2012 Honda Odyssey: engine overheating

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P0304 TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN Reference Numbers): 13-081, Date of Issue: October 08, 2020 HONDA: 2011-13 Odyssey Superceded Bulletin(s): 13-081, Date of Issue: June 18, 2019 Aug 5, 2025 License: Odometer: NOTE: Supersedes 13-081, dated June 18, 2019, to revise the information below.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 REVISION SUMMARY Under CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION, outdated information was removed.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 Apr 17, 2018 · Brakes · 73,000 miles · CA

The rotors wrap from overheating resulting in severe vibration to the vehicle. This occurs especially when braking during inclines.the vehicle becomes difficult to brake & control due to severe vibration of the front wheels.the problem reoccurs a short time after resurfacing the rotors. Honda has issued new replacement ventilated rotors but has not issued a recall for free replacement of the original front rotors.

Filed Oct 26, 2017 · Engine, Fuel system · 81,000 miles · CA · fire

I stopped at a t-intersection and turned right. As soon as I made the turn, the vehicle suddenly began shifting oddly. It was going to very high rpms before it would shift. I immediately checked the temperature gauge, but the engine was not overheating. We were on a mountain road so I began looking for a place to pull over. I checked my rear view mirror and saw the car behind me flashing their lights and honking their horn. At that point I noticed smoke in the rear view. I immediately stopped the car and as soon as I did, the front of the vehicle went up in flames. My pregnant wife and I got our three little children out of the car extremely quickly and they got back down the road a ways to get away from the burning vehicle. I began throwing car seats and other things out of the car as quickly as possible, but within two minutes after I stopped the car, the flames were to big to be anywhere near it. The car burned extremely fast and the fire was extremely hot, completely destroying the car.

Filed Apr 22, 2017 · Brakes · 3 miles · IL

We purchased van used at 33k miles. At that time it already displayed a slight vibration in the steering wheel when coming to a stop while breaking lightly. I thought it was out of alignment and made an appointment with dealer to fix. Per dealer front rotors were resurfaced because of 'uneven surface' and that was the cause of the problem. After a couple of months problem began again. It started with a very slight vibration only noticeable when breaking from about 60 MPH. After a couple of weeks of driving during the winter weather in illinois the vibration became unnerving as the steering wheel shook so violently. Still under warranty, I returned to dealer to address problem. They would not fix the problem because they claimed that the remaining warranty would not not cover the rotors or any brake issues, but would gladly change all brakes and do an all wheel alignment for about $1200. Instead I opted to see my trusted mechanic of over 25 years who changed the front rotors and pads in early fall of 2016. The problem disappeared for about three months and I had to return right after the 2017 new year because the vibration had returned at a considerable level once again. "maybe it was a bad batch," he said, "very unusual for that to happen." the rotors had a one year warranty so they were replaced at no charge except for labor. However, today is 4/22/17 and I am back again for the same problem because the vibration is getting worse once again and I must drive on the freeway often. I have three kids and I fear for their safety whenever they ride in the van. This seems to be an issue that many other owners are complaining about for some time and it still has not been addressed properly. I had one service rep at the dealer tell me off the record that the disks are too small for the size or weight of the van and that is why they overheat and warp so easily.

Filed Jan 11, 2016 · Brakes · IL

Rotors have warped in a time frame outside the scope of normal. Rotors are designed in such a way they can get overheated and warp due to being unable to cool off between uses. Vehicle weight combined with poor design of rotors create wear and tear that happens more quickly than what should be acceptable therefore creating a safety hazard.