Service Bulletin - American Honda announced a powertrain warranty extension in 2013 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 fro
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Honda Odyssey engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2012 Honda Odyssey have filed 24 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 78,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
24
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Odyssey | 40 |
| 2009 Odyssey | 31 |
| 2010 Odyssey | 39 |
| 2011 Odyssey | 17 |
| 2012 Odyssey (this page) | 24 |
| 2013 Odyssey | 56 |
| 2014 Odyssey | 39 |
| 2015 Odyssey | 29 |
| 2016 Odyssey | 76 |
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 24 engine complaints filed for the 2012 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
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 9 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 ↗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 th
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe a 2012 Odyssey engine that burns oil excessively—over 1 quart per 1,000 miles—particularly when the Variable Cylinder Management system deactivates cylinders, causing oil deposits to foul spark plugs repeatedly. Several owners cite Honda recalls on the VCM, but say the fixes don't stick. Check engine lights flash regularly. One owner found the oil gauge reading false, providing no warning before the engine ran dry.
Power loss while driving shows up multiple times: one owner lost motive power twice daily at 100,000 miles; another barely accelerated on the freeway; a third experienced complete shutdown. Transmission shudder between 25–40 mph during 2nd–3rd gear shifts is documented as a consistent problem, worsening uphill.
Misfire problems cluster around cylinders 1, 3, and 5, with one owner reporting 5 of 6 cylinders misfiring. Spark plugs need frequent replacement despite recent service. One owner's engine caught fire in the driveway at 70,000 miles. Another needed engine replacement at 141,000 miles. Valve covers degrade from catalytic converter heat—the aluminum corrodes and cracks where rubber insulators fail. Owners report a class-action settlement exists for 2008–2013 models on oil consumption, but eligibility appears inconsistent. Honda dealerships have often denied repairs or demanded diagnostic codes before addressing known problems.
Same Honda Odyssey engine reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2013 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Excessive Oil Consumption and Spark Plug Fouling
Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system deactivates cylinders, causing oil deposits to accumulate on spark plugs and excessive oil burn. Multiple owners report consuming more than 1 quart per 1,000 miles, oil leaking onto spark plugs, and fouled plugs triggering check engine lights. One owner noted the oil gauge falsely indicated normal level despite low oil, masking the problem.
When: Throughout ownership; multiple instances reported at 70,000–87,000 miles; one instance at 78,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination (steady and flashing); Fouled or carbon-laden spark plugs; Excessive oil consumption (>1 quart/1,000 miles reported); Oil deposits in cylinder when VCM deactivates; Oil leaking onto spark plugs; Rough driving and poor acceleration
Codes mentioned: P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plug replacement (repeated every 1–2 years in some cases); oil pressure switch replacement performed at 78,000 miles but failure recurred; engine replacement recommended in some cases; some owners cite class-action settlement for 2008–2013 Odysseys, though not all 2012 models accepted into program
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda has issued recalls on VCM systems in the past, but owners report fixes are ineffective. Warranty denial beyond original/extended warranty period. One owner noted a warranty extension program for MIL/DTC codes P0301–P0304. Class-action settlement exists for excessive oil consumption in 2008–2013 models, but application criteria unclear.
Valve Cover Damage from Catalytic Converter Heat
Front valve cover exposed to extreme temperatures from adjacent catalytic converter without adequate thermal insulation. Rubber insulating components inside the valve cover fail due to heat, exposing steel components (seal ring) that corrode against the aluminum valve cover through galvanic corrosion. Owners report deformation, holes, cracks, and crumbling of the aluminum in the seal ring area. Possible contributing factors include thin casting and defective aluminum.
When: Not specified in narratives; affects 2012 Odysseys, Pilots, Accords, and Crosstours
Symptoms owners cite: Deformation of valve cover seal ring seating area; Holes and cracks in valve cover; Crumbling or corrosion of aluminum valve cover; Galvanic corrosion visible
Repairs/costs cited: Valve cover replacement required; owners report finding photographs and online testimonies documenting similar defects across multiple Honda models
Transmission Judder Between 2nd and 3rd Gear
Vehicle shudders or bucks between 25–40 mph during gear shifts, most prominently during the 2nd–3rd gear transition under moderate acceleration. Judder ranges from mild and transient to rough bucking lasting over 2 seconds. Occurs in approximately 90% of shifts between 2nd and 3rd under typical driving conditions and worsens when driving uphill. Not observed under mild or heavy acceleration. Results in loss of expected acceleration and decreased vehicle control.
