The 2019 Odyssey uses Honda's 3.5L V6 (280hp) with a 9-speed or 10-speed automatic in most trims—no production hybrid or 2.4L in this year. The transmission and VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) engine issues dominate the reliability conversation, with some models experiencing catastrophic failures under warranty mileage.
9-Speed/10-Speed Automatic Transmission Judder and Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 30,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh shifting between 2nd-3rd gears, especially when cold, Shuddering or vibration during light acceleration at 20-40 mph, Check engine light with P0700, P0730, P2645 codes, Complete loss of certain gears or limp mode
Fix: Honda issued multiple TSBs and software updates; early fixes often temporary. Severe cases require torque converter replacement (8-12 hours) or complete transmission rebuild/replacement (12-18 hours). Some units covered under extended powertrain warranty settlements.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500
VCM-Related Engine Damage (Cylinder Deactivation)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (1 qt per 1,000 mi or worse), Misfires on cylinders 1, 4, or 6 (deactivated bank), Spark plug fouling with carbon buildup, Rough idle or vibration at cruise speeds, Eventually: lifter/rocker arm failure, scored cylinder walls
Fix: VCM wears piston rings unevenly when cylinders repeatedly activate/deactivate. Minor cases: new spark plugs, valve adjustment, or VCM disabler device (aftermarket, 1 hour). Severe: lifter/rocker replacement (6-8 hours), worst case full short-block or engine replacement (18-24 hours). Many owners install VCM Muzzler to prevent further damage.
Estimated cost: $800-9,500
Electric Sliding Door Latch Failures
Common · medium severity
Symptoms: Door won't close electrically, requires manual slam, "Door open" warning on dash when door is closed, Repeated open/close cycling (door rebounds), Complete electrical failure of one or both power doors
Fix: NHTSA recalls cover some VINs for latch motor replacement. Non-recall cases require door latch actuator assembly (2-3 hours per door). Connector corrosion also common—clean and dielectric grease first before replacing parts.
Estimated cost: $400-900
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 40,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid puddle under vehicle (red or brown), Burnt transmission smell, Low fluid level on dipstick (if equipped), Transmission overheating warnings
Fix: Hard lines to/from radiator-mounted cooler corrode or crack at fittings, especially in rust-belt states. Requires line replacement and system flush (3-4 hours). Catch early to avoid transmission damage from low fluid. Related fuel pump recall involved similar corrosion concerns on fuel lines.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Infotainment System Freezing and Camera Failures
Occasional · low severity
Symptoms: Touchscreen unresponsive or black screen on startup, Backup camera display frozen or no image, Audio system reboots randomly while driving, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto disconnects frequently
Fix: Software updates from dealer (0.5 hours) fix some cases. Rear camera harness corrosion (recall-related) or camera module failure requires camera replacement (1.5 hours). Head unit replacement for persistent freezing (2-3 hours), though Honda sometimes covers under goodwill if documented.
Estimated cost: $150-1,800
Front Engine Mount (Transmission Mount) Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking noise when shifting from Park to Drive/Reverse, Excessive vibration at idle (especially with VCM active), Engine rocking forward during hard acceleration, Visible tear or fluid leak from mount
Fix: Hydraulic front mount (transmission side) degrades from VCM vibration cycles and transmission torque. Replace mount (2-3 hours). Often done alongside transmission service if judder is present. OEM recommended over aftermarket for longevity.
Estimated cost: $350-650
Owner tips
Install a VCM disabler (VCM Muzzler, $150-200) early to prevent piston ring wear—especially if you do short trips or city driving
Change transmission fluid every 30,000 mi with Honda DW-1 ATF, not the 'lifetime' fluid marketing—these transmissions run hot
Inspect transmission cooler lines annually in rust-belt regions; catch leaks before fluid gets critically low
Keep oil topped off and watch consumption closely; switching to 0W-20 synthetic (Honda recommended) can reduce VCM-related burn
Door latch actuators: spray electrical contact cleaner into connectors every spring to prevent corrosion-related failures
Solid family hauler with excellent space and features, but the transmission and VCM engine issues are deal-breakers unless you confirm full service history and transmission software updates—budget $2K-3K reserve for potential repairs within first 50,000 mi of ownership.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE · 26V227000
2026-04-09
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Odyssey vehicles. A software programming error can cause the side and side curtain air bags to deploy unexpectedly.
Consequence: Air bags that deploy unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the supplemental restraint system (SRS) electronic control unit (ECU) software or replace the ECU, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 25, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is UNW. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 16, 2026.
The information in your report suggests that Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) may have been aware of this issue more than five business days before filing a report with NHTSA. Please be reminded that under Federal law, this agency is to be notified of all safety defect and/or noncompliance decisions within five business days. 49 CFR 573.6 Significant civil penalties can be assessed for this violation.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL · 23V751000
2023-11-13
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.
Consequence: 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.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION · 23V431000
2023-06-15
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Pilot, and 2019-2023 Passport vehicles. Due to a faulty Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) communication coaxial cable connector, the rearview camera image may not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the MOST cable harness and install a straightening cover over the vehicle cable connector, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are EEL, ZEM, and SFC.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY · 23V158000
2023-03-09
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2020 CR-V, 2018-2019 Accord and Accord Hybrid, 2018-2020 Odyssey, 2019 Insight, and 2019-2020 Acura RDX vehicles. A manufacturing issue with the front seat belts may cause the seat belt buckle channel to interfere with the release button, preventing the seat belt buckle from latching.
Consequence: An unlatched seat belt cannot properly restrain the seat occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger seat belt buckle release buttons or the buckle assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 18, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are NDA, QDB, BDC, MDD, LD9. TDF, FDG, ODH, YDI, ZDE.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-314.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE · 21V010000
2021-01-14
Braun Corporation (Braun) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Braun-modified Honda Odyssey vehicles. The fuel tank assembly installed by Braun may be susceptible to the fuel tank overfilling into the charcoal canister. If the charcoal canister fills with a sufficient amount of fuel, fuel may leak out.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Remedy: Braun will notify owners, and dealers will inspect vehicles. If evidence of a fuel leak is present, a new fuel tank assembly and a new Honda charcoal canister will be installed, free of charge. The recall began February 22, 2021. Owners may contact Braun customer service at 1-800-488-0359.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH · 20V437000
2020-07-28
Honda (America Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Odyssey vehicles. Water may enter the outer door handle cables for the sliding doors. If this occurs, the outer door handle cables may freeze in cold temperatures, preventing the front and rear sliding door latches from securely latching.
Consequence: A power sliding door that fails to latch may open while moving, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power sliding door outer handle cables, 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 A88.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · 20V438000
2020-07-28
American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Odyssey vehicles. Water may get into the rearview camera mounting holes and enter the camera lens and cause a distorted image, or no image at all. Additionally, if the rearview camera view mode is set to top-down view, or switched from that view to another mode in a bright environment, the image may not display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Consequence: A distorted 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, and dealers will replace the rearview camera, 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 W83.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · 20V439000
2020-07-28
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Odyssey, 2019-2020 Passport, and 2019-2021 Pilot vehicles. Incorrect instrument panel control module software can cause the instrument panel to not display critical information, such as engine oil pressure, speedometer, and gear selector position until the next ignition cycle. Additionally, it can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 101, "Control and Displays" and 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Consequence: Operating a vehicle without a functioning instrument panel or rearview camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument panel control module software, 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 T89.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · 20V440000
2020-07-28
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."
Consequence: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · 20V066000
2020-02-06
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.
Consequence: 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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS · 19V298000
2019-04-12
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.
Consequence: 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.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION · 19V299000
2019-04-12
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.
Consequence: 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.
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR · 19V213000
2019-03-20
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."
Consequence: 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.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH · 18V795000
2018-11-09
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2018 and 2019 Honda Odyssey vehicles. The latch assemblies for the power sliding doors may stick and not properly latch to the door strikers.
Consequence: If the power sliding doors fails to latch, the doors may open while moving, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left and right power sliding door rear latch assemblies, free of charge. The recall began January 3, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are Z33 and O36.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER · 18V777000
2018-11-01
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."
Consequence: 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.
SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER · 18V664000
2018-09-27
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 Honda Insight, Odyssey, and Ridgeline vehicles. The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) control unit may have a manufacturing error, possibly resulting in the air bags or seatbelt pretensioners not deploying in the event of a crash.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the air bags or seatbelt pretensioners do not function as intended, there would be an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the SRS unit, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are B2R, C2P, and Z2Q.
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