2020 Honda Odyssey engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 4, 2026FLElectrical SystemEngine

   While Automatic IDLE was on, engine shut down at a red light. Dashboard showed message: put in park. Alternator was fine. Battery fine. I DID get the software update but this happened AGAIN. This time was able to put in park and was able to start the car. I have to remember to turn OFF Automatic IDLE to avoid this from happening again.

   NHTSA complaint #11768810 · source
2. Filed Sep 30, 2026CABrakesDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngine

   Upon starting my Honda Odyssey, the dash immediately started saying, Collision Mitigation System Problem, Adaptive Cruise Control Problem, Road Departure Mitigation System Problem, Lane Keeping Assist Problem, Auto High Beam Problem.

   NHTSA complaint #11768117 · source
3. Filed Sep 26, 2026NCEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

   The auto idle start when I am at a red light it will turn off and put it in park. I have to restart the van and put it back in drive. I believe this to be a safety issue. I have my kids with me and its dangerous. I would like to know what can be done and why hasn't this been a recall. I have to remember to push the auto idle button each time I get in to drive otherwise Im afraid ill get stranded at an intersection. Its been going on for at least a year and the dealership…

   NHTSA complaint #11767174 · source
4. Filed Sep 22, 202650,000 miTXTowedEngine

   The contact owns a 2020 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the contact heard a knocking sound coming from the engine, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode with the low oil warning light illuminated. The contact became aware of a burning odor coming from under the hood, and the vehicle needed to be towed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the connecting rod bearings had failed and the engine needed to be…

   NHTSA complaint #11766110 · source
5. Filed Sep 17, 2026MOElectrical SystemEngineLighting

   Stopped at a light, auto idle stop engaged, engine shut off normally. The moment I pressed the gas, everything died — engine and all electronics. I pressed the start button two or three times with no response, then it finally started. It was still in Drive. The hazards wouldn't turn on right after, then everything gradually came back to normal.

   NHTSA complaint #11764902 · source
6. Filed Aug 19, 2026CTEngine

   The engine auto idle system failed at a stoplight. The auto-idle engaged, but when I took my foot off the brake, the engine did not restart. It completely shut down, putting my car in park in a busy intersection. The engine light and an error message flashed briefly but disappeared. I was able to restart the car and drive, however, only after waving several other cars to pass by me. I've noticed recently the restart function lagging, and if I put my foot on the gas too soon,…

   NHTSA complaint #11757997 · source
7. Filed Aug 3, 2026MDEngine

   Vehicle: 2020 Honda Odyssey VIN: [XXX] Mileage at time of failure: 155413 Component: Engine — Connecting Rod BearingsDescription: My 2020 Honda Odyssey experienced a failure of the connecting rod bearings on 7/30/26, resulting in loud knocking noise. The failure was diagnosed by Luis Asturias at Jim Coleman Honda in Clarksville, MD. This vehicle falls within the scope of NHTSA's open Preliminary Evaluation PE25008, which covers 2018-2020 Honda Odyssey vehicles with the 3.5L…

   NHTSA complaint #11754505 · source
8. Filed Jul 16, 2026FLElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The vehicle is a 2020 Honda Odyssey. A recurring and dangerous safety failure occurs involving the Auto Idle-Stop system. With the system enabled and the vehicle at a complete stop, the engine shuts off as designed. However, upon depressing the brake pedal to resume driving, the engine severely struggles to restart and completely fails. Simultaneously, the vehicle immediately and automatically shifts itself into PARK, and the entire dashboard display illuminates with all…

   NHTSA complaint #11750904 · source
9. Filed Jul 9, 2026TXEngineOther / Unknown

   Multiple times the engine has totally shut down due to the auto idle stop system power loss. I have had the battery replaced a couple times and had the Honda dealership do the software update and I'm still having issues. This is a major safety issue as the car unexpectedly shuts down and takes a minute or so to get started again causing traffice backups.

   NHTSA complaint #11749230 · source
10. Filed Jul 6, 2026TXEngine

    While stopped at a traffic light my vehicle went into auto engine idle stop mode. When the light turned green, I removed my foot from the break, but the engine failed to restart. I had to shift the car to park and fully restart the engine.

    NHTSA complaint #11748600 · source
11. Filed Jun 26, 2026MDEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    The automatic engine shut off at stop doesn't always restart engine when moving again. This has happened several times where the engine doesn't restart after the engine shut off is engaged. This is the same issue as reported in NHTSA Action Number: EA25004

    NHTSA complaint #11746631 · source
12. Filed Jun 23, 202659,000 miTXTowedEngine

    The contact owns a 2020 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while reversing at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.

    NHTSA complaint #11745963 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology