The Honda Odyssey typically uses one belt—the serpentine belt—to drive the engine’s accessories, while the engine timing is maintained by a chain, not a belt.
What belts exist in the Odyssey's engine?
All modern Odysseys rely on a single serpentine belt. This belt powers components such as the alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, and the water pump. There is no separate timing belt because the engine timing is controlled by a timing chain.
Is there a timing belt on any Odyssey models?
No. The 3.5-liter V6 engines used in the Odyssey employ a timing chain rather than a belt. Timing chains are designed to last longer than timing belts under normal driving conditions, meaning routine timing-belt replacement is not part of standard maintenance.
Maintenance implications
Because there is only one belt to worry about, the focus of maintenance is the serpentine belt's condition. Look for cracks, fraying, glazing, or excessive wear, and replace the belt according to the vehicle's manual or when wear is evident. Typical replacement intervals for serpentine belts on Honda engines tend to fall within roughly 60,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on model year and driving conditions. The timing chain generally does not require routine replacement, but if you hear unusual engine timing-related noises or notice performance issues, consult a mechanic or a Honda dealer.
Bottom line
In practical terms, the Honda Odyssey has one belt—the serpentine belt—for accessories, and no timing belt because its timing is governed by a chain.
Summary
Short take: The Honda Odyssey operates with a single serpentine belt and a timing chain. Regular checks of the serpentine belt according to your manual are important, while the timing chain typically does not require routine maintenance beyond inspections unless issues arise.