NHTSA Complaint #11716004 — 2015 HONDA ODYSSEY

Honda issued a warranty extension covering piston ring deterioration that causes engine misfires (DTCs P0301–P0304) due to oil fouling. I experienced this exact condition on 3/11/25 prior to issuance of the warranty extension, resulting in an engine misfire and loss of drivability. To restore basic operation of the vehicle, an independent repair facility replaced a fouled spark plug, documenting the misfire and oil fouling condition (including the P0301 code). I elected the minimum necessary repair to restore drivability, as the warranty extension had not yet been issued and the vehicle could not be operated safely without immediate service. Honda has acknowledged that this repair was temporary and consistent with the covered condition. Honda has denied reimbursement for this repair because the piston ring or short block replacement identified in the campaign was not completed. Honda has also stated that it will not perform the covered repair unless the misfire code is currently active or stored and the check engine light is illuminated. Honda representatives have acknowledged that this condition commonly recurs after a temporary spark plug repair, but have advised that no repair can be performed unless the issue resumes. This creates a situation in which the vehicle has a known covered defect, but access to repair is delayed until failure reoccurs, potentially outside the warranty extension mileage or time limits. I am submitting this complaint due to concerns that these requirements may prevent timely access to emissions-related repairs for a known defect and may discourage reasonable interim repairs necessary to maintain safe vehicle operation. Honda’s requirement that I continue operating the vehicle until the misfire reoccurs raises safety concerns. The prior failure resulted in loss of drivability, and I am uncomfortable transporting my family while knowingly operating a vehicle with a documented defect that Honda has acknowledged is likely to recur.