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2013 Honda Odyssey: check engine light

36 of the 211 complaints about the 2013 Honda Odyssey describe check engine light.

owner complaints
36
of this car's complaints
17%
typical repair cost reported
$2,000
typical mileage
92,000
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 28 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Check engine light by model year

What owners say

Filed Dec 10, 2025 · Engine · TX

My 2013 Honda Odyssey showed a Check Engine Light and came to your Dealership. Initially agent said that it will cover by warranty and later he said that it will not cover by warranty. He is saying that it is expired and it would have been fixed if that showed up in that time frame. I called Honda Recall dept (888 234 2138) yesterday (12/03/2025) and spoke to one lady (later found that her name is Sandra). She said that it has still warranty on Piston Rings and Spark plugs clean up. In the mean time there was an emergency on their site and she asked me to disconnect the call a they need to leave the building immediately. She didn't get a chance to give her name. I asked her to document and send me an email and I am not sure whether she will do it or not. Later called after some time and spoke to Alejandro and he said that warranty expired. I asked to transfer the call to his manager and he declined to transfer to manager and said that there is no supervisor available. He said that other employee said that no supervisor available. He may be not be trained well or new to this role. I called 937‑642‑5000 to talk to Chief Executive, Shinji Aoyama or any other exec and front desk person declined to transfer the call. He suggested to talk to dealership. My point is that Honda aware of this issue and they extended warranty about this problem. But they didn't inform me about this issue (they have my email and phone# as I registered user). And even dealer didn't tell that as all the times I do service with dealer (except 1 time). Now it was saying that they would have fixed it if it came in warranty time frame. These kind of issues may not come up by dates and my mileage is very low. Even though my vehicle is 2013, I drove only 60K miles and this may be a reason it didn't show up earlier and showing up now. Could you please look into this and help in this regard. If needed, can you take to Honda execs or provide me contacts to reach them to resolve this issue.

Filed Dec 5, 2025 · Engine · CA

The contact owns a 2013 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH at nighttime, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled into a parking lot and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle started shuddering while driving at 25 MPH. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to a nearby independent mechanic and caught another ride to her destination. The contact returned to the vehicle the following morning and drove the vehicle to the mechanic's parking lot. The independent mechanic retrieved DTC: P0303. The contact was informed of an engine cylinder misfire and that the failure was related to an unknown Extended Warranty Coverage. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the same assessment was made. The dealer contacted the manufacturer and advised that the VIN was not included in the Extended Warranty Coverage. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Nov 7, 2025 · Engine · 27,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2013 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal rattling sound occasionally. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a cylinder 3 misfire, DTC: P0843 was retrieved, and there was an oil leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the spark plugs were replaced at the same local dealer; however, the failure progressed. In addition, the contact related the failure to an unknown recall that was completed in the past. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.

Filed Oct 1, 2025 · Engine · 124,126 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2013 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle experienced reduced power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with an oil leak from the cylinders onto the spark plugs, causing the cylinders to misfire. The dealer cleaned the engine and replaced the spark plugs; however, the failure recurred seven months later. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a piston misfire. The dealer replaced the piston rings. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin Number: 25-061. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 124,126.

Filed Aug 27, 2025 · Engine · 164,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2013 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, the vehicle jerked abnormally with the check engine warning light and the VCM warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and DTC: P0301; was retrieved. The contact was informed that the engine control module (ECM) had detected oil passing the pistons and caused a misfire in cylinder #1. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 25-061. However, the VIN was not included. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 164,000.

Filed Aug 25, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · 170,000 miles · NJ

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.

