I am reporting a serious premature engine failure in my 2019 Honda Odyssey EX-L at approximately 88,000 miles. The vehicle has its original factory-installed engine and has been regularly maintained, including routine oil changes. While driving with my wife and young children, the vehicle experienced an engine stall and loss of power, creating a significant safety hazard. An unexpected loss of engine power while in traffic or at highway speeds puts the driver, passengers, and surrounding motorists at risk. Following the incident, a Honda dealership performed a diagnostic inspection and identified abnormal noise originating from the lower engine block, consistent with rod knock. Metal debris was also found in the engine oil, indicating significant internal engine damage. The dealership recommended engine block replacement, with an estimated repair cost of approximately $14,000. The vehicle was deemed unsafe to operate. Honda informed me that my VIN is not covered under the existing engine recall. However, I am aware of the federal safety agency Preliminary Evaluation PE25008, which investigates connecting rod bearing failures in certain Honda and Acura vehicles, including 2018–2020 Honda Odyssey models. Given my vehicle's model year, original engine, internal engine damage, and loss of power while driving, I believe this incident warrants investigation in connection with PE25008. I am requesting that the federal safety agency review this failure, determine whether it is related to the connecting rod bearing issues under investigation, and evaluate whether additional vehicles excluded from the existing recall may be affected by the same safety defect. I can provide dealership diagnostic findings, maintenance records, photographs, videos, and repair estimates.
Honda Odyssey loss of power problems
269 of the 12,943 owner complaints about the Honda Odyssey describe sudden loss of power, most of them for the 2018 model year.
- owner complaints
- 269
- worst model year
- 2018
- typical repair cost reported
- $3,000
- typical mileage
- 85,000
By model year
Often reported together
Check engine light 55Stalling 40Power steering loss 34Transmission failure 32Engine failure 25Misfire 22Fuel pump 22Jerking 18
Trouble codes mentioned
P0430 2P0420 2P0302 2P0301 2U3000 1P2652 1P219A 1P0848 1P0730 1P0720 1
What owners say
Incident: In Mar 2019, while driving down a highway with my family, the vehicle experienced a sudden engine malfunction while driving, characterized by a flashing Check Engine Light, severe engine shaking, and a dangerous, immediate loss of acceleration/engine power. We had to get the vehicle towed to the dealership. A diagnostic scan revealed fault code P0302, indicating a misfire in Cylinder 2. Upon mechanical inspection, the spark plug in Cylinder 2 was completely fouled and covered in engine oil. At this time, only the fouled spark plugs were replaced, and the PCM software updated. This essentially is a temporary band-aid pushing the problem further down the road. The vehicle only had around 87,481 miles, and was a little over 10 years old. The same thing happened again in Dec 2025, at around 147,979 miles. This time, we had to do an extensive and really expensive repair. The root cause was determined to be premature failure of the engine's piston rings. This is a direct result of Honda's VCM system, which shuts down cylinders during operation, creating a vacuum that forces oil past the piston rings, fouling the plugs, and causing unexpected power loss during transit. I wasn't aware of this known issue until I had to do the major repair, and have now realized that Honda is very well aware of this well known and widespread issue. Request: This mechanical failure represents a severe, documented safety hazard that puts occupants at risk of being rear-ended due to sudden deceleration on active roadways. Honda is aware of this exact VCM defect for certain model years. A manufacturing design defect that causes unexpected highway engine failure does not cease to be a safety risk or a corporate responsibility due to age. Honda should have taken proactive steps to mitigate and prevent this issue. I am requesting that Honda reimburse the cost of the engine teardown and piston ring replacement required to make the vehicle safe to operate again.
The vehicle's Auto Idle Stop (AIS) system engaged normally when coming to a complete stop at an intersection, shutting off the engine to save fuel. However, when attempting go through the intersection after the light changed to green, the engine failed to restart automatically. The vehicle completely lost power in an active lane of traffic, creating a safety hazard. The vehicle had to be shifted into park and manually restarted to clear the roadway. This failure appears directly related to the federal safety agency Engineering Analysis EA25004 regarding Honda/Acura Auto Idle Stop restart failures.
We have been experiencing issues with the car stalling while driving. Most recently, the car lost power a few feet into making an unprotected left turn leaving us stranded in the middle of an intersection in a vulnerable position for several minutes. This was deeply unsettling to have happen while making left turn maneuver. It seems to be a failure of the Auto Start/Stop function. After a few persistent trips to the dealer, they have now informed us that this is a known issue, but the parts are on backorder until January 2027. The workaround is turning off the Auto Start/Stop function, but this button does not have an indicator light, is not always confirmed on-screen, and is re-enabled by default EVERY time the car is started. It also appears that others have complained about this issue, and this deserves to be upgraded to a recall. It is unacceptable that a manufacturer would know about an issue with serious safety implications and not notice owners. This could have easily caused a crash and it is happening to others. This specific van is used to transport a disabled family member and outside aides often drive him in this car. We do not feel comfortable with a non-persistent workaround while others are driving this car while we wait for this part. - Auto Start/Stop and Drivetrain, available for inspection - Car stalls during maneuvers after stopping - Problem was reproduced multiple times. Dealer is aware. - Inspected by dealer. - No warnings, messages, or symptoms.
