Auto-stop/start function will randomly fail. Also appears to cause other electrical issues when starting up; complete loss of electrical power.
Honda Odyssey start-stop problems
144 of the 12,940 owner complaints about the Honda Odyssey describe start-stop system problems, most of them for the 2025 model year.
- owner complaints
- 144
- worst model year
- 2025
- typical mileage
- 22,000
Is there a fix? There are 9 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Stalling 39Won't start 22Engine failure 8Hesitation 4Collision warning 4Battery drain 4Warning lights 3Loss of power 3
Trouble codes mentioned
P07AF 1
What owners say
The 2025 Honda Odyssey I purchased has issues where the car will not start after the "Automatic Start/Stop" feature turns on. What that looks like is when I stopped on the freeway in rush hour traffic, or at a long traffic signal (usually with many, many people behind me on a busy road), my car will stall and not turn on. I have to wait, sometimes minutes, for my car to restart. This is a safety issue because it will stall / I will have to restart at very inappropriate times, like in rush hour traffic on the freeway. It has happened multiple times. No warning lights or messages came on, other than when the car had officially stalled. By that point, there is nothing I can do besides wait for a minute or so and restart car.
The contact owns a 2025 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the Auto START/STOP feature failed to restart the engine after releasing the brake pedal. The contact shifted to the park(P) and opened and closed the front driver’s side door to restart the vehicle. Additionally, during the failure the message "Check Rear Seat" was displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure, and a service appointment was scheduled. The contact was notified of the federal safety agency Action Number: EA25004 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the investigation. The failure mileage was 20,000.
The auto-stop/start feature in this vehicle, when activated, causes the engine to stall when starting back up. We have had the battery and starter both replaced, and it is still causing an issue. Now, even with the system deactivated, the vehicle will stall, most likely based on the increased wear on the starter. We have noticed that during initial startup, we have to press the ignition button several times before the vehicle actually starts, and often, when it does start, it struggles to start right away.
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.
Engine and vehicle completely turns off when auto start/stop engages when at complete stops.
My 2020 Honda Odyssey EX-L intermittently fails to restart after the Auto Idle Stop feature shuts the engine off at a red light or stop. This has happened probably 10 times in the past 6 months. In order to start the engine, I must recognize that the engine isn't starting, turn off the vehicle, and turn it back on, often 2-3 times before it actually starts. This leaves the vehicle stopped in a traffic lane at an intersection with traffic trying to pass, which creates a risk of rear-end collision or cars trying to pass me. Cars have gotten into near misses trying to pass me while my vehicle is inoperable. I have no warning lamps or messages before it happens. History: The dealer performed Honda’s idle-stop software update (service bulletin 23-008) in November 2024 at about 63,100 miles. The problem continues. The battery was replaced in December 2022, and the dealer’s October 2026 inspection rated the battery “Good.” (as did a second independent auto shop). At 93,331 miles in October 2026 the dealer documented the complaint, charged a diagnosis fee, and recommended replacing the starter motor at a cost of $954.53 plus a diagnostic fee of $184.95. I contacted Honda, which opened a case and offered only partial goodwill coverage. I am not aware of any additional recall or warranty extension covering this on my model. This appears to be the same condition as the federal safety agency investigation EA25004 (no restart after auto start/stop engages), which covers 2018-2025 Odysseys. The failure persisting after the software update matches the investigation’s finding that complaints continue after Honda’s countermeasures. I can share vehicle inspection records if helpful.
the van turns completely off very often when at a complete stop. i am not referring to the auto start/stop feature which is equipped standard on the vehicle. the van physically turns completely off, as if i turned off the car, requiring me to turn the car on completely. this has created very dangerous situations as im often traveling trying to merge into traffic etc and the vehicle is off on active roadways. there is no warning, just turns off completely
Our 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L repeatedly shuts off completely while stopped at a traffic light or intersection and does not restart on its own. This is not normal Auto Idle Stop operation. When the brake is released, the engine fails to restart; the vehicle must be manually restarted by pushing the ENGINE START/STOP button. This happened four times in the week of October 19, 2026 alone, in addition to earlier occurrences. Each time the vehicle is left stranded in live traffic in an active intersection, blocking traffic and creating a risk of a rear-end collision. No crash, fire, or injury to date. Approximate mileage 8,000. This appears to be the same Auto Idle Stop failure-to-restart condition under the federal safety agency Engineering Analysis EA25-004, but that investigation covers only 2018-2025 Odyssey -- this vehicle is a 2026, outside its scope. The vehicle is under factory warranty. We request that the investigation be expanded to include the 2026 model year.
Multiple times since new the van has failed to restart when the auto start/stop has activated. This leaves me in an intersection with a non running car that I need to figure out the right combination of buttons to get it started again. Today it escalated and refused to restart until I shut off the ignition, open the door, closed the door, and then started it. Honda will not do anything if they can not duplicate it. So I am left with a car that is getting more unsafe to drive.
