CarComplaints.com Notes: Aside from peeling paint, the 2008 Honda Odyssey is a pretty reliable, generally trouble-free minivan.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
93,867 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2008 Honda Odyssey engine problems

engine problem

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2008 Honda Odyssey Owner Comments (Page 2 of 2)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #17

Jun 232015

Odyssey

  • 102,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Check engine light came on. Dtcs P3400 and P3497 read. No oil on the dipstick. Took it to sussman Honda where they stated that the fix is to replace the rear rocker. I pointed them to tsb 11-033 but they said it didn't apply to my car. Called american Honda co. And they said the same thing. I filed a complaint. Only later did I discover tsb 13-031, which sussman followed but did not read the diagnosis section since the oil level was below the dipstick. Almost exactly 3 months and 4,000 miles later cel light comes on with dtcs P3400 and P3497 and oil level is below the dipstick, this time the car is starting to vibrate. Ahc still claims this is not a design flaw and offered no assistance. We are now being told by another dealer that burning oil is normal for the "pre-08 Honda with vcm" and that we should check it regularly. While I appreciate the honesty, I wish that Honda would admit the engineering issue and fix it once for all. Using this much oil can't be good for the environment!

- Sterling, VA, USA

problem #16

Oct 032014

Odyssey 6-cyl

  • 89,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Honda Odyssey. While driving at approximately 60 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle started to vibrate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the ignition coil and spark plugs were replaced but the failure recurred within 73 miles. The vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic where the front cylinder head, the head gasket, water pump, and spark plugs were replaced. The contact also stated that the lift gate on the rear of the vehicle was opened, but failed to remain open. The failure recurred multiple times. The VIN was not includedin NHTSA campaign number: 12V060000 (structure). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000. Updated 01/21/16

- Spotsylvania, VA, USA

problem #15

Mar 012015

Odyssey 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
2008 Honda Odyssey. Consumer writes in regards to spark plugs caused engine failure.

- Bellevue, NE, USA

problem #14

Jan 202015

Odyssey 4-cyl

  • 125,450 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I was coming to a stop at a red light when the car suddenly accelerated forward. I had to turn the wheel to avoid hitting a car in front of me.

- Cranford, NJ, USA

problem #13

Oct 012012

Odyssey 6-cyl

  • 45,000 miles
Car emits a grinding sound when throttle is in a cruise or slight accel position. Engine gets "stuck" at 1500 RPM's where it emits grinding sound the loudest. Can also feel it in the gas pedal. Normal sequence is this: 1) accel to ~40mph 2) once at steady state and in 4th gear, engine rpms will fall to 1500. 3) RPM will get "caught" at 1500, makes grinding sound 4) rpms might breakthrough 1500, pop up to 1800, and grinding noise will diminish. 5) rpms will then drop below 1500, then rise and get stuck at 1500 again along with infuriating noise and pedal vibration. Cycle is usually 5-10 seconds. Going slightly uphill makes it cycle more frequently. Going downhill doesn't make noise since trans is disengaged. It's also hard to tell if lower gears do the same thing because engine noise and vibration drown out grinding sound/feel. Other thoughts: - kind of sounds like a strong cross-wind (30+ mph) going across the windshield. - it also sounds similar to how a bad idler bearing on an ac compressor sounds. That kind of metallic grinding sound. - it's not the engine mounts (they've been replaced) - it's subtle and some people might not detect the sound.

- Lubbock, TX, USA

problem #12

Jul 012014

Odyssey

  • 50,000 miles
The engine light came on while driving the vehicle. Took the vehicle to a mechanic who said the vehicle had an error code of P3400 and to immediately fill it with oil and take it to Honda dealer. Did that and discovered class action lawsuit covered repair. Jeff wyler Honda claims to have fixed the problem. Vehicle's engine light goes on again 6 months later with same error code P3400. Told by jeff wyler Honda on colerain avenue that vehicle is fine despite having lost 2 quarts of oil in less than 1000 miles. Dealer tells us that it is "perfectly normal" for Honda vehicles to use 1 quart of oil per 1000 miles, and that this is true of their entire fleet including 2014 and 2015 vehicles. Honda usa and Honda dealer are unwilling to look at vehicle any further and tell us that we will just have to put oil in it each time we fill the vehicle with gas, and that this is not an unusual occurrence. So now, we have a minivan meant to Transport our family about town that we will have to fill with oil each and every time we go to use it. Dealer admits that there are no leaks, and that the van has been kept in fine running condition by us.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #11

