This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Honda dealer.
8.8
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$3,429.00
Average Mileage:
93,266 miles
Total Complaints:
103 complaints
Most common solutions:
- replace transmission (70 reports)
- not sure (20 reports)
- factory remanufactured transmission (5 reports)
- Honda replaced tranny - good will - I had to pay labor (4 reports)
- dealer replaced transmission n/c as good will (2 reports)
- replace output seal (1 reports)
transmission problem
Search for Problems, Recalls & Defects
Find a good Honda mechanic
A free service from MechanicAdvisor.comHelpful websites
- ATF Cooler Thread - Odyssey owners share experiences, and advice on how to prolong the live of the transmission on the vehicle. ATF transmission thread has been very informative, and helpful with this matter.
2011Mar 08
Odyssey
- Automatic transmission
- 59,000 miles
I bought a Honda odyssey van 2002 and am very disappointed with the TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 59000MILES and TOTAL LACK OF CONCERN ON PART OF HONDA after reading all the forums and HAVING TO PAY $3500 FOR REPAIRS FOR A MANUFACTURING DEFECT WITHOUT ANY HELP FROM HONDA. I AM DEFINITELY NEVER BUYING ANYTHING HONDA EVER AGAIN AND SO IS MY ENTIRE FAMILY. please check www.odysseytransmission.com for more detail...
2011Aug 25
Odyssey
- Automatic transmission
- 141,000 miles
The 2002 Honda Odyssey is not worth the money or trouble.Do not buy!! A piece of
SH--T
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Jul 15
Odyssey ES V6
- Automatic transmission
- 77,000 miles
Me: "You know what babe? I'm gonna get you a really good van that will last! HONDA is GREAT, they're EXPENSIVE, but hey! You get what you pay for, RIGHT?!"
Wife: "Whatever you think babe, you know what's best. I trust your judgement! <3 <3 <3 ;)"
Me: "You know that safety net of cash we've been saving, we're gonna use that and we can borrow the rest. Don't worry this vehicle will last and give us NO problems"
Wife: "I so excited, you're so smart! You always want the best for me and the kids! <3 <3 <3 ;)"
77,000 Miles Later
Wife: "Babe, the van did something funny today, I think you should look at it!"
Me: "I'm sure it's nothing, it's a Honda, they're Great!"
Wife: "You're so smart! <3 <3 <3 ;)"
Honda Mechanic: "Sorry sir, but your transmission is shot and needs to be replaced, oh and btw, that will be $3,300"
Me: WTF!! You F--cking A--Hole!! What do you mean!! This is a F--cking Honda!! I spent top dollar for this!! You Mother F--cker, I HATE you!!!
Wife: WTF!! You F--cking A--Hole!! What do you mean!! This is a F--cking Honda!! We spent top dollar for this!! You Mother F--cker, I HATE you!!!
33,000 Miles Later
Wife with the kids on I-95 two hours from home : "Hey dumb ass, remember that funny thing the van was doing 2 years ago! Your HONDA IS A PEICE OF SH*T!!!! I HATE you!!!
Me: "hmmmmmm - tall building - rope in tree - sleeping pills, decision decision..."
2011Aug 26
Odyssey
- Automatic transmission
- 123,000 miles
I purchased this van after our Ford Winstar was totaled in an accident. We had it less than 1 month when the first signs of transmission failure occurred on our way to the beach for family vacation. The transmission eventually died on my way to picking my mother up from the airport. I was stranded 4 miles from the airport and an 1 1/2 hours away from home. I was able to drive the van the 4 miles going 30 mph. We took it to our mechanic and was told this was a common problem with this van. If he had known we were looking to buy a car he would of told us not to buy a honda. The dealership said the car was perfect when they sold it to us. The mechanic quoted $4000, the dealership $3000. I went on craigslist and found a mechanic who rebuilt the transmission for $1735 and gave me a 1 year warranty. I feel sorry for all the others who had to pay thousands and Honda knowing this is a common problem.
2011May 15
Odyssey
- Automatic transmission
- 94,000 miles
honda dealership in petaluma, california replaced the automatic transmission it cost me lots of money that I DID NOT HAVE...HAD TO TAKE A LOAN TO PAY FOR SOMETHING THAT HONDA SHOULD HAVE ACKNOWLEDGED AND HONDA SHOULD HAVE FIXED THIS TRANSMISSION WITHOUT COSTING ME ANY MONEY...
THE DEALERSHIP OFFERED TO DO THE TRANSMISSION FOR $2,500 BUT WE ENDED PAYING ALMOST $5,000.00 DOLLARS...WHAT A RIP OFF.................................
