CarComplaints.com Notes: The entire 2nd generation Odyssey (1999-2004) is just one giant transmission problem waiting to happen.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
70,478 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2002 Honda Odyssey transmission problems

transmission problem

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2002 Honda Odyssey Owner Comments (Page 5 of 24)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #386

Jun 062010

Odyssey

  • 103,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Honda 2002 Odyssey broke down in the desert going 75 mph between las vegas and California. We had to drive at 40 mph with our flashers going loaded with 7 passengers and all our luggage (going on vacation to beach in California). Had to have it towed back to vegas on June 7th to aamco transmissions. Needs a new transmission. It is June 16th and aamco still has our van, had to take out the transmission they installed and reinstalled it. Honda had a transmission recall on this van in 2004 which we had taken care of, or so we thought. Luckily we weren't hit on the freeway. Don't know if it has been repaired correctly as of yet. Have to drive from slc, Utah back to vegas to pick it up.

- Salt Lake City, UT, USA

problem #385

May 072008

Odyssey

  • 148,000 miles
I own a 2002 Honda Odyssey, which I purchased new in Jan 2002. Recently, when accelerating, the transmission sometimes does not find a gear, but begins to shift, does not go to the next gear, but loses speed and power. The first time it happened was approximately 2 years ago, but it did not reoccur for awhile, so I thought it was fluke. Over the past several months, it occurred more frequently and I took it into the Honda dealer in my local area, ken dixon Honda of waldorf, md. They recently inspected, test drove it and told me the transmission did not show any error codes with computer analysis. They did say I should replace the transmission, various small parts and a central control computer to ensure the car would shift in traffic. My concern is that this happened intermittently over a period of months without warning. Honda never informed me of a service problem or what to look for as an indication of occurrence. When the dealer checked it, there were no indications of service problems. The failure of the transmission to shift without warning has placed me and my family in danger as we live in the Washington DC metropolitan area and traffic is fast, heavy and congested. If Honda knew this was a problem, I was never warned of it. I maintain this vehicle with all required service work, ensured it was returned for all recalls, and have done my part in ensuring my families safety. I then researched this symptom and found Honda had a problem with their transmissions in Odyssey vans beginning in 2001 and continuing for several years, but they did not notify me of any problems. When I figured out it was a problem and not a fluke, I had it checked out by the dealer. It seems as though they know this is a problem but do not notify customers to be aware of a predictable condition they know about placed my family in danger.

- La Plata, MD, USA

problem #384

May 302010

Odyssey

  • 91,000 miles
Transmission failure at highway speeds. This happened without any warning or symptoms. Happened while driving at around 65mph downhill from los angeles to fremont, ca. Transmission refused to shift down, locked up and engine RPM went above 3000. Tcs, check engine light came on and transmission D light was flashing no response to gas pedal. Was lucky enough to pull to next exit since it was downhill. Transmission was part of recall and a fix was put in, but does not seem to have resolved this issue. Lot of Odyssey owners have encountered similar problem even after the recall fix ( oil cooler or something). Happens when the mileage is around 100K. This is a serious safety problem when it happens while trying to merge on free way or someone is closely following.

- Fremont, CA, USA

problem #383

May 282010

Odyssey

  • 41,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Transmission was replaced on a new 2002 Honda Odyssey at 41,000. Now at 94,000 miles another transmission must be replaced on the same vehicle. The same problems seems to be occurring. The car sounded funny. This is what alerted the problem to me the first time. Shortly afterward the car died in the middle of driving it. Again the same problem is occurring with the same minivan again. They told me they replace the transmission. This Honda automatic transmission was recalled by Honda on my exact VIN number shortly after I had my transmission replaced by them. I had a service contract so there was no charge. The same problem seems to be starting to occur once again. The last time I was driving on freeway and the minivan died suddenly. I reported the problem to Honda 7 times before they finally replaced the transmission. Again I brought my Honda to them for the funny sound. This time they wish for me to pay to have the entire transmission replaced. I know since my contract is up I have to have it replaced otherwise the car is unsafe to drive. Is this normal to have third transmission replaced in car with less than 95,000 miles on it. It is a 2002 Odyssey. Even if they replace the transmission several times have they truly corrected/resolved the vehicle problem? or are they bandaging up their mistake. The recall called for a transmission replacement and also another part to be replaced on my particular VIN #. I believe they did a faulty job that it why I am going on my third transmission. I don't drive like a maniac, I drive to and from work and its an automatic transmission. I don't want to end up with our family in the car again like last time in the fast lane on the freeway with the car dying. I trusted Honda last time and they failed me. How can I tell if they fixed the problem and why am I getting stuck with a faulty transmission that must be replaced every 30,000 miles...I feel they are covering up their recalls and they are sending me out w/a faulty car again.

