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2019 Honda Odyssey: won't start

14 of the 1,005 complaints about the 2019 Honda Odyssey describe won't start.

owner complaints
14
of this car's complaints
1%
recalls
2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls and 27 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Won't start by model year

What owners say

Filed Jul 10, 2026 · Electrical · VA

The starting and idle systems are faulty. The van will not start up again after parking. There is no pattern and no cause we have found. Sometimes it happens 3-4 times in a week and other times it happens once in a month. Sometimes after stopping at a stop light or stop sign, the van will not respond to the gas pedal and will simply idle into an intersection which has almost caused several accidents. We have not had it inspected at a dealership because we cannot afford it. There have not been any warning lights or symptoms prior to these failures.

Filed Jul 4, 2026 · Engine · TX

My 2019 Honda Odyssey stalled at a red light, then had an extended crank/no-start. It later hesitated and almost stalled while driving around 40 mph, and stalled again when I got home. The dash showed Emissions System Problem along with VSA, EPS, Brake System, Brake Hold, Hill Start Assist, and Road Departure warnings. Please check open recalls, especially the fuel pump recall, scan all stored and pending codes, test battery and alternator, and check fuel pressure and fuel pressure leak-down.

Filed Aug 10, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · WA

While accelerating from a complete stop at a red light, immediately after refueling, the vehicle suddenly lost all propulsion power and forced itself into Neutral without any driver input. The dashboard lit up with numerous system warnings at once, including: •Emissions System Problem •Brake System Problem •ABS Problem •Brake Hold System Problem •Electric Parking Brake Problem •Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) Problem The engine won't start, leaving me stranded in the middle of an active intersection. I attempted to restart the vehicle multiple times with no success. Police responded to the scene, confirmed the vehicle could not be driven, and a tow truck transported it to a nearby Honda dealership. The tow truck driver suspected an alternator failure, but the dealer’s inspection the next day could not reproduce the issue. They reported that the alternator and battery “tested fine” and that no trouble codes were stored in the ECU. No repairs were performed, and no cause was identified. Safety Concern: This incident created an immediate traffic hazard. The vehicle’s sudden loss of propulsion in traffic, combined with the inability to restart, could easily have caused a collision. Multiple critical systems were reported as failed simultaneously, indicating a possible electrical, fuel system, or control module failure. I am aware of similar complaints from other 2018–2019 Honda Odyssey owners in which sudden power loss occurred, often accompanied by numerous system fault messages. Many reports link these events to fuel pump failures, loose battery/ground connections, or transmission control malfunctions. This suggests a broader pattern of intermittent safety-related defects. Requested Action: Please investigate this incident and similar cases for potential design or component defects.

Filed Jul 3, 2025 · Engine · IL

Car shut down for idle stop when I let foot off break the car did not start back up. Car died and I needed to restart car.

Filed Jul 2, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · CA

Upon coming to a complete stop on the freeway, the idle engine feature stopped the engine. Upon letting go of the gas, the engine wouldn't restart and the electrical systems in the car malfunctioned showing a restart of the car would be needed. After trying to restart the car, the engine wouldn't turn over. After pushing the off button and starting the car again, it finally restarted. This created a hazardous situation as there was the potential for the car behind us to rear end us since we were at a complete stop on the freeway. After the software update, this happened again at a right turn on a local street.

Filed May 7, 2025 · Electrical, Transmission · MN

Shortly after owning we started noticing sporadic jerks between 24-29 mph that felt like a hard up shift. We immediately brought to our local Honda dealership where they performed a software update. We were told that the vehicle struggles to shift while under load. Recently our van was making a whining noise and seemed hard/delay to accelerate in drive as well as reverse. Almost felt like I was in neutral, but was not. NO warning lights were on, but something was not right so I went home. The next day it would not start and lit up every warning light. We had it towed to the dealership and was told battery was shot so they replaced. On way home it was still hard to accelerate so we brought it right back to the dealership and have been told a new transmission is needed. We have had all maintenance done at dealership prior to this. In fact, the vehicle was just in 3 weeks ago for an oil change and everything looked great. These issues have occurred without any warning lights or diagnostic alerts, making them unpredictable and dangerous. A transmission should not fail without any particular warning to the driver. It seems these transmissions have had a defect from the date of manufacturer that cause malfunctions, premature failing, costly repairs, and most important major safety concerns. Honda needs to be held accountable.

Filed Oct 26, 2024 · Acceleration, Electrical · NY

My family and I had just gotten on the parkway and the car wouldn't downshift. I noticed the "Drive" light kept blinking and then the dashboard lit up with so many different warning messages. "Emmissions system problem" was the message that stayed on. All of a sudden the car started shifting on its own into neutral, while we were on the parkway. Thank goodness there was an exit approaching and we were able to get off before we were injured in an accident. I have been having battery issues ever since I got this car. Even when it was brand new, sometimes it just wouldn't start. If I wait a little bit, eventually it starts, but I have already had to replace a battery at 30,000 miles because of this. It has been happening again, but when I bring it to Honda and my mechanic, the battery is normal. After doing research, it appears there was a recall on the 2019 Honda Odyssey with an issue relating to the battery connection that causes that transmission to reboot while driving and shift on its own. Honda claims my car was not part of this recall, but this is exactly what happened to me, and I have a 2019 Odyssey. They have had my car for three weeks now and can't find answers to fix the problem. When I first brought the car in, they said the technician was finding "A LOT of stuff." Fast forward two weeks, and they called to say it's not happening anymore so they are ruling it an "intermittent issue" and to come get the car (not fixed). I told them I do not feel safe with my children in that car. I need answers. I contacted Honda Corporate who said that Honda told them the transmission fluid was the reason, and to start with that and see if it happens again. I asked them about that recall and they said "well your car doesn't come up with it." Is it just a coincidence that the same thing has been happening to my car? I asked if they were able to find out why the car doesn't start "intermittently" and they said, "no, it hasn't happened while here."

Filed Aug 31, 2024 · Fuel system · TX

While driving my car I have felt it stalling at take off or while slowing down and trying to resume speeds. I cannot fill my gas tank up fully, and now my car will not start. We researched and found that we can tap the fuel relay under the steering wheel to start the car. We’ve taken the car in to the dealership and they will not even check the fuel pump recall because they do not have the parts. They tell me my battery is bad. But when we take the battery to replace it is good. I am now without a working vehicle because the dealership will not resolve the issue of the recall.

Filed Jun 22, 2023 · Fuel system · VA

Van just randomly wouldn't start, has nothing to do with battery. I was told it was the fuel pump, saw a recall for fuel pump. Looked up to see if my vehicle was under the recall, but it said it wasn't.

Filed Sep 29, 2022 · Driver assistance, Electrical · KY

Three months into purchasing a brand new 2019 Honda Odyssey EX-L my car would not start. I was told my battery was drained/bad cell, due to the weather being too cold and all the electrical components of my vehicle. We lived in South Georgia and my van is kept in a garage. I was given a new battery at the beginning of 2019 and now in 2022 I’m told I need another AGM battery because mine is dead. I’m told by the dealership they can’t diagnose the problem exactly, but they are 75% sure this is the issue causing my van not to start, unable to be jump started, code P0600, warning lights stating emissions system problems, break system failure, anti-lock break system failure. Outside of Honda I’m told something is draining my battery, but Honda takes no responsibility and it’s out of pocket for a new $240 battery, which may or may not be the issue. Looking online at customer reviews, I’m not the only person with this issue. MANY MANY MANY Honda Odyssey owners have complained of the same issues and nothing has been done by Honda. My vehicle slammed on breaks driving down the interstate at over 70 MPH while my family was in the car. My doors stop closing if I start the car while the doors are mid-close, it will tell me to apply break while shifting to park even when the break is applied. There is an electrical issue within the Odyssey that needs to be addressed and recalled. These vehicles are too expensive to be malfunctioning and needing replacement parts after 3-4 years. I drove my Toyota to over 350,000 miles and never changed a battery.

