Problems · by component
2016 Honda Odyssey engine problems
93 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2016 Honda Odyssey cite engine, 34% of all 271 complaints for this model year.
Complaints
93
34% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
What owners say about the engine
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“My 2016 Honda Odyssey has experienced repeated engine misfires associated with oil-fouled spark plugs. In May 2024, while driving, the check-engine light began flashing and the vehicle ran rough. An authorized Honda dealer inspected the vehicle and documented an oil-fouled spark plug. The dealer replaced all six spark plugs, but the underlying cause was not repaired. In November 2025, the check-engine light returned. An independent repair shop documented code P0303, Cylinder 3 Misfire, and replaced all six spark plugs again. In August 2026, the same problem returned. The repair shop again documented a Cylinder 3 misfire and found all three rear-bank spark plugs fouled. They recommended an internal engine inspection because repeated spark-plug replacement was not correcting the underlying problem. The vehicle was then taken to an authorized Honda dealer, which recommended an engine piston-ring/re-ring repair. The recurring misfire causes the vehicle to run rough and the check-engine light to flash, creating concern about loss of engine performance while driving. The vehicle and engine are available for inspection.”
“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.”
“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…”
“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…”
“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.”
“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…”
Showing 6 of 93 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.