These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2008 Honda Odyssey engine problems
severe 40 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
40
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
2crashes
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 40 engine complaints filed for the 2008 Honda Odyssey, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 40 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 10 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - The front rocker arm oil control valve is leaking.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗"Service bulletin - American Honda is announcing a powertrain warranty extension as a result of a settlement of a class action captioned, Soto et al.v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Case No. 3:12-cv-1377-SI (N.D. Cal.). The piston rings on certain cylinders may rotate and align, which can lead to spark plug fouling. This can set DTCs P0301 No. 1 cylinder misfire detected, P0302 No. 2 cylinder misfire detected, P0303 No. 3 cylinder misfire detected, P0304 No. 4 cylinder misfire detected, and cause the MIL to come on. American Honda is extending the powertrain warranty to cover repairs related to engine misfire (that triggers DTCs P0301 through P0304) to 8 years with unlimited mileage from t
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service bulletin - American Honda is announcing a powertrain warranty extension as a result of a settlement of a class action captioned, Soto et al.v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Case No. 3:12-cv-1377-SI (N.D. Cal.). The piston rings on certain cylinders may rotate and align which can lead to spark plug fouling. This can set DTCs P0301 No. 1 cylinder misfire detected, P0302 No. 2 cylinder misfire detected, P0303 No. 3 cylinder misfire detected, P0304 No. 4 cylinder misfire detected, and cause the MIL to come on.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2008 Odyssey engine cluster shows two dominant problem categories: oil consumption and catastrophic control failures.
Oil burning is the most widespread complaint. Owners report consuming 1–4 quarts per 1,000 miles with no visible external leaks, blue/gray exhaust smoke, and delayed or silent low-oil warnings. The issue stems from piston ring failure in the 3.5-liter V6 VCM engine. Honda settled a class-action in October 2013, extending powertrain warranty to 8 years for affected models, but many owners report their VINs excluded from coverage, late or no notification of the settlement, and dealers insisting 1 quart per 1,000 miles is "normal." Some engines have failed completely, requiring replacement ($3,000–$5,000+). Software updates (TSB 11-033) and rocker repairs provide limited relief.
Control failures are more dangerous but less frequent. Owners describe uncontrolled throttle sticking at full RPM, sudden power loss limiting speeds to 25 MPH, and engine revving to 5,000 RPM at stop lights. Brakes often fail to stop the vehicle; shifting to Neutral and using the emergency brake became necessary. These failures occur episodically, typically within the first year, and dealers cannot reproduce them on test drives or find error codes, leaving vehicles returned unfixed. One brand-new vehicle required three dealer visits in its first months.
Less common but critical failures include engine fires, coil pack explosions, transmission failure post-engine replacement, and spontaneous engine starting with no key in ignition. Engine mounts also fail prematurely (46,000 miles reported).
Same Honda Odyssey engine reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2007 · 2009 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Excessive Oil Consumption / Burning
Engine burns or leaks oil internally at abnormally high rates, often without visible external leaks. Owners report consuming 1 quart per 1,000–1,500 miles or more. Gray/blue exhaust smoke and oil smell often present. Related to piston ring issues and Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system. Some engines have failed completely due to oil starvation.
When: Typically becomes noticeable between 30,000–90,000 miles; worsens over time
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine Light (error codes P3400, P3497); Blue/gray smoke from exhaust; Oil smell from vehicle; Low oil level warnings (often late or absent); Engine knock or misfire; Hesitation or rough idle
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite engine replacement ($3,000–$5,000+), rocker replacement, piston/ring repair. Some dealers say 1 qt per 1,000 miles is 'normal'; others perform TSB 13-031 or software updates (TSB 11-033) with limited or no success.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda issued service bulletins (TSB 11-033, TSB 13-031) and settled 2008–2013 Odyssey class-action lawsuit on 10/22/2013, extending powertrain warranty to 8 years with no mileage limit for VCM-equipped engines. However, many owners report VINs excluded from settlement, late notification, or Honda denying coverage despite meeting criteria. Dealers often cite excessive oil consumption as 'normal' or require owners to monitor oil manually.
Uncontrolled Engine Revving / Throttle Stuck
Engine revs suddenly to high RPM (1,500–5,000 RPM) at stop lights or while braking, or throttle sticks open, preventing normal deceleration. Brake pedal often unresponsive; vehicle must be shifted to Neutral and emergency brake applied to regain control. Occurs episodically and difficult for dealers to reproduce. Suspected computer or electrical control issue rather than mechanical.
