Parts for your 2016 Honda Odyssey-Struts

2016 Honda Odyssey Struts — What They Do and When to Replace

Yes, struts are relevant on the 2016 Honda Odyssey. According to the 2016 Honda Odyssey Service Manual (Suspension section), Honda parts catalogues/diagrams, and major suspension catalogues from KYB and Monroe, this model uses MacPherson struts on the front axle and separate coil springs with shock absorbers on the rear. So when talking “Odyssey struts”, it’s the front assembly they’re referring to.

The front struts on this Odyssey do double duty: they support the vehicle’s weight with the coil spring, and they dampen bumps and control body movement through the shock cartridge inside. Because they’re a structural part of the suspension, they also help keep wheel alignment in check, affecting camber and overall steering feel. Fresh, healthy struts keep the van sitting level, improve braking stability, and help the tyres wear evenly — handy for long family trips across Aussie and Kiwi roads.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to have the front struts inspected every 10,000–15,000 km. While there’s no strict change interval, many see noticeable wear somewhere between 80,000 and 150,000 km, faster if the Odyssey regularly carries a full load, tows, or travels on corrugated or rough roads. Typical signs they’re due for replacement include:

• Excessive bounce, nose-diving under brakes, or body roll
• Knocking over bumps or a “loose” steering feel
• Oily residue on the strut body (leaking)
• Feathered or uneven tyre wear

When replacing, they recommend doing both fronts as a pair to keep the handling balanced. It’s also a good time to fit new strut mounts/bearings, bump stops and dust boots, and to check sway bar links and control arm bushes. A wheel alignment is essential afterwards to protect tyres and restore proper steering behaviour.

DIY is possible with the right tools, but a quality spring compressor and accurate torque specs are critical — those springs store a lot of energy. Many owners prefer a workshop to handle the job, especially if pairing it with a same-day alignment. Keeping tyres at the correct pressures and rotating them on schedule will help the new struts perform at their best.

Popular questions about 2016 Honda Odyssey struts

Does the 2016 Odyssey have struts front and rear?
It runs MacPherson struts at the front. The rear uses separate shocks with coils, not struts. That’s why most “strut” parts listings for this model are for the front axle only.

How long do front struts usually last on this model?
Many last 80,000–150,000 km, but life varies with road quality, load, and driving style. Regular checks during services help catch leaks or worn mounts before they affect braking and tyre wear.

Do you need an alignment after fitting new front struts?
Absolutely. Struts influence alignment angles. A post-replacement alignment prevents uneven tyre wear and restores proper steering feel.