NHTSA Complaint #11703334 — 2019 HONDA ODYSSEY

The engine was the component that failed. While accelerating, I first noticed a slight knocking sound. At steady speeds the noise went away, but during the same drive it became progressively more frequent until it occurred under all driving conditions. When stopped at a light to make a left turn, the vehicle shut off immediately as soon as I released the brakes. There were no warning lights, diagnostic messages, or prior symptoms before the failure. Because the vehicle lost all power in the middle of a multi-lane intersection, my family and I were stranded in the roadway for approximately 1.5 hours until a tow truck arrived. The vehicle could not be moved out of traffic. After towing, a retired mechanic who operates his own shop inspected the vehicle. He performed a brief, approximately 15-minute preliminary evaluation and reported that the engine is seized. Based on his initial observation (without engine teardown), he believes the cause may be a failed crankshaft bearing, but this has not been confirmed. No dealer or manufacturer inspection has been performed. Insurance declined involvement because mechanical failure is not covered. No police report was filed.