When: Typically within first 6–12 months of ownership; can recur over months
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs unexpectedly at stops or low speeds; Throttle sticks; foot off accelerator does not reduce RPM; Brake pedal feels spongy or unresponsive; Check Engine Light (intermittent); Vehicle lurches forward uncontrollably; Odd sensor codes (unrelated to throttle per dealer diagnosis)
Codes mentioned: Unspecified sensor malfunction (per narrative #1)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships unable to reproduce failure on test drive. One owner (#1) had sensor code reset but problem recurred. Honda declined to replace engine computer; dealer refused to do so citing liability risk. No successful repairs documented in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda declined to replace computer or authorize dealer replacement. Dealers reset sensor codes but problem persists. No recall or TSB cited. Manufacturers state no error codes present on follow-up diagnostics, leaving no grounds for repair under warranty.
Engine Misfire / Spark Plug Fouling
Engine misfires, runs rough, or vibrates significantly while driving. Check Engine Light illuminates. Spark plugs foul prematurely (within service intervals) or require repeated cleaning/replacement. Often accompanies or precedes excessive oil consumption. Dealer may replace spark plugs but problem recurs within months.
When: First occurrence noted between 30,000–90,000 miles; recurs after repair
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine Light (blinking or steady); Irregular engine beats / vibration; Vehicle stability activation (VSA) engages due to vibration; Fouled or failed spark plugs; Hesitation or rough running
Codes mentioned: P3400, P3497, Catalytic converter malfunction code (P0420 implied)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replace or clean spark plugs; Honda technical support consulted but unable to determine root cause. One owner (#6) had spark plugs replaced, then same plugs failed again within 6 months. Repairs range from spark plug replacement to engine rebuilding.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers perform spark plug service under warranty initially. Honda technical support unable to explain recurrence. Some owners referred to service bulletins related to VCM/oil consumption but no definitive fix provided. No recall issued for spark plug fouling as primary complaint.
Sudden Loss of Power / Engine Stalling
Vehicle suddenly loses engine power while driving (highway or city speeds), limiting acceleration to ~25 MPH maximum regardless of throttle input. Check Engine Light illuminates. Vehicle stalls or must be nursed home at very low speed. Engine may restart and run normally, then fail again. Multiple occurrences on same vehicle.
When: Within first 6 months of ownership; recurs after dealer service
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine Light comes on; Sudden power loss during acceleration; Maximum speed limited to ~25 MPH; Weird humming sound from engine; Complete stall (vehicle must restart); No acceleration response to throttle pedal
Codes mentioned: Unspecified (implied computer/electrical)
Repairs/costs cited: One brand-new vehicle (#10) required three separate dealer service visits; no permanent fix documented. Dealers returned vehicle after each visit but failure recurred within days. Owner demanded loaner car on third visit.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers investigate and keep vehicle multiple days (up to 1 week) but cannot identify root cause or reproduce failure consistently. Vehicle released each time but failure repeats. No TSB or recall found in narratives.
Engine Fire / Underhood Fire
Engine compartment fire or vehicle fire, often preceded by burning odor, smoke, or leaking fluid. One case (#12) involved explosions and total loss; another (#28) involved catalytic converter failure igniting fuel or oil.
When: One case at ~196,000 miles post-service; another at 100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Burning smell in cabin or engine bay; Smoke from front of vehicle or exhaust; Flames visible under hood or from engine compartment; Dripping liquid under chassis; Loud explosions
Repairs/costs cited: Both vehicles total loss. Case #12 was towed away; fire department extinguished. Case #28: catalytic converter failure attributed by fire department.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer provided case number in one instance (#12) but no details on remedy given. No recall issued. Case #28 manufacturer not contacted by owner.
Engine Mount Failure
One or more engine mounts fracture or fail prematurely, causing droning noise, vibration, and brake rattle when braking hard. All five engine mounts reported as bad on one vehicle at only 46,000 miles.
When: 46,000–68,590 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Droning or vibrating noise from engine bay; Brakes rattle during hard braking; Lugging sensation; Excessive engine vibration
Repairs/costs cited: Engine mounts require replacement. Cost and labor not specified in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated vehicle out of warranty and declined to cover failure (#29). No TSB or recall referenced.
Transmission Slippage / Shift Issues
Transmission slips or hesitates; vehicle shakes during acceleration or at highway speeds (60–70 MPH). 'Jump' into gear at low speeds. One owner (#4) noted ECO cylinder deactivation (6-to-4 cylinder switch) not providing expected efficiency improvement. Another owner (#21) experienced transmission fluid leak and slippage requiring replacement at 84,000 miles.
