140K miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Tailgate won't open or won't close completely; Tailgate opens/closes intermittently or moves on its own; Tailgate opens unexpectedly while driving; Dashboard warning: 'Power Tailgate Problem' or 'Tailgate Open' message; Continuous beeping while driving; Battery drain related to tailgate error
Codes mentioned: Power Tailgate Control Unit Internal Error, Power Tailgate Right Touch / Pinch Sensor Circuit Malfunction, Power Tailgate Left Touch / Pinch Sensor Circuit Malfunction, Tailgate Closer Unit Half Latch Switch Circuit Malfunction, Power Tailgate Sensor Pulse Circuit Malfunction, Power Tailgate Drive Motor Circuit Malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Tailgate control module replacement (part #74970-THR-A12); cost $500–$800+. Dealer must locate and seal water leak (roof rail, body seam at D-pillar). Some owners report recurrence after repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued; dealers state water intrusion is wear/damage and deny warranty coverage. Widespread complaint suggests design defect in body seam sealing.
Power sliding door latch / sensor failures
Power sliding doors (driver and/or passenger side) fail to latch, lock, or close properly. Door gets stuck halfway open/closed or reopens after closing. Sensor failures prevent proper detection. Doors can reopen while driving or fail to detect obstacles, creating ejection/crushing hazards. Some failures follow prior recall work.
When: Unpredictable; some post-recall in 2021; mileage 40K–140K+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Door fails to latch or lock securely; Door closes only 80% then reopens; Door stuck halfway open/closed; Dashboard warning: 'Left/Right Sliding Door Problem'; Continuous chiming/beeping while door is ajar; Door will not engage automatic buttons; requires manual operation; Door opens while driving without warning; Door does not detect obstacles; will not stop or reverse when pinching
Codes mentioned: DTC B2037 (left sliding door ratchet switch), Left Power Sliding Door Touch / Pinch Sensor Signal Error, Right Power Sliding Door Touch / Pinch Sensor Signal Error, Sliding door latch mechanism failure codes
Repairs/costs cited: Door motor, cable, latch assembly, or actuator replacement; sensor replacement or recalibration. Cost varies. Recall A88 (handle cable repair, 2021) did not resolve underlying latch issues for some owners.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls A88, Z33, O36 issued for sliding door latches on some 2019 Odysseys, but many VINs excluded. Dealers refuse goodwill coverage citing VIN exclusion. No permanent resolution for repeat failures.
Infotainment system failure (MOST network / display blackout)
Infotainment screen goes blank, freezes, or reboots while driving. Audio cuts out; radio displays 'MOST network connection lost' or 'Network communication error.' Rear-view camera feed lost when screen is black. System may recover after restart or remain inoperable. Failures occur repeatedly and unpredictably, especially on longer drives.
When: As early as 2 weeks after purchase; recurs throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Screen goes completely black or blank; Audio/radio cuts out suddenly; Display shows 'MOST network connection lost' or 'Network communication error'; Radio static or clicking noise; System freezes; becomes unresponsive to touch input; Rear-view camera feed unavailable when screen is black; HVAC controls unavailable when screen is inoperable; System reboots while vehicle in motion; Loss of Bluetooth/hands-free capability
Codes mentioned: MOST network error, Network communication failure, Multipurpose camera/radar codes not directly related but coincident
Repairs/costs cited: Rerouting electrical harness (temporary fix); rear entertainment system replacement; amplifier replacement; full infotainment unit replacement ($2,850). Repairs frequently fail to resolve issue permanently.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda has issued recalls addressing MOST network defects (Safety Recall 23-046 / NHTSA Campaign 23V431000); however, remedy ineffective for many owners. No permanent factory solution identified. Honda denies goodwill coverage.
Multiple safety system warnings (LKAS, ACC, CMBS, VSA, etc.) with camera/sensor failure
Dashboard displays simultaneous warnings for Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Auto High-Beam, Road Departure Mitigation, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), and other driver-assist systems. Features disabled without warning. Front camera/sensor malfunction (overheating or internal electronic failure) triggers cascade of dependent system failures.
When: Unpredictable, recurring; mileage 40K–100K+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple safety system warnings appear simultaneously at startup or while driving; LKAS, ACC, CMBS, auto high-beam features disabled; Dashboard illuminates with 10+ warning lights at once; Front camera/sensor overheats and fails; Collision avoidance system inoperative; Vehicle loses acceleration control temporarily; Vehicle automatically shuts down due to sensor failure; Warnings persist after restart; intermittent but recurring
Codes mentioned: DTC U3000-49 (multipurpose camera unit/millimeter wave radar internal electronic failure), LKAS system failure codes, ACC system failure codes, CMBS failure codes, Auto high-beam failure codes
Repairs/costs cited: Front camera replacement ($1,500+) or millimeter wave radar replacement. Both components must be replaced together per Honda software requirement. Repairs do not prevent recurrence.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued; repairs at owner expense. Known issue across 2018–2020 model years but manufacturer has not issued recall or extended warranty coverage.
Engine stall during auto start/stop (idle-stop) / electrical system dropout
When engine shut off during stop (auto start/stop feature), vehicle stalls upon restart. Electrical system experiences complete dropout—instrument cluster goes black, all warning lights flash, brake/stability control fail. Recovery takes 10–30 seconds during which vehicle is uncontrollable in traffic. Issue tied to parasitic battery drain.
