Honda Odyssey Transmission Problems

rfreitas · August 2008

Exactly this is my 4th (and last) Honda and I never bought an extended warranty. Never had any problems with my past Honda. 60K to 80K seems to be the going rate for transmission failure in the Odyssey.

Do you remember the case managers name? Was it Ron?

I told him that I find that hard to believe (that there is not a know problem with the 2002), I said you probably take calls just like mine all day long. He didn't reply to that.

Class action law suit would be nice...

mms3 · August 2008

ok got call from them....they are ready to cover 50% of 3500 USD.

do i have any chance to negotiate with them ? i said i am looking for 100% assistance on this issue, transmission were bad for these models, regardless how many miles you put on it....

scottr5 · August 2008

Okay, I'm just tuning in because at 98,500 miles, my 2002 Odyssey started slipping. We've already had the blinking "D" light and a transmission fluid change (which helped for a couple of weeks). Tonight it won't shift past 2nd/3rd gear. Tomorrow we have to call the dealership to get it fixed. What do I say? Is there a recall on any part of it? Help.

rfreitas · August 2008

There was a recall on the 2002 for one part of the transmission, so if you have had that done you will probably be in the same boat as the rest of us. From what my case manager told me if you have proof that you have done all of the maintenance (tranmission flush every 35K or whatever it is) Honda will cover more. My case I didn't have any reciepts and didn't do maintenance at the dealership, so they only covered 25%. I paid $3000. Good luck. Also if you are the original owner you may get more. They told me since I was the 2nd owner there is no way to tell if the first owner did the maintenance.

It just amazes me how many people have this problem, and they still try to deny (or lie) that there is an issue. Your case manager will say no there is nothing wrong with the 2002 transmission other than the recall on that specific part.

We need a class action lawsuite like they did for the 1999-2001's. Anyone know how to get the ball rolling on that?

Did anyone contact the attorney that did the one for 1999-2001's? Seems like I saw the number posted some where...

huiping · August 2008

I had a 2001 Honda Odyssey model. The transmission was failed two days ago. I am the original owner of the van and nobody ever info me that there was a recall for the transmission. When I called the dealership when the problem was happened, they even didn't tell me there is recall and they simply told me the warranty is expired and I had to pay between $3500 to $4000 to get it repaired. Then I decided to go with AAMCO which gives me a cheaper price. Then I found out the recall information from this message, but it was too late for me.

Is anyone know the attorney number who handles the law-suite case for 1999-2001 model? I would like to see whether there is any chance that I can get re-reimbursed.

Thanks.

rfreitas · August 2008

I am pretty sure I saw the name and number in this thread. You might have to read from the begining and go though each page. :-( But I am 99% it is in here some where...

Update on my 2002. I called Honda back and tried to get reimbursed again for the $3K, when I took my car back in to get the pressure switch fixed. The case manger called the dealership too see what the problem was and then called me back and said no we won't refund you any money but the pressure switch is covered. I had to pay for the solenoid replacement though. Then he told me that the service manger said my car was full of sludge and all the fluids were dirty. And that is why they would not cover more because the car was not taken care of. So I called the service manger right when I got off the phone, and she said she did not say that. She said she told him that one of the causes of the solenoid failure is engine sludge, but not in the case of my behicle. So they are grasping at anything to get out of paying for these transmission issues, they even are laying their way though it.

The case manger also told me that there are no known problems with the 2002 transmission (sorry if I am repeating some of this). So I have printed over 200 complaints on just the 2002 from NHTSA's website, and several hundred posts from this board. I have a packet about 2 inches that will be going to both Honda American and Honda Japan. Probably won't do any good, but will make me feel better that I tried...

Good luck.

mms3 · August 2008

sending it to honda will definately help.

in my case (Honda Accord 2000) they are willing to cover 60% of cost, i will end up paying 1300 for transimission. I have two questions ... if someone can with that

1) are these transmission rebuilt ? honda told me that they cannot have new transmission they wil install rebuilt and warranty is 3ry/36,000.

