The most documented Honda Odyssey problem is the 2018-2019 9-speed automatic in LX, EX and EX-L trims: harsh upshifts at light throttle, sometimes with code P0716. Honda bulletin 19-124 fixes both with a TCM software update and about 500 miles of relearning. Sliding door and second-row seat recalls come next — all free at a dealer.
- Honda Service Bulletin 19-124 covers harsh upshifts and P0716 on 2018-2019 Odyssey LX, EX and EX-L with the 9-speed, fixed by TCM software.
- Recall 20V-437 covers 324,194 2018-2020 Odysseys whose sliding door handle cables can freeze and stop the door latching.
- Recall 19V-299 covers about 50,000 2018-2019 Touring and Elite vans with the 10-speed, where the parking gear could be damaged.
- Which Honda Odyssey Does This Guide Cover?
- What Is the Most Common Honda Odyssey Problem?
- What Does P0716 Mean on a Honda Odyssey?
- Which Recalls Cover the Odyssey Transmission, Doors and Seats?
- Why Do Odyssey Sliding Doors Fail to Latch?
- What Problems Affect the 2011-2017 Odyssey?
- When Does the Odyssey Timing Belt Need Replacing?
- How Do You Check Your Odyssey for These Problems?
- What Does It Cost to Fix Common Odyssey Problems?
- Can You Keep Driving an Odyssey With These Problems?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Related Guides
Which Honda Odyssey Does This Guide Cover?
The Honda Odyssey covered here is the fifth-generation minivan (2018 onwards) and the fourth-generation model (2011-2017), all with Honda’s 3.5-litre J35 V6. The transmission is the key difference: for 2018-2019 it depends on the trim, and from 2020 every Odyssey uses Honda’s own 10-speed automatic.
| Model years and trims | Transmission | Most documented issue |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-2019 LX, EX, EX-L | 9-speed automatic (ZF-designed) | Harsh upshifts, check engine light with P0716 (bulletin 19-124) |
| 2018-2019 Touring, Elite | 10-speed automatic (Honda) | Recall 19V-299: software and battery cables, parking gear |
| 2020 onwards, all trims | 10-speed automatic | Sliding door handle cable recall 20V-437 (2018-2020) |
| 2011-2017 | 5- or 6-speed automatic | VCM misfires and mounts, second-row seat recall 17V-725 |
What Is the Most Common Honda Odyssey Problem?
The most documented Honda Odyssey problem on 2018-2019 models is the 9-speed automatic in the LX, EX and EX-L trims shifting harshly. Honda Service Bulletin 19-124 describes intermittent harsh or jerky upshifts during steady acceleration, or the check engine light coming on with code P0716.
Honda’s bulletin names the cause as abnormal transmission control module (TCM) adaptation values or a miscalculation in the TCM software. The fix is a TCM software update, a 0.2-hour dealer job covering both symptoms, followed by about 500 miles of relearning.
- Recognise it by: a thump or jerk as the gearbox changes up under gentle acceleration. Compare the pattern with our transmission jerks when accelerating guide.
- Usual fix: the bulletin software update. The bulletin does not apply to hard shifts made with the paddle shifters, or to vans with under 500 miles.
Bulletin 19-124 is not a recall; outside warranty the update may be charged.
What Does P0716 Mean on a Honda Odyssey?
P0716 on a Honda Odyssey is the generic SAE code for Input/Turbine Speed Sensor “A” Circuit Range/Performance. The transmission control module stores it when the input shaft speed signal is implausible compared with engine and output speed, rather than missing.
The Odyssey case is unusual. On the 2018-2019 9-speed vans, Honda traced P0716 to the TCM software miscalculating, not a failed sensor. Replacing the input speed sensor first is the most common wasted repair. A code that returns after the software update points back to the usual causes: low or old fluid, a damaged connector or wiring, or a sensor fault.
P0716 differs from P0715, which reports a circuit fault (no signal or an open circuit) for the same sensor; see our P0715 code guide.
Which Recalls Cover the Odyssey Transmission, Doors and Seats?
