Why Honda “Stopped” the Odyssey — And Where It Hasn’t

Honda did not discontinue the Odyssey everywhere; it halted production for some markets primarily because it closed the Sayama factory in Japan in 2021 and consolidated manufacturing, while minivan demand shifted toward SUVs. The model remains on sale in the United States and China, and it returned to Japan in late 2023 as an import, but it was dropped in markets such as Australia when Japanese production ended.

What “stopped” really means: global model, regional decisions

The Odyssey is a global nameplate, but its fate has varied by region. When Honda shut its Sayama plant in Saitama Prefecture in 2021, the Japan-built Odyssey that supplied several right-hand-drive markets ceased production. Some countries exited the model altogether; others retained it due to separate production lines or new sourcing.

The business and manufacturing reasons behind the changes

Multiple factors drove Honda’s decision to stop the Odyssey in certain markets while keeping it in others. The core reasons reflect manufacturing logistics and shifts in consumer demand.

• Factory consolidation: Honda closed the Sayama plant in 2021 as part of a domestic production restructuring, ending Japan-based Odyssey output that fed Japan and some export markets.
• Demand shift to SUVs: Globally, buyers have migrated from minivans to crossovers/SUVs, making the segment smaller and less profitable in some regions.
• Market-by-market economics: Without a local or alternative supply source, smaller-volume markets (e.g., Australia) could not justify continuing the model.
• Product strategy and electrification: Honda has been reallocating investment toward hybrids and EVs, prioritizing models with stronger growth and regulatory alignment.
• Supply chain resilience: Post-pandemic logistics and component constraints made single-plant dependencies less viable for niche volumes.

Taken together, these pressures explain why the Odyssey disappeared in some places but continued where volume, manufacturing solutions, and product plans remained favorable.

Timeline: how Odyssey availability changed

The key milestones below show how and why the Odyssey’s status shifted across markets in recent years.

1. 2021: Honda closes the Sayama plant in Japan, ending domestic production of the Japan-market Odyssey and cutting off supply to some right-hand-drive export markets.
2. 2022: Markets reliant on Japan-built supply, notably Australia, sell through remaining stock and discontinue the model.
3. Late 2023: Honda reintroduces the Odyssey to Japan, importing a refreshed model built in China (by Guangqi Honda), restoring availability for domestic buyers.
4. 2024–2025: The Odyssey remains on sale in the United States (U.S.-built) and China (including hybrid e:HEV versions), while it stays absent from certain former export markets.

This sequence underscores that the “stop” was not a global cancellation but a production shift that required market-specific solutions—or exits.

Where the Odyssey stands now, by market

Current availability differs depending on regional production and demand.

• United States/Canada: Still on sale and built in North America; continues to compete in a shrinking but stable minivan segment.
• Japan: Returned to showrooms in late 2023 as an import from China after a pause caused by the Sayama closure.
• China: Continues on sale, including hybrid variants, reflecting sustained MPV demand.
• Australia and some Southeast Asian markets: Discontinued following the end of Japan-built supply, with no direct replacement introduced.

The divergent outcomes reflect Honda’s pragmatic strategy: maintain the Odyssey where volume and manufacturing support it, and exit where they do not.

What it means for buyers

For shoppers, the implications are straightforward. In North America, China, and Japan, new Odysseys remain available through official channels. In regions where the model was dropped, the used market may be the only avenue, while Honda’s local lineups increasingly emphasize SUVs and, in some markets, hybrid offerings aligned with emissions targets.

Summary

Honda did not end the Odyssey globally. The model was “stopped” in certain markets because Japan’s Sayama plant closure in 2021 eliminated a key production source amid waning minivan demand and strategic refocusing. The Odyssey continues in the U.S. and China and returned to Japan as an import in late 2023, but it remains discontinued in markets like Australia where replacement supply wasn’t viable.

What year Odyssey to avoid?

You should avoid 2002-2004, 2005-2007, and 2018 Honda Odyssey years due to significant issues like transmission failures, excessive oil consumption from the VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) system, and other engine/electrical problems. The 2002 model is particularly known for severe transmission issues, while the 2005-2007 models struggled with both transmissions and other component failures, and the 2018 model had first-year redesign glitches.
 
Years to Avoid

• 1999-2004 (especially 2002): Known for widespread transmission failures and other engine problems. 
• 2005-2010 (especially 2005-2007): Experienced continued transmission and engine issues, with a high number of complaints for the 2005-2007 models. 
• 2018: A new redesign year for this generation often comes with glitches and reliability problems until they are sorted out in later models. 

Key Problems to Watch For

• Transmission Failures: A persistent issue, especially in the 2000s models, sometimes leading to expensive repairs. 
• Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) System: The 2005-2010 and all 2011-and-newer models with VCM can have excessive oil consumption. 
• Engine Issues: Including rough idling, oil leaks, and potential catalytic converter failure. 
• Water Leaks: Found in certain models from 1995-1998, 2001, 2005-2007, and 2009-2010, often related to a clogged A/C evaporator drain. 
• Electrical Problems: Some models, like the 2014, had reports of electrical issues. 

Best Years to Buy

• 2011-2013: Generally considered more reliable after issues were resolved in earlier models. 
• 2016-2017: These models were well-rated for reliability. 
• 2017: Considered a “sweet spot” by many, offering features like Apple CarPlay without the first-year redesign issues of the 2018 model. 

Will Odyssey be redesigned in 2025?

The 2025 Honda Odyssey redesign includes options like: 7-inch digital instrument display. 9-inch color touchscreen. All-digital tachometer and physical speedometer.

What is the biggest problem with the Honda Odyssey?

Most Common Honda Odyssey Problems

• Transmission Issues. The most important issue on this list is related to the transmission.
• Ignition Switch Problems. Another item of concern might be related to the Honda Odyssey ignition switch problems.
• Check Engine Light.
• Automatic Doors.
• Fuel Pump Issues.

Why did they stop making Honda Odyssey?

Production of the Odyssey ended in Japan in December 2021 due to the closure of Honda’s Sayama plant, with remaining inventory sold out by September 2022.