2) can you please provide me Honda japan contact. address, phone no, fax no.
i plan to pursue my case with them for refund.

also have tried BBB, they were helpful in my case.

Thanks

rfreitas · August 2008

What did the BBB do? I heard they wouldn't help if your vehicle is out of warranty.

This web page shows the Honda corporate address in Japan:

http://world.honda.com/profile/overview/

mms3 · August 2008

my vehicle is out warranty, BBB called dealership as well as honda case manager they could get down my part to 1200 from intial 1750 USD of total 3500.

i think i will take this 1200 offer, my only confusion is they are playing with words like rebuild, remanufactured, transmission case is same internal parts new....makes me think again. so what they are offering is not new transmission but honda rebuilt with 3yr/36000 warranty.

they are saying for such old vehicle they dont have new transmission. is it true ?

rfreitas · August 2008

They told me the same, I got a remanufactured one with 3 year warranty. Should be fine. The service guy said most of the parts will be new inside the case.

robr2 · August 2008

...my only confusion is they are playing with words like rebuild, remanufactured, transmission case is same internal parts new....makes me think again. so what they are offering is not new transmission but honda rebuilt with 3yr/36000 warranty.

Very rarely will anyone get a "new" transmission no matter where the work is done. The transmission housing/case is almost always re-used as it is a casting that very little can go wrong with. The housing is re-used and all new parts go inside the transmission. I would not worry about a re-used housing.

ebotrd · August 2008

Someone has posted the link to the earlier model class-action lawsuit. There was also a very informative LA times article on this issue in our later year models. Reply here if you can't find it on edmunds since I could probably dig it up from my "file" somewhere. With that stuff in hand and some info from reading through these forums, and all maintenance records you have (from Honda or wherever), I'd advise:
1. take your odyssey to your local honda dealer and ask them to check it out (pay the $50 or whatever they charge if you need to)...if they say it's the transmission, ask them if they would call american honda to see if they can "goodwill it". If they say it's not the tranny, but you think it still could be, go to another local honda dealer and get a 2nd opinion (that's what we had to do and it paid off).
2. Once a honda dealer thinks it's your tranny, make sure their manager calls american honda to try to goodwill it -- if they won't, call american honda yourself, or perhaps even try a 3rd dealer. A lot of this depends on how much the dealer values your business.
3. Be sure to tell them you're aware of the earlier model tranny lawsuit, and the LA times and other articles/forums that say a similar issue is going on with the 2002 models. Be sure to also tell them how long you & your family have owned honda's and how many, etc, etc...and how this customer loyalty is likely to fizzle if this isn't handled to your satisfaction. Be able to quickly highlight for them how good you've been about maintenance (even the non-dealer maintenance).

When our 2002 Odyssey transmission failed, we were told it wasn't the trans at the 1st dealer, but the 2nd dealer found that it was, recommended replacement which is usually $3900, but only charged us $800. We didn't have extended warranty, we did to the oil kit injector replacement thing around 2004 as we were advised in a mailing from honda. We were pretty good about maintenance, but only about 1/2 or less at the dealer...and we had no idea we were supposed to be flushing the transmission fluid extra or whatever. We did the above and ended up with the $800 deal. We're kinda ok with the $800 -- definitely could've been worse. But we're angry that we weren't told we need to be religiously changing the transmission fluid to possibly avoid failure -- especially since we've had the van switch out of gear while driving with our baby in the car (the LA times article talks about some folks almost crashing because of this). We would've done those mitigating things if we'd known this was an issue! They advised us about the oil kit injector, why not send reminders out to get the transmission fluid flush done??? Good luck

panmax · August 2008

"But we're angry that we weren't told we need to be religiously changing the transmission fluid to possibly avoid failure -- especially since we've had the van switch out of gear while driving with our baby in the car (the LA times article talks about some folks almost crashing because of this). We would've done those mitigating things if we'd known this was an issue! They advised us about the oil kit injector, why not send reminders out to get the transmission fluid flush done??? Good luck"

Unfortunately, I did change the transmission fluid every 10 to 20 thousand miles and mine failed at 65000 miles. What a waste of time and effort waiting at the dealer to change fluid or changing in my garage. A 2002 Odyssey. No roof rack, no trailer hitch. I did get the oil kit at 30000 miles. I have to conclude that changing the fluid religiously does little or nothing to solve the problem. The oil kit injector does not solve the problem either. A junk design. My Ford was better.

jcthoel · September 2008

Two weeks ago we purchased a 2008 Odyssey. Saturday morning, it drove itself into a shed after traveling up a hill and still in park!

