general problems of the 2020 Honda Odyssey - part 1

My 2020 Honda Odyssey ex-l intermittently fails to restart after the auto idle stop feature shuts the engine off at a red light or stop. This has happened probably 10 times in the past 6 months. In order to start the engine, I must recognize that the engine isn't starting, turn off the vehicle, and turn it back on, often 2-3 times before it actually starts. This leaves the vehicle stopped in a traffic lane at an intersection with traffic trying to pass, which creates a risk of rear-end collision or cars trying to pass me. Cars have gotten into near misses trying to pass me while my vehicle is inoperable. I have no warning lamps or messages before it happens. History: the dealer performed Honda’s idle-stop software update (service bulletin 23-008) in November 2024 at about 63,100 miles. The problem continues. The battery was replaced in December 2022, and the dealer’s October 2026 inspection rated the battery “good. ” (as did a second independent auto shop). At 93,331 miles in October 2026 the dealer documented the complaint, charged a diagnosis fee, and recommended replacing the starter motor at a cost of $954. 53 plus a diagnostic fee of $184. 95. I contacted Honda, which opened a case and offered only partial goodwill coverage. I am not aware of any additional recall or warranty extension covering this on my model. This appears to be the same condition as NHTSA investigation ea25004 (no restart after auto start/stop engages), which covers 2018-2025 Odysseys. The failure persisting after the software update matches the investigation’s finding that complaints continue after Honda’s countermeasures. I can share vehicle inspection records if helpful.

While sitting at light, idle stop engaged and engine stopped - then car lost all power. I was boxed in in heavy traffic and could not move. The car could not be shifted to neutral when I tried to consider how I could get off the road. After a minute or so power suddenly returned to the vehicle and I was able to proceed. The next day, lucklily at a less busy intersection the same issue occurred (again with idle stop engaged). After these events I scheduled to take to dealership. Over the next several days I made sure idle stop was not engaged and had no further issues. Took to Honda dealership and they determined started needed to be replaced. This repair was completed at my expense.

Code: u3000-49 multi purpose camera unit/millimeter wave radar internal electronic failure camera.

The power liftgate is no longer working and locked shut a few hours after multiple warning messages. There was heavy rain that night. It did randomly open and shut all or part of the way before that, sometimes after closing. This often happened after heavy rain when the van was not even in use. It could have popped open at any time, and then warning messages popped up and blocked the notifications and other dashboard information and distracted the driver. It was confirmed by the dealer and they recommended it get replaced, however, the electrical panel was corroded by water damage from a suspected leak in the roof rail. The dealer said that it would probably happen again and not to get it fixed until the leak was determined. Many others have reported this online regarding the Odyssey.

Stopped at a light, auto idle stop engaged, engine shut off normally. The moment I pressed the gas, everything died — engine and all electronics. I pressed the start button two or three times with no response, then it finally started. It was still in drive. The hazards wouldn't turn on right after, then everything gradually came back to normal.

While automatic idle was on, engine shut down at a red light. Dashboard showed message: put in park. Alternator was fine. Battery fine. I did get the software update but this happened again. This time was able to put in park and was able to start the car. I have to remember to turn off automatic idle to avoid this from happening again.

The electronic module for rear power tailgate quit working due to water getting inside module. This causes rear lift door to malfunction. Ive seen online there's been a class action lawsuit for this and the door can open randomly. This has not happened to mine. It just quit working and beeps excessively. I had it repaired and it happened again 7 months later. It has been diagnosed by Honda dealership. Thanks.

Multipurpose camera internal failure disabling my all my safety features in adas.

When vehicle is completely stopped at a traffic light there have been numerous occasions in which all electrical components fail and the vehicle turns off and fails to restart. This only occurs when the auto idle start is engaged. A few times I’ve had to completely jump the vehicle. I have replaced the battery and also had the car examined at the dealership. They stated they had previously updated the system, had heard of other instances of the same issue but since it wasn’t under recall and they couldn’t replicate the issue they couldn’t do anything. This has proved to be extremely dangerous because at rest, without being able to restart when the light turns green my family and I are at risk of being severely rear ended at high speeds.

On the middle of July, we were driving and all of a sudden all these lights start coming up the brake system warning, collision mitigation ,adaptive cruise control (acc) , lane keeping assist system (lkas), road departure mitigation system, auto high-beam we took it to holler Honda. They said that it was code u3000–49 for forward camera and that it will need to be replaced. They are charging us almost $3000 to get it fixed.

The vehicle is a 2020 Honda Odyssey. A recurring and dangerous safety failure occurs involving the auto idle-stop system. With the system enabled and the vehicle at a complete stop, the engine shuts off as designed. However, upon depressing the brake pedal to resume driving, the engine severely struggles to restart and completely fails. Simultaneously, the vehicle immediately and automatically shifts itself into park, and the entire dashboard display illuminates with all available warning icons and messages. This malfunction creates an immediate, high-risk safety hazard. When the incident occurs, I am trapped, locked in park, in live traffic lanes, sometimes at busy intersections or during left-hand turns. It is impossible to shift back into drive or quickly restart the engine. I am forced to remain stationary in traffic for multiple minutes until the system allows me to cycle the ignition completely off and then back on to attempt a full restart and shift back into drive. This leaves my vehicle, my passengers, and other drivers vulnerable to rear-end collisions.

The auto start/stop feature doesn't work as needed. It will randomly lurch, turn the car off make me put it in park and then have me restart it. Sometimes the car does not start right away and I am stuck on the road until it decided when and if it will restart. Myself and my family of 5 are not stuck in the road scared of getting smashed into by other drivers unaware that we are stopped or anticipating for us not to be stopped in the middle of the road. I really dont want my family to go to the hospital or die because of this nonsense. Sometimes it doesn't fully shut off but will give error warnings like collision mitigation assistance even though there is nothing for it to mitigate. There are no cars around me and it shouldn't have done this. This has been happening for some time and only happens haphazardly meaning I can't always have the dealer identify or diagnose the issue. Then when I brought it to the dealer, they told me it was because of a power liftgate module error. Which was not true and didn't solve the issue.

Right sliding door warning alarm and at the same time flashing message on cluster. It has happened dozens of times since new. Sets a service code in computer and has been in at local Honda dealer twice and they found failure code in computer but cannot duplicate problem. I also learned part associated with code is on back order. Dealership charges us for diagnosing each time. When this alarm goes on, it makes you panic that the sliding door may open at any time or may not close.

Our vehicle has stalled at stop lights several times over the past 6 years. The auto stop/start feature seems to fail. The vehicle will shut off but when you repeat the brake it will not restart and the vehicle will die completely. You have to put it in park, wait a few seconds and try and restart. Additionally it has completely died at gas station after turning it off to refuel. When you go to start the vehicle it will be completely dead, zero power. We had to have it jump started. The battery has been replaced twice and was testing normal at the dealership. Not a battery issue. Honda acts like this is unheard of but our own research indicates it is a common well known problem with new Odyssey models.

I own a 2020 Honda Odyssey with approximately 73,000 miles that has experienced recurring infotainment and electrical system failures. The vehicle has undergone two prior repairs related to the fakra connector issue, but the problem continues to occur. During the failure, the infotainment screen becomes inoperable, audio functions are affected, and the rearview backup camera becomes unavailable or unusable. The issue appears to be intermittent and is often triggered during or after rain. In addition to the infotainment failures, I have experienced key fob recognition issues requiring the key to be placed near the start button to start the vehicle. There is also static through the speakers, particularly when turning the steering wheel. The vehicle has been taken to a Honda dealership multiple times for this concern, and dealership personnel have witnessed the malfunction. Despite two previous repair attempts, the issue persists. Because the failure affects the operation of the rearview camera system, which is a critical safety feature, I am concerned about the safety of the vehicle and whether the prior repairs adequately addressed the underlying defect. I am submitting this complaint because numerous other Honda owners have reported similar recurring failures involving the infotainment system, fakra connector repairs, backup camera operation, and related electrical concerns. I request that NHTSA investigate whether there is a broader defect affecting these vehicles and whether previous repair procedures are providing a permanent remedy. The dealer recently confirmed the fault was present and advised that additional diagnosis and consultation with Honda technical support would be required to determine the cause.

The multipurpose camera unit /mil radar internal electric failure (dtc's u3000-49) caused the majority of the safety features lights to come on and eventually stalled out. This part has failed twice already.

