2020 Honda Odyssey: won't start

Filed Jun 23, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · TX

The auto Start/Stop feature doesn't work as needed. It will randomly lurch, turn the car off make me put it in park and then have me restart it. Sometimes the car does not start right away and I am stuck on the road until it decided when and if it will restart. Myself and my family of 5 are not stuck in the road scared of getting smashed into by other drivers unaware that we are stopped or anticipating for us not to be stopped in the middle of the road. I really dont want my family to go to the hospital or die because of this nonsense. Sometimes it doesn't fully shut off but will give error warnings like collision mitigation assistance even though there is nothing for it to mitigate. There are no cars around me and it shouldn't have done this. This has been happening for some time and only happens haphazardly meaning I can't always have the dealer identify or diagnose the issue. Then when I brought it to the dealer, they told me it was because of a power liftgate module error. Which was not true and didn't solve the issue.

Filed Jun 13, 2026 · Electrical · CA

the federal safety agency Complaint Narrative – 2020 Honda Odyssey VIN: [XXX] Beginning in 2021, the vehicle experienced repeated starter and idle stop system failures, including: •delayed starting •failure to restart after idle stop •multiple warning lights •intermittent no start conditions •repeated battery failures The earliest documented complaint (Culver City Honda, March 25, 2021) states: “When using the auto start/stop feature the vehicle will have multiple warning lights. Sometimes will struggle to turn back on.” These symptoms continued for several years despite multiple dealer visits, battery replacements, electrical diagnostics, and software updates. In late 2025, the starter failed completely and required replacement at a cost of $1,890.25. The failure of the idle stop restart system poses a safety risk, as the vehicle may fail to restart in traffic after stopping at an intersection. Honda has refused to provide any written response regarding the issue. I am submitting this complaint so the federal safety agency is aware of the repeated failures and the potential safety implications. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 27, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · TX

Our Odyssey is equipped with idle stop. Sometimes when idle stop engages, the engine won't start again afterwards. We need to turn the car off completely, and then try again. Usually it turns on after doing so. We try to always turn off the idle stop when we start up the vehicle, but sometimes forget. This hasn't led to an accident yet, but has led to some angry vehicles when we can't move when a traffic light turns green. To be clear, this was not an isolated incident, but happens somewhat regularly if idle stop isn't turned off. Honda dealers have told us they don't have any fix, and have recommended that we could purchase a third party "idlestopper".

Filed Sep 13, 2025 · Electrical · TN

On 9/11/25 and 9/12/25. Vehicle would not start. Engine would not turnover and no power to display or lights. After 15 minutes, each occurrence car would start with my diehard jump starter. Battery replaced 3 weeks prior and also checked on 9/11/25 . Battery should 600 cold crank amps and alternator was good. Then on 9/13/25, I was at a red light and proceeded when light turn green and shut off. Was same results afterwards wait 15 minutes and jump started.

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 May 6, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · NJ

Subject: Urgent Vehicle Safety Concern – Sudden Malfunction and Safety Risk On [XXX], at approximately [XXX, I experienced a traumatic incident when my vehicle unexpectedly malfunctioned while I was driving home. After making a left turn on a green signal from [XXX] toward the Community, the car suddenly stalled. By God's grace, I managed to cross Woodbridge Avenue before stopping, avoiding a major traffic obstruction. However, it came to a complete stop in the middle of the street, creating a hazardous situation. After a brief pause, the car moved approximately 10 yards before stopping again, becoming completely immobile in the middle of a public road. Attempts to jump-start the battery failed. All warning lights turned on, but the engine would not start. The vehicle could not be restarted or moved under its own power. 911 was called, and police responded promptly to the scene. With the assistance of my wife, police officers, and local neighbors, a tow company was called to remove the vehicle from the roadway. It was then towed and parked in a nearby lot. This incident was highly traumatic and posed a serious threat to my safety, my family's safety, and the safety of the public. Diagnostics and expert assessments indicate the issue may be related to a manufacturer defect, which is deeply concerning given that this is a new vehicle. At this time, the vehicle is no longer drivable. I am seeking urgent assistance to resolve this matter with the manufacturer and to ensure that other consumers are not exposed to similar risks. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 2, 2024 · Fuel system · TX

9/29/23 Vehicle left my wife stranded on in parking lot would not start. Had vehicle towed to garage. Garage had to replace the fuel pump as the impellers were no longer working. Vehicle would not turn over acted like bad gas, shop put in fresh gas still would not start. Found failed fuel pump. 1/04/24 Called Honda 888‑234‑2138, rf teh 12/23/2023 recall on additional 2.8 mil units including my odyssey. spoke to angel at Honda, he told me my unit was the only one out of millions of units not affected by this recall, even though my wife was left stranded in a parking lot. I have the invoice but your system will not allow me to upload anything. [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 5, 2023 · CT

Occasionaly car will not start of up after Idle Stop engages. Collision warning flashes then leaves us stranded in intersection. Very Danagerous.

Filed May 15, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · CA

Car was stopped in traffic and has a feature that shuts off the engine when stopped (in Drive but with brakes pressed). When trying to proceed forward car shuts down with numerous errors and does not start back up for 5 minutes. Cars are honking and having to drive around us. Eventually was able to get the car running and moved to a safe area. Errors car displayed included: blind spot info system problem and transmission problem

Filed Mar 27, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · TX

Auto engine idle shut off issue and yes it is available for inspection. Upon exiting stop/start events(auto shut off at stop signs/lights/parking lots), engine does not restart. instead, it shifts into park, lights up all instruments on display panel, and requires a manual restart. vehicle is dead until restarted, posing a hazard to occupants/oncoming traffic. This has happened to me 3 times over the last two weeks. Didn't document date of 1st incident. 2nd incident was 3/22/23. 3rd incident was 3/25/2023. Immediately taken to dealer service center for repair. Dealer told us they couldn’t replicate the issue, that there are no codes, and no service advisories. We were told there was nothing they could do and to just turn off the feature when driving. The only one to inspect the vehicle was the dealer service center. No warning at all. Car just doesn't start and driver is left sitting and helpless in active traffic until the car can be restarted.

Filed Mar 29, 2020 · Electrical · 2,100 miles · MI

Had electrical issues with the odyssey shortly after crossing 2k miles. The vehicle does not start reliably. Called honda roadside assistance multiple times to jump start the vehicle. Brought the vehicle into the dealership to preform the federal safety agency recall number:20v‑066 on friday march 27th and have them inspect the issue starting the vehicle. The battery was charged by the dealership and on saturday march 28th the vehicle continued to not start. When roadside assistance showed up on saturday, the battery was checked and it was not an issue.the vehicle will be brought back to the dealership on monday.