I had purchased 2 HONDA ODYSSEY VAN FROM THIS SAME DEALERSHIP.. ONE OF THE VANS HAS NO PROBLEMS AT 115,00 MILES..THE DEALERSHIP KNOWS THAT I AM THE OWNER OF TWO VANS SOLD TO ME..THEY ALSO KNOW THAT ONE OF VAN THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND CHARGED ME $5,000.00 TO FIX IT...HOWEVER, NEVER A WORD FROM THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF THE OTHER HONDA WITH 115,000 MILES HAVING A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM THAT COULD BE CORRECTED BEFORE ANYTHING HAPPENS TO THE TRANSMISSION...I HAVE LEARNED MORE FROM YOUR SITE (WITHOUT BUYING NOTHING FROM YOU THAT I HAVE LEARNED FROM HONDA DEALERSHIP IN PETALUMA WHERE I HAD PURCHASED TWO NEW 2002 HONDA ODYSSEY VAN.....THANK YOU FOR THE INFORMATION RELATING TO MY 2002 HONDA VAN TRANSMISSION FAILURE THAT THANKS TO THE INFORMATION ON YOUR SITE, THAT THERE IS CORRECTION TO FIX TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS BEFORE OCCURRING........GREAT SERVICE.....GREAT INFORMATION..THIS IS WHAT AMERICAN IS ALL ABOUT! SHAME ON HONDA...SHAME ON THEIR GREED AND SELF-INTEREST...I WILL NEVER AGAIN BUY ANOTHER HONDA....
IN THE PAST I HAVE BOUGHT 4 HONDAS NEVER AGAIN...GREEDY BASTARDS!
JOE
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2010Mar 18
Odyssey EX
- Automatic transmission
- 170,000 miles
Bought and own a 2002 Odyssey......original owners. It has always been serviced with Honda. First transmission went up at 60,000 miles was covered under OUR extended warranty. Honda put in a "remanufactured transmission" that one went up at 170,000 miles. Honda offered very little help to fix it.....i think 25% off the $4000 they quoted us. Are you kidding me?? why should we pay a dime for a SECOND faulty transmission you installed???? It's been sitting on the dealership lot for over a year. The van is not worth what it will cost to fix it. Not that anyone would buy it most people are aware of the tranny issues...........except for Honda who claims there are NO known issues with the 2002 Odyssey transmissions. We were stupid enough to buy a 2009 Ody before the 2nd tranny went up in the 2002. Having shifting issues with it.........I am on a personal mission to educate everyone I come in contact with about Honda and how they do NOT stand behind their products and how bad their customer service sucks. Toyota's from here out.
2011Apr 02
Odyssey EX-L
- Automatic transmission
- 125,000 miles
This POS lemon left us stranded on US 75S in Ocala, FL on our way to Disney. Car is smoking and jerking. Check engine light, Traction Control light is on and "D" is blinking. Since it was after 5 pm on Saturday, no one was open to help us. Rentals were closed and car shops were closed. We drove the POS slowly on to Orlando (so we didn't miss our vacation) and made it there! We had to rent a van for the week and then another van to get us back home to GA. We had Manheim Auctions tow it to their place and we left it there. We had a re manufactured transmission installed 26 months earlier (with a 3 year/36K mile warranty) only to discover the shop went out of business so now we have no warranty! Absolutely a perfect storm of Odyssey transmission problems! I am so disappointed because I really loved that car and now I can't trust it with my family. It has left me stranded too many times.
2009Feb 25
Odyssey EX-L
- Automatic transmission
- 97,000 miles
I had the car for 6 weeks and the transmission died. Dealer wanted to replace the entire thing & computer for $5K. We laughed. Honda America told us they wouldn't do a thing for us...After complaining for about 2 weeks (and 7 months pregnant with 3rd baby), dealer split the cost of a remanufactured transmission with me which came with a 3 year/36 mile warranty. Problem taken care of...Or so I thought!
2011Mar 07
Odyssey LX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
Much annoyed that they know about this problem and offer NO help. This is so common. In fact in my little town there were 2 other 2002 Odysseys being brought in that morning for the exact same thing. Shame on Honda. We decided to just pay for it since we won't be able to get a car this good for $2369. I still love the car, just think the company could have had better service. Wade Raulerson Honda says they have good customer service, they do, then you drive off the lot. :)
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Dec 29
Odyssey EX
- Automatic transmission
- 77,000 miles
I own two 2002 Hondas...an Odyssey and an Accord. The transmission on the Odyssey failed at 77000 miles and the Accord is giving signs of the same problem (right now around 80000 miles - separate complaint coming on that one). This is unacceptable for a manufacturer who supposedly makes a quality product.
I have owned about 7 Honda vehicles but these two problems are making me seriously consider looking for another manufacturer.
2010Oct 01
Odyssey EX
- Automatic transmission
- 72,000 miles
I have a 2002 Honda Odyssey with 72000 miles on it. The Check engine light came on and the computer error radout came to P0740. I changed the transmission fluid and after a week the light came on. 72000 miles is not much to have transmission issues. I called American Honda and gave them the diagnostic code and they tell me that I have to take to Honda Dealership and get it checked by their computer. I spent $120 for it and they also gave me the same reading P0740. I contacted American Honda and they tell me that its out of warranty and therefore they would not do anything. They made me take it to Honda service center and spend $120 to get the same result. Now I will have to shell out $4000 to replace the transmission.
It is ridiculus that after buying a car and at 72000 miles the transmission fails? Honda is turning a blind eye towards it. If there is a class action lawsuit, I'd like to know. I am not going to spend $4000 to get it fixed. I would also stay away from Honda Service center if I can. They cannot do anything and why should I go there to get it fixed, Honda wants more of my money?
After researching this issue, I find that there are many owners with the same kind of issues with their Honda. We need to get this out to Honda and get them fix the issue with their cars. "Never Buy Honda Again"
2010Sep 01
Odyssey V6
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
My transmission completely failed in this van. At first, while not happy, thought this was a rare problem with just my vehicle because of Hondas' perceived quality but now know this is a well documented problems with the transmissions in the Honda Odyssey. During a recall back in 2005 they brought vehicle in to inspect the transmission. I believe this was to just ensure the van would outlast the warranty because no work was done.
After 21 years with Honda and 5 Hondas; I have now come to the realization that Honda is no longer the company that produces quality vehicles and stands behind them.
2010Oct 14
Odyssey 3.5
- Automatic transmission
- 124,000 miles
Had no idea the 2002 had this problem. Bought the car used a few years back with $75,000 miles. The only positive is that at least I'm not kicking myself anymore for not changing the transmission fluid. It died on our way to Moab with my two kids in the car for a family vacation. The other good side? We squeaked into the only gas station on the road with a small window of cell phone reception. Hooray for USAA car insurance and getting us a tow truck within the next 1.5 hours. Bummer for Honda.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2010Oct 01
Odyssey 6 CYL
- Automatic transmission
- 175,000 miles
honda sucks and I will never own another and I suggest if you are even thinking about it, run do not walk to the nearest nissian or chevy dealer
2010Aug 10
Odyssey LX 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
Problem started after a Transmission recall from Honda. The minivan was taken to be fixed by the recall at the dealer. There after transmission started some kind of jerking when shifting from 2nd to 3rd. Took back to dealer but nothing was found. This issue contunue until we had transmission failure. Reparing cost is now in the 4800.00
2010Sep 01
Odyssey EX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 138,500 miles
Bought the car new in 2002 with 24 miles on the car. The car has been serviced in Cincinnati by Century Honda and now Kings Honda. I have not missed a service and provided the service for the recall back in 2004 timeframe. The dealer was nice - offered $3,750 and 3 years/36,000 mile warranty on the transmission. The service manager talked with his regional parts manager to see if they could get some money off the repair. Regional manager did not offer any discount due to the mileage on the car. Called 800 # of Honda corporate. Typical call center that must be outsourced to the lowest of low...They would not do anything for me so I didn't even bother fighting with someone like those guys...
Going back to the dealer to see if they can do anything else. Where can I get the "Don't buy Honda" sticker for my car. My Toyota Camry has 260K on it and the transmission runs perfect...Don't buy HONDA!!!!!!!
2010Jun 20
Odyssey EXL
- Automatic transmission
- 113,000 miles
I purchased Honda Odyssey 2002 at 45000 miles in year 2005. This was Honda Certified Car and paid extra money for extended warranty. In 5 years at 113000 miles the Engine and TCS light came while coming from Tahoe. Fortunately reached home. The vehicle was serviced 3 days prior to the trip to Tahoe. Took the car to dealer where service was performed. Bang - Transmission Failure. Researched the web and found mine is not the only car. The cost is over $5000. The purpose of buying Honda was due to its quality and service. Extremely disappointed. Not sure if it is even worth to spend $5000 as there is no guarantee of failure in near future. This is my second Honda. The first one was Civic and ran over 160,000 miles without any problem. Looks like time for another lawsuit. If there are plans for one, count me in.
On side note, I found the car was part of a recall (automatic transmission). However, I never received a note about recall. The dealer mentioned that the transmission was replaced as part of recall but do not have information when and who performed it. The transmission can be replaced once only.
2010Apr 30
Odyssey LX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 97,000 miles
There are major problems with the transmission in these vehicles. This was my first Honda and my last. It should not die at 97,000 miles. They offered to pay half of what I feel is an inflated price $4900 (with a mandatory new computer).
When I called Honda USA I got some guy who could not even make a decision on helping me further. He just told me that it came from above and that that person did not talk to customers. BAD customer service!!! I don't expect a brand new transmission for free I just wanted a little better offer as way to keep me as a customer -- oh well.
2010Jun 02
Odyssey EX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 109,200 miles
I have a 2002 Honda Odyssey. I have never had any major issues with it. It is at 109k miles right now. However yesterday, my wife was in the process of pulling the van our of our driveway, and when she shifted from park to reverse, the engine died a second later. Then she shifted back to park, started up the engine successfully again, and then shifted over to drive and the engine died a second later.
When I got home I repeated the same process and had the same results. I even let the engine run for 10 minutes before attempting it again, and yet the same thing happened.
I called my local Honda Service Shop and they said they were unaware as to the cause. Then when I finally had it towed, the repair shop told us that the cost would be in the range of $4300 + tax. I don't have $ money like that right now.
For those that have had some or any success with getting help from Honda, I would greatly appreciate any advice. Thank you!
2010May 24
Odyssey EX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 115,000 miles
Hi Please send me information for the class action lawsuit out of a firm in NYC was in the works for owners of 2002 Honda Odysseys Thank you
2010May 07
Odyssey LX 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 91,000 miles
The dealer just called that we need a new transmission for our 91000 miles 2002 Odyssey. We are original owner and did every maintenance in the dealer. Very disappointed. Hope to talk with dealer and Honda company for good will help. Please let us know if any tips on how to best communicate on our case. Please pray for us. Thanks.
Jessiezhao123@yahoo.com
2010Apr 10
Odyssey EX I'M A Girl, I Dunno
- Automatic transmission
- 80,500 miles
I am very upset.
I purchased this van in 2004 at 30,000 miles. In 2005 at 44,000 miles, I was having transmission slipping problems and the drive light started blinking. I brought it in and was told "the bad news is you need a new transmission, the good news is that it's covered by a recall".
ok. Flash forward 5 years later. I only have 80,000 total miles on the car. 36,000 miles since the "NEW" transmission was installed.
Same freaking thing. Rapid deceleration, trouble changing gears, drive light blinking. I brought it in and I need a new transmission. AGAIN...36,000 miles later.
Did I mention I'm not a race car driver? Just a mom who's driving exists of taking her kids to and from school and sports practices?? ok you caught me, we go to the beach in the summer too. Point is, I'm not treating the transmission badly.
Since they already paid for one transmission, they are not too keen on paying for another one. I'm still going to try though. This is my 5th Honda, they are the only cars I ever owned. All my services have been at Honda, and if Honda does not do good by me, they will never see another cent from me.
The way I see it, is that they can replace this transmission free of charge and get my oil changes, muffler repairs, brake repairs and other crap that breaks for the next five years or so (when I expected the van to die anyway), and get lots more money from me when I buy another Honda because they treated me well. OR....or they can lose a good customer who is going to tell everyone she meets about her experience and convince everyone she knows to never buy another Honda.
2010Apr 16
Odyssey LX 3.5L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 160,000 miles
2002 Odyssey LX with 158,000 miles, very well maintained and serviced.
We got the towing package which included a transmission oil cooler, but we only occasionally use it to tow a tent trailer. I suspect that the cooler and maintenance may have helped us get more miles before failure than most seemed to get.
-----
Two weeks ago it suddenly started missing the shift on downshifts while coasting in 'stop and go' on the freeway. It would drop completely out of gear into neutral. You would step on the gas, and instead, the engine would just race without load. After a short period, usually after coasting down to the next shift, it would re-engage. Then a few nights ago at 60 mph, three different times it suddenly kicked into a low gear and threw my wife forward like stomping on the brakes. After that, the Check Engine locked in and Transmission drive indicator started flashing.
-----
Since we are going to drive it until the wheels fall off, we definitely wanted a long term repair. We went with the mechanic that has done right by us, multiple times in the past.
We got a re-manufactured unit and paid $4,200, which included replacing the torque converter, oil cooler, rear main seal, and solenoid, but not the computer (which is $900, and which the dealers insist on replacing too). It is now driving very smoothly and really has thrown to light how much we had been putting up with squishyness, clonking, and hard gears changes for the last couple of years.
-----
I have been researching Honda transmissions since this started two weeks ago, and what it appears is that in the 3rd gear, the clutch materials are either inferior, or somehow wear prematurely. This causes little bits of material to become loose in the fluid, which then cause things to happen that should not happen. The loose material interferes with the hydraulic valve system preventing valves from closing properly, or causing actuation at inappropriate times.
Replacing/flushing the fluid might buy a (very) short reprieve, but does not fix the core problem of the clutch material wearing and interfering hydraulically.
The Mechanical Engineer who posted earlier on this board, raised an interesting possibility, that that earlier recall 'fix', the 'Transmission Oil Injector', may starve the 3rd gear clutch pack by rerouting too much transmission oil to the 2nd gear and lowering pressure too much in the 3rd gear clutch pack. I'd sure like to know what percentage of those with total failures, had the recall fix first.
-----
This total failure problem is common enough that I think this should have been a recall issue. We took ours in for the 'other' recall, but the only fix for this kind of problem is to replace the transmission. If we had less mileage, I might try to fight Honda about it, but at this point...
I wish the class-action lawsuit folks had pressed on this when it first started becoming more widely reported. If anything ever really gets going on the class action front, you can count me in.
In nearly all other ways though, we have been quite happy with it (oh yeah...except for the airbag system).
If your looking to buy a used Odyssey, both the 1999-2001 and 2002-2004 models are probably ticking transmission time-bombs.
Locally, mechanics and friends have told us they see Odyssey transmission replacements happening regularly, so what you see on this board is just the tip of the iceberg.
Given Honda's rather pathetic response to pretty significant problem that should have been a replacement recall, I'll definitely be thinking very hard before I consider buying another Honda. Especially since Honda's transmission problems are definitely not limited to Odysseys.
2010Apr 08
Odyssey V6
- Automatic transmission
- 88,367 miles
Very very disappointed with Honda. This should not happen with only 88k miles - Only want to give 10% off to fix - Dealer cost is much more than a regular mechanic so I will still lose.
2010Apr 08
Odyssey EXL 3.5V6
- Automatic transmission
- 83,264 miles
I bought a Honda odyssey van 2002 and am very disappointed with the TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 83260MILES and TOTAL LACK OF CONCERN ON PART OF HONDA after reading all the forums and HAVING TO PAY $3500 FOR REPAIRS FOR A MANUFACTURING DEFECT WITHOUT ANY HELP FROM HONDA. I AM DEFINITELY NEVER BUYING ANYTHING HONDA EVER AGAIN AND SO IS MY ENTIRE FAMILY. From today onwards i will strive to spread the message (OF HONDA'S POOR PRODUCTS AND LACK OF CONCERN FOR PEOPLES SAFETY AND FAILING TO HELP PAY REPLACE ATLEAST THE DEFECTIVE PART )AT MY WORKPLACE ,IN PUBLIC , IN THE ENTIRE CITY, PROVINCE AND COUNTRY AT EVERY POSSIBLE OCCASION I GET SO THAT THE PEOPLE ARE AWARE OF HONDA'S PROBLEM AND DO NOT LOOSE THEIR HARD EARNED MONEY BUYING THIRD RATE HONDA PRODUCTS.
2010Mar 25
Odyssey V6
- Automatic transmission
- 83,000 miles
I had 83,000 miles and the transmission went out. I could not get the van into reverse and it was slipping badly.
This is my 5th Honda so Honda did pay for half of the $4,000. for a new transmission nut, I feel that they should have paid for more.
2010Mar 14
Odyssey LX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
I had my Oddysey serviced and repaired thru honda dealer service. the transmission fluid was just replaced last year. the transmission is sliding now. Is there any way I can get half price to fix the transmission. I got the ODC code of P0730,
2009May 11
Odyssey EXL V6
- Automatic transmission
- 141,000 miles
We purchased our 2002 Honda Odyssey ESL in October 2001. At 56,000 miles Honda changed out the transmission on a recall. At 140,000 miles the check engine light comes on. Honda says I need a transmission. I said, "fix it." They said, "We don't fix them, we replace them." The cost $4500. After talking with the local dealer and Honda USA, I was frustrated beyond words. There was no relief offered to cover the costs. There was no consideration given even when I asked about some relief from the costs. Oh, did I tell you, Honda service people are on a commission plan. That's right the more they charge you, the more they make in commission. We have owned several Hondas over the years. Thank God someone ran me off the road in my Odyssey in October, and I rolled it over three times and destroyed it! No more transmission problems. VW and Ford are looking real good right now.
2008Dec 16
Odyssey 3.5L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 110,000 miles
Gear indicator lights started flashing suddenly and then transmission started slipping at 110,000 miles. Independent transmission shop said that it was probably a sensor based on the P0740 code. After two days, they determined the code meant that the tranny need to be replaced for about $3000 with 12 month warranty. I did not want to spend that much for only a 12 month warranty. Took it to Honda and their diagnosis was the same. $3000 for remanufactured tranny plus $800 for PCM, with 3 yr warranty. Asked Honda for help and they would not do anything due to the mileage and because they did not service the vehicle. Ended up having Honda complete the work due to the longer warranty, however, I will not return to Willett Honda for service ever again.
2010Feb 05
Odyssey EXL V6
- Automatic transmission
- 83,000 miles
I cannot afford to replace the transmission, and am completely stranded. I have kids, and need to work. This is an unheard of thing with Honda. They should replace it. I cannot afford to do so.
2010Mar 01
Odyssey EX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 86,325 miles
The car had been really great. We did all the scheduled maintenance and we were very happy with it. Out the blue the transmission failed. I looked it up on the Internet "2002 Honda Odyssey Transmission failure" and there are over half a million results! Called Honda, I would have to get a computer also. Because they were such sports, they were going to take $700 off and it would only cost 4,100. So in other works, blue book on my car is around 6K and I would have to spend 4k to get it to run!?
I called Honda and got the run around from Sergio. They don't accept E-mails by the way. What?! Basically he told me there wasn't much they could do. I told him that it was unfortunate because I run a blog that consists of 750 web pages (Cyberpueblo) that are getting 600,000 visits and over 5 million page views a month. So, they haven't decided what to do about me and I will probably have to pay a fortune (elsewhere) to fix their mistake but as a consolation I will be able to share my experience with all those people so that they know what kind of a company Honda is and the higher ups may come to wonder why Sergio didn't just do the right thing in the first place. What's nice about that is that for once people will be warned BEFORE it is too late. Most of us found out that is was a common problem after it happened to us. The other thing of course is that until I dump it, there will always be a sign on the back of my Odyssey that reads "Unhappy Honda Owner".