Five NHTSA safety recalls cover the most documented Honda Odyssey faults: the 10-speed parking gear, two sliding door latch problems and two second-row seat problems. Recall work is free at any Honda dealer, whatever the van’s age or owner; the 9-speed bulletin above is not a recall.
| Recall | Vehicles | Problem and remedy |
|---|---|---|
| 19V-299 | 2018-2019 Touring and Elite (10-speed), about 50,000 | Loose battery terminals can reboot the TCU into Park while moving, damaging the parking rod; software, cables tightened, transmission replaced if needed |
| 18V-795 | 2018-2019 built Jan 2017 to Apr 2018, 107,774 | Sticking rear latch parts; a sliding door may open while moving; rear latches replaced |
| 20V-437 | 2018-2020, 324,194 | Handle cables can freeze so the sliding door does not latch; cables replaced |
| 17V-725 | 2011-2017, about 806,936 | Second-row outboard seat may not latch and can tip forward under braking; striker brackets fitted |
| 18V-170 | 2014-2016 | Second-row left seatback may stay unlocked after using the walk-in lever |
Why Do Odyssey Sliding Doors Fail to Latch?
Odyssey power sliding doors fail to latch for two documented reasons, each covered by a recall. On early 2018-2019 vans, parts inside the rear latch assembly can stick (recall 18V-795). On 2018-2020 vans, water can get into the outer handle cables and freeze in cold weather, holding the latch open (recall 20V-437).
- Recognise it by: a “Door Open” message that stays on after the door closes, or a door that bounces back open in freezing weather.
- Usual fix: the recall repair. If the warning persists, Honda’s owner notice says not to drive and to arrange a tow to a dealer.
If the recalls are complete and the message persists, a door or switch fault is likely — see door ajar warning light won’t turn off.
What Problems Affect the 2011-2017 Odyssey?
The 2011-2017 Honda Odyssey’s documented problems centre on Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), which shuts down some of the V6’s cylinders at light load to save fuel. Owners and technicians link it to vibration, fouled spark plugs, misfires and worn active engine mounts.
- Recognise it by: a shudder at steady 30-50 mph cruising, misfire codes such as P0300, or a vibration felt in Drive at idle. Honda-specific code P3400 means the VCM system on bank 1 did not deactivate or reactivate as commanded; P3497 is the bank 2 version. Other makes use these numbers differently.
- Usual fix: check the oil level first, because VCM is oil-pressure operated and low oil commonly sets P3400. Then test the rocker arm oil pressure switch ($150-$350), plugs and engine mounts. See how often to replace motor mounts.
The Pilot shares the J35 V6, VCM and, on some years, the 9-speed, so its problems overlap — see Honda Pilot common problems. The Accord and CR-V use different engines and gearboxes (the CR-V a CVT), so their fixes do not transfer: see Honda Accord and Honda CR-V common problems.
When Does the Odyssey Timing Belt Need Replacing?
The Honda Odyssey timing belt needs replacing at roughly 105,000 miles or 7 years under normal driving, earlier under severe use such as regular towing or extreme heat or cold. Every Odyssey since 1999, including 2018 onwards, uses a belt-driven J-series V6.
The J35 is an interference engine: if the belt breaks, valves can hit the pistons and the repair becomes major engine work. On a used van with no receipt, assume it has not been done. Our when to replace a timing belt guide explains the warning signs.
How Do You Check Your Odyssey for These Problems?
Checking a Honda Odyssey for its known problems starts with a VIN recall lookup, then a scan that reads transmission codes, then a test drive that recreates the complaint. The table matches each symptom with the first thing to check.
| Symptom and condition | Most likely cause | Check first |
|---|---|---|
| Jerky upshift at light throttle, 2018-2019 LX/EX/EX-L | 9-speed TCM software | SB 19-124 status; P0716 stored |
| Delayed engagement from a stop | Adaptation values, low or old fluid | Fluid level and condition; TCM update |
| “Door Open” message stays on, 2018-2020 | Sliding door latch or cable | Recalls 18V-795 and 20V-437 |
| Shudder at steady cruise, 2011-2017 | VCM, plugs or engine mount | Oil level; misfire and P3400/P3497 codes |
| Second-row seat moves under braking, 2011-2017 | Seat not latched to striker | Recall 17V-725 |
1. Run the VIN through a recall check
Ask the dealer to list completed service bulletins too; bulletins do not appear on the NHTSA recall search.
