Dealer visit checklist
2019 Honda Odyssey checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2019 Honda Odyssey problems to check
- Transmission hesitation or rough shifting, particularly a known shudder in the 9-speed automatic — a TSB (19-087) exists and software updates help but may not fully resolve it
- Honda Sensing suite (adaptive cruise, lane keep assist) can produce false alerts or brief disengagement, especially in poor weather or at lane markings
- Second-row Magic Slide seat track mechanisms can collect debris and become difficult to slide or lock properly over time
- Oil dilution concerns on some early 2018 builds carried into some 2019 production vehicles — verify service history and check for any TSB repairs
- Infotainment screen responsiveness slows noticeably in cold weather and the system can freeze, requiring a reboot
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Odyssey, 2019-2020 Passport, and 2019-2021 Pilot vehicles.
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH: Honda (America Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Odyssey vehicles.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Pilot, 2019-2020 Odyssey and 2019-2020 Passport vehicles.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA: American Honda Motor Co.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Odyssey vehicles.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE: Braun Corporation (Braun) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Braun-modified Honda Odyssey vehicles.
- SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 Honda Insight, Odyssey, and Ridgeline vehicles.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $26,000 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away