Vehicle Information:Year/Make/Model: 2015 Honda Odyssey EX-L VIN: [XXX] Mileage: Approximately 45, 200 miles Component / Defect: Engine Oil Leak leading to Alternator Failure (Front Spool Valve / Valve Cover Gasket Leak onto Alternator) Summary of Incident and Service History: My car overheated and would not start on several occasions over the last year and a half starting in July 2025, leaving me stranded and requiring it to be towed. My car has been in service at the dealer multiple times for approximately 2 weeks each time. Oil Leak and Alternator Hazard: The vehicle experienced engine oil leaking directly onto/into the alternator. According to communications from Honda service personnel ([XXX]), oil leaking from the front spool valve and valve cover gaskets penetrates the alternator, causing component failure. The dealership explicitly warned that failure to complete these repairs would result in repeated alternator failure. XXX Service: The vehicle was brought in for diagnostic work and repairs at Brickell Honda Performed services included diagnostic procedures, engine oil & filter replacement, radiator fan motor replacement, A/C condenser fan motor replacement, and tire rotation. Total Paid: $2,443.60 Additional Repair Estimates Provided: Valve cover gaskets & spark plug replacement: $1,901.18 plus tax Front spool valve replacement: $1,641.70 plus tax Prior Related Invoices: An earlier invoice was issued on XXX for $2,096.29 by Brickell Honda for alternator replacement and other maintenance services. Safety Risk Statement: An unaddressed oil leak dripping onto the alternator poses a serious electrical component failure hazard while operating the vehicle. Sudden loss of electrical power while driving can cause engine stalling, loss of power steering, loss of headlights/lighting, and disablement in traffic, presenting a significant risk of collision and vehicle safety hazard. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
By August 1, 2026, the check-engine light was on in my 2019 Honda Odyssey. I reported that the light was steady and the van was running normally, with no noticeable drivability problems. On August 31, 2026, at 141,126 miles, an authorized Honda dealer recorded DTC P0430, performed an air/fuel test, documented that the fuel injectors failed, and recommended replacing them. The dealer noted that failed injectors can cause P0430. The injector-specific parts-and-labor estimate is $1,849.06. No injector repair or post-repair test is documented yet. There was no crash, fire, injury, fatality, or police report. Honda Service Bulletin 21-010 provides a 10-year/150,000-mile injector warranty extension for certain 2018-2019 Odysseys. For P0430, it directs an air/fuel test and injector replacement if the test fails. Honda says this vehicle's VIN is ineligible despite the dealer's matching diagnostic pathway and offered 50% goodwill. This bulletin is a warranty extension, not a recall. I ask the federal safety agency to examine whether the eligible VIN population adequately captures 2019 Odysseys with this documented failure pattern. The attached evidence summary identifies 27 public the federal safety agency complaints that report injector or matching-code concerns together with VIN-based coverage exclusion; those are owner allegations, not confirmed failure rates. Some other owners allege hesitation, power loss, or limp mode, but I have not experienced those symptoms. I am concerned that continued injector deterioration could create a future drivability or loss-of-power risk. Please compare Honda's production, warranty, goodwill, dealer-test, and failure-analysis data for included and excluded vehicles. The dealer findings and evidence summary are attached.
