2008 Honda Odyssey: sudden loss of power

Filed Oct 30, 2026 · Engine · WA

Incident: In Mar 2019, while driving down a highway with my family, the vehicle experienced a sudden engine malfunction while driving, characterized by a flashing Check Engine Light, severe engine shaking, and a dangerous, immediate loss of acceleration/engine power. We had to get the vehicle towed to the dealership. A diagnostic scan revealed fault code P0302, indicating a misfire in Cylinder 2. Upon mechanical inspection, the spark plug in Cylinder 2 was completely fouled and covered in engine oil. At this time, only the fouled spark plugs were replaced, and the PCM software updated. This essentially is a temporary band-aid pushing the problem further down the road. The vehicle only had around 87,481 miles, and was a little over 10 years old. The same thing happened again in Dec 2025, at around 147,979 miles. This time, we had to do an extensive and really expensive repair. The root cause was determined to be premature failure of the engine's piston rings. This is a direct result of Honda's VCM system, which shuts down cylinders during operation, creating a vacuum that forces oil past the piston rings, fouling the plugs, and causing unexpected power loss during transit. I wasn't aware of this known issue until I had to do the major repair, and have now realized that Honda is very well aware of this well known and widespread issue. Request: This mechanical failure represents a severe, documented safety hazard that puts occupants at risk of being rear-ended due to sudden deceleration on active roadways. Honda is aware of this exact VCM defect for certain model years. A manufacturing design defect that causes unexpected highway engine failure does not cease to be a safety risk or a corporate responsibility due to age. Honda should have taken proactive steps to mitigate and prevent this issue. I am requesting that Honda reimburse the cost of the engine teardown and piston ring replacement required to make the vehicle safe to operate again.

Filed Apr 19, 2017 · Steering · 50,000 miles · NY

Loss of power steering when turning at low speeds. At times, there are very scary sounds coming from the power steering pump. This is going on for a while and my local dealer refused to service it under the warranty.

Filed Feb 23, 2015 · Fuel system · 46,125 miles · CT

Car lost power on expressway, fuel gauge read 3/4 full, car was empty. Fuel pump is being replaced.

Filed Nov 2, 2011 · Engine, Steering · 107,200 miles · MD

Failure of serpentine belt tensioner pulley shaft resulted in loss of power steering control following engine start in a parking lot. This failure occurred a few days after the car was serviced for replacement of timing belt and water pump, which required removal and reinstallation of the tensioner pulley. The question is whether the shaft failure was the result of overtorque following the service, or the result of a design or manufacturing problem. The concern is a failure in traffic rather than at low speed in a parking lot. This shaft is available for inspection.

Filed Oct 6, 2011 · Steering · 20,000 miles · CA

I have complained about hard to steer or loss of power steering when trying to move the steering wheel from a fully left or right position when my vehicle was til under warranty (35k) with the south bay dealership but after leaving my vehicle there for 2 days they told me the is no problem with the steering wheel. Now at about 47k it becomes noticeable and almost unbelievable hard to steer the steering wheel at starting speed. All people who I have them test drive my van told me to have it fixed but I don't have money to do that.

Filed Feb 10, 2010 · Engine · 25 miles · CA

2008 honda odyssey van - bought brand new october 2008 3 weeks ago, while driving on the freeway, the engine suddenly lost power, cruising to a max speed of only 25 MPH no matter how hard you step on the gas pedal. Have to put on the hazard lights and cruise on the shoulder of the freeway to exit on the nearest ramp and have to drive back home using side streets on a speed of only 25 MPH, no more, no less. Brought the said van to the honda service center since it is brand new and still covered with the warranty. Released after 1 week, and was working on the way home without glitch. Then the day after, upon starting the engine, the check engine light went on, and the motor gives off a weird humming sound and won't accelerate to no greater than 25 MPH again. Brought the van back for service and after 1 week was released and was working fine when the same thing happens again as forementioned. Have to let the dealer service center tow it back for service again for the 3rd time and have to demand a loaner car at this time while they ponder (or guess) what's wrong with this van.