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Honda Odyssey Transmission Problems
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Steve, Host
They are refusing to pay for my transmission that failed at 62K. All oil and fluid checks were done routinely but not at the dealer. I have now taken it to a transmission shop and he tells me the failure was NOT my fault and the transmission fluid was still clear when it failed (except for the metal shavings in it). Still, Honda has been uncooperative. We've gone all the way to the top and they won't budge. I'm looking at a $4,500 replacement on this out of my own pocket. Thanks
October 2002
Automatic Transmission Warranty Extension
Dear Accord, Odyssey and Prelude Owners:
American Honda is announcing a warranty extension for the automatic transmission on all 2000-01 Accords, Odysseys, and Preludes. The automatic transmission and torque converter are now covered for a total of 7 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the date of original sale. We are providing this warranty extension because a higher than normal number of automatic transmissions in certain vehicles may have problems due to defects in material or workmanship beyond the 3-year, 36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty.
How do I know if there is a problem with my vehicle's automatic transmission?
If you think your vehicle has a transmission problem, refer to the operating characteristics below. Understanding these characteristics can help you decide if you need to call your Honda dealer.
These characteristics are normal; they should not require you to call your Honda dealer.
Quick downshifts. The transmission has a computerized control system called grade logic. When going down a hill, even a light touch of the brake pedal can cause grade logic to downshift to the next lower gear. Downshifting helps to slow the vehicle through engine braking.
Does not always shift through the full range of gears. This can also be caused by the grade logic system keeping the transmission in the optimum gear for different driving conditions.
Mechanical noise when selecting a forward or reverse gear. It's normal to hear a slight mechanical noise when moving the shift lever from one gear to another. This noise can sound abnormally loud if any of the windows are down and you are parked next to a wall or another vehicle.
Vehicle may not hold its position when stopped on an incline in gear (may roll backward when the brake pedal is released). This can occur on most Honda-made vehicles. It is one of the measures used to improve fuel economy.
Hard shifts before the engine warms up. By design, the transmission shifts a little harder when the engine is cold. It returns to smoother shifting when the engine warms up.
These characteristics are not normal; if you experience any of them, call your Honda dealer.
While driving, the D4 indicator on the instrument panel flashes.
An abnormally loud noise from the transmission.
Extremely slow or delayed gear engagement, upshifts, or downshifts.
Abnormal gear slippage during upshifts or downshifts.
Erratic or excessively harsh shifting.
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) leaks.
In the next few weeks, owners of potentially affected vehicles will be sent a copy of this letter along with reimbursement instructions in case they previously paid to have the transmission repaired or replaced.
It's important to maintain your vehicle's transmission according to the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual. Not maintaining the transmission properly can void the warranty coverage.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this matter.
Sincerely,
AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Honda Automobile Division
I also did the fluid flush and changed the linear solenoid (Honda paid for the parts, $150 labor out of my pocket). I also thought this fixed the problem..... that is until about 5K miles later. I now have a new transmission that Honda put in (parts, labor & rental included).
How did you get them to pay for the labor and rental? What warranty did you get? My tranny is on backorder (p0740 code), they don't even want to do the flush/solenoid--went straight to replacement -- my labor cost $630, and a 12/12k mile warranty. This at 58k miles, serviced regularly. Haven't "discussed" with Honda US yet, was trying to determine strategy. Did you get this deal through Honda USA, or the district service manager? Any tips / ideas would be appreciated.
Thank you in advance for your input.
Thanks again.
At this point, if I have to pay $6,000 for repairs, I might as well buy a Chrysler. Well, that might be a little drastic, but I'll definitely be looking at the new Toyota Siennas.
Meanwhile, I'm pricing an extended warranty for my MDX.
I asked why they wouldn't cover all of the costs, considering the problems they've had with the transmissions. They said that the '99's have a different transmission than the the '00's and '01's, and they haven't identified any defect in the '99's. Considering I have 82,000 on my Odyssey, I'm satisfied with the offer.
By the way, I priced an extended warranty on my MDX, and actually got a better price from the dealer than Warranty direct.
Steve, Host
Thanks to Edmunds Town Hall and all it's contributors
I was first told by the dealer there was nothing they could do, and by corporate that the '99's don't have any factory problems. If it weren't for Edmunds Town Hall I would have just paid the $6,000 (or went to a local transmission shop for a cheaper job).
Since it's a transmission, the maintenance is easier to document since it isn't required every 7,500 like an oil change.
Anyway, no grilling or hassle.
Of couse this started just when I'm about to sell it. I want to make sure that it's fixed and who ever buys this from me isn't stuck with a tranny that's about to go flooey.
Thanks for any feedback.
At 47,700 miles, the Check engine light as well as the TCS light lit up on my 1999 Odyssey. The engine would rev and there would be delay in shifting. I took it to the dealer, who flushed the transmission fluid. One day later, the Check engine light was back on and back to the dealer I went. ANNND ... you guessed it --- New transmission that would cost me $5000 for parts and labor.
Thanks to similar discussion boards here on Edmunds, I got the Idea to call American Honda (800)999-1009. I informed them of my situation, and the person that I spoke to stated that each complaint is handled by a case-by-case basis. I further stated that I learned in the Edmunds.com discussion boards that my situation was not unique. I proceeded to tell her that I was also aware that the 2000 and 2001 Odyssey models had their warranties automatically extended. I then requested any help in the matter that they could give me. I did mention that I had read that others had parts and labor covered.
5 days later a representative called me back stating that American Honda would cover for parts and labor, and after my local dealership kept on giving me the runaround by not calling me back during the period of one week, American Honda stated they would pay for a rental. The dealership gave me a loner instead, which they told me weeks before that they did not have.
New part is warrantied for only 12 months and 12,000 miles.
Well here's even BETTER news. They have now reimbursed me for all related misc trans. expenses that I had incurred (flush and labor for solenoid change) earlier. This amounted to almost $300. I cashed the check yesterday.
The also sent me a letter extending my warranty to 7years/100K miles.
This is the same policy they have on the '00-'01.
Will I buy another Honda? ABSOLUTELY!
My advice - Push Honda for everything. When they call you after the repair, tell them how happy you are that they replace the transmission BUT....
I never had to get angry or upset, just persistant!
Good luck.
I have a 01 Odyssey and the check engine light is usually always on, but the TCS light only comes on intermittently. When we took it to the dealer, they said they couldn't get the TCS light to come on, and they had to order the part to fix the check engine light.
It took about 3 weeks and then they called to schedule the appointment to fix "the check engine light".
So my question is, is there are part that will fix the transmission or do I need to be pushing the dealer for a whole new one?
The van runs rough like it's being held back, and I do have the big clunk sometimes when I put it in reverse. I didn't even connect the dots.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
I have ~30,000 miles on the van right now, and still love it. I don't think I am having any transmission problems, but the discussions about TCS and Check Engine make me nervous, because they do come on.
I do all my own servicing so I don't have any receipts for oil changes and the like, but I do have hand written notes. And after reading this forum I am going to change the tranny oil right away.
So the question: If I have problems, do I have any hope of getting Honda to cover the repairs???
mail today. It covers 2000, 2001 Odyssey, Accord
and Prelude to 7 years and 100,000 miles.
There is a detail description of the problems
and a reimbersement form for who had paid for
the tranny problems.
I had my 2000 Odyssey EX installed with a
remanufactured transmission at 30,000 miles
three months ago. The problem is still existing
with the new one. I'll watch it for a while.
The transmission went a while ago, along with both power sliding doors (which we disabled entirely because nobody had the patience for them).
Now we just bought a 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan ES, and I can't believe how much better it is. The 10 speakers with 360 watts, the sunroof, the heated leather, 3-zone automatic climate control, it's all better. The transmission is perfect (touch-wood) so far, as well. This van handles much better on the road. The power doors (and liftgate) are only power if you press the button (one major advantage over the Honda).
In conclusion, I am sorry for you and wish you the best of luck with your transmission if you bought/leased a Honda Odyssey!
The van (54,000 miles) was bucking, especially at lower speed, bad going uphill. My grade logic was not working. My van always banged on reverse when cold.
They confirmed the problem with the transmission after I told them all I read on the message boards about the transmission problems. I have to wait two weeks for the "re-manufactured" transmission. The service advisor said the part is basically "New", it is only called re-manufactured because it is not manufactured in the original plant the van was made.
(I can't comprehend this?!)
I asked him if it was new, then it must be a 5- speed transmission as in the newer models. He said, "probably not, because the van would need a new computer, I will check on this for you."
This is all after paying $400(labor, parts, tax) for new front brake pads and re surfacing of all the brake drums. (This is the 3rd time I have replaced the pads)
What else can I do?? I an seriously thinking of trading it in after it's repaired.
Also, has anyone placed an official complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration?
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/complain/complaintsearch.cfm