Body problems of the 2020 Honda Odyssey

22 problems related to body have been reported for the 2020 Honda Odyssey. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2020 Honda Odyssey based on all problems reported for the 2020 Odyssey.

1 Body problem

Failure Date: 03/04/2026

The power tailgate system on my Honda Odyssey failed. The dashboard displays a “power tailgate problem” warning message and the tailgate will not open automatically using the key fob, interior button, or rear handle. When attempting to open it electronically, the vehicle beeps but the tailgate does not move. The tailgate can only be opened manually. The vehicle and tailgate system are available for inspection upon request. The failure creates a safety risk because the tailgate cannot be opened electronically in situations where quick access to the rear cargo area may be needed. Additionally, if the power tailgate system fails unexpectedly, it could malfunction while opening or closing, potentially striking someone or failing during loading/unloading. The inability to rely on the automatic tailgate also creates hazards when carrying items or supervising children around the rear of the vehicle. The problem occurs consistently every time the power tailgate button is pressed. The system beeps but does not open. The issue has not yet been formally inspected by a dealer but can be easily reproduced. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives for this issue. A “power tailgate problem” warning message appeared on the dashboard when attempting to use the power tailgate. At the same time, the vehicle emits a beep but the tailgate does not move. The issue began recently and has occurred every time the power tailgate has been used since the warning first.

2 Body problem

Failure Date: 02/18/2026

Tailgate control module damaged by water leaking from faulty rear body seam seals on left top of vehicle doors would lock and unlock on their own while driving and tailgate signaled it was open but never unlatched manual tailgate opening/closing did not work at all constantly beeped when unlocked and alarm went off randomly all electrical activity drained battery and made vehicle undriveable; tow was necessary first sign was "power tailgate problem" light on dash 5 days before vehicle battery was dead Honda charged for and replaced tailgate control module and recommended an outside company to repair leak issues; outside company confirmed issue and noted repairs for same issue on similar models.

3 Body problem

Failure Date: 12/23/2025

This is now the second time that we are having a rear hatch failure. With about 37,000 miles on this van, the control module shorted out due to water getting into it due to a bad seam (according to other Odyssey owners who are suing Honda for this). We could not get the hatch to open or close, so I paid the dealer to fix it. Honda did give us a check after the fact to cover some of the bill. Now, with less than 51,000 miles, it has happened again. The hatch will not open or close. In the event of an emergency, this is a major safety issue, to be potentially stuck inside the cabin. The hatch started going up and down randomly, and we could not control it. Now, it won't go up or down. This van is is a mess. Not only does it have this issues, but the rear back up camera still does not work, even though it was recalled. . . They would not honor their recall, and the brakes occasionally come on without cause, when going around a corner and there is oncoming traffic. It thinks that we are headed for a collision, and it's another safety problem here in the northeast. Honda needs to own up to their quality problems relative to these three safety issues.

4 Body problem

Failure Date: 12/03/2025

The auto slide door latch will not disengage. The rear passenger door cannot be opened electronically or manually.

5 Body problem

Failure Date: 11/13/2025

Driver side rear sliding door will not open even when the automatic release button is disengaged. Some could be trapped in an emergency or I am worried that if it opens I will not be able to get it closed.

6 Body problem

Failure Date: 11/10/2025

All of my adas systems were disabled due to a water leak. The repair required the dealership to hire a "leak doctor" and then replace a module in the rear tailgate. My vehicle showed an alert on the dash that each of the adas features were disabled, auto high beams were disabled, and I could not turn the vehicle off by pushing the start/stop button once, I had to use a procedure that forced the vehicle to shut down. My interior dash lights flickered, I'm not sure if the headlights worked. As the interior dried out, the flickering occurred less frequently. I was able to drive the vehicle to a Honda dealer for repairs.

