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2010 Honda Odyssey

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By Research the Car 4 min read

The 2010 Honda Odyssey is a popular minivan known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and reliability. It came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 244 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the Odyssey’s practicality, smooth driving experience, and features like the Magic Seat. Common complaints often revolve around some specific issues related to the transmission, electrical system, and fuel consumption.

Engine

3.5L V6 (J35A7)

  • Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) System Problems
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, spark plug fouling, engine misfires, and rough idling can occur due to the VCM system. The VCM system shuts off cylinders to improve fuel economy, but it can lead to uneven wear and carbon buildup.
    • Solution: Disable the VCM system using aftermarket devices like VCMTuner or S-VCM Controller, which prevents the engine from switching to 3-cylinder mode. Cleaning or replacing spark plugs and using a higher quality synthetic oil can also mitigate the issues. Replacing the piston rings is a more involved repair for severe cases.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (VCM disable device) - $200+ (spark plugs and oil changes), $1500-$3000+ (piston ring replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Motor Mount Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive vibration throughout the vehicle, especially at idle or during acceleration. This is caused by the deterioration of the rubber in the motor mounts, leading to decreased vibration dampening.
    • Solution: Replace the failed motor mounts. There are typically three or four mounts that should be inspected.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic

  • Transmission Slipping/Harsh Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: The transmission slips between gears, resulting in delayed acceleration or RPM flare. Hard or jerky shifts can also occur. This can be due to worn clutches, valve body issues, or low transmission fluid.
    • Solution: Perform a transmission fluid flush (using Honda Genuine ATF-DW1 fluid). If the problem persists, a valve body replacement or a complete transmission rebuild/replacement may be necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 (fluid flush), $500 - $1500+ (valve body), $2500 - $4500+ (transmission rebuild/replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Torque Converter Shudder
    • Description/Symptoms: A shudder or vibration can be felt, typically at low speeds or during light acceleration, due to torque converter clutch slippage.
    • Solution: Transmission fluid flush with Honda ATF DW-1, or replacement of the torque converter. In some cases, a software update may help.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$200 (fluid flush), $800 - $1500+ (torque converter replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Rear Shock Absorber Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive bouncing, poor handling, and uneven tire wear.
    • Solution: Replace the rear shock absorbers.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Rear Trailing Arm Bushing Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or squeaking noises from the rear suspension, especially when going over bumps. Can cause vibrations and impact handling.
    • Solution: Replace the rear trailing arm bushings.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Sliding Door Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The power sliding doors may fail to open or close correctly, or may get stuck. This can be due to motor failure, cable issues, or sensor problems.
    • Solution: Inspect the sliding door motor, cables, and sensors. Replace the faulty components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Power Window Motor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Windows fail to roll up or down, or move very slowly.
    • Solution: Replace the power window motor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • TPMS Sensor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The TPMS light illuminates on the dashboard, indicating a problem with one or more tire pressure sensors.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty TPMS sensor(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+ per sensor.
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Automatic Tailgate Malfunction
    • Description/Symptoms: The tailgate fails to open or close automatically or gets stuck.
    • Solution: Inspect the tailgate motor, struts, and sensors. Replace the faulty components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Air Conditioning Issues (Rear)
    • Description/Symptoms: Rear AC does not blow cold air.
    • Solution: Check the rear AC lines for leaks. Check the rear AC evaporator and expansion valve. If the lines are leaking they need to be replaced. The evaporator and expansion valve also need to be replaced if they are bad.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2010 Honda Odyssey, while generally reliable, can suffer from specific issues, particularly with the VCM system leading to excessive oil consumption and transmission problems. Electrical issues with the sliding doors and power windows are also relatively common. Suspension and exterior issues add to the list of potential concerns. Addressing these issues promptly can help maintain the vehicle’s reliability and extend its lifespan. The severity and cost of repairs vary, with engine and transmission work potentially being the most expensive. However, preventative maintenance and addressing minor issues early on can help mitigate the risk of more costly repairs down the road.

Honda, Odyssey
Honda Odyssey 2010
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