Aug 192014

Odyssey 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,300 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

2008 Honda Odyssey (about 5.5 years old, 90,000 miles). Driving on highway at 65 mph, when a loud explosion occurred. Car started making a loud noise similar to when the exhaust comes off. Loss in acceleration and speed. Stalled shortly and had to be towed to dealer. Diagnosis was - coil and spark plug head "exploded" on cylinder #2. some parts fell in and the inside of cylinder was scored. Engine was considered non-repairable and needed to be replaced. Had engine replaced at the local dealer. Cost over $5,000. Honda refuses to make any amends, or offer any compensation. This is a manufacturing defect. The first service on this engine is due at 105,000 miles. The car is 5.5 years old with about 90,000 miles. This is a factory sealed engine. The car has been regularly serviced at the Honda dealership.

- Martinsville, NJ, USA

problem #10

Jul 012014

Odyssey 6-cyl

  • 109,000 miles
On approximately 7/1, I was driving home. The car wouldn't switch gears and lost a bit of power. I was able to drive down an interstate during rush hour at approx. 40 miles per hour. I had the van towed to a friends house. The next day, I drove it to hondaman, a certified Honda repair shop, they did a valve adjustment. The valve adjustment didn't work. There was a clicking, vibrating, knocking noise at 2800rpms while the car was in park (metal on metal noise) and then when driving. Replaced the timing belt and tensioner as recommended, this did not solve the problem. Did another valve adjustment (according to the tsb) and that did not work. Recommendations was that the engine be replaced or rebuilt. At no point ever did the car have a check engine light, low oil light, or any other signs of problems. I took the car to brown's Honda, they recommended a cylinder head replacement, valve replacement and camshaft replacement. The items had shown metal on metal wear. The shops and based on research, this a sign of no lubrication. They shop told me that this happens and it is a fluke. I also notified them that there are numerous tsbs on my car and if I move forward with the front cam replacement, I am worried that since the issue could not be identified, that the rear cam and pistons' or camshaft would need to be replaced. I did have my oil pan and oil plug replaced 2 years ago and after researching more about my car, found that this was a defect in the model I purchased. I also called the misfire settlement and was notified that since no diagnostic codes showed up, there was nothing they can do to extend my warranty. Since the notifications only occur due to emission issues, the car engine would have blown up while I was driving with no warning. I had all maintenance with Honda and truly scared that this will effect other buyers.

- Glen Brunie , MD, USA

problem #9

Mar 052013

Odyssey 6-cyl

  • 94,000 miles
During braking between 20 - 40 mph, the vehicle surges forward. This has been most noticeable when going downhill and braking. It seams as the automatic transmission is downshifting prematurely (to high engine RPM) thus causing the vehicle to surge (jump) forward. This has occurred multiple time (more than 6) over the past 3 years. Note: Mileage and speed are estimated.

- Ooltewah, TN, USA

problem #8

Apr 072014

Odyssey

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that flames emitted from the engine compartment and eventually engulfed the vehicle. The fire department was called who determined that the catalytic converter had failed and caused the fire. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000. The VIN was not available.

