Parts for your 2020 Honda Odyssey-Shock absorbers

2020 Honda Odyssey shock absorbers — purpose, care, and replacement

Referencing technical sources, shock absorbers are absolutely relevant and used on the 2020 Honda Odyssey. The factory service information identifies a MacPherson strut assembly at the front (damper integrated into the strut) and separate, bolt-on shock absorbers at the rear. This layout is documented across the Honda Service Information (2018–2020 Odyssey, Suspension section), American Honda genuine parts catalog listings for “Rear Shock Absorber Unit,” and major damper manufacturer catalogues that specify rear shocks for the model. Both North American RL6 and RC-series markets follow this approach.

On a 2020 Honda Odyssey, the shock absorbers do the hard yards of keeping the tyres planted and the ride settled. They control spring oscillation, tame body roll and pitch, and help the van track straight when it’s loaded with family, luggage, or the odd flat-pack wardrobe. Up front the Odyssey uses struts, while the rear runs separate gas-charged shocks with coil springs, so rear shocks are a straightforward replacement when they’re tired.

There’s no fixed replacement interval, but most owners see 80,000–150,000 km depending on road conditions and load. As part of routine servicing, a visual check for oil misting, dents, damaged boots, or perished bushings is smart. A quick road test can reveal nose-diving under braking, extra bounce over speed humps, rear-end float on the motorway, uneven tyre wear, or a dull thud over bumps — all classic signs it’s time for new dampers.

When replacing, it’s best practice to swap shocks in axle pairs to keep handling balanced. Quality OE-equivalent units are the go, and fresh upper mounts/bushes are worth fitting while it’s apart. The rear units are typically bolt-off/bolt-on, but follow Honda service procedures, use new self-locking nuts where specified, and torque everything to spec. A wheel alignment is recommended after front strut work, it’s usually not required for rear shock-only jobs, though checking rear tyre wear and pressures is wise.

Keeping shocks healthy pays off with better braking, sharper steering, less tyre scrub, and a calmer cabin — especially important for a people mover that regularly hauls kids, prams, and sporting gear. For vehicles that tow or carry heavy loads, more frequent inspections will help catch wear early.

• Technical sources referenced:
  • Honda Service Information (2018–2020 Odyssey/RL6), Suspension: Front MacPherson Strut, Rear Shock Absorber Removal/Installation.
  • American Honda Genuine Parts Catalogue: “Shock Absorber Unit, Rear” for 2020 Odyssey.
  • Major damper manufacturer catalogues (e.g., KYB, Monroe) listing rear shock absorbers for 2020 Odyssey.

Popular questions about 2020 Honda Odyssey shock absorbers

Does the 2020 Honda Odyssey have shocks or struts?
The Odyssey uses both. It runs MacPherson struts at the front (the damper is part of the strut) and separate shock absorbers at the rear. So when people say “change the shocks,” they’re usually talking about the rear units on this model.

How often should the shocks be replaced?
There’s no set schedule. Many will last 80,000–150,000 km, but Aussie and Kiwi road conditions, towing, and load can shorten that. Have them inspected at regular services and replace when they show leakage, bush wear, or poor ride and handling.

Is an alignment needed after replacing shocks?
After front strut replacement, yes — a wheel alignment is recommended. For rear shock-only replacement, alignment usually isn’t required, but checking tyre wear patterns and pressures is still good practice.