- Torrance, CA, USA

problem #382

Jun 022010

Odyssey

  • 85,000 miles
The gear wouldn't go lower than "D", no L1 and L2. Also noticed high noise during the driving, making me feel that the car is moving at the lower gear. The car had the previous transmission recall, and serviced (5 years ago). According to the web, there are thousands and thousands of owners suffering from the same issue. Honda asked me to get the diagnosis ($95), but they won't guarantee any support in transmission work.

- Beaverton, OR, USA

problem #381

May 222010

Odyssey

  • 90,363 miles
Our family was driving around 45mph when I noticed the transmission slipped. I thought perhaps my foot slipped off the accelerator but after I stopped and tried to get started again the transmission raced and shifted very hard into 2nd and then into 3rd gear. Then, the car did not shift and raced up until 40mph. I did not attempt to go any faster and took the car to a Honda dealership. Initially, the service manager said (after running diagnostics) the transmission needed a 4th gear pressure part that should fix the problem. The charge was estimated around $360 plus disposal and taxes. I had them do the work and the dealer contacted me the next day saying the diagnostics look good but the transmission was still not running correctly and they recommended a complete transmission replacement at a cost of $5300. I then called Honda and opened up a case for resolution; this is still pending.

- Franjlin, WI, USA

problem #380

Mar 012003

Odyssey

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

2002 Honda Odyssey. Consumer states problems with vehicle transmission and other problems the consumer stated the vehicle would jerk and sputter on acceleration. The dealer was unable to duplicate the problem. Three months later, the vehicle was exhibiting the same problems. The dealer then found metal shavings in the transmission, which was replaced under warranty. One month later, the vehicle was still shuttering, but the problem could not be duplicated. The van was back at the dealer due to the engine light illuminating and the jerking and shuttering was still present upon acceleration. The egr valve, timing belt, motor mounts and PCM were replaced. The transmission was replaced again.

- Warner Robins, GA, USA

problem #379

May 202010

Odyssey

  • 139,000 miles
We have a 2002 Honda Odyssey with a transmission that is failing at 139,000 miles. Along with thousands of other Odyssey owners (see website forums.automobilemag.com/70/6556907/technical-discussion/2003-Honda-Odyssey-transmission-problems/index.html) and also website www.odysseytransmission.com/ for all the complaints. The 2nd class action lawsuit was cancelled due to other lawyers backing out. This continues to be a problem for Honda, but nothing is being done about it. This needs to change now, and help for us needs to be from you at this point. Toyota is taking a hit, but Honda seems to keep flying under your radar. Please take a stand now and help us thousands of people. They fix one transmission and within 30,000 miles the new one fails also. You need to stand up for us little people, as it is your job. Thank you and god bless!

- Antler, ND, USA

problem #378

May 142010

Odyssey

  • 115,000 miles
Trend of transmission failure in the early model 1999-2002 Honda Odyssey minivan. While my transmission failure did not result in crash or injury, there are a significant number of Odyssey owners that report the same failure, which could potentially be dangerous while driving. I bought a new 2002 Honda Odyssey from lejeune Honda (jacksonville nc) on 31 Dec 2001. At approx 70,000 miles, the transmission would slip, resulting in no acceleration for about 3-5 seconds, until the transmission caught. I had the transmission replaced at 70,000 miles. At 115,000 miles, the transmission failed again. At 115,000 miles, I 'm on my third transmission. I don't let my wife or kids use the van, for fear that the failure could cause an accident.

- Stafford, VA, USA

problem #377

May 102010

Odyssey

  • 112,450 miles
While driving in my neighborhood, the van revved very high and wouldn't shift gears. There was a grating sound and it finally shifted harshly. I took it in the next day, and our mechanic said it was under a recall from Honda, so we took in directly to the dealer, Honda city in liverpool, NY. They confirmed that the whole transmission needed to be replaced. They denied there had been a recall until I produced proof, and then they said that it had been fixed at that point and there was nothing they were going to do about it.

- Cicero, NY, USA

problem #376

May 062010

Odyssey

  • 58,165 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Honda Odyssey automatic transmission failure. Transmission is slipping, between 2nd and 3rd gear.vehicle suddenly not accelerate and reengage again, engine light is on "D"light is flashing. Brought to dealership and said needs new transmission and cost $3959.08. The van is only 58,165 miles on it.

- Sterling Heights, MI, USA

problem #375

Mar 122010

Odyssey

  • 99,000 miles
I have a 2002 Honda Odyssey whose transmission is juddering and slipping. We've had into the dealer 5 times since the car had about 70K miles and Honda never told us this is a major problem on this year Odyssey. They now want to charge us $5000 to replace it.

- Gambrills, MD, USA

problem #374

Apr 232010

Odyssey

  • 114,250 miles
I own a 2002 Honda Odyssey and have had nothing but problems with the transmission since I purchased it. The clutch between first and second gear has been failing for a number of years and when brought to Honda dealers, on at lease three occasions and to Honda America I have been told it is "a hard shift", " my fault for not using Honda dealers to service my transmission" (which is not true) and that my local independent mechanic was not knowledgeable (he builds race cars and restores classic cars). All of this has been an attempt to shirk responsibility for a poorly made product. The transmission already has one recall and according to the records at Honda it was completed. In reading many owners comments it is clear that this transmission was poorly designed and even more poorly supported by Honda. I have had to replace the transmission since the local Honda dealer finally took the time to properly diagnose the issue, which was what my local mechanic stated the issues were. It is appalling that yet another company puts forth a product that puts the safety of two small children and a mother in jeopardy simply for profit. I have already told Honda America that I will never purchase another product from them. I am writing to alert you to the fact that many americans are being ripped off by Honda and requesting that you investigate this abuse and put a stop to Honda's fleecing practices.

- Allison Park, PA, USA

problem #373

Apr 152010

Odyssey

  • 80,100 miles
Transmission suddenly failed on my 2002 Honda Odyssey. Had I been driving in heavy or fast traffic at the time, serious injury could have occurred.

- Albuquerque, NM, USA

problem #372

Apr 102010

Odyssey

  • 160,000 miles
This form is not right- "equipment" was not generated properly 1) the vehicle maintenance, tcs and engine check lights illuminated. I took the vehicle to the dealer to check the vehicle. According to the dealer, the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. 2) this is the second transmission failure that I've had with this vehicle. The transmission was replaced at 69,000 engine miles and now at 160,000 engine miles and the vehicle was just 8 yrs old. 3) the dealer indicated that it would cost $3500 with assistance from Honda. Without assistance, the transmission would cost $4500. I started shopping around with different transmission shops and found that this vehicle is notorious for failing. I had it rebuilt for $1879.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

problem #371

May 022010

Odyssey

  • 104,000 miles
2002 Honda Odyssey transmission! this car is a pile of junk! I feel unsafe driving my two small children around in it! had the transmission replaced 9 months ago at 93,000 miles and I am already having issues at 104,000 miles. Unreliable, not safe, and I wish I could throw it away! Honda cars of America will not help me and I have spent close to $4,000 fixing this pile of rubble! my mom and I just got stuck an hour and a half from home in columbia, SC after driving. The car would not accelerate on the highway and I basically had to coast off the exit and stop at the red light. When I stopped I looked over my shoulder and smoke was coming from underneath the car. The transmission hose had broken and transmission fluid was all over the place! we were stuck with nowhere to go for 3 hours!!!

- North Augusta, SC, USA

problem #370

Apr 142010

Odyssey

  • 67,000 miles
Honda Odyssey transmission slip on freeway entrance, accelerating from 30 -40 mph, transmission slip. Engine rev went up suddenly; but car did not accelerate. Barely avoided rear end collisions.

- South Pasadena, CA, USA

problem #369

Apr 192010

Odyssey

  • 69,025 miles
2002 Honda Odyssey with 69,000 miles. Began experiencing gear slippage in 2nd and 3rd gears. Took vehicle to transmission shop. The damage was extensive to all gears. Rebuild of transmission was 3200.0. further research showed that recall 04V176000 to replace transmission oil jet kit occurred in 5/2004. This did not correct the problem. Replacement occurred at 18,914 miles. Invoice does not indicate weather discoloration had already occurred, requiring transmission replacement. I intend to pursue Honda corporation for reimbursement for damages to rebuild transmission.

- Brea, CA, USA

problem #368

Jan 122009

Odyssey

  • 64,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while driving at speeds of 20 to 40 mph, the transmission would not engage in lower gears. The contact would have to shut off the engine and when restarting, the transmission would function normally for a while. The dealer advised having the transmission replaced at the owners expense. There were no recalls and the vehicle was outside of factory warranty. The failure mileage was 64,000 and current mileage 67,000.

- Middlebury, IN, USA

problem #367

Apr 142010

Odyssey

  • 69,000 miles
2002 Honda Odyssey with 69,000 miles. Began experiencing gear slippage in 2nd and 3rd gear. Took vehicle to transmission shop. The damage was extensive to all gears. Rebuild of transmission was $3200. No recall information was provided by Honda dealer in 2004 when recall was issued. I never was notified of any recall regarding transmission. According to transmission shop, the failure and damage was a direct result of the failure of transmission fluid to lubricate the gears. This was due to a failed transmission fluid jet. Cost of the upgrade kit would have been $38 plus labor. Result of failure to notify owner was $3200. The transmission has been rebuilt and the jet kit has been replaced with the upgraded kit. I intend to pursue Honda corporation for reimbursement for damages and rebuild of transmission.

- Brea, CA, USA

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