8.6

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$3,160
Average Mileage:
105,300 miles
Total Complaints:
28 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace transmission (20 reports)
  2. not sure (5 reports)
  3. dealer changed transmission from honda rebuilt one (2 reports)
  4. sell it (1 reports)
2003 Honda Odyssey transmission problems

transmission problem

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2003 Honda Odyssey Owner Comments (Page 2 of 2)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #8

Jan 292010

Odyssey LX 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 99,680 miles

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

Replacing tranny also requires new ECU because replacement transmission design is different (clearly a fundamental engineering problem). Honda low balled "goodwill" offer trying to sell me on it. However, numerous other claimants experienced $0 cost replacement even though warranty expired. (in my case, I am under the mileage but over the time period).

- brokehondatranny, Gilbert, AZ, US

problem #7

Oct 012009

Odyssey LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 124,000 miles

I can't believe that Honda never took care of this. This website is full of transmission problems with the Odyssey. It is like all the other complaints. It still drives, but you never know when it will stick in 2nd, and you have to hobble home. I guess I will have to pay the $3500.00 to have it rebuilt. I thought Honda made a better car!

Update from Dec 11, 2012: I had a complete transmission failure, after having it rebuilt 2 years ago. It is a bad design or something....nothing seems to help to keep it running long term. After owning many different cars, trucks and vans. This was the first vehicle where I had a transmission fail! No more Honda products for me.

- David Q., Oklahoma City, OK, US

problem #6

Aug 252009

Odyssey LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 129,245 miles

Car did major clunk far from home and engine light came on. Managed to hobble home. Honda dealer charged C$112 to hook up their computer and tell me they needed to replace the transmission for $6400 and computer for C$1200. Plus a $100 alignment.

No explanation as to why the C$1200 computer needed replacement just that it was "recommended."

Seemed to resume working fine so I took a chance and again had a problem on the highway but managed to hobble home again. Local tranny shop hooked up their computer for free, actually spent a bit of time trying to figure out the exact problem and ultimately rebuilt it for C$2800 with one year warranty. Computer seems to be just fine. Fingers are crossed.

Honda must make a lot of money on these things!

- A M., Toronto, ON, Canada

problem #5

Aug 142008

Odyssey EXL

  • Automatic transmission
  • 104,000 miles

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

The transmission started slipping after driving on highways. then after a while it slips from 2nd to 3rd gear. the engine keeps reving to 3k or 4k until it falls into gear. Took it to the dealership they asked me to but the solenoid which was a waste. because that did not fix anything. after that they declared the tranny to be dead.and they asked for 3k to fix. horrible experience with HONDA USA. they basically asked me to get a new car b.c this onr was done with... way to do business I guess .. Never going for a honda again and selling my other ody as well ...

- adnanonly, Altamonte Springs, FL, US

problem #4

Aug 012008

Odyssey LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

Just found out after dealer had done a diagnostic test that we need to get a new transmission. Warranty just ran out, just in time for the transmission problem to give out. Estimated cost will be $5,000 - $7,000. Transmission problems were found in the 1999 Odyssey vans and not 2003. I guess all Odysseys have this same problem. It seems as if the year doesn't matter any more. Honda really need to take a look at this common problem and provide a recall for owners who are having the headache of having to deal with this costly problem. No Honda's from this point on...we have pretty much lost our interest in any Honda models.

- Natalie Jones 9., Kapolei, HI 96707, US

problem #3

Jun 282006

(reported on)

Odyssey

  • 86,000 miles

Do the research people. Honda Odyssey still has ongoing transmission problems. I needed Honda to advise me, if they would supply me with a replacement transmission [My gosh.... honor the Warranty????].

Don Davis Honda says, he called American Honda Corp to take care of the details but, they could not honor the so called "good faith extended warranty". I called American Honda corp to try to resolve this issue. They had NO knowledge of a conversation taking place with Don Davis Honda. Don Davis Honda also said that he was several hours into working on my van (font suspension apparently taken apart and tranny out) and that I was tying up one of his lifts. This was apparently adding to my bill so, I should not take too long to give him the "go ahead" to fix it. BUT, the van was actually parked behind the building when I drove by two nights later. Don Davis Honda said that, the reason for the tranny problem was, I did not change the tranny fluid properly. He then changed his claim a couple days later stating that the problem was caused by "road damage". The insurance company disagreed on the road damage scam, based on physically evaluating the van. SO.... the problem was determined to be MY FAULT by both American Honda Corp and the dealer. American HONDA Corp has a "marketing gimmic" as a solution to the ongoing transmission problems. It's called a "good faith extended warranty". In the media, it sounds very sincere and appears that Honda Corp is loyal to their customers. In reality, it's a scam. Both my Honda's will be up for sale. SEE YA HONDA!!!!! You'll never see my business again and my family and freinds will know about my experience with this modern-day American Honda Corp. Once upon a time, Honda use to make quality vehicles....................

- 2ndodysseytranny, Grand Island, NY, US

problem #2

Jun 242007

(reported on)

Odyssey EXL 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles

I bought certified used 2003 Honda Odyssey EXL. When u shift to drive or reverse from park and give gas to move, it can't go anywhere, after release gas paddle and do it again it moved. It happened in winter time approx three times after warm up van.

Then when u drive in city below 50 mile and after breaking the speed , tried to pick up again can't go anywhere and u have to do the same thing , move the foot from gas paddle and press it again it moves. On highway we never had a problem means above 55 MPH.

This problem was intermittent from last six month and finally light on dashboard lit up for engine/Transmission. and force me to take it to the dealer. Dealer said need whole new transmission , shock me. "Honda has such kind problem" Why not? Honda Maybe out sourcing to manufacture Odyssey. Any way dealer changed transmission and related accessories without any charge and cover rental van without cost to me. In reality first time i heard that some auto repair dealer cover repair items under warranty.

I feel little comfortable with repair but still bothering me this breakdown, because people who buy this type of vehicle are family persons with lot of small kids and middle class family. can't afford big repair cost and headache with lots of family responsibility. Also this is look like to me a safety issue, when u tried to accelerate car and it can't go anywhere might involve in accident and cost money and innocent life. So tried to aware of this problem to everyone who own the 2003 Honda Odyssey and please take a look in to it and contact the authorized dealer or Honda for fixing this problem if u have before bad thing happen to anybody. Also please report complain in Honda so they can help other people ASAP.

- Paresh U., Iselin, NJ, US

problem #1

Oct 252006

Odyssey EX-L 6 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 76,000 miles

The tranny on this vehicle was recalled, we brought it in for the fix and 6 months later, it started slipping again. We've had several unexpected problems with this vehicle (see, engine, electrical & rear window issues). We paid more for the Honda expecting much better quality - VERY DISAPPOINTED with the ongoing issues. My 93 Jeep Cherokee has 260,000 miles, original engine & original tranny!

- Daryl B., Suwanee, GA, US

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