2016 Honda Odyssey Engine Problems

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the RPM increased, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. In addition, there was an abnormally loud sound and smoke coming from the exhaust system. The contact drove the vehicle to a nearby business parking lot. The contact stated that the failure started while the cruise control was enabled, so the contact disabled the cruise control. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not inspected. The contact stated that the vehicle was recently purchased from a dealer. The contact obtained a CARFAX report, which indicated that in January 2025, the dealer performed an unknown recall repair where the piston rings were replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The failure mileage was approximately 80,200.

NHTSA ID

11692519

Incident

Oct 6, 2025

Mileage

80,200 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine made rattling sounds. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the low-end rod nut had failed and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

NHTSA ID

11689348

Incident

Sep 24, 2025

Mileage

110,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a misfire coming from the engine, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that shortly afterwards, the vehicle vibrated abnormally and hesitated while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the ignition coils and spark plugs were faulty and needed to be replaced. However, the failure returned a year later, with a misfire coming from the engine while driving, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the ignition coils and spark plugs were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred months later. This vehicle was taken to a Honda dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the cylinder rings were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.

NHTSA ID

11684433

Incident

Apr 2, 2023

Mileage

85,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the engine, resulting in damages to cylinders #1 and #3. The contact was informed that a partial rebuild of the engine was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 94,000.

NHTSA ID

11656405

Incident

Apr 23, 2025

Mileage

94,000 mi

While driving on the interstate my 2016 Honda Odyssey with 120k miles experienced a blinking check engine light along with strong engine shudder. Luckily I was close to home, and after reviewing numerous complaints of the same VCM issue from others I checked the plugs and coils and found that the 3 rear plugs covered in oil. I replaced the plugs and coils and ran fuel system cleaner for the next few fill-ups. There was no prior warning, and if I would have been further from home or continued driving i assume I would need new rings and that would be a multiple-thousand dollar fix. I still don't know if they're permanently damaged.

NHTSA ID

11655732

Incident

Mar 15, 2025

Vehicle had a dead misfire on cylinder number one. Initially occurred in May 2024 - all of my dashboard lights went on and car was very shaky - made me nervous because manual said car could overheat or catch fire, so had towed to shop - Girard's Automotive in Franklin, WI. They diagnosed as spark plug needed replacement. Van was at about 98K miles at the time so recommended changing all spark plugs, which I did. Three months later - in August 2025 the same thing occurred - all warning lights on. This time I brought it to my regular mechanic - Import Minded in Greenfield, WI - insisting it was a faulty spark plug replacement. He removed the spark plug and found it to be oil fouled which typically indicates the vehicle was experiencing high levels of oil consumption caused by a known piston ring issue. He changed the spark plugs at the time at recommended checking with Honda as this was a known issue in which they had put out a service bulletin in Oct 2020 and extended warranties for year 2011 to 2013. I went to the Honda dealership. They were familiar with the problem but stated they needed to diagnose the problem and could not do that until the engine lights came on again. So, I could not reliably drive my car any distances for fear all my engine lights would come and the shakiness would come back. This went on until this last month, March 2024 in which the engine lights came on again and I was able to get it back to the dealership where they did diagnose the issue as the piston ring problem. They would not guarantee me any assistance with the repairs but required I have them done there for any chance at getting goodwill assist to pay for the repair- to the tune of $6000. After the work was complete, they let me know they would not be able to help me out - not because they do not acknowledge this to be a known issue, but because I do not spend enough money at Honda dealerships. Safety concern - overheat/fire and shakiness causing difficulty driving.

NHTSA ID

11653991

Incident

Mar 20, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. In addition, the contact noticed the knocking sound when the vehicle started. The contact stated that the failure was persistent, and the abnormal knocking sound had gotten louder. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

NHTSA ID

11642597

Incident

Sep 13, 2024

Mileage

72,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road and noticed several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and an independent mechanic; however, no cause for the failure was found. However, the dealer replaced the oil gasket, and the spark plugs. Ken Garff Honda of Orem (195 E University Pkwy) replaced the timing belt. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

NHTSA ID

11642015

Incident

Aug 16, 2021

Mileage

67,000 mi

I own a 2016 Honda Odyssey. This past summer ,while driving the vehicle began to lose power and shake. I had it towed in where I was told that the piston rings needed to be replaced, however, the first step would be to replace the spark plugs. They knew exactly what was going on because numerous individuals have had the same issue with their Honda Odyssey. Now just last week the same problem happened and the piston rings are being replaced for $5000. There was previously a class action lawsuit on earlier model year Honda Odyssey's due to the same issue. Honda then did nothing to fix the issue with the next model of the Odyssey. It is frustrating that their is a known issue that they are doing nothing about. We literally lost power while driving down a busy highway putting us and others at risk. Luckily we were able to get off of the road safely without causing any issues. You have previously looked into the earlier model Honda odyssey's I would appreciate it if you would with the newer models as well. Thank you.

NHTSA ID

11641151

Incident

Jan 31, 2025

Mileage

142,569 mi

Dear Honda Customer Service, I am writing to formally report a serious issue with my 2016 Honda Odyssey and to request a full repair at no cost due to what appears to be a manufacturer defect. In March 2024, my vehicle began experiencing a mild shudder/vibration noise, and the Check Engine Light turned on. I took the vehicle to Vacaville Honda, where a diagnostic was performed. The technicians informed me that the engine has a faulty VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) system, causing misfiring due to oil leakage on the spark plugs and piston rings. The only solution given was to replace the engine at a cost of $6,000, which is an unreasonable expense for a known issue related to Hondas VCM system. I have maintained my vehicle regularly at Honda dealerships and followed all manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedules. This engine failure is not due to negligence or wear and tear, but rather a design defect that has affected many Honda owners. Given these circumstances, I respectfully request that Honda cover the full cost of the engine repair or replacement under a goodwill warranty. I also ask that you investigate whether this issue qualifies for a recall or extended warranty assistance. Please respond as soon as possible, as my vehicle is currently unsafe to drive. Thank you.

NHTSA ID

11640397

Incident

Mar 8, 2024

Vehicle started showing "check engine" light and some other incidental warning lights. Engine started running roughly. We took this to the dealer and they said that engine needed to have piston rings replaced (along with some other unrelated items.)

NHTSA ID

11638202

Incident

Jan 1, 2025

Local mechanic informed me that there there is a defect in the piston causing oil to leak in and ruin the piston and spark plugs. This is fouling up the spark plugs, which are covered in oil. Temporarily he said to replace the spark plug. If that does work, he recommended a valve cover replacement. And if that still doesn't work to replace the engine. This was on cylinder number 1. This also happened last year with cylinder number 3. The engine light comes on and the vehicle starts shaking and causing engine misfiring. The oil was changed approximately 1 week ago when cylinder 1 was having issues. Yes, this vehicle is currently available for inspection. This could be a safety issue due to engine failure while driving on a busy road. This van was purchased used in 2018 with 1 previous owner. This problem has been confirmed by a repair shop.

NHTSA ID

11635312

Incident

Jan 9, 2025