I've been watching this closely as I've had my 99 Ody now for over 4.5 years. I didn't buy the extended warranty as my original reason for buying the Ody was having the peace of mind of owning a Honda. I have 45k miles and so far no problems (knock on wood). However, I am very glad to see Honda stepping up and backing their product up. I'm not sure that I'll ever see Chrysler or any of the other Big 3 do this for their product without a big lawsuit. Likewise Toyota is known for its tough attitude concerning warranty issues. My hats off to Honda and this will give me another reason to buy another Honda (this is my third). They know how to keep their customers.
We have enjoyed everything about our Odyssey so far. Three trips across the country in the last year (38000 miles). But by the time we got home from our recent trip the transmission started to give us problems. The transmission feels like it is searching for the right gear when driving at 5, 30 or 40 mph. The dealer said that the transmission needed to be flushed and would solve the problem. I have owned many cars in my life and have never had to flush the tranny at 38000 miles.
I've heard Pat Goss talk about this a number of times. Flushes are good to do if you have a new or low mileage car. However, if your tranny is high mileage and you haven't been religious about changing the fluid out, then you'll do more harm than good in doing a flush. Chances are the old fluid was holding the tranny together, and the new ones will only start tearing it out faster.
Had heard on other boards, that in order for Honda to not give you any grief about honoring the extended tranny warranty on '99-01's. They like to see records that transmission fluid was changed at the recommended service intervals (30K miles?)
In order to get any type of warranty coverage, I'd follow the recommended service intervals (maybe even at the severe level even if it weren't so) and keep all documentation.
I had to replace my transmission at 57,000, Honda covered the parts but couldn't argue my way out of $850 labor charge. Very happy to learn of extension of warranty through this board. I called 800 number and am sending paperwork. Thanks to all for the great info; I'm sure the availablity of information persuaded Honda to make things right with their loyal '99 purchasers.
I had the transmission fluid changed when Honda did the 30000 mile service. It has been a week since the service department did the flush and the problem has returned. My wife almost got in an accident last night while she was trying to merge with traffic. Tranny started jumping around so bad that she said it felt like it was in neutral. Will take it back to Honda this weekend and see what they say.
I have a 2000 Odyssey. The last few months, almost every time I back out of the garage (or a parking spot), after the van traveled about 10-15 feet, there is a very pronounced jerk. This never happens going forward, only in reverse. Does this sound like a transmission problem? Thanks.
I have a 2003 Honda Ody. with 9000K and we have had it at the dealership 4 times with a transmission that is very jerky. The problem is worse when traveling around 40 mph and has almost stalled a few times. The dealership has "not been able to duplicate the problem" but told me they have had other complaints about this but it is normal and just the way this transmission performs. I was wondering if anyone has had any luck getting this problem taken care of??? I also had a 99 ody. that I sold because of trans. problems and thought I would give this "much improved trans." a chance...I wish I had'nt. Thanks for any help.
43,000 miles on 2002 and transmission pops out of gear while accelerating from a stop. Dangerous if you are counting on the vehicle merging you into traffic. Is NHTSA involved? Transmission also hunts for a shift range when decelerating. Occasionally stutters between low speed ranges. Has Honda extended the 7/100000/$0 warranty to 2002 Odysseys like they have for Acuras?
Wesselink1, please keep us up to date on your transmission problem. I for one will be interested on how(if) your service center fixes the problem (see post 269 and 276). My service center has not mentioned anything about the jerking problem being normal. If I had known that Honda made cars that you can only drive at certain speeds I would have bought a Toyota!
I don't plan on towing anything with the Ody. The most I may have to carry is extra luggage on the roof. My plan was to get a hitch and buy a bike rack to attach to the hitch. My problem is that, I am afraid that once I have the hitch, I am more inclined to tow things. So this plan is secondary or on the back burner.
Anyway, is there any advantage to get an ATF cooler even though I won't be towing anything at all?
When shifting from 2nd range to 3rd range, 2002 Odyssey, trasmission leaves 2nd but does not shift to 3rd. Engine races until you let off throttle and slowing engine rpms allow tranny to make the 3rd range connection. Dealer says two shift solenoids must be replaced. 44,000 miles and out of warranty. Anyone get a warranty extension from Honda to cover this tranny problem?
About 6 months ago I got a warranty extension notice from Honda for the 2000-2001 Odyssey, 7yr/100K miles. Good for me since I got a new transmission at 40K miles, then again at 41K and now at just under 60k am having the same problems as posted by leonmacha1. I can say for sure that once this is fixed I won't ever have another problem with a Honda transmission - or any other component of a Honda automobile.
I've skimmed thru all the posts. I didn't realize there was a "2%" problem/ failure rate with these transmissions. I have a 15 month old 02 odyssey with 2800 miles. About, 500 miles ago/ 4 weeks ago, the van began "bucking" at 50 to 65 mph in 5th at 1500 to 1800 rpm. At first it was subtle but now is obvious. We took to the dealer [where all its maintenance has been performed] and were told it was the tranmission fluid. We had just had its 23000 mile service. The 15000 mile checklist includes checking "all fluids." They replaced/ flushed the fluid out "3" times one week ago and yet the problem remains. We were then told it was the "egr valve." What the egr valve has to do with these problems I don't know.? Thus far the dealer service has been poor. I have had to call multiple times just to get them to service, and then its several days to a week from then - at their scheduling convenience. I am concerned that this transmission will blow up. Is 2% failure acceptable in other consumer products?? Would a medicine with a 2% liver failure or death rate be on the market?! If the number is "only 2%" it is only a matter of time before someone gets hurt. The lawyers would have a field day with this. The 03 4 cylinder Accord the dealer gave as a loaner already ahd its check engine light on at les than 20000 miles. I originally bought the van due to Honda's good reputation, but now I have lost confidence in them. Thanks for the articles, websites, and numbers to call.
I also have an 02 Odyssey with 24K miles and have just started experiencing the same problem that you describe (bucking between 50-60 MPH at 1500-1800 RPM). The problem also occurs at lower speeds (40 MPH) with the engine running at the same 1500 RPM in a lower gear.
If you search the other Odyssey message boards, you'll find that other people are experiencing the same problem.
I'm fairly convinced that it's an engine miss and not a transmission problem. If you watch the tachometer when the car starts bucking, it swings up and down between 1300-1600 RPM.
The problem is that no one who has posted a similar problem has been able to get the dealer to fix the problem.
I finally had the van fixed. My wife brought it back to the dealer [ Paducah Kentucky ] for the third time. They gave her an 88 Accord loaner that could not go over 30 mph and had bad brakes. We had called the Honda customer service number about this dealership's lousy service, so I think they were as annoyed by us as we were with them. Anyway... They replaced the EGR Valve and lo and behold the shuddering I described in post 287 is gone. I hope this will be a permanent fix.
Hondavanman I hope your problem gets fixed also
I still think that a 2% rate of transmission problems is unacceptable.
I have a 99 Odyssey that is leaking transmission fluid. My local mechanic tried to fix unsuccessfully. (twice) Any thoughts on whether this should be covered by Honda under the extended 7 year/100,000 mile transmision warranty.
I have follwed the Odyssey discussion lists for over 3 years now and have been a Honda fanatic for the last 13 years. It's the only brand I buy and have touted Honda reliability for the duration of this period to literally scores of individuals.
Last week, my 2002 EX experienced transmission failure @ 61,000 mi. (slipping gears, jerkiness, check eng. light, flashing "D", etc.) I immediately drove it to the dealership the next day and they gave the official word that I needed a new transmission to the tune of $5400.
They told me to call American Honda and ask for assistance, since I was over 36K mi. They returned my call within 2 business days and to my surprise and delight Honda authorized a free replacement of the tranny (parts & labor). Before I could grasp the reality of the good news, a new transmission was on its way to my dealership.
Their reasons for doing this include: one owner vehicle, complaints @ 29K mi regarding shift quality and choice of gears when downshifting, and a good service/maintenance record.
Although this is the first time a Honda product has really disappointed me, I give corporate two thumbs up for how I was treated and the fact that the van was only out of service at the dealership for two days (had the original rear brake pads changed while the tranny was being replaced). I'm sharing my experience because Edmunds.com (and the Odyssey Townhalls especially) have been an invaluable resource to me and I think that others need to be aware of potential problems that may surface.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed in hopes that I will not have to replace my new tranny at some future date and I'm also driving a bit more gently.
I have a 99 Odessey that had a transmission replaced at 100,000 miles. Now at 110,000 it needs another tranny. The van has started stalling and is now in the shop to discover that problem - does anyone know if its associated with transmission problem? I am over the mileage for the new extended warranty but am going to pursue w/Honda anyway. Never know - any ideas would be appreciated.
Does Honda know what the problem is behind these failures? If they do are they incorporating the fix into the replacement transmissions or are they just replacing them with another that is doomed to fail? I wish someone who had a bad transmission problem would ask these questions.