Our 2025 Honda Odyssey Touring has repeatedly stalled or nearly stalled while driving. Of at least three dealer visits, the stalling issue was first formally documented on XXX, when we reported the engine shutting off twice while driving and the brake warning light activating twice. DTC 15477 ("failing starter") was recorded, and the starter was replaced. XXX, my [XXX] daughter was driving alone when the van lost power at a red light and would not respond to the accelerator once the light turned green. She was unable to shift gears or shut off the engine, and the van remained unresponsive in live traffic for several minutes before power returned on its own. A bystander helped restart the vehicle and move it to safety. I believe this defect is the subject of open the federal safety agency Engineering Analysis EA25004 (opened XXX), covering 2018–2025 Odyssey and related Honda/Acura models for Auto Idle Stop failing to restart after a stop. On XXX, the dealer confirmed the software was current, the battery was healthy, and replaced both relays, completing every step of Honda's documented repair bulletin. Hours later, on the drive home at 27,942 miles, the van stalled again at a stoplight. The dashboard instructed the driver to depress the brake and press the switch to continue driving. The driver powered the vehicle off and restarted it to regain control. Video of this incident: [XXX]. Dates of incidents: XXX – Two engine shut-off events and two brake warning light events reported; starter replaced. XXX – Daughter's incident described above. XXX – Software, battery, and relays completed per repair bulletin; vehicle stalled again the same day at 27,942 miles. Repair history: Full documented scheduled maintenance and bulletin remedy applied (starter, software, battery, relays) across three or more visits; vehicle stalled again hours after the final step was completed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I'm filing a formal safety complaint regarding my 2019 Honda Odyssey, VIN [XXX], & requesting an engineering-level review by American Honda. I've brought this vehicle to an authorized Honda dealer numerous times for recurring & increasingly serious electrical, engine/power-loss, & transmission problems. Despite thousands of dollars in repairs, the problems continue. The vehicle has unexpectedly shut off/lost power; the power sliding doors have failed & required manual opening; low-battery warnings have appeared; & the radio/infotainment system repeatedly loses power and resets. I have photographs showing the message: “Anti Theft System–This system has lost power.” More seriously, the vehicle has malfunctioned in Park, Reverse, while shifting into Drive, & while turning. Most recently, the transmission would not engage properly and the vehicle had to be shut off and restarted multiple times before it would go into Drive. Delray Honda documented this transmission failure/no-drive incident on its August 2026 repair order. In May 2026, I brought the vehicle to Delray Honda for a Check Engine Management System warning. Repairs were performed, but the warning returned within days. Delray Honda then replaced the power distribution module, costing me approximately $2,000. I've spent thousands more dollars addressing these recurring problems without resolution. I understand Honda/the federal safety agency Recall 19V‑299 involved certain 2018–2019 Odysseys and a loss of power to the Transmission Control Unit. My Odyssey appears to have been manufactured around the time of those Hondas that were covered by that recall. I'm not claiming without diagnosis that the defect is identical, but the similarity of the symptoms warrants an urgent investigation. I request that Honda open a formal safety case, review my complete service history, DTCs and TCM/PCM data, determine whether my vehicle has the same or a related defect, and review my prior repair costs for reimbursement. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT
Failed Component: Direct Fuel Injector Set. The components are currently on the vehicle and are available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: The failing fuel injectors create a severe engine air/fuel imbalance, which causes engine hesitation, engine stumbling during acceleration, and unpredictable power loss. This puts my family at high risk of a collision, particularly when merging onto highways, crossing busy intersections, or accelerating from a stop. Furthermore, dumping unburnt fuel into the exhaust risks overheating the catalytic converter, creating a potential fire hazard. Dealer Confirmation: Yes. The problem was confirmed by AutoNation Honda 365 in Memphis, TN, on [XXX] (Mileage: 83,452). Manufacturer Inspection: The vehicle was inspected by factory-trained technicians at an authorized Honda dealership. A case was opened with Honda Corporate, but they refused to cover the repair, stating my specific VIN batch was excluded from their warranty extension, despite suffering the exact same failure. Warning Lamps & Symptoms: An "Emissions System Problem" warning and the Check Engine Light illuminated on [XXX]. Incident Description & Cause: Honda is fully aware of this dangerous defect. They issued Service Bulletin 21-010, acknowledging that "debris from the high-pressure pump or the fuel injector machining process can cause internal wear or clogging" in 2018-2019 Odysseys. Following the TSB 21-010 protocol, the dealer pulled code P219A and performed a "Cylinder AF Test." My vehicle failed the test (Cylinder 3 running rich). The Honda technician’s official notes state: "Fail air fuel test need injector set internal failure." Honda extended the warranty to 10 years/150,000 miles for this known manufacturing defect, yet they are arbitrarily excluding my 2019 Odyssey, which has the exact identical internal failure documented by their own dealer. Honda's refusal to issue a full recall leaves all affected drivers at risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
- 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 pulleys
- 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
Engine
- What is wrong
- Honda is recalling certain model year 2013 Pilot 2WD and 4WD vehicles and certain model year 2013 Odyssey vehicles. During manufacturing of the engine piston, it is possible that the heat treatment process was not properly applied, resulting in the piston having an insufficient hardness level, making it more susceptible to premature wear.
- Risk
- A worn piston may suddenly fail, causing the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine short block free of charge. The recall began on September 16, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009. Honda's recall numbers are JB4 (Honda Odyssey) and JB5 (Honda Pilot).
Recall number 13V382000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine
- What is wrong
- On certain minivans, sedans, coupes, and sport utility vehicles equipped with v6 engines, a timing belt tensioner pulley on the water pump is misaligned and could cause the timing belt to contact a bolt on the cylinder head. Eventually the belt could be damaged and fail.
- Risk
- If the timing belt breaks, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the water pump and if it is one of the defective pumps, the water pump and timing belt will be replaced. Owner notification began august 30, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009 or acura at 1‑800‑382‑2238.
Recall number 02V226000 · Recall details
Questions about the Honda Odyssey loss of power
Which Honda Odyssey years have sudden loss of power problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2018 (37 complaints), 2019 (33 complaints) and 2003 (25 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix sudden loss of power on the Honda Odyssey?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $3,000 (median of 39 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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