Related recalls
Electrical system: software
- What is wrong
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Pilot, 2019-2020 Odyssey and 2019-2020 Passport vehicles. Incorrect central network software programming may cause several errors to occur that can delay or prevent the rearview camera image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
- Risk
- A delayed or inoperative rearview camera display can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Honda will notify owners that updated software is available. Owners have the option to either follow the mailed instructions to download and update the software for free, or visit a dealer to have the software update performed, free of charge. The recall began September 23, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's number for this recall is Y7Y.
Recall number 20V440000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring
- What is wrong
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Odyssey vehicles. The wire harness for the third row seat accessory power outlet may get pinched between the unibody and rear trim panel, possibly damaging the wires and causing an electrical short.
- Risk
- An intermittent electrical short could overheat the wire harness, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the third row seat accessory power outlet wire harness for damage, replacing it as necessary. If no damage is found, the dealer will apply protective tape and re-route the harness. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 16, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's number for this recall is T6U.
Recall number 20V066000 · Recall details
Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery
- What is wrong
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles. Loose battery terminal connections or a degraded battery may cause the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) to unexpectedly reboot. Upon rebooting, the TCU may shift the transmission to the "Park" position, possibly damaging the parking rod.
- Risk
- A damaged parking rod can allow the vehicle to roll when parked, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will ensure the battery terminal connections are secure and will update the TCU software, free of charge. Additionally, the parking rod effectiveness will be checked. The recall began May 31, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are Z4J, Y4K.
Recall number 19V299000 · Recall details
Electrical system: software
- What is wrong
- American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Honda Odyssey vehicles manufactured August 8, 2006, through September 8, 2008. Due to a combination of system components and software, the Vehicle Safety Assist System (VSA) may apply the brakes unexpectedly.
- Risk
- The vehicle may suddenly and unexpectedly brake hard, and without illuminating the brake lights, increasing the risk of a crash from behind.
- Remedy
- Parts to remedy these vehicles will not be available until the spring of 2014. Honda will send owners an interim letter notifying them of the issue and instruct them how to prevent unintended braking. A second notification will be sent when the parts become available. Interim notification was mailed in December 2013. The recall began on April 29, 2014. Owners may contact Honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009 or visit their website at www.recalls.honda.com. Honda's recall number is JC5.
Recall number 13V500000 · Recall details
Electrical system: ignition: switch
- What is wrong
- Honda is recalling certain model year 2003 and 2004 Pilot and Odyssey and 2003 through 2006 Acura MDX passenger vehicles manufactured from November 26, 2001, through August 30, 2006. The interlock lever of the ignition switch may deform, which can allow the interlock function of a vehicle with an automatic transmission to be defeated.
- Risk
- Removal of the ignition key when the gear selector of a vehicle with an automatic transmission has not been shifted to the park position can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda or Acura dealer. The dealer will install an updated shift interlock lever and, if necessary, replace any necessary part of the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on February 22, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009.
Recall number 12V573000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles, a loose terminal in the main fuse box may cause the fuel pump to lose power. If the fuel pump becomes inoperative, the engine may not start.
- Risk
- If the fuel pump loses power while driving the engine could stall without warning which could result in a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the entire fuse box free of charge. The recall began on april 13, 2005. Owners may contact honda at 800‑999‑1009 or acura at 1‑800‑382‑2238.
Recall number 05V132000 · Recall details
Electrical system: ignition: switch
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles and mini vans, the ignition switch may wear excessively and prevent proper interlock operation, making it possible to turn the ignition key to the "off" position and remove the key without shifting the transmission to "park."
- Risk
- If the vehicle operator does not shift to "park" before removing the key and fails to engage the parking brake, the vehicle could roll and a crash could occur.
- Remedy
- Dealers will perform an inspection procedure that determines the amount of cylinder body wear. If significant wear is indicated, the dealer will replace the cylinder body, collar, and latch plate. If no signs of wear are indicated, dealers will replace the latch plate with a redesigned part. Owner notification began december 8, 2003. Owners should contact honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009 or acura at 1‑800‑382‑2238.
Recall number 03V423000 · Recall details
Electrical system: ignition: switch
- What is wrong
- On certain sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, and sport utility vehicles, electrical contacts in the ignition switch can degrade due to the high electrical current passing through the switch when the vehicle is started.
- Risk
- Worn contacts could cause the engine to stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the ignition switch. Owner notification began june 14, 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 02V120000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: mini vans. A wire harness, located within the engine compartment, could be damaged by contact with a metal pipe, possibly resulting in a blown fuse.
- Risk
- If a fuse blows, engine power, or operation of any or all electrical components, can be lost, including lights, windshield wipers, horn, and the anti-lock function of the brakes. A sudden loss of power or lighting, or a failure of the windshield wipers or anti-lock brake feature in bad weather, could result.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a protective covering over the wire harness and metal pipe to prevent this problem. If any wires are damaged, the dealer will make the necessary repairs, and then install the protective covering.
Recall number 00V030000 · Recall details
Questions about the Honda Odyssey start-stop
Which Honda Odyssey years have start-stop system problems problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2025 (84 complaints), 2024 (19 complaints) and 2020 (12 complaints).
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