Filed Apr 16, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · KY

My 2013 Honda Odyssey is experiencing a serious engine malfunction related to excessive oil consumption and spark plug fouling. On [XXX], the Check Engine Light came on and the vehicle began shaking. A diagnostic inspection at a Honda dealership revealed DTC P0301 (Cylinder 1 Misfire). Three spark plugs in Bank 1 were heavily fouled with oil. The technician recommended piston ring replacement, noting that oil had leaked into the combustion chamber. This issue is consistent with well-known engine problems associated with Honda's VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) system. TSBs such as A13-081 and 11-033 have addressed similar issues in the past, but my vehicle is no longer covered under the extended warranty. I am a low-income international student currently living in the U.S. with my family. This defect creates financial hardship and safety concern. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency investigate this matter as a safety-related engine defect and urge the manufacturer to offer proper recall support. - Mileage at most recent diagnosis: 116,520 miles - Current mileage: 117,300 miles INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 13, 2024 · Engine · GA

While driving vehicle check engine light illuminates from time to time and there is a stall in the engine. Also the VSA warning light comes on and goes off with engine light.

Filed Oct 25, 2024 · Fuel system · 165,000 miles · HI

The contact owns a 2013 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that when the check engine warning light illuminated, the code indicated a possible emissions failure. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle hesitated. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The dealer was made aware of the issue and the contact was informed that his vehicle was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact then received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 165,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Jul 29, 2024 · Engine · AZ

The vehicle stalled continuously after a slight noise and speed dropped to 20-30 mph while driving on a freeway in Arizona at around 9 pm in the night. We had to pull to the side of the road and once I parked and turned off the engine, the vehicle would not turn on again. All lights -check engine, were on. Once it was towed to the independent service center, it was diagnosed as engine failure with two pistons burnt out and had to get that replaced. After researching , I see a recall for certain 2013 honda odyssey for engine pistons issue , (Link - [XXX] .) where it may not have been properly hardened during a heat treatment process. This engine issue caused a great safety risk in the middle of freeway, thankfully the traffic was light since it was late-night. We were 6 members in the car including kids and we were stranded by the side of the road until 11 pm until tow truck or other ride arrangements could be made. We spent approx $5000 for repairs , $1000 for towing and $500 for rentals. I can provide the receipts on request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 25, 2024 · Engine · 92,000 miles · ND

The contact owns a 2013 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the piston rings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

Filed Jan 17, 2024 · Body, Engine · IL

Honda Odessey 2013Driving down a highway at 55mph when we heard a loud backfire. Engine light came on, car shook violently. We immediately pulled into a gas station where a mechanic was present. Mechanic scanned for codes and codes p0302 and P0303 came up. The cylinders had rotated and aligned fouling the spark plugs. and damaging the coil. Had we continued to drive we would have ruined the engine. He changed the coil and spark plugs but noted that the oil consumption was extremely high since last change due to the VCM issue. The Honda Service Bulletin 13-081 revealed the VCM system poses risk of ruining the engine. When I returned home, I inquired what could be done to fix it. The local dealership said purchase a new engine and spark plugs. The warranty fix for this ended in 2021 and I did not buy the car until 2022. The same faulty system has been on the Odessey since 2011 and continues to be installed as of this date 2024. This issue along with the peeling paint coming off in large sheets from the roof and rear door make this car a complete failure and safety hazard.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

EngineReported August 27, 2013 · 270 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda is recalling certain model year 2013 Pilot 2WD and 4WD vehicles and certain model year 2013 Odyssey vehicles. During manufacturing of the engine piston, it is possible that the heat treatment process was not properly applied, resulting in the piston having an insufficient hardness level, making it more susceptible to premature wear.
Risk
A worn piston may suddenly fail, causing the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine short block free of charge. The recall began on September 16, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009. Honda's recall numbers are JB4 (Honda Odyssey) and JB5 (Honda Pilot).

Recall number 13V382000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2013 Honda Odyssey check engine light

Is check engine light a common problem on the 2013 Honda Odyssey?

36 of 211 owner complaints about the 2013 Honda Odyssey (17%) mention check engine light. The model year with the most reports is 2003.

How much does it cost to fix check engine light on the 2013 Honda Odyssey?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $2,000 (median of 5 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2013 Honda Odyssey?

There is 1 recall and 28 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2013 Honda Odyssey

Misfire 26Stalling 13Premature wear 9Hesitation 7Engine failure 6Jerking 6Oil consumption 6Sudden acceleration 6No deployment 5Shudder 5

All model years of the Honda Odyssey

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