I am filing a complaint regarding recurring electrical and infotainment failures involving my 2020 Honda Odyssey ex-l. The vehicle experiences loud static and speaker distortion, infotainment system instability, static noises when turning the steering wheel, and intermittent key fob recognition issues requiring the key to sometimes be held near the start button. The issue appears to happen more often during or after rain or moisture exposure. The dealership has already repaired/replaced the fakra connector or related infotainment connector multiple times, yet the issue continues returning. The dealership recently witnessed the malfunction themselves and acknowledged the problem is still present. I am currently waiting for further direction from Honda technical support. This appears to be a widespread issue. There are many reddit discussions and Honda owner facebook groups where owners describe identical symptoms and repeated failed repairs. Some owners report having the same fakra connector replaced as many as six times with the issue still returning afterward. The repeated failure of the same repair raises concerns that the current remedy is ineffective and that there may be a larger electrical, wiring, grounding, or moisture intrusion issue involved. Because this problem continues after multiple repair attempts, I am requesting that NHTSA investigate recurring electrical and infotainment failures in Honda Odyssey vehicles and the repeated failure of the current repair solution.

2020 Odyssey elite multipurpose camera unit internal electronic failure dtc u3000-49. Component is still installed and available for inspection upon request. Failure disabled Honda sensing safety systems: adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, automatic emergency braking, and auto high-beam. Dash showed Honda sensing system failure warnings. No crash, no injury. Vehicle remains drivable but without active safety features, increasing risk of crash, especially on highway. Dealer confirmed failure and reproduced it, recommended camera replacement plus adas static/dynamic calibration, quoted $2,243. No prior symptoms, no accident, no damage, well-maintained. First warnings appeared Aug 2026 and stayed on continuously. Manufacturer was notified and denied goodwill coverage, stated out of warranty. This is a known widespread defect — same u3000-49 failure documented in NHTSA complaints 11615376, 11584269, 11603801 for 2018-2020 Odyssey, art's automotive public statement on pattern, youtube coverage 2016-2021, and ebay repair market with one seller showing 485 repairs for this exact camera and 111 watchers. Similar to prior Honda backup camera recall. Request NHTSA investigation / recall consideration.

Multipurpose camera is defective- broken after only 80,000 miles. No longer functions at all. No automatic emergency braking, no forward collision warning, no lane departure warning, no lane keeping assistance, no adaptive cruise control. Dangerous now without all those computer controlled safety functions. $2400 replacement. I don’t have $2400.

My 2020 Honda Odyssey power tailgate has failed due to water intrusion through defective rear body seam sealer, a known manufacturing defect. Water leaked into the rear driver's side panel and damaged the power tailgate control module, making the rear door inoperable. I took my vehicle to the Honda dealership, who confirmed this is a factory defect related to improper seam sealing. The quoted repair cost is over $8000. Honda has declined to cover this under warranty. This defect poses a safety risk as the tailgate can open unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion. I am aware of a pending class action lawsuit involving 2018-2021 Honda Odyssey models with this same defect. No recall has been issued. I am requesting thr NHTSA investigate and compel Honda to issue a formal recall.

Vehicle suddenly starts having multiple lights and warnings come up such as road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise problem, collision mitigation, auto high beam, etc. Reading online it seems multiple people with Honda oddysey are experiencing the same issues.

The electrical component is failing. I have brought in this vehicle 2 times for failed electrical issues over several years (around 2 years), and it only has 52,000 miles currently. The back up sensors no longer work, as well as warning lights for the following began to appear a year ago: collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, road departure mitigation. Sometimes, our electrical side door will not close and will keep opening when trying to shut. This electrical issues has been draining our battery, and while driving, my car shut off in the middle of the street while I was waiting for a light. After a few attempts, I got my car started again. We replaced the battery, and a few days later the car would randomly turn on and I could not use an electrical key to open the car door. Only way to open it is with the physical key. The battery had to be unplugged in order to stop the car for randomly turning on. All electrical systems would turn on in the car, including the alarm and radio, even if the radio had been off when the car was last turned off. The car has been inspected by Honda mechanics, who told me the electrical component is dying, but they don't know why, the car isn't that old, and it has very few miles on it.

I own a 2020 Honda Odyssey and I am currently having a safety issue with the power tailgate. Upon inspection by my Honda dealership, my vehicle requires a new power tailgate control unit and floor harness and my roof rail and clips need to be re-sealed and replaced. It was discovered that due to the break in seal the connectors corroded due to a water leak. In April of 2026 I received multiple warning messages on my dashboard. The first was power tailgate problem and the second was keyless remote problem. At first I noticed my car continuously beeping while driving along with the warning on my dashboard. I attempted to turn the vehicle off to see if it would reset, but it did not. I attempted to open and close my tailgate. I could only open my tailgate with the push button on my dashboard. I had to manually close my tailgate due to my buttons on my car and my key fab failing to work. Next while driving, I could hear the locking mechanism on my tailgate continuously locking and unlocking. Of course this particularly concerned me because I have 3 young children and their safety as well as mine was in danger. It was unclear if my tailgate was going to open while driving. Such an action could potentially cause a serious threat or harm to myself, my family or other vehicles on the road.

The blind spot system was a problem when I purchased the car, it spent 15 days in service in the first 30 days of ownership to address the issues. Now, I after another light came on I discovered 9 open recalls on the vehicle that were not disclosed prior to purchase.

Backup camera stopped working for no reason, says camera system failure and is a black screen. Research says this is a recall but my dealership says it is not.

Our Odyssey is equipped with idle stop. Sometimes when idle stop engages, the engine won't start again afterwards. We need to turn the car off completely, and then try again. Usually it turns on after doing so. We try to always turn off the idle stop when we start up the vehicle, but sometimes forget. This hasn't led to an accident yet, but has led to some angry vehicles when we can't move when a traffic light turns green. To be clear, this was not an isolated incident, but happens somewhat regularly if idle stop isn't turned off. Honda dealers have told us they don't have any fix, and have recommended that we could purchase a third party "idlestopper".

The power liftgate will not operate and the tailgate will not latch closed. The van was parked outside during a heavy rain, and when the vehicle was started afterward, a warning was displayed on the dash. The van has not been checked by the manufacturer. An inspection is available on request.

The same power tail gate issue as experienced by many others on models 2018-2022. Water intrusion causing the power module fail for auto operation of powerlift tail gate.

Car leaks. Cargo bay fills with water. Possible mold issues. I am told this leaking causes damage to the control module for the tailgate. Our tailgate will close on us and has almost closed on our children. We have to be very careful when the children are around the tailgate because it will begin to close without warning.

The radar is broken leaving all adas unusable in addition to no option to use cruise control.

Multiple sensors malfunctioned. Mechanic read code u3000-49 (multipurpose camera unit/millimeter wave radar internal electronic failure). There was no collision or damage of any sort that led to this malfunction. The following systems no longer work: adaptive cruise control collision mitigation system lane keeping assist road departure mitigation system blind spot info system tire pressure monitor system transmission system all of these failures started at exactly the same time. This severely compromises the ability to use this vehicle safely as these systems are all designed to prevent various safety hazards.

Both sliding door keep stopping when closing or opening. Have to manually do it sometime. Rear door don't close anymore either only opens has to always be manually close.

After being on idle on a stop light, when releasing the brake to go, warning on dash says "collision mitigation warning" when nothing hit the car and I'm there's enough distance with the car in front and behind. The severity has increased now, after being idle, when releasing the brake, it now completely shuts off, dash says "shift to park", and can't go, unless I push the ignition button. Took it 3x for the same errors on dash, Honda said the 1st time it was low battery, battery was running on low juice and didnt have power to come back from idle, they changed the battery. Now they say they need to replace the starter after few thou$and$. I see online this happening to others too. I fear the car behind me, may rear end me, because I can't go, green light is on, but I can't move as I'm re-starting the vehicle after being on idle. Honda says my VIN is not part of the bad batch. It's happening more frequently and Honda said they were able to replicate.

The vehicle unexpectedly shifts into park while driving. Each time this occurs, I have to turn off the car, use the “push to start” feature to restart it, and then shift back into drive. This issue has happened multiple times, creating a safety concern while on the road.

The power tailgate system on my Honda Odyssey failed. The dashboard displays a “power tailgate problem” warning message and the tailgate will not open automatically using the key fob, interior button, or rear handle. When attempting to open it electronically, the vehicle beeps but the tailgate does not move. The tailgate can only be opened manually. The vehicle and tailgate system are available for inspection upon request. The failure creates a safety risk because the tailgate cannot be opened electronically in situations where quick access to the rear cargo area may be needed. Additionally, if the power tailgate system fails unexpectedly, it could malfunction while opening or closing, potentially striking someone or failing during loading/unloading. The inability to rely on the automatic tailgate also creates hazards when carrying items or supervising children around the rear of the vehicle. The problem occurs consistently every time the power tailgate button is pressed. The system beeps but does not open. The issue has not yet been formally inspected by a dealer but can be easily reproduced. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives for this issue. A “power tailgate problem” warning message appeared on the dashboard when attempting to use the power tailgate. At the same time, the vehicle emits a beep but the tailgate does not move. The issue began recently and has occurred every time the power tailgate has been used since the warning first.