2013 Honda Odyssey

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has completed its review of a Petition dated May 30, 2026. The Petition requested an investigation into inadvertent air bag deployment in model year (MY) 2011-2017 Honda Odyssey vehicles. The Petition contended that air bags can deploy absent a sufficiently severe event to trigger a deployment, such as an impact, rollover event, or G-force threshold breach. The Petition further alleged that the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) conflict and inaccurate data is being recorded for the air bag system. An air bag is a supplemental vehicle occupant restraint system that deploys a cushion designed to inflate in milliseconds during a collision. The cushion prevents vehicle occupants from striking hard interior surfaces and, in some cases, exterior surfaces. Air bags are designed to work in conjunction with seat belts, the primary occupant restraint system. Seat belts restrain occupants keeping them in place for the air bag to provide proper protection and to mitigate injury from air bag deployment. An air bag system consists of an air bag cushion, an inflator module, an air bag Electronic Control Unit (ECU), and impact sensors. When a crash begins, impact sensors located on the vehicle exterior begin to measure impact severity. If a crash is severe enough, the sensors send a signal to the system’s ECU, which then signals the inflator to fill the air bag. ODI reviewed 9 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs), one Early Warning Reporting (EWR) Death & Injury (D&I) report, and several TREAD (Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability, and Documentation) Field Reports alleging inadvertent air bag deployment in the Subject Vehicles. Several complaints allege that the inadvertent deployment of air bags occurred while traveling over potholes, road debris, or during minor curb strikes. All the complaints allege that there was no warning prior to the inadvertent deployment. In general, different types of air bags are designed for different types of impacts. For instance, frontal air bags are generally designed to deploy during frontal impacts; side curtain air bags are generally designed to deploy both during rollovers and impacts to the sides of the vehicle; and side thorax air bags are generally designed to deploy during impacts to the sides of the vehicle. While these are broad categories of crash scenarios, the specific conditions under which deployment is intended are multifaceted and dependent on complex algorithms. Differences in particular variables can make a deployment an intended part of the design in one scenario and not in another similar scenario. Although the reports described above all contain allegations of inadvertent deployment, the conditions under which those reported deployments occurred differ widely. The reports ranged different types of air bags, different combinations of air bags, and different driving scenarios preceding the deployment. Based on the data available to ODI, there is no clear pattern or factor to prompt the alleged inadvertent deployments. Thus, ODI’s review did not identify a trend of a vehicle defect regarding any type of air bag in the Subject Vehicles. Moreover, ODI did not identify any reports of inadvertent air bag deployment that resulted in a loss of vehicle control. ODI is likewise not aware of any crashes or severe injuries involving the Subject Vehicles that resulted from inadvertent deployment of the air bags. ODI recognizes that inadvertent air bag deployments can create dangerous safety hazards. For instance, an inadvertent deployment can surprise a driver, leading to a loss of vehicle control; or if an inadvertent deployment occurs when an occupant is out of position, the force of the deployment may injure the occupant. Inadvertent deployments have been the basis for past NHTSA recalls and investigations. Here, the Petition cites one such recall: Recall 26V-227, which concerns inadvertent deployment of the side curtain and thoracic air bags in MY 2018 to 2022 Honda Odyssey vehicles (the “Recalled Vehicles”) due to the air bag ECU containing incorrect deployment parameters. Although this recall involved Honda Odyssey vehicles in adjacent model years to the Odyssey vehicles that are the subject of this Petition, ODI understands certain key differences to exist between the two groups of Odyssey models. Honda introduced a new generation of the Odyssey line in 2018. This new generation involved a large-scale redesign and a new vehicle platform compared to the previous model years. As a result, the vehicles covered by the Petition differ from the recalled vehicles in many characteristics, including physical dimensions, engines, transmissions, and air bag ECU algorithms. Given these differences, ODI’s review has not identified evidence that the reports of inadvertent deployment in the Odyssey models covered by the Petition correlate to Recall 26V-227. After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by the Petitioner, consumer complaint information in NHTSA’s databases, and other relevant information already in possession of the Agency, NHTSA has not found sufficient evidence to indicate that a trend of inadvertent air bag deployments as alleged by the Petitioner is likely to present a safety related defect that would warrant a formal investigation. After full consideration of the available information the Petition is denied. A denial report will be posted in the Federal Register. The closing of the Petition does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety related defect does not exist, and the agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. The Petition can be viewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11744118.

The contact owns a 2013 Honda Odyssey. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started driving abnormally rough. Additionally, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with oil-fouled spark plugs. The contact was informed that the piston rings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired under the Technical Service Bulletin: 13-081 but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was informed that a goodwill discount of 60 percent was provided towards the cost of the repair. The contact referenced an unknown Technical Service Bulletin; however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was denied the request for reimbursement for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 87,800.

NHTSA ID

11751485

Incident

Sep 5, 2019

Mileage

87,800 mi

Honda has a known defect with the engine of these vehicles. Specifically the 2013 that I own. I contacted them years ago when their first warranty extension expired because I was never contacted and my vehicle exhibited symptoms right after expiration( bulletin 13-061). Now they have done it again with bulletin 25-061. It expired Jan 2026 and they NEVER notified me, if they didn’t tell me they didn’t tell others. This is ridiculous and they should be ashamed and forced to fix my vehicle. This is a $6000 dollar repair due to their oversight. I contacted them in the past and my vehicle is actively registered so I should have gotten a notice for this available extension. Honda should be held liable to fix this. I have had this vehicle serviced by Honda for other things so they have my information and know this vehicle exists.

