Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Honda Odyssey owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving 20 to 30 MPH, the vehicle started to smoke. The contact noticed oil dripping from the engine. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. In addition, the contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14V112000 (fuel system, gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 84,000.
I bought a new 2006 Honda Odyssey ex rear dvd and navigation van. A few days back (at 26,000miles and less than 3yrs), there was smoke coming from the engine of the car... I quickly pulled over called the dublin Honda, ca dealer. They advised me to tow the car to the dealership. After I that I was advised that the A/C condenser has a hair-pin size hole (not visible to naked eye) and that's the problem. They told me that this is not covered by Honda bumper to bumper warranty.. I was shocked to hear that. I had to pay $880.76 for this repair for a $40,000.00 van which is still under factory warranty.... This is ridiculous.. Honda put the condenser at the wrong place (without a front guard) and make its customers pay for its ridiculous design.. In the new models now they have put a guard to protect the condenser. …
The fluid filled motor mounts that come on the exl/touring model have both failed and fluid leaked out. The concept behind these electronically controlled motor mounts is to dampen the vibration when the van goes into eco mode reducing the active cylinders from 6 to 3. When these mounts fail the van vibrates considerably in the eco mode. I googled the issues and see that their are many others with this same issue from year 2005 -2007 at all different levels of mileage. The cost of repair through Honda is over $1800. I have never seen such a run on motor mounts as I have when trying to research the issue which makes me thing there is a engineering/design flaw. Left un-repaired and Honda told me that the vibration can cause many other issues rendering the van unsafe to drive.
I am having a problem with the power steering freezing up on slow turns and the transmission torque converter clutch is stuck making the car transmission heat up and quit until it cools down, I was stuck on the side of the road 4x for this. Once with my 97 yr old brother in law and 79 yr old sister.they want $4000 to fix this. The driver side sliding door cable broke also.I had the run flat pax tires on it when it was purchased, I was not told that I would have to drive at least 100 to 200 miles to get them changed out as they need a special machine to fix them. I had to buy new rims and tires for $1500. I have 125,000 miles on the car. I will never buy or recommend a Honda to anyone.
My wife left work and drove home, approximately 2miles, and advised she smelled/saw smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. She exited the vehicle and advise the vehicle was on fire. Fire department responded and put out the fire, however the vehicle was a total loss. Local fire inspector investigated and advise the source of ignition was in the right rear of the vehicle in the area of the rear A/C unit and pbc. I contacted the manufacturer's customer service and they responded that "if your insurance company does not subrogate, there is nothing they can do." the recent service on the vehicle was an oil change and new tires approximately one month prior.
On multiple occasions the car would jerk violently when decelerating from 20 to 10mph. In addition, when driving from 25 to 40mph the car would shake violently s if was going to explode. Needless to say this was very unnerving and I did not feel safe with my family in this car. I took it to the Honda dealer and was told my rear and front motor mounts were cracked and needed to be replaced. At the time the car only had 80K milres on it. Total cost was over $1,200. Ow, at 170K miles it is doing the same thing! Brought it to the dealer and they're telling me my motor mounts are cracked, again! I am extremely disappointed the NHTSA has not made this a recall.
I was driving about 60 MPH on a highway when my 2006 Honda Odyssey began shaking and vibrating. The shaking was so bad the rearview mirror became loose and eventually fell off the front window. If I would have had a coffee cup sitting in the beverage holder the rearview mirror would have splashed hot coffee on my shorts and down my leg. This same situation would occur if I would have had a toll-road transponder attached to the windshield just below the rearview mirror. This is the second time an engine mount has failed on my Honda Odyssey. I paid $1,706.13 to replace a failed engine mount on August 6, 2014.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle decelerated to 20 MPH after the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that there was a blown head gasket. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the yaw rate sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 46,001.
Loud clunking sound coming from under the drivers engine side - had car checked and mechanic replaced motor mounts, but still making same noise - almost sounds like engine will drop out at any moment. Also when traveling on highway at speeds of 55 or higher, van will shake uncontrollably and also randomly at low speeds when just starting from a complete stop. I do not feel safe with my children in the van under these conditions, from reading complaints, it definitely sounds like Honda should be responsible for this malfunction.
It started with a loud clunk noise coming from the engine area anytime I turned a corner or drove over a bump in the road. It started happening all the time. Took it in and was notified that the engine mounts were going out. I was quoted $1900.00 to replace all 5!! Now my car shakes violently on the freeway going 60 MPH. This is indicative of the engine mounts breaking. This is a major defect!! This needs to be a safety recall. I have read many complaints about this. Honda needs to be responsible for the repairs!
Engine complaints in other Odyssey years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2006 Honda Odyssey?
NHTSA has 145 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2006 Honda Odyssey, 21% of the model year's 703 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system (19 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Honda Odyssey engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2006 Honda Odyssey, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Honda Odyssey engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 77,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 7 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.