2012 Honda Odyssey transmission problems

Filed May 16, 2026 · Transmission · OH

piston rings wore out prematurely on our 2012 honda odyssey. this was caused by the vcm system. its a known issue on hondas. it only had 88,600 miles at the time. we were driving our 2012 honda odyssey in december 2023. the check engine light began to flash. it starting running rough. we had it towed to a honda dealer for inspection. they pulled codes p303 and p304. they said the rings were worn and spark plugs fouled. they said this is a common issue because of the vcm. they peformed a rering job and with all parts and labor the cost came to $4000. we are very disgusted that this issue was already known by honda and they failed to place the vehicle on recall or wave the repair cost. they had a previous recall for this issue, but they say it was for a limited time frame. my mother only drives less than 10k miles a year, so the issue wouldnt have happened before 2016, as the miles on her van were still very low. we are issueing a complaint against honda for this issue. we are asking for reimbursement for the repair for the piston ring job which was $4000 while we had the vehicle in for this repair, we were also informed of other issues with the van, and we went ahead with those repairs as well, which brought our repair bill total to over $6419, which is also shown on the same receipt.

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 May 11, 2023 · Transmission · 85,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2012 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking. The check emissions and check VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) warning lights illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the piston rings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.

Filed Jul 11, 2022 · Transmission · 163,000 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2012 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle made ticking sounds. The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an appointment for the diagnostic test. The contact related the failure to the timing belt; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 163,000.

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

Filed Jan 22, 2021 · Transmission · 60,000 miles · CA

Engine working but no power while driving the car when push gas.

Filed Feb 12, 2020 · Engine, Transmission · 75,000 miles · NY

The check engine light started to blink and the vsa came on as well. This happened after I pulled into our driveway thank goodness because the engine started to shake the car. We took the van in our local dealership and it had a p0302 code. Engine misfire. This was caused by oil getting into the spark plug. Piston and ring job was recommended. The 2012 honda had a tsb 11-033 for this issue. We are being denied our claim. I am including a picture of our spark plug that shows where there was a lot of oil when it was fired upon along with talks I have had with honda.

Filed May 14, 2018 · Transmission · 106,000 miles · NV

Got the p3400 and/or the p3497 error codes after engine and found my oil was at almost nothing. Oil light never went on. Have also had to change my spark plugs twice in two years. I am so glad my car did not seize up on me. Had to add 3 quarts of oil and got my oil changed two months ago.

Filed Oct 13, 2017 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 77,000 miles · TN

Vsc light on brakes locked up all 4 wheels cannot move forward or reverse, rear brake lights inoperable, vehicle parked in driveway. When started vsa light came on in dash. Brakes locked up could not move requiring a tow to honda dealer in murfreesboro tn

Filed Jul 9, 2017 · Acceleration, Engine · NC

As my wife was driving down the highway the vehicle stopped accelerating fluctuating rpms and acceleration for rest of drive home. After getting home even in parking at idle when I turn on the air conditioning the vehicle vibrates. In park when I turn up the rpms it sputters after about 3k RPM. 100k miles