7 Body problem

Failure Date: 09/18/2025

The power liftgate opens, but then closes unexpectedly. It will open fully, dip down a couple inches, open back up fully and then close quickly. It does not stop closing when it meets moderate resistance, only stops when the button is pressed. I was unloading groceries into the back and it came down on me. Luckily, I was able to reach and press the button. Had it been my children I'm afraid it would have crushed them. This has now happened numerous times and through research I have found a Honda service bulletin about this known issue. I feel it should be a recall since it poses a safety hazard. As I said, it could really harm someone not able to move quickly or a child could lose a limb or be crushed. I shouldn't have to pay for a very expensive repair to maintain safety when Honda knows this is an issue caused by a defect in the spring assembly. Service bulletin 22-018. This happens nearly every time I open the liftgate now, less often when it's cold outside than when it is warm. Makes it hard/nearly impossible to use my trunk space.

8 Body problem

Failure Date: 05/05/2025

The rear hatch will randomly close after it is opened. The hatch will not stop closing if someone is standing under it. Several times now it has closed while someone is getting something out of the back and you can not make it stop without quickly getting out of the way and pressing the button. Both, myself and my wife have been hit pretty hard on the head by the hatch closing on us. This is a huge safety concern as I have children that could easily be harmed by the sheer power of this hatch. I have had the issue inspected by an independent shop and was informed that it would need both new power struts at a cost of over $1,200! the van is only 5 years old with 75,000 miles! there are no warning lights, messages or problems prior to the failure.

9 Body problem

Failure Date: 03/01/2025

The power tailgate continues giving issues. I made the first repair about 1. 5 years after purchasing as a new vehicle purchase. Now a few years, after the first repair, I', seeing the same issue. The power tailgate stops working and makes all the warning lights on my dashboard light up and drains my battery. During the last repair, the tailgate power unit was replaced as water gets into the compartment and causes damage. Initially it affected the driving assistance, the power steering system and lights as they were all acting up, with the dashboard full of warning messages, when the tailgate initially stopped working.

10 Body problem

Failure Date: 02/14/2025

I have had 3 power tailgate modules fail due to water leaks in the rear panel or window of the vehicle. I have had 2 leaks repaired and two modules replaced within a 6 month period (June '24 and December '24). 6 weeks later (Feb 14, 2024) have had the 3 module fail due to water intrusion following a heavy rain.

11 Body problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2024

Top left rear exterior seam/seal on the top of the roof, under the black strip that runs front to back is leaking inside the left inner side/panel of the trunk, leaking water into all electrical components (break/turning lights) as well as the left rear seatbelt mechanism, soaking seatbelt, rendering it unusable. Could be a potential fatality in case of an accident.

12 Body problem

Failure Date: 09/13/2024

Sliding door stopped operating as a result of "badly torn inner bushings" which required the door motor and control arm to be replaced. This occurred just from normal use of the vehicle. At certain points, the opposite door also began to exhibit the same symptoms as the other. Furthermore, this problem did not just happen overnight, these components should be made part of a normal inspection just like the cabin air filter. Why is that inspected but the bushings of a sliding door are not? could it be so the manufacturer or service department is hoping for these components to break so that it can gain business and work?.

13 Body problem

Failure Date: 04/05/2024

After any kind of weather event that produces water (rain, morning dew, snow melt), the car battery is dead the next morning. It jump starts the following day and will be drive normal until it sits overnight and the dew settles back in. There has been evidence of water leakage from the rear cargo door and the power door does not function. The only way to open the door is by removing the plastic cover and utilizing the mechanical lever on the inside of the door. The problem is a daily occurrence with dew and other water events. We have not gone to any automated carwashes, strictly handwash the car. No warning lights have been produced.

14 Body problem

Failure Date: 02/16/2024

The rear hatch door closed with me standing under it and I injured my arm trying to stop the door from closing on me. The door will not stop closing even with a person there. This is very dangerous! the mechanic said that we need to replace the rear struts- this car is only 3 years old!.

