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I'm on my 3rd tranny in my 99 Odyssey. First one was replaced at about 61,000 miles and the second one was replaced at 136,000 miles. Currently have 159,000 on the van. I recently thought the transmission was failing again, but what felt like slippage in shifting was actually engine movement - I had two failed moter mounts. Shifting now seems smooth.
Also, just bought a new 2010 EX, so now have two Odysseys. Other than the transmission issue and a few typical/known problems the 99 has been a great van for us. My biggest issue with it currently is that the ride has degraded to being very stiff and clunky in the front end. I'm assuming struts and springs would solve it, but not sure how much that would cost and if its worth it, although I think this will last us at least another 2 years.
I bought a Honda hoping to reach the 200,000 mile mark. At 148,000 the tranny went. Now I know that is a lot of miles, but a friend owns a 1999 Sienna and has 217,000 miles. No major problems. The Sienna goes the distance!!
I havwe been reading these blogs for awhile now. Honda is not standing behind their product. The transmission is bad and they will not own it. what's worse is that they are putting the tranny in their latest models and having the same problems. HELLO!!
I just bought a Ford SUV. Paid a lot less for it. I am anticipating getting same mileage out of it as I got out of the Honda.
By the way, i still have the Odyssey. It now has 153,000 miles on it. I have put 5,000 miles on it driving close to home. It has a lots of quirks but I can still drive it with a faulty transmission
All of that to say...you might ask them to either replace those lines altogether, or go back in there and have them confirm that the line connections are still tight after a few weeks of driving.
I will say this---the dealer acknowledged their mistake and replaced the entire transmission at no additional cost to me. I was fearful that I'd have to go to war with them...but they did the right thing on the front end.
What number did you call for Honda America and who did you speak to?
My 2000 Honda Odyssey transmission just failed to day - usual $4000-$5000 estimate from my dealer to replace it!
Only just over 50,000 and gear selection gone!
What's the best attitude to take with Dealer and Honda America?
http://accuratecars.com/blog/2009/08/22/2002-acura-mdx-transmission-replacement-- at-accurate-automotive-auto-repair/
http://www.odysseytransmission.com/
or you can probably google it.
Your best bet is to call Honda Cust. Service 800-999-1009 and explain your situation. Have your vin # ready because Honda cust service will ask for it. My 02 Odyssey transmission went bad with only 42k miles and incurred a $3200 bill from AAMCO Transmission. I called Honda and they reimburse me $1000 for the problem . Honda acknowledge that there is a major problem with the transmissions for the 1999-2004 Odyssey. They are handling problems on a case by case basis.
Since your van has 103k miles, your best bet is to repair it at AAMCO and purchase the additional 3 yr/36000 miles warranty or even a lifetime warranty, if you plan to keep the van for awhile.
It is just unfortunate that us Honda Odyssey owners of 1999-2004 have to deal with this transmission problem.
Thanks for responses. So far I've read thru nearly half the posts but don't remember any bad reports on AAMCO. They say they'll rebuild with all the latest and greatest but who knows if thats any better than the Honda rebuilds. I'm in NJ and don't think I want to keep looking for repair shops with the Ody bearly driveable. I may just stick with AAMCO and maybe sell before the 1-year warranty is up.
I towed it to the same mechanic and he mumbled something like the *coolant lines (running from tranny to radiator)* somehow came off. He claimed it wasn't his fault although he replaced the radiator only a month ago. Luckily when he reattached the hose and refilled the transmission fluid all was fine. It costed me towing and replacement hose. Apparently from reading Warriorcoach's post it is critical to cinch the zip tie that hold the said line at exact same point. I think my mechanic believed he didn't do anything wrong yet couldn't explain exactly why it came off. He said things happen while car is moving and bouncing around!!! I was just happy that I didn't have to replace the tranny.
Lyndy
Thank you.
As far as your complaint about AAMCO, it is an isolated problem. All AAMCO shops are independently owned and not all shops are the same. I was happy with my service. Hey tinaleggrdh, it is not fair to bash the whole franchise. Just think about it, if your Big Mac and service were terrible at your recent visit to a local McDonalds, does that mean all McDonalds are terrible?? Just be fair about it.
The symptom for the motor mounts issue:
- Small cranking noise from front around 20 to 35 mpg.
- Small vibration on the break or gas paddle.
The symptom for the Transmission torque coverter:
- Car shakes badly around 20, 30, and 40 mpg at 1500 rpm.
- The shaking could be intermittent.
After some searching on the web, it looks like all these issue are well known issue and the motor mount issue could be due to VCM. Below is the link to explain:
http://accuratecars.com/blog/2008/11/26/excessive-engine-vibration-with-eco-on-t- he-honda-odyssey-ex-l-and-honda-odyssey-touring/
Will I buy a Honda again? Hummm this is a tough question as I really like the handling of the Odyssey over the Sienna. But, after all the trouble and afraid some other shoes might drop after my Power train warranty expires in less than 4000 miles.... I think I will have to try Toyota next time. For those of you that are thinking to buy a Odyssey because of reliability, think twice!
