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Generation Guide · 2011–2017 Honda Odyssey · Minivan

2011–2017 Honda Odyssey Review: Should You Buy It?

6 min read

Also worth reading: 2005–2010 Honda Odyssey Buying Guide, 2018–2026 Honda Odyssey Buying Guide and Honda Odyssey Buying Guide.

The 2011–2017 Honda Odyssey covers the 4th gen generation from start to finish. Mechanically these years are the same car — same platform, same engine family, same failure points — so shop the individual car's condition and service history rather than chasing a specific model year. A well-loved minivan. VCM disabler is a popular safeguard.

Analyze a 2011–2017 Odyssey Listing →

Is the 2013 Honda Odyssey Reliable — and Is It a Good Year?

Yes — the 2013 Honda Odyssey is a reliable used minivan, and it's a good year to buy as long as the car itself checks out. It's a mid-cycle 4th-gen van with the proven 3.5L J35 V6 and the older 5-speed automatic, so it sidesteps the torque-converter shudder complaints that show up on early 6-speed 2014–2015 cars. The known 2013 weak points are Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) oil consumption, power sliding-door motors, and timing-belt service history.

  • Is it reliable?Yes, with proactive maintenance. The J35 V6 is the same engine used in the Accord V6, Pilot, and Ridgeline, and every shop knows it.
  • Is 2013 a good year?It's a good year and usually the better value in the 4th gen, though 2014–2017 cars are the top picks overall.
  • Most common problemsVCM-related oil consumption, power sliding-door motor failures, and deferred timing-belt/water-pump service.

Buy the best-maintained 2013 you can find rather than the cheapest — condition and service records matter far more than the model year on this van.

Honda reliabilityHonda Odyssey model guideBest Odyssey yearsOdyssey years to avoid
Quick Verdict
⭐ Overall verdict
4.4/5 · Very good
Reliability
4.4/5 · Very good
Known problems
VCM oil consumption, 6-speed torque converter shudder (2014–2015), Sliding door motor failures
Recommended?
Yes — a strong used buy
Better alternatives
The 2005–2010 generation is cheaper and simpler, with an older tech and safety package.
Maintenance
4.4/5 · Very good

Bottom line: Recommended — a safe, defensible used purchase with the right pre-purchase inspection.

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Buy Score · 2011–2017 only
★★★★★4.4/5
Recommended — a safe, defensible used purchase with the right pre-purchase inspection.
Reliability· 2011–2017 only
★★★★★4.4/5
Maintenance
★★★★★4.4/5
Ownership cost
★★★★★4.4/5
Parts availability
★★★★★4.9/5

This score covers 2011–2017 only. The model guide scores the Odyssey across all generations.

Model-year changes

What's New in the 2011–2017 Odyssey?

This generation launched in 2011: Lightning-bolt beltline, refined ride, class-leading interior. Powertrain and core hardware carry over across the span, which is exactly why we cover the whole generation on one page instead of splitting near-identical years apart.

Engines
  • • 3.5L J35 V6
Transmissions
  • • 5-speed automatic (2011–2013)
  • • 6-speed automatic (2014+)
Reliability

How Reliable Is the 2011–2017 Odyssey?

Across 2011–2017, reliability tracks the generation as a whole rather than any one model year. Early-build cars (2011–2012) carry the usual first-run risk, and late-run cars have had years of TSB and running fixes applied. The issues that actually decide whether a car is worth buying: VCM oil consumption; 6-speed torque converter shudder (2014–2015); Sliding door motor failures.

Known issues

Common Problems

Bring this list to your pre-purchase inspection.

  • ✓VCM oil consumption
  • ✓6-speed torque converter shudder (2014–2015)
  • ✓Sliding door motor failures
Year-specific

2013 Honda Odyssey Common Problems

The 2013 problems buyers ask about most, and what to check on each.

  • VCM oil consumption

    Variable Cylinder Management can lead to elevated oil consumption and fouled plugs on the J35 V6. Check the oil level and plug condition, and ask whether the owner runs a VCM disabler — a popular safeguard on these vans.

  • Power sliding-door motors

    Sliding-door motor failures are the signature 4th-gen annoyance. Cycle both doors several times from the key fob, the interior switch, and by hand.

  • 5-speed automatic behaviour

    2013 uses the 5-speed automatic (the 6-speed arrived for 2014). Drive from cold and feel for shudder at light throttle when the torque converter locks up, and check fluid colour and service history.

  • Timing belt and water pump

    The J35 is belt-driven with service due around 105,000 miles. A 2013 without a documented timing belt is a negotiating point, not a deal-breaker.

The Verdict

Is the 2013 Honda Odyssey a Good Year?

Yes — 2013 is a good year for the Honda Odyssey. It's a mature mid-cycle 4th-gen van with the well-understood J35 V6 and 5-speed automatic, and it usually costs less than a 2014–2017 example. Before buying, verify oil consumption and spark-plug condition on VCM cars, cycle both power sliding doors, drive it from cold to check transmission behaviour, and confirm the timing belt and water pump were done or budget for them.

Inspect before buying
  • • Oil level and spark-plug condition (VCM oil consumption)
  • • Both power sliding doors, operated by fob, switch, and hand
  • • Cold-start drive: shift quality and torque-converter lockup smoothness
  • • Timing belt and water pump records (due around 105,000 miles)
  • • Transmission fluid colour, smell, and service history
Ownership

Maintenance Expectations

Expect Odyssey maintenance costs typical of the 4th gen generation. Engines: 3.5L J35 V6. Transmissions: 5-speed automatic (2011–2013) / 6-speed automatic (2014+). Budget for the usual service intervals (oil, brakes, cooling, transmission fluid) plus preventative work on the known-weak items above. Parts for a 2017 Honda Odyssey are cheap and widely available.

Before you buy

Inspection Checklist

Focused on what tends to fail on the 4th gen generation.

Engine
Cold-start smoke, oil level and color, valve cover / cam-cover leaks, timing components if due.
Transmission
Shift quality from a cold start, TCC lockup smoothness, fluid color and smell.
Suspension
Bushings, ball joints, shocks/struts; listen for clunks over bumps.
Cooling System
Coolant color, pressure test, radiator condition, water-pump seepage.
Electronics
Infotainment boot time, cameras, driver-assist calibration, power seats and windows.
Interior
Dashboard cracks in hot climates, seat bolster wear, headliner sagging.
Service Records
Verify recall completion, timing-belt/water-pump history, transmission service intervals.
The Verdict

Should You Buy a 2011–2017 Odyssey?

Within 2011–2017, condition and maintenance history beat model year almost every time. Later cars in the span are typically the most sorted; earlier cars are the cheapest way into the generation. If a 2011–2017 Honda Odyssey passes a pre-purchase inspection with the known weak points checked, it's a defensible used buy. Strengths in this generation: Great driving feel for a minivan, Comfortable ride.

Best for: Buyers cross-shopping the whole 4th gen generation of the Honda Odyssey rather than one specific model year.

Better alternatives

Consider Instead

The 2005–2010 generation is cheaper and simpler, with an older tech and safety package. The 2018–present generation brings newer powertrains and driver assistance at a higher price.

← 2005–2010 Odyssey2018–2026 Odyssey →Best Odyssey YearsOdyssey Years to Avoid

People Also Ask

Is the 2011–2017 Honda Odyssey reliable?

Verdict rates it 4.4/5 for reliability and 4.4/5 as a buy. The faults that decide a given car are listed below — check those, not the badge.

What engine does the 2011–2017 Honda Odyssey use?

The 4th gen generation offered 3.5L J35 V6. Which one you buy matters more for long-term cost than trim level does.

Is the 2011–2017 Honda Odyssey worth buying today?

It scores 4.4/5 as a used buy, with running costs at 4.4/5. Worth buying when the car has records and clears an inspection covering its engine, transmission and suspension.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2013 Honda Odyssey reliable?
Yes. The 2013 Odyssey uses Honda's 3.5L J35 V6 — the same engine as the Accord V6, Pilot, and Ridgeline — and it holds up well with regular maintenance. The issues that decide a given car are VCM-related oil consumption, power sliding-door motors, and whether the timing belt and transmission services were kept up.
Is 2013 a good year for the Honda Odyssey?
It is. 2013 is a mid-cycle 4th-generation van with the 5-speed automatic, so it avoids the early 6-speed torque-converter shudder complaints from 2014–2015 cars, and it typically costs less than a 2014–2017 Odyssey. Those later years remain our top 4th-gen picks, but a well-kept 2013 is a strong value.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Honda Odyssey?
VCM oil consumption on the J35 V6, power sliding-door motor failures, and deferred timing-belt/water-pump service are the main ones. Also drive the van from cold and check for shudder when the 5-speed automatic's torque converter locks up.
How many miles can a 2013 Honda Odyssey last?
Odysseys past 200,000 miles with service records are common. Timing belt service around 105,000 miles is the single most important record to see, along with regular transmission fluid changes.
Is the 2011–2017 Honda Odyssey reliable?
Reliability comes out at 4.4/5 in our scoring for this generation. Treat that as the starting point and let the car’s own records and inspection result decide the rest.
Should I buy a 2011–2017 Honda Odyssey?
Buy one when it comes with records and passes an independent inspection. On this year the deciding factors are condition and history, not mileage or trim.
Is the 2011–2017 Honda Odyssey expensive to maintain?
Running costs rate 4.4/5 for this generation, with parts easy enough to source. Budget for the generation-specific repairs listed above rather than for routine servicing.
What's new in the 2011–2017 Odyssey?
It sits in the 4th gen generation (2011–2017). The generation section above covers what changed and when.
What engines and transmissions did the 2011–2017 Honda Odyssey come with?
Engines: 3.5L J35 V6. Transmissions: 5-speed automatic (2011–2013), 6-speed automatic (2014+).
What should I inspect on a used 2011–2017 Honda Odyssey?
Engine: Cold-start smoke, oil level and color, valve cover / cam-cover leaks, timing components if due. Transmission: Shift quality from a cold start, TCC lockup smoothness, fluid color and smell. Suspension: Bushings, ball joints, shocks/struts; listen for clunks over bumps. Cooling System: Coolant color, pressure test, radiator condition, water-pump seepage.
Who is a 2011–2017 Honda Odyssey best for?
Buyers who want this generation's specific combination of 3.5L J35 V6 and minivan practicality, bought on records rather than on the lowest odometer reading.
Should I consider a different year instead?
Worth comparing against the adjacent years in this generation (2010) and 2018 — pricing often moves more than the mechanical difference does.
Generation guide

Honda Odyssey Generations

Jump straight to the generation you're shopping.

  1. Generation 1

    3rd gen · 2005–2010

    Wider body, available Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) on higher trims, 5-speed automatic.

    2005–2010 Odyssey guide
  2. Generation 2

    4th gen · 2011–2017

    Lightning-bolt beltline, refined ride, class-leading interior.

    2011–2017 Odyssey guide
  3. Generation 3

    5th gen · 2018–2026

    New platform, 10-speed automatic on higher trims, Magic Slide 2nd row seats.

    2018–2026 Odyssey guide

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