15 Body problem

Failure Date: 01/12/2024

There is a water leak in the factory seals of the rear tailgate which causes the power tailgate control module to fail. The tail gate can no longer be closed/latched and requires replacement and sealing of the water leak.

16 Body problem

Failure Date: 03/23/2023

I have had 2 major issues, the idle stop feature has multiple times caused my car to stall. It has even happened on the highway during traffic where the car went into idle-stop mode and would not restart the engine. Last week it happened again on a major road and the only way to restart the car is shift to park in the middle of a busy 4 lane road, turn off the car completely and then attempt a restart. The other issue was with the rear sliding door, my 3 year old son closed the automatic sliding door by pressing the button and his hand was crushed/ stuck until I was able to reopen it. I have called Honda who told me I could have it looked at but it would cost me for the diagnostic and repair if needed due to the fact that it was one month past their 3 year warranty period.

17 Body problem

Failure Date: 01/18/2023

On 18 January 2023 the tailgate on our 2020 Odyssey refused to open. Neither the inside switch nor the outside switch does anything. I crawled in the back and checked the fuses and both are good. I also discovered that the emergency tailgate release did not function. Took it to the dealer, greenway Honda in florence, alabama, an hour from home, and they weren't able to find the fault with a cursory check and a reboot of whatever computer system is applicable. They said they need to keep it for at least a half day and "really tear into it. " but we could not leave the vehicle at that time, having no transportation home. Eventual diagnosis determined the tailgate control module, the tailgate closure motor, and the tailgate latch had all failed. Parts were on backorder and no estimate on availability. After I contacted Honda corporate the parts suddenly became available at the dealership within a few days. Repairs were effected on 27 February at greenway Honda, florence, alabama. We were without the full use of our vehicle for approximately six weeks. Occupants could become trapped in the vehicle if the front doors were disabled in a collision and electrical power was lost, rendering the sliding doors and the tailgate inoperative. The emergency release lever also would not function and this could trap occupants completely. Examination of the tailgate electronic control module shows water infiltration which conceivably shorted the closure motor and jammed the latch, making it impossible to open the tailgate. Photos of the failed electronic module were provided to the dealership and to Honda corporate. The failed parts are in my possession and are available for inspection.

18 Body problem

Failure Date: 01/02/2023

Power sliding door reverses direction when closing as if something was in the way. This happens intermittently for both doors. We have to force the door close by passing the safety system. I know for the 2018 and 2019 models Honda. Https://static. Nhtsa. Gov/odi/tsbs/2020/mc-10171536-0001. Pdf dealership is not able to see the issue with the car. I know this has been an issue with Honda vans.

19 Body problem

Failure Date: 11/15/2022

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking water from the roof seam near the driver’s side rear of the vehicle. The leak caused water to form a puddle in the trunk tray compartment of the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer who resealed the roof seam. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 23,900.

20 Body problem

Failure Date: 05/24/2022

While driving on a surface street at approximately 35 mph on a 100+ degree afternoon, the glass moonroof suddenly exploded. I did not observe any object striking the car or the roof. The shade was closed, so glass did not enter the cabin. However, driving the car above 30mph became impossible due to air impinging on the shade and making it more likely that the shade would open and glass would fall onto me.

21 Body problem

Failure Date: 10/06/2020

Rear sliding doors open after putting car in drive and releasing the emergency brake. Problem is intermittent. The car has not yet moved. I have foot brake engaged. This has happened in my driveway, in parking lots, and along the curb on a busy street. . The last occurrence was 10/06/2020. Problem reported to dealer service Friday 10/02/2020 from previous occurances.

22 Body problem

Failure Date: 05/18/2020

While traveling on the interstate at approximately 75 mph, the sunroof spontaneously shattered. I have a dash cam and when I reviewed the footage, there wasn't any sign of rocks or debris that had caused the breakage.


Other Structure related problems of the 2020 Honda Odyssey

Body problems
22
Structure problems
2

Odyssey Service Bulletins
Odyssey Safety Recalls
Odyssey Defect Investigations