2014 Honda Odyssey: engine overheating

Filed Jan 15, 2026 · Engine · NJ

Vehicle: 2014 Honda Odyssey, VIN [XXX] , approximately 88,000 miles. In October 2025, the vehicle developed a strong burning-like odor from the HVAC vents, the temperature gauge rose, and an “Engine Hot” warning message appeared. At the same time, engine performance deteriorated and the engine began misfiring. Due to the overheating warning and drivability issues, I stopped using the vehicle and brought it to Pit Stop Auto Center (203 Clinton Place, Long Branch, NJ 07740) for inspection. Component/system that failed or malfunctioned: The engine head gasket failed (engine/cooling system). The failure resulted in internal oil-to-coolant cross-contamination, with a milky/frothy oil–coolant mixture visible in the coolant reservoir and additional visible oil contamination when removing the coolant cap. The mechanic also stated in a message dated October 29, 2025 that after removing the water pump, they discovered that engine oil was mixed with coolant inside the cooling system. How safety was put at risk: The head gasket failure caused an engine overheating condition (“Engine Hot” warning) and misfiring/reduced performance, creating a risk of loss of power and breakdown while driving. The burning odor from the vents also raised safety concerns. I brought the vehicle in to prevent further damage and unsafe operation. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center: The problem was confirmed by an independent service center (Pit Stop Auto Center) based on inspection and documented evidence of oil mixed with coolant. Has the vehicle/component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance, or others: by DCH Kay Honda/Pit Stop Auto Center Warning lamps/messages/symptoms prior to failure: Burning odor from vents, elevated temperature gauge, and “Engine Hot” warning message, with noticeable engine performance deterioration and misfiring beginning in October 2025. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 13, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · FL

I’m experiencing several issues with my 2014 Honda Odyssey: -The radiator fan often stays on after the car is turned off. -I have to press the shut down button 3 times before the car completely shuts off, which is concerning. -After driving for only 20 minutes , the engine temperature spikes to the max which is limiting my ability to get places safely. -The sliding doors only work when the car is off and sometimes even then it won’t open after trying 3/5 times. These issues are ongoing never stops, The overheating and fan behavior feel unsafe so we just use the car for very short drives(5mins max). I’m worried about potential engine damage or failure while driving. The sliding doors also pose a safety concern, especially with kids.

Filed May 2, 2017 · Brakes · 36,000 miles · CA

While traveling home from a family trip to our local mountains, the steering wheel began to violently shutter while applying the brakes. The elevation change from big bear, california to the bottom of the hill in highland, california is approximately 5400 feet. I was not "riding" the brakes nor was I speeding. I only applied them to appropriately slow the vehicle in curves. I was concerned enough that I was not going to be able to affectively slow the vehicle, or control the vehicle, that I pulled over and inspected all four brake rotors and saw nothing visually. When resuming down the hill, the shuttering was much better for a couple of curves and then continued again. I was able to nurse the vehicle down the hill, until they were more straightaways and I needed the brakes less. The shuttering diminished upon less use/cooling. Upon researching this issue with my vehicle, I found that overheating of the brake rotors is extremely common on my honda vehicle. I also learned that honda is aware of the issue, so much so that they have redesigned the replacement rotors for my vehicle. The redesign includes rotor vents to help keep the rotors cool. I feel the design flaw of the original equipment rotors is a significant safety issue that should be addressed by honda through a recall.

Filed Aug 27, 2016 · Brakes · 27,960 miles · CT

At 20,000 miles, braking from freeway speeds started to cause shuddering and jerking of the steering wheel. We were able to live with it for a little while, but finally took it to the dealership at 27,960 miles, and were told the brake rotors were warped. The dealer resurfaced the rotors without our authorization and said they will not replace them, even though they are clearly defective (they show clear signs of heat damage). This is a common problem with this vehicle, and honda has already discontinued the old rotor, and a new rotor is available, part # 45251-tk8-a02. Yet, honda refuses to replace our defective rotors, making our vehicle dangerous and unsafe to drive. Refinishing the rotors will only temporarily fix the problem, but they will quickly overheat again, and honda obviously just hopes this happens after our warranty expires. This is a relatively new vehicle (2 years), and still under warranty. We should not have to worry about the manufacturer refusing to honor their warranty, and the safety of our braking system due to defective parts.

Filed Jan 9, 2015 · Brakes, Transmission · NJ

Bought vehicle in march 2014, only a few months later I started having vibration in the steering wheel while braking. It continued to get worse and happened each time I would come to a stop. Dealer confirmed that rotors were warped. Now in a previous complaint, I wrote about my transmission problems. I don't know if the rotors were just defective or if they became warped due to being overheated with friction as a result of the transmission not functioning properly. I just want to make other owners aware of this problem. Once the dealer replaced the rotors, the vibration stopped.

Filed Aug 17, 2014 · Brakes · 18,000 miles · MD

Was driving at about 30mph and performed a panic stop as a delivery truck in front stopped and turned suddenly. Continued down the road after the delivery truck turned in driveway. Going down the next hill of the 30mph road, the brakes failed as the driver attempted to slow the vehicle to the posted speed. Driver stood on the brake pedal but brake pedal depressed only slightly and vehicle would not slow. Driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle and coast the vehicle to a stop on a long residential driveway. Just before vehicle came to a stop a grinding noise was heard. Grinding sound become higher pitched just before noise and vehicle stopped. After stopping, driver turned off the vehicle. After about 5 minutes, the driver restarted the vehicle and brake pedal travel and braking function returned. Vehicle was towed to dealership. Current information from dealer is that no cause has been found. Only explanation is that brakes were overheated due to the panic stop. Dealer still has vehicle and says they are still investigating.