When: Present since new; ongoing throughout ownership; mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls when restarting from idle-stop; Complete electrical system malfunction during restart; Instrument cluster/dashboard goes dark; Multiple fault messages appear as system reboots; Loss of brake and stability control temporarily; Vehicle uncontrollable in traffic during restart delay; Brake pedal unresponsive during dropout; Feature can be disabled but requires reset after each ignition cycle
Codes mentioned: P0600, Collision Mitigation System Problem (secondary), Brake System Problem (secondary), Various fault codes during reboot
Repairs/costs cited: Software update issued (2024) but issue persists. Dealerships unable or unwilling to replicate or repair. Auto start/stop feature can be disabled manually by owner.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software update released early 2024; ineffective. No recall or further remedy identified.
Lighting dimming / voltage stability issue
Headlights and all vehicle lighting (interior, dash, exterior markers) dim significantly whenever A/C compressor clutch engages. Dimming causes headlights to appear to flash or flicker, potentially misinterpreted by other drivers as intentional signaling. Issue present since purchase and persists despite dealership troubleshooting attempts.
When: Present since new (November 2018 onward); chronic condition
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights dim dramatically when A/C compressor cycles; All interior and exterior lighting dims simultaneously; Instrument cluster lighting dims; Dimming appears to flash or flicker to other drivers; Condition repeats every time compressor cycles
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership troubleshooting attempted per manufacturer instruction; no resolution achieved. Likely alternator or charging system inadequacy under A/C load.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or TSB identified; manufacturer has provided troubleshooting guidance to dealerships without resolving issue.
Body control module (BCM) failure / electrical system fault
Body control module requires reprogram to resolve multiple electrical faults (starting failures, warning lights, door locks, etc.). Failure often attributed to water intrusion or undetermined electrical fault. Some failures occur post-recall, suggesting recall work may have introduced fault.
When: Sporadic; can occur early in ownership or after recalls/service
Symptoms owners cite: Starting failure with all dashboard lights out; Multiple warning lights appear after recall service; Door locks fail to respond; BCM reprogramming required to clear faults; Issues reappear shortly after BCM reset
Codes mentioned: Brake System warning, Hill Start Assist Problem, Vehicle Stability Assist warning, Stability/steering system warnings
Repairs/costs cited: BCM reprogramming ($800+ for diagnostics alone). Dealerships often unable to identify root cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific recall for BCM failures; owners left to absorb diagnostic and repair costs.
Door lock / keyless entry failure
Vehicle locks won't respond to keyless fob or HondaLink app. Manual key required to unlock doors. Complete electrical failure may prevent unlock even with manual key in some cases. Windows inoperable when doors locked due to electronics.
When: Unpredictable; early in ownership reported in some cases (brand new vehicles)
Symptoms owners cite: Keyless fob does not unlock vehicle; HondaLink app shows vehicle unlocked but doors remain locked; Manual key required to unlock doors; No lights, gauges, or electrical response from vehicle; Windows inoperable when vehicle locked; Doors remain locked even after manual unlock attempt
Repairs/costs cited: Some resolved by jump-starting or using key fob start/stop button; others required towing and dealership intervention. Root cause unknown.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued; roadside assistance dispatched but unable to help.
Rear-view camera failure / display malfunction
Backup/rear-view camera feeds to infotainment display fail, become black, or freeze. Renders camera unusable, creating safety hazard for reversing. Failures linked to infotainment MOST network issues and component failures. Violation of FMVSS 111 (mandatory camera requirement).
When: Recurring; persists for months in some cases
Symptoms owners cite: Rear-view camera display black or blank; Camera feed freezes; Camera inoperable when infotainment screen fails; Display shows 'image cannot be displayed' message
Codes mentioned: MOST network communication error (related)
Repairs/costs cited: Wiring adjustments, battery replacement, amplifier replacement all attempted without permanent success. Full infotainment unit replacement ($2,850) quoted but may not resolve.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall for camera-specific failure; treated as infotainment system failure. Dealer unable to identify root cause after multiple repair attempts.
Synthesized from 181 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
At the grocery store and trunk would not close. Warning on the dash says “power tailgate problem”. Stranded my wife in the parking lot until she was able to get in touch with me to tell her she had to close it manually. It’s very hard to overcome the actuators manually if you’re a smaller statured person.
Driving 60mph on the highway, everything electrical shut off and on several times. The dash screen, the touch screen, the AC, the lights. I immediately took an exit and got off, and when the rebooting stopped I was going about 30mph and the car shifted by itself into park. Then there was a horrible grinding sound of metal on metal...I hit the brakes to pull off the road the car got under 20mph…
Vehicles in motion on freeway and city roads. Dash warning lights go haywire when driving. Loss of of lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control while driving is a serious safety issues. All warning lights turn on. Dealership reset the computer but issue not resolved. Issue has been happening since october 2018. Honda roseville automall dealership made repairs yesterday 12/27/18 by resetting…
Car shifts into park while driving
Had electrical trouble with your 2019 Honda Odyssey?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2019 Honda Odyssey?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 181 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 34 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 6,000 and 35,000 miles, with the median around 15,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 6,000; a quarter make it past 35,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/Honda/Odyssey.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.