Recall 18V170 affects 254,568 2014-2016 Honda Odyssey vehicles for an unlocked second-row seatback. Repair is free at any franchised Honda dealer.
Honda is recalling 254,568 2014-2016 Odyssey vehicles because the left second-row outboard seatback can stay unlocked after the walk-in release lever is used on a fully reclined seat. An unlocked seatback increases the risk of injury during a crash, and Honda dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The second-row left outboard seat in the 2014-2016 Honda Odyssey has a seatback frame and recliner that hold the seatback in position. That same seat has a walk-in release lever, which folds the seatback and slides the seat forward so passengers can reach the third row. When the system works correctly, the seatback locks again after it moves.
On affected Odyssey vans, a manufacturing error in the left middle seatback frame assembly can keep the seatback from locking after the walk-in lever is used on a fully reclined seat. The seatback can stay unlocked and free-folding. It can also unlock unexpectedly even when no one touches the walk-in lever or recliner lever.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner notices the problem only when the seatback moves freely, fails to hold its position, or releases when it should stay locked.
Who's affected?
Spans 3 Odyssey model years, all with the same seat assembly component.
| 2014 Honda Odyssey | seat assembly |
|---|---|
| 2015 Honda Odyssey | seat assembly |
| 2016 Honda Odyssey | seat assembly |
| Units affected | 254,568 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific minivan.
What's the safety risk?
An unlocked second row left outboard seatback increases injury risk for that seat occupant during a crash. Until the repair is complete, confirm the seatback locks before someone rides there and schedule the dealer inspection soon. Repair is free at any franchised Honda dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2016 Honda Odyssey is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Honda dealer to schedule the free repair for the second row left outboard seatback.
- Ask the dealer to confirm the seatback locks, install the support bracket, and replace the seatback frame assembly if it does not lock.
- Bring the recall notice if Honda has mailed one, or reference recall number 18V170 when you call.
- Keep passengers out of the second row left outboard seat until the dealer completes the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Honda technician confirms proper operation of the second row left outboard seatback and installs a support bracket to the seat recliner. If the seatback cannot lock, the technician replaces the seatback frame assembly. Parts and labor are free under recall 18V170. Honda's general reimbursement plan on file covers eligible documented expenses for related repairs paid before the recall notice. Bring receipts or repair paperwork to the service desk when you arrive.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 7, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| March 13, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
| April 30, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| April 30, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 7, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V170?
Recall 18V170 covers 254,568 2014-2016 Honda Odyssey minivans with a second-row left outboard seatback that can stay unlocked after the walk-in release lever is used. An unlocked seatback increases injury risk in a crash. Honda dealers will inspect and repair the seat for free.
What should I do if my 2014-2016 Honda Odyssey is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Odyssey is included in recall 18V170. If it is, contact a franchised Honda dealer to schedule the second-row seat inspection and repair. Reference recall number 18V170 and Honda recall code X0R when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Honda says dealers will perform this recall repair free of charge. The dealer will confirm proper seatback operation, install a support bracket, or replace the seatback frame assembly if needed.
What is the safety risk in recall 18V170?
The risk is an unlocked second-row left outboard seatback during a crash. If that seatback is not locked, the occupant has a higher risk of injury. This recall concerns the seatback lock and recliner hardware, not the engine, brakes, or steering.
What if I bought my Honda Odyssey used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2014-2016 Odyssey is included, then contact a franchised Honda dealer and reference recall 18V170 or Honda code X0R.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V170000 |
|---|---|
| Honda customer service | 1-888-234-2138 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V170 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V170000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →