2016 Honda Odyssey Owner Complaints

I am writing to formally report a serious and potentially life-threatening safety issue involving my Honda Odyssey’s locking system. For several years, I have experienced an ongoing problem in which the doors of my Odyssey have unexpectedly locked while the key fob was still inside the vehicle. This has happened to me at various stores and even at my own home. On those occasions, I was fortunate that my husband was nearby and could bring the spare key fob to unlock the vehicle. I have repeatedly brought this issue to my local Honda dealership and specifically questioned the locking system. Unfortunately, the dealership has either been unable to duplicate the problem or has made changes to the locking mechanisms without resolving the issue. The vehicle now no longer under warranty, yet the problem continues. This week, however, the issue became a terrifying and extremely serious safety emergency. My one-month-old grandson was accidentally locked inside the vehicle with the key fob. We were approximately 30 minutes from home, and the outside temperature was around 90 degrees. We had no way to unlock the vehicle ourselves. We had to contact the local police, a tow company, and EMTs for assistance. My grandson was trapped inside the vehicle for approximately 10 very frightening minutes before they were able to get the doors unlocked. Thankfully, my grandson was safely removed from the vehicle, but I cannot stop thinking about how differently this situation could have ended. A child, particularly an infant, can be in extreme danger inside a hot vehicle within a very short period of time. I am extremely concerned that this locking problem has continued for years despite my repeatedly bringing it to the attention of the Honda dealership. The fact that the vehicle can unexpectedly lock with the key fob inside creates a serious safety hazard. This is no longer simply an inconvenience or a mechanical annoyance—it has now resulted in an actual emergency involving an infant

NHTSA ID

11756578

Incident

Aug 10, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, engine, and VSA warning lights were illuminated. While at the stoplight, the vehicle started jerking and sputtering. The contact stated that the failure was related to Technical Service Bulletins: 25-060 and 25-061. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was a misfire coming from the engine. The contact stated that there was oil in the cylinder head. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The manufacturer confirmed that the warranty had expired months earlier, and the case was closed. The failure mileage was approximately 162,600.

NHTSA ID

11755217

Incident

Jul 21, 2026

Mileage

162,600 mi

I have needed to replace my spark plugs multiple times because of an issue where, apparently when in eco mode, the pistons in the third cylinder flood with oil that causes the spark plugs to misfire. I was informed this is an issue common to Honda Odysseys on or about May 19th, when I was experiencing a misfiring engine and brought it to AAA Reynoldsburg on E Broad Street in Reynoldsburg, OH. Honda is aware of the issue, and when I brought my car to Honda in July, after the new spark plugs started misfiring, one of the people at Honda told me the issue is because of government regulations that require lowering emissions. I don't know if that's objectively true or not, but if it's an issue Honda is aware of, as they are, they should correct the issue without charging me for the 'engine overhaul' or the new spark plugs. I have an email attachment showing the spark plug issue and other issues with the car. I don't hold Honda at fault for some of the issues, but if they know about the underlying cause that contributes to a misfire, I believe they should correct it. The video will not upload, but I am including a link to the video Honda sent me that shows the issues with the car, including the spark plugs misfiring because of one of the pistons flooding with oil. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11753773

Incident

Jul 30, 2026

In December 2021 My 2016 Odyssey experienced serious engine breakdown and could not be driven due to deterioration of piston ring functions in cylinders 1-3. That malfunction caused serious engine problems. It was diagnosed and repaired by Riverside Honda, [XXX] on 12/28/2021. The total cost paid by me for that repair, and for no other unrelated work, was $4598.10. In July 2025 I received from Honda a notice of a recall for this same specific issue. I was informed that I may be eligible for reimbursement since the repair work was already done. I filed the required documents. Almost one year later, on XXX I received a check from American Honda Motor Co in the amount of only $2352.32. I called Customer Service and was given a case number. I caseworker informed me that the reimbursement amount was accurate in that other work not related to the issue was not reimbursable. I stated my disagreement that the work order reflected all work was related to the issue and that the full reimbursement was justified. I asked the case manager if there were any appeal options available. She said quite emphatically the there are none. She made no mention of the NHTSA or any other options that I requested. I request that NHTSA intervene and investigate as to whether or not Honda acted appropriately in reimbursing for only half of the repair cost. I request that I be paid the entire amount, less what has already been paid me. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11750352

Incident

Dec 28, 2021

My rear view camera. Water (from the rain) often gets into it, making it blurry and unusable.

NHTSA ID

11749261

Incident

Jul 4, 2026

After the vehicle is off, and after the smart key fob is removed from the vehicle, the dashboard will flicker, the alarm sometimes goes off and the headlights turn on draining the battery and leading to me having to jump the car to get it started. This makes the car undependable as it could happen after driving somewhere and leave myself or my wife stranded. I have taken this in to the Honda dealership but they noted that it did not occur when they were servicing the vehicle and they weren't sure what the issue could be. Many times the check engine light, FCW and LDW lights will come on and then reset after the car has been driven.

NHTSA ID

11748712

Incident

Jul 6, 2026

Regarding: Reimbursement Request for Warranty Extension Service (Service Bulletin 25-061) ​I am formally requesting a reimbursement of $1,859.90 for repairs performed on my 2016 Honda Odyssey (VIN: [XXX]). ​On XXX, I visited Phil Hughes Honda in Athens, GA, due to engine misfire symptoms, specifically P0301. The dealership performed repairs in accordance with Service Bulletin 25-061, which included cylinder head disassembly, replacement of piston rings (cylinders 1-3), replacement of spark plugs, and other related services. ​I paid a total of $1,859.90 for these repairs. Given that this service addresses a known defect covered under the manufacturer's extended warranty program for this vehicle, I believe I am entitled to a full reimbursement of these costs. I have attached all relevant service invoices and the final payment receipt as documentation of the services performed and the expenses incurred. I request a review of this claim and the processing of my refund at your earliest convenience. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11746848

Incident

Nov 13, 2025

My wife was driving the vehicle after dropping off my kid at a swim meet in Dearborn heights MI, the Side curtain and all the passenger side airbags deployed after what she thinks is hitting a pothole. She heard big sound, she initially thought that the window glasses were broken but later realized that all the passenger side airbags deployed. She immediately slowed and took a right on the neighboring street and parked the car and exited. She mentioned a burning smell but I think it’s because of the airbag deployment. I looked for any recalls on this vehicle, there were none. But I noticed a recall on a similar situation for the same models from year 2018-2022. ,

NHTSA ID

11745395

Incident

Jun 19, 2026

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Honda Odyssey on April 29, 2026. The vehicle was purchased from a dealer. At the time of the purchase, the odometer was recorded at 95,745. The contact later purchased the CARFAX report which indicated that on July 17, 2024, the odometer was recorded at 102,223. The dealer was made aware of the discrepancy.

NHTSA ID

11743435

Incident

Apr 29, 2026

Mileage

95,745 mi

My vehicle is having issues with the fuel engagement system. This is a recall on 2016 Honda Odyssey but when I type in my VIN it says my vehicle is not affected. My vehicle is affected and would like it looked at under this recall.

NHTSA ID

11743195

Incident

Jun 10, 2026

I am filing this complaint regarding Honda's reimbursement program associated with the piston ring warranty extension related to engine misfire issues on certain vehicles. Prior to Honda issuing the warranty extension, I paid out of pocket to have the repair completed at an authorized Honda dealership. After Honda announced the warranty extension and reimbursement program, I submitted a reimbursement claim along with all required documentation and proof of payment in August 2025. My reimbursement claim has now been pending for approximately 11 months. Since submitting the claim, I have contacted Honda numerous times seeking an update. On multiple occasions, Honda representatives advised me that the reimbursement had been approved and was simply awaiting issuance of payment. However, no reimbursement has been received. Due to the lack of progress and conflicting information, I filed a complaint with my state's Attorney General's Office. In response to that complaint, Honda stated that the reimbursement claim was still under review, which directly contradicts what I had previously been told by Honda representatives. I have complied with all documentation requirements and have made repeated attempts to obtain a clear answer regarding the status of my claim. Despite this, I have not received reimbursement, a definitive status update, or a reasonable explanation for why a reimbursement claim related to a known warranty extension issue has remained unresolved for nearly a year. I am requesting review of this matter and whether Honda is properly administering and processing reimbursement claims associated with this warranty extension program within a reasonable timeframe.

