2014 Honda Odyssey Engine Problems

About mid-2025, Honda announced a warranty extension campaign (not a formal NHTSA recall) for: * 2013–2017 Honda Odyssey (and some Pilots) * Related to VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) What the problem was: * Piston rings wear prematurely * Oil gets past the rings → fouls spark plugs * Leads to: * Misfires (P0301–P0304) * Oil consumption * Rough running Mechanism: * Cylinder deactivation (VCM) → uneven temps → carbon buildup + ring sticking * Sometimes described loosely as a “piston/gasket issue,” even though it’s really piston rings + oil control What Honda did: * Extended powertrain warranty to: * 10 years / 150,000 miles * Covered repairs like: * Piston ring replacement * Spark plugs, etc. In March 2023 I had multiple piston ring failures costing me almost $4k to fix. I submitted a claim with receipts and the work was done at a dealership. Honda said I had all the appropriate paperwork and would get back to me in 6-9 weeks. That was 7 months ago

NHTSA ID

11733841

Incident

Mar 14, 2023

All of this has been diagnosed and confirmed by Richfield-Bloomington Honda. It is a catostrophic failure of the motor. Cylinder 6 is misfiring. They are recommending a full motor replacement. Last year, I had the piston ring issue on this car and the dealership had to rebuild the motor. The van has about 125,000 miles on it and is good service, including the repaired motor. We are the single owners of the vehicle. After this happened, Honda Corporation was notified, a case was open by both the Richfield Honda Dealership where we purchased our vehicle and by our family. Both were denied. This was a huge safety issue. I was driving home and the check engine light started blinking and the car started shaking. I pulled up to the nearest mechanic (4 miles). They recommended towing it the 200 miles to where I had engine work done the previous year. I was STRANDED in Iowa during this and at the goodwill of some local helpful folks. Luckily, I did not have my kids and I did have cell phone reception where the light went off. This same motor has had two HUGE, vehicle-totaling issues in the last two years.

NHTSA ID

11730488

Incident

Apr 1, 2026

While brake pedal depressed and car coming to a stop at a traffic light, car surged forward as engine revved and hit another car in front of it. Brake pedal was depressed the entire time.

NHTSA ID

11716437

Incident

Feb 6, 2026

The piston ring function has deteriorated causing ring low wear toughness such to the point that sludge has been created fowling the spark plug. This leads to carbon fowling and misfiring of the engine. There have been two incident's one in March of 2025 and the second in Late July of 2025. Both times we after my wife freak out because the car was falling apart she had it towed to a mechanic and both times they said it was caused by what I identified above. A few weeks later a notice of a warrantee exception was sent out and we thought great we will take it in and they will fix it. If we had know about the warrantee extension prior we would have brought it to Honda. Honda told us that unless the lights are on we won't fix it. So they said we needed to wait to it breaks down somewhere and then have it towed to the nearest Honda by Jan. 31st, 2026 and they will fix it. After that tough luck. We are looking for an exception to this rule and I have sent in the necessary information proving that the problem exists as evidenced by two licensed mechanics. If and exception is not granted I will have no other choice but to bring it to the better business bureau and 7 on your side a local consumer advocate from KGO TV and get them to come after you to make this right. We have been a loyal advocate for Honda for over 12 years and just want this to be made right. Please don't make us have to expose this miscarriage of good faith. Please respond to this quickly as there are only two days left in the extended warrantee. I talked to a case worker today and they told me I was out of luck. I am not happy as you can imagine [XXX] & [XXX] , [XXX] . 1-29-2026 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11714341

Incident

Mar 24, 2025

On 10/03/2021 I was driving on the road and they car started acting up and the lights on the dashboard all start light up, so I drove to the dealer did a diagnosis on the car came out To be misfire and piston ring 4 fault. So I did the repair that are required for me to operate my vehicle safely. So four years later Honda did the recall. I submitted my documentation and repair receipt. Honda at first denied my claim saying I don’t have a proof of payment ( which clearly shows on my receipt it’s been paid with a Visa card), so I replied back with the Honda dealer’s billing personal contact info so the can verify that it’s been paid. So that takes care that. Then they move on to denying me again saying I don’t have the correct code on my invoice. So I attached the dealer repair managers contact info for them to verify the repair ( which the manager said American Honda should honor the repair since they issue the recall) and after all whose work Honda is still denying it. I did some searching on the net. I am not alone on this. A lot of honda owners are having the same issues did the repair with their hard earned money and when it comes to recall. American Honda motors are trying everything they can to dishonor it. I thing there must be something that we can do to stop this.

