Honda is recalling 325,588 Odyssey minivans across the United States after federal regulators flagged a soggy problem that can leave drivers backing up with no camera view at all. Water can seep into certain rearview camera assemblies, knocking out the image when the van is shifted into reverse and boosting the risk of a crash. Dealers will swap in new camera assemblies at no charge, and owners are slated to receive notification letters starting Aug. 24.
What regulators say
According to NHTSA, the campaign covers certain 2018–2020 Odyssey models and builds on a prior 2020 recall tied to camera durability. The agency notes that moisture can corrode the camera’s printed circuit board, which can leave drivers without any rearview image while backing up. Vehicle identification numbers for affected vans will be searchable in NHTSA’s recall lookup beginning Thursday.
What is causing the failures
Recall filings and industry reports trace the defect to cracks in the camera housing and misalignment during assembly, either of which can let water infiltrate the unit. Honda plans to replace the affected Magna-supplied cameras with updated Sony units, according to Car and Driver, which reviewed the technical details in the filing.
How many complaints and the risk
The recall covers 325,588 vehicles and, as autoevolution reports, Honda has logged roughly 1,648 warranty claims tied to water-damaged cameras, with no injuries reported so far. Dealers will perform the camera swap free of charge. Regulators warn that a blank rearview image cuts down the driver’s view behind the vehicle and raises the odds of backing into something or someone.
What owners should do
Odyssey owners who think their van might be involved are urged to plug their VIN into the NHTSA recall lookup or Honda’s recall site, then call Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138 to line up a repair appointment. As WBAL NewsRadio notes, Honda’s internal recall code is HOX, and dealers will replace the cameras at no cost to owners.
Part of a bigger wave of camera recalls
This is just the latest in a growing run of rearview camera and display recalls hitting automakers this year, as manufacturers juggle parts shortages, interim notices, and full-scale hardware swaps once replacement components reach service bays. In Honda EV drivers backing blind, Hoodline recently detailed how supplier bonding issues on Honda’s Prologue and Acura ZDX cameras led to similar dealer remedies that have quickly become standard recall fare.
If your Odyssey makes the recall list, treat the backup camera like it might not be there until the fix is done. Use your mirrors, do real shoulder checks, and give yourself extra space while reversing. Hang on to your recall letters and service receipts, and schedule the repair with your local Honda dealer as soon as the VIN lookup confirms your van is affected.
