Service Bulletin - The engine will not crank on initial startup after precipitation and sub-freezing temperatures. Water can enter the starter motor, and when temperatures drop below freezing, the water will freeze inside the starter motor. This will prevent the starter from cranking the engine.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2023 Honda Odyssey electrical problems
severe 23 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
23
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
4injuries
What stands out
Electrical accounts for 27% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 8 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners consistently report water intrusion behind the rear interior panels destroying the power tailgate control unit, exhibiting the same corrosion pattern and seam-seal failure described in the Dubrosky v. American Honda Motor Co. class action against 2018-2021 models—suggesting the defect carries over to 2023. Related electrical gremlins plague the entire electrical system: intermittent no-start events where the vehicle becomes electrically dead for 10–30 minutes during or after Auto Idle-Stop activation; complete engine stalls in traffic when released from idle-stop with no warning light beforehand; and central infotainment screen blackouts (some permanent, parts on months-long backorder with no ETA). Backup camera and navigation become unusable when the screen blacks out. Equally serious: rear doors fail to unlock and open despite audible unlock signals, trapping children; forward collision systems trigger false emergency braking, causing driver and child injuries; and blind spot sensors cause unexpected emergency braking during highway merges. Heated seats, speed-limit display accuracy, and advanced driver-assist cameras also malfunction. Authorized dealers consistently report "cannot reproduce" despite video evidence, perform resets or software updates that don't stick, and in some cases refuse diagnosis altogether. One administrative director confirmed Honda knows the issues are being reported by multiple owners but does not know how to fix them. Warranty denial or inability to source parts leaves owners stranded with expensive out-of-pocket repairs.
Same Honda Odyssey electrical reports on nearby years: 2020 · 2021 · 2022 · 2024 · 2025
Failure modes owners describe
Power tailgate control unit water intrusion and corrosion
Water enters the rear body seam of the vehicle without identifiable external source, pools behind interior panels, and corrodes the tailgate control unit (part #74970-THR-A12), causing complete tailgate failure. Owners cite polyurethane rear body seam sealant defect from prior class action litigation (Dubrosky v. American Honda Motor Co.) alleging the same failure pattern in 2018-2021 models; 2023 exhibits identical symptoms. Safety risk includes unexpected tailgate opening/closing in motion, latching failure, short-circuit, and potential fire.
When: 46,000 miles / 3 years; 30,500 miles / ~2 years post-purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Tailgate stopped functioning entirely; Complete loss of power tailgate operation; Significant rust and green corrosion on control unit interior; Pooled standing water evidence behind interior panels; No warning lights or dashboard messages prior to failure
Repairs/costs cited: Repair denied under warranty by authorized dealers (Pohanka Honda of Salisbury, MD). No cost cited; damaged components available for inspection.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty denial despite apparent design defect. No recall or TSB mentioned for 2023 model year despite documented prior litigation (Dubrosky v. American Honda Motor Co.).
Intermittent door lock/unlock and rear door egress failure
Rear doors fail to open from inside or outside despite audible unlock signal, trapping occupants (children unable to exit). Occurs intermittently; owner has video documentation. Constitutes emergency egress hazard.
When: Multiple events: 12/31/2025, 01/06/2026
Symptoms owners cite: Rear doors will not open from inside or outside when vehicle audibly indicates unlock; Children unable to exit back seat; Intermittent failure pattern
Repairs/costs cited: Authorized Honda dealer (Bell Road Honda) reported 'cannot reproduce,' replaced DVD/recall items and performed 'reset' without diagnosing root cause; problems returned worse.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda Customer Service case opened; dealer unable or unwilling to diagnose root cause.
Intermittent no-start / electrical dead state
Vehicle becomes electrically unresponsive with no lights, no power to dashboard, and no engine crank. Resolves spontaneously after 10–30 minutes without external intervention, then starts normally. Occurs during idle-stop operation and after shutdown. Creates stranding hazard in traffic.
When: Multiple events: 12/31/2025, 01/05/2026 (twice), 01/19/2026 mentioned in context
Symptoms owners cite: No lights or electrical response; Start button produces zero response; no click or crank; Vehicle appears electrically dead; Spontaneous recovery after 10–30 minutes without action; No warning lamps before failure; Brief 'Auto Idle-Stop System Problem' message in one case
Codes mentioned: Idle-Stop Inhibit – Large battery internal R (flag per complaint #5)
Repairs/costs cited: Repair history at Bell Road Honda inconclusive; no root cause diagnosis provided. Complaint #5 identifies 12V battery-current sensor internal resistance spike (3 mΩ normal to 25 mΩ fault); dealer demanded battery replacement but did not repair sensor. Complaint #5 load test confirmed AGM battery itself healthy (958 CCA).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer unable to reproduce in most cases. Complaint #5: Manufacturer has NOT yet repaired sensor; dealer demanded unnecessary battery purchase. One complaint filed with FTC (report #188697846).