NHTSA ID

11713152

Incident

Oct 4, 2021

Vehicle: 2014 Honda Odyssey, VIN [XXX] , approximately 88,000 miles. In October 2025, the vehicle developed a strong burning-like odor from the HVAC vents, the temperature gauge rose, and an “Engine Hot” warning message appeared. At the same time, engine performance deteriorated and the engine began misfiring. Due to the overheating warning and drivability issues, I stopped using the vehicle and brought it to Pit Stop Auto Center (203 Clinton Place, Long Branch, NJ 07740) for inspection. Component/system that failed or malfunctioned: The engine head gasket failed (engine/cooling system). The failure resulted in internal oil-to-coolant cross-contamination, with a milky/frothy oil–coolant mixture visible in the coolant reservoir and additional visible oil contamination when removing the coolant cap. The mechanic also stated in a message dated October 29, 2025 that after removing the water pump, they discovered that engine oil was mixed with coolant inside the cooling system. How safety was put at risk: The head gasket failure caused an engine overheating condition (“Engine Hot” warning) and misfiring/reduced performance, creating a risk of loss of power and breakdown while driving. The burning odor from the vents also raised safety concerns. I brought the vehicle in to prevent further damage and unsafe operation. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center: The problem was confirmed by an independent service center (Pit Stop Auto Center) based on inspection and documented evidence of oil mixed with coolant. Has the vehicle/component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance, or others: by DCH Kay Honda/Pit Stop Auto Center Warning lamps/messages/symptoms prior to failure: Burning odor from vents, elevated temperature gauge, and “Engine Hot” warning message, with noticeable engine performance deterioration and misfiring beginning in October 2025. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11711042

Incident

Oct 16, 2025

The car is not shifting properly and lags or hesitates when changing gears. This issue causes the car to jerk, particularly when transitioning from lower gears to higher ones. Additionally, there has recently been a noise coming from the driver's side wheel, although the brake pads are in good condition.

NHTSA ID

11695601

Incident

Feb 2, 2024

The incident happened in December 2022; the vehicle is available for inspection still. Without warning, the engine light started blinking, and engine ran very rough, so I ended up pulled over and stuck until we could tow to the local Honda dealership. Then was without a car for several days. The dealership found error code P0302 (misfire on cylinder 2), due to oil gumming up on the spark plugs, caused by the eco system design flaw in the 2014 Odyssey. The dealer quoted $5640 to replace the 1-3 piston rings. I could not afford this, so they replaced all 6 plugs and cleared the codes for a short term fix ($465). Which brings us to now, when Honda has offered a warranty extension and to reimburse for previous repairs related to this problem. I submitted my paperwork for the $465 reimbursement a month ago and have had multiple phone calls with Honda, and several "escalations" to supposed supervisors, each of whom seem to have not even looked at the incident details. Honda has denied the claim. The paperwork I submitted to them is from the dealer repair in Dec. 2022 and states "misfire on cylinder 2, need piston ring repair on cylinders 1-3, P0302 was the dtc error code, replaced all 6 plugs and cleared codes for short term fix, for long term fix, vehicle needs the 1-3 piston rings replaced." The Honda reps claim the dealer service did not use the right wording; it should have the words "fouled by oil" in the service report (but they don't provide appropriate wording for service departments to use). The last voicemail I received from them said there was no error code provided (which there clearly was). Honda is not interested in fulfilling the reimbursement their latest campaign promises. Beyond that, the long term fix is not covered on the warranty extension, because the vehicle is not currently broken. So I am left with a van that I can't drive on the highway or out of town, since it can happen again without warning. This is a safety risk for my family. Shame!!

NHTSA ID

11689809

Incident

Dec 5, 2022

Had a Honda fixed for a well known piston ring problem that did not have a recall, but should have at the time repaired. In July, Honda sent us an extended warranty for the very problem we had repaired. I sent in all documentation and claim was denied twice. My dealer has sent me a voice mail confirming the repair is the exact one mentioned in the warranty extension. American Honda is claiming certain error codes must be mentioned in the work order in order to pay the claim. This is at best a bad faith move on Honda's part.

NHTSA ID

11689663

Incident

Sep 22, 2025

A poorly designed engine leads to misfires even after proper maintenance, increasing the chances of a crash. On Monday, May 12th, 2025, the MIL indicator came on and began flashing while I was driving. The engine began to misfire so violently that the vehicle was nearly undriveable; acceleration was dangerously poor. After I got home, I used a OBD-II code scanner and pulled a "P0301 - Cylinder 1 misfire" DTC. Then, I did some research, and found that a poorly designed engine causes oil to burn inside the cylinders and foul the spark plugs. I inspected the spark plugs and found multiple fouled plugs, specifically on the cylinders on which Honda's Variable Cylinder Management activates on, cylinders 1-4. I replaced all six spark plugs, and the issue went away, as expected. Photos of the fouled plugs are attached. Honda is aware of this problem, as it recently extended the warranty of the engine in this vehicle. I received a letter on July 31, 2025, titled, "Warranty Extension: 2013-15 Pilot & 2013-17 Odyssey MIL Comes on with DTCs P0301 thru P0304." (See uploaded file.) Spark plug inspection and replacement is part of the repair, in addition to a partial engine rebuild and software update. However, the warranty extension only applies *after* the misfiring has started, which is no help to the safety of this vehicle, as the issue can start at any moment while driving. Furthermore, the warranty extension only adds an extra six months to many of the affected vehicles. Therefore, any vehicle this extension applies to is an unsafe vehicle unless the safety issue already occurred and was repaired. If the issue presents itself after this time period, the owner is left with an unremedied vehicle and with an expensive repair bill.

NHTSA ID

11678822

Incident

May 12, 2025

Piston failure - vehicle has always been properly maintained by Honda dealer and we have adhered to their suggestions for maintenance/repair. It has been driven in a safe and legal manner. There is no reason why this should have happened under the conditions without a defect. Vehicles currently at Regal Honda, Lakeland FL incurring $6000 worth of repairs.

NHTSA ID

11668526

Incident

Jun 20, 2025

I’m experiencing several issues with my 2014 Honda Odyssey: -The radiator fan often stays on after the car is turned off. -I have to press the shut down button 3 times before the car completely shuts off, which is concerning. -After driving for only 20 minutes , the engine temperature spikes to the max which is limiting my ability to get places safely. -The sliding doors only work when the car is off and sometimes even then it won’t open after trying 3/5 times. These issues are ongoing never stops, The overheating and fan behavior feel unsafe so we just use the car for very short drives(5mins max). I’m worried about potential engine damage or failure while driving. The sliding doors also pose a safety concern, especially with kids.

NHTSA ID

11666721

Incident

Jan 10, 2025

This started approximately one year plus ago. The problem is exhibited mostly when the vehicle is pulling away after a stop light. From a full stop n pushing the accelerator, the vehicle pulls forward a little n then totally hesitates n stops in the middle of the intersection leaving us in a position to be hit from behind. . Consequently, the vehicle suddenly jerks n moves forward rapidly - again putting us and other drivers at risk. Also, in driving in stop n go traffic, the vehicle suddenly jerks ahead n we are at risk of hitting car in front of us or getting hit from behind. We have had the van to a Honda dealer at three different times, but they are unable to get the van to replicate that motion. There were no warning lights or messages. We have noticed recalls for other vans even up to the 2013 but NOT the 2014 Honda Odyssey!! We thought by now the 2014 would have been included in the recall, but so far no luck! The vehicle has not been seen by the police or an insurance rep but is available for inspection any time. It would seem that the problem is fuel injection or some sensor. Please help before we are injured or someone else gets hurt.

NHTSA ID

11639819

Incident

Jan 5, 2024

I just went to a professional auto mechanics and they have confirmed that my 2014 Honda Odessey engine has the same symtoms and noise of a connecting rod bearings failure. The engine is making a lot of engine knocking noise. and recently, the connecting rod has failed. The safety issue is that with a stall engine on freeway, it can cause serious accident. I have the car here. I wonder if NHTSA would be interested to investigate this vehicle as it would help the public to be aware that the current Honda engine recall extends to the 2014 Honda Odessey model as well.

NHTSA ID

11631669

Incident

Dec 1, 2024

>At about 95,000 miles the vehicle engine is making a loud rattling noise until it warms up to operating temperature. > At about 105,000 miles the vans battery starting dying frequently. The battery was replaced and 8 months later it died again. Replaced the battery again and one night the battery light came on along with several of the display warnings flashing and the car made it one mile home before dying and not turning on again. Had a mobile mechanic take a look and they think oil leaking has damaged the alternator. Problem has not been fixed and the vehicle is inoperable.

NHTSA ID

11624565

Incident

Jun 1, 2024

Repair required piston rings replacements. The vehicle was only 10 years old, 61,000 miles. This is coincidental with the ECO mode shutting down 3 cylinders. As you know, the 2014 model does not have (unlike current models) a special button for the ECO mode, as such, the driver has no control over the feature. While this is a hypothesis, this might have damaged the engine from overuse of remaining cylinders or malfunction of the ones that did not engage in the ECO mode. Research online indicated that other customers reported similar issues. I do not feel it's fair for a vehicle with 61K (sixty one thousand) mileage and 9.5 years old to break down considering the use and the care I have provided for the vehicle throughout its life. I am the original owner and serviced all needed maintenance at Honda or Acura dealerships (can be evident by records on CarFax), and used only Shell or Costco gasoline, never a cheap non-branded gas. The premium that Honda commands for its brand and its recognition failed with this major over $5,000 repair. Thank you!