When: First noticed at 48,000 miles (#4); fluid leak at 84,000 miles (#21)
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission 'jumps' into gear; Boggy or jumpy feeling at 60–70 MPH; Vehicle shakes while driving; Transmission fluid leak; ECO mode cylinder deactivation feels ineffective
Repairs/costs cited: One case (#21) quoted $4,105 for new transmission at 84,000 miles. Another case (#13) required engine replacement first, then transmission replacement (total repairs over $5,000 implied).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealership (Sons Honda, #21) declined to cover transmission failure because mileage exceeded 60,000 miles. Manufacturer (Honda Customer Relations) stated nothing could be done out of warranty. No TSB or recall mentioned.
Engine Knock / Detonation
Engine knock at low speeds (gears 1–4) and while going uphill. Knock worsens over time. Dealer unable to hear or diagnose the knock despite vehicle being well-maintained.
When: Not specified in narrative; ongoing at time of report
Symptoms owners cite: Engine knocking at low speeds; Knock while accelerating uphill; Knock worsens progressively
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted; dealer unable to diagnose.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented.
Sudden Unintended Acceleration
Vehicle accelerates suddenly to uncontrollable speed on highway without driver input. One case (#36) resulted in crash into guardrail with major driver-side damage.
When: Not specified in narrative #36
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates to high speed uncontrollably; Driver unable to regain control via braking or shifting
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle crashed; damage to driver side.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented.
Spontaneous Engine Starting
Vehicle engine starts by itself while parked, with no key in ignition and no remote starter present. Occurs multiple times (at least 3 documented). Braking shuts engine off but concern for carbon monoxide in attached garage.
When: Multiple incidents over past year (as of report date)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine running with no key in ignition; No remote starter present; Engine starts while vehicle is parked
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted or documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented.
Engine / Coil Pack Explosion
Coil and spark plug head exploded on cylinder #2 at highway speed, accompanied by loud noise similar to exhaust backfire. Cylinder was scored internally; engine deemed non-repairable and required replacement.
When: 5.5 years, 90,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud explosion from engine; Loss of acceleration and speed; Smoke/noise similar to exhaust separation; Engine stall requiring tow
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement cost over $5,000. Cylinder #2 coil/spark plug head failed; internal cylinder scoring.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda refused to offer compensation or amends. Manufacturer stated no design defect.
Transmission Failure / Shaking Post-Engine Replacement
Vehicle stalled at 32,450 miles requiring engine replacement. After engine replacement, vehicle shook at all speeds. Dealer claimed working properly, but shaking persisted. Vehicle stalled again with all instrument lights illuminated. Transmission ultimately required replacement. Shaking continued after transmission replacement as well.
When: 32,450 miles initially; current mileage 35,000 at time of report
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalling; Violent shaking at any speed post-engine replacement; All instrument lights illuminated during stall; Continued shaking after transmission replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement first; later transmission replacement. Multiple visits required; problem persisted after all repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer claimed vehicle working properly despite shaking. Later diagnosed transmission failure and replaced transmission. No resolution of underlying shaking issue documented.
Delayed or Ineffective Low Oil Pressure Warning
Low oil pressure indicator illuminates very late or not at all before engine damage occurs. One owner found oil level nearly empty (4+ quarts low) with no warning. Another owner found oil level below dipstick with low oil pressure light coming on only at very low mileage intervals (102k–106k miles) after consuming 4 quarts in 4,000 miles.
When: Varies; one case had no warning until near total oil loss; another at 100k+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Low oil pressure light absent or delayed; Oil level critically low (no visible leak); Engine damage by time warning appears
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required in both cases due to oil starvation damage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented. Dealer stated light indicators 'not very reliable' (#8). One dealer states checking oil every fill-up is necessary (#9).
Transmission Gear Shift to Low / Unexpected Downshift
Vehicle unexpectedly shifted into low gear while driving 40 MPH, attempting to stop without warning. Braking and transmission diagnostics showed no failure codes, and dealer could not reproduce failure.
When: 36,138 miles; current 41,000 miles at report
Symptoms owners cite: Unexpected downshift into low gear; Vehicle attempted to stop without driver input; No warning lights or codes
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs performed; failure could not be reproduced.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated correspondence with dealer occurred but no problem found; no assistance offered.
Synthesized from 40 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
My engine is using oil. It used 1 quart of oil in 2,826 miles of driving and 1/2 quart in the next 580 miles. The rate of oil use is increasing. Honda says these engines are passing oil thru the rings on 4 of the 6 cylinders. Honda will not do anything until engine light comes on or engine starts missing. I have to constantly check the oil level to make sure it is not to low. On the internet I…
Had engine trouble with your 2008 Honda Odyssey?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2008 Honda Odyssey?
It's a meaningful issue. 40 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 30 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 46,500 and 106,000 miles, with the median around 88,406. A quarter of owners report trouble before 46,500; a quarter make it past 106,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/Honda/Odyssey.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.