2020 Honda Odyssey transmission problems

Filed Oct 14, 2026 · Transmission · 55,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while coming to a stop, the vehicle independently shifted into Park (P). The contact stated that the check engine warning light initially illuminated before the vehicle automatically shifted into Park (P); however, the failure escalated, with the vehicle shifting into Park (P) and shutting off the engine entirely without warning light illumination. The vehicle was able to be restarted following the failure. Additionally, the collision warning light illuminated on the instrument panel, with no vehicles nearby. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The failure mileage was 55,000.

Filed Aug 1, 2026 · Transmission · MD

At roughly 5,000 miles, this 2020 Honda Odyssey was brought into an authorized Honda dealership due to transmission concerns. The dealership service department improperly evaluated the 10 speed transmission, and diagnosed a 9 speed transmission system, assured me that what I was feeling was completely normal, and instructed me to only bring the vehicle back if the issue got worse. At approximately 60,000 miles, after experiencing a transmission slip, I immediately took the vehicle to an ASE Blue Seal Certified shop for a complete transmission service to ensure proper maintenance was performed by qualified technicians. At approximately 80,000 miles, while driving on a highway during a family trip, the transmission suffered a sudden, catastrophic failure, resulting in a total loss of motive power at speed. Losing all propulsion on a high-speed highway created a severe safety hazard for my family and surrounding traffic. The complete mechanical failure was subsequently confirmed by a service center, and the failed transmission assembly remains available for inspection upon request. Initial symptoms were presented directly to an authorized Honda dealer in Annapolis MD while under factory warranty and the vehicle was properly maintained by certified technicians thereafter, but the underlying defect went unaddressed until complete failure occurred on the road.

Filed Jul 16, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · FL

The vehicle is a 2020 Honda Odyssey. A recurring and dangerous safety failure occurs involving the Auto Idle-Stop system. With the system enabled and the vehicle at a complete stop, the engine shuts off as designed. However, upon depressing the brake pedal to resume driving, the engine severely struggles to restart and completely fails. Simultaneously, the vehicle immediately and automatically shifts itself into PARK, and the entire dashboard display illuminates with all available warning icons and messages. This malfunction creates an immediate, high-risk safety hazard. When the incident occurs, I am trapped, locked in PARK, in live traffic lanes, sometimes at busy intersections or during left-hand turns. It is impossible to shift back into drive or quickly restart the engine. I am forced to remain stationary in traffic for multiple minutes until the system allows me to cycle the ignition completely OFF and then back ON to attempt a full restart and shift back into Drive. This leaves my vehicle, my passengers, and other drivers vulnerable to rear-end collisions.

Filed Jun 26, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · MD

The automatic engine shut off at stop doesn't always restart engine when moving again. This has happened several times where the engine doesn't restart after the engine shut off is engaged. This is the same issue as reported in the federal safety agency Action Number: EA25004

Filed Apr 10, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · TX

After being on idle on a stop light, when releasing the brake to go, warning on dash says "Collision Mitigation Warning" when nothing hit the car and I'm there's enough distance with the car in front and behind. The severity has increased now, after being idle, when releasing the brake, it now completely shuts off, dash says "Shift to Park", and can't go, unless I push the ignition button. Took it 3x for the same errors on dash, Honda said the 1st time it was low battery, battery was running on low juice and didnt have power to come back from idle, they changed the battery. Now they say they need to replace the starter after few thou$and$. I see online this happening to others too. I fear the car behind me, may rear end me, because I can't go, green light is on, but I can't move as I'm re-starting the vehicle after being on idle. Honda says my VIN is not part of the bad batch. It's happening more frequently and Honda said they were able to replicate.

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 Oct 15, 2025 · Transmission · GA

At 67,000 miles the transmission was lurching when shifting in 4th gear. Took it to Honda dealership who found code p0736 stored in TCM. Transmission fluid flushed January 2024 by same dealer. No warning lights ever appeared. Body shop said this requires a new transmission at $10k+

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 Dec 16, 2024 · Transmission · NY

While driving on highway, 3 hours away from home, all of a sudden van slowed down and jerking and shaking with loud grinding movement sound from the van started. No warning sign displayed on the dashboard display screen and no warning alert either. Luckily got out of the exit and parked the van. Van was not going beyond first gear and jerking and shaking and making loud grinding sound. Van was not drivable safely. Towed to the local Honda dealership which was 30 miles away. Dealership checked the Van and diagnosed that the 10 speed Automatic transmission has failed and need a new transmission now. There is no warning sign or error on the dashboard display and any warning alert even after this incident happened. I am very disappointed that such an expensive van has no good warning sing or alert system for transmission failure, even though vehicle has computer to monitor every small thing but no good warning system for most expensive automatic Transmission system. This is total lack of care and failure on the part of manufacturer Honda, which did not put some good warning system on these defective automatic transmissions. These sudden failures can cause catastrophic accidents on the highways and roads. This sudden failure of transmission should have been a recall for defective manufacturing of 10 speed automatic transmission in Honda Odyssey van.

Filed Jan 16, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · MD

 I have a concerning noise from my car's engine that I’ve already brought in for diagnosis. Knocking/ticking/rattling noise on stand-still acceleration at relatively low speeds/under light load. Does not duplicate when revving in park, only under light load. Sound present with HVAC on or off. Does not make noise when cold or after long trips. Honda seems to be aware of this issue and has remedied it through work involving the crankshaft bearings and possibly other components as it relates to their service bulletin 23-097. The problem is that my vehicle falls outside of the stated range of production years as mine is a 2020 model year, but the likelihood seems quite high that the engine in my vehicle is suffering from this exact problem. The service department refuses to help me and the corporate line I've contacted through email me simply refers me to the service department. I just spent $38,000 on this vehicle with 30,000 miles and I have no other recourse at this point to remedy this.