# Honda Odyssey check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 198 - **Most complaints:** 2018 (53) - **Related recalls:** 7 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 198 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Honda Odyssey (2015-2026 models), most for the **2018** model year (53). There are **7 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. ## Honda Odyssey check engine light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 22 | 207 | 11% | | 2016 | 51 | 271 | 19% | | 2017 | 5 | 39 | 13% | | 2018 | 53 | 1012 | 5% | | 2019 | 45 | 998 | 5% | | 2020 | 11 | 492 | 2% | | 2021 | 2 | 147 | 1% | | 2023 | 2 | 105 | 2% | | 2025 | 7 | 451 | 2% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Honda Odyssey recalls related to the check engine light **[23V858000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V858000)** (2015-2023 models, reported 2023-12-19): Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. **[23V751000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V751000)** (2018-2019 models, reported 2023-11-13): A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 28, 2024. 2016-2017 Acura MDX owner letters were mailed November 1, 2024. 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed in mid-December 2024. Honda began mailing owner notification... **[21V215000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V215000)** (2019 models, reported 2021-03-25): Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021. **[21V010000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V010000)** (2018-2021 models, reported 2021-01-14): A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire. **Remedy:** Braun will notify owners, and dealers will inspect vehicles. If evidence of a fuel leak is present, a new fuel tank assembly and a new Honda charcoal canister will be installed, free of charge. The recall began February 22, 2021. **[19V298000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V298000)** (2019 models, reported 2019-04-12): Teeth separation from the timing belt may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash. **Remedy:** Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace any affected timing belt free of charge. Vehicles receiving a replacement timing belt will also have the engine inspected and any damaged components will be replaced for free. The recall began June 7, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer... **[19V299000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V299000)** (2018-2019 models, reported 2019-04-12): A damaged parking rod can allow the vehicle to roll when parked, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. **Remedy:** Honda will notify owners, and dealers will ensure the battery terminal connections are secure and will update the TCU software, free of charge. Additionally, the parking rod effectiveness will be checked. The recall began May 31, 2019. **[16V417000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=16V417000)** (2015-2016 models, reported 2016-06-09): A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire. **Remedy:** Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tanks, free of charge. Recall repairs are free at any Honda dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Honda Odyssey owners report - "No engine lights when this has occurred. I have to manually restart and it usually lags and cars behind me get mad and then try to zip around me. This makes me feel extremely unsafe- especially since buying this vehicle brand new." -- owner of a 2025 Honda Odyssey, complaint filed 2026 - "The contact stated that the check engine and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. There was an abnormal metallic grinding sound coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that a tow truck was called, but the..." -- owner of a 2023 Honda Odyssey, complaint filed 2025 - "There were no dashboard warning lamps, error messages, or check engine lights prior to the engine stalling. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership (Honda of Middleburg Heights) for an emergency safety evaluation. The certified technician physically tested the starting system and explicitly confirmed the..." -- owner of a 2021 Honda Odyssey, complaint filed 2026 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the check engine light means The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common) 2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common) 3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common) 4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Honda Odyssey check engine light? Yes. NHTSA lists 7 related recalls (23V858000, 23V751000, 21V215000, 21V010000, 19V298000, 19V299000, 16V417000) covering 2015-2023 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Honda Odyssey years have the most check engine light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2016, 2018 and 2019 Odyssey model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 53 for 2018. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Honda Odyssey with the check engine light on? Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked. ### How do I check if my Honda Odyssey has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Honda dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Honda Odyssey warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/honda-odyssey): 9 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/honda-odyssey): 29 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/honda-odyssey): 45 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-odyssey): 176 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/honda-odyssey): 42 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-odyssey): 44 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/honda-odyssey): 13 complaints ## Check engine light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints ## Honda Odyssey - [Honda Odyssey specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/honda-odyssey) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/honda-odyssey Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.