Honda Odyssey Recall: A Reverse-Only Problem Gets a Fix

Honda has issued a recall for certain Odyssey minivans due to a quirky defect that only shows up when the driver shifts into reverse. The issue involves a potential loss of power steering assist, but here’s the catch—it only happens while backing up. That means the steering wheel could suddenly feel heavier or less responsive, making tight maneuvers like parallel parking or backing out of a driveway more difficult than expected.

The recall affects specific model years, and Honda is urging owners to check if their vehicle is included.

According to the automaker, the problem stems from a software glitch in the electric power steering control unit. When the vehicle is in reverse, the system may not provide the usual level of assistance, increasing the effort needed to turn the wheel. While this doesn’t make the minivan undrivable, it could catch drivers off guard, especially in situations requiring quick steering adjustments.

Honda has confirmed that forward driving is unaffected, so the defect is strictly a reverse-only concern.

Owners of affected Odysseys will receive notification letters starting next month, instructing them to visit a dealership for a free software update. The fix is straightforward—dealers will reprogram the power steering control module to ensure proper assistance in reverse. For now, Honda advises anyone experiencing unusual steering effort while backing up to contact their dealer promptly.

If you own an Odyssey and want to know if your vehicle is part of this recall, you can check using your VIN on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website or Honda’s recall portal.