Auto Idle-Stop engine stall in traffic
Engine shuts down unexpectedly during or after Auto Idle-Stop activation, leaving vehicle without propulsion or power steering in traffic. Most documented by complaint #5: stalls occurred twice on public roads when released from stopped position at traffic light. Diagnostic data linked to battery-current sensor fault (internal resistance spike 3 mΩ to 25 mΩ). Other complaints report complete power loss during idle-stop transitions.
When: At red lights / stopped traffic; complaint #5 shows reproducibility via diagnostic jostling of negative-terminal sensor
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown with no warning; All electrical power dropped (cluster dark, accessories reset); Vehicle coasted dead through intersection; No engine crank after shutdown; Brief 'Auto Idle-Stop System Problem' message in one case (cleared on restart); Rough idles reported in other complaints
Codes mentioned: Auto Idle-Stop System Problem, Idle-Stop Inhibit – Large battery internal R
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #5: 12V battery-current sensor showed internal resistance fault; dealer demanded battery replacement but did not replace sensor. AGM battery load test confirmed healthy (958 CCA). One complaint reports new battery already being strain-charged and cold-start struggles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer diagnostic captured fault data; manufacturer has not yet repaired root cause (battery-current sensor). Honda admin level director confirmed (via complaint #13) that issues are being reported by multiple owners and manufacturer does not know how to fix them.
Central infotainment screen blackout and malfunction
Central control screen (critical for navigation, backup camera, emergency assist, audio) blacks out intermittently, then permanently. Screen also makes crackling sounds and malfunctions. Affects backup visibility and essential vehicle functions. Unit on extended backorder (months-long delay); manufacturer unable to provide parts. One complaint cites prior recalls on earlier Odyssey models for same defect.
When: Dec 2024 initial blackout; complete blackout Aug 2025; ongoing 1+ year without resolution as of 11/2025
Symptoms owners cite: Screen blacks out randomly then returns; Complete permanent blackout; Crackling sounds from screen; Backup camera useless when screen black; Navigation unavailable; Emergency help feature unavailable; Audio system unavailable
Repairs/costs cited: Screen reproducible at dealer and confirmed under warranty. However, single manufacturer source has part on indefinite backorder with ETA repeatedly delayed. No replacement available. Warranty period for software updates may expire before screen is replaced.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty confirmed but part unavailable. American Honda Motor opened case 10/17/2025; provided only weekly status that part ETA keeps pushing out. Honda suggested filing NHTSA complaint rather than providing solution (11/26/2025).
Dashboard and instrument display failure while driving
Dashboard and instrument cluster go completely dark or offline while vehicle is in motion. Associated with buzzing noise. Electrical systems partially or fully offline. Occurs intermittently.
When: 01/05/2026 (complaint #2); timing variable across complaints
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard/instrument display goes off while driving; Associated buzzing noise (believed HVAC related); Electrical system partially offline
Speed limit information display errors
Infotainment system displays incorrect speed limits to driver. Errors almost always read *higher* than actual speed limit (reports of 100 mph displays in residential zones, 65 mph when actual limit is 45 mph). Active since purchase. Honda corporate claims no known issues; dealer aware of problem but says no fix exists. Creates safety risk by encouraging speeding, especially among inexperienced drivers.
When: Ongoing since purchase 6 weeks prior to complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Speed limit display consistently wrong; Errors predominantly show higher limits than actual; Obvious errors (100 mph displays) and plausible-but-wrong errors (65 mph when 45 mph actual)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer confirmed aware of issue; stated Honda has no fix available.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda corporate states not aware of any problems. Dealer states aware but no fix exists.
Forward collision warning and automatic braking false activation
Collision warning system triggers and applies full automatic braking without valid threat. Occurs while accelerating when vehicle in front has already turned, causing unnecessary hard stop. Multiple instances reported (third and most severe per complaint #2). Causes impact injuries (driver's legs slammed into dash, child marked from car seat). Also unintended automatic braking in construction zones.
When: Multiple events reported; complaint #12 states 3rd instance; complaint #2 prior event ~08/29/2023
Symptoms owners cite: Forward collision warning activates without valid threat; Automatic full braking applied during acceleration; Unnecessary hard stop with no obstacle present; Unintended braking in construction zones
Adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping system failures
Driver-assist systems including blind spot detection, adaptive cruise, lane departure mitigation, and auto high beam either fail to function or malfunction. Blind spot sensors reported causing emergency braking during highway merges when turn signal not used, nearly causing rear-end collisions.
When: Highway driving / merging scenarios
Symptoms owners cite: Blind spot sensor false-positive emergency braking during merges; Vehicle brakes hard on its own while accelerating to highway speed; Lane departure warning and mitigation malfunction; Adaptive cruise failures; Auto high beam failure
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #7 alleges defective blind spot sensors causing dangerous emergency braking.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Complaint #7 references a significant recall requiring interior disassembly to replace defective communication cables; alleges Honda under-compensates dealers, leading to repair quality issues.
Power sliding door closure safety failure
Power sliding door closes completely on obstruction (dog's tail) without reversing or stopping despite door meeting resistance. Contradicts sales assurance that door would reverse on contact. Results in injury (animal bleeding, distress).