Situation: I was unhooking a trailer, my son was helping. I got in the van to pull the trailer forward a bit as we were on a hill and the trailer was stuck, seen as it was not latched down.. my fault, as soon as I moved it unhooked and started rolling away, I slammed the van into park, got out and ran after the trailer, got the trailer stoipeed, I then turned around and the van was driving off, not just slowly but picking up speed as it was driving up a hill and then drove into the neighbors shed. I tried my damnedest to catch it, it had to have been going about 15 miles per hour. I got to the van and it was in PARK. I had to turn the key of to get it to quit trying to inch it's way forward.

I called the dealer and they basically said no known issues so you are screwed.. I am calling Honda directly today.

Has anyone experienced any issues with the Transmission in the 2008's?

worstbuy · September 2008

My 2000 Honda Odyssey transmission failed yesterday. :mad: When I was on the highway at that time. It was hard to move from 1st to 2nd and to 3rd gear. I almost got an accident for this transmission problem. Do Goolge search then find this forum. Thank You everyone for your great contributions. I will take to Honda dealers for checking tomorrow. Will update soon. I GOT A LEMON. :lemon:

pat85 · September 2008

my only confusion is they are playing with words like rebuild, remanufacture, transmission case is same internal parts new....makes me think again. so what they are offering is not new transmission but honda rebuilt with 3yr/36000 warranty

I had a 99 Odyssey. with transmission problems.. Honda put in a transmission that was rebuilt by an independent, not Honda. Maybe they have changed. I did get the 36 K mile warranty on the rebuild.
The Odyssey transmissions have always been bad. IMHO

g3guy · September 2008

Pat85: what Honda is saying is that whenever possible, they send your old transmission to a shop, either Honda's or a contract shop, where the transmission case is opened, the innards removed, the case inspected and cleaned, and new or remanufactured/repaired innards installed. They don't repair your transmission at your dealer. It goes into the pile at the "re-manufacture shop", and is taken apart whenever. You will not get your old transmission back, but will get new or repaired parts inside someone else's case. That is not a problem for you, as you will get the new warranty no matter what, and a transmission case is a transmission case, as long as it hasn't been cracked or otherwise damaged. In that case, the whole thing is discarded. Not to worry if they send it to an independent; they are probably better than having Honda get another crack at screwing it up. I had my 2000 Ody transmission replaced recently, and am about 500 miles into the new warranty. Knock on wood, so far so good. I have noticed a significant increase in gas mileage (from 19 to 23 miles per gallon) because the remanufacturer transmission doesn't slip. That's the only silver lining in the whole deal. Good luck.....g3guy

cmb3 · September 2008

Can anyone buy a car anymore without serious issues!!!?? My car is an 06 Touring purchased in May of 07. I had this same noise about 6 months after my "Certified" purchase of $30K. The dealership I purchased my Honda from said there was a "recall" and replaced all the brakes. As I type this my car is in the shop again - for the brakes making a grinding noise on short distance frequent stops (like through a neighborhood). I don't hear it all the time, only if I get caught a series of lights, make frequent short distance stops.

The dealership just called me to say my brakes are fine just a glaze on the roters, and the noise is normal, but I can change the brakes (even though they don't need it) if I want to get rid of the noise.

jjclarke · September 2008

Thx rfreitas. This was the best posting I've found on this topic.

I just put my 02 EX-L in today (91043 miles) due to slipping going into 3rd (intermittently so far, maybe 12 times in last 4 months). I'm the original owner, this is the dealer I bought it at, and have had about half of its services done there (including the recall and 2x tranny fluid flushes) and a major regular service last summer.

