Service Bulletin - MIL flashes and vehicle will not accelerate, low power. After cycling the ignition, the symptom does not return with no stored DTCs. This issue is more common in regions with cold weather (specifically near or below freezing temperatures). Usually after a long drive (around 2 hours) and accelerating while cornering.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Honda Odyssey engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2019 Honda Odyssey have filed 64 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 33,000 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
64
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Odyssey | 29 |
| 2016 Odyssey | 76 |
| 2017 Odyssey | 6 |
| 2018 Odyssey | 122 |
| 2019 Odyssey (this page) | 64 |
| 2020 Odyssey | 26 |
| 2021 Odyssey | 8 |
| 2022 Odyssey | 7 |
| 2023 Odyssey | 6 |
3fires
What stands out
Owners have filed 64 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.
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.
Service Bulletin - The MIL flashes and vehicle will not accelerate, low power. After cycling the ignition, the symptom does not return with no stored DTCs. This issue is more common in regions with cold weather (specifically near or below freezing temperatures). Usually after a long drive (around 2 hours) and accelerating while cornering. Moisture accumulation in the intake manifold during long drives gets drawn into the combustion chamber while cornering, causing misfires.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Owner Notification Letter - Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and the idle stop feature engaging, your vehicle may not automatically restart.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - Due to variations in the purge control solenoid valve spring, the valve wears unevenly and intermittently sticks. This may result in setting DTC P0441 (Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System Purge Flow Malfunction).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and the idle stop feature engages, the vehicle may not automatically restart. Typically, the customer can immediately restart the vehicle by selecting Park and pushing the ENGINE START/STOP button.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2019 Honda Odyssey engine and drivetrain exhibit multiple critical defects with serious safety implications. Connecting rod bearing failures strike without warning at mileages ranging from 7,000 to 129,000 miles, manifesting as loud engine knock, metal shavings in oil, sudden power loss, and complete engine seizure—sometimes resulting in engine fires. Owners report catastrophic damage requiring full engine replacement at $9,000–$13,000 despite vehicles receiving recalls (23V-751) that often exclude their specific VINs.
Fuel injector failures occur early in ownership (5,000–70,000 miles), causing rough idle, black smoke, loss of power, and stalling. While Honda issued Service Bulletins extending warranty to 150,000 miles, many owners are denied coverage due to VIN exclusion despite having identical symptoms and part numbers.
Transmission problems plague these vans: hard shifts at low speeds jolt occupants forward, delayed acceleration (2–4 second lag) creates intersection hazards, and Auto Start/Stop systems fail to restart engines in traffic. Rocker arm pressure switches and fuel pumps malfunction, forcing vehicles into limp mode at highway speeds.
Dealers consistently report parts unavailable for extended periods—sometimes over a year—while advising owners to continue driving despite acknowledged safety risks. Honda frequently refuses written explanations for VIN exclusions and denies coverage citing maintenance history or mileage, even when documented bulletins acknowledge the manufacturing defects. Owners describe feeling stranded with unsafe vehicles, unresolved recalls, and no manufacturer assistance.
Same Honda Odyssey engine reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2018 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Connecting Rod and Bearing Failure
Internal engine bearing and connecting rod failure causing catastrophic engine damage, metal shavings in oil, and engine seizure or explosion. Owners report sudden loss of engine power, knocking/rattling noises, and in severe cases, engine fires and complete mechanical breakdown.
When: Reported from 7,000 miles to 129,000 miles; most commonly 63,000–105,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knocking, rattling, or ticking from engine block; Metal shavings found in oil during diagnostics; Sudden loss of engine power while driving; Engine stalling or seizing mid-drive; Engine compartment fire or smoke; Vehicle enters limp mode or fails to restart; No warning lights prior to failure in many cases
Codes mentioned: P0301, P0302, P0303, P0306 (cylinder misfires), Check engine light (generic)
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required; quoted $9,000–$13,000 for used or rebuilt engine. Some owners denied coverage despite recall 23V-751 excluding their VINs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda Recall 23V-751 covers certain VINs for rod bearing inspection; many affected vehicles excluded despite identical symptoms. Inspection procedure requires special tool; dealers report parts and tools unavailable or delayed.
