2016 Honda Odyssey problems

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I am reporting a serious electrical shock/electrocution hazard involving the factory-installed 115V AC power inverter outlet in my 2016 Honda Odyssey. While the vehicle was in motion, my [XXX] son was able, without tools, to pull the AC outlet assembly completely out of the interior panel. He was then able to detach the molded electrical connector/plug from the back of the outlet, exposing the electrical terminals/conductors. The inverter/outlet was powered at the time, meaning my [XXX] had direct physical access to energized electrical components. He was about to touch the exposed terminals when his sibling saw what he was doing and stopped him. This prevented potential electrical contact and injury. I immediately stopped the vehicle, turned off the power, moved my child away from the area, and removed the applicable fuse to ensure the circuit was de-energized before securing/reassembling the connector and outlet. No injury occurred, but this was a serious near-miss. A [XXX] passenger was able to remove a factory AC electrical outlet and expose energized electrical terminals without tools or adult-level disassembly. The outlet's mounting/retention and connector design did not prevent a young child from accessing energized conductors within the passenger compartment. This creates a potential electrical shock, burn, electrocution, and electrical-short hazard, including the possibility of a child inserting a finger or conductive object into the exposed area. I request that NHTSA investigate the outlet assembly, retention method, connector, and protection from access to energized components in the 2016 Honda Odyssey, and determine whether other vehicles using the same components are affected. This design should not permit a young child to gain tool-free access to energized electrical terminals. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11760769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

the problem only happens after driving for more than 30 minutes. when I stop at a light, the engine starts shaking and stalls. the starter seems cranking normally, but it takes about 3 attempts and about 40 seconds to restart. One day, the engine stopped while I was driving. There is no Check Engine Light. I took it to Honda dealer. but they keep saying they cannot replicate the problem. It is so dangerous to drive this car.

NHTSA complaint #11760168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

the problem only happens after driving for more than 30 minutes. when I stop at a light, the engine starts shaking and stalls. the starter seems cranking normally, but it takes about 3 attempts and about 40 seconds to restart. One day, the engine stopped while I was driving. There is no Check Engine Light. I took it to Honda dealer. but they keep saying they cannot replicate the problem. It is so dangerous to drive this car.

NHTSA complaint #11760168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness

The central front adjuster lever (the release mechanism located at the front bottom of the car seat shell) has suffered a catastrophic mechanical failure. The lever is physically stuck in the "open" position and fails to snap back down or engage. Because the lever remains stuck open, the internal metal locking teeth cannot clamp down onto the harness adjustment webbing strap. Consequently, the child restraint harness completely fails to lock or hold tension. In a vehicle collision, sudden braking event, or even under standard manual pressure, the harness straps pull entirely loose. This defect prevents the seat from securing the child, posing an immediate risk of severe injury or ejection during a crash. The manufacturer (Graco) was contacted regarding this critical component failure under reference case #[XXX]. They refused a structural replacement or shell exchange, offering only a minor $40 purchase rebate, effectively leaving the vehicle occupant unprotected unless a new seat is purchased out-of-pocket. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11760034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I am writing to formally report a serious and potentially life-threatening safety issue involving my Honda Odyssey’s locking system. For several years, I have experienced an ongoing problem in which the doors of my Odyssey have unexpectedly locked while the key fob was still inside the vehicle. This has happened to me at various stores and even at my own home. On those occasions, I was fortunate that my husband was nearby and could bring the spare key fob to unlock the vehicle. I have repeatedly brought this issue to my local Honda dealership and specifically questioned the locking system. Unfortunately, the dealership has either been unable to duplicate the problem or has made changes to the locking mechanisms without resolving the issue. The vehicle now no longer under warranty, yet the problem continues. This week, however, the issue became a terrifying and extremely serious safety emergency. My one-month-old grandson was accidentally locked inside the vehicle with the key fob. We were approximately 30 minutes from home, and the outside temperature was around 90 degrees. We had no way to unlock the vehicle ourselves. We had to contact the local police, a tow company, and EMTs for assistance. My grandson was trapped inside the vehicle for approximately 10 very frightening minutes before they were able to get the doors unlocked. Thankfully, my grandson was safely removed from the vehicle, but I cannot stop thinking about how differently this situation could have ended. A child, particularly an infant, can be in extreme danger inside a hot vehicle within a very short period of time. I am extremely concerned that this locking problem has continued for years despite my repeatedly bringing it to the attention of the Honda dealership. The fact that the vehicle can unexpectedly lock with the key fob inside creates a serious safety hazard. This is no longer simply an inconvenience or a mechanical annoyance—it has now resulted in an actual emergency involving an infant

NHTSA complaint #11756578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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 complaint #11755217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

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 complaint #11755217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING

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 complaint #11755217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 complaint #11753773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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 complaint #11753773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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 complaint #11750352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My rear view camera. Water (from the rain) often gets into it, making it blurry and unusable.

NHTSA complaint #11749261 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

After the vehicle is off, and after the smart key fob is removed from the vehicle, the dashboard will flicker, the alarm sometimes goes off and the headlights turn on draining the battery and leading to me having to jump the car to get it started. This makes the car undependable as it could happen after driving somewhere and leave myself or my wife stranded. I have taken this in to the Honda dealership but they noted that it did not occur when they were servicing the vehicle and they weren't sure what the issue could be. Many times the check engine light, FCW and LDW lights will come on and then reset after the car has been driven.

NHTSA complaint #11748712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

After the vehicle is off, and after the smart key fob is removed from the vehicle, the dashboard will flicker, the alarm sometimes goes off and the headlights turn on draining the battery and leading to me having to jump the car to get it started. This makes the car undependable as it could happen after driving somewhere and leave myself or my wife stranded. I have taken this in to the Honda dealership but they noted that it did not occur when they were servicing the vehicle and they weren't sure what the issue could be. Many times the check engine light, FCW and LDW lights will come on and then reset after the car has been driven.

NHTSA complaint #11748712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING

After the vehicle is off, and after the smart key fob is removed from the vehicle, the dashboard will flicker, the alarm sometimes goes off and the headlights turn on draining the battery and leading to me having to jump the car to get it started. This makes the car undependable as it could happen after driving somewhere and leave myself or my wife stranded. I have taken this in to the Honda dealership but they noted that it did not occur when they were servicing the vehicle and they weren't sure what the issue could be. Many times the check engine light, FCW and LDW lights will come on and then reset after the car has been driven.

NHTSA complaint #11748712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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 complaint #11746848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

My wife was driving the vehicle after dropping off my kid at a swim meet in Dearborn heights MI, the Side curtain and all the passenger side airbags deployed after what she thinks is hitting a pothole. She heard big sound, she initially thought that the window glasses were broken but later realized that all the passenger side airbags deployed. She immediately slowed and took a right on the neighboring street and parked the car and exited. She mentioned a burning smell but I think it’s because of the airbag deployment. I looked for any recalls on this vehicle, there were none. But I noticed a recall on a similar situation for the same models from year 2018-2022. ,

NHTSA complaint #11745395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

My wife was driving the vehicle after dropping off my kid at a swim meet in Dearborn heights MI, the Side curtain and all the passenger side airbags deployed after what she thinks is hitting a pothole. She heard big sound, she initially thought that the window glasses were broken but later realized that all the passenger side airbags deployed. She immediately slowed and took a right on the neighboring street and parked the car and exited. She mentioned a burning smell but I think it’s because of the airbag deployment. I looked for any recalls on this vehicle, there were none. But I noticed a recall on a similar situation for the same models from year 2018-2022. ,

NHTSA complaint #11745395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Honda Odyssey on April 29, 2026. The vehicle was purchased from a dealer. At the time of the purchase, the odometer was recorded at 95,745. The contact later purchased the CARFAX report which indicated that on July 17, 2024, the odometer was recorded at 102,223. The dealer was made aware of the discrepancy.

NHTSA complaint #11743435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

My vehicle is having issues with the fuel engagement system. This is a recall on 2016 Honda Odyssey but when I type in my VIN it says my vehicle is not affected. My vehicle is affected and would like it looked at under this recall.

NHTSA complaint #11743195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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 complaint #11741700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

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 complaint #11741700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SEATS

Left Side Airbag Deployment control circuit - B0020 Right Side Airbag Deployment control circuit - B0028 Driver Seat Belt Sensor - Circuit open B0050 Occupant Classification System- missing message - BOOAO Driver Seat Track Position - BOOB5 Passenger Seat Belt Sensor - B0052

NHTSA complaint #11741128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

Left Side Airbag Deployment control circuit - B0020 Right Side Airbag Deployment control circuit - B0028 Driver Seat Belt Sensor - Circuit open B0050 Occupant Classification System- missing message - BOOAO Driver Seat Track Position - BOOB5 Passenger Seat Belt Sensor - B0052

NHTSA complaint #11741128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2016 Honda Odyssey with 76,000 miles. Vehicle experienced recurring cylinder 3 misfire (DTC P0303) caused by Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system allowing oil to bypass piston rings — a known defect covered under Honda TSB A25-061 and TSB 13-081. Vehicle was brought to Tony Honda (Honolulu, Hawaii) multiple times prior to January 31, 2026 warranty extension deadline but was not diagnosed until after expiration. Honda is now refusing to cover piston ring replacement under warranty despite this being the exact repair specified in their own technical service bulletins. Vehicle has been at Tony Honda since March 10, 2026 — 71 days — with no resolution.

NHTSA complaint #11739190 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.