We have acquired an 04 EX recently and noticed that while the engine is from US, the transmission is listed as made in Japan. Are all the Ody transmissions (99-03)always made in Japan, or some made in US?
Car reving high and shifting very hard into 2nd gear when car hasn't had a chance to warm up. Last month dealer found nothing. Back today for a transmission leak. Dealer couldn't locate leak. Dealer wants to run a few more tests in morning, then probably get another transmission.
45,000 miles, 50 months old. Update tomorrow to follow.
Differential shot on transmission. Honda Village ordered transmission. Doesn't want me to drive it out, so has arranged a free rental. Much better service this week compared to when I brought it in a month ago. Then they told me there was nothing wrong with the van. Today they say it is dangerous to drive. Amazing.
Two days ago we had to take our 01 Ody to the Honda dealer to replace the transmission for the third time. Like clockwork every 15000 to 20000 miles this car needs a new transmission. Is there anything we all can do to eliminate this annoying problem forever.
Yes, I would say goodby to Honda and say hello to Toyota or Nissan or even Chrysler. I thought Honda knew what the transmission problems where, but I guess I was wrong. If Honda does know the fix its obviously not getting to the replacements.
My 2002 Ody transmission was replaced at 25,300. She was not able to change gears. Seemed to be from second to third gear or from third to fourth gear. I could self correct by taking foot off of gas pedal to change gears. It would happen on surface (20-45mph) and on highway (65-80mph). At 22,000 I had the transmission flushed and the lateral cylinder (solenoid?) replaced. She continued to have the same not-changing-gears problem, but still not on a regular basis. At 25,300 going up a VERY small hill, I watched the RPM's go up and the speed went down and garbage trucks passing me by. I was told that the warranty on this new transmission is 12/12000. What has anyone else been told?
"we had to take our 01 Odyssey to the Honda dealer to replace the transmission for the third time. Like clockwork every 15000 to 20000 miles this car needs a new transmission. Is there anything we all can do to eliminate this annoying problem forever."
We got the car back couple of days ago, but yesterday we faced the same problem of leaky transmission fluid and it came to complete halt. We had to tow it to the dealer. Is it possible that they never changed the transmission?
I've read lots of postings about '99-2003 Odyssey problems but nothing about '98 problems. Can anyone out there offer some information or advice about my problem?
I bought my '98 Odyssey in Nov. '97 when they first came out. At 6500 miles the Check Engine light came on and the computer indicated a clutch systems failure. As the dealer could find nothing wrong with the transmission they reset the computer and said the computer might be defective. At 8900 miles the light went on again and the dealer found a clutch failure code. They replaced the computer. The van was under ten months old at this time.
At 63,000 miles the Check Engine light went on again and the code indicated the torque converter clutch had a problem. The dealer said if the code reappears the vehicle may need a transmission. This happened four months ago. It is now out of warranty, of course. All service has been done on schedule and at the Honda or Accura dealers and I have all the paperwork.
If anyone has any suggestions or information that could help me, I'd really appreciate your input. Thanks!
I have asked this question several times and no response. You people that are getting their transmissions replaced, are you asking the right questions? Does Honda know what the problems are and if so are they incorporating the fixes on the replacements? From the sounds of things some individuals are on their second and third repair already. Sound like Honda is merely recycling transmissions with no updated repairs.
I posted back in July about my 99 Odyssey transmission failing. Honda covered the parts $4200 but left me with the $750 labor bill. I wrote Honda but to no avail. Reading this forum, it was suggested I entered a complaint in the NHTSA web site. Apparently enough people must have done this because I received a letter from Honda this weekend stating that the warranty for 99 Honda Odysseys has been extended to 7yrs 100,000 miles! I sent in all the paper work and receipts pronto and am hoping that may labor costs will be refunded. Thanks for the suggestion and I am glad that enough people took the time to complain. Sometimes I guess the system actually works!
i felt a little sippage in starting out on a trip to bellingham,wa, about 6500 miles roundtrip. by the time i got back my poor old 2002 ex would barely change gears. sure nuf, i need a new tranny at 44,000 miles. luckily for me, honda has been most cooperative and is picking up the cost. will take about two weeks without a vehicle, tho. i wonder if any other manufacturers do as much to retain their rep as honda.
I bought a used '99 Odyssey with 122k miles on it in June '03. It appeared to be in excellent condition, and the seller had records of all maintenance. We had it checked out by a Honda specialist, who gave it the thumbs up.
We didn't notice the "clunk" in reverse until a few days after we bought it. It turns out to be a symptom of the tranny problems many have experienced. The other tranny issue is the jerky deceleration when coasting down an incline, which the Honda explains as "grade logic".
When we first reported the problem to Honda at 122k, they said it fit the description of a defective transmission, but it was out of the 60k warranty. Now we're at 130k and they have extended the warranty to 100k, so we're still out.
I bought a Honda Odyssey because I believed Honda makes the best cars that can go a lot of miles. I feel like I got a lemon (see my other post re:Catalytic Converter).
My question: Does anybody think I have any hope of getting Honda to pay for even a portion of the tranny replacement?
I think you have a hope of having Honda cover part of this. I'd try asking them nicely, preferably before you have the work done. I'd also have a word with your Honda specialist because he missed something he shouldn't have missed.
I hate to say it, but having a transmission fail at 122K is not great, but also not ridiculous considering that you've got more than double the miles on the original warranty. Was the used vehicle "certified?" Did it have a 30-day warranty? These will be factors in whether you have any hope of getting payment covered.
Because it is so far out of warranty, and even very far out of the extended 100K warranty, Honda is under no obligation to help you in any way, and it would be an "above and beyond" if they give you any assistance. Remember that they get loads of claims every day, and yours is just one of many, but the difference is that yours is very high mileage (avg 26K per year).
kirstie_h Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
While I was an early Odyssey forum contributor... I have had absolutly notheing to complain about for 49k miles(Rare 00 DVB NAVI)... however I still do not have much to complain about... our tranny started throwing check lights and failing to shift properly, the dealer checked and said it was the transmission and Honda was giving us a free one. Supposed to be here in a day or so...
Can you try and remember where you heard that? If it can be confirmed, that is good news for many Ody owners and good info for those who are still shopping and comparing Ody's with Sienna's and other minivans.
The clunk when cold and while going in reverse is normal. As the transmission heats up it will go away.One realy notices it when the temperature is below freezing when the vehicle has been sitting for awhile.People have coplained about this since the 99"s came out. The deacceleration is the grade logic.
Well, I am driving up to my uncle's funeral with family in tow when on the Garden State Parkway, more than an hour away from destination and getting close to 5, the "D" on the dashboard gear indicator begins to blink. I ask my wife "Dear, why don't you open up the glovebox, check the owners manual and see if under "Transmission" it says anything about a blinking "D." Sure enough - if the indicator is blinking in any gear do not accelerate quickly and get to a Honda dealer because this may indicate a transmission problem. For the record this is an 02 Ody with 41K on the clock.
We call the dealer where we bought it from which happens to be right up where we are going (where all my family lives). Because we are going straight to the wake I can't drop it off that night and the best I can do is noonish the nest day and that's only by dropping in between the cemetery and lunch together afterwards. We tell him we expect a loaner and he tells us that they don't have that but will rent us a vehicle. We say there's 6 of us so it darn well better seat 6.
Well, the next day we indeed drop the car at that hour but he hasn't told the guy from the rental agency to get here yet but we end up in and out in an hour. Due to the circumstances we expected better but at least didn't miss all of the family time later. OK - back to the dealer here. Enterprise comes by with a Windstall! As a former owner of the dreaded Windstall I am appalled and then find out this is only what he came to fetch us in but once he realizes what he's dealing with decides he'd better put us in it since the alternative might have been trying to squeeze us all in a Crown Vic or something. Anyway, it's on Honda's pickle.
As I write it is 2:35 the day following and I have no report. We are due to leave for a week's vacation on Saturday in the van. Will keep you posted.
By the way, even though that light was blinking the Ody trans was still shifting smoothly and accurately - something I can not say about the Windstall. In fact, having lived in the WWindstall for a day now I have yet to find one thing I can say "Ya know, they thought this part out really well" about, as opposed to teh time I rented a Grand Caravan and there were several things I actually thought Honda should take note of.
Oh, well. I do note that while the van has 41,000 on it they never even asked if I had an extended warranty (I do - specifically because of worry about the transmission) and they are all set to repair as warranty and cover the rental.
Stay tuned. After Friday night I'll be gone about 8 days so be sure to return for the thrilling conclusion.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
Comments
Kudos to Honda to finally figure this one out.
Steve, Host
The dealer said that the transmission needed to be flushed and would solve the problem. I have owned many cars in my life and have never had to flush the tranny at 38000 miles.
amigo_john "Isuzu Trooper" Jun 30, 2003 10:46am
Hope yours gets better, Mike395.
