What is the powertrain warranty on a Honda Odyssey?

In the United States, the Honda Odyssey's powertrain warranty is 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.

This protection sits within Honda’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty and covers the core mechanical systems that propel the minivan. Terms can vary by model year and region, so verify your specific contract with a Honda dealer or on the official Honda site for your exact vehicle.

What the powertrain warranty covers

The Powertrain Limited Warranty focuses on the essential mechanical systems that move the vehicle. The following components are typically covered under the U.S. policy for a Honda Odyssey.

• Engine and its internal components


• Transmission (automatic or manual) and its internal components


• Drive system components (including axles, drive shafts, differentials, and AWD components if equipped)

In short, the policy protects the major moving parts that enable propulsion and power transfer, while routine maintenance and non‑powertrain parts remain outside the warranty scope.

Length, limits, and eligibility

Key terms specify how long coverage lasts, where it applies, and who benefits from it.

• Term: 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first


• Start date: from the vehicle’s in-service date


• Who is covered: the original purchaser and subsequent owners (the warranty is generally transferable)


• Geography: coverage applies to U.S. vehicles under Honda’s U.S. warranty policy

Understanding these terms helps owners estimate the window of protection and plan service accordingly. Always confirm the current terms for your specific year and region with Honda.

Exclusions and limitations

Not all components or scenarios are covered. The warranty excludes items and situations that fall outside the powertrain scope.

• Non-powertrain components and cosmetic wear


• Routine maintenance, wear items, and replacement parts not related to powertrain operation


• Damage from accidents, misuse, improper maintenance, or alterations


• Modifications or use of the vehicle in commercial/fleet applications


• Emissions warranties operate under separate terms with their own time/mileage limits

These exclusions mean that while the powertrain warranty offers substantial protection, owners should adhere to maintenance schedules and avoid prohibited uses to preserve coverage.

Maintaining warranty eligibility

Keeping the warranty intact requires following Honda's maintenance guidelines and keeping thorough records.

• Follow the recommended maintenance schedule in the owner's manual


• Use Honda Genuine Parts or approved equivalents


• Maintain comprehensive service records and receipts, ideally via authorized Honda service centers


• Avoid modifications that could affect engine or drivetrain integrity

Adhering to these steps helps ensure that a valid claim can be filed if a powertrain issue arises during the coverage period.

Summary

The Honda Odyssey's powertrain warranty in the United States provides 5 years or 60,000 miles of coverage for the engine, transmission, and drive system components, whichever comes first. The policy is generally transferable to subsequent owners and begins on the original in-service date. Always verify the exact terms for your vehicle year, region, and any certified pre-owned status with Honda or your dealer, and keep thorough maintenance records to preserve eligibility.

What is the most common problem with a Honda Odyssey?

Common problems with the Honda Odyssey include issues with the power sliding doors, infotainment and electrical systems, and transmission problems (especially in older models). Other frequent complaints involve engine problems like misfires, oil consumption, and the check engine light, as well as braking system issues such as warped rotors.
 
This video discusses common issues with the Honda Odyssey, including dashboard and infotainment problems: 1mMaxTheCarGuyYouTube · Jan 25, 2023
Electrical and infotainment

• Infotainment System: Screens may freeze, turn black, or reboot. Bluetooth connectivity can be unreliable, and the backup camera may freeze or show a blank screen. 
• Dashboard/Entertainment System: The clock light can burn out, and issues with the infotainment screen are frequent, with some models having defective units or software glitches. 
• Honda Sensing: Problems with the safety features have also been reported.

Transmission and engine

• Transmission: Older models, especially those with the five-speed automatic from 1999–2004, had poor reliability and premature wear on the third-gear clutch pack. Newer models have also reported transmission issues. 
• Engine: Common engine problems include misfires, difficulty starting, and stalling, often related to faulty spark plugs or ignition switch issues. 
• Oil Consumption/Leaks: Some engines consume excessive oil, which can be due to leaking seals or porous engine block casting. 
• Vibrations: Engine vibrations are a common complaint, sometimes caused by a failed rear or front engine mount. 
• Overheating: Issues with low coolant or a broken radiator can cause the engine to overheat. 

You can watch this video to learn about Honda Odyssey transmission problems: 1mThe Passing LaneYouTube · Sep 1, 2024
Doors and brakes

• Power Sliding Doors: Numerous complaints detail failures of the power sliding doors. Some doors may not close properly, have motor assembly issues, or be affected by cable problems that can cause them to open while driving.
• Brakes: Warped front brake rotors are a frequent problem, causing vibration when braking. 