2010Mar 03
Odyssey EXL 3.5L
- Automatic transmission
- 88,900 miles
We bought our 2002 Honda Odyssey new from the local dealer (have since purchased another Odyssey - 2009 model year). We did this because overall we had good luck with our first one and it was a very flexible vehicle. Now out of the blue, driving to work, merging onto I40 in Raleigh, the engine screamed when I pressed the accelerator, the drive letter indicator started flashing, the TCS light came on and so did the check engine light. I got it home (stuck in 2nd gear on the 5 speed auto trans) and hooked up an OBDII test unit to it and got code P0780 (shift malfunction). Hoping for a shift solenoid valve or some other minor problem, after having it towed to the Honda dealer in Cary.
I just got word that the transmission needs to be replaced at a cost of around $4K. I advised I had seen a lot of 2002 Odyssey transmission failures on the internet and asked if they could check with Honda to help with this cost. The service manager said he would try but didn't expect them to offer anything. This will probably be the last Honda we buy, transmissions shouldn't fail after only about 90,000 miles! Honda quality and reliability are now big question marks for me.
2010Feb 22
Odyssey EXL
- Automatic transmission
- 80,036 miles
Looks like "dejavu all over again". Bought vehicle new in June, 2002. (had to order it, none even in stock to test drive, but had such a GREAT reputation!) Stopped at my mailbox on Saturday, Feb 20th. Put car in park to get out, got back in, put car in Drive, and wouldn't move for several seconds, then engaged into drive. Didn't think too much of it. Monday AM, backed out of garage, put car in Drive, and nothing happened - wouldn't engage. Tried to shift to a lower gear, but couldn't. Turned car off and on a couple times, finally - after about 4 minutes, the car went into drive. Took van to dealer, and while it was there, I was home googling transmission problems (that's what I suspected), and sure enough - appears to be a major problem.
Dealer's original quote was $3,840 to fix. I told him we need to do much better than that, and let him know about all the transmission issues I saw online, not to mention, the class-action lawsuit going on in the East Coast area. They called back later that day, and offered to fix for ~2,000, which we had no choice but to do it. (Final bill was $1,969). I'm not done - I shouldn't have had to pay anything on this.
2009Sep 10
Odyssey
- Automatic transmission
- 86,371 miles
The options given to me by my Honda dealership to deal with the 'catastrophic' event that led to transmission failure were: get a new tranny for $9000; get a Honda factory remanufactured tranny for $5000; get a rebuild through a garage that Honda dealt with for $4100; get a used one for $3100! I researched on-line for any info I could use to deal with this problem. I found out that a class action lawsuit out of a firm in NYC was in the works for owners of 2002 Honda Odysseys. When I relayed this info to Honda, the price of the factory remanufactured tranny came in (with some good will) at $2600.
2009Nov 24
Odyssey EX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 95,000 miles
Drive indicator light began to flash on my 02 Odyssey. I checked fluid and added a little, thinking this would fix it. A couple of weeks later, transmission began to slip. I took it in to my independent mechanic and was told I needed a new transmission with only 95k. I found this web page and did some research. Some Odysseys have an extended warranty of 7 yrs. and 8 mo. You must call Honda and give them your VIN to see if yours qualifies. Unfortunately, mine did not. I was told I could take my van to a licensed dealer and if they said I needed a new transmission I could ask Honda for assistance, but nothing was guaranteed. After calling Honda for a price on a replacement transmission I was given a price 1200.00 more than my independent mechanic. I purchased the Odyssey because of the Honda name and my belief Honda meant quality. I was badly mistaken and will never purchase a Honda again. Make sure you call Honda USA and let them know how you feel if you have this problem. Best Wishes.
2009Dec 01
Odyssey EX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 82,500 miles
82500 miles on our 2002 Ody Ex. Tranny blew today. 4 little kids at home, family car, single income...we're so hosed I will never buy a Honda again.
2009Nov 13
Odyssey EX 3.5L
- Automatic transmission
- 83,000 miles
Where did we go wrong? Purchased a 02' Honda Odyssey for all the reasons the rest of you went to Honda....quality, longevity, etc. Boy! If I only knew my transmission was going to fail after 83,000 miles. Was told by Livermore Honda that it needs to be replaced at a cost of $5,224.00. Honda informed us they would be of no assistance in the repair until Shannon made another call to the customer service department. Got a call back today saying they would agree to pay for 33% of the repair costs. It just doesn't seem right. If I was only one of thousands of Odyssey vans out there that was having a rare transmission problem....maybe then. If I abused my car and didn't have it serviced regularly...maybe then. But none of that applies to us. Now I am having to go without my car, going on a week now, and negotiate the cost of the repairs with numerous phone calls to American Honda. Unless they pay for total cost, Honda can consider us "no longer customers." It's a damn shame Honda doesn't stand behind their automobiles and admit their mistakes.
2007May 22
Odyssey EXL 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
Got the flashing "D" a couple of years ago on our Odyssey. Until then, our van had been pretty much problem free (except for stuck automatic sliding doors). Then, at 90k miles, we brought it in to our local Honda dealer and they dropped the bomb about a bad tranny. They told us that there was "good news" though. Seems a higher-up Honda rep was there that day and he allowed them to replace the tranny for free. Since it was there we opted to replace the timing belt and perform other maintenance that cost us something like $700 but, we figured that it was time to do all that stuff anyway. They made sure to rave how lucky we were that the rep was there that day. We were very grateful to save the $3000+ replacement cost so I didn't complain at all. Later, I researched the tranny issue on-line and found out that this was a very common problem. Disappointing.
Now, our van has 182,000 miles on it. (Wife drives A LOT) The "New" tranny is now beginning to exhibit slipping and missed upshifts that allow the engine to race. Apparently, these things are built to last exactly 100,000 miles.
Guess we need to dump it before it dumps us.
2009Nov 13
Odyssey EX-L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 92,000 miles
I bought this van new from a local dealer, because I wanted something reliable for my wife and kids. I dropped big bucks and actually waited on a list to get this van because of the demand. No real issues for 92K miles and yesterday my wife tries to go somewhere and it won't go into drive. Had it towed to the dealer and WHAM, hey "total failure, need to replace the whole thing along with the control module". The reason I bought a Honda was so that I wouldn't have to worry about it until 150K. If I would have expected to throw it away (as I'll basically do now) I would have bought a Caravan! I just figured I got the one bad one, until I saw all the complaints on this web page. It really fires me up to know that Honda had a problem with this transmission and did nothing about it!
2009Jul 02
Odyssey LX 3.5L
- Automatic transmission
- 84,506 miles
This Odyssey was a replacement for 2001 LX that was totalled by some poor driver who turned left in front of us at the very last moment in a intersection. I can't get over the difference between the 2001 and 2002. We had no problem with the 01, but the 02 has been crappy. How could Honda screw up a good design? Are troubles started with a small lag in the tranny on shifting, two months after we bought the van second hand. Thinking the transmission fluid was old, i had it changed. this didn't stop the problem but made it worst. The tranny started to slip, the lags start to be longer. I toke the van into the local Honda dealer, after finding out that this tranny had a major design problem. Honda wouldn't help, perferring to do nothing. No goodwill, No "it's our crappy design and we will stand up and take care of the problem. What a shame, to see such a good car company screw it customer base. I think i will trade the van in and buy a local car. Ford ,GM
2009Oct 17
Odyssey LX
- Automatic transmission
- 89,800 miles
My husband and I are previous Honda lovers. We expect to keep them for 12+ years and upwards of 150K miles. We have owned three Accords: a 1985, 1989, and 1996. The '89 was our favorite. We had to get rid of it in late 2001 because we were expecting our third child and they all still needed car seats. We went for the Odyssey. Loved the van and the space and convenience it provided for our family.
Over the past several months we have had isolated problems that seemed like missed shifts or slipping transmission. How could this be in a Honda with 89K miles? In September I brought it to our local dealer, said I thought the transmission was slipping, and was told that they couldn't get it to repeat the problem. I tried to explain that this was an intermittent problem. They replaced some switch (about $300) that they said came up as an error code on the computer. I wish I had done my research then. About a monthe later the transmission completely failed. Luckily, I was not far from home. I could drive it to the dealer at about 30 mph max. Monday, stuck home without a car & waiting for the dealer to call, I Googled '2002 Odyssey Transmission'. Wow! I could not believe how many people had the same problem and that Honda knew they had a major design flaw on their hands. I was furious that the dealer failed to mention this when I brought it in in September. There were so many problems with the 2001 that the warranty was extended to 100K miles! Ours is a 2002 and we were told, "Sorry, the warranty is only for 3 years/36,000 miles." The dealer "went to bat for us" with Honda and got Honda to pay some of the repair. It cost us $2,500 for a rebuilt transmission and a new control module. I know it could have been more, but it should not have happened! Ten days later I have my van back. The new tranny has a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty, and I will not keep it one mile or day past that warranty. Another real headache is that the warranty on the repair is not transferrable. I am sure that no one will buy it and the trade in will probably be low. Toyota here we come!
2009Sep 02
Odyssey LX
- Automatic transmission
- 110,000 miles
We too had done a great deal of research prior to purchasing. The vehicle was pre-owned with a recall on the tranny which was documented to be "fixed" by the dealer. That was not quite 5 yrs ago and now we are in this mess... do we fix it or just dump it? We have driven Honda vehicles for about 20 yrs now and will never buy another. What a let down. I'm all for a class action the only caveat is that once the lawyers take their fees there will be nothing left which to apply to fixing the transmission problems we are all encountering!!!!
2009Jul 20
Odyssey
- Automatic transmission
- 96,500 miles
Original owners' letter to Honda, They won't reply - don't buy their vehicles! This is their scheme to profit again on sales!
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Honda Automobile Customer Service
Honda Consumer Affairs Department
Mail Stop 500-2N-7A
1919 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90501-2746
Fax 310 783 3023
Re: Honda Special Adjustment Program (N012009-08-1800974)
Dear Honda Consumer Affairs,
I write regarding Honda America’s warranty Special Adjustment Program copied below and request the failed third gear of my transmission be replaced free of charge.
This third gear should be replaced free of charge because the recall performed on October 12 of 2004 at 35,531 miles to install a second gear oil jet kit robbed the third gear of pressure needed for lubrication and cooling and it has now failed well before its intended design life. I am a degreed mechanical engineer with failure analysis experience and can attest that such ‘duct tape’ fixes for which the transaxle system was not designed have consequences such as this.