2. Read the codes before clearing them
A basic engine-only reader may miss transmission codes.
3. Check the transmission fluid level and condition
See how to check transmission fluid; many newer automatics have no dipstick. Shift complaints with late engagement also overlap with our transmission shifts late or hesitates before engaging guide.
What Does It Cost to Fix Common Odyssey Problems?
Fixing common Honda Odyssey problems costs nothing for recall work and roughly $100 to $7,000 for everything else, depending on whether software solves it or hardware has failed. Ranges include parts and labour.
| Repair | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Recalls 19V-299, 18V-795, 20V-437, 17V-725, 18V-170 | $0 at a Honda dealer |
| TCM software update (SB 19-124), out of warranty, with diagnosis | $100 – $250 |
| Transmission fluid change | $150 – $300 |
| Input/turbine speed sensor | $150 – $400 |
| Spark plugs, all six | $200 – $450 |
| Active engine mount, each | $300 – $800 |
| Timing belt with water pump and tensioner | $900 – $1,600 |
| Replacement automatic transmission | $4,000 – $7,000 |
Typical US costs, October 2026 — varies by vehicle and region.
What doesn’t work: replacing the input speed sensor for P0716 before the TCM update, or repeated fluid flushes to cure a software shift complaint.
Can You Keep Driving an Odyssey With These Problems?
You can usually keep driving an Odyssey with a harsh 9-speed upshift or a VCM vibration while you book the repair. A sliding door that will not latch, a seat that moves under braking, or a van that will not hold in Park are different: stop using the van until they are fixed, which is free under recall.
If the transmission locks into one gear with the warning lit, treat it like a car stuck in limp mode. For other makes, see our car brands section.
Harsh shifts and VCM vibration can wait for a booked repair. A door warning that stays on, a moving second-row seat or a van that will not hold in Park cannot — stop and contact a Honda dealer.
See a Honda dealer straight away if a sliding door shows a “Door Open” warning after closing, a second-row seat moves or tips under braking, or the van rolls or will not hold in Park — these are safety faults, and recall repairs are free. Book a visit soon for a flashing check engine light, a transmission stuck in one gear or repeated P0716. These repairs are beyond a driveway job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Honda Odyssey years have transmission problems?
The 2018-2019 Honda Odyssey LX, EX and EX-L with the 9-speed automatic are the most documented. Honda bulletin 19-124 fixes harsh upshifts and P0716 with a software update. The Touring and Elite 10-speed had a separate recall, 19V-299, affecting the parking gear.
Does the Honda Odyssey have a CVT?
No. The Honda Odyssey uses a conventional stepped automatic: a 5- or 6-speed on 2011-2017 vans, a 9-speed on 2018-2019 LX, EX and EX-L, and Honda’s 10-speed on the Touring and Elite, standard on every trim from 2020.
Is there a recall on the Honda Odyssey sliding door?
Yes, two. Recall 18V-795 replaces the rear latch assemblies on 107,774 2018-2019 vans built January 2017 to April 2018. Recall 20V-437 replaces the outer handle cables on 324,194 2018-2020 vans. Both are free.
Is the P0716 code on an Odyssey covered under warranty?
Within the original powertrain warranty, the bulletin 19-124 software update is normally covered. It is not a recall, so outside warranty the dealer may charge; ask whether it is already on your VIN before replacing any sensor.
How do I know if my Odyssey has the 9-speed or 10-speed?
For 2018-2019, the LX, EX and EX-L have the 9-speed and the Touring and Elite have the 10-speed. Every 2020 and later Odyssey has the 10-speed. A Honda dealer can confirm it from the VIN.
Why does my Odyssey jerk between 1st and 2nd gear?
On a 2018-2019 Odyssey with the 9-speed automatic, a jerky low-gear upshift during steady acceleration is the exact symptom of Honda bulletin 19-124. A TCM software update fixes it, followed by about 500 miles of relearning. If it continues, check the fluid and read the codes.
