Honda Mini-Van Recall Impacts 800K Odyssey Vehicles Due to Rear Seat Latch Problems

Federal highway safety officials have announced a recall that impacts roughly 800,000 Honda minivans, after receiving dozens of reports involving injuries resulting from the second row adjustable seats not locking into position, which may slide or collapse in the event of an accident. 

The Honda Odyssey minivan recall was announced in a press release issued by the auto maker on November 18, indicating that repairs will begin late next month to address problems where the second row seats may fail to lock in place, and slide forward in the event of a crash.

Honda reports that it has received at least 46 reports of injuries resulting from the second row adjustable seats failing to lock in place, and sliding freely when the vehicle came to a sudden stop or when involved in a crash.

“If a second row seat is not properly latched after adjusting it side-to-side or reinstalling a removed seat, the seat may tip forward during moderate to heavy braking, increasing the risk of injury to an occupant,” the Honda press release warned. “This issue will not occur if a seat is properly latched.”

The recall affects certain model year 2011 through 2017 Honda Odyssey minivans that were manufactured by American Honda Motor Company. The vehicles were distributed for sale throughout the U.S. to licensed dealers.

The press release indicates that Honda is still investigating what appropriate repairs will be necessary, and said it will notify owners when the free repair becomes available. The company has created a detailed instruction sheet in the interim, and said it plans to post a video on the proper operation of the second row seats.

Customers with additional questions may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Owners can check to see if their vehicles are affected now, by calling the customer service number or visiting the company’s website at www.recalls.honda.com.