When Did the Honda Odyssey Get Cylinder Deactivation?

Honda first equipped the Odyssey with cylinder deactivation—marketed as Variable Cylinder Management (VCM)—in the 2005 model year, initially on higher trims (EX-L and Touring). The technology was broadened and refined in subsequent years and has been featured on most Odyssey trims through the 2024 model year.

What Cylinder Deactivation (VCM) Is—and Why It Matters

Cylinder deactivation allows the Odyssey’s V6 to seamlessly shut off some cylinders at light loads, improving fuel economy without sacrificing full power when needed. Honda’s implementation, VCM, began by switching between six- and three-cylinder operation and later evolved to add a four-cylinder mode for finer control and smoother transitions.

Timeline: When the Odyssey Used VCM

The following timeline outlines the key model years and how Honda deployed VCM across Odyssey generations and trims.

• 2005: VCM debuts on EX-L and Touring trims with the 3.5-liter V6. LX and EX trims do not have cylinder deactivation.
• 2006–2007: VCM continues on EX-L and Touring; LX/EX remain without it.
• 2008: Mid-cycle update introduces “VCM 2,” enabling three-, four-, and six-cylinder operation on EX-L and Touring. LX/EX generally remain non-VCM.
• 2009–2010: Availability largely unchanged from 2008: VCM on EX-L/Touring; lower trims typically without it.
• 2011 (new generation): VCM expands to EX, EX-L, and Touring; LX is typically non-VCM. This generation continues Honda’s broader use of cylinder deactivation.
• 2012–2013: Same trim-based VCM availability as 2011.
• 2014–2017: VCM remains on most trims (EX and above), while base LX models commonly remain without it; 2014’s transmission updates do not change VCM availability.
• 2018–2020 (new generation): With the 5th-generation Odyssey and its direct-injected 3.5L V6, VCM is featured across the lineup, paired with 9- or 10-speed automatics depending on trim.
• 2021–2024: Following a refresh, VCM continues across trims; Honda maintains cylinder deactivation on the Odyssey through these model years.

In short, the Odyssey’s cylinder deactivation story starts in 2005 on upper trims, expands significantly by 2011, and becomes a lineup staple from 2018 onward.

Trim and Engine Notes

While early adoption (2005–2010) was limited to EX-L and Touring models, the 2011 redesign brought VCM to more trims (typically EX and above). From 2018 to 2024, the Odyssey’s 3.5L V6 has incorporated VCM across the range, reflecting Honda’s continued commitment to balancing efficiency and performance in its family minivan.

How to Tell If a Specific Odyssey Has VCM

If you’re shopping used or verifying a particular vehicle, these quick checks can help confirm whether an Odyssey is equipped with cylinder deactivation.

• Trim level: 2005–2010 EX-L/Touring typically have VCM; 2011–2017 EX/EX-L/Touring do; LX often does not. For 2018–2024, VCM is generally present across trims.
• Window sticker/Monroney: Look for “Variable Cylinder Management” or “cylinder deactivation” in the engine/technology section.
• Owner’s manual/spec sheet: The powertrain section will specify VCM where equipped.
• Instrument cluster behavior: Many VCM-equipped Odysseys display an ECO indicator when deactivation is active (not a definitive test, but a common clue).

Using a combination of trim-level knowledge and documentation is the most reliable way to verify VCM on a particular Odyssey.

Summary

The Honda Odyssey first received cylinder deactivation (VCM) in 2005 on EX-L and Touring models. VCM availability widened in 2011 and became commonplace from 2018 through 2024. If you’re pinpointing a specific van, confirm via trim, window sticker, or documentation to ensure it includes VCM.

When did the Honda Odyssey get cylinder deactivation?

Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) is Honda’s term for its variable displacement technology, which saves fuel by deactivating the rear bank of 3 cylinders during specific driving conditions—for example, highway driving. It was first introduced in the 2005 Honda Odyssey minivan.

What years did the Honda Odyssey have VCM?

Honda Odyssey vehicles equipped with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) include 2005-2010 EX-L and Touring models and all 2011 and newer models. Earlier LX and EX models from 2005-2010 did not have VCM, while models from 2011 onward have the VCM system integrated across all trims, though the VCM versions have changed over time.
 
Specific Model Years and VCM Status

• 2005-2010 Odysseys: Only the EX-L and Touring models, which have leather seats, are equipped with VCM. LX and EX models with cloth seats from this period do not have VCM. 
• 2011 and Newer Odysseys: All models of the Honda Odyssey from 2011 onward have the Variable Cylinder Management system integrated. 
  • VCM-2: 2011-2017 models use VCM-2. 
  • VCM-3: 2018-2025 models use VCM-3, which is a revised system with improved cylinder deactivation. 
  • VCM-4: Starting with the 2023 model year, the Odyssey uses the newer VCM-4 system. 

Key Takeaways

• Identify trim level: If you’re looking at a 2005-2010 Odyssey, check if it’s an EX-L or Touring model with leather seats to determine if it has VCM. 
• 2011 and newer: If you’re looking at a 2011 or newer model, it will have VCM. 
• VCM versions: The VCM system itself has evolved from VCM-2 in 2011-2017 models to VCM-3 in 2018-2025 models, and VCM-4 starting in 2023. 

Which Honda Odyssey years to avoid?

You should consider avoiding Honda Odyssey years such as the 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, and 2018 models, which had issues like transmission failures, excessive oil consumption, and electrical problems. The 2011-2013 and 2018-2020 models are also flagged for potential transmission and engine issues. If you’re considering any models from the third-generation (2005-2010), be aware of potential brake, power door, and continued transmission problems. 
Specifically, look out for these common issues by generation:

• First Generation (1999-2004): . Opens in new tabMany early models, particularly 2002 and 2003, are noted for widespread transmission failures. 
• Third Generation (2005-2010): . Opens in new tabSome years within this generation, such as 2005 and 2006, experienced problems with transmissions and other components. The 2007-2008 models had specific issues with the power doors and brakes. 
• Fourth Generation (2011-2017): . Opens in new tabThe 2011-2013 models are flagged due to transmission and engine problems. 
• Fifth Generation (2018-Present): . Opens in new tab2018 is particularly singled out for transmission failures and other issues. 2019-2020 models are also flagged. 

General Advice:

• Avoid New Remodel Years: New generations often have issues that are sorted out in later model years, so it’s often best to avoid the first few years of a redesigned generation. 
• Check Recalls: Verify that any model you are considering has had all relevant recalls addressed, especially for significant ones affecting the 2001-2007 and 2018-2019 models. 
• Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection: Always have a trusted mechanic inspect a used Honda Odyssey, especially if it’s an earlier model, to identify potential problems.