As soon as I learned the possible problems of tranny and the soft brake issue on my new 07 Ody, I got rid of it in 7 months. I can't drive a new car with worry all the time and the transmission and brakes are SAFETY issue which is very important.
We also had the brake master cylinder replaced and a couple of weeks ago another issue popped up, probably the power steering reservoir (called the dealer and was told they had replaced a few).
Enough is enough! Less than 50,000 miles on the odometer and three major mechanical issues? We traded it last weekend for a Toyota Sienna.
I also am curious about AAMCO repair. Their place in New Rochelle said rebuilt tranny about $2195. He mentioned warranties of 1yr/12k 2yrs/24k 3yrs/36k also lifetime warranty that is transferrable. my question is if Am Honda will not come thru what are your experiences out there with AAMCO?
Another disgusted Odyssey victim in NYC
Juan
Am I thrilled? No, but it makes it worth it to avoid a large car payment that I had not planned on. Will I buy another Honda? I am not sure this problem has changed my view on Honda.
If I can get it to move will try Honda dealer or AAMCO as they are very close together. Either way I also will reccomend to ANYONE not to buy the Odyssey.
Again if anyone has any experience with AAMCO I;d like to know
Getting my service record from old honda dealer and going to new rochelle Honda to see what he can get from Am Honda...not getting my hopes up...will probably wind up seeling as-is, or donating it to a charoty.
Here is a posting that I made under a different topic:
Here is the service bulletin and it is the same one the service rep had on the counter when my problem was diagnosed. (funny, I never received a copy in the mail) I will share the result of my service as soon as I can.
http://www.in.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SB/A09-053.PDF
I experienced the same thing you did. Fortunately for me the dealer pulled out this bulletin when I first complained about the shudder and the parts were ordered right away rather than making me wait 1,000 miles to see if the problem went away. Which it won't. While it has been only a week since the torque converter was replaced, the van is running very smooth again and I am satisfied for now.
Problem with mine is that it is at over 56k which puts it out of warranty in less than 4k miles so hoping they can at least experience the problem soon. I am also a bit concerned about trying the software update and then having the problem recur after warranty is up. Hopefully if it goes over the mileage while they are working on the problem they will still be responsible for fixing it.
Having previously been a very happy Honda owner of 6 Accords and 1 civic (and nothing else), I will NEVER buy from Honda again. Honda of America was rude. Hansel and Manly, just flat out lied.
Don't let them tell you that Honda vans don't have problems---this is just an anomaly. I keep reading that people are being given that line by HOA and dealerships. We heard it, too. Our transmission went out at 45k.
Our 1989 Honda Accord tranny went out at 240k. Our 92 and 93 Accords never went out (we sold them at 180k and 190k). Then we got this van at a Chevy Dealership and it had been given a certification. It had one owner previously (per CarFax). It was in great shape and I doubt anyone had been rough on it---I know we weren't.
The response from HOA and the Honda dealerships were, well, you didn't buy it at a HONDA dealership so it's YOUR problem. HOA offered about $400 dollars---take it or leave it.
I left it. I'm leaving Honda forever when this van is ready to be sold.
---Oh, and by the way, I was a bit hesitant going to AAMCO at first. I felt a little more dubious about their reputation---not that I really could find out much about the local one that I went to. Nonetheless, AAMCO was a champ! They were good to work with and yes, they sealed my deal by offering me the lifetime warranty at 1/2 off. I just took it back for the annual "checkup" ---- at no charge. It was fine. The new transmission is fine---so far. But, even if it went out, it wouldn't hold AAMCO at fault, we know it's Honda's problem. Many are feeling that Honda isn't interested in maintaining customer loyalty like they used to. I have first hand experience with that sentiment.
Yeah, I agree with what you said about Honda loyalty. What Honda does not realize is that all of us that used to be loyal Honda customers also would refer Honda to our friends and relatives. Not anymore! My brother, brother in law, mother in law, parents, all drove Honda's. Not any more! My mother in law just got a new Toyota Rav-4. She was thinking about getting a Honda CR-V, but not after what happened with my Odyssey!
We have an 07 ODY EX and it did the same thing at around 25k. It was repaired, under Honda's warranty at N/C to us.
I would also urge caution in dealing with Honda USA on the phone. If you don't like what you hear, call back and ask to speak with someone else. Eventually you MIGHT get someone who is wililng to assist.
:lemon:
Is there a model year that doesn't have this problem? Am looking at 06-07 Odysseys, but may start looking at Siennas. I'm a single mom and need a reliable van I don't have to sink tons of extra money into...
Thanks!