When: During normal operation
Symptoms owners cite: Power door closes completely on obstruction without reversal; No resistance-sensing activation of reversal mechanism; Door closes despite physical object in path
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Sales personnel assured buyers door would not close on anything/anyone and would reverse on resistance; actual performance contradicts this claim.
Vehicle powers up autonomously after shutdown
Vehicle turns on by itself after being shut off. Occurs without driver action. In one instance, infotainment speakers activated loudly ~1 hour after shutdown. Vehicle then shut down on its own. Subsequent battery low warning appeared despite owner not operating vehicle. Owner notes this appears to be known issue in 2018 Odysseys; now occurring in 2023 model.
When: After shutdown (hours later); complaint #9 notes 2018 models have documented history of this
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle powers on without driver action; Infotainment activates autonomously; Vehicle shuts down on its own; Battery drained by autonomous operation; Battery low warning when vehicle was not driven
Backup camera display blackout
Backup camera display on center infotainment screen goes black, often intermittently. Safety concern: no visual warning when backing up with blank screen. One complaint cites prior recall 23V431000 did not resolve issue.
When: Intermittent blackouts; sporadic error messages
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera display blacks out; No alarming/warning when backing with black screen; Sporadic error messages; Recurring despite prior recall attempt (23V431000)
Repairs/costs cited: Prior recall 23V431000 did not fix problem.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 23V431000 attempted but did not resolve issue.
Brake warning light false activation
Orange brake warning light activates and vehicle slows down autonomously without valid brake condition. Driver cannot override for several seconds. Occurs at highway speed.
When: Highway driving at 65 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Orange brake warning light activates without reason; Vehicle slows down on its own; Driver cannot override for several seconds
Passenger side mirror sudden detachment
Passenger side mirror explodes and detaches from vehicle while driving at 15 mph, striking passenger door and window with enough force to scratch paint and glass.
When: During normal driving (15 mph, neighborhood)
Symptoms owners cite: Mirror suddenly explodes and separates; Mirror strikes adjacent door/window with force; Paint and window scratched by detached mirror
Seat heating system malfunction
Heated seat function stops working. Reported in conjunction with other electrical failures during high ambient temperature (110°F Phoenix conditions).
When: Ambient temperature 110°F; related to other electrical system stress
Symptoms owners cite: Heated seat function stops working
Monocular camera / advanced driver assist sensor failures
Windshield monocular cameras and driver-assist sensors fail. Affects collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist (LKA), adaptive cruise, lane departure warning, and auto high beam functions.
When: Vehicle operation
Symptoms owners cite: Monocular camera failure; Collision mitigation system inoperative; LKA (lane-keeping assist) failure; Adaptive cruise failure; Lane departure mitigation failure; Auto high beam failure
Synthesized from 23 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
Radar structed ,blind spot off,brake system light on
Auto stop/start struggles to start at lights or stopped traffic, rough idles and has already killed 1 battery, replaced under warranty and I'm having to charge my new one already since my car struggles to cold start sometimes! Incredibly stressful having 5 kids and 1car I spent a fortune on so it would last forever and it's a lemon I'm holding my breath doesn't strand us any time I have to break.
Around Dec 2024, the central control screen started blacking out. At first, it would black out and then the screen will come back on randomly. We took the car to Tempe Honda service center, and the technician was able to reproduce the problem, and it's covered under warranty. However, they had to order, but they didn't anticipate that it would be in back order. A couple months later, we checked…
Twice while at a stop light, when the car was in Auto Idle Stop, it suddenly shut down completely. There was no power on the dashboard. I couldn't even turn on the hazard lights. The first time, this lasted several minutes, the second time, a few seconds. After this time, the electronics spontaneously came back up and I was able to restart the engine.
Our auto idle randomly will shut the entire van off. Leaving us stranded without being able to go for 15-30 seconds until we can get It restarted. There has been no warnings or codes thrown Early on it has been unable to reproduce for them when at the dealership It has been to dealership numerous times because it’s a scary safety issue with cars usually behind us honking, yelling, and…
failed windshield monocular cameras, Collision Mitigation LKA Adaptive cruise Lane Departure Mitigation Auto High Beam
Yesterday we were in our minvan (I had not entered yet and was standing outside the fornt passenger door but wife, children, and dog were inside. My daughter mashed the button to close the power sliding door on the right side of the van but did not notice that the dogs tail was wagging near the door entrance. All of a sudden I heard loud screaming and I opened the door on the right side. She…
HONDA CORPORATION IS NOT COMPENSATING DEALERS FAIRLY FOR THIS SIGNIFICANT RECALL ON HONDA ODYSSEYS. THIS RECALL INVOLVES DISASSEMBLING MUCH OF THE INTERIOR TO REPLACE THESE DEFECTIVE COMMUNICATION CABLES. TO DO IT CORRECTLY AND REASSEMBLE THE VEHICLE CORRECTLY THE WORK COULD TAKE 8 HOURS OR MORE. BECAUSE HONDA OF AMERICA IS COMPENSATING DEALERS FOR MUCH LESS THAN THE CORRECT WORK TIME, TO DO…
Had electrical trouble with your 2023 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 2023 Honda Odyssey?
It's a meaningful issue. 23 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical 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 $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/2023/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.