NHTSA ID

11741700

Incident

Jun 7, 2022

Left Side Airbag Deployment control circuit - B0020 Right Side Airbag Deployment control circuit - B0028 Driver Seat Belt Sensor - Circuit open B0050 Occupant Classification System- missing message - BOOAO Driver Seat Track Position - BOOB5 Passenger Seat Belt Sensor - B0052

NHTSA ID

11741128

Incident

Apr 1, 2026

2016 Honda Odyssey with 76,000 miles. Vehicle experienced recurring cylinder 3 misfire (DTC P0303) caused by Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system allowing oil to bypass piston rings — a known defect covered under Honda TSB A25-061 and TSB 13-081. Vehicle was brought to Tony Honda (Honolulu, Hawaii) multiple times prior to January 31, 2026 warranty extension deadline but was not diagnosed until after expiration. Honda is now refusing to cover piston ring replacement under warranty despite this being the exact repair specified in their own technical service bulletins. Vehicle has been at Tony Honda since March 10, 2026 — 71 days — with no resolution.

NHTSA ID

11739190

Incident

Mar 10, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle began to experience cylinder misfiring and vibrations and the check engine light had illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer who diagnosed the engine cylinder piston rings had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11736247

Incident

May 4, 2026

Mileage

100,000 mi

COMPLETE shutdown of the engine while driving. No warnings - no flickering- no stumbling or misfire, just complete engine shutoff - dash and everything just turns off. Reading up on past recalls for this era of vans (mine a 2016) the 2013-2020 recall on the fuel pump sounds identical to this same thing I am experiencing. I was driving along in the city with my family in the vehicle and 2 times already while driving it has done this complete shutdown. If i wasn’t an experienced driver it would be enough for anyone to freak out and possibly cause some serious accidents. After I pull over and can try to restart the vehicle , thankfully it has restarted and allows me to continue forward. This is obviously not normal for a vehicle, Or even a fuel pump.

NHTSA ID

11735044

Incident

Apr 30, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID

11730196

Incident

Feb 17, 2026

09/01/2025 - Claim submitted under recall for "2016 Honda Odyssey, the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system can cause premature piston ring wear, leading to oil consumption, spark plug fouling, and misfires (P0301-P0304)" 09/24/2025 - Honda sent email confirming all required documents submitted and reimbursement would be processed in 6-9 weeks. 03/13/2025 (today) - No reimbursement received. Have called Honda claims 3 times over 3 months with no further information. Representatives state that reimbursement department very busy, will "flag for expediting", and to "call back in a week". It has been 24 weeks, way longer than acceptable processing by the OEM.

NHTSA ID

11724102

Incident

Sep 1, 2025

Airbag light is on, sensor ordered from Honda per dealership owner, Dino. Honda should be aware of this and reporting sensor light defects on airbags for drivers side, as that is a safety issue. Seller plans to have remedy by friend who works at Honda dealership, however with airbag safety it should be repaired at the Honda store for it to be reported to carfax that is was an error amd changed. The car shouldn't be driven until that is reported to car fax, fixed and changed.