Steve, Host
The August/September issue of Budget Living magazine has a story about buying a car. In a breakout box on the best used cars is the following:
"Minivan: Honda Odyssey - Post '99 models are rock solid."
What say this group? The address for letters to the editor is letters@budgetlivingmedia.com
did the 30000 mile service. It has been a week since the service department did the flush and the problem has returned. My wife almost got in an accident last night while she was trying to merge with traffic. Tranny started jumping around so bad that she said it felt like it was in neutral. Will take it back to Honda this weekend and see what they say.
Has Honda extended the 7/100000/$0 warranty to 2002 Odysseys like they have for Acuras?
My plan was to get a hitch and buy a bike rack to attach to the hitch. My problem is that, I am afraid that once I have the hitch, I am more inclined to tow things. So this plan is secondary or on the back burner.
Anyway, is there any advantage to get an ATF cooler even though I won't be towing anything at all?
I have a 15 month old 02 odyssey with 2800 miles. About, 500 miles ago/ 4 weeks ago, the van began "bucking" at 50 to 65 mph in 5th at 1500 to 1800 rpm. At first it was subtle but now is obvious. We took to the dealer [where all its maintenance has been performed] and were told it was the tranmission fluid. We had just had its 23000 mile service. The 15000 mile checklist includes checking "all fluids." They replaced/ flushed the fluid out "3" times one week ago and yet the problem remains. We were then told it was the "egr valve." What the egr valve has to do with these problems I don't know.? Thus far the dealer service has been poor. I have had to call multiple times just to get them to service, and then its several days to a week from then - at their scheduling convenience.
I am concerned that this transmission will blow up.
Is 2% failure acceptable in other consumer products?? Would a medicine with a 2% liver failure or death rate be on the market?!
If the number is "only 2%" it is only a matter of time before someone gets hurt. The lawyers would have a field day with this.
The 03 4 cylinder Accord the dealer gave as a loaner already ahd its check engine light on at les than 20000 miles.
I originally bought the van due to Honda's good reputation, but now I have lost confidence in them.
Thanks for the articles, websites, and numbers to call.
If you search the other Odyssey message boards, you'll find that other people are experiencing the same problem.
I'm fairly convinced that it's an engine miss and not a transmission problem. If you watch the tachometer when the car starts bucking, it swings up and down between 1300-1600 RPM.
The problem is that no one who has posted a similar problem has been able to get the dealer to fix the problem.
Anyone out there with a suggestion?
Anyway...
They replaced the EGR Valve and lo and behold the shuddering I described in post 287 is gone.
I hope this will be a permanent fix.
Hondavanman I hope your problem gets fixed also
I still think that a 2% rate of transmission problems is unacceptable.
Any thoughts on whether this should be covered by Honda under the extended 7 year/100,000 mile transmision warranty.
Thanks!
Last week, my 2002 EX experienced transmission failure @ 61,000 mi. (slipping gears, jerkiness, check eng. light, flashing "D", etc.) I immediately drove it to the dealership the next day and they gave the official word that I needed a new transmission to the tune of $5400.
They told me to call American Honda and ask for assistance, since I was over 36K mi. They returned my call within 2 business days and to my surprise and delight Honda authorized a free replacement of the tranny (parts & labor). Before I could grasp the reality of the good news, a new transmission was on its way to my dealership.
Their reasons for doing this include: one owner vehicle, complaints @ 29K mi regarding shift quality and choice of gears when downshifting, and a good service/maintenance record.
Although this is the first time a Honda product has really disappointed me, I give corporate two thumbs up for how I was treated and the fact that the van was only out of service at the dealership for two days (had the original rear brake pads changed while the tranny was being replaced). I'm sharing my experience because Edmunds.com (and the Odyssey Townhalls especially) have been an invaluable resource to me and I think that others need to be aware of potential problems that may surface.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed in hopes that I will not have to replace my new tranny at some future date and I'm also driving a bit more gently.
that while the engine is from US, the transmission
is listed as made in Japan. Are all the Ody
transmissions (99-03)always made in Japan, or
some made in US?
Back today for a transmission leak. Dealer couldn't locate leak. Dealer wants to run a few more tests in morning, then probably get another transmission.
45,000 miles, 50 months old.
Update tomorrow to follow.
Honda Village ordered transmission. Doesn't want me to drive it out, so has arranged a free rental.
