All of the safety system and efficiency systems had failures which made us take to our local Honda dealership for evaluation. After the first visit we were told that they could not find the problem, although they saw all of the error messages. The error messages appeared again 3 days later so we took it back to our local Honda dealership. This time one of the service reps had seen that problem…
2021 Honda Odyssey electrical problems
moderate 38 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
38
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
What stands out
Electrical accounts for 33% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 7 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 38 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.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2021 Odyssey has significant electrical defects affecting safety, including stalling at traffic lights, water-damaged control modules disabling doors and cameras, and infotainment system failures. Multiple owners report unresolved issues across power doors, tailgates, and core engine management, with Honda dealerships unable to replicate or fix the problems.
Owners describe widespread electrical failures in the 2021 Odyssey. The most dangerous: Auto Idle Stop stalls the engine at traffic lights, sometimes in active highway lanes, and the vehicle won't restart on the first try—leaving families stranded with approaching traffic. This happens repeatedly, starts around 43,000 miles, and dealerships say they cannot replicate it or have seen nothing like it.
Water leaks through roof rails, door seals, and window seals are soaking electrical control units. The power tailgate control module gets wet, stops responding to buttons, and may open or close by itself while the vehicle is parked or moving. Same water damage affects sliding door motors and the rear circuit board, killing multiple safety systems at once. Repair costs run $700 to $1,311, and it often happens again if the seal isn't fixed right.
Infotainment system crashes with "Network Connection Lost," killing the backup camera, navigation, and blind-spot monitor while emitting loud crackling from speakers. A recall exists for this, but many owners' VINs aren't covered.
The VSA modulator has failed three times on one vehicle within 26,000 miles, triggering errors across all safety systems and locking up the power doors and tailgate. Engine shuts down without warning while driving; some owners lost power six separate times. Starters fail. Batteries drain while alternators show normal output. One owner's replacement vehicle failed the same way within days of trading in the original.
Dealerships either cannot replicate these faults, refuse to fix them without diagnostics fees on recalls, or say they have no solution. Honda's response has been slow and dismissive across multiple owner contacts.
Same Honda Odyssey electrical reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2019 · 2020 · 2022 · 2023
Failure modes owners describe
Auto Idle Stop (AIS) Stalling and No-Start
Engine stalls when Auto Idle Stop activates at traffic lights or during stop-and-go driving. Vehicle fails to restart normally, requiring multiple attempts or extended wait times. No warning light appears before failure.
When: Starting at approximately 43,000 miles; incidents documented from 10/2022 through 7/2025
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off unexpectedly during traffic stops; Vehicle enters Park mode on its own; Starter button unresponsive on first attempts; Battery warning light may blink during restart attempts; Complete electrical shutdown (radio, lights off); Doors may unlock automatically
Repairs/costs cited: No successful repairs documented. Honda dealerships unable to replicate; some suggested PGM-FI software update, but issue persisted post-update
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda dealership advised they have not seen this issue before; no recall issued as of complaint dates
Power Tailgate Control Unit Failure
Power tailgate stops responding to remote, dash button, or manual operation. Tailgate may open or close by itself repeatedly when parked. Water intrusion into the control unit housing causes electrical short. Manifests as 'Power Tailgate Problem' dashboard warning.
When: Failures reported from 2024 onwards; water damage linked to design flaw in 2018–2021 models
Symptoms owners cite: Tailgate will not open with remote key fob; Tailgate will not open with dash button or physical button on tailgate; Tailgate opens and closes repeatedly on its own; Manual operation becomes difficult or impossible; Water visible in tailgate control unit housing; Water leaking into trunk area and rear seat; 'Power Tailgate Problem' warning on dashboard
Codes mentioned: P1378, P1379
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of Gate Control Unit; repair costs reported at $700–$1,311. Temporary fix: disconnect and reconnect battery. Water seal repair at roof rail or door seal required to prevent recurrence; previous repair may fail again
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall as of complaint dates. Honda extended warranty does not cover water damage. Owners report finding evidence of class-action litigation online
VSA Modulator Repeated Failure
Vehicle Stability Assist modulator malfunctions, triggering cascading error messages across all safety and convenience systems. Power sliding doors and tailgate become inoperable. Vehicle is undrivable until modulator is reset or replaced.
