— A 2011-2017 Honda Odyssey second-row seat recall will see about 800,000 minivans in the U.S. repaired for seat latch problems that have injured at least 46 people.
Honda says the rear seat can tip forward if the second-row seat isn't properly latched in place after adjusting it side-to-side or when re-installing a seat that has been removed.
The automaker says all that is needed to tip a seat forward is for a driver to moderately hit the brakes. While 46 minor injuries have been reported, Honda says the problem will not occur as long as the seats are latched correctly.
Although the Odyssey recall is scheduled to begin by the end of the year, Honda doesn't know how it's going to permanently fix the seat problems. Until the seats are fixed, it's likely Odyssey owners will continue to complain, especially when kids are involved.
"The second row seats both the left and the right side do not lock into place when you move the seat. You would have to manually touch the black bar on the bottom to lock the seat. My children several times have had the seat move and almost choke them when we come to a complete stop." - 2014 Honda Odyssey owner / Ewa Beach, Hawaii
A Kansas 2011 Honda Odyssey owner discovered the second-row seat problems during a collision five months after they purchased the used minivan. According to the driver, the second-row seats completely detached.
"Our son was thrown into the back of the driver's seat and suffered injuries to his face and body. Lacerations on his face and bruising on his body."
Considering Honda doesn't how or when the recall will be performed, the automaker created a document with detailed instructions about how to ensure the second-row seats are properly latched. Odyssey owners can read that here.
The automaker is also working on a video about the second-row seat latches that will be posted on owners.honda.com.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration hasn't released details about the Honda minivan recall, but CarComplaints.com will update this page when more is known.
If you own a 2011-2017 Honda Odyssey and have concerns about the second-row seats, call the automaker at 888-234-2138.
CarComplaints.com has complaints about the minivans: