Check a VIN

2012 Honda Odyssey engine problems

45 complaints (18% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 60,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
45
of this car's complaints
18%
typical mileage
60,000
crashes
1
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Exhaust system: emission control
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Honda Odyssey engine problems in other years

1995200020052010201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2012 Honda Odyssey engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Check engine light 12Misfire 7Stalling 6Overheating 5

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2012 Honda Odyssey owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 16, 2025 · Engine · KY

Vcm problems burn oil and misfire code

Filed Aug 31, 2025 · Engine · IN

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.

Filed Aug 26, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · CA

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

Filed Feb 7, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · TX

vehicle loses acceleration power intermittently. No response when pressing accelerator or when speeding up with cruise control. Pressing the gas harder does not help but the vehicle starts working normally a few seconds later. Dangerous on busy roads. I don't think it is a weak fuel pump because it accelerated quickly after an event

Filed Apr 23, 2024 · Engine · CA

The front valve cover is exposed to extreme temperatures from the catalytic converter mounted next to it. There is nothing to protect the rubber components inside from the catalytic converter's excessive heat which is causing them to fail. The steel components inside the cylinder (e.g., the seal ring) are insulated by these rubber components. When these rubber insulators fail, the steel components are exposed and make contact with the aluminum valve cover resulting in the galvanic corrosion of the aluminum. The most common result I have seen is the deformation of the area where the seal ring is seated (along with holes and cracks). Some people have also suggested possible defects in the casting of the aluminum as a contributing factor (the aluminum is also very thin in that area). Some have suggested the possibility of the uninsulated spark plug arcing, but it seems unlikely to generate enough heat to compromise the aluminum's integrity. The way people have described how the aluminum crumbles seems more indicative of corrosion. There are countless testimonies online of similar defects in Odysseys, Pilots, Accords, and Crosstours with the same engine. I have included a photograph of my damaged valve cover and those of others I have found online.

Filed Nov 21, 2023 · Engine · 100,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2012 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power inadvertently in the middle of the roadway. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was unable to veer to the side of the roadway. The contact stated that he shifted into park (P) and was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had been occurring approximately twice per day while driving. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Jun 13, 2023 · Engine · WI

Misfiring, I have had to change the spark plugs and coils multiple times. I have contact Honda in Green Bay wi and Appleton wi, they have told me the recall has expired. We just bought this car this year from a none Honda dealership used. Had this problems days after getting it.

Filed Jun 16, 2022 · Engine · 87,000 miles · IA

The contact owns a 2012 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The dealer stated that oil was leaking onto the spark plugs. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 87,000.

Filed Apr 12, 2022 · Engine · 78,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2012 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light would suddenly illuminate and the vehicle would not properly accelerate and would drive very rough. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that cylinder number one was faulty. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the oil pressure switches were faulty and needed to be replaced. The oil pressure switches were replaced; however, failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 78,000.

Filed Dec 11, 2021 · Engine, Fuel system · HI

Misfire in cylinder 1 Caused van to lose power on freeway almost causing an accident. From 2011-2013 there was a settlement that gave an 8 year extended warranty, but why is it only 8 years when not everyone’s driving is the same? My van was brought to the Honda dealer Check engine light came on, then it flashes

Questions about the 2012 Honda Odyssey engine

Does the 2012 Honda Odyssey have engine problems?

Owners have filed 45 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Honda Odyssey, 18% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2012 Honda Odyssey engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 60,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2012 Honda Odyssey engine?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Honda Odyssey have bad engine?

The Honda Odyssey model years with the most engine complaints are 2025 (261 complaints), 2018 (205 complaints) and 2005 (155 complaints).

Other 2012 Honda Odyssey problems

Brakes 60Electrical 37Body 25Transmission 24Steering 21Seats 14Acceleration 13Fuel system 11Airbags 10Seat belts 9Visibility 8Lights 7Wheels 7Tires 6Suspension 5Driver assistance 1Locks 1

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2012 Honda Odyssey?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history