Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Honda Odyssey owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking. The check emissions and check VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) warning lights illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the piston rings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle made ticking sounds. The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an appointment for the diagnostic test. The contact related the failure to the timing belt; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 163,000.
piston rings wore out prematurely on our 2012 honda odyssey. this was caused by the vcm system. its a known issue on hondas. it only had 88,600 miles at the time. we were driving our 2012 honda odyssey in december 2023. the check engine light began to flash. it starting running rough. we had it towed to a honda dealer for inspection. they pulled codes p303 and p304. they said the rings were worn and spark plugs fouled. they said this is a common issue because of the vcm. they peformed a rering job and with all parts and labor the cost came to $4000. we are very disgusted that this issue was already known by honda and they failed to place the vehicle on recall or wave the repair cost. they had a previous recall for this issue, but they say it was for a limited time frame. …
Misfire in cylinder 1 Caused van to lose power on freeway almost causing an accident. From 2011-2013 there was a settlement that gave an 8 year extended warranty, but why is it only 8 years when not everyone's driving is the same? My van was brought to the Honda dealer Check engine light came on, then it flashes
Dear NHTSA Advisor, Thank you for regarding my request for warranty coverage for the critical misfire and overheating defect with my 2012 Odyssey Honda Engine 3.5L Engine. Odyssey, as described in Honda's Service Technical Bulletin 13-081. I must reiterate the severity of my situation: the part required for repair is quoted at $7,500.00-and that does not include labor. This amount far exceeds the current market value of my vehicle, effectively making it impossible to afford repairs without Honda's intervention, it's aSafety Defect & Known Manufacturer Issue. The misfiring and overheating problems represent major safety risks for my family and anyone who operates the vehicle. This is not routine maintenance, but a substantial defect that Honda has addressed in its own technical bulletin. I have adhered diligently to Honda's maintenance schedule throughout my ownership. …
Al conducir la camioneta de regreso del trabajo sent una vibracin o zangoloteo a no mas de 20 MPH y como a unas 1500 RPM ,despus de 15 minutos de haber arrancado la camioneta,solo al hacer el cambio de velocidad "transmisin automtica" se percibe tambin, y en una subida hace mas fuerte el zangoloteo o jaloneo ,no se si tengan que ver con algo acerca de los convertidores de torcion que salen defectuosos y provocan este tipo de fallas pero solo he escuchado que en modelos 2004 quisiera saber si algn propietario de este modelo de camioneta a tenido algn problema similar oddysey 2012.
The check engine light started to blink and the vsa came on as well. This happened after I pulled into our driveway thank goodness because the engine started to shake the car. We took the van in our local dealership and it had a p0302 code. Engine misfire. This was caused by oil getting into the spark plug. Piston and ring job was recommended. The 2012 Honda had a TSB 11-033 for this issue. We are being denied our claim. I am including a picture of our spark plug that shows where there was a lot of oil when it was fired upon along with talks I have had with Honda.
Judder and vibrates and makes buzzing sound constantly but intermittently. Dealer and Honda state this is in relation to the eco feature. Research by me indicates either torque converter and/or rear motor mount needs replacing. It seems the issue is worsening as I was told by my Honda service tech that it will get worse the more miles driven. Presently has 40K miles and still under warranty. Car lost power on open highway and was able to drive it to Honda service...(unrelated) to vibration issue. Did a computer update and that took care of power issue.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Honda Odyssey. After parking the vehicle and shifting into park, the vehicle rolled away. The brake pedal was depressed and traveled to the floorboard. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the previous owner had the vehicle repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 13V143000 (power train), but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000. The VIN was not available.
Got the p3400 and/or the p3497 error codes after engine and found my oil was at almost nothing. Oil light never went on. Have also had to change my spark plugs twice in two years. I am so glad my car did not seize up on me. Had to add 3 quarts of oil and got my oil changed two months ago.
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission
Honda is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 CR-V, Odyssey, and model year 2013 Acura RDX vehicles. During sub-freezing temperatures, the brake-shift interlock blocking mechanism may become slow and allow the gear selector to be moved from the Park position without pressing the brake pedal.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda or Acura dealer. The dealer will install an updated brake shift interlock blocking mechanism free of charge. The recall began on May 13, 2013.
Transmission complaints in other Odyssey years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2012 Honda Odyssey?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2012 Honda Odyssey, 10% of the model year's 245 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Honda Odyssey transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 13V-143 (automatic transmission, Apr 15, 2013). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2012 Honda Odyssey transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 30,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
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.