Does Honda’s 3.5-liter V6 have cylinder deactivation?

Yes—many Honda 3.5-liter V6 engines use cylinder deactivation, branded as Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), but not all versions do. Usage depends on the model, model year, and specific J35 engine variant. Earlier and mid-2010s Hondas commonly used VCM to boost highway fuel economy, while several of Honda’s newest 3.5-liter V6 applications have dropped it in favor of other efficiency and drivability improvements.

What Honda’s VCM is—and why it matters

Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management is a cylinder-deactivation system that can shut down half of the cylinders (typically running the V6 on three cylinders) during light-load cruising to save fuel. It reactivates all cylinders automatically when more power is needed. The benefit is improved fuel economy; the trade-offs can include subtle NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) changes and, in some cases, additional maintenance considerations over time.

Where the 3.5-liter V6 uses cylinder deactivation

Models and years that typically include VCM

The following Honda models and years commonly feature VCM with the 3.5-liter J35 V6. Trim and transmission can matter, especially on older vehicles, so consider these typical rather than absolute.

• Odyssey minivan: Most 2005–2010 (Touring introduced VCM; availability broadened in later trims) and essentially all 2011–2024 Odyssey models with the 3.5-liter V6.
• Pilot SUV: 2009–2015 and 2016–2022 Pilots with the 3.5-liter V6 (280 hp generation) use VCM.
• Ridgeline pickup: 2009–2014 first-gen (post-refresh) and 2017–2023 second-gen (280 hp) Ridgelines employ VCM.
• Passport SUV: 2019–2024 Passports with the 3.5-liter 280 hp V6 use VCM.
• Accord V6: Many 2008–2012 Accord V6 sedans (especially automatics) and 2013–2017 Accord V6 models used VCM; some earlier 2005–2007 applications and the 2005–2007 Accord Hybrid also employed VCM.
• Crosstour (Accord Crosstour) V6: 2010–2015 V6 versions typically included VCM.

Across these models, VCM engagement is most noticeable during steady-speed cruising. Later implementations refined the transitions, but operation still varies by load, speed, and temperature.

Models and years that do not use cylinder deactivation

Several Honda 3.5-liter V6 applications omit VCM entirely—either because they predate its rollout or because Honda shifted to a new engine design that emphasizes other efficiency strategies.

• Pilot: The all-new DOHC 3.5-liter V6 introduced for the 2023 Pilot (285 hp) does not use VCM.
• Ridgeline: The updated DOHC 3.5-liter V6 adopted for the 2024 Ridgeline (285 hp) dropped VCM.
• Pilot (first generation): 2003–2008 Pilot 3.5 V6 did not use VCM.
• Ridgeline (early first generation): 2006–2008 Ridgeline did not have VCM; it arrived with the 2009 refresh.
• Accord V6 manual-transmission coupes: Various years without automatic transmissions typically lacked VCM.

The key dividing lines are engine generation and output: the 280 hp SOHC J35s of the mid/late-2010s generally used VCM, while the newer 285 hp DOHC 3.5 in Pilot and Ridgeline does not.

How to confirm whether your specific Honda V6 has VCM

Because trim, transmission, and mid-cycle updates can change equipment, the best approach is to verify on the exact vehicle.

1. Check the window sticker or owner’s manual: Look for “Variable Cylinder Management” in the powertrain description.
2. Watch the dashboard: Many VCM-equipped Hondas illuminate an “ECO” indicator during light-load operation when cylinders deactivate.
3. Inspect under the hood: Some engine covers are labeled “VCM,” and certain intake manifold/engine code combinations correlate with VCM (for example, many 280 hp J35s from 2016–2022).
4. Use the VIN: A dealer service department or Honda’s online resources can decode equipment tied to your VIN.
5. Note the horsepower and generation: 280 hp SOHC V6 (mid-2010s Pilot/Passport/Ridgeline/Odyssey) commonly equals VCM; the newer 285 hp DOHC V6 in 2023+ Pilot and 2024+ Ridgeline does not.

Combining these checks yields the most reliable confirmation, especially for models that straddle changeover years.

Why Honda moved away from VCM in some newer 3.5s

Honda’s latest DOHC 3.5-liter V6 emphasizes improved breathing, combustion efficiency, and emissions performance without resorting to cylinder deactivation. Paired with updated transmissions and calibration strategies, the newer engines deliver competitive efficiency and smoother drivability. Moving away from VCM also sidesteps customer concerns that sometimes surrounded earlier systems, such as perceived vibrations or, in a subset of vehicles, increased oil consumption under certain operating conditions.

Owner considerations with VCM-equipped engines

VCM isn’t inherently problematic, but it adds operating modes that can influence maintenance and feel. Owners can keep these points in mind.

• Maintenance vigilance: Follow oil quality and change-interval guidance; some owners prefer shorter intervals if they see heavy short-trip use.
• Tire and mount condition: Fresh engine mounts and balanced tires help minimize NVH that can be more noticeable during cylinder transitions.
• Software updates: Technical service updates occasionally refine shift and VCM logic; ask a dealer to check your VIN for campaigns.
• Aftermarket “VCM disable” devices: These exist but can affect emissions compliance and warranty; understand local laws and manufacturer policies before considering.

Well-maintained VCM-equipped Hondas routinely deliver long service lives; attention to basics goes a long way.

Summary

Many, but not all, Honda 3.5-liter V6 engines use cylinder deactivation via VCM. It’s common on mid-2000s through late-2010s Odysseys, Pilots, Ridgelines, Passports, and Accord V6 models, while the newest DOHC 3.5 in the 2023+ Pilot and 2024+ Ridgeline drops VCM. If you’re unsure about a particular vehicle, check the window sticker, manual, VIN, or engine specs to verify whether VCM is present.

What is the Honda 3.5 lawsuit?

A new Honda class action lawsuit alleging certain vehicles contain an engine defect that can cause them to become immobile and inoperable. Plaintiff Deneen Nock alleges the Honda defect affects the following vehicles equipped with a 3.5L engine and nine-speed automatic transmission: 2016-2020 Honda Pilot.

Does the Honda V-6 have cylinder deactivation?

When maximum power isn’t needed, the VCM system can deactivate one bank of cylinders—depending upon the torque requirements to maintain cruising speed—by shutting off the appropriate fuel injectors and stopping valve operation with the VTEC® system.

What year did Honda start cylinder deactivation?

Starting in 2003, Honda introduced Variable Cylinder Management on the J family engines. Honda’s system works by deactivating banks of cylinders, switching from 6 to 4 to 3 cylinders.

Which cylinders does the Honda VCM deactivate?

3 cylinders
In many cases, when VCM shuts down 3 cylinders, it only shuts down 1-3. 5 and 6 are completely non-VCM. More likely you have a misfire for other reasons. The timing belt being off even one tooth is a common cause for this.