What weaknesses does the Honda Odyssey RL3 have?

	Weakness	Cost
✖	5-Speed Auto Total Failure (THE Odyssey Scandal) Honda's biggest reliability disaster of the 2000s. Torque converter, 3rd/4th gear failure. 2005-2006 (BGRA) worse than 2007+ (P36A). Multiple class actions. Symptoms: Transmission slips, no 3rd/4th gear, complete lockup from 90,000 km Ad BGRA transmission Odyssey P36A transmission Odyssey	High
✖	5-Speed Automatic Total Failure (The Odyssey Scandal) Honda's biggest reliability disaster of the 2000s. Torque converter, 3rd/4th gear failure. Multiple class action lawsuits. Up to $3,500 repair cost. Symptoms: Transmission slipping, no drive in 3rd/4th gear, complete lockup from 144,000 km Ad Odyssey RL3 transmission rebuild kit Honda A5TA ATF fluid	High

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 15 weaknesses have been documented for the Honda Odyssey RL3 (2005–2010) — 8 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. One problem engine: J35A7 (3.5L V6 i-VTEC VCM). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Body, Brakes, Interior. Considered reliable: J35A6 (3.5L V6 i-VTEC).

Odyssey (J35A7, 2005–2010) — Stay Away!: VCM Oil Consumption (up to 1qt/1000mi), Catalytic Converter Death from VCM Oil, Spark Plug Blows Out of Head. Power: 255 PS.

What to watch out for with the Honda Odyssey? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Honda Odyssey RL3 have? +

The Honda Odyssey RL3 has 8 known engine weaknesses and 7 vehicle weaknesses.

What should I look for when buying a used Honda Odyssey RL3? +

faq.watch_a_avoid faq.watch_a_rec

Which engine is recommended? +

Good choice: J35A6 (3.5L V6 i-VTEC). The most reliable engine is the J35A6 (3.5L V6 i-VTEC) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the J35A6 (3.5L V6 i-VTEC). Problem engine: J35A7 (3.5L V6 i-VTEC VCM) — stay away!

Which Honda Odyssey RL3 engine is the most reliable? +

The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Honda Odyssey RL3. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 3 known weaknesses to be aware of.

Which Honda Odyssey RL3 engine is the most fun? +

The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Honda Odyssey RL3 — rated: "Decent". {description} 255 hp without cylinder deactivation. No oil consumption, no broken mounts. Transmission is the weak point (2005-2006 worst). Sliding doors will cause trouble eventually.

Is the Honda Odyssey RL3 worth buying used? +

The Honda Odyssey RL3 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.

What horsepower variants are available for the Honda Odyssey RL3? +

The Honda Odyssey RL3 is available with engine variants from 253 to 258 hp. Petrol: J35A6 (3.5L V6 i-VTEC), J35A7 (3.5L V6 i-VTEC VCM).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee