NHTSA Complaint #11638291 — 2018 HONDA ODYSSEY

The vehicle has recently and suddenly developed a loud engine knocking sound which sounds like an engine bottom-end knock (crankshaft or connecting rod). The sound is dependent upon engine RPM and is most noticeable at low RPM and when the engine is warm. The knocking sound is severe for the first 1-2 seconds on cold engine start, until oil pressure is developed. There are two known incidents believed to be caused by this issue: 1. While driving on a public highway with a 75 MPH speed limit, the engine knock became severe and the check engine light began flashing. The car would not accelerate, and once speed was reduced it would not accelerate at all and "limped" home at much-reduced speed. Prevailing traffic had to take action to avoid colliding from behind. 2. While driving up a very slight incline on a public highway with a 65 MPH speed limit, the engine knock became severe and the check engine light began flashing. The engine was unable to produce power and struggled to climb the hill at around 33 MPH with prevailing traffic coming up quickly and swerving to avoid colliding. The vehicle "limped" home again. The problem has been confirmed by an independent service center specializing in Honda and Acura vehicles, and confirmed that the knocking sound does indeed sound like a connecting rod and referred me to Honda service bulletin 23-097. I called American Honda to inquire as to whether my vehicle's VIN qualifies for the associated recall, and they said the vehicle does NOT qualify, and that it was a very narrow range of VINs which do qualify. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance, only the independent service center who did NOT open the engine bottom end for inspection, only listened and did non-invasive troubleshooting before referring me to Honda. Please add this to the Office of Defects Investigation's investigation RQ24013