2018 Honda Odyssey: stuck in gear or won't shift

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

I own a 2018 Honda Odyssey EX-L (VIN [XXX]). The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power and entered limp mode, with multiple safety and driver-assistance systems shutting down at once (adaptive cruise, braking assist, lane/road departure mitigation, EPS, etc.). A Honda dealer (Allen Honda, College Station, TX) retrieved DTC P0369 and documented that the front camshaft is worn and has thrust forward, contacting the camshaft position (CMP/TDC) sensor and damaging the thrust plate. The dealer is recommending an internal engine repair costing several thousand dollars. I am very concerned because Honda has already acknowledged serious engine defects in this same J35 V6 family under Recall 23V751 (connecting rod bearing wear leading to engine damage and stall) for 2018–2019 Odyssey, yet my dealer states my VIN is “not part of the recall” and that this is a “separate issue.” In practice, I am seeing a major internal engine failure that causes sudden derate and disables multiple safety systems, but I am being told there is no recall coverage or assistance simply because my individual VIN falls outside Honda’s current recall production range. I am requesting that the federal safety agency review this incident as a potential recall exclusion problem: owners with the same engine family and serious internal failures are being denied recall coverage on a technical VIN cutoff, even though the safety consequence—loss of power and shutdown of critical safety systems while driving—is similar to the failures already recognized under Recall 23V751 and the ongoing engine defect investigation. I believe this situation may warrant expansion of existing recall coverage or a new recall campaign for currently excluded VINs like mine, and reimbursement for owners who have already paid for these repairs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 18, 2026 · Steering, Transmission · FL

I purchased a 2018 Honda Odyssey and reported during my 7-day inspection window that the transmission was acting sluggish. The Carvana-authorized inspection service (Pep Boys) claimed the transmission was fine. Over time it showed more and more signs of failure until it completely failed. On the directive of the seller (Carvana) and warranty administrator (SilverRock), the vehicle was taken to an authorized Pep Boys facility for a complete transmission replacement. Less than two days after picking up the vehicle, the replacement transmission suffered a complete failure on a public roadway. The vehicle suddenly lost all acceleration and forced itself into 'limp mode' on a highway, and loss of steering control, nearly causing a severe collision. The vehicle is inherently unsafe, and the authorized repair network has failed to provide a merchantable or safe repair, creating an immediate life-threatening hazard.

Filed Apr 8, 2026 · Transmission · WA

Car shifts out of drive and reverse to Park randomly. It also doesnt shift out of first gear on a cold start. I have to stop the vehicle, shift back into park and turn the car off then on again before it will shift out of first gear.

Filed Mar 5, 2026 · Engine · TX

Over a year ago, my vehicles engine began ticking. On 12/14/2024, while driving the vehicle, it developed a rod knock, went into a limp mode and was towed back to our house. I eventually took the vehicle to Honda in Beaumont, Tx where they did an inspection of the vehicle and verbally told me it was the crankshaft, but would not provide me any documentation stating that. According to the lady at the desk, the service tech had never seen or heard of an issue like this in these vans. I was quoted almost $10,000 to replace the engine with a salvage yard engine with almost as many miles on it. I knew prior to taking it to Honda that there was a recall that did not cover my vehicle regarding this same issue. The vehicle is still parked at my house being started occasionally to keep battery charged.

Filed Oct 8, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · IN

Recently had the fuel pump recall completed. Within days had intermittent dash emissions light come on then go away. Then a few weeks later, while driving, my odyssey put itself into N and I coasted to a stop. It would not allow me to put the car into P or anything. I had to put the emergency brake on in order to not roll forward. The van at that point would not shift into any gear. It was towed to dealership and I was given the following 2K dollar repair needs. PROBLEM. ADVISE. [Other]: TCM (TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE) AND TRANSMISSION SUB-HARNESS Needs replaced.

Filed Aug 26, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · MD

Engine has been running very rough the last 20k miles, and East Coast Honda in Surfside Beach, SC noted engine bearing wear prior to the rough engine performance during a service visit in May 2023. In June-July 2025 driving on [XXX] driving between Washington D.C. and Surfside Beach, SC, we went to pass and the engine cut RPM's drastically and went into 'limp mode' nearly causing an accident with the sudden decrease in speed. We have asked American Honda Customer Service [800‑999‑1009] to provide an engine evaluation but they have declined and have stated our VIN is not included in the rod bearing recall/TSB. We did mentioned about the further investigation for 2018 Honda Odyssey's but was advised any action we take would not be compensated since the vehicle is out of warranty by date and mileage (73,000 miles). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 16, 2025 · Acceleration, Electrical · OH

I have had four diagnostics on this vehicle and it's pointing to sensors which are inside the transmission transmission was not leaking and wasn't slipping or nothing I went to get in the vehicle after it was sitting for an hour and I put it in reverse it went right back in the park I put it in dry went right back in the park I couldn't get it out of the park and it was saying on the dash that stop driving one safe transmission problem emission system problems okay like a four diagnostics that are saying that it is sensors transmission pressure sensor A park neutral switch is bad power source failure steering angle low voltage sensor failure four different things I cannot get any help I hear a bunch of different stories some are saying the transmission not so we're saying it's not a transmission isn't slipping I drove it car was fine it won't go into drive I've been told and I researches so much that if it's happened on the road it could slam in the park the be able to roll they could crash it's a very bad safety issue there are recalls on 50,000 of this year of the Honda Odyssey I'm being told that my VIN number is not on the recall list I don't understand why not it's doing exactly what all the other 50,000 recalls are doing and I can't get help fixing mine

Filed May 23, 2025 · Transmission · 117,943 miles · TN

[XXX]: Van failed while driving on interstate / all dash / warning lights while driving on [XXX] / car inoperable while driving / Towed to Crest Honda, Nashville TN Feb 11, 2025: Crest Honda repaired airbag and replaced negative battery connector and cable (believed to be the source of the [XXX] van operations failure. Drove it home (6-7 miles) from Honda dealer. Later that evening, started van at house - all warning lights / would not go into gear. Towed to Crest Honda Feb 12. Feb 14, 2025: Crest Honda said transmission had failed, it was not the battery connector, provided a quote $7714. In March 2025, Crest HOnda replaced the transmission for total price of $7714.65 - I paid for the transmission. The transmission failed at 117K miles. The Van has a comprehensive dealer service history, including all transmissions fluid changes. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6

Filed Mar 27, 2025 · Engine · 126,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH on the highway, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle failed to accelerate above 40 MPH. There was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the engine. The contact restarted the vehicle. The engine, steering assist, and battery warning lights became illuminated. The low engine oil message was displayed. The contact checked the oil level, and the oil was sufficient. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that the long block needed to be removed and replaced. There was metal in the oil. The mechanic recommended an engine replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that previously, while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was a misfire coming from the engine. The engine had overheated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Hoehn Honda Carlsbad (5454 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92008,) and an undisclosed repair was performed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

Filed Jul 26, 2024 · Transmission · MO

While driving, the transmission will go into limp mode and will not drive over 40 mph. Comes on and off intermittently. Will not show error code. Was almost rear ended by semi trailer when happened

Filed Apr 2, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · NC

At 60 mph, the fuel injectors failed on cylinder 1/2/3 (known issue based on TSB [XXX]). The vehicle produced various error codes but did not go into limp mode. We proceeded to the nearest exit on the highway to safely pull off. The engine shortly after turned on limp mode as we neared the exit. We heard an audible ping noise and the engine power changed (could still keep the vehicle moving but shaking in the steering wheel). We were on a straight path of road so the steering wheel shaking was manageable. We had the vehicle towed to nearest Honda Dealership and they completed the TSB putting in new injectors. The fault codes cleared on cylinder 1 & 2 but not 3. They performed compression test and assessed dead cylinder requiring new engine replacement. Technician also noted that #3 injector had locked open and spark plug was soaked with fuel from flooding the engine cylinder. I escalated to Honda Corporate (case # [XXX]) and they looked into the matter believing it wasn't that severe. After 1 month, they closed the claim at the regional manager level, with no earnest money, and said we were on our own for an engine with 74k miles since it was out of 60k warranty. I towed the car to my private certified mechanic (who had done all the oil changes since purchase at 34k miles). He checked with borescope and cylinder wasn't moving while crank turning. He has diagnosed broken piston rod and looking for used engine to try and replace. Honda Asheboro quoted $6,400 for repair. We believe that #3 cylinder hydro-locked when ECU turned off injector and spark plug but couldn't closed the injector properly (known debris in fuel system) causing the piston rod to break and luckily not drop the piston into the crankcase. Car is sitting idle waiting for repair or further review. Will be taking Honda Corporate to small claims court in Stanly County, NC. Other known issues for this model/year is fuel pump and piston bearings (both also TSB's and not recalls). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORM

Filed Mar 12, 2024 · Electrical, Transmission · OR

Our Tailgate is having an issue that triggered a safety issue with my wife driving on a highway then 3 lights popped up and car entered a limp mode. transmission issue, emissions issue, tailgate issue since then car is behaving normally but the tailgate latch is opening when we start the van and not working from fob (unlock) or exterior tailgate button. I have read other owners having an issue where the tailgate control module is getting submerged by water causing the unit to short and cause these issues. A car entering limp mode on the highway poses a threat to our family and others, I hope to see a solution in the near future.