P0303 on Honda Odyssey
Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected
Methodology: Reviewed against the SAE J2012 generic DTC definition and NHTSA owner-complaint patterns, then scoped to Honda Odyssey context without treating complaints as confirmed diagnoses.
Sources: SAE/OBD-II definitions, manufacturer service information, and public reliability reports (including NHTSA where applicable).
- SAE J2012 Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions — Generic diagnostic trouble code definition reference for P0303.
- NHTSA recalls, complaints, and manufacturer communications — Used to check public owner complaint context, recall status, and safety-related manufacturer communications by VIN or vehicle.
Limits: Guidance is informational and may not match every model-year or revision. Confirm with the official manual and diagnostics before replacing parts. For safety-critical or electrical work, use a qualified technician.
What P0303 Means on Your Honda Odyssey
P0303 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected. This code relates to the ignition system system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.
Real Honda Odyssey Owner Reports
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
"On may 12, 2012, i was driving about 50 mph when the van started to sputter. i came to a red light and the car acted as if it were about to cut off. the check engine light started blinking along with the vsa light."
"The contact owns a 2013 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH at nighttime, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled into a parking lot and turned off the vehicle."
"Vehicle diagnosed with Code P0303 on 8/18/25. Per the dealer (Big Star Honda, Houston TX), "...Examination found the number three cylinder piston rings on cylinder #3 rotated and aligned, which caused spark plug to foul out."
"I’m reporting a repeat engine misfire on my 2013 Honda Odyssey (P0303 – cylinder 3). Honda repaired this issue in 2018 under Service Bulletin 13-081, which followed the Soto v. Honda settlement. Now in 2025, the exact same failure has returned—same code, same cylinder, same symptoms."
"Honda Odessey 2013Driving down a highway at 55mph when we heard a loud backfire. Engine light came on, car shook violently. We immediately pulled into a gas station where a mechanic was present. Mechanic scanned for codes and codes p0302 and P0303 came up."
All reports filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year
Common Causes on Honda Odyssey
Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.
What To Do Next
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1
Check for recalls on YOUR VIN
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. If your vehicle is covered, repairs are free.
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2
Get a proper diagnosis
A code alone doesn't tell you the exact failed part. A diagnostic at a shop ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause before you spend money on parts.
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3
Compare repair quotes
Get 2–3 quotes. Dealer vs. independent shop prices often differ 30–50% for the same repair.