Much better service this week compared to when I brought it in a month ago. Then they told me there was nothing wrong with the van. Today they say it is dangerous to drive. Amazing.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
MD
I was told that the warranty on this new transmission is 12/12000. What has anyone else been told?
"we had to take our 01 Odyssey to the Honda dealer to replace the transmission for the third time. Like clockwork every 15000 to 20000 miles this car needs a new transmission. Is there anything we all can do to eliminate this annoying problem forever."
We got the car back couple of days ago, but yesterday we faced the same problem of leaky transmission fluid and it came to complete halt. We had to tow it to the dealer. Is it possible that they never changed the transmission?
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Mahyar
I bought my '98 Odyssey in Nov. '97 when they first came out. At 6500 miles the Check Engine light came on and the computer indicated a clutch systems failure. As the dealer could find nothing wrong with the transmission they reset the computer and said the computer might be defective. At 8900 miles the light went on again and the dealer found a clutch failure code. They replaced the computer. The van was under ten months old at this time.
At 63,000 miles the Check Engine light went on again and the code indicated the torque converter clutch had a problem. The dealer said if the code reappears the vehicle may need a transmission. This happened four months ago. It is now out of warranty, of course. All service has been done on schedule and at the Honda or Accura dealers and I have all the paperwork.
If anyone has any suggestions or information that could help me, I'd really appreciate your input. Thanks!
bill. I wrote Honda but to no avail. Reading this forum, it was suggested I entered a complaint in the NHTSA web site. Apparently enough people must have done this because I received a letter from Honda this weekend stating that the warranty for 99 Honda Odysseys has been extended to 7yrs 100,000 miles! I sent in all the
paper work and receipts pronto and am hoping that may labor costs will be refunded.
Thanks for the suggestion and I am glad that enough people took the time to complain. Sometimes I guess the system actually works!
We didn't notice the "clunk" in reverse until a few days after we bought it. It turns out to be a symptom of the tranny problems many have experienced. The other tranny issue is the jerky deceleration when coasting down an incline, which the Honda explains as "grade logic".
When we first reported the problem to Honda at 122k, they said it fit the description of a defective transmission, but it was out of the 60k warranty. Now we're at 130k and they have extended the warranty to 100k, so we're still out.
I bought a Honda Odyssey because I believed Honda makes the best cars that can go a lot of miles. I feel like I got a lemon (see my other post re:Catalytic Converter).
My question: Does anybody think I have any hope of getting Honda to pay for even a portion of the tranny replacement?
Because it is so far out of warranty, and even very far out of the extended 100K warranty, Honda is under no obligation to help you in any way, and it would be an "above and beyond" if they give you any assistance. Remember that they get loads of claims every day, and yours is just one of many, but the difference is that yours is very high mileage (avg 26K per year).
kirstie_h
Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
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Review your vehicle
The engineering fix for it took effect starting from the early/mid-2002 model year. No idea if this fix was retroed to the refurbished transmissions.
We call the dealer where we bought it from which happens to be right up where we are going (where all my family lives). Because we are going straight to the wake I can't drop it off that night and the best I can do is noonish the nest day and that's only by dropping in between the cemetery and lunch together afterwards. We tell him we expect a loaner and he tells us that they don't have that but will rent us a vehicle. We say there's 6 of us so it darn well better seat 6.
Well, the next day we indeed drop the car at that hour but he hasn't told the guy from the rental agency to get here yet but we end up in and out in an hour. Due to the circumstances we expected better but at least didn't miss all of the family time later. OK - back to the dealer here. Enterprise comes by with a Windstall! As a former owner of the dreaded Windstall I am appalled and then find out this is only what he came to fetch us in but once he realizes what he's dealing with decides he'd better put us in it since the alternative might have been trying to squeeze us all in a Crown Vic or something. Anyway, it's on Honda's pickle.
As I write it is 2:35 the day following and I have no report. We are due to leave for a week's vacation on Saturday in the van. Will keep you posted.
By the way, even though that light was blinking the Ody trans was still shifting smoothly and accurately - something I can not say about the Windstall. In fact, having lived in the WWindstall for a day now I have yet to find one thing I can say "Ya know, they thought this part out really well" about, as opposed to teh time I rented a Grand Caravan and there were several things I actually thought Honda should take note of.
Oh, well. I do note that while the van has 41,000 on it they never even asked if I had an extended warranty (I do - specifically because of worry about the transmission) and they are all set to repair as warranty and cover the rental.
Stay tuned. After Friday night I'll be gone about 8 days so be sure to return for the thrilling conclusion.