When: First occurrence at 7,453 miles (6/14/21); recurrence at 21,077 miles (2/26/22) and 26,916 miles (7/29/22)
Symptoms owners cite: All safety system errors triggered simultaneously; ABS brakes error light; Airbag system error light; Traction control error light; High beam error light; Blind spot detection error light; Parking sensor error light; Power sliding doors inoperable; Power tailgate inoperable; Manual door operation blocked
Repairs/costs cited: Modulator replaced under warranty at 21,077 miles. At 26,916 miles, dealership disconnected and reconnected unit to restore function; no component replacement made at that visit
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Two replacements covered under factory warranty. Honda Corporate contacted by owner; case managers unresponsive
Power Sliding Door Failure
Rear power sliding doors stop operating fully or intermittently. Door may open only partially, get stuck in mid-position, or fail to latch closed. Both manual and power modes affected.
When: Failures reported at approximately 19,000 miles and beyond
Symptoms owners cite: Door opens only partway; Door gets stuck in mid-position; Door refuses to latch closed; Door responds inconsistently to button presses; Both power and manual operation fail; 'Passenger's Sliding Door Failure' message on instrument panel
Repairs/costs cited: Owner disassembled door panel to inspect cables, motor, and fuses; components appeared intact. Door functioned briefly after reassembly, then passenger-side door developed same problem. Awaiting dealership diagnosis of possible computer control issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer diagnostic fee requested; owner declined. Manufacturer referred to NHTSA Hotline
Water Intrusion into Electrical Control Modules
Water leaks into the rear circuit board controller and tailgate control unit housing via roof, door seals, and window seals. Causes electrical short circuits, component corrosion, and cascading system failures including safety systems and convenience features.
When: Identified as design flaw in 2018–2021 models; failure dates from 2024–2026 during rain or wet conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Tailgate malfunction following rain; Water pooling in trunk area; Back seat soaking wet; All safety and efficiency system error messages; Intermittent headlamp function; Intermittent turn signal operation; Corroded circuit boards inside control modules; Multiple system failures in sequence
Repairs/costs cited: Repair costs $700–$1,311 depending on extent of water damage and components needing replacement. Seal inspection and resealing at roof rail, door, or window required. Previous repairs may fail again if sealing is incomplete
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. Honda extended warranty does not cover water damage. Owners report this is a known problem posted online
Infotainment System Network Loss
Infotainment system displays 'Network Connection Lost' or 'MOST Net Off' message and goes completely black. Backup camera, DVD player, clock, and navigation stop functioning. System may require 5+ minutes to reboot; crackling or popping noise may emit from speakers.
When: Started approximately 2 weeks before complaint filing; occurs daily or multiple times per driving session
Symptoms owners cite: Infotainment screen goes black; Backup camera stops displaying image; DVD player stops functioning; Clock display fails; Navigation system fails; Network Connection Lost message displayed; MOST Net Off message displayed; Loud crackling or popping noise from speakers; Volume button does not control crackling noise; System reboots after 5+ minutes; Blind spot monitor stops functioning when infotainment is off
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed. Display functions temporarily after battery reset or fuse reset. Third-party inspection suggests insufficient repairs from prior recall work
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Active recall exists for this issue (NHTSA ID 23V431000), but many VINs not included in recall list. Honda's solution is dealership inspection at owner's expense; reimbursement only if deemed recall-related
Rearview Camera Display Failure
Backup camera image does not display on the infotainment screen, reducing rear visibility and increasing crash risk. Image may work temporarily after battery reset or module replacement.
When: Ongoing for several weeks at time of complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera image does not appear on display; Reduced rear visibility while reversing; Image appears temporarily after battery reset; Image appears temporarily after fuse reset; Image appears temporarily after module removal/replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Third-party diagnostics suggest insufficient prior repairs from recall work. Temporary fixes include battery reset, fuse reset, or module removal/replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 23V431000 issued for this issue, but owner believes insufficient repairs were made. Honda directs owner to dealership for inspection at owner's expense
Battery Drain and Charging System Failure
Battery dies repeatedly despite being new or showing good charge state. Vehicle requires jump-starting multiple times within days. Alternator outputs consistent 14.3 volt charge while running, but battery continues to discharge.
