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 14 of 24)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #206

Jul 122008

Odyssey

  • Automatic transmission
  • 78,000 miles

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

Transmission is slipping, van stalls, hesitates during slow and fast speeds.

- North Andover, MA, USA

problem #205

Jun 052008

Odyssey

  • 95,000 miles
I own a 2002 Honda Odyssey van with 95K miles and the transmission needs to be replaced. Based on my research on the web and a recent consumer reports issue I believe this model year van needs to either have the warranty extended for the transmission or a recall issued to provide new transmissions. I know the warranty was extended for models up to 2001 because of transmissions problems. Although the dealer has agreed to pay half the cost I'm still not satisfied because of the possibility that the transmission will go out again. I personally know someone who had the transmission replaced three times in their Odyssey and there are many accounts on the web of others that have had more then one transmission replaced in the same van.

- San Pedro , CA, USA

problem #204

Nov 292007

Odyssey

  • 69,000 miles
Transmission failed on 2002 Honda Odyssey while on a hill, stopped at a traffic signal, so was able to coast to a safe place. Vehicle did not move when accelerator pedal was pressed. Appeared to work when tow truck arrived about 30 minutes later, but had it towed to dealer so as not to have a problem on the highway. Dealer found that the transmission needed to be replaced. Cost using a rebuilt transmission was about $3000. Mileage was approximately 70,000. Dealer said this was not a problem with this model and year.

- Saint Charles, MO, USA

problem #203

Jul 082008

Odyssey

  • 106,000 miles

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

106,000 transmission slipping between 20-30 mph (2-3 gear) Honda suggested replacing motor mounts ($700) May 08. Van still did not perform properly hard shifting still slipping. July 08 van engine light came on as well as tsc and flashing "D". would not engage had to pull over and disengage gears. Honda dealer said the replacement transmission was 4100 called american Honda and received the"good will" adjustment of 30%. ridiculous that the timing belt out last the transmission!

- Acworth, GA, USA

problem #202

Jul 022008

Odyssey

  • 63,000 miles
Transmission failure with Honda Odyssey. When pulling into traffic and attempting to pick up speed (to 30+ miles per hour) the car is unable to shift gears. It locks and is unable to move until car is pulled over and put into neutral and then back into drive. Rpms shoot up during this time and engine light goes on. Consequences were two near accidents.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

problem #201

Jun 262008

Odyssey

  • 104,000 miles
I have a 2002 Honda Odyssey. In 2004 I took my vehicle in to get the recall "taken care of". the supposed "fix" - I didn't have any discoloration at the time in my transmission - was done at the dealership. Since then, I'd get the occasional shift in gear feeling while driving. As it only happened once in a while, I was told that it was a common thing. Recently, the last couple of weeks it started "shifting" consistently and would occasionally stall after putting the car in reverse and then back in drive mode (I would hit the gas pedal and nothing would happen). So I took it to my mechanic who then diagnosed a transmission failure. He then told me that transmission failure in the Odyssey was common knowledge and told me to contact the manufacturer of the defect. When I contacted them, they told me that since I had already taken it in for the recall that they couldn't help me. I contacted the dealership and they said that they had to do a diagnostic and since we were past the warranty period that the manufacturer would probably make us take care of it. As multiple people are having transmission issues even after the recall was "fixed", I think there is a bigger problem. Why is Honda allowed to sell these vehicles knowing they have a problem with the transmission" as of right now we are playing the "waiting" game with the manufacturer and dealership. We are currently at a standstill. Who has $4,000 to fix something that shouldn't even be a problem" not me.

- San Jose, CA, USA

problem #200

May 282008

Odyssey

  • 81,916 miles

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

Auto transmission failed on my 2002 Honda Odyssey vehicle which had recall back in April 15th, 2004. I was never notified. Initially, transmission fuel was dirty, my mechanic suggested transmission oil change which was changed at Honda dealer about 10-12 days prior to transmission failure.

- Albertson, NY, USA

problem #199

Jun 302008

Odyssey

  • 75,000 miles
Power train failure. Cars transmission started hard shifting approx. 6 months ago. Taken to dealer who said the motor mounts were broken and replaced the mounts. Car continued to hard shift especially on hard acceleration and typically when advancing from second to third gear. Took car back and mechanic reported the transmission needed replacing. Approx. Cost $3500. Also stated that since we didn't perform 60,000 mile service, that it was our fault.

- Richardson, TX, USA

problem #198

Apr 152008

Odyssey

  • Automatic transmission
  • 116,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Honda Odyssey. While driving various speeds, the gears on the transmission would slip. The vehicle becomes stuck in first and second gear, and when accelerating, it goes from the fourth gear. The vehicle lunges forward, brakes, and then lunges forward again. The contact discovered NHTSA campaign id number 04V176000 (power train:automatic transmission); however, the dealer stated that there was no recall for his vehicle. The failure mileage was 116,000. Updated 07/29/08 updated 07/29/08.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

problem #197

Jun 222008

Odyssey

  • 62,000 miles
2002 Honda Odyssey transmission still slipping after the "cooling tube" recall was installed. The van had ~62,000 when the 'cooling tube' was installed. Honda dealer wants $3000 to replace. I have since done research and found that this is a known issue that Honda is ignoring. This is a serious safety issue that will likely cause fatalities. When accelerating to get on a freeway or otherwise, and then you unexpectedly lose power it causes other behind you to slam on their brakes to avoid a collision. Why isn't there an NHTSA.gov "defect investigation" open on this?

- Marble Falls, TX, USA

problem #196

May 252008

Odyssey

  • 77,400 miles

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

The contact owns a 2002 Honda Odyssey. While accelerating from 30 mph, the vehicle slipped out of gear and would not catch the gear on the highway in traffic. It slipped into gear once the contact pulled over to the side of the highway and depressed the accelerator pedal again. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the transmission needed to be replaced with new motor mounts and a new controller. The repair would cost $4,900. The dealer also stated that the vehicle had previously been repaired under NHTSA campaign id number 04V176000 (power train:automatic transmission). The current mileage was approximately 77,500 and failure mileage was 77,400.

- Fayetteville, GA, USA

problem #195

Jul 012007

Odyssey 6-cyl

  • 98,000 miles
Problems with transmission for the past year. Finally had to replace it.

- Nutley, NJ, USA

problem #194

May 252008

Odyssey

  • 48,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that the transmission failed due to the second gear. While driving 55 mph on a clear, sunny day, the vehicle suddenly failed to move when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The check engine light illuminated and the lights located on the gears began blinking. He had to press extremely hard on the accelerator pedal in order for the vehicle to move. The dealer stated that the vehicle was safe to drive since it was able to be moved. The contact feels that the failure is a safety issue because another vehicle could have crashed into his vehicle. No repairs have been made. The current and failure mileages were 48,000.

- Montebello, CA, USA

problem #193

Jun 022008

Odyssey 6-cyl

  • 98,500 miles
Our 2002 Honda Odyssey began experiencing transmission "slipping" while driving. It seems to occur between second and third gears on our automatic transmission. It is much worse if you try to rapidly accelerate to pass someone or to merge onto the highway from an on ramp. In this instance it occurs every time, often jerking and forcefully in a whiplash like motion as the van downshifts. As the van slows while accelerating I'm concerned my family will be struck from behind. Research seems to show that Honda has known of a design flaw with these transmissions for quite some time but no recall has been issued. Someone got to do something here quick to help all the car owner

- Warren, NJ, USA

problem #192

May 272008

Odyssey 6-cyl

  • 77,400 miles
2002 Honda Odyssey transmission is failing. While driving on a state highway, I pressed the gas pedal the engine revved but the van decreased in speed because it was no longer in gear.

- Fayetteville, GA, USA

problem #191

May 212008

Odyssey

  • 104,000 miles
I have an early 2002 Odyssey and my transmission just experienced the same 2nd to 3rd gear transmission problem as those recalled for the earlier 1999-2001 models that I have researched and read about. I had the last recall fixed a few years ago for my model and they told us that this will eliminate any and all future transmission issues. Well, it didn't and I am left with 2 quotes from 2 difference shops costing between $4,000-$5,000. The car has been sitting at the dealership for 3 days...just sitting, while I cry and think about what I am going to do with trying to get 3 small children around and commute to a full time job. I want to file some lawsuit to have Honda put a new transmission in but I don't know where to begin...this is not fair since it is a Honda issue! they won't cover it and they should. I have done much research and its seems that many people are in the same situation as I am. I can't afford the repairs and just paid off Honda $24,000+ for this van.

- Kennesaw, GA, USA

problem #190

May 102008

Odyssey

  • miles
2002 Odyssey van, auto transmission fluid turns black in less than recommended miles. Transmission is noisier and requires more frequent transmission fluid change than recommended by Honda. Honda dealer says the transmission is good, but find it strange that the fluid becomes black so quickly. Honda says the transmission is fine and follow the recommended maintenance schedule.

- Austin, TX, USA

problem #189

May 132008

Odyssey 6-cyl

  • 80,000 miles
The transmission in our 2002 Honda Odyssey started feeling like it was dropping into neutral and the car just stops, my wife (with 3 kids in the car) had swerve off the road. Once she slows down it re-engages and runs fine. This started happening more frequently, so we took it to the dealership. It needs a new transmission at 80K miles for $4700. I have done some research and found hundreds of other cases where this has happened to other people. Honda has acknowledged a problem with the 2000 and 2001 models and extended the warranty on those to 100,000. The problem is obviously still an issue in the 2002, they have to tried to tell me that my car was not affected. But obviously it has. They need to address this with the 2002. Please help keep our kids safe! this is a family vehicle. Thanks, ronnie

- Edmond, OK, USA

problem #188

May 062008

Odyssey 6-cyl

  • 92,000 miles
Our 2002 Honda Odyssey began experiencing transmission "slipping" while driving. It seems to occur between second and third gears on our automatic transmission. It is much worse if you try to rapidly accelerate to pass someone or to merge onto the highway from an on ramp. In this instance it occurs every time, often jerking and forcefully throwing one's head and neck backwards in a whiplash like motion as the van downshifts. Since this is the primary car for my wife and child it greatly concerns me. As the van slows while accelerating I'm concerned they will be struck from behind. Research seems to show that Honda has known of a design flaw with these transmissions for quite some time but no recall has been issued. At least not that I've been able to find. The local dealer has only offered a refurbished transmission costing be 3000 dollars with them only paying 300 dollars.

- Tuscaloosa, AL, USA

problem #187

May 062008

Odyssey 6-cyl

  • 113,400 miles
2002 Honda Odyssey transmission failure. We strongly believe that Honda has design problems. Despite their attempts to fix the problem by installing a fuel pump to lubricate the gears, the transmission (torque converter) had a massive failure. Initially, Honda agreed to pay for 50% of the repairs but retracted the offer after we voiced concerns about varying verbal repair estimates provided by the dealer. The dealer would not provide the repair estimate in writing even after asked to. We requested Honda to pay for the part and we would pay for the labor. Honda's position was that they would rather 1) retract the offer and 2) not help with dealers pricing or business practice because the dealership was independently owned and operated. Lisa prak, a regional manager with Honda suggested we could call BBB and file our complaint. Her supervisor suggested we contact the NHTSA but they would not participate in the repairs.

- Matthews, NC, USA

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