2020 Honda Odyssey: sudden loss of power

Filed Oct 8, 2026 · Electrical · SC

While sitting at light, Idle stop engaged and engine stopped - then car lost all power. I was boxed in in heavy traffic and could not move. The car could not be shifted to neutral when I tried to consider how I could get off the road. After a minute or so power suddenly returned to the vehicle and I was able to proceed. The next day, lucklily at a less busy intersection the same issue occurred (again with Idle Stop engaged). After these events I scheduled to take to dealership. Over the next several days I made sure Idle stop was not engaged and had no further issues. Took to Honda dealership and they determined started needed to be replaced. This repair was completed at my expense.

Filed Jul 9, 2026 · Engine · TX

Multiple times the engine has totally shut down due to the auto idle stop system power loss. I have had the battery replaced a couple times and had the Honda dealership do the software update and I'm still having issues. This is a major safety issue as the car unexpectedly shuts down and takes a minute or so to get started again causing traffice backups.

Filed Jan 22, 2026 · Driver assistance · TN

Went to pull into parking lot, ADAS system starting going crazy. Throws transmission malfunction error. Headlights won’t work - they turn on and off or go extremely dim. Van keeps jerking and losing power. Code reader showed U3000-49 electronic failure. Van drove normal, no issues until this code popped up. Issue started 01/08/2026.

Filed Jan 6, 2026 · Acceleration, Electrical · TX

Upon starting the vehicle, it failed to engage in reverse. Although the backup camera activated, the vehicle remained stationary. After multiple ignition cycles, the vehicle eventually engaged in reverse and then moved forward in Drive. However, shortly after, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power and entered "limp mode," restricting speed to approximately 15–20 mph regardless of throttle input. The engine revved excessively high without corresponding acceleration, and a severe burning/heat smell emanated from the transmission/engine compartment. This failure occurred without any prior warning; notably, no dashboard warning lights or "Check Engine" indicators illuminated to alert the driver of a mechanical or electronic fault. The sudden, un-signaled drop in speed on a public roadway created a significant safety hazard for following traffic and risked a rear-end collision. The vehicle was towed to a certified Honda dealership where the Transmission Control Module (TCM) was diagnosed as failed. The TCM is currently being replaced under the Honda Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) warranty. We do not know what else requires replacement and repairs. The dealership will not cover the replacement of the transmission fluid, or engine fluid, despite the fluid being subjected to extreme heat and potential damage during the failure and subsequent limp mode.

Filed Aug 12, 2025 · Engine · CA

Engine recently began making noise and the car was taken into Honda. The dealer checked engine components to find the cause and recommended that we remove oil pan to inspect the issue because they assumed it might be engine bearing related. Before we could schedule the service I was driving with my family on the highway when we heard a loud noise and complete loss of power. I was able to move over avoiding other cars to reach the shoulder and come to a stop. The car would not start or go into any gear. Car was towed to shop. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The car has not been inspected yet. Currently at shop being evaluated. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Engine was making noise at the dealership when it went for service. There was no concern made by dealer stating car was unsafe to drive. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Was inspected before the car broke down, but currently being evaluated by local shop. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There was an unknown noise coming from the engine, and dealer stated they needed to remove oil pan to diagnose the noise but stated it could be bearing related. The dealership did not say the car was unsafe or should not be driven. Before we could look into the issue more the car broke down on the highway.

Filed Jul 31, 2025 · Electrical, Lights · CA

The auto idle start/stop feature failed to recognize a bad battery and shut the car off while I was stopped in the left turn lane. The vehicle failed to start and lost all power, including hazard lights and brake lights. I had no way of indicating to other drivers behind me that the vehicle was disabled other than getting out of the vehicle and waving them around me. This happened while I was taking my son to school and could have resulted in us getting in an accident or causing another accident. Honda was not able to identify root cause and replaced the battery. I do not trust this vehicle as reliable or safe any longer.

Filed Jul 3, 2025 · Electrical, Fuel system · NY

My Vehicle was at the dealer for service in March of 2025. At that time they performed RECALL 23-008 although the vehicle did not have issues with the idle stop system. Since some time in June, at multiple occasions, the vehicle shifted to Park on its own when restarting from idle stop. Last night, the vehicle fully shut off and lost all electrical power when restarting from idle stop leaving me stranded in the dark at a busy intersection without the ability to turn on my hazard lights. The vehicle repowered after a few minutes. When the system restarted, the info-tainment system activated the anti theft software which happens during full power loss.

Filed Jan 29, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · TX

It happened twice this month already. Once while driving, the car lost power (as if engine was never turned on), and the gear changed to N so I tried to slow down, then the power came back on, and then I was able to shift to D and continue my trip. Second one happened this morning. It was on auto-shutting idle position and when I put my foot on the accelerator, it completely lost power again (I recently changed the battery and tested in the afternoon and all working properly).

Filed Oct 28, 2024 · Engine · LA

I was driving with cruise control on and a car pulled in front of me and hit the brakes. My car reacted by hitting the brakes hard and the engine tried to recover but hiccupped and lost power and engine light flashed at me. I pulled over and when I started the car again there was a rattle that would get faster if i pressed the throttle. I was able to get back on the road and the throttle rattle was still there and now it started saying engine oil low. I pulled over, checked dipstick and it was fine. Engine oil low light continued to flash, so I went to a oil change place to have them look and change the oil and they reported nothing wrong. I left and continued driving and the rattle noise was still there, engine oil low was still there. Then i heart a loud pop and griding noise, lost all power and had to pull over. This time the car was dead. I had it towed to a mechanic who said had to be an internal defect in the engine from the factory.