Recall 20V438 affects 212,070 2019-2020 Honda Odyssey vehicles for a rearview camera defect. Repair is free at any franchised Honda dealer.
Honda is recalling 212,070 2019-2020 Odyssey minivans because water intrusion at the rearview camera mounting holes can distort the image or leave the display blank. The defect reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle and increases crash risk; Honda dealers will repair the camera system free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rearview camera on 2019-2020 Honda Odyssey minivans shows the area behind the vehicle when reverse is selected. It is mounted at the rear of the vehicle and sends video to the center display, so the driver can see obstacles while backing up. This camera is part of the rear visibility system required under FMVSS 111.
On affected Odysseys, water can enter through the camera mounting holes. Honda traced the moisture path to micro fractures in the camera housing, tied to an improper design specification. Once moisture reaches the lens or electronics, the screen can show a distorted image or no image.
A separate programming error also affects the camera circuit. If the view is set to top-down view, or changed from that view in bright light, the image can fail to display. There is no warning sign before failure.
Who's affected?
VINs have been searchable since September 23, 2020, so the VIN check can confirm inclusion now.
| 2020 Honda Odyssey | Camera |
|---|---|
| 2019 Honda Odyssey | Camera |
| Units affected | 212,070 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific minivan is included.
What's the safety risk?
A distorted or inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's view behind the Odyssey and increases the risk of a crash while backing up. Use mirrors and turn to look behind the vehicle until the camera works correctly, then schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Honda dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2020 Honda Odyssey is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Honda dealer to schedule the free rearview-camera replacement that fixes the distorted or blank camera image.
- Bring the recall notice if Honda mailed one, or reference recall number 20V438 and Honda recall W83 when you call.
- Use extra care when backing up until the repair is complete. Check mirrors and look behind the vehicle before moving.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Honda technician replaces the rearview camera affected by recall 20V438. This addresses water intrusion at the camera mounting holes and display conditions that can leave the image distorted or blank. The replacement camera and labor are free under the recall. Honda used its general reimbursement plan for this campaign. If you already paid for a related rearview camera repair before the recall work, ask Honda customer service or the service desk how to submit documentation for review.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 28, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 29, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| July 29, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 23, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| September 23, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| September 23, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V438?
Recall 20V438 covers 212,070 2019-2020 Honda Odyssey vehicles with a rearview camera defect. Water can enter the camera lens and distort the image, or the screen can show no image. Honda dealers will replace the rearview camera for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2020 Honda Odyssey is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Odyssey is included in recall 20V438. If it is, contact a franchised Honda dealer to schedule the rearview camera replacement. Reference recall number 20V438 or Honda recall W83 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Honda's remedy says dealers will replace the rearview camera free of charge. The recall repair is handled through a franchised Honda dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced rear visibility while backing up. A distorted or blank rearview camera display can limit the driver's view behind the Odyssey and raise crash risk. Use mirrors and direct visual checks until the dealer completes the free camera replacement.
What warning signs should I watch for?
Watch for a distorted rearview camera image or no image on the display. The problem can also appear when the camera view is set to top-down view or when the view changes in a bright environment.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V438000 |
|---|---|
| Honda customer service | 1-888-234-2138 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V438 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V438000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →