Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Honda Odyssey - part 1

My can intermittently fails to start after the auto idle start system has engaged. I am stopped at a light on a busy road. When the light turns the car tries to start but fails. Some times it is able to start but I get warnings that multiple systems had an issue or at disabled. Other times it fails to start completely and I have to cycle the power off and open my driver door before I can start the car. This has been happening for more than a year and the battery has already been replaced.

See all problems of the 2020 Honda Odyssey 🔎.

The vehicle engine failed to restart after being idle for a few minutes in heavy traffic on southern state parkway. The vehicle’s auto idle stop function was being utilized during this time.

See all problems of the 2023 Honda Odyssey 🔎.

While traveling in my 2019 Honda Odyssey (40,000 mile) the vehicle completely shut off and placed itself into neutral. The warning lights for emissions system problem, brake problem, and parking assist problem lit up on the dashboard. The vehicle went into neutral and would not allow me to drive at all. Then the vehicle shut off all within 30 seconds. The vehicle would then not restart and now I have to get the vehicle towed to the Honda service department. After looking through other complaints there is a known recall for manufacturer defected fuel injectors for my year model Odyssey but does not appear when I search for recalls. This was an insanely dangerous situation here in oahu where the traffic is very bad. The vehicle gave no warning or check engine light and we have completed every service for the vehicle. The vehicle just randomly completely shut off and would not restart leaving my family of 5 stranded.

See all problems of the 2019 Honda Odyssey 🔎.

When attempting to restart from the autostop function (I. E. The fuel economy function), the vehicle fails to restart successfully. This has happened on multiple occasions. It is not a battery problem and I have had the battery tested and even replaced (by Honda) and the problem has continued. The vehicle will stutter, stall or even completely shut down. This has happened when I have been at intersections and on busier roads or even in traffic on the highway. Its very concerning to me and seems extremely unsafe. No warning signs come in this scenario until the vehicle shuts down and the regular dash light engages indicating the engine is inoperable. I have today's date below but this has been happening consistently the last several months.

See all problems of the 2021 Honda Odyssey 🔎.

At a stop, the fuel save system shut the car off. When you take your foot off the brake the van fails to restart. If you try to restart using the push button the car will still not start because the transmission is still in drive. Then it takes awhile to get the transmission into park/neutral and then the van will start. The problem is intermittent 3 times in the last 2 months. No accidents just blocking traffic. My wife doesn't like that.

I have a 2018 Honda Odyssey, with 66,855 miles. I maintain my vehicle with regularity at my Honda dealership. On [xxx], I was driving home from las vegas, nv to pasadena, CA, when near the state line at primm, nv, I started hear sounds from my engine and it started losing power. I had to pull over and then had my van towed to a dealership in las vegas, nv. The van is available for inspection. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer where I paid for a diagnosis to be performed. The engine light did turn on prior to me noticing the engine problem and a low oil light came on later. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2018 Honda Odyssey 🔎.

My van has only 110,000 miles on it. Yesterday I was driving my family home from a sports event my wife myself and my four kids. I got a flashing check engine light and was able to pull over, but it was an unsafe area on the side of the interstate. After sitting there for a while. We were able to get the vehicle to Honda. Honda is telling me that it is bad rod bearings. But that my vehicle falls outside of the recall that is already issued for bad rod bearings in a van that is the same year as mine. This rod bearing issue put myself and my kids in an unsafe position.

After going into auto-idle at a traffic light. The engine did not turn back on when accelerator was pressed. Even after a restart. It took about 30 seconds.

I think there is a problem with the auto idle stop system that has resulted in the starter needing to be replaced. But, the dealership says nothing is wrong. The auto idle stop malfunction lights up when I let off the brake. I have gotten in the habit of turning off the ais every time I started the car. However, it still is hesitating to start, which leads me to believe the ais has killed the starter.

The throttle can loose power at stop and then suddenly engine picks up the throttle which not normal and this is not maintenance issue as service station and Honda does not confirm the behavior a defect or a problem. This is very concerning.

Vcm problems burn oil and misfire code.

See all problems of the 2012 Honda Odyssey 🔎.

Engine auto start/stop vehicle failed to restart upon taking foot off of brake pedal. Took my car to Honda dealership on 8/29, dealership said it was a bad battery. Had the battery replaced and 2 weeks later on 9/12 vehicle failed to restart upon taking foot off of brake pedal.

See all problems of the 2022 Honda Odyssey 🔎.

It was the same thing as my last three reports. The vehicle stalls in a way that freezes the vehicle where I cannot turn it off or on or engage or remove the parking brake. I cannot put it in gear or in neutral. Last time it stalled me in the middle of a seven lane highway. This time it was in the middle of a hospital entrance. I feel like I am gambling with my life and the dealership won’t listen to me! how many times does this have to happen??.

Van completely shut down while in an intersection and the battery light came on. It was hard to restart. Took it to the dealership and they cannot find the problem.

Can has been making a popping noise that can be felt in the steering wheel for 2 years. Honda has told me nothing was wrong after taking it in 4 times. Now my car keeps stalling at lights, sometimes it takes a while to get it to restart, and they can not figure out why. They keep saying the battery is fine and diagnostics finds nothing.

My car went completely dead while stopped in traffic on a busy street. My kids were in the car and thankfully I was able to crank it by pressing the start button. This issue has already been “fixed” and the dealership “cannot replicate”.

For a fourth time this year, the vehicle suddenly loses power while travelling on the freeway. It completely shuts off acceleration for 30-60 seconds and then picks back up by itself. The last two ocassions it happened was between 8:10 am and 8:12 am on August 18,2025. It happened on the freeway again on August 22 at about 8:13 am. I fear for my safety and life driving on the freeway.

See all problems of the 2024 Honda Odyssey 🔎.

At 60 mph the vehicle began shaking , I pulled over , put it in park while still running, and got out to inspect. I noticed some smoke from under the hood and by the time I got inside to release the hood latch , the smoke stopped. With multiple lights on the dash I shut it off . It would not restart . It was towed to my home. We pulled off the belt and attempted to turn the engine crank with a breaker bar, and it is seized. We also hooked up a scanner in which it showed many faults. The battery tested good , and the starter was trying to engage .

See all problems of the 2017 Honda Odyssey 🔎.

Vehicle diagnosed with code p0303 on 8/18/25. Per the dealer (big star Honda, houston TX), ". . . Examination found the number three cylinder piston rings on cylinder #3 rotated and aligned, which caused spark plug to foul out. " in October 2020, american Honda issued sb 13-081 for this known issue and to settle a class action lawsuit. In July 2025 american Honda issued sb 25-061 extending the warranty for 2013–17 Odysseys through January 31, 2026. Honda is denying covering repairs stating that it does not apply to my specific VIN. The VIN is inconsequential if the new sb simply states "2013-2017". All vehicles, regardless of VIN should be repaired given that the problem has been diagnosed as identified in both the 2020 and 2025 sbs. Absent this and a listing in the sb of all applicable vins, Honda can always indicate that a VIN isn't covered to avoid covering the repair costs, even though it should be. Repair at big star was declined to pursue coverage of the repair costs further with american Honda.

See all problems of the 2013 Honda Odyssey 🔎.

My 2018 Honda Odyssey (VIN: [xxx]) experienced a catastrophic engine failure due to a spun connecting rod bearing in cylinder 4. While driving, the engine suddenly began making a loud knocking/tapping noise. I immediately drove the vehicle to the Honda dealer, and as I was pulling into the service bay, the engine completely seized. The dealer confirmed that the engine suffered a spun bearing in cylinder 4, with severe crankshaft and connecting rod damage. The failed parts and metal debris in the oil system are available for inspection if requested. This failure occurred without any prior warning lights, messages, or check engine indicators. There was no advance notice other than the sudden onset of knocking just before failure. The defect caused loss of engine power and risk of stalling in traffic, which could have easily resulted in a crash or fire. This type of failure is consistent with Honda recall 23v-751, which covers connecting rod bearing defects caused by crankshaft machining errors, and also matches the ongoing NHTSA investigation into premature rod bearing failures in Honda Odyssey and other models. However, my VIN is currently excluded from the recall. I request that NHTSA review this case as potential evidence that the recall should be expanded to include additional Odyssey vehicles. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

While stopped at a stop light at an intersection in our 2021 hond Odyssey, the idle auto off feature kicked in, and then as we let off the brake and went to hit the gas to move forward the car shut off completely. The car had to be restarted by applying the brake and pressing the start/stop ignition button. This is not the first time this has happened with this vehicle. This also happened a series of times in 2023 and Honda performed a series of software updates, replaced the battery, and replaced a sensor on the battery. However, now two years later the idle auto off issue occured again.

The engine stalled while driving the 2018 Honda Odyssey van on the freeway. It happened while cruising on the freeway. Engine suddenly locked out/stalled after a loud 'thug' sound. The situation posed a high safety risk to the occupants. Luckily no vehicular accident occurred. The dealer checked it out and confirmed it is an engine problem. Their recommendation is to change the engine and charged the cost to the owner. Dealer said the problem is not covered by recall. Dealer will not specify the engine problem unless the engine is opened for inspection. There were no warning lamps and messages of the problem prior to the failure.

The contact owns a 2023 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact stated that the check engine and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. There was an abnormal metallic grinding sound coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that a tow truck was called, but the driver was unable to restart the vehicle to shift into neutral(n). A tow truck with a dolly was called, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact wanted a second opinion and had the vehicle towed to another dealer, who also determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

I have maintained 2018 Honda Odyssey regularly, getting it serviced when or before it was due. A month ago (at 90k) miles, we started to hear a noise in the engine. I took it to Honda and they said that I need an entirely new (rebuilt) engine. I did see there was a safety recall report 23v-751 regarding crank pins that were produced out of specification. This did cover some 2018 Honda engines, but my VIN was not one of them. Is there any possibility that this deffect could have effected other Honda engines of the same year? my engine should not be failing at 7 years and 90k miles. Currently the vehicle is not being driven until we figure out the best course of action.

This vehicle began using oil and the mechanic I took it to told me that the piston rings were compromised. This was allowing mixing of oil and gas, overuse of oil, intermittent white plumes of exhaust and causing misfires, fouling of plugs and set off codes pertaining to the piston rings as well as the catalytic converter. He changed the spark plug and told me my options were a rebuilt engine or to replace it. It would continue and it would get worse. Honda issued a warranty extension realted to misfire dondition related to piston ring deterioration (dtcs p0301 - p0304. ) the dealer I took it too states that since the above mentioned codes are not present, they cannot perform the warranty work. The dealer did ask and corroborate that changing the spark plugs will "buy time" and is a cheap fix that does not correct the issue but may extend the life of the engine. The mechanic agrees that the issue being warranted is the issue I was experiencing but does not have a copy of the codes to prove it. I am frustrated that this warranty clearly applies to my vehicle, but because I hired a mechanic previously who has prevented the codes from being present, I am out an engine. Please help.

Engine recently began making noise and the car was taken into Honda. The dealer checked engine components to find the cause and recommended that we remove oil pan to inspect the issue because they assumed it might be engine bearing related. Before we could schedule the service I was driving with my family on the highway when we heard a loud noise and complete loss of power. I was able to move over avoiding other cars to reach the shoulder and come to a stop. The car would not start or go into any gear. Car was towed to shop. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? the car has not been inspected yet. Currently at shop being evaluated. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? engine was making noise at the dealership when it went for service. There was no concern made by dealer stating car was unsafe to drive. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? was inspected before the car broke down, but currently being evaluated by local shop. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? there was an unknown noise coming from the engine, and dealer stated they needed to remove oil pan to diagnose the noise but stated it could be bearing related. The dealership did not say the car was unsafe or should not be driven. Before we could look into the issue more the car broke down on the highway.

While driving on the highway at speed, without warning or any dash check lights we heard a loud pop from the front of the car followed by white smoke. The engine seized, lost all power, and the along with it the brake system shutdown so the car became uncontrollable on a busy highway. The car was towed to a local Honda dealership and is currently being looked at. The vehicle was recently inspected at a Honda service center where there was no indication of any engine issues. There were no check engine lights untill the engine seized.

While accelerating from a complete stop at a red light, immediately after refueling, the vehicle suddenly lost all propulsion power and forced itself into neutral without any driver input. The dashboard lit up with numerous system warnings at once, including: •emissions system problem •brake system problem •abs problem •brake hold system problem •electric parking brake problem •vehicle stability assist (vsa) problem the engine won't start, leaving me stranded in the middle of an active intersection. I attempted to restart the vehicle multiple times with no success. Police responded to the scene, confirmed the vehicle could not be driven, and a tow truck transported it to a nearby Honda dealership. The tow truck driver suspected an alternator failure, but the dealer’s inspection the next day could not reproduce the issue. They reported that the alternator and battery “tested fine” and that no trouble codes were stored in the ecu. No repairs were performed, and no cause was identified. Safety concern: this incident created an immediate traffic hazard. The vehicle’s sudden loss of propulsion in traffic, combined with the inability to restart, could easily have caused a collision. Multiple critical systems were reported as failed simultaneously, indicating a possible electrical, fuel system, or control module failure. I am aware of similar complaints from other 2018–2019 Honda Odyssey owners in which sudden power loss occurred, often accompanied by numerous system fault messages. Many reports link these events to fuel pump failures, loose battery/ground connections, or transmission control malfunctions. This suggests a broader pattern of intermittent safety-related defects. Requested action: please investigate this incident and similar cases for potential design or component defects.

On March 27th, I was driving my car. My children were with me and we were on the way home from swim practice. With no warning, my engine went crazy. We were sitting at a stop light and the idel became very rough shaking the entire car. The engine was slow to respond to the accelerator and ultimately I decided that it was not safe to drive. I had my van towed to my mechanic who ran diagnostics and confirmed that the spark plugs were misfiring because of oil build up related to a faulty piston ring valve. He explained that it was a common problem with Odysseys. He gave us the options of doing the major repair of the rings that would cost about $5000 or we could replace the failing spark plugs and get 6-8 months out of the car before the same issue would reoccur. Not having a spare $5k on hand we opted for the temporary fix. I recently received a warranty extension from Honda about this exact issue but Honda is refusing to repair my car. They have told me that unless the engine light is on and the appropriate codes are indicated, I can not have the repair covered by the warranty. I took in documents from my mechanic with pictures of the codes, but they will not honor this. They also said that even if they did an inspection that confirmed the piston ring failure, Honda USA would not pay them back for the repairs because the service light and appropriate service codes are not showing. I believe the terms of this warranty extension are in bad faith and put me and my family at risk. Either I spend my own money to repair the car, or I wait until the engine fails and me and my family are stranded on the side of the road. Despite numerous conversations with the service member and customer service, Honda refuses to put in writing their refusal to repair my car under the warranty.

See all problems of the 2015 Honda Odyssey 🔎.

Dear NHTSA advisor, thank you for regarding my request for warranty coverage for the critical misfire and overheating defect with my 2012 Odyssey Honda engine 3. 5l engine. Odyssey, as described in Honda’s service technical bulletin 13-081. I must reiterate the severity of my situation: the part required for repair is quoted at $7,500. 00—and that does not include labor. This amount far exceeds the current market value of my vehicle, effectively making it impossible to afford repairs without Honda’s intervention, it’s asafety defect & known manufacturer issue. The misfiring and overheating problems represent major safety risks for my family and anyone who operates the vehicle. This is not routine maintenance, but a substantial defect that Honda has addressed in its own technical bulletin. I have adhered diligently to Honda’s maintenance schedule throughout my ownership. Attached to this correspondence is a pdf containing the complete service technical bulletin 13-081. I am prepared to provide any additional documentation upon request. Warranty extension: mil comes on with dtcs p0301 thru p0304 technical service bulletin reference numbers): 13-081, date of issue: October 08, 2020 Honda: 2011-13 Odyssey superceded bulletin(s): 13-081, date of issue: June 18, 2019 Aug 5, 2025 license: odometer: note: supersedes 13-081, dated June 18, 2019, to revise the information below. Affected vehicles affected vehicles year model trim level VIN range 2011-13 Odyssey all check the in VIN status for eligibility. Revision summary under customer notification, outdated information was removed. Corrective action 2011 models: complete diagnosis procedure and if necessary, update pcm software (procedure a) , replace affected spark plugs then clean pistons and replace the piston rings (procedure b) • 2012-13 models: complete diagnosis procedure, replace affected spark plugs then clean the pistons and replace the pistons rings (procedure b). No need for software update as 2012-13.

While driving vehicle, check engine light began to flash. Vehicle was moved safely to side of road and turn off. Vehicle was allowed to sit for more then five minutes and started again. No check engine light or other indicators were illuminated. Vehicle was driven another 60 miles when suddenly multiple warnings appeared with a solid check engine light. Vehicle was moved to a safe location and parked. Vehicle was transported to a Honda dealership the following day and was discovered to have metal in the engine oil due to connecting rod bearing failures with grooves worn in the crankshaft.

For several years now, we have misfire issue or code p0304. We continue to change spark plugs cylinders. Both usually last a year or so then they need replaced again. I research the problem, no recall or the like. I did see his report on-line, wondering if it applies to us, warranty extension: mil comes on with dtcs p0301 thru p0304. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Was driving on my way to work and I heard a sharp sound while going up a hill. I then got warnings that said transmission issue, pull over immediately when safe and the car shifted itself into neutral. I was in the middle of traffic and lost all acceleration controls, while being forced out of the drive gear. I lost all speed and had to move through traffic and get to a side street. The same thing happened to me about a year and a half ago. It was covered by a warranty but I still was experiencing losses of car power or stalling.

With the auto cutoff engaged when stopped at a red light, the vehicle shut off on its own. I had to put the vehicle in park and try the push button start a few times before the vehicle turned back on. I had to put my flashers on because the light turned green before I could get it restarted. Someone had to swerve to avoid me. I was almost rear ended because the intersection I was stopped at was near an interstate offramp and the driver did not recognize I was stopped. I took it to a Honda dealership and they said they could not replicate the problem but that there was a bulletin identifying the issue and that the bulletin had been withdrawn. I was told that it likely meant a recall would be coming in the future. The following message came on when the vehicle turned off: shift to park. The red battery dash light was on.

The contact owns a 2013 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle jerked. The check engine warning light was flashing. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 30-35 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to restart, but there was thick black smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact stated that upon attempting to restart the vehicle a second time, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the fuel injectors and spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.