2013 Honda Odyssey Owner Complaints

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

Honda sent me a recall notice for piston ring deterioration which causes engine misfiring on August 1, 2025. I had the same issue with my Honda Odyssey and had it repaired in July 8, 2024 so I submitted a claim form for reimbursement. Honda denied my reimbursement request stating my work order did not contain a fail code readout. However, my work order stated that the engine misfiring was due to cylinder #1 and oil was found. The work order also states that the piston rings were replaced to correct the issue. The cause and solution are exactly the same as Honda's recall. This engine misfiring causes my van to lose power as I was backing out of the driveway. Had this happened on the freeway it would have been disastrous. I felt Honda is being disingenuous in its recall effort in denying me of the exact problem as specified in the recall.

NHTSA ID

11693459

Incident

Jul 8, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle experienced reduced power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with an oil leak from the cylinders onto the spark plugs, causing the cylinders to misfire. The dealer cleaned the engine and replaced the spark plugs; however, the failure recurred seven months later. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a piston misfire. The dealer replaced the piston rings. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin Number: 25-061. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 124,126.

NHTSA ID

11690767

Incident

Oct 14, 2024

Mileage

124,126 mi

Last year in 2024 we had to take our Honda Odyssey into the Honda dealership because something was going wrong with the engine. It ended up being a few of the cylinders and they went bad. They had to rebuild part of the engine.

NHTSA ID

11686221

Incident

Jun 14, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, the vehicle jerked abnormally with the check engine warning light and the VCM warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and DTC: P0301; was retrieved. The contact was informed that the engine control module (ECM) had detected oil passing the pistons and caused a misfire in cylinder #1. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 25-061. However, the VIN was not included. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 164,000.

NHTSA ID

11683475

Incident

Aug 20, 2025

Mileage

164,000 mi

Vehicle diagnosed with Code P0303 on 8/18/25. Per the dealer (Big Star Honda, Houston TX), "...Examination found the number three cylinder piston rings on cylinder #3 rotated and aligned, which caused spark plug to foul out." In October 2020, American Honda issued SB 13-081 for this known issue and to settle a class action lawsuit. In July 2025 American Honda issued SB 25-061 extending the warranty for 2013–17 Odysseys through January 31, 2026. Honda is denying covering repairs stating that it does not apply to my specific VIN. The VIN is inconsequential if the new SB simply states "2013-2017". All vehicles, regardless of VIN should be repaired given that the problem has been diagnosed as identified in both the 2020 and 2025 SBs. Absent this and a listing in the SB of all applicable VINs, Honda can always indicate that a VIN isn't covered to avoid covering the repair costs, even though it should be. Repair at Big Star was declined to pursue coverage of the repair costs further with American Honda.

NHTSA ID

11683318

Incident

Aug 18, 2025

235/65/R17 Bridgestone Dueler Alenza Plus Right Passenger Tire Saturday, [XXX] approx [XXX] with 6 people (4 were children in carseats) in the vehicle traveling North on [XXX] between exits [XXX] and [XXX] in Middle Lane. Traveling at a speed of 65mph. Driver pulled over safely to shoulder because the 2013 Honda Odyssey Minivan made a loud flapping sound on right rear of vehicle. Driver got out to check and returned to car saying tire had a blowout. With hazard lights flashing driving in slow lane we exited freeway and pulled into the Safeway parking lot to access the damage. A large strip of tire on the inside was hanging off the tire as the tread had separated from the main part of the tire. Driver changed the tire to the donut. Damaged tire was placed in a bag in the rear well of the trunk. Photos were taken of faulty damaged tire. The tire had peeled an inner section of tread off the tire with no warning. America's Tire Rep in Turlock, CA today; August 25, 2025 stated the damaged tire should have blown completely causing more damage and possible injuries. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11683014

Incident

Aug 23, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle jerked. The check engine warning light was flashing. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 30-35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to restart, but there was thick black smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact stated that upon attempting to restart the vehicle a second time, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the fuel injectors and spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

NHTSA ID

11682957

Incident

Jul 27, 2025

Mileage

170,000 mi

This vehicle began using oil and the mechanic I took it to told me that the piston rings were compromised. This was allowing mixing of oil and gas, overuse of oil, intermittent white plumes of exhaust and causing misfires, fouling of plugs and set off codes pertaining to the piston rings as well as the catalytic converter. He changed the spark plug and told me my options were a rebuilt engine or to replace it. It would continue and it would get worse. Honda issued a warranty extension realted to misfire dondition related to piston ring deterioration (DTCs P0301 - P0304.) The dealer I took it too states that since the above mentioned codes are not present, they cannot perform the warranty work. The dealer did ask and corroborate that changing the spark plugs will "buy time" and is a cheap fix that does not correct the issue but may extend the life of the engine. The mechanic agrees that the issue being warranted is the issue i was experiencing but does not have a copy of the codes to prove it. I am frustrated that this warranty clearly applies to my vehicle, but because I hired a mechanic previously who has prevented the codes from being present, I am out an engine. Please help

NHTSA ID

11679980

Incident

Aug 11, 2025

The contact's sister owns a 2013 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the contact noticed an unattended trailer hitch on the road and the vehicle drove over the trailer hitch, which rolled under the vehicle and bumped into the exhaust of the vehicle. The contact stated that the driver's side and passenger's side curtain air bags and seats airbags deployed. There was no warning light illuminated. All the passengers of the vehicle, which include the contact, the contact's husband and niece sustained injuries. The contact's husband sustained a bruised and swollen left elbow due to burns from the front driver's side seat air bag. A fire department agent cleaned the elbow of the contact's husband at the scene. The contact’s niece who was occupying the rear driver's side seat was hit by the driver's side curtain air bag on the head and sustained bruises and hearing loss on the left ear. The contact's niece was taken to the hospital and received medical assistance. The contact sustained lower back pain from the front passenger's side seat air bag impact but did not seek medical assistance. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was driven into a parking lot, where it was inspected. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA ID

