The VCM system has failed and caused oil to seep past piston rings and gum/foul up spark plugs. This is a known issue by Honda but they won-??t do anything about it.

- Delaware, OH, USA

A spool valve leak occurred leaking oil onto the alternator which caused it to fail when driving. When it failed, electrical systems started to shut down. At first, the ABS system indicator lit up. Multiple systems started to fail soon thereafter. Upon pulling over on the freeway, the vehicle was unable to go in reverse. The root cause was a spool valve leak that is well known and consequently puts drivers at risk when driving at high speeds. When driving down the interstate, all the electrical systems started to shut down. The ABS system was the first indicator, along with multiple electrical systems soon thereafter. Once pulled over, the vehicle could not go in reverse as well. I now understand this to be a well known issue as published in Honda Technical Service Bulletin TSB [XXX] However, no information was sent to owners even though Honda has known about the issue since at least March 2020. This puts unnecessary safety risks for those driving with oil leaking onto the alternator resulting in electrical system shutdowns and issues driving. I believe a recall and safety notice should be issued. Yes, the component was inspected by Honda and replaced. The first indicator was the ABS system warning light along with many other systems shutting down. This occurred at a high-rate of speed on the freeway. Upon pulling over, the vehicle also could not go in reverse. I am frustrated Honda has known abut this issue for many years, but has not informed owners nor offered to correct the issue leading to safety issues and costly repairs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Ankeny, IA, USA

The contact owns a 2015 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle began to lose power upon the depression of the accelerator pedal. A warning message appeared on the instrument panel that instructed the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer for service. The contact initially took the vehicle to a dealer but due to a high volume of customers, the dealer could not service the vehicle. The next day, the vehicle was taken to a second dealer where a diagnostic test was performed that showed a piston ring failure had caused the engine oil to contaminate the spark plugs which led to an engine misfire. The dealer replaced the spark plugs, piston rings, and cylinder rings in cylinders number 1, 2, and 3. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 133,597.

- Verona, PA, USA

Honda's variable cylinder management (VCM) system puts inordinate wear on engine cylinders that causes the vehicle to shake and misfire and eventually shut down the engine. It causes spark plug and cylinder coil failures and cylinder damage. This is not due to age, misuse or lack of proper maintenance. The VCM causes engine build up as a normal course of action. This is a known issue that Honda has never communicated to owners of these vehicles. Model years 2011-2013 had the same issue. Honda has offered no recourse, or even communication, to owners of 2014-2017 Odysseys with the exact same VCM (VCM2) mechanism and the same wear and tear on the engine. You can read more about the issues these vehicles have and how common this is here: [XXX] Honda dealerships will replace your cylinder rings (at a HIGH cost) but this does not fix or prevent the issue from recurring. Our vehicle had this work done at 77K miles, but it does not stop the VCM from causing build up and malfunctioning again in the future. Families like ours buy these vans because they are supposed to have reliable engines, and be safe for their families. They sold 450K model year 2014-2017 Honda Odysseys and this effects EVERY one of them on the road today. This is a consumer issue AND a safety issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Richfield, MN, USA

At 87,000 miles the piston valves failed in my 2015 Odyssey. Safety was put at risk as the spark plugs would fail due to oil leaking from the piston valves and the engine would flash all the lights and run super hard. Unable to drive it for 1 mile after the spark plugs failed. After the 2nd spark plug failure, a dealership confirmed the issue was the piston valves. 2 Honda dealerships confirmed that this is a known issue with Odysseys, Pilots and Accords and they have multiple vehicles in weekly to address this issue. Honda has had recalls on prior year Odysseys 2008-2013 for the piston valves but does not do anything to recognize this issue remains with the 2014-2017 vehicles. In 2018 the engine/build of the Odysseys changed and the piston valves are not an issue for that year and up.

- Kirkwood, MO, USA

The contact owns a 2015 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the RPM gauge was fluctuating. Additionally, the vehicle was shuddering while shifting between gears. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the PGM-FI software had failed and needed to be updated. The vehicle was not repaired. There was no further information provided. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 61,030.

