NHTSA Complaint #11666380 — 2023 HONDA ODYSSEY

Engine shut off in traffic after Auto Idle-Stop failed to restart. While stopped at a red light with Auto Idle-Stop active, the engine shut down normally. When I released the brake to proceed, all electrical power dropped—cluster went dark, accessories reset, and the engine did not crank. Vehicle coasted dead across the intersection and required a full key-cycle to restart, exposing my family and surrounding traffic to a collision risk. Component that malfunctioned Dealer diagnostic later the same day showed the 12-V battery-current sensor reporting an internal resistance spike from 3 mΩ (normal) to 25 mΩ (fault), which commands the powertrain ECU to inhibit Idle-Stop restart (“Idle-Stop Inhibit – Large battery internal R” flag). An AGM load test confirmed the battery itself is healthy (958 CCA). Reproducibility / confirmation The stall occurred twice on public roads. At the dealer, the fault could be reproduced in the data list: resistance value jumps whenever the negative-terminal sensor is jostled. Inspection status Vehicle was inspected by the franchised Honda dealer; screenshots of the diagnostic session and the Midtronics load-test slip are available on request. Manufacturer has NOT yet repaired the sensor; dealer demanded an unnecessary battery purchase first. Warning indicators No MIL or warning lamps illuminated before the stall. After the first stall, a brief “Auto Idle-Stop System Problem” message flashed but cleared on restart. Risk Loss of propulsion and power steering in the middle of an active intersection without warning. If this sensor defect is common, any similar 2022-24 Honda minivan/SUV with Auto Idle-Stop could stall in traffic. Component is still installed and available for inspection. Filed report with FTC (report #188697846).