440,000 Honda Odysseys Recalled as Potholes Could Trigger Airbags
Airbags have saved thousands of lives over the last few decades, but these safety devices can also result in injuries if they deploy incorrectly or at the wrong time. That's the issue facing over 440,000 Honda Odyssey minivans, which have just been recalled. According to newly published information on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website, some Odyssey models have airbags that could deploy unexpectedly. The problem has already resulted in 25 reports of an injury, so here's everything you need to know.
Honda Odyssey Airbag Recall
As far back as November 2017, Honda was notified of an incident and began an investigation. In July 2021, it was determined that under certain conditions, such as when driving over debris or when the undercarriage is impacted, the second- and third-row airbag deployment thresholds could be reached, mistakenly leading to airbag deployment. Usually, these events should not trigger an airbag deployment. The recall notice also states that potholes and speed bumps could trigger side airbag deployment.
In October 2021, Honda determined that there were no safety concerns, but alarm bells went off again in October 2025 when the automaker received a Preliminary Evaluation request from the NHTSA. This finally led to the decision to conduct a recall on April 2, 2026, almost a decade after the first incident was reported. It's unclear why it took this long for a recall to be actioned.
The number of affected Odyssey minivans is 440,830, and these fall between the 2018 and 2022 model years. Along with 25 injury reports, there have been 130 warranty claims.
What Owners Should Do Now
Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed by May 25, 2026. If necessary, dealers will reprogram the supplemental restraint system (SRS) electronic control unit or replace it entirely, free of charge.
Before then, owners may contact Honda's customer care service at 1-888-234-2138 for more information, using the "UNW" recall number. Starting April 16, 2026, owners of relevant Odyssey minivans can use their vehicle identification numbers via the NHTSA's website to find out if their vehicle is involved in the recall.
No other precautions have been announced by the automaker, but until your vehicle can be checked, it's worth taking care not to drive too aggressively over rough surfaces or speed bumps. Where possible, passengers can also be seated in the front row, where airbag deployment is unaffected. The center rear seat is likely a safer place to be, too, should one of the rear side airbags suddenly deploy.
Related: Older Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler Models Under ‘Do Not Drive' Warning Over Takata Airbags
Not The Odyssey's First Rear Safety Issue
This latest recall follows a recent safety test from the IIHS, which states that minivans lack adequate protection for rear-seat passengers. Of all tested minivans, the 2026 Odyssey received the worst score in the moderate overlap test. In this specific test, the IIHS found an especially high risk of head/neck injuries for rear-seat passengers, resulting in a Poor rating. Chest injuries were also likelier than ideal, resulting in a Marginal rating.
This test result is unrelated to the airbag deployment issue, but does indicate that Honda has some work to do to make its otherwise competent minivan safer.
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This story was originally published April 15, 2026 at 8:15 AM.