- Maple Falls, WA, USA

The contact owns a 2015 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while pulling out of the parking space, the vehicle RPM had increased while the brake pedal had been depressed. As a result, the vehicle crashed into another vehicle in the lot. The rpm had continued to increase even with the vehicle being in the park position. The air bags did not deploy. No warning light was illuminated. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an auto collision center. The driver was injured. No one outside of the vehicle was injured. The contact sustained back, neck, pelvic, and head inquiries that required medical attention. The doctor provided shots and medicine for the pain. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 159,000. VIN not provided.

- Ann Arbor, MI, USA

My 2015 Honda Odyssey has suffered a well known and common engine problem. It currently has 92000 miles on it the engine is being rebuilt by a Honda service department at MY expense. This engine (3.5L) is leaking oil into the combustion chamber in cylinder #3. It has caused a misfire and the inability to maintain speed or control of the vehicle. this has occurred several times and now we are being told that cylinders 1-3 need to be rebuilt, along with some head components that have burned and fouled. When these misfires have ocurred, multiple warning lights (check engine) come on. This is a well known fault with this engine. Honda extended warranties on vehicles with this engine through model year 2013, however they are not covering this issue and it clearly hasn't been resolved.

- Coeur D'alene, ID, USA

Piston rings allowed oil to enter a combustion cylinder, resulting in misfiring and lack of power. The inability to accelerate was a potential hazard. The vehicle was taken to the dealership and they diagnosed the problem. Internet reports suggest that this is a known problem with this vehicle. The check engine light came on about a month earlier, but the light went off and stayed off until the event that led to the trip to the dealership.

- Yorktown, VA, USA

I own a 2015 Honda Odyssey EX-L purchased new at the Pacific Honda dealership in San Diego, CA. I wrote to American Honda Motor Co. requesting a partial reimbursement for the cost of significant engine repair work required on my Odyssey over the Christmas holiday, even though the car was well-maintained and had only been driven for 88,700 miles. Specifically, on or about December 14, 2022, my wife was driving our Odyssey with our two young children when the car began shaking and became difficult to drive, the check engine light began blinking, and numerous other warning lights flashed on the dashboard. My wife stopped the car and we reviewed the owner-??s manual and learned that the blinking check engine light and other warnings could indicate a critical malfunction, and that the car should not be driven and should be taken to a dealership. We immediately contacted our local Honda dealership, Pacific Honda, and had the car towed, at a cost of approximately $100, to this dealership. The dealership (where the engine repair work was done) said my car needed an -??engine rebuild-?? because the piston rings needed to be replaced and charged me $6,000 for the repairs, despite the car-??s relatively low mileage. During the engine repair process, which spanned weeks and ruined my family-??s Christmas holiday, multiple employees at the dealership repeatedly admitted that this engine problem was a -??common-?? and -??known issue, -?? and my brief research showed that this same engine problem has been the subject of a class action and recall in the past. In addition, online forums indicate that numerous Odysseys from 2014 through 2016 or later continue to have piston ring, fouled spark plug, and related problems potentially tied to the Variable Cylinder Management system.

- San Diego, CA, USA

Began to accelerate onto I-70 west (on-ramp) and the engine began shaking and lost compression to accelerate quickly to merge into the right lane. The engine icon light was blinking and I had to remain on the far right side of I-70 because I could not get up to speed (70MPH). It did not break down but had to drive at speeds below the minimum speed limit. I took the vehicle to the dealership where I purchased it and was told oil had breached and caused the spark plug oil fouled. It required a RING/PISTON job, all new spark plugs, timing belts, O-rings, manifold gaskets, water pump, drive belts, and coolant. Honda responded and would not provide financial assistance. Total cost $5072.67

- Springfield, OH, USA

Several times in recent years my car will start sputtering and misfire, losing significant power. Last time I was getting onto the freeway and it was quite dangerous as I was unable to accelerate sufficiently. My engine light also went on. The Honda dealership diagnosed the problem as a problem with the pistons, which needed replacing at a cost of some $4,000. The dealership shared that they were aware of this problem and that Honda had a newly designed piston to replace it. This seems to be the same problem covered by a RECALL for Honda Odyssey's 2011-2013 - but it does not cover my 2015 model. I am attaching info on the recall (Soto et al v. Amer. Honda Motor Co, Case No. 3:12-cv-1377-SI)

- Summerland, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2015 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The mechanic informed the contact of spark plugs and oil contamination causing engine damage. The contact stated that a temporary repair was performed however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 88,652.