11679084

Incident

Aug 7, 2025

Mileage

200,000 mi

I’m reporting a repeat engine misfire on my 2013 Honda Odyssey (P0303 – cylinder 3). Honda repaired this issue in 2018 under Service Bulletin 13-081, which followed the Soto v. Honda settlement. Now in 2025, the exact same failure has returned—same code, same cylinder, same symptoms. Honda issued a new bulletin, 25-061 (June 17, 2025), covering 2013–2016 Odysseys with misfire codes P0301–P0304. It extends powertrain warranty coverage to 10 years or 150,000 miles, and includes a grace period through Jan 31, 2026 for any affected vehicle, regardless of mileage or age. My vehicle meets all criteria, yet Honda refuses full coverage, saying my VIN isn’t flagged and they can’t override that due to NHTSA restrictions. This seems inconsistent. The bulletin clearly applies to my make, model, year, and exact engine fault. The misfire affects drivability and long-term engine health. I’ve been a loyal Honda customer, servicing the vehicle at authorized dealerships and covering related repairs myself. In addition to the engine problem, I’ve experienced electrical instability due to a faulty battery cable, which required replacement. I’ve also had to address a damaged transmission drain bolt—caused during prior dealer maintenance—which complicated fluid service and added cost. I’m asking NHTSA to review whether more VINs should be included under this bulletin, and whether Honda is limiting support too narrowly despite formally acknowledging the defect. I’m providing invoices, diagnostics, estimates and service records to support this including the video inspection.

NHTSA ID

11670811

Incident

Jun 25, 2025

My 2013 Honda Odyssey is experiencing a serious engine malfunction related to excessive oil consumption and spark plug fouling. On [XXX], the Check Engine Light came on and the vehicle began shaking. A diagnostic inspection at a Honda dealership revealed DTC P0301 (Cylinder 1 Misfire). Three spark plugs in Bank 1 were heavily fouled with oil. The technician recommended piston ring replacement, noting that oil had leaked into the combustion chamber. This issue is consistent with well-known engine problems associated with Honda's VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) system. TSBs such as A13-081 and 11-033 have addressed similar issues in the past, but my vehicle is no longer covered under the extended warranty. I am a low-income international student currently living in the U.S. with my family. This defect creates financial hardship and safety concern. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this matter as a safety-related engine defect and urge the manufacturer to offer proper recall support. - Mileage at most recent diagnosis: 116,520 miles - Current mileage: 117,300 miles INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11654987

Incident

Apr 12, 2025

Dear NHTSA Representative, I am writing to formally express my concern regarding the failure of Honda to notify me of a safety recall related to my vehicle, as required by 49 U.S.C. § 30119. As a current owner of the vehicle in question, I was never informed of the recall despite actively driving the car with my children, unknowingly putting our safety at risk. According to the law, manufacturers are obligated to obtain up-to-date owner information from state DMVs and notify all registered owners of safety defects or noncompliance issues. This lack of notification not only violates the legal requirements but also leaves me deeply concerned about how such an oversight occurred. As a consumer, I expect manufacturers to prioritize safety and follow mandated processes to ensure proper communication. I kindly request that you: Investigate why I was not notified of the recall in accordance with federal law. Take appropriate action to ensure no other current owners face similar risks. Provide a formal response outlining the steps being taken to resolve this issue. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I trust that you will treat this situation with the seriousness it warrants and look forward to hearing back from you promptly. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] VIN: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11636333

Incident

Jan 1, 2023

We have taken our 2013 Honda Odyssey several times to the shop because the brakes don’t feel safe. They seem to work fine but the brakes pedal is spongy. Keeping the brake pedal slightly pressed with the engine running, the pedal continues to sink almost to the floor. So far we have spent over $1000 for a new brake booster, new master cylinder, brake fluid flush and brake bleeding. The shop bled the brakes several times, manual and computer bleeding but the brakes are still spongy.

NHTSA ID

11634622

Incident

Nov 1, 2024

​July 2022 - 6 spark plugs, 3 rear ignition coils, gasket set ​new/fixed (lots of various smaller fixes between these times) August 2023 - Check Emissions Light came on - replaced and switched the VV timing oil press switch and that quick fix had the light go away (lots of various smaller fixes between these times​, including the alternator - battery already replaced) November 2024 - Check Emissions Light came on - cylinder 2 is dead and 1 & 3 are misfiring. Need new cylinders and spark plugs, etc. Honda should do something about this as this is a common issue with these years of Odyssey vans.

NHTSA ID

11625966

Incident

Oct 28, 2024

While driving vehicle check engine light illuminates from time to time and there is a stall in the engine. Also the VSA warning light comes on and goes off with engine light.

NHTSA ID

11624961

Incident

Oct 7, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that when the check engine warning light illuminated, the code indicated a possible emissions failure. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle hesitated. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The dealer was made aware of the issue and the contact was informed that his vehicle was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 165,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11621989

Incident

Mar 18, 2024

Mileage

165,000 mi

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID

11612779

Incident

Mar 3, 2024