2020 Honda Odyssey Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 71about this part
- Share
- 14%of 491 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 51,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 71 complaints about the engine of the 2020 Honda Odyssey, 14% of the 491 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 51,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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, filed 2026-09“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, filed 2026-07“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, filed 2026-10“Idle stop caused engine to stall 3 separate times leaving me stranded in busy intersections making it difficult to restart vehicle and move safely out of the way. Initial start up checks come on, asked to put car in park, step on brake to restart car, car won’t restart. Once happened at night and shut off all my lights for 30 seconds making me not visible for cars coming up to me.”
NHTSA complaint #11555533, filed 2023-11“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, filed 2026-07Related service bulletins
- 11015008Feb 19, 2025Owner Notification Letter - Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and the idle stop feature engaging, your vehicle may not automatically restart.
- 11005272Jul 20, 2024Service 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…
- 11002716Jun 19, 2024Service 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…
- 11000142May 1, 2024Service NewsDue to On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) regulation change starting with 2019 vehicles, American Honda’s Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) On-Board…
- 10167157Oct 28, 2019Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is investigating certain 2019-2020 Odysseys, Passports & Pilots with a customer complaint of the auto idle stop inop. To…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 26 | 43% |
| 2025 | 243 | 55% |
| 2024 | 46 | 37% |
| 2023 | 15 | 14% |
| 2022 | 15 | 11% |
| 2021 | 26 | 18% |
| 2020 | 71 | 14% |
| 2019 | 135 | 14% |
| 2018 | 190 | 19% |
| 2017 | 10 | 26% |
| 2016 | 93 | 34% |
| 2015 | 54 | 26% |
| 2014 | 59 | 19% |
| 2013 | 69 | 33% |
| 2012 | 39 | 16% |
| 2011 | 25 | 11% |
| 2010 | 46 | 18% |
| 2009 | 34 | 17% |
| 2008 | 40 | 8% |
| 2007 | 58 | 7% |
| 2006 | 74 | 11% |
| 2005 | 68 | 8% |
| 2004 | 50 | 9% |
| 2003 | 32 | 4% |
| 2002 | 27 | 3% |
| 2001 | 9 | 1% |
| 2000 | 9 | 1% |
| 1999 | 9 | 2% |
| 1998 | 3 | 4% |
| 1996 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2020 Honda Odyssey
186 complaintsElectrical system
173 complaintsLane departure
128 complaintsOther or unknown
71 complaintsBody and structure
32 complaintsFuel system
31 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
23 complaintsBrakes
22 complaintsAir bags
20 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
17 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsSuspension
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 Honda Odyssey
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology