Check a VIN

Honda Odyssey grinding brakes problems

199 of the 12,943 owner complaints about the Honda Odyssey describe grinding or squealing brakes, most of them for the 2005 model year.

owner complaints
199
worst model year
2005
typical repair cost reported
$650
typical mileage
36,000
Is there a fix? There are 6 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Oct 15, 2026 · Transmission · 94,046 miles · WV

The contact owns a 2019 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving at 41 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly shifted into Neutral (N) and failed to shift into any other gear. The vehicle was pulled over to the shoulder of the road, where it required to be restarted before shifting into Park (P). The contact also stated that on multiple occasions while driving uphill and downhill, the transmission attempted to shift into Park (P), and a grinding sound was heard coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but no diagnostic trouble code was found. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by telephone, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 94,046.

Filed Sep 23, 2026 · Engine · KY

I am reporting a severe engine issue on my 2019 Honda Odyssey that matches the exact failure profile of the federal safety agency Recall 23V‑751 and the ongoing investigation PE25008 / RQ24-013. While driving, the vehicle randomly began experiencing a loud, progressive metallic knocking and ticking noise from the engine, sometimes it was a squeal, the engine stalled while in motion and wouldn't drive anymore. This presents a severe safety hazard, as an unexpected engine stall or failure while driving increases the risk of a crash. My VIN currently shows as "excluded" from Recall 23V‑751. However, given that this vehicle has the exact same 3.5L V6 engine and is exhibiting the textbook symptoms of premature connecting rod bearing wear and crankshaft-related failure, I request that the federal safety agency review this case to expand the recall parameters to include my vehicle batch.

Filed Aug 3, 2026 · Brakes · OH

The brakes on the 2025 Honda Odyssey has a defect. The safety issue is with the brakes making a loud high pitched squealing noise can be a warning something is not safe or working correctly. Yes the problem has been reproduced and recorded on video for the dealership. They said it is from wear and tear but the brakes have more than 7mm left of life. The dealership says it’s normal for the brakes to squeal. It’s became a safety issue because I can not decipher if or when my brakes are or will become unsafe. The Honda mechanic even mentioned that my new cars brakes should not be making that noise. The brakes have been squealing since before 10,000 miles and squeal when I’m going lower speeds.

Filed Jul 8, 2026 · Suspension · 44,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2022 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving over bumps, the vehicle made an abnormal, increasingly loud squeaking sound. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the failure was identified as a defective driver’s side rear coil spring that required replacement; however, the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the dealer's possession. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

Filed Apr 15, 2026 · Electrical · NY

Multiple times since purchasing the vehicle, the engine fails to restart after the automatic idle stop feature engages at red lights or stop signs. When I release the brake to resume driving, the vehicle attempts to restart but makes a struggling or grinding noise and then stalls completely, similar to a dead battery. The vehicle becomes unresponsive and does not restart immediately. I am forced to turn the car off and attempt to restart it multiple times, often waiting several minutes before the engine turns back on. This has occurred in traffic, creating a safety hazard due to vehicles behind me and my inability to move the car. The issue appears to be related to the automatic idle stop/start system and may involve the starter or battery failing to properly restart the engine.

Filed Jan 22, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

Life-Threatening Acceleration Lag: The vehicle is experiencing severe power loss during critical driving moments, for example, while entering intersections or attempting to re-accelerate into moving traffic. When I attempt to speed up, the engine fails to respond initially, leaving the vehicle stranded in the path of cross-traffic. The engine finally engages only because I am forced to floor the accelerator pedal out of necessity, which then causes the tires to squeal when power eventually returns. Intermittent Starting Issues: The vehicle frequently fails to start smoothly on the first attempt; a known symptom associated with the fuel pump impeller deformation described in Recall 23V‑858. VCM Shudder and Hesitation: I am experiencing the distinct vibration and rhythmic shudder associated with the Variable Cylinder Management system. This symptom is most prominent during deceleration or coasting; specifically, when I lift my foot off the accelerator without applying the brakes, the system triggers a noticeable shudder as it incorrectly manages cylinder engagement/deactivation. Suspected Catalytic Failure (Codes P0420/P0430): Both catalytic converters are exhibiting inefficiency codes simultaneously, which are highly atypical and occur well before the expected component lifespan. This clearly points to upstream defects. Specifically, the catalytic substrate has been poisoned by carbon and phosphorus deposits from the documented oil-burning defect and has suffered thermal damage due to the improper fuel mixtures caused by the defective high-pressure fuel pump (Recall 23V‑858).

Filed Jan 13, 2026 · Transmission · SC

The vehicle experienced a sudden internal transmission failure (power train). While driving, the vehicle began making grinding noises during acceleration and lost propulsion. The vehicle then displayed multiple warning indicators, including a transmission warning and a blinking electric parking brake indicator. After stopping, the vehicle would not engage Drive and became inoperable, requiring towing. The transmission remains available for inspection at the dealership. This failure created a safety risk due to loss of propulsion and inability to move the vehicle under its own power, including the risk of being stranded in traffic or unable to safely clear a roadway. The problem was confirmed by an authorized Honda dealership, which diagnosed an internal transmission failure and recommended full transmission replacement. No prior transmission repairs had been performed by outside shops. The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Honda dealership. The manufacturer has not physically inspected the vehicle beyond dealership diagnosis. Warning symptoms included intermittent grinding during acceleration and loss of power shortly before complete failure. Warning messages and indicators appeared at the time of failure.

Filed Nov 16, 2025 · Engine · TX

This vehicle is horrible and should be bought back by Honda. They knowingly put this bad engine in the 2018-2019 year models for the Odyssey. The transmission grinds. The read door opens. The engine shuts off while driving at high rates of speed. You then have to pull to the side of the road and turn the ignition off, open the door, and restart the vehicle. I have complained to Honda for a buy back and they flat out said NO! Please help.

Filed Sep 9, 2025 · Fuel system · LA

The vehicle would not accelerate while merging onto Interstate and it made a grinding sound. It hesitated for about 5 seconds and was able to finally pick up speed and merge. It is very scary when my vehicle does this.

Filed Aug 21, 2025 · Engine · 71,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2023 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact stated that the check engine and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. There was an abnormal metallic grinding sound coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that a tow truck was called, but the driver was unable to restart the vehicle to shift into neutral(N). A tow truck with a dolly was called, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact wanted a second opinion and had the vehicle towed to another dealer, who also determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

Related recalls

Service brakes, air: antilock: wheel speed sensorReported March 20, 2019 · 404 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Braun Corporation (Braun) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Honda Odyessy vehicles modified to be equipped with an in-floor wheelchair ramp conversion. The rear wheel speed sensor harnesses may have been routed to the incorrect rear wheels, resulting in the possibility that the anti-lock brake system will not recognize each rear wheel speed properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake System" and 404, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Risk
If the rear wheel speeds cannot be correctly monitored, the anti-lock brake system may not engage properly to prevent the wheels from locking up, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy
Braun has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the rear wheel speed sensor harnesses, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 4, 2019. Owners may contact Braun customer service at 1‑800‑488‑0359.

Recall number 19V213000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliperReported November 1, 2018 · 64,785 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Acura MDX, 2017-2018 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda HR-V and Honda Odyssey, and 2016 Honda HR-V vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating, causing gas pockets to form, reducing brake performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Risk
A reduction of braking performance increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Owners will be notified, and Honda or Acura dealers will bleed the brakes, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are C31 and L30.

Recall number 18V777000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinderReported October 22, 2010 · 471,820 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 odyssey and acura rl vehicles. Brake fluid containing polymers is used that acts as a lubricant for certain brake system components. If replacement brake fluid is used that does not contain such polymers, or that contains only small amounts, a part of the rubber seal located at the rear of the brake master cylinder may become dry, and the seal may curl during movement of the piston. If this occurs, a small amount of brake fluid could slowly leak from the seal into the brake booster.
Risk
A leak of brake fluid could lead to a change in brake pedal feel and overtime a degradation in braking performance increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder seal free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during december 2010. Owners may contact honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009.

Recall number 10V504000 · Recall details

Service brakes, airReported March 16, 2010 · 412,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda has notified the federal safety agency of a defect in certain model year 2007 and 2008 odyssey and element passenger vehicles manufactured between july 28, 2006 and august 21, 2008. Air can enter the vsa modular pump during an initial self-check process that occurs shortly after each time the engine is started. It is possible for enough air to enter the system to result in a brake pedal that feels soft or lower to the floor.
Risk
If the owner does not have any brake service or maintenance performed over a period of months or years, the system can continue to accumulate enough air to affect braking performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Honda will notify owner and honda dealers will repair the vsa modulator by removing any existing air in the brake system then apply sealant and caps to prevent air from entering the brake system free of charge. The safety recall began on may 3, 2010. Owners may contact honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009.

Recall number 10V098000 · Recall details

Parking brake: driveline: hydraulic: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported February 18, 2009 · 421 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda is recalling 421 my 2009 odyssey vehicles. During assembly, incorrect front brake hoses were installed. The brake hose can contact the caliper bolt and over time a hole may develop which will allow brake fluid to leak. This would eventually result in reduced brake system performance.
Risk
Drivers would not be aware of brake system failure and braking capability would not be possible, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect both front brake hoses and replace with the correct brake hoses free of charge. The recall began on february 12, 2009. Owners may contact honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009.

Recall number 09V057000 · Recall details

Service brakes, air: antilock: wheel speed sensorReported November 15, 2004 · 2,247 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain minivans, the anti-lock brake system (ABS) uses a sensor on each wheel to detect wheel speed. Some sensors on the rear wheels were installed incorrectly, which means the sensor may report the wrong wheel speed to the ABS control unit.
Risk
The driver could experience a loss of brake force and a crash could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the rear wheel speed sensors. If an incorrect gap is detected, the sensor will be removed and the knuckle checked for cross threading damage. If damage is found, the knuckle will be replaced. If no damage is found, the sensor will be reinstalled correctly. The recall began on november 12, 2004. Owners should contact honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009.

Recall number 04V536000 · Recall details

Questions about the Honda Odyssey grinding brakes

Which Honda Odyssey years have grinding or squealing brakes problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2005 (41 complaints), 2006 (24 complaints) and 2007 (22 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix grinding or squealing brakes on the Honda Odyssey?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $650 (median of 11 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used Honda Odyssey?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history