- Fremont, CA, USA

Piston rings in cylinders 1-3 failed and allow oil to foul spark plugs and causes misfires. Same issue they have on the older models and subject to class action suit. TSB has been released, but repair charge for this continued design flaw estimated over $4000. 140,791 miles, services maintained. A search of the Honda blogs show this to be a continuing issue for many owners.

- Savannah, GA, USA

Very dangerous drivetrain issue. Transmission shifting issues led the transmission to total failure even after a recommended transmission flush and fill by a reputable Honda dealer. Issue was confirmed by an independent local repair shop. The vehicle itself has low mileage, (@69,600 mi.) No warning lamps prior to the transmission malfunction and failure.

- Culpeper, VA, USA

The Spool Valve leak oil onto the alternator causing the battery not be recharged and the car powering off and shutting down on the highway. This happened on my way from Kansas City Kansas. With the electrical unit completely shut down due to oil leak from the spool valve that caused the alternator to short circuit, my car slowed down from 65 mph to a halt in less than 10 seconds. Luckily enough I was at an exit and hence maneuvered the car to safety. Had I been on a bridge or narrow road with no shoulder, it could have led to potentially deathly situation. Took My car to a Honda dealer in davenport, where I was told the cause was a spool valve leak that is very common with Honda Odysseys built from 2010 to 2018. The issue was not inspected by the police nor my insurance. There was no warning other than my battery light that came on the dash board. The light came on 20 minutes prior to the car shutting down.

- Kenosha, WI, USA

The van shifts very odd when going forward. It doesn-??t shift smooth from 2-3 gear and it-??s not just our van my parents have the exact same year and model and it does it in theirs as well! I have read many complaints online about this but I don-??t know if it-??s the motor or the transmission but something is wrong with it. Being that we have literally 2 of the same year and model vans I can-??t see where this is a one off deal. I think there has to be something to it.

- Orangeburg , SC, USA

Check engine light came on upon starting vehicle. Vehicle was stationary and in park. Obd reader shows cylinder 3 misfire. Mechanic reports fouled plug and oil control issues due to vcm. All maintenance performed on schedule by ase certified mechanic. Vehicle has 73000 miles.

- Grapevine, TX, USA

While driving, the idle started to become rough and engine vibration increased. Check engine light and additional warning lights appeared in the dash. Error code P0302 was the primary error code for misfire cylinder 2 when the errors were scanned at home and confirmed by shop affiliated with car dealership. The spark plug in cylinder 2 was inspected and identified to be fouled and covered in oil. Additionally the ceramic was missing from the spark plug. This vehicle only has 50,785 miles, and this issue is similar to the class action lawsuit/service bulletin 13-081 issued to Honda vehicles (including Honda Odyssey 2011-2013). However, this time Honda is telling me that this issue is not a powertrain warranty issue and that I am responsible for the cost of repairs although the problem follows the exact decision matrix found in this service bulletin from the logged error code to the fouled spark plug in a young motor. This vehicle has been serviced by the same Honda dealership since I purchased the vehicle used at 16K miles.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

After driving a few miles under normal conditions we parked our minivan in our parking spot behind our house. While getting out of the minivan there was an odor and a tiny bit of smoke from the engine compartment. After waiting a couple minutes the smoke seemed to go away. We left the minivan parked and about 10-20 minutes later it started on fire and we received a call from our neighbors that the fire department had been called and they were putting out the fire. I am uploading a picture of the burnt minivan and the last service record for a regular oil change on 12/29/2018

- Chicago, IL, USA