When: Started suddenly; battery dead on second startup after replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start without jump-start; Battery dies despite being new or in good state; Battery drains within 24–48 hours of full charge; Multiple jump-starts required within one week; Alternator shows normal 14.3 volt output; Vehicle becomes stranded without external power
Repairs/costs cited: New battery installed but issue persisted. Repair facility tested battery at 78% state and good condition; battery replaced anyway. No resolution achieved; family stranded multiple times
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No known cause or fix identified by repair facilities
Starter Failure
Engine fails to crank when ignition button is pressed. No warning lights appear before failure.
When: At approximately 66,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine does not crank upon start attempt; No warning lights illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed faulty starter requiring replacement; vehicle not repaired as of complaint filing
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of failure
Vehicle Shutdown During Operation
Engine cuts out completely and unexpectedly while driving or stopped at traffic lights. Entire vehicle shuts down—radio, lights, all electrical systems go off. Vehicle may shift into Park mode. Vehicle loses all power and requires restart.
When: Multiple occurrences; one case reporting six separate losses of power during driving
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off completely; All lights and radio turn off; Vehicle loses all electrical power; Vehicle may shift to Park mode automatically; Occurs at traffic lights and during highway stop-and-go traffic; Occurs at various speeds without warning; No warning light before shutdown; Engine shudders or cuts out intermittently
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to replicate issue in three separate service visits. One case report notes issue began post-PGM-FI software update; dealership claimed unable to fix. Owner traded vehicle in for new 2021 Odyssey, which then experienced same failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No fix available. Dealership unable to diagnose or replicate
Safety System Error Cascade
Multiple safety and driver-assist features malfunction simultaneously and intermittently. Electric parking brake warning, collision mitigation, and lane-keep assist toggle on and off; warning lights appear and disappear without clear cause.
When: Started at approximately 48,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Electric parking brake warning light comes on while driving; Collision mitigation system switches off; Lane assist system switches off and flashes; Dashboard warning lights for parking brake, collision, and lane assist; Features can be reset by turning car off and on; Features must be reactivated manually after reset; Issues clear after 5 miles of driving
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented; resets temporary
Engine Self-Start and Self-Shutdown
Engine starts and shuts down on its own without driver input. Both key fobs may be 10+ miles away from vehicle. Lights and radio operate with no driver action. No known control failure or cause.
When: Multiple occurrences; first reported 2/17/22
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cranks and starts without driver action; Engine shuts off without driver input; Tail lights remain on while engine running; Light knob in OFF position while lights on; Occurs with both key fobs at distance of 10+ miles; No response from automatic restart or shutdown control
Repairs/costs cited: Brought to dealership twice; issue could not be fixed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda contacted 2/17/22. Follow-up call 2/21/22 informed of possible 2-week to 2-month investigation delay; no further response documented
Instrument Cluster Dimming and System Malfunctions
Instrument cluster brightness decreases substantially, making gauges barely visible. Vehicle may apply brakes for no reason. Radio screen freezes. Multiple intermittent system failures occur.
When: Reported at 32,000 miles (32-day ownership)
Symptoms owners cite: Half of instrument cluster goes dim; Gauges become barely visible; Vehicle applies brakes without driver input; Radio screen freezes randomly; Engine cuts out or shudders intermittently; Loss of reverse camera feed
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented
Synthesized from 38 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
The main screen went black for 3 mins while driving. Booted halfway back up then crashed again. Booted up again and then worked. Its done this 3 times and I've had van for 6 days. 32k miles one owner. Mint looking
Upon going to start my vehicle it would not start. I ended up jump starting the car and going to buy a new battery. I replaced the battery even though repair facility stated battery was at 78% and in good state. Two days later I went to start the van again and the battery was again dead. I jumped the car to get it started and have had to continually jump start the car due to no start issue. The…
Drive side rear power door stopped working. Upon using handl to opperate as usual the door stopped only a few inches open. A gentle shove got it open and opperational. The next day it did the same thing this time refuding to eithe ropen completely or re-latch. My children were in the car with me on the way to school and the door could not be opened to let them out or closed to safely proceed on…
Had electrical trouble with your 2021 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 2021 Honda Odyssey?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 38 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?
Based on the 38 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 39,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2021/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.