NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Honda Odyssey Safety Ratings
The 2021 Honda Odyssey scores 85 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 8 recalls, and 120 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Honda Odyssey achieves an overall five-star rating from NHTSA, a strong result for occupant protection. This underpins the NHTSA Safety Index of 85/100, which places the vehicle in the Strong band. All standard crash-avoidance technology is present. The safety picture is tempered, however, by eight recall campaigns initiated for the model year.
The 2021 Honda Odyssey holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 85/100 and an NHTSA five-star overall crash-test rating, based exclusively on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Honda Odyssey ranks 57 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 85 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 13.6% |
| Recalls on file | 8 |
| Owner complaints | 120 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 57 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Honda Odyssey?
The 2021 Honda Odyssey represents a meaningful safety improvement over its immediate predecessor. The NHTSA Safety Index jumped from 73/100 in 2020, an Average band score, to 85/100 in 2021, a Strong band result, a 12-point single-year gain driven largely by the crash-protection subscore of 66 out of 70 and a perfect 10 out of 10 for crash-avoidance technology. NHTSA's five-star overall rating, backed by five-star frontal and side scores, anchors that high crash-protection mark. The rollover subscore of four stars and a 14 percent rollover risk are the only areas where the vehicle falls short of a perfect crash-test sweep. Where the 2021 year specifically draws scrutiny is its defect record subscore of 9 out of 20, reflecting eight recall campaigns and 120 unverified owner complaints. Two of those recalls target airbag-related systems, including a software error affecting the restraint control module on 2018-2022 Odyssey units, making this year's recall profile notably airbag-heavy compared to what a strong crash-test result might suggest. The gap between the excellent crash-test performance and the below-midpoint defect score is the defining tension of this specific model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Honda Odyssey perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Honda Odyssey achieved an overall safety rating from NHTSA. Both frontal and side impact crash tests also yielded ratings. In rollover protection, the Odyssey received stars, with a 14 percent rollover risk. The dynamic tip test concluded with a "No Tip" result. No crash-test category for this model year remains unrated.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15143
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Honda Odyssey have any recalls?
Eight recall campaigns cover this model year. Documented issues include front-passenger occupant classification sensors across two separate campaigns, an airbag and restraint control module software error that can suppress side and side-curtain airbags, a wheelchair restraint latch anchor concern on mobility-equipped units, and a fuel pump delivery defect spanning a wide Honda lineup. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is listed in the supplied data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER26V332000
Risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involve
Reported 2026-05-21
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE26V227000
Risk: Air bags that deploy unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the supplemental restraint system (SRS) electronic control unit (ECU) software or replace the ECU, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is UNW. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA
Reported 2026-04-09
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY:WHEELCHAIR RESTRAINTS/SECUREMENT:LATCH/ANCHOR:25V877000
Risk: An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the retractors, free of charge. Owner notification letters was mailed January 27, 2026. Owners may contact Vantage Mobility customer service at 1-800-488-9082.
Reported 2025-12-17
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER24V064000
Risk: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
Reported 2024-02-01
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP23V858000
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Reported 2023-12-18
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION23V431000
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the MOST cable harness and install a straightening cover over the vehicle cable connector, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are EEL, ZEM, and SFC.
Reported 2023-06-15
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR23V174000
Risk: Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace both left and right side-view mirrors, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 17, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is FE5.
Reported 2023-03-16
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE21V010000
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Remedy: Braun will notify owners, and dealers will inspect vehicles. If evidence of a fuel leak is present, a new fuel tank assembly and a new Honda charcoal canister will be installed, free of charge. The recall began February 22, 2021. Owners may contact Braun customer service at 1-800-488-0359.
Reported 2021-01-14
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Honda Odyssey?
NHTSA has logged 120 unverified consumer allegations against the 2021 Odyssey. The most frequently alleged problem area is the electrical system, with 43 reported complaints, followed by unknown or other issues at 26, engine concerns at 20, forward collision avoidance at 19, and air bags at 16. These are unverified allegations only.
120 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Honda Odyssey?
Prospective owners of a 2021 Odyssey should prioritize a VIN check against NHTSA's recall database. This model year has been subject to eight recall campaigns. Specifically, two distinct airbag-related issues and a significant fuel pump recall may present open remedies on individual vehicles. Verifying completion of all eight recall repairs in writing is an essential prerequisite for purchase.
- The Safety Index rose 12 points from the 2020 model year, moving from the Average band to the Strong band, the largest single-year jump in the recent Odyssey lineage captured in this data set.
- Two separate recall campaigns specifically address airbag system failures on this model year, one targeting occupant classification sensor errors and one covering a software fault that can prevent side and side-curtain airbags from deploying.
- The electrical system is the single most-alleged problem area in unverified NHTSA complaints, accounting for 43 of 120 total reports, a concentration that prospective buyers should note when reviewing vehicle history.
- Mobility-converted 2021 Odyssey units face an additional recall from Vantage Mobility covering wheelchair restraint latch anchors, a concern unique to this specific equipment configuration and not present on standard models.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Honda Odyssey places
The 2021 Honda Odyssey qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Honda Odyssey safety questions
Was the 2021 Honda Odyssey crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Honda Odyssey, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Honda Odyssey crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Honda Odyssey earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 13.6%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Honda Odyssey have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 8 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Honda Odyssey. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Honda Odyssey?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 120 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Honda Odyssey. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Odyssey years
Rivals in Sedan (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15143), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Honda Odyssey 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 57 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.