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 2015 Honda Odyssey owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2015 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the RPM gauge was fluctuating. Additionally, the vehicle was shuddering while shifting between gears. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the PGM-FI software had failed and needed to be updated. The vehicle was not repaired. There was no further information provided. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 61,030.
This is copy of email I sent to Honda I am the original owner of a 2015 Honda Odyssey. I recently had the engine light come on and the diagnosis was "oil is coming through the piston rings into firing chamber and causing oil burning symptoms. Recommend replacing piston rings1-3". I had the work done at the Honda of Coeur d Alene, ID dealership for a total of $4040.66. This is a major repair for a van with low miles on it and Honda service technicians agreed. Researching online I discovered this is a problem with other Honda models and there have been recalls to fix the issue. I believe Honda should step up and cover the cost of this repair. This is my second Odyssey and the quality- lots of repairs to this van- has been very poor. I will be shopping for a car in the near future and at this point Honda will not be on my list. …
Approximately 7 months ago, my 2015 Honda Odyssey experienced an engine misfire with code P0302 (cylinder 2). All spark plugs were replaced at that time and the issue appeared resolved. However, the misfire has now returned with the check engine light on, again indicating cylinder misfire. The vehicle only has 71,000 miles on it, which makes this recurring issue particularly concerning. Based on my research, this appears to be a known defect related to Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system causing excessive oil consumption and spark plug fouling - an issue documented across 2013-2017 Odyssey vehicles and addressed under Honda Service Bulletin 25-061. I am requesting this complaint be on record and urge NHTSA to investigate this as a safety-related defect."
car has always hesitated, then jarred or jumped while trying to accelerate. after a second or so it will 'kick in' and go. but the larger issue is at just 70K miles i am paying for a new/used transmission that may have been due to a faulty torque converter. with little warning (and no check engine light warning) the car began to shake violently when i put it in drive. had to call flatbed tow truck and am suck with a large (over $3000 for used parts) repair... right after the holidays no less. this is unacceptable for such a reputable car company.
The van shifts very odd when going forward. It doesn't shift smooth from 2-3 gear and it's not just our van my parents have the exact same year and model and it does it in theirs as well! I have read many complaints online about this but I don't know if it's the motor or the transmission but something is wrong with it. Being that we have literally 2 of the same year and model vans I can't see where this is a one off deal. I think there has to be something to it.
The car sporadically does not shift from 1st 2 second and then abruptly shuts cause a loud jerk of engine and car. It is startling and scary when it happens. I'm afraid the car will break down while in the road. Every time we take the car to dealership they "cannot replicate" issue therefore there is nothing to fix on an issue that is all over the internet with Honda vans and suvs.
Very dangerous drivetrain issue. Transmission shifting issues led the transmission to total failure even after a recommended transmission flush and fill by a reputable Honda dealer. Issue was confirmed by an independent local repair shop. The vehicle itself has low mileage, (@69,600 mi.) No warning lamps prior to the transmission malfunction and failure.
Vehicle shifts abruptly from 1st to 2nd gear at feels like car will fall apart when that happens. It has happened multiple time throughout the time we owned the vehicle. Dealerships just does a transmission fluid replacement $230 watch time but no permanent solution. Were afraid transmission will fail in traffic.
I am reporting an engine defect covered under Honda's recent warranty extension for 2013-2017 Odyssey / 2013-2015 Pilot vehicles when the MIL comes on with DTCs P0301-P0304. On November 1, 2022, I was stranded on the road when the check-engine light came on. At Honda Muller of Gurnee, the dealer diagnosed misfires consistent with P0301-P0304, explaining the underlying cause as piston ring function deterioration with sludge causing oil to foul the spark plugs. I was told my original warranty had expired only about six weeks earlier (on August 29, 2022). Coverage was denied and I was quoted over $6,000. Because I couldn't afford the repair, the dealer recommended replacing the spark plugs as a temporary measure only, stating this would not fix the underlying defect. I proceeded with that temporary measure. …
I had been driving for about 1 hour on the highway with no issues. After getting off the highway l I came to a stop at a traffic light. Upon proceeding after the light when I would accelerate between 15 & 20 MPH the car started to jerk or buck forward when going from 15 to past 20 MPH. It did this again at 25 to 30 MPH. Once past the 30 MPH speed I was OK again. This happen each and every time I would stop and then proceed again.the car would jerk and buck forward while going from 1st gear to 2nd gear. There was no check engine light that came on. It felt each time as if I got hit from behind that is how the jerking forward felt. I stopped the car, did not turn it off & put into park.when I put it back into drive before removing my foot from the brake the car in the drive mode was starting to rev forward even though I had my foot on the brake. …
Transmission complaints in other Odyssey years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2015 Honda Odyssey?
NHTSA has 41 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2015 Honda Odyssey, 20% of the model year's 206 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2015 Honda Odyssey transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2015 Honda Odyssey, though it has 6 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 2015 Honda Odyssey transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 34,000 miles, and 34% 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.