Problems · by component

2009 Honda Odyssey engine problems

34 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2009 Honda Odyssey cite engine, 17% of all 198 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
34
17% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
5
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“Twice during the last year, the bolt securing the drive belt tensioner has broken while driving the vehicle. This results in loss of steering, electrical, and cooling of the engine. The first time the incident occurred on a stretch of rural highway where the lone occupant had to wait for help to arrive. The first date was on May 12, 2022. The second incident took place in an urban area on January 25, 2023. But, with only 8 months in between the incidents, it is apparent there is a problem in this. The original repair in May was accomplished by a Honda dealer.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 30, 2023Steering, EngineODI 11504351
“Van was driven at approximately 7:50pm a short distance. After parking vehicle, 10 minutes later the alarm went off. Upon disarming the alarm, the entire engine was engulfed in flames. Van is maintained regularly, no check engine light indicating any issues with vehicle. Entire engine caught fire. Fire dept extinguished fire. No comprehensive insurance so no inspection to cause of actual fire. Neighbors Ring camera shows alarm going off and as soon as it was disarmed, engine completely engulfed in flames. This video was sent to fire dept for their report. Vehicle still sitting where it caught fire, in front of my residence. I have yet to get it towed or inspected.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 29, 2022EngineFire reportedODI 11495290
“A miss fire in the engine which is causing slow speed when going up a hill or using the Air Conditioner. If it was to fail while driving it would be not good, could cause an accident. Also need to bring attention that Honda lack of concern for the safety of the driver and other people on the road.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 31, 2021EngineODI 11431149
“I PURCHASED A 2009 HONDA ODYSSEY FROM WEST AUTO SALES LOCATED AT 6145 E. LANCASTER RD. FORT WORTH, TX 76112 ON 03/27/2021. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH IT. THE FIRST TWO DAYS OF DRIVING IT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON DUE TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTOR NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALERSHIP MANAGED TO GET THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OFF WITHOUT REPLACING IT. A FEW DAYS AFTER GETTING THE CAR BACK THE SERPENTINE BELT BROKE OFF. I NOTIFIED THE DEALER AND BROUGHT IT BACK TO THEM. THEY INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS A BOLT BROKEN INSIDE THE TENSIONER AND IT WOULD TAKE FOUR DAYS IN ORDER TO GET THE TOOLS AND SUPPLIES NEEDED IN ORDER TO FIX IT. THE NEXT DAY I RECEIVED A PHONE CALL FROM THE DEALER AND TOLD THAT THEY GOT THE BOLT OUT WITH NO PROBLEM AND PUT A NEW TENSIONER IN AND REPLACED THE BELT. NOT EVEN A WEEK AFTER THAT THE BELT CAME OFF AGAIN AND I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO FIRESTONE COMPLETE AUTO CARE AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE SAME BROKEN BOLT WAS STILL THERE HOLDING TOGETHER THE TENSIONER. ALL THE DEALERSHIP DID WAS PUT JB WELD ON THE BROKEN BOLT TO HOLD IT TOGETHER. I HAVE NOTIFIED THE SELLER AND GOT NO HELP. NOW MY VAN ISN'T DRIVE ABLE AND IT WILL COST ANOTHER $800…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 19, 2021Suspension, Electrical system, EngineODI 11412913
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND EXCEEDING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT, VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST WARNING, AND TPMS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVE INDICATOR LIGHT WAS ALSO FLASHING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. NEITHER A DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 18, 2020EngineODI 11375307
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONSUMED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF ENGINE OIL. THE CONTACT WAS THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE AND LOW OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE IDLING THE VEHICLE VIBRATED ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TWICE AND THE SPARK PLUGS AND IGNITION COIL WERE REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO PENSACOLA HONDA (6675 PENSACOLA BLVD, PENSACOLA, FL 32505) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE RINGS IN THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WARRANTY ON THE VEHICLE WAS EXPIRED. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 25, 2020EngineODI 11330892

Showing 6 of 34 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Other 2009 Odyssey problem areas