The 2017 Honda Odyssey (5th gen) is powered exclusively by the 3.5L V6 (J35Y6) with a 9-speed automatic in North America. While generally reliable, this generation suffers from significant transmission issues and a troublesome VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) system that causes oil consumption and internal engine damage.
9-Speed Transmission Judder and Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 30,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: harsh shifting between 2nd-3rd gears, especially when cold, juddering or shuddering during light acceleration, transmission slipping or refusing to shift, check engine light with P0730 or P0776 codes
Fix: Early cases covered by TSB and software updates, but many require torque converter replacement (8-10 hours labor) or full transmission rebuild/replacement (12-16 hours). Honda extended warranty to 8yr/80k on some units. Transmission oil cooler often replaced simultaneously as preventive measure.
Estimated cost: $3,500-6,500
VCM System Causing Oil Consumption and Engine Damage
Common · 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, 2, or 3 (the VCM-affected bank), fouled spark plugs, engine vibration at idle, check engine light with P0300-series misfire codes
Fix: VCM system deactivates cylinders 1-3 under light load, causing oil fouling and piston ring wear. Requires VCM disabler device ($400-500 parts, 1 hour) as preventive or, if damage is done, full top-end rebuild with new pistons/rings (20-30 hours labor). Some cases need complete engine replacement.
Estimated cost: $500-8,000
Engine Misfires from Faulty Spark Plugs and Ignition Coils
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: rough idle, hesitation on acceleration, check engine light with misfire codes, reduced fuel economy
Fix: Original NGK plugs and coils fail prematurely, often exacerbated by VCM oil fouling. Rear bank (cylinders 4-6) requires removing intake manifold for access (3-4 hours labor total for all plugs and coils). Replace all six plugs and coils simultaneously to avoid comebacks.
Estimated cost: $800-1,200
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: transmission fluid pooling under vehicle, burnt transmission fluid smell, transmission slipping or overheating, pink or red fluid visible on radiator area
Fix: Rubber hoses and crimp fittings on cooler lines fail, leaking ATF. Lines run along subframe and are vulnerable to road debris and salt corrosion. Replacement involves 2-3 hours labor, includes transmission fluid refill and flush (3-4 qts DW-1).
Estimated cost: $400-700
Second-Row Seat Latch Failures (NHTSA Recall)
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: second-row seat fails to latch properly, seat unexpectedly moves forward in crash or hard braking, latch mechanism feels loose or doesn't click
Fix: Manufacturing defect in Magic Slide seat latch. Covered under NHTSA recall 18V-596. Dealer replaces latch mechanism at no charge (1 hour per seat). Critical safety issue—check VIN for open recalls before purchase.
Estimated cost: $0 (recall)
Fuel Pump Failures (NHTSA Recall)
Rare · high severity
Symptoms: engine stalling while driving, no-start condition, engine cranks but won't fire, sputtering at highway speeds
Fix: Low-density impellers in some fuel pumps can crack and fail. Covered under NHTSA recall 20V-404. Dealer replaces fuel pump assembly at no charge (2-3 hours labor). Verify recall completion before buying used.
Estimated cost: $0 (recall)
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Speaker Buzzing
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 20,000-60,000 mi
Symptoms: buzzing or rattling from door speakers at certain RPMs, noise worse under VCM operation (1,500-2,500 RPM), sound persists even with radio off
Fix: ANC system fights VCM-induced vibrations and overdrives door speakers, causing premature failure. Replace affected speakers (1-2 hours per door) or disable ANC via fuse pull (fuse #44). VCM disabler also resolves root cause.
Estimated cost: $200-600
Owner tips
Install a VCM disabler (VCMuzzler or similar) immediately to prevent oil consumption and engine damage—best $400 you'll spend
Use Honda DW-1 transmission fluid only and change every 30k miles to extend 9-speed life
Check for open recalls (seat latch, fuel pump) via NHTSA before purchase—both are safety-critical
Budget for transmission issues if buying high-mileage—many need torque converters by 80k
Use top-tier fuel and replace spark plugs every 40k miles, not Honda's 100k interval
Great family van when maintained properly, but the 9-speed transmission and VCM system are expensive time bombs—only buy if transmission has been serviced or replaced and you're prepared to disable VCM early.
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.
Fitment notes: Battery located under hood on driver side
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Every control module on the 2011-2017 Honda Odyssey — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
⚠️ Mileage programming required; VIN coding mandatory; immobilizer data transfer needed; 2014+ has i-MID display integration
Vacuum Pump Control Module (VPCM)0.8 hr R&Rno coding
📍 Under hood, passenger side near firewall (2014-2017 with VCM-3 engine)
⚠️ Plug-and-play; provides vacuum for brake booster during cylinder deactivation; VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) equipped models only
Parking Sensor Control Unit (PSU)0.7 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind rear bumper, driver side
🔧 Honda HDS or aftermarket scan tool
⚠️ Sensor calibration recommended; standard on EX-L and Touring; 2014+ adds front sensors on Touring Elite
Driver's Power Seat Control Unit (PSCU)0.5 hr R&Rno coding
📍 Under driver seat, mounted to seat frame
⚠️ Plug-and-play; memory positions stored in module; EX-L and Touring only; 2-position memory on Touring
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
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.
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY · 17V725000
2017-11-17
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Honda Odyssey vehicles. The second row outboard seats can slide sideways to one of two positions. If a seat is placed between either of the two positions when attaching the seat to the vehicle floor, the seat will not latch properly to the seat striker, allowing the seat to tip forward unexpectedly during braking.
Consequence: If the seat tips forward during braking, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install a bracket to the second row outboard floor strikers, free of charge. The recall began April 2, 2018. Owners may contact American Honda Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is S0G.
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
19mpg
Highway
27mpg
Combined
22mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
EPA class
Minivan - 2WD
Wiper blades
Fourth generation (RL5), 2011-2017. Standard hook attachment.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2017 Honda Odyssey 3.5L V6 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.