The 2018 Honda Odyssey (3.5L V6, 9-speed automatic) is a solid family hauler undermined by two significant weak points: a transmission cooler design flaw that can grenade the transmission, and a VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) system that eats camshafts and lifters when neglected.
Transmission Oil Cooler Internal Failure Leading to Transmission Destruction
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 40,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Pink milkshake fluid (coolant mixed with ATF), Transmission slipping, harsh shifts, or complete failure, Coolant level dropping with no external leaks, Check engine light with transmission codes
Fix: Factory cooler inside the radiator can fail internally, cross-contaminating coolant and ATF. If caught early (coolant in trans), flush everything and replace radiator/cooler (4-6 hrs labor). If delayed, full transmission replacement required (12-16 hrs). Honda issued TSB but no full recall. Aftermarket external cooler addition recommended as preventive ($400-600 installed).
Symptoms: Ticking/tapping noise from top of engine, especially cold start, Misfire codes (often P0300 series), Loss of power, rough idle, Check engine light with cylinder deactivation codes
Fix: VCM system starves cylinders 1-3 of oil when activated repeatedly in city driving. Leads to collapsed lifters, rocker arm wear, camshaft scoring. Repair requires both cylinder heads off, all lifters/rockers replaced, often camshaft(s), sometimes head resurfacing. 18-24 hrs labor typical. VCM disable devices ($300-400) prevent this but affect fuel economy slightly. Use 0W-20 synthetic and change at 5k intervals religiously.
Estimated cost: $4,500-$7,500
Power Sliding Door Latch Failures and Mechanism Binding
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Door won't latch, bounces back open, Door opens unexpectedly while driving, Grinding/clicking noise during door operation, Error messages on dash about door system
Fix: Actuator motors and latch mechanisms wear from heavy family use. Two recalls issued for latch problems. Typical fix is latch assembly replacement (2-3 hrs per side) but sometimes requires full door wiring harness or track lubrication/realignment. Dealer-only parts for most components.
Estimated cost: $600-$1,400
Backup Camera System Failures (Wiring and Display)
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Intermittent black screen when shifting to reverse, Distorted/wavy camera image, "Camera unavailable" message, Works only when cold or hot, not both
Fix: Wiring harness near tailgate hinge flex-cracks from repeated opening/closing (recall issued for some VINs). Camera unit itself can also fail. Diagnosis requires checking harness continuity and camera power/ground (1.5 hrs). Harness replacement 3-4 hrs, camera replacement 1.5 hrs. TSB covers inspection procedure.
Estimated cost: $400-$900
Fuel Pump Module Failures
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: No-start condition, cranks but won't fire, Stalling at highway speeds or under load, Intermittent rough running/surging, P0087 (fuel rail pressure too low) code
Fix: Recall issued for defective fuel pump impellers that crack. Affects multiple Honda models 2018-2019. Pump module replacement requires dropping tank (2.5-3.5 hrs). If recall applies, dealer covers it. If not recall-eligible or denied, aftermarket pump modules available but OE recommended for longevity.
Estimated cost: $800-$1,200
Automatic Transmission Judder/Shudder on Light Acceleration
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 30,000-70,000 mi
Symptoms: Vibration/shudder at 20-40 mph during light throttle, Feels like driving over rumble strips, Worse when transmission is warm, No codes typically set
Fix: 9-speed ZF transmission torque converter lockup shudder. TSB recommends fluid drain/fill with Honda DW-1 ATF and software update (2 hrs). May require multiple fluid changes. In severe cases, torque converter or valve body replacement needed (12+ hrs). Do NOT use aftermarket fluid. Some units never fully resolve.
Estimated cost: $200-$3,500
Front Engine Mount (Transmission Mount) Failure
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk when shifting from Park to Drive/Reverse, Excessive vibration at idle in Drive, Engine visibly rocks when revved in Park, Steering wheel shakes at stops
Fix: Hydraulic engine mount (transmission side) fails due to V6 torque and weight. Fluid leaks out, mount collapses. Replacement straightforward but requires supporting engine (2-2.5 hrs). OE Honda part significantly better than aftermarket on longevity.
Estimated cost: $350-$550
Owner tips
Install aftermarket external transmission cooler immediately on purchase — cheap insurance against the $6k cooler failure
Consider VCM disable device (VCM Muzzler, S-VCM) if doing lots of city driving — prevents cam/lifter destruction
Use only genuine Honda DW-1 ATF and change at 30k intervals, not the 'lifetime' claim — these 9-speeds are sensitive
Switch to 0W-20 full synthetic and change every 5,000 miles maximum to combat VCM oil starvation issues
Inspect transmission fluid color every oil change — any pink tint means immediate cooler failure response needed
Great family van when maintained properly, but the transmission cooler is a ticking time bomb and VCM system requires religious oil changes — budget $2-3k reserve for eventual repairs or pass for a 2014-2017 model without the 9-speed.
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.
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 · 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: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.
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 · 17V397000
2017-06-23
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018 Honda Odyssey vehicles. The seat belt tongue for the third row center seating position may not be compatible with the latch, preventing the seat belt from latching securely. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence: If in the event of a crash, the seat belt cannot restrain the occupant they have an increased risk of being injured.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the third row center seat belt to make sure that it has the correct tongue, replacing the seat belt, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is KF7.
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