- Ayden, NC, USA

problem #7

Mar 022011

Odyssey

  • 80,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Early 2011 after having some recall repairs done in the past like the brakes, leaking from the moon roof and the power steering problems, started noticing the engine light coming out for 1-2 days and then the oil light, checked oil level and refill was done but didn't notice any leaking. Subsequent services to the dealer told them about the events but didn't provided any clear report as to what is causing that. Lift gate shocks gave up after a few months and have them replaced from the dealer, again no clear explanations why the it's too soon for unexpected possible wear and tear, also in addition to telling them about the power steering seems to be causing a problem again because it's becoming heavy to turn the vehicle. This has been causing a huge problem and safety concern especially coming off from a parallel parking because it takes a lot of manuevering before I can get off from the spot and involves a great effort especially in an incline position. Recently about a couple of weeks ago, the same issue came in about the engine and the oil light showing up, oil level was low again but doesn't noticed any leaking. I did some search and I have seen a video on youtube about the error code P3400 and P3497 which is very scary and very significant to the life span of the engine. Also, recalling all these issues, I also noticed that there was a recall about the previously replaced lift gate shocks that I paid for last year. I just hope that the dealer will be responsible enough to acknowledge the vehicle flaws and prioritize the safety of the public consumer especially the mini van as it normally has children as it's daily passenger - being the family van.

- San Jose, CA, USA

problem #6

Jul 152013

Odyssey

  • 130,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while traveling various speeds, the vehicle shook violently and the engine light illuminated. The vehicle was moved to the shoulder where it was shut down. After starting the vehicle it failed to function normally. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who stated the oil pressure sensor failed. The vehicle was also taken to the dealer who stated the engine was not running on all available cylinders. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

- Little Compton , RI, USA

problem #5

Apr 012013

Odyssey 6-cyl

  • 46,500 miles
All five engines mounts are bad and have to be replaced at only 46,000 miles. Droning, vibrating and lugging, so brakes that rattle when braking hard. No way engine mounts shot at such low mileage.

- Bronx, NY, USA

problem #4

Nov 272012

Odyssey 6-cyl

  • 90,000 miles
I heard a strange noise coming from the engine when I accelerate. I took it to headquarter Honda who does my service. I was told by carlos that they would have to diagnose it and the there would be a charge for it. When he got back to me he said that it was the left axel. I said that I couldn't believe that. I said that even though it only happens when I accelerate it is the axel? he said yes. I left it to get it done. I was told a few hours later that it was ready. I picked it up and about five miles away it started making a loud noise and oil went everywhere. The car behind me had oil all over the windshield. The axel repair didn't go well. They came and got the car. Later that day they told me the car was ready again. When I picked it up the engine noise was still there. The manager came over and I told him that it sounded like the engine. He told me that it was not the engine. He said that Honda engines never go bad. I believed him because I looked up Honda engine problems and couldn't find anything. They kept the vehicle for further investigation. The next day they called and said that it was the tensioner and they recommended that I get the timing belt changed. I told them that I was coming to get my car because it seemed like they don't know what they are doing. Carlos called me back and said that they would fix the tensioner at no charge because of all of the problems they caused me. They ended up rebuilding the engine. New engine is consuming a lot of oil. Dealer doesn't want to fix problem. I have much more information.

- Apopka, FL, USA

problem #3

Oct 242012

Odyssey 6-cyl

  • 70,000 miles
When reaching 2000 RPM's, during cooler weather, the Odyssey makes a very loud humming/vibration. It appears to be coming from the engine compartment under carriage.

- Owasso, OK, USA

problem #2

Oct 012012

Odyssey 6-cyl

  • 34,400 miles
About 2 weeks ago...October 1, 2012, I took my Honda back in to Honda. My car had been accelerating on its own. I left my Honda there for 3 days, at which point they determined there was nothing wrong with it, and they would like me to bring it back in to drive it "with them." There is 100% something wrong with my van again! in addition a few days ago, I was putting books in the back of my van, and the hatch struts failed, and the back hatch door fell down on my head.

- Gresham, OR, USA

problem #1

Nov 012011

Odyssey 6-cyl

  • 62,000 miles
Engine is knocking at low speeds, specifically gears 1-4. engine also knocks going uphill. Took the van into local Honda dealer and they could not hear the knocking. Knocking is getting worse. Van has been well maintained at Honda dealer, there is no reason engine should be knocking!

- Scott Air Force Base, IL, USA

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