Other common problems

• Stalling: Stalling and rough idling can occur due to issues with spark plugs, fuel injectors, or the engine mount.
• Third-Row Seat: The third-row seat may not unlatch properly due to loose latch cables.
• Front Wheel Bearings: Noise from the front wheel bearings is a reported issue. 

Is there a recall on the Honda Odyssey Transmission?

A 2018-2019 Honda Odyssey transmission recall was issued because a loose or degraded battery terminal could cause the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) to reboot, potentially shifting the transmission into "Park" while driving. The recall involves a software update to the TCU, tightening battery cables, and a free replacement of the transmission if the parking rod is damaged, according to CNET. Other transmission-related issues like rough shifting, hesitation, and shuddering have also been reported in certain models, leading to multiple lawsuits, as detailed by Lemon Law Help.
 
2018-2019 Honda Odyssey transmission recall

• Cause: A loose battery terminal can cause the TCU to reboot and shift the transmission into "Park" while the vehicle is in motion. 
• Risk: This can lead to a loss of power and the risk of the vehicle rolling away, increasing the chance of a crash. A damaged parking rod can make it possible for the vehicle to roll even when in Park. 
• Solution: Honda has recalled these models to update the transmission control software, tighten the battery cables, and replace the transmission free of charge if it cannot hold "Park" without the electronic parking brake. 

Other transmission issues

• Symptoms: Other reported problems with certain Odyssey models include rough shifting, delayed acceleration, hesitation, shuddering, and grinding noises during gear changes, according to Lemon Law Help. 
• Lawsuits: These issues have led to several lawsuits, with plaintiffs citing rough shifting, harsh engagement of gears, and sudden power loss. 
• Potential solutions: Some owners have found relief from the issues with software updates, while others have reported persistent problems. It is recommended to check for any outstanding recalls or software updates for your specific vehicle. 

What is a 10 year 100,000-mile powertrain warranty?

A 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty is offered by several manufacturers like Kia, Mitsubishi, and Hyundai, and by some dealers for specific vehicles, covering the engine, transmission, and drivetrain for up to 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. To keep the warranty valid, it is essential to follow the maintenance schedule outlined in the owner's manual and to keep records of all services. The warranty typically only covers the original owner and has specific exclusions, such as normal wear and tear.
 
What it covers

• Engine: Includes the cylinder block, crankshaft, pistons, and other internal lubricated parts. 
• Transmission: Covers the transmission case and all internal lubricated parts. 
• Drivetrain: Includes front and rear wheel drive components, transfer case, and axle housings. 

Important limitations and requirements

• Original owner: The warranty typically applies only to the original owner and is often not transferable. 
• Maintenance: You must follow the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual and keep detailed records of all service and repairs. 
• Exclusions: The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear or routine maintenance. 
• Geographic limitations: Coverage may be voided if the vehicle is primarily driven outside of the U.S. or Canada. 
• Vehicle exclusions: Some specific models, like certain Super Duty, Raptor, or Lightning models from Ford, may be excluded. 

How to use the warranty

1. Familiarize yourself with the details: Read the warranty agreement to understand what is and isn't covered and to know the requirements for maintaining the warranty. 
2. Follow the maintenance schedule: Ensure all scheduled maintenance is performed on time and keep all repair and service receipts as proof. 
3. Contact the dealer for issues: If you have a problem with a covered component, take the vehicle to an authorized dealer for inspection and repair. 

Does Honda have a 100,000-mile warranty?

Yes, Honda has a 100,000-mile warranty, but it is a powertrain warranty for specific types of vehicles, not a full bumper-to-bumper warranty. This warranty is included with all Honda Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles and also with certain dealer-purchased extended warranty plans, like HondaTrue Certified. 
Honda Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles

• Powertrain coverage: A 7-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty is included with CPO vehicles. 
• Non-powertrain coverage: Non-powertrain components are covered for 5 years or 86,000 miles. 
• Hybrid and EV: High-voltage battery warranty is also included for 8 years or 100,000 miles. 

Extended warranties (HondaCare)

• HondaTrue Certified: This extended warranty plan includes a 7-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. 
• Other options: You can purchase other extended plans, such as Honda Care, that may be available with 100,000-mile coverage, depending on the vehicle and plan selected. 

Other considerations

• Powertrain only: These warranties are specifically for the powertrain and do not cover all components of the vehicle. 
• Dealer-specific: Some dealerships may offer a unique, dealer-purchased 100,000-mile warranty or even a lifetime powertrain warranty. 
• Hybrid vehicles: Hybrid models have a separate high-voltage battery warranty that is good for 8 years or 100,000 miles.