Yes, but it depends on the model year and trim. Modern Odysseys typically use rear disc brakes with brake pads, while older generations sometimes used rear drum brakes with shoes instead of pads. To know for sure, check your specific year’s manual or service documentation.
Understanding rear brakes in the Odyssey by generation
The design of the Odyssey’s rear braking system has varied over its generations. Some early models used rear drum brakes, which employ brake shoes rather than pads, while later generations shifted toward rear disc brakes with pads. The rear brake configuration affects maintenance needs, part names, and servicing intervals.
Current-generation Odysseys (roughly 2018–present)
The latest Odyssey models generally feature rear disc brakes with pads, matching the common setup in many contemporary minivans. This configuration uses brake pads on the rear wheels, with rotors that may require periodic resurfacing or replacement along with the pads.
- Rear discs with pads are used on most trims in this generation.
- Front and rear braking both rely on disc brakes, with the rear calipers pressing pads against rotors.
- Maintenance typically involves pad replacement and rotor inspection; some trims may use an electronic or cable-actuated parking brake integrated with the rear discs.
For owners of the current generation, you’ll most often be dealing with rear brake pads rather than shoes, but always confirm with the specific vehicle’s manual or parts diagram.
Older generations: rear drum brakes on some trims
Earlier Odysseys, especially from the late 1990s through the mid-2000s, commonly used rear drum brakes on certain trims. Drum brakes use brake shoes inside a drum and do not use the same pads as disc brakes. This means the back brakes require shoe-related wear items and different maintenance steps compared with rear discs.
- Rear drums use brake shoes inside a housing rather than external pads contacting a rotor.
- The rear braking system may include a wheel cylinder in the drum assembly.
- Parking brake is typically integrated with the drum brakes via a cable mechanism.
- Maintenance focuses on replacing shoes, inspecting the drum surface, and adjusting the mechanism as needed.
If you own an older Odyssey, you may not be dealing with rear brake pads at all; the service items will be shoes instead. Always verify for your exact year and trim.
How to verify the rear brake type on your specific Odyssey
To determine whether your particular Odyssey uses rear pads (disc brakes) or rear shoes (drum brakes), use these steps.
- Check the owner’s manual or the Honda service manual for your year and trim; the brake type is listed in the braking system section.
- Look up the exact brake components by VIN on Honda’s official parts website or a reputable parts retailer.
- Visually inspect the rear wheels when safely jacked up: if you see a rotor behind the caliper, it’s a disc brake with pads; if you see a drum housing, it’s a drum brake with shoes (note: some brake systems require wheel removal to confirm).
- Ask a dealer or a trusted mechanic to confirm the rear brake configuration for your specific vehicle using the VIN.
Knowing the precise rear brake type helps you anticipate whether you’ll be replacing pads or shoes, and aligns maintenance planning with your Odyssey’s design.
Important maintenance considerations
Whether your Odyssey uses rear pads or rear shoes, regular brake inspections are essential. Most manufacturers, including Honda, recommend brake inspections at intervals that align with oil change or tire service schedules. Replacing worn pads or shoes promptly prevents rotor or drum damage, and ensures reliable braking performance for all four wheels.
Summary
The Honda Odyssey’s back braking system varies by generation: newer models commonly use rear disc brakes with pads, while some older Odysseys used rear drum brakes with shoes. To avoid confusion and ensure proper maintenance, verify the brake type for your exact year and trim via the owner’s manual, VIN-based parts diagrams, or a Honda dealer.
How much to replace rear brake pads on a Honda Odyssey?
The average cost for a Honda Odyssey Brake Pad Replacement is between $262 and $321. Labor costs are estimated between $115 and $169 while parts are priced between $146 and $152. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location.
What year to stay away from Honda Odyssey?
The 2002 model happens to be one of the worst Honda Odyssey models, with the most reported incidents in the model's history. The primary issue (again) was the transmission, which started giving drivers problems around 109,000 miles.
Does the Honda Odyssey have rear brakes?
Similarly with front brake pads, your Honda Odyssey rear brake pads will ordinarily wear down at the same rate on both the left and right side of your vehicle. Unlike front brake pads, most rear brake pads wear down faster due to the brake mechanics of rear wheel drive cars.
What is the most common problem with a Honda Odyssey?
Top Honda Odyssey Problems
- Noise From Front Wheel Bearings, Replace Both.
- Third Row Seat Won't Unlatch Due to Loose Latch Cables.
- Rough Idle/Harsh Shifting Due to Broken Front Engine Mount.
- Knocking Noise From Front End, Stabilizer Link Issues.
- Engine Idle Speed is Erratic or Engine Stalls.