2016 Honda Odyssey: key fob or push-button start problems

Filed Aug 12, 2026 · NJ

I am writing to formally report a serious and potentially life-threatening safety issue involving my Honda Odyssey’s locking system. For several years, I have experienced an ongoing problem in which the doors of my Odyssey have unexpectedly locked while the key fob was still inside the vehicle. This has happened to me at various stores and even at my own home. On those occasions, I was fortunate that my husband was nearby and could bring the spare key fob to unlock the vehicle. I have repeatedly brought this issue to my local Honda dealership and specifically questioned the locking system. Unfortunately, the dealership has either been unable to duplicate the problem or has made changes to the locking mechanisms without resolving the issue. The vehicle now no longer under warranty, yet the problem continues. This week, however, the issue became a terrifying and extremely serious safety emergency. My one-month-old grandson was accidentally locked inside the vehicle with the key fob. We were approximately 30 minutes from home, and the outside temperature was around 90 degrees. We had no way to unlock the vehicle ourselves. We had to contact the local police, a tow company, and EMTs for assistance. My grandson was trapped inside the vehicle for approximately 10 very frightening minutes before they were able to get the doors unlocked. Thankfully, my grandson was safely removed from the vehicle, but I cannot stop thinking about how differently this situation could have ended. A child, particularly an infant, can be in extreme danger inside a hot vehicle within a very short period of time. I am extremely concerned that this locking problem has continued for years despite my repeatedly bringing it to the attention of the Honda dealership. The fact that the vehicle can unexpectedly lock with the key fob inside creates a serious safety hazard. This is no longer simply an inconvenience or a mechanical annoyance—it has now resulted in an actual emergency involving an infant

Filed Jul 7, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · PA

After the vehicle is off, and after the smart key fob is removed from the vehicle, the dashboard will flicker, the alarm sometimes goes off and the headlights turn on draining the battery and leading to me having to jump the car to get it started. This makes the car undependable as it could happen after driving somewhere and leave myself or my wife stranded. I have taken this in to the Honda dealership but they noted that it did not occur when they were servicing the vehicle and they weren't sure what the issue could be. Many times the check engine light, FCW and LDW lights will come on and then reset after the car has been driven.

Filed Jan 8, 2026 · TN

This vehicle has the ability to push a button on the keyfob and all the windows and sun roof all open completely but it dose not have the ability to turn this off or close the windows with the key fob. I have gone out several times and found all my windows open and I think a 3 year old had gotten ahold of the key fob and when I tried asking a honda dealer about this feature but i was told there's nothing that could be done about it even though it could open the windows while there's bad weather like rain or snow sleet or hail. And since there's no way to close the windows with the key fob that means you have to go out and get in to the van to close the windows. So a senior citizen could fall and hurt themselve's tryling to close the windows during a bad storm or other bad weather.

Filed Nov 12, 2019 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 101,000 miles · CA

Initially noticed starting problem where car wont start. Then got a p060a code and vsa light noticed low battery and hooked up a battery charger. I noticed a clicking sound like the starter was engaging several times and all the cabin lights were on, all on its own. I have noticed the cabin light was on before when I first came to the car and I simply thought that kids opened the door before me. Now I am suspicious that the car is running the starter and turning on the cabin light is draining the battery. This issue might occurred earlier as I had to change the battery after about 2 yrs. After the car was bought new. This car is equipped with push button start.

Filed Oct 10, 2019 · 53,000 miles · IN

Car was parked in parking lot. I unlocked side doors and placed my purse with my key fob inside and strapped one 4 year old into one car seat in passenger middle seat and then another 4 year old in driver's side middle seat carseat. I hit the door close buttons respectively. I then went to open the driver's side door to enter and the door was locked. I then tried the slider behind me and that was locked, too. I walked around all the doors of the van and all were locked. The key and the preschoolers were all in the car. I coaxed one 4 year old who could get out of his car seat to climb up front to unlock the door manually but upon me watching the door would not unlock from the inside either. Her checked the passenger door which also would not unlock. I attempted to get help in the parking lot for someone to go into the store and get help but no-one came. The 4 year old on the other side of the glass was frantic as I kept trying to open all of the doors. I finally got him to get in my purse and was trying to help him, through the glass, to unlock the phone to call 911 when the car alarm enacted and although my car door still wouldn't open the other 4 year old managed to manually disengage the lock on the driver's side sliding door to enable me to climb through and start the car. No help came and I'm just grateful they were not younger and I wasn't hotter outside. The 4 year olds were terrified. I spoke with honda service on the phone and the employee said it didn't sound electrical or mechanical and felt no need for me to bring my vehicle in.

Filed Aug 23, 2016 · Body · OH

2016 honda odyssey. Consumer writes in regards to push-button start/key lacks adequate volume to notify consumer when vehicle is still running. Vehicle needs an automatic shut-off after a certain length of time.