When: Reported on brand new 2012 model; occurs during normal driving conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Shudder or buck between 25–40 mph during gear shifts; Judder most severe during 2nd–3rd gear shift (~90% of time); Rough bucking lasting over 2 seconds; Exacerbated by uphill driving; Loss of expected acceleration; Decreased vehicle control
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner believes Honda should recall affected vehicles for permanent repair; reports issue affects multiple model years beyond 2012
Loss of Engine Power and Stalling
Engine loses motive power inadvertently while driving at various speeds with no warning light in one case; in another, power diminishes suddenly on freeway and vehicle barely accelerates. One owner reports ECO mode allegedly shifted off engine cycling, making vehicle dangerously undriveable. Another reports vehicle quit completely on freeway after dash lights flashed, requiring tow; cause attributed to faulty or shorted ground wire. Vehicle loses acceleration power intermittently in another case when pressing accelerator or with cruise control.
When: One instance at ~100,000 miles (twice daily); one freeway incident; others at unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of motive power in roadway with no warning light; Unable to veer to side of roadway; Power diminishes suddenly on freeway; Vehicle barely accelerates; Complete engine shutdown with loss of dashboard power; Intermittent loss of acceleration response; No response to accelerator pedal for several seconds, then normalizes
Repairs/costs cited: Ground wire replacement attempted in one case; vehicle restarted successfully in some instances
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in at least one case and filed case under NHTSA Campaign 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); no assistance offered in other cases
Misfire and Rough Running
Cylinder misfire (most commonly reported in cylinders 1, 3, and 5) causing rough idle and running while in motion. One owner reports missing on 5 of 6 cylinders with severely impaired driving performance and soot blown from exhaust. Exhaust blows soot on vehicle sides. Fuel economy drops significantly (to 18 mpg highway reported). Dealer compensating for misfires without displaying diagnostic trouble code, refusing repair until DTC appears. Clicking and jerking sounds reported alongside emission light cycling.
When: Various mileages; one instance at 130,000 miles (piston rings); cylinder 3 misfires recurring over 14,000 miles; missing on 5 cylinders at unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Cylinder misfire (cylinders 1, 3, 5 reported); Missing on multiple cylinders (up to 5 of 6); Rough idle and rough running motion; Soot blown from exhaust onto vehicle; Fuel economy decrease (e.g., 18 mpg highway); Clicking and jerking sounds; Check engine light on and cycling; Carbon buildup on spark plugs
Codes mentioned: P0304
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plug replacement (multiple times, typically annually); ignition coil replacement (cylinder 3); piston ring replacement at 130,000 miles; dealer compensation adjustments without permanent repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner reports vehicle included in class-action lawsuit for 3.5L engines; dealership uses compensating strategy to delay formal repair until DTC displays
Hesitation and Stuttering During Acceleration
Vehicle hesitates or stutters when accelerating, starting with minimal issues and progressively worsening. Clicking, jerking sounds accompany hesitation. Emission light cycles on and off. One owner reports juddering between 25–40 mph at gear shifts. Dealer unable to identify cause or remedy problem. Another owner reports dangerous acceleration surge while idling after engine shut-off (five instances in pharmacy drive-through).
When: Progressive deterioration over time; one incident of idle surge repeated five times in single stop
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation or stutter during acceleration; Progressive worsening over time; Clicking and jerking sounds; Emission light cycling on and off; Dangerous idle acceleration surge; Unsafe vehicle control during acceleration; Dealer unable to diagnose
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer reports no identifiable problem; repair not attempted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda unable to repair without computer diagnostic report; no permanent resolution offered
Engine Failure and Catastrophic Breakdown
Complete engine failure requiring replacement at mid-to-high mileage (one case at 141,000 miles). One owner reports loud explosion from engine compartment while vehicle parked in driveway, followed by engine fire at 70,000 miles. Another reports short block and pistons needed replacement at 171,332 miles, but failure recurred; subsequent diagnosis identified catalytic converter malfunction.
When: 70,000 miles (fire); 141,000 miles (engine replacement); 171,332 miles (short block/piston failure then catalytic converter failure)
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Blue smoke from exhaust; Vehicle shuddering; Loss of acceleration; Loud explosion from engine compartment; Engine fire (parked, unoccupied vehicle); Complete loss of engine function
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required; short block and piston replacement attempted but failure recurred; catalytic converter replacement performed; fire department response required in one case (Orange County Fire Department, phone 321-313-0541)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer unable to provide assistance to second owner (141,000 miles); case filed with NHTSA; no assistance offered to some owners; one owner advised repairs not covered due to second ownership
Synthesized from 24 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
The vehicle has been diagnosed as missing on 5 of 6 cylinders. Driving performance is greatly impaired. The vehicle misses while stationary idling and while operating in motion. The exhaust blows soot on the passenger rear end and side of the van. Fuel economy has dropped to about 18 on the hwy. Honda declines to make the repair until it displays DTC code. Dealerships…
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power inadvertently in the middle of the roadway. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was unable to veer to the side of the roadway. The contact stated that he shifted into park (P) and was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had been…
Had engine trouble with your 2012 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 2012 Honda Odyssey?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 24 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 14 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 51,000 and 100,000 miles, with the median around 78,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 51,000; a quarter make it past 100,000. 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/2012/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.