2016 Honda Odyssey Oil Capacity & Filter Guide

The 2016 Honda Odyssey takes exactly 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) of 0W-20 synthetic oil when you change the oil and replace the filter. Keeping the engine oil at the correct level and using the right specification is vital for maintaining the performance and longevity of your Odyssey's trusted 3.5-liter V6 engine.

As an ASE-certified master technician, I’ve performed countless oil changes on this generation of the Honda Odyssey. Below is the complete reference guide you need to perform the job right the first time.

Quick answer

• Oil Capacity: 4.5 quarts (4.3 L) with an oil filter change. (4.2 quarts / 4.0 L without filter change, though you should always change the filter).
• Recommended Oil Weight: 0W-20.
• Oil Specification: API Premium-grade 0W-20 detergent oil (API SN / ILSAC GF-5 or newer). Full synthetic is highly recommended.
• OEM Oil Filter: Honda Part # 15400-PLM-A02 (or 15400-PLM-A01).
• Aftermarket Oil Filters: Fram XG7317 (Ultra Synthetic), Wix 51356 (or 51356XP), Mobil 1 M1-110A.

Capacity by engine option

The 2016 Honda Odyssey was only offered with one engine option across all trim levels (LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Touring Elite).

Oil change interval

Honda utilizes a Maintenance Minder system that calculates oil life based on driving conditions, engine operating temperatures, and RPMs. You should change the oil when the system indicates 15% oil life remaining. However, if you prefer mileage-based intervals:

• Normal Duty: Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty: Every 3,750 miles or 6 months. Severe duty applies if you frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic, idle extensively, tow a trailer, drive in mountainous terrain, or take many short trips (under 5 miles) in freezing temperatures.

Regardless of mileage, never go more than 12 months without changing the engine oil.

Drain plug torque

• Drain Plug Torque: 29 lb-ft (39 Nm).
• Crush Washer: 14mm (Honda Part # 94109-14000).

Important Note: You must replace the aluminum 14mm crush washer every single time you remove the drain plug. Reusing the old washer is the most common cause of a slow oil drip after a fresh oil change.

How to change the oil

1. Prepare the vehicle: Park on a level surface. Engage the parking brake. Raise the front of the vehicle safely using ramps or a jack and securely support it with jack stands.
2. Drain the old oil: Locate the 17mm oil pan drain plug on the passenger side of the engine block. Place a drain pan underneath and carefully remove the plug. Allow the oil to drain completely.
3. Replace the oil filter: Move your drain pan under the oil filter (located just behind the front passenger side wheel area). Remove the old filter. Lubricate the rubber gasket of the new filter with a dab of fresh oil, and install it. Hand-tighten until snug, then give it another 1/4 to 3/4 turn.
4. Reinstall the drain plug: Discard the old crush washer. Put a brand new 14mm crush washer on the drain plug and install it. Torque to exactly 29 lb-ft.
5. Refill and check: Open the hood and remove the oil filler cap. Add exactly 4.5 quarts of 0W-20 oil. Replace the cap, start the engine, and let it run for a minute to build oil pressure and fill the new filter. Turn off the engine, wait 3 minutes, and verify the oil level is between the two dots on the dipstick.
6. Reset the Maintenance Minder: Turn the ignition to the ON position (without starting the engine). Press the SEL/RESET button on the steering wheel until the oil life is displayed. Press and hold the SEL/RESET button for about 10 seconds until the display flashes. Release the button, then press and hold it again for 5 seconds until the oil life resets to 100%.

Common issues / tips

• Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) Oil Consumption: The 3.5L V6 engine features VCM, which shuts down cylinders to save fuel. Over time, some owners of this generation Odyssey report increased oil consumption related to the piston rings in those deactivated cylinders. It's crucial to check your oil level at every gas fill-up. If you notice a sudden drop, top it off immediately.
• Spilling Oil During Filter Removal: The oil filter sits directly above subframe components. To avoid a messy cleanup, mold a piece of aluminum foil over the frame beneath the filter to funnel the dripping oil directly into your pan.
• Stuck Filters: Factory or dealer-installed filters are sometimes overtightened. Keep a high-quality oil filter wrench or a set of filter pliers handy just in case.

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