Two problems related to timing tensioner have been reported for the 2008 Honda Odyssey. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2008 Honda Odyssey based on all problems reported for the 2008 Odyssey.
On approximately 7/1, I was driving home. The car wouldn't switch gears and lost a bit of power. I was able to drive down an interstate during rush hour at approx. 40 miles per hour. I had the van towed to a friends house. The next day, I drove it to Hondaman, a certified Honda repair shop, they did a valve adjustment. The valve adjustment didn't work. There was a clicking, vibrating, knocking noise at 2800rpms while the car was in park (metal on metal noise) and then when driving. Replaced the timing belt and tensioner as recommended, this did not solve the problem. Did another valve adjustment (according to the TSB) and that did not work. Recommendations was that the engine be replaced or rebuilt. At no point ever did the car have a check engine light, low oil light, or any other signs of problems. I took the car to brown's Honda, they recommended a cylinder head replacement, valve replacement and camshaft replacement. The items had shown metal on metal wear. The shops and based on research, this a sign of no lubrication. They shop told me that this happens and it is a fluke. I also notified them that there are numerous tsbs on my car and if I move forward with the front cam replacement, I am worried that since the issue could not be identified, that the rear cam and pistons' or camshaft would need to be replaced. I did have my oil pan and oil plug replaced 2 years ago and after researching more about my car, found that this was a defect in the model I purchased. I also called the misfire settlement and was notified that since no diagnostic codes showed up, there was nothing they can do to extend my warranty. Since the notifications only occur due to emission issues, the car engine would have blown up while I was driving with no warning. I had all maintenance with Honda and truly scared that this will effect other buyers.
I heard a strange noise coming from the engine when I accelerate. I took it to headquarter Honda who does my service. I was told by carlos that they would have to diagnose it and the there would be a charge for it. When he got back to me he said that it was the left axel. I said that I couldn't believe that. I said that even though it only happens when I accelerate it is the axel? he said yes. I left it to get it done. I was told a few hours later that it was ready. I picked it up and about five miles away it started making a loud noise and oil went everywhere. The car behind me had oil all over the windshield. The axel repair didn't go well. They came and got the car. Later that day they told me the car was ready again. When I picked it up the engine noise was still there. The manager came over and I told him that it sounded like the engine. He told me that it was not the engine. He said that Honda engines never go bad. I believed him because I looked up Honda engine problems and couldn't find anything. They kept the vehicle for further investigation. The next day they called and said that it was the tensioner and they recommended that I get the timing belt changed. I told them that I was coming to get my car because it seemed like they don't know what they are doing. Carlos called me back and said that they would fix the tensioner at no charge because of all of the problems they caused me. They ended up rebuilding the engine. New engine is consuming a lot of oil. Dealer doesn't want to fix problem. I have much more information.