How common are engine problems in the 2012 Honda Odyssey?

NHTSA lists 53 engine complaints for the 2012 Odyssey, which is 22% of the 245 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2012 Honda Odyssey engine?

No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for the engine problems reported on the 2012 Odyssey.

At what mileage do engine problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure for engine-related complaints on the 2012 Odyssey is 51,000 miles.

Did the engine problems cause any crashes or fires?

NHTSA data tied to this engine issue area records 4 crashes, 3 fires, and 4 injuries for the 2012 Odyssey.

How does 2012 compare to other Odyssey years for engine complaints?

The 2012 Odyssey's 22% engine complaint share is lower than 2013 (40%), 2016 (38%), and 2025 (54%), but higher than 2011 (14%) and 2020 (17%).

2012 Honda Odyssey Engine Problems

Engine complaints account for 53 of 245 total complaints (22%) filed against the 2012 Honda Odyssey, with median failure mileage at 51,000 miles. NHTSA lists no recalls tied to this engine issue.

Engine complaints: 53; 22% of 245
Crashes reported: 4
Fires reported: 3
Injuries reported: 4
Median mileage: 51,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report sudden unintended acceleration or surging while braking or maneuvering at low speed, sometimes ending in a crash.
Several owners describe the engine cutting power or dropping RPM unexpectedly while driving on the highway, making acceleration difficult.
Some vehicles experienced engine fires, including one case where an explosion was heard from the engine compartment before flames appeared.
Owners report rough idling and misfiring on multiple cylinders, accompanied by soot on the exhaust and reduced fuel economy.
One case describes the engine assembly failing and needing the short block and pistons replaced, with the problem recurring after repair.
Owners describe unusual engine behavior when shifting, including high RPM before gear changes without signs of overheating.

When 2012 Honda Odyssey engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 30, 2012, latest Sep 16, 2025.

53 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2012 to Sep 2025; peak Oct 2012 (3).

Engine recalls for the 2012 Honda Odyssey

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Odyssey model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201066 (26%)
201133 (14%)
201253 (22%)
201384 (40%)
201477 (25%)
201558 (28%)
2016103 (38%)
201711 (28%)
2018245 (25%)
2019188 (19%)
202082 (17%)
202130 (21%)
202219 (14%)
202315 (15%)
202440 (37%)
2025206 (54%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems in the 2012 Honda Odyssey?: NHTSA lists 53 engine complaints for the 2012 Odyssey, which is 22% of the 245 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2012 Honda Odyssey engine?: No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for the engine problems reported on the 2012 Odyssey.
At what mileage do engine problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure for engine-related complaints on the 2012 Odyssey is 51,000 miles.
Did the engine problems cause any crashes or fires?: NHTSA data tied to this engine issue area records 4 crashes, 3 fires, and 4 injuries for the 2012 Odyssey.
How does 2012 compare to other Odyssey years for engine complaints?: The 2012 Odyssey's 22% engine complaint share is lower than 2013 (40%), 2016 (38%), and 2025 (54%), but higher than 2011 (14%) and 2020 (17%).