NHTSA ID

11722766

Incident

Mar 7, 2026

While driving on I-85 in GA in 2024, my engine started to misfire and I had to pull over. At that point, I turned the engine off. If this had happened in the evening or on a road without a shoulder, I could have been at risk of being hit and/or stranded. After waiting a dew minutes, I restarted the engine and was able to make it home. My husband took it to our mechanic who indicated that the engine had registered a cylinder misfire (DTC P0303). Apparently, this was a serious flaw recognized in earlier (2008-2013) Honda Odysseys with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM). See [XXX] , et al. v. American Honda Motor Co. Inc., Case No. XXX, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. I received a notice from American Honda concerning a warranty extension related to TSB 25-061, which would seem to indicate that this is a known flaw that should be handled as a safety recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11721452

Incident

Jun 17, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Odyssey. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the DTC: P0301 (Cylinder #1 misfire) was displayed. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road and turned off. The driver attempted to restart the vehicle, and the vehicle restarted. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with spark plug failures due to an oil leak. The six spark plugs were replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that a year later, the contact received an extended warranty regarding the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact requested to be reimbursed for the repair. The contact stated that the initial reimbursement request was denied. The contact resubmitted the case and all the requested documentation. The contact submitted all the requested documentation. In addition, the contact stated that the mileage was under the mileage limit. The failure mileage was approximately 89,689.

NHTSA ID

11720425

Incident

Oct 25, 2024

Mileage

89,689 mi

Repeated misfires despite repairs at a certified Honda dealership. The van has been under service since the end of August 2025. The vehicle is power off and shut down while driving or cause significant engine/transmission shuddering and stalling. I have had my kids in the vehicle when this has happened on a highway. All service records have been done by certified servicers.

NHTSA ID

11711490

Incident

Jan 16, 2026

This vehicle has the ability to push a button on the keyfob and all the windows and sun roof all open completely but it dose not have the ability to turn this off or close the windows with the key fob. I have gone out several times and found all my windows open and I think a 3 year old had gotten ahold of the key fob and when I tried asking a honda dealer about this feature but i was told there's nothing that could be done about it even though it could open the windows while there's bad weather like rain or snow sleet or hail. And since there's no way to close the windows with the key fob that means you have to go out and get in to the van to close the windows. So a senior citizen could fall and hurt themselve's tryling to close the windows during a bad storm or other bad weather.

NHTSA ID

11709669

Incident

Jan 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle on several occasions, the vehicle started after the third attempt. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that there was a long crank caused by the fuel pressure bleeding back into the fuel tank. The dealer determined that the fuel pump module assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

NHTSA ID

11701725

Incident

Oct 1, 2025

Mileage

145,000 mi

I am sending you information about how a situation was handled by Honda, so hopefully others do not go through the same problems we did. Honda customer service and product advisory is what failed us and we are grateful that we didn't have an accident. I am attaching my documentation below.

NHTSA ID

11698741

Incident

Aug 22, 2025

Honda states they have issued a recall for : You paid for repairs to address a condition of engine misfire due to piston ring deterioration (that triggers DTCs P0301 thru P0304). e The repairs were completed or started prior to the notice date; repairs made after the notice date must be administered by a Honda dealer. o You owned the vehicle at the time of repair. You are still eligible if you no longer own the vehicle. • You provide a paid invoice. However when presenting receipts from a certified Honda Dealership repair shop, Honda Corporation states that not enough detail was gathered by the Honda Dealership to reimburse for the failed pistons. Honda corporation is not honoring the recall by creating additional red tape to avoid reimbursing consumers. If I had taken this to a mechanic outside of Honda I could understand, but this is an actual certified dealership where the work was done and still it's not enough proof that merits reimbursement. I have included the initial diagnosis and then the repair work that was done that meets all of the standards in the letter. Return letter from Honda Corporation: For auditing and compliance purposes, reimbursement under this warranty extension requires that both of the following be clearly documented on the repair invoice: - A qualifying DTC (P0301–P0304) - Technician notes identifying the root cause of the misfire We spoke directly with Economy Honda Superstore, who reviewed invoice #XXX along with the hard copy and technician notes. The documentation does not include any qualifying DTCs or confirmation of oil-fouled spark plugs. We understand that Service Manager Denman provided you with a separate document indicating DTC P0303. While this confirms the presence of a misfire code, it does not include clarification of the root cause of the misfire. Without this confirmation, the repair does not meet the eligibility criteria for reimbursement under the warranty extension. As such, the repair is not reimbursable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF IN

NHTSA ID

11698536

Incident

Apr 12, 2022