Filed Dec 23, 2020 · Electrical · 50,000 miles · MD

The vehicle wouldn't start and a keyless start problem message appeared.

Filed Sep 26, 2019 · Electrical · 115 miles · CA

I purchased a new 2019 honda odyssey elite on 9/17/2019. I drove to work as usual, made sure all electricals (e.g., dome lights, headlights, etc.) were off, parked and alarmed my vehicle. Car remained parked while I worked. After my shift, I tried to use the remote engine start, but noticed the car didn't start. I pressed the unlock button on key fob, but no response; the car remained locked. I tried to unlock via hondalink app, which displayed that car was unlocked. I attempted to open any car door, but they remained locked. I was left stranded in 94*f heat and no nearby shade. Luckily my family weren't there or they would've also been left baking in the heat. I used the manual key to unlock the driver side door and got in. Then tried to start the car but no response at all (I.e, no lights on the hud, lcd monitors, etc.). Also tried unlocking other doors from inside; nothing worked. Called honda roadside assistance & they sent someone to help. Guy tried jump starting car, still nothing. Said he even sent "direct current" to car, but absolutely no response; no lights of any kind, no access to unlock other doors or open windows. Called honda roadside assistance again. They sent a tow truck to tow car to nearest dealership. Tow driver arrived, but couldn't tow my car as there were cars parked in front & in back of my car. There was also no way for him to put the car into neutral due to the electronic shift feature. We looked in car manual for solution. About 2 hrs later, the driver discovered he was able to start car by using key fob to press the start/stop button. I drove to dealership & told them exactly what happened. Said they would perform thorough inspection. It's been 1.5 days & they still don't know the problem. Said they couldn't replicate problem. I'm scheduled to pick up my car today but am hesitant & afraid of being stranded with my family when travelling.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanicalReported November 13, 2023 · 248,999 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.
Risk
A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 28, 2024. 2016-2017 Acura MDX owner letters were mailed November 1, 2024. 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed in mid-December 2024. Honda began mailing owner notification letters as of March 18, 2024. 2015-2016 Acura owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-December 2024, 2018 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed the end of March/early April 2024, 2019 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-May 2024, 2020 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-June 2024, and 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed January 27, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XG1 and GG0.

Recall number 23V751000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleysReported April 12, 2019 · 93,946 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Acura MDX and Honda Pilot vehicles and 2019 Acura RLX, RLX Sport Hybrid, TLX and Honda Odyssey and Ridgeline vehicles. The timing belt teeth may separate from the belt.
Risk
Teeth separation from the timing belt may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace any affected timing belt free of charge. Vehicles receiving a replacement timing belt will also have the engine inspected and any damaged components will be replaced for free. The recall began June 7, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's number for this recall is L4M. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Acura's number for this recall is Z4L.

Recall number 19V298000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2019 Honda Odyssey won't start

Is won't start a common problem on the 2019 Honda Odyssey?

14 of 1,005 owner complaints about the 2019 Honda Odyssey (1%) mention won't start. The model year with the most reports is 2025.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2019 Honda Odyssey?

There are 2 recalls and 27 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2019 Honda Odyssey

Adaptive cruise 125Lane assist 121Collision warning 119Stalling 82Headlights 68Hesitation 64Fuel pump 55Backup camera 43Check engine light 42Jerking 42Warning lights 36Loss of power 33Harsh shifting 28Knocking 25Transmission failure 24Engine failure 22Door locks 19Water leak 19Overheating 16Screen failure 15Won't shift 13Grinding brakes 11Airbag light 10Misfire 10Battery drain 9Slipping 9Sudden acceleration 9Fire or smoke 8ABS 7Coil spring 7Seat belt 6Phantom braking 5Start-stop 5Sunroof shattered 5Wipers 5

All model years of the Honda Odyssey

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