A company with a reputation for quality and reliability like Honda will take responsibility mistakes even when they were ‘well intentioned’. I continue to refuse to believe this to be a deliberate profiteering scheme. As the car ‘go-to-guy’ for friends, family and coworkers it is my hope ‘we’ can remain loyal Honda customers, however I have been disappointed with Honda’s responsiveness thus far. Please have a Honda America senior manager contact me to discuss Honda’s special adjustment program and next steps to replace my failed third gear clutch pack due to inadequate lubrication caused by the second gear recall.
Thank you,
From your owner's manual:
Some Repairs May Be Covered Beyond the Limited Warranty Introduction 7
Honda may cover, under a special adjustment program, some or all of the cost to repair a problem that is not covered by your vehicle’s limited warranties. If your vehicle develops a problem you feel should be repaired by Honda at no cost, discuss it with your dealer. If you are not satisfied with your Honda dealer’s decision, call or write the Honda Consumer Affairs Department (the address and telephone number are on the inside front cover). Please provide this
information about your vehicle: year, model, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), mileage, maintenance history, a detailed explanation of the problem, and why you think Honda should be responsible for the repair. Your request will be investigated, and you will be informed of Honda’s decision.
2009Sep 17
Odyssey EX
- Automatic transmission
- 95,812 miles
Car stopped accelerating on Freeway suddenly. Complete failure of transmission. transmission oil changed as per Honda user guide all along.
2009Aug 20
Odyssey EX
- Automatic transmission
- 98,462 miles
My van only had 98462 miles on it, the transmission failed when I was driving on an extremely busy freeway, 2 1/2 hours from home with my two very younger daughters in the vehicle with me. Honda of America is not doing anything about it. I cannot afford to fix it, and it is my only vehicle. What am I suppose to do now?
2009Aug 10
Odyssey EX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 106,000 miles
It is obvious that Honda knows there is a problem with the Odyssey transmissions and I am very frustrated that they are not stepping up to take any responsibility for it. I have read story after story of Odyssey owners having to replace their transmissions. This is costing us $2,500 to $4,500 a piece. I think the "you're SOL" attitude Honda has convinced me and countless others to never buy another Honda again.
2009Aug 02
Odyssey EXL V6
- Automatic transmission
- 99,000 miles
my 2002 Honda odyssey 's tran broken down at 99000 miles... take to dealer and it cost $ 5300.00 to replace .. cost more than the van itself .. this is my last Honda for sure ... they need to bring the HONDA back to where it belong ... they are playing game to much .
2009Aug 10
Odyssey
- Automatic transmission
- 86,000 miles
Traded in my 1999 Odyssey when it's transmission failed at about 90,000 miles and purchased my 2002 Odyssey in March of 08. Now it's transmission has failed at 86,000 miles and Honda is doing nothing for me.
Spoke with Marlene at 800-999-1009, then her manager Marla (use fake names much?). They couldn't have cared less. At one point I could tell that they actually muted the phone on their end, probably so that they could have other more important conversations about nail polish and designer purses, while I was demanding financial assistance with the transmission replacement costs. They kept to their script, though, and reread their lines like rejection zombies. They told me their manager is Durwin Gonzales (seriously?), but he couldn't possibly be bothered to talk to me, a lowly customer. Marla said, that because the car is being repaired at an Acura delaer (where I purchased it), and not a Honda Dealer (Honda OWNS Acura), that they couldn't be of any assistance. She suggested I get it to a Honda dealer (the transmission is laying on the floor at the Acura dealer), but when I asked if that would get me some compensation she quickly said no- probably not. What the??? So, why would I then move the car in mid repair? When I asked "doesn't Honda own Acura?"- she responded "yes, but, well... we're sort of under the same umbrella but, like, sort of not...oh, how can I explain it?..."
Are you kidding me? One person at Honda can't make a call to my contact at the Acura dealer? Do they not trust what the Acura dealer (again, they OWN Acura) is telling me?
So now, I'm paying $3500 for a new transmission, and I will continue to send copies of the invoice to Honda for as long as it takes.
+How can I sign on to a class action suit for the 2002 Odysseys?????
+Why hasn't the 2002 been included in the extended warranty??
2009Aug 10
Odyssey
- Automatic transmission
- 85,200 miles
This is my 2nd odyssey to have transmission failure. First a 1999 Odyssey, then a 2002. The first failed at @70,000 and the 2nd at 85,000. We took great care of these cars. I've read tons of material about this model in the last few days, and learned of all the tranny nightmares. I'm hoping for a class action suit against Honda for the 2002 Odyssey- but in the mean time I'll be arguing with the dealer today about what how much of the bill I will pay verses Honda. They better step up.
I will NEVER buy another Honda.
Why are these cars getting such great ratings?
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2012Jan 09
Odyssey EX V6
three transmissions i had to purchase. No honda help.
mpgcfo
Mineral Ridge, OH, USA
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