10.0

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,800
Average Mileage:
80,250 miles
Total Complaints:
2 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. needs new battery, alternater and spoke valve (1 reports)
  2. new alternator, entire spool valve assembly replacement (1 reports)
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problem #2

Dec 192025

Odyssey Touring

  • Automatic transmission
  • 49,402 miles

click to see larger images

oil leak fouled battery and alternator

This is my second car and I purchased it used on February, 2023, (70k km). I wanted to minimize the risk because I have a full second raw with three kids - the eldest being 5 now. (my first car - Prius 2015 couldn't fit them comfortably anymore)

Before I purchased it, I did my research and knew about VCM issue, and checked everything including the spool valve oil leak with separate service (pre-sale independent mechanic inspector which cost $140).

This year is my second year with Odyssey, I generally loved it because how it drives can't compare to Prius (yeah, but it consumes a lot of oil - 12.9 mpg) ... and kids loved the spacious interior and all. Well, there were minor issues with sliding door.

But this spool valve issue? It's logically to conclude that it's design defect - while trying to save some oil consumption by increasing the valve pressure? and many users have to add something called VCM muzzler?? come on. If Honda can be more responsible, THEY should provide an official VCM muzzler for people who wants stability over barely noticeable better efficiency.

I was thinking about getting a new honda sedan for commute because I've been driving this odyssey, an empty 8 seater for work. But with this episode? I have to stop warming up to Honda and just go back to Toyota. Guess how I disappointed I am. And I'm writing from Seoul, Korea, in second language.

And stock choice? I was considering selling Toyota stocks for Honda. But that just became the passing thought that would not lead to action. I like how Honda approach things with technology, but I hope they will put more effort on reliability and durability.

- Minsu K., seoul, South Korea

problem #1

Apr 132021

Odyssey

  • Automatic transmission
  • 111,000 miles

Bought vehicle in Oct 2017. Salesman at Motorwerks said these vans never break down. In Oct 2019 vehicle stated with chugging and sputtering when we pushed accelerator. Took it to shop, they said it was the spark plugs and repaired. Then took van on trip to pick up daughter at college. As we were leaving Chicago going into Indiana, and the two lanes were going into one lane, van started same thing, I immediately thought I should pull over. As I did so the engine died, and we lost steering, but managed to pull to the side of the construction zone on highway. Had our disabled son in the van with us, so dangerous...

Went through having it towed, then went on internet to find that there had been a class action suit in CA over this identical problem. Brought that knowledge to the dealer, and they reimbursed cost, towing and did repair for free and gave us a 8 year extension, unlimited miles. What a great dealer!! Well, driving home the other night from visiting with our daughter in the next town. 10:30 PM, again had our handicapped daughter in the van with us going home. Right in the middle of the road, lights went on and then the car struggled to run. We pulled into a small parking lot. My daughter put her foot on the brake and the engine revved very high, so we turned it off. Had it towed to dealer.

Now they are saying they can’t do anything for us. I hope there is a class action suit as this is VERY DANGEROUS. I am scared to death to ever drive the van again. I will lose so much if we trade it in. Will NEVER buy a Honda again. It is a serious wrong to consumers to allow them to get away with continuing to manufacture dangerous vehicles. Anyone know a good attorney?

- Maureen D., Barrington, US