I used all the "code language" this morning when I brought it in (this is my third Honda, last one was still going strong at 190K miles, bought the Odyssey here, yada yada yada), and told the service manager that no matter what I wanted to have a case opened with American Honda to have my case of "02 Odyssey Syndrome" on their records.

I'll keep this forum posted on what they come back with. Good news is they gave me a Ridgeline as courtesy car, so however long it takes to get my way....

scottr5 · September 2008

Thank you for the replies. We went to a Honda dealership where we had bought three used Hondas in the past (though not this particular Odyssey...). Since I do all the maintenance as it's needed, I had no records to show, so was willing to drive across town to show some loyalty. At first they said the prior owner had done the oil jet kit (we don't know if they did or didn't). Then they called the Honda district office and Honda offered to cover all but $925 for a rebuilt transmission (goodwill program). I opened a case at Honda North America to try to get the rest covered and the woman was surly and impossible to deal with. She threatened to cancel the goodwill deal I had going, so I quickly called the dealer and asked him to tack on a new timing belt, water pump, and tensioner (roughly $1000 worth of work, all of which are due soon. When I went to pick it up, my total bill was $1300 for ALL of that. He said he came down even farther on the transmission to help us out. I think it was a really good move to show them we weren't just interested in their dealership for a freebie. We showed them we'll continue to invest in them, and in return, they invested in us. We are very happy.

Thanks to you all on this blog most of all. I would've paid much more had I gone in there blind. Thank you all.

mms3 · September 2008

got my car back after they installed transmission. (re-manufacture)

when i started my car for first time after transmission work this morning SRS light came up !!! not sure what it is....but makes me really mad at HONDA. after all that time and money i still have something pending in this car...

does anyone here know what could be the reason for SRS light.

Thanks

jjclarke · September 2008

Follow up on my issue. 4th gear tranny oil pressure switch failure.

Total cost to fix, including diagnostic was $380. Plus I had their courtesy car for the two days...

Anyone out there who has intermittent slipping and roughness during constant torque (even pressure on engine at highway speed for instance), keep this in mind. the world may not be ending

rfreitas · September 2008

You came out better than me. I spent $3000. I had no records too, but they assured me only people with all records are getting more than 25%.

I got a call back today after they received my packet with printouts of this forum and complaints at the NHTSA, and they still assured me that everything I read on the internet is not true. You guys in the forum are just making this stuff up! There are no problems with the 2002 Odyssey Transmission!

Time to get that class action lawsuit extended to the 2002's and beyond!

Good bye Honda, hello Toyota.

rfreitas · September 2008

FYI,

I just came across this other forum:
http://forums.automobilemag.com/70/6556907/technical-discussion/2003-honda-odyss- ey-transmission-problems/index.html

Sounds like another class action lawsuit is underway for the 2002's and newer. This forum has phone numbers of the attorney to contact to join the class.

rbrucep · September 2008

Thanks to this forum only had to pay half the cost of replacing the transmission!!! Aren't I lucky!!! My 2002 with 83K miles had problems a couple of weeks ago - check engine light on - transmission noises and slipping - brought it into Honda - same as everyone else - code says replace transmission. First estimate was $4000. I declined and told dealer I knew there are problems with this transmission and I was going to contact Honda. Dealer asked if I'd like them to contact Honda for me. Sure. Next estimate was for the warranty price of $2600 which Honda agree to cover half. Got a call later that from the Dealer that they also need to replace some electronic control module(?). Total cost was $1750.
Hoping to get that money back someday when the class action/ recalls are finally implemented. At least I'll have a record that the dealer replaced it. My next stop is the NHTSA to add my complaint to the chorus.

rfreitas · September 2008

You came out better than me. Did you have maintenance records?

I called the lawyers that are working on the next class action lawsuit. They said they are still gathering data and everyone should call in to give them your contact information. It took 5 minutes, name, email, phone number etc. Sounds like the more people they get on the list the better. Click this link below this forum has the phone number to the lawyer Jared Stamell at Stamell & Schager, LLP. I don't think we can post phone numbers in this forum....

http://forums.automobilemag.com/70/6556907/technical-discussion/2003-honda-odyss- ey-transmission-problems/page10.html

The secretary will enter you information into the database.

Everyone call them!

carmen8 · September 2008

My 2000 Odyssey with 140,000 miles on it had the check engine light on and my mechanic says it needs a new transmission to the tune of $2300. I'm going to ditch it and buy a 2009 Subaru Forester as the traction on the Odyssey (or lack thereof!) has annoyed me from day 1.

Really though, I thought a Honda would last a lot longer than 140,000 miles. I've taken excellent - perfect - care of it. Kind of bugs me, especially since I just put on a wonderful set of Nokian WR tires on it less than a month ago!

jkrug7 · September 2008

My transmission was replaced at 65k, 90k but was under certified warranty. I know have over 90k and have had an intermitent SRS light come on. Last time it was on I drove 30 miles to the dealer, but when they restarted the car the light didn't come on so did not trigger a code, so nothing was done. I was told by Honda that it has something to do with the air bags. After reading these osts will also make sure my case is registered, also the transmission because the fuid is brown and I was told my several mechanics that with the new transmission that shouldn't be happening.

rebel7 · September 2008

I'm the original owner of a 2000 Honda Odyssey with 148K miles. I had the transmission replaced in 2005, but now my service light is coming on, indicating that I need a new clutch converter. My question is should I try to negotiate with the authorized dealer who replaced my transmission--Route 23 Honda in New Jersey--or use a local mechanic who is trustworthy but may not have enough experience with this job?
Thanks for feedback and advice

galush · September 2008

I just purchased a 2001 honda odyssey with 60000 miles. There is no problem with the transmission now but was wondering if there is something a can do to prevent these commom failures. Does adding an aftermarket tranny cooler prevent this failure? How commom is it for this transmission to fail?

g3guy · September 2008

Rebel7: you should have received a 3-year, 36,000 mile warranty on the '05 tranny. Go back to the dealer who installed it and ask for warranty coverage. If that is refused, continue through him or a local Honda dealer, using facts that you can find in this forum, and ask for a "goodwill" assistance offer from Honda. Frankly, its amazing that you got 148K miles on only two transmissions!! Good luck....g3guy

g3guy · September 2008

galush: the Ody tranny has a major design error, which Honda has not been able to correct. Starting with the 1999 models and continuing through 2008, all Ody models have essentially the same problem. Many posts on this forum show that even with pristine maintenance programs, the failures are the same. In some cases, there have been no problems at all, and in some, the tranny fails at a few thousand miles, so its a crap shoot. If you can take your van back to the dealer and show him some of the posts on this forum, you can ask for an extended warranty, or a trade to a different kind of vehicle. He has the right to refuse, as in "caveat emptor", but if he is a big dealer, he might offer some help, but don't count on it. You might be one of the (few) lucky ones, and never have a problem with the van, but don't count on that, either. You can buy an extended warranty from a third party, but that's not recommended, as few of them are willing to pay. Sorry I don't have any better news for you......g3guy

jvhwood · September 2008

galush;
Sorry you just bought into the honda tranny coverup. Check out my original complaint post # 758. You can get there directly from the bottom of the page where your post was posted. These trannys can't handle the van weight, I have gone through 2 in 102000 miles. #1 at 37800 miles and #2 at 102000. miles. 64000 on the 2nd tranny. They are a piece of crap and honda wants to handle each failure as if it is a unique case. Do a web search on Honda odyssey transmission problems you will get over 552000 responses in my book over half a million is quite a few unique cases. If you bought from a dealer with any kind of reputation to protect take it back and trade for something else. Good luck you. Jim H

bigdadi118 · September 2008

I heard that the older tranny was too much for a car the size, weight and engine power like the Ody. For 2007 model, a stronger tranny replaced the old one, one on the Ridgeline. Then the SOFT BRAKE issue. Isn't these things never ending?

bimmerang · September 2008

Any idea about the failure percentage? I have a 2003 with oil jet patch and so far it'been OK with <50K miles. I am bit worried about this problem, since I do my own maintenance including tranny fluid change and may not have a good case should it happens. I am considering having dealers to do the fluid change from now on.

hueyg · September 2008

I hate to hear this. We also have a 2008 Odyssey and I have noticed some strange behavior in the transmission. If I am parked on an decline and shift out of park to reverse it makes a god aweful chunky/grinding noise. Also this the first standard that I have owned where the car can be in gear yet it will roll several feet before the gear seems to engage.

