Honda Odyssey RL3
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The 3rd-gen Odyssey (2005–2010) is the minivan that won over reluctant parents — a bargain-tier family hauler under $7k. The J35A6 and J35A7 3.5 V6s power it, and this generation got the redesigned 5-speed automatic, NOT the prior generation's notorious total-failure transmission.
Test-drive checklist: Feel the revised 5-speed auto for shudder under light acceleration and demand ATF service records. Cycle both power sliding doors fully several times — grinding or mid-travel jamming means the endemic cable/motor failure. On the V6, do the cold dipstick check for VCM oil consumption.
2026 market: 2008 cars run about $3,500–5,600, 2010 around $4,300–7,000.
Insider pick: a 2010 EX-L — the last and most refined year — with documented transmission-fluid changes and working sliding doors.
Generations
Engine Overview
The Honda Odyssey RL3 is available with one engine variant at 255 hp.
The 3.5-litre V6 without cylinder deactivation is the longer-lived variant of the family — with no VCM the oil-consumption drama of its sister engines stays away. Being an interference engine, timing-belt replacement at the specified interval is critical; if it snaps, the valves bend. The EGR valve cokes up with mileage and throws fault P0401, but it can be cleaned or replaced cheaply. The A/C compressor is the most expensive weak point — if it comes apart it spreads debris through the whole circuit. Otherwise a robust, uncomplicated engine.
- !! Timing Belt (Interference Engine) from 160,000 km
Belt every 100k mi. Interference engine = catastrophic if it snaps.
Symptoms: No symptoms — broken belt = engine damage - !! A/C Compressor Failure from 80,000 km
Clutch/bearing wears. Especially 2005-2007.
Symptoms: A/C stops cooling, clicking when engaged - ! EGR Port Carbon Clogging (P0401) from 100,000 km
EGR ports clog with carbon. Common on all J35A engines.
Symptoms: Check engine P0401, slightly increased consumption
The same 3.5-litre V6, but with VCM cylinder deactivation down to three or four cylinders. It saves a little fuel but draws oil past the piston rings under part load — up to a litre per 1,500 km is possible. The knock-on costs are the real problem: oil-fouled spark plugs, damaged catalytic converters and engine mounts worn early by the switching vibration. The EGR valve also cokes up (P0401). To keep this engine long, watch the oil level meticulously; permanently disabling the deactivation is technically possible. Replace the timing belt on schedule, as it is an interference engine.
- !! VCM Oil Consumption (up to 1qt/1000mi) from 80,000 km
VCM creates vacuum in deactivated cylinders, pulling oil past rings. Destroys spark plugs and catalytic converters. VCMtuner to disable recommended.
Symptoms: Oil drops rapidly, blue smoke, fouled spark plugs - !! Catalytic Converter Death from VCM Oil from 120,000 km
VCM oil consumption sends unburned oil into exhaust, overheating and killing cats. P0420.
Symptoms: Check engine P0420, exhaust smell, power loss - !! Spark Plug Blows Out of Head from 120,000 km
Spark plugs can blow out of aluminum head due to stripped threads. Helicoil repair possible.
Symptoms: Loud bang, engine runs on fewer cylinders
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| 5-speed automatic torque-converter judder Not to be confused with the total-failure scandal of the previous generation: the revised RL3 5-speed automatic judders mainly from lock-up clutch operation and aged ATF (P0741). Repair $2,900–3,600, warranty extended to 8 years/150,000 miles. Symptoms: Judder/shudder at steady speed, harsh shifts, fault code P0741. from 90,000 km | High |
Alternatives
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 12 weaknesses have been documented for the Honda Odyssey RL3 (2005–2010) — 8 engine-related and 4 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? +
What should I look for when buying a used Honda Odyssey RL3? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Honda Odyssey RL3 engine is the most reliable? +
Which Honda Odyssey RL3 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Honda Odyssey RL3 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Honda Odyssey RL3? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee