2019 Honda Odyssey: start-stop system problems

Filed Jun 15, 2026 · Electrical · OH

While waiting at a stoplight, the auto idle system engaged and turned off the vehicle's engine. When attempting to continue through the intersection, the vehicle failed to start again. The only way to restart the engine was to place the car in park and push the stop/start button again. This caused a safety issue because I was in the middle of traffic at an intersection, and was expected to move. Thankfully the vehicle restarted without requiring any further intervention, and as a result the vehicle was not inspected by police or insurance representatives. This exact problem was previously addressed by Honda under a recall. During that time, they performed the software update as necessary, however that obviously did not remedy the problem. After returning my vehicle to the dealer, Honda has verified that my vehicle did experience this event and now says that it will need a new starter at a significant cost to me. I am dismayed by the fact that Honda Technical Service Bulletin 23-009 addresses this exact problem, including a warranty extension for a starter replacement, and yet is not applicable to the Odyssey model. There was no warning or indication that this incident was going to occur, and until the starter can be replaced, the only advice given by Honda was to disable to auto idle system (which must be done each and every time the vehicle is turned off/on).

Filed Apr 10, 2026 · Engine · 114,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2019 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop light, the Auto START/STOP feature malfunctioned, and the engine failed to immediately restart after depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. On one occasion, the engine failed to restart, and the vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission control module failure. The contact was informed that the TCM needed to be replaced. The transmission control module was replaced, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed of the federal safety agency Action Number: EA25004 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the investigation. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.

Filed Jul 1, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · MO

Auto stop start feature caused car to stall at a traffic light. Could didn’t not restart when brake pedal was released. Car did not restart until door was opened and key was cycled several times.

Filed Mar 28, 2025 · CA

We were stopped at a red light the auto start/stop was enabled and the car stopped. The car turned off when attempting to start and I had to power down the car, open the driver door to reset the system and get the car turned back on.

Filed Feb 17, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · TX

The automatic engine start stop when at a stop while driving creates dangerous conditions. The engine stalls during the re-start and it seems to pull the voltage all the way down to where every controller is dead and restarting. Cycling ignition switch while cluster is black or restarting or throwing up bunches of fault messages as traffic is now moving and you are still stopped. Sometimes this re-boot process can take around 30 seconds (guessing, I'm freaking out during those moments so time is tough but it feels like a LONG time). I have not had an accident yet but definitely some very scary moments with wife and kids in the vehicle. This auto stop feature can be disabled but requires you hit the button with each ignition cycle and I don't always remember to do that. The Honda Odyssey currently has 80,000 miles on it, we bought it new in 2019 and this has been happening since it was new. We have had this reviewed at two different dealerships; there seems to be a dismissive attitude by the service departments. They have replaced batteries and there was a software update in early 2024 but this issue is definitely still present.