Fuel Injector Failure
Fuel injectors failing due to manufacturing debris or faulty fuel rail design, causing improper fuel delivery, rough idle, black smoke, fouled spark plugs, and engine misfires. Owners report bursting smell, loss of power, and multiple warning lights.
When: Reported from 5,000 miles to 120,000 miles; most commonly 40,000–70,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Strong burning or fuel smell on startup; Rough idle with black smoke from tailpipe; Loss of engine power and hesitation during acceleration; Check engine light and emissions system failure warning; Multiple warning lights (transmission, VSA, power steering, EPS); Engine stalling while driving
Codes mentioned: P0420 (catalyst efficiency fault), P0430 (catalyst efficiency fault, bank 2), P219A (fuel system issues), P219B (fuel injector malfunction)
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel injector replacement and catalytic converter replacement; owners cite $1,260–$3,000+ costs. Honda Service Bulletins 20-100, 21-002, 21-010, 22-002 acknowledge the defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda extended warranty to 10 years/150,000 miles for fuel injectors via Service Bulletin 21-010, but only for certain VIN ranges. Many 2019 Odysseys excluded despite identical symptoms and part numbers. Honda denying coverage based on maintenance history or VIN exclusion.
Rocker Arm Oil Pressure Switch and Rear Spool Valve Failure
Rocker arm pressure switch sticking and rear spool valve malfunction causing limp mode activation, multiple warning lights, and sudden loss of power while driving at highway speeds.
When: Reported at 136,947 miles and other intervals; failure occurs intermittently
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple warning lights illuminate suddenly (check engine, transmission, VSA); Vehicle enters limp mode restricting speed to low RPM; Engine revving without proper power delivery; Sudden loss of acceleration at highway speed; Difficult/dangerous driving conditions at interstate speeds
Codes mentioned: P2652 (rocker arm pressure switch stuck), P0301, P0302, P0303, P0306 (cylinder misfires)
Repairs/costs cited: Rocker arm pressure switch replacement and rear spool valve replacement. Owners report both repairs required in some cases; parts quoted separately without specific costs provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or manufacturer response documented in complaints; treated as warranty repairs at dealer level.
Fuel Pump Failure and Related Electrical Issues
High-pressure fuel pump impeller deformation causing fuel starvation, starting issues, intermittent power loss, and limp mode activation. Multiple recalls (23V-858) issued but parts availability remains problematic.
When: Reported from early ownership to 136,947 miles; multiple instances throughout vehicle life
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent starting failures and rough startup; Sudden power loss while driving; Vehicle enters neutral or limp mode unexpectedly; Fuel pump and battery warning lights; Check engine light and emissions warnings; Acceleration lag and hesitation, particularly during merge/intersection crossing
Codes mentioned: Fuel pump related codes (not specified in narratives), Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump replacement; covered under Recall 23V-858. However, many dealers report parts unavailable or on backorder for extended periods (months to 1+ years).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda Recall 23V-858 issued; parts unavailable at dealerships for prolonged periods. Dealers unable to complete recall work due to supply issues; owners advised to continue driving despite safety hazard.
Transmission Control Module (TCM) and Shift Quality Issues
Transmission control module failures, hard shifts, delayed acceleration response, and erratic shift behavior causing sudden jerking forward or power surging, creating safety hazards during stop-and-go driving.
When: Reported from new (under 7,000 miles) through 114,000 miles; some issues persistent since purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Hard, violent shifts between gears at low speeds (24 MPH range commonly reported); Delayed acceleration response from full stop (2–4 second lag reported); Body-jolting engagement after lag period; Tire spin or wheel squeal upon engagement; Lurching forward or 'jumping' sensation; Transmission fluid issues; sluggish response in lower gears; Auto Start/Stop feature malfunction; engine fails to restart after brake release
Codes mentioned: TCM-related codes (specific codes not detailed in narratives)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission control module replacement, transmission fluid replacement and reprogramming, or full transmission replacement ($9,000+ estimated). Some owners report fluid replacement and reprogramming ineffective; transmission replacement may be required.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers acknowledge issue affects multiple vehicles; some claim behavior is 'normal' and refuse repair. No recalls issued. Honda corporate refers owners to dealership without offering assistance.