NHTSA ID

11733136

Incident

Feb 21, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that the front driver's side seat heater was malfunctioning. The contact stated that upon engaging the seat heater, the seat heater was intermittently inoperable. Additionally, the contact noticed a strong burning odor inside the cabin. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the failure was duplicated. The dealer retrieved DTC: B1C61; and recommended that the front driver's side seat back element and cushion heater be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,900.

NHTSA ID

11705915

Incident

Dec 16, 2025

Mileage

87,900 mi

My 2013 Honda Odyssey showed a Check Engine Light and came to your Dealership. Initially agent said that it will cover by warranty and later he said that it will not cover by warranty. He is saying that it is expired and it would have been fixed if that showed up in that time frame. I called Honda Recall dept (888 234 2138) yesterday (12/03/2025) and spoke to one lady (later found that her name is Sandra). She said that it has still warranty on Piston Rings and Spark plugs clean up. In the mean time there was an emergency on their site and she asked me to disconnect the call a they need to leave the building immediately. She didn't get a chance to give her name. I asked her to document and send me an email and I am not sure whether she will do it or not. Later called after some time and spoke to Alejandro and he said that warranty expired. I asked to transfer the call to his manager and he declined to transfer to manager and said that there is no supervisor available. He said that other employee said that no supervisor available. He may be not be trained well or new to this role. I called 937-642-5000 to talk to Chief Executive, Shinji Aoyama or any other exec and front desk person declined to transfer the call. He suggested to talk to dealership. My point is that Honda aware of this issue and they extended warranty about this problem. But they didn't inform me about this issue (they have my email and phone# as I registered user). And even dealer didn't tell that as all the times I do service with dealer (except 1 time). Now it was saying that they would have fixed it if it came in warranty time frame. These kind of issues may not come up by dates and my mileage is very low. Even though my vehicle is 2013, I drove only 60K miles and this may be a reason it didn't show up earlier and showing up now. Could you please look into this and help in this regard. If needed, can you take to Honda execs or provide me contacts to reach them to resolve this issue.

NHTSA ID

11704260

Incident

Nov 30, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH at nighttime, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled into a parking lot and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle started shuddering while driving at 25 MPH. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to a nearby independent mechanic and caught another ride to her destination. The contact returned to the vehicle the following morning and drove the vehicle to the mechanic's parking lot. The independent mechanic retrieved DTC: P0303. The contact was informed of an engine cylinder misfire and that the failure was related to an unknown Extended Warranty Coverage. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the same assessment was made. The dealer contacted the manufacturer and advised that the VIN was not included in the Extended Warranty Coverage. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11703313

Incident

Dec 5, 2021

Defect of front harness adjuster mechanism resulting in inability to tighten the straps. contact NUNA RAVA who gave me a cleaning kit that did not work. NUNA refusing to replace seat.

NHTSA ID

11700581

Incident

Jan 28, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal rattling sound occasionally. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a cylinder 3 misfire, DTC: P0843 was retrieved, and there was an oil leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the spark plugs were replaced at the same local dealer; however, the failure progressed. In addition, the contact related the failure to an unknown recall that was completed in the past. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.

NHTSA ID

11698241

Incident

Jan 15, 2019

Mileage

27,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Honda Odyssey. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V933000 (Seats) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issues, and a case was filed.

NHTSA ID

11696069

Incident

Oct 28, 2025

Service Bulletin - The piston ring function deteriorates due to ring low wear toughness and sticking from sludge. Oil adheres to the spark plug leading to carbon fouling and misfire. This can set DTCs P0301 No. 1 cylinder misfire detected, P0302 No. 2 cylinder misfire detected, P0303 No. 3 cylinder misfire detected, P0304 No. 4 cylinder misfire detected, and cause the MIL to come on.

Service Bulletin - The piston ring function deteriorates due to ring low wear toughness and sticking from sludge. Oil adheres to the spark plug leading to carbon fouling and misfire. This can set DTCs P0301 No. 1 cylinder misfire detected, P0302 No. 2 cylinder misfire detected, P0303 No. 3 cylinder misfire detected, P0304 No. 4 cylinder misfire detected, and cause the MIL to come on.

Owner Notification Letter - the piston ring function can deteriorate due to ring low wear toughness and sticking from sludge. Oil adheres to the spark plug leading to carbon fouling and misfire. This can set DTCs P0301 No. 1 cylinder misfire detected, P0302 No. 2 cylinder misfire detected, P0303 No. 3 cylinder misfire detected, P0304 No. 4 cylinder misfire detected, and cause the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) to come on.

Service Bulletin - The piston ring function deteriorates due to ring wear and sticking from sludge. Oil from the crankcase adheres to the spark plug leading to carbon fouling and misfire. This can set DTCs P0301 No. 1 cylinder misfire detected, P0302 No. 2 cylinder misfire detected, P0303 No. 3 cylinder misfire detected, P0304 No. 4 cylinder misfire detected, and cause the MIL to come on.

Dealer Message - Piston ring effectiveness may be reduced due to excessive wear and oil sludge build-up, which can cause oil to adhere to the spark plug, potentially leading to carbon fouling and misfire triggering DTCs P0301 through P0304 and cause the MIL to come on.

Service Bulletin - The piston ring function deteriorates due to ring low wear toughness and sticking from sludge. Oil adheres to the spark plug leading to carbon fouling and misfire.