I spoke with the dealer about this and he said that this is totally normal for this vehicle. Right...

jcthoel, please keep me updated.

sonofknud · September 2008

I had similar issues with our 07 Odyssey and they said it was normal also...Ha..Ha But to my surprise after about 15,0000 miles both of these issues improved. Then soon after we ended up getting an 08 because of the braking issue (lemon law) and have not had the problem yet with our 08. I have read that the transmission did change on the 07 & 08 model which I am hoping is a good thing. Our transmission also took a loooong time to engage when switching from reverse to drive. That also seemed to improve on its own. How many miles do you have on your 08?

dpatduke · September 2008

I got the same story for my 2000 Odyssey with 130K miles when the check engine light came on. However, the transmission seems to shift properly so I am not sure what might be going on.

naam4ever · September 2008

I just got my 08 EX last month..same issue when reverse to drive the trans makes a click/cling noise...seems to engage later. I haven't brought this to my dealer yet cause my van has bigger issues than that. Apparantly, a lot of 05-08 Odys have this pinging noise at accelaration from 1-2 gear shift and 2-3 gear shift. As Im reading the forums on this issue it seems like its some sort of a engine issue. It has to do with the valve timing.

I hope u dont have this issue with ur van..if u do than share it with other owners under that specific forum...thx.

naam4ever · September 2008

Hello there...u mentioned that u switch from 07' to 08' with a (lemon law)?? Just wondering after 15K miles how were u able to trade with the lemon law. Isn't the lemon law allowed to be practiced within a few K miles and 90 days or so? OR did u just trade ur older one for a new one?

sonofknud · September 2008

No the lemon law is for like 2 years in MN. Was not even close on the mileage or the time limit.

ypant · September 2008

2001 Honda Odyssey, 3.5L engine. Mileage: 60557

This is my first Honda and I bought from a Honda dealer late last year.

I drive around 50 miles a week (from home to office).

Around 2 weeks ago, started to have problems on shifting. Check engine light is on with the following three codes:

P1457: Evap leak tank system
P0740: TC clutch fail
P0780: Shift malfunction

I have been able to drive slowly and the problem comes when the engine is cold and the first half a mile or so, slow shifting at low speed. When I turn make a right turn TCS light comes and D4 starts to flash. However if I stop the van and restart it again, the problem goes away. Seems to shift ok in the high ways after the engine is hot.

Just realized that Honda had extended warranty on this vehicle for 7 years or 100, 000 miles. When I called Honda dealer, they told me that the warranty expired 2 months ago. and the quote I got from Honda was $3400.00. I called Honda Motors and told them about the problem and that they should fix it. After a week (yesterday) they came back to me said that they would only cover 25% of the $3400 and my out of pocket expenses would be $2400.00. I bought the car used from a dealer and it had done around 56000 mile when I bought it. And the Honda dealer did not tell anything about the extended warranty. And the dealer told me that the offer from Honda company would be their last offer.

I have not talked to Honda Motors after this and was wondering how should I handle this issue. I have also talked to a local transmission shop and they told me that they would rebuilt the transmission for around $1250.00 and give 1 year, 12000 mile warranty.

Please advise what course of action I should be taking.

Thanks for your help!

rfreitas · September 2008

That stinks two months out of warranty. I would probably get the transmission fixed by Honda if I were you. Because they will give you a 3 year/36K miles warranty on it. From what I read many people have had 2 and 3 transmission put in.

I just had one put in this summer. I am selling the chunk of junk as soon as the warranty is up (3 years).