Engine Hesitation and Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) Malfunction
Engine hesitation, surging, and shuddering during acceleration or deceleration due to Variable Cylinder Management system malfunction or upstream fuel and air delivery issues. Safety hazard when attempting merges or intersections.
When: Reported from new purchase through higher mileage (33,000–120,000 miles range)
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent hesitation during acceleration, particularly during turns at intersections; Power surge or jerky response when accelerator is fully depressed after lag; Rhythmic shudder during deceleration or coasting (VCM active); Rough idle and stalling at stops; Loss of power during critical driving moments; Check engine light and emissions warnings
Codes mentioned: P0420, P0430 (catalytic efficiency codes, secondary to fuel/air issues), Check engine light (generic)
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel injector and pump replacement, catalytic converter replacement, transmission module reprogramming. Costs vary; some owners report no improvement after dealer service.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service bulletins address fuel injector and pump issues; however, VCM shudder is often dismissed as 'normal' by dealers. No official recall for VCM hesitation issue reported.
Auto Start/Stop and Idle-Stop Feature Malfunction
Auto Start/Stop feature failing to restart engine after vehicle comes to a stop, creating dangerous situations when vehicle does not restart in traffic or at intersections. Also includes electrical glitching and shifter unresponsiveness.
When: Intermittent from new purchase onward; several documented instances throughout vehicle life
Symptoms owners cite: Engine fails to restart after Auto Start/Stop activation; Failure to restart at traffic lights creating hazardous situations; Audio and electrical system glitching upon restart attempt; Collision mitigation system false engagement warnings; Shifter unresponsiveness requiring door opening to reset electronics; Check engine or transmission lights illuminating
Codes mentioned: TCM-related codes (not specified in narratives)
Repairs/costs cited: TCM replacement attempted in at least one case; however, failure persisted after repair. Electrical system diagnostics and module reprogramming may be required.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but no assistance offered. One case (NHTSA Action EA25004) referenced but no remedy provided.
Timing Belt Tensioner Failure
Timing belt tensioner failure requiring replacement; limited information available but poses engine damage risk if not addressed.
When: Reported at 90,400 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Unknown warning message displayed on vehicle console
Codes mentioned: Unknown
Repairs/costs cited: Timing belt tensioner replacement required; cost not specified in complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred owner to NHTSA Hotline; no direct assistance offered.
Distance Calibration Sensor Failure (Related to Accident/Grille Shutter)
Distance calibration sensor malfunction following accident, with grille shutter warning and 'power down' message; limited context on root cause.
When: Timing unknown; occurred following accident involvement
Symptoms owners cite: Grille shutter malfunction warning alarm; 'Power down' message displayed; Vehicle inoperable
Codes mentioned: Unknown
Repairs/costs cited: Distance calibration sensor replacement required; parts on backorder.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified and case opened; referred owner to NHTSA Hotline.
Synthesized from 64 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
This echos many of the existing complaints with the transmission already filed. When pulling away from a stop, the car will lag, then suddenly engage the wheels causing the car to jump forward. Some times there is a slight wheel spin etc. I have already taken it to the dealership, they said there was nothing wrong with transmission replaced the transmission fluid and reset the transmission…
I am getting a failing fuel injector that is not covered in Hondas openTSB. I am unsure how it was determined that only VIN are covered when it is the same engine for all 18 &19s. Honda is denying work but reporting because many others are having same problem and not covered on an odyssey forum. I believe it is an issue with more than the VINs in the extension. Recommending that NYSB collect data…
Had engine trouble with your 2019 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 2019 Honda Odyssey?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 64 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 15 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 7,000 and 105,000 miles, with the median around 33,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 7,000; a quarter make it past 105,000. 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/2019/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.