NHTSA ID

11613859

Incident

Apr 11, 2024

Engine surge when appying brake. This has occurred approximately 6 times in 2024 and happens when applying brakes when coming to a stop. Please note previous reports regarding engine surge when braking.

NHTSA ID

11590747

Incident

May 24, 2024

Back three (3) cylinders, namely #3 cylinder, constantly fouls out. Vehicle has less than 100k miles on it and has been regularly serviced.

NHTSA ID

11583669

Incident

Apr 17, 2024

I have now had a flashing check engine twice on my van. The first time it happened next to a well known national mechanic chain while in a car wash. 4 other lights came on all the sudden along with a flashing check engine light. You could feel the engine rumbling. I took it straight to the mechanic next to us and they told me I had a misfire and needed spark plugs and a ignition coil. They did that work and it did temporarily fix the problem. 6 months later the same thing happens. So I took it to a Honda dealer this time. They informed me this is actually a much larger known issue with this engine. The ring on the cylinder shifts/brakes allowing oil to come up and it ruins the spark plug, causing a misfire. They have to do a complete engine rebuild. The mechanic advised Honda knows about this issue and they see it all the time. They also warned me it is dangerous to drive the vehicle when this occurs as the engine could fail and there is a fire risk from the unburned fuel in the exhaust.

NHTSA ID

11555789

Incident

Nov 18, 2023

VCM causing overflow of oil in cylinders 3 and 6 ruining internal components. Vehicle would not accelerate on expressway had to idle to gas station. Lawsuit and extended warranty place on 07-13 odysseys for same issue .

NHTSA ID

11545471

Incident

Sep 10, 2023

My vehicle had check engine line was blinking and I took to the Honda. They immediately diagnosed the code as Cylinder 3 Misfire. Upon checking they identified the root cause is Piston ring needs to replace as oil was leaking in the cylinder. I was told that this can cause severe dame to vehicle and passenger as time engine can stop and cause the fire also. I was told that this issue is well known to Honda. When I reached out to Honda they said that your vehicle is not part of the recall and we cannot reimburse the repair expense. I had maintained my car up to date. There was no maintenances service to replace the piston ring at certain mileage. I am single owner. I am baffled on how this was not the manufacturer issue? How was the scope of the investigation on which vehicle impacted determined? Why was my vin number excluded from recall as certainly it is impacted? This issue put me at the risk with safety. Additionally, why do I need to pay for this Manufactuing defects? Is vehicle manufacturer responsibility not applicable when Car is outside of the warranty due to mileage and years?

NHTSA ID

11541158

Incident

Aug 5, 2023

Its a defective torque converter

NHTSA ID

11536440

Incident

Jan 2, 2023

My engine needs to be re-ringed after 50000 miles after a repair of the same. Honda settled a class action suit of this issue and the repair was done by an authorized dealer. The pistons rings on certain cylinders my rotate and align which can lead to spark plug fowling. The code is P0301-P0304. This is caused by the VCM that is put on the vehicle to increase gas mileage. Thousands of Honda engines are affected by this problem. Honda needs to do more about this problem. The engines are failing and not lasting as they should.

NHTSA ID

11528073

Incident

Jun 20, 2023

My wife was driving our 2014 Odyssey. She went to visit a neighbor. As she pulled up in the driveway and applied the brakes the car acceleration engaged. She was unable to stop the car. I hit the neighbors garage door, totaling it and damaged both of their cars inside. She had complained previously about what she had described as a braking problem. The car was taken into Honda service to check out the brakes and they were inspected and the car road tested and nothing was found. Since the accident the body was has been repaired and the car was returned to Honda for a diagnostic check-up and nothing was found again. I have a customer service claim with Honda USA but have not heard back from their claims manager.

NHTSA ID

11515545

Incident

Mar 21, 2023

The contact owns a 2014 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal, with the check engine warning light and two other unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact initially had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where an oil leak was discovered behind the spark plugs. After the initial failure, the contact had the spark plugs replaced four separate times. The vehicle was also taken to a dealer where it was determined that the cause of the failure was the piston rings, and the contact was given an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 93,315.

NHTSA ID

11502380

Incident

Feb 1, 2022

Mileage

93,315 mi