2008–2013 Honda Odyssey / Pilot / Ridgeline (and more): known reliability problem

The problem

3.5L V6 with VCM — oil consumption from cylinder deactivation plus failure-prone motor mounts.

Vehicles affected

Honda — Odyssey, Pilot, Ridgeline, Accord, model years 2008–2013. Adjacent years and trims with different engines are generally not affected; the exact engine/transmission in the specific car is what matters.

What it means for a buyer

This is a real, documented pattern — but often preventable or already addressed. It is a reason to inspect harder and negotiate, not necessarily to walk away: a car with records showing the issue was serviced can still be a good buy. For context, a Honda averages about $428/year in maintenance and typically retains roughly 66% of its value after five years.

Considering one anyway? Do this

• Ask directly whether the affected component was repaired/replaced, and get the paperwork.
• Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic and mention this exact issue.
• Check open recalls by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
• Pull the free government title history (salvage/flood/odometer) at the NMVTIS portal.
• Price it against unaffected rivals — this issue is negotiating leverage.