Honda Odyssey RL6
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
Generations
Engine Overview
The Honda Odyssey RL6 is available with one engine variant at 136 hp.
3.5L V6 Earth Dreams in the Pilot — same J-series but with a manufacturing defect. Recall NHTSA 23V751: incorrectly machined crankshaft journals on 248,999 vehicles (2016-2020). Rod bearing failure without warning, engine replacement $7,800-16,800. VCM oil consumption compounds the problem — low oil + defective bearings = engine death. Check oil at every fill-up. NHTSA opened new investigation in 2024 for non-recalled vehicles.
- !! NHTSA 23V751: rod bearing failure — 248,999 vehicles recalled from 170,000 km
NHTSA 23V751: incorrectly machined crankshaft journals → premature bearing wear → engine failure without warning. 2016-2020 Pilot. Cost without recall: $7,800 (used) to $16,800 (new engine). NHTSA 2024: new investigation for 173 reports on non-recalled vehicles.
Symptoms: Engine knocking, engine failure, won't restart, check engine light - !! VCM oil consumption — compounds rod bearing failure risk from 80,000 km
Same VCM issue as J35Y, but more pronounced in the Pilot. Low oil + defective rod bearing journals = accelerated engine death. Check oil level at EVERY fill-up.
Symptoms: Oil consumption, blue smoke, dropping oil level - ! Intake valve carbon buildup (DI) from 110,000 km
Same DI issue as J35Y.
Symptoms: Rough idle, power loss
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| ZF 9-Speed Class Action (2018-2019 LX/EX/EX-L) ZF 9-speed with jerky shifts, power loss. Class action. Swap costs $7,500. Touring/Elite had trouble-free 10-speed. Symptoms: Jerking, hesitation, sudden power loss from 50,000 km | High |
Alternatives
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 11 weaknesses have been documented for the Honda Odyssey RL6 (2018–2025) — 5 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox, Other, Electronics, Body.
Odyssey (J35Y6, 2018–2025) — Be Careful: NHTSA 23V751: rod bearing failure — 248,999 vehicles recalled, VCM oil consumption — compounds rod bearing failure risk, Intake valve carbon buildup (DI). Power: 280 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 RL6 have? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee