2020 Honda Odyssey: key fob or push-button start problems

Filed Jun 17, 2026 · Electrical · VA

I own a 2020 Honda Odyssey with approximately 73,000 miles that has experienced recurring infotainment and electrical system failures. The vehicle has undergone two prior repairs related to the Fakra connector issue, but the problem continues to occur. During the failure, the infotainment screen becomes inoperable, audio functions are affected, and the rearview backup camera becomes unavailable or unusable. The issue appears to be intermittent and is often triggered during or after rain. In addition to the infotainment failures, I have experienced key fob recognition issues requiring the key to be placed near the start button to start the vehicle. There is also static through the speakers, particularly when turning the steering wheel. The vehicle has been taken to a Honda dealership multiple times for this concern, and dealership personnel have witnessed the malfunction. Despite two previous repair attempts, the issue persists. Because the failure affects the operation of the rearview camera system, which is a critical safety feature, I am concerned about the safety of the vehicle and whether the prior repairs adequately addressed the underlying defect. I am submitting this complaint because numerous other Honda owners have reported similar recurring failures involving the infotainment system, Fakra connector repairs, backup camera operation, and related electrical concerns. I request that the federal safety agency investigate whether there is a broader defect affecting these vehicles and whether previous repair procedures are providing a permanent remedy. The dealer recently confirmed the fault was present and advised that additional diagnosis and consultation with Honda technical support would be required to determine the cause.

Filed Jun 15, 2026 · Electrical · VA

I am filing a complaint regarding recurring electrical and infotainment failures involving my 2020 Honda Odyssey EX-L. The vehicle experiences loud static and speaker distortion, infotainment system instability, static noises when turning the steering wheel, and intermittent key fob recognition issues requiring the key to sometimes be held near the start button. The issue appears to happen more often during or after rain or moisture exposure. The dealership has already repaired/replaced the FAKRA connector or related infotainment connector multiple times, yet the issue continues returning. The dealership recently witnessed the malfunction themselves and acknowledged the problem is still present. I am currently waiting for further direction from Honda technical support. This appears to be a widespread issue. There are many Reddit discussions and Honda owner Facebook groups where owners describe identical symptoms and repeated failed repairs. Some owners report having the same FAKRA connector replaced as many as six times with the issue still returning afterward. The repeated failure of the same repair raises concerns that the current remedy is ineffective and that there may be a larger electrical, wiring, grounding, or moisture intrusion issue involved. Because this problem continues after multiple repair attempts, I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate recurring electrical and infotainment failures in Honda Odyssey vehicles and the repeated failure of the current repair solution.

Filed Mar 12, 2026 · Body, Electrical · NJ

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

Filed Sep 11, 2025 · Driver assistance · NC

I’m have had trouble with the infotainment center since less than 5,000 miles. Supposedly it was fixed during a recall. I still have issues with it. Shortly after the recall was done, I started having all kinds of dash lights come on. Transmission system problems, adaptive cruise control problems, lane assist problem, emergency breaking problems, forward collision problems, and so on. All together, they are about 7 different lights. The rear air/heat no longer work at all. Every so often, I crank it and the radio is black. Won’t work unless I restart the car. Auto headlights no longer work. Side mirrors no longer adjust. Sunroof will no longer open. Interior lights don’t work. Automatic doors and trunk lift do not work. I can’t even lock the van anymore. When I crank it, I have to hold the key fob on the ignition button and press 3 or more times before it cranks. Switch batteries in the key fob and still no different. I paid a lot of money for this van after never having one issue out of my 2014 Odyssey. The 2020 has been nothing but a nightmare since a month after I purchased it. I will never buy or recommend a Honda vehicle to anyone. In fact, I will discourage anyone who tells me they’re thinking about a Honda purchase. I am now stuck with a barely working vehicle because who can afford another car in this economy?

Filed Jun 2, 2025 · Driver assistance, Electrical · MO

Our Odyssey has had mounting concerns w/electrical system. These are safety issues. 10/20. Work done related to electrical system-rear camera having issues. Left/rt rear door wires were replaced due to recall. Software update completed. Gage control module software updated-know issue.10/23: rear windshield wiper not functioning-electrical issue & pump malfunctioned. Idol stop was not properly working. The car would stall out at stoplights as lifting foot off the brake & attempting to accelerate. Battery was replaced at this time & the vehicle was only 3 years old-we were charged. Issues with our car are electrical related & are seeing many others with similar issues. 8/24-11/24: key fob batteries died. After batteries were changed, issues with the power windows began immediately. Windows would not going/up or down all the way and were sticking. Soon after they stopped working all together. Auto locks wouldn’t work & the gas tank latch had to manually open to fill the gas tank. Finally took the car in for diagnosis. Said the motor in the door was broken & needed to be replaced. We were not convinced that this was the real issue b/c the problem began immediately after the fob battery issue. Instead of new parts, the dealer glued pieces together & gave us a discounted price. This was & is a real safety concern especially knowing windows were altogether not functioning & we don't believe that it was properly addressed. 2/25: After snow/icy weather front passenger side windshield wiper dispenser/sprayer wasn’t working. Upon checking, discovered it had become dislodged. Adjusted the piece & reattached this piece into place. As soon as car was turned on ,right after reinserting the piece into place warning lights came on-all brake/lane mitigation lights. After diagnosis, said it was an issue with camera at windshield & the camera needed to be replaced. Odyssey groups state electrical issue are know and many w/2020 Odysseys. 5/25 Issues are beginning again with idol stop.

Filed May 29, 2025 · NH

Rear tailgate doesn't open with keyfob or with switch on the back door. it had to be pulled hard to open in manually and pushed hard manually to close it. There are so many incidents reported on line for the same. The fix seems be a control board (Which gets bad due to water getting in the compartment (or on the board). We have talked to Honda - as per them there is no active recall on this.

Filed Aug 19, 2024 · MS

Rear door would not open with key fob, button on the dash or the button on the rear door. Then it randomly opened one morning and would not close. Through research I found out there is a problem with water leakage, the vehicle is not properly sealed. Resulting in a damage MICU. I was able to replace the MICU and the rear door works now. I believe this is a safety concern, how can I drive with the door not latching. When I unplugged the MICU water poured out and you can see rust in the fender well where the MICU sits.