There is a new class action lawsuit in the works, but I don't know that it would help you since your vehicle was included in the first lawsuit.

Everyone needs to call and give their information to the attorney. Takes 5 minutes, the secretary adds your contact info and vehicle to the database. Contact info is here:

http://forums.automobilemag.com/70/6556907/technical-discussion/2003-honda-odyss- - ey-transmission-problems/page10.html

You might try writing a letter to the president of Honda, I have heard that helped in some cases. Try to push the fact that you are barely out of warranty, and they should cover more...

Good luck.

chuckjr1 · September 2008

The (Check Engine) light started flashing a few days ago, when my 2000 Odyssey is started (5 flashes) then goes out. Honda dealer says that the 3rd Clutch pressure switch (Code P1739) has to be replaced, if problem not solved then tranny needs replacement; no talk about any other service or charge. Independent shop says switch needs to be replaced then electronics need to be checked... PLUS fluid and filter might as well be replaced since it will all come out at switch replacement.

Which one is BSing me or not telling me the whole story? As it now stands, the dealer is cheaper than the independent--which I've never found to be the case. Maybe I shouldn't complain too much, as this is the first tranny problem in 101K miles!

Thanks in advance for any comments!

chuckjr1 · October 2008

IMHO, I wouldn't take it to the local mechanic--and here's why. Automatic transmissions are VERY complicated beasts that are best left to the experts. So now you have two choices: a Honda dealer or a transmissions shop. The dealer specializes in Hondas--but on all Honda models plus all Odyssey systems--not just transmissions. The tranny shop specializes in transmissions--but often on many different brands and models--not just Hondas. Bottom line is that neither shop would be as perfect as the NON-EXISTENT shop that only does 2000 Odyssey transmissions!

Unless you have additional data on either shop (complaints at Better Business Bureau, word-of-mouth recommendations--or warnings to steer clear) it pretty much comes down to price. Good luck!

gavanmom · October 2008

Do you mind if I ask what state you are in and if you won at arbitration or did Honda settle and give you a new van? We are in the middle of a lemon law suit now awaiting arbitration and our attorney seemd to think that even if we win....3rd tranny in 7 months on an 07 with multiple other issues, including brakes and 40 days in the shop...that Honda will appeal and we will be in court for 18 months to 2 years. Thanks
youngsinga@cox.net
Dawn

seminara · October 2008

I'm very stressed after reading for more than an hour about odyssey tranny horrors. My 2002 has 79K. They did the recall 2nd gear jet at 13K miles. I don't have any tranny troubles, however my ck engine light and TCS light came on @ 18 mo. ago. Yes, I drove with that for a few months, all else was maintained ie: synthetic oil changes, coolant level ok and no tranny issues. The lights went off as I was pulling into the dealer to have the codes read(no kidding). They stayed off for over a year. Last week, they're back again(no noticable tranny woes.) Does a TCS light and ck engine light mean tranny problems?

bigdadi118 · October 2008

As soon as the CEL is on, take it to Autozone to scan the code for free and they should be able to tell you what the code(s) about.

ebotrd · October 2008

Seminara (#835),
Ours was a 2002 also with almost the same miles when we started getting the lights! The first dealer we went to checked it out said everything was fine...take it to 1 or 2 other Honda dealers and call American Honda's 800 number to tell them what's up (open a file). Ours ended up being the transmission and we had to have it replaced. They charged $3900, but "goodwill'ed it" down to us just paying $800. Keep after them though before you get stranded somewhere.

rfreitas · October 2008

Same here, I have a 2002. I had to pay $3000. When you call Honda they will try to tell you there are no known problems with the 2002 transmission other than the recall work that you had done. Don't expect much unless you have all your maintenance reciepts.

If you end up needing a new transmission, be sure to give your info to the lawyers that are working on the new class action lawsuit.

You can find the attorney info here:

http://forums.automobilemag.com/70/6556907/technical-discussion/2003-honda-odyss- ey-transmission-problems/page10.html

Honda Odyssey Transmission Problems

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