Honda Odyssey Transmission Problems

2392 messages,  Last post on May 01, 2013 at 11:03 AM

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What is this discussion about? Honda Odyssey, Van


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#1434 of 2392 Re: Honda Odyssey Transmission and other issues [srican] by chris0201

Mar 17, 2010 (6:46 pm)

Replying to: srican (Mar 10, 2010 12:00 pm)
I'm not an expert, rfreitas, but I think I know my vehicle histories and reputations. In 2004, Honda came out with their 5-speed automatic transmission that eventually was used in all their models. The '04 Odyssey was the first Honda minivan to use this transmission, and their problems dramatically declined. Earlier model Odyssey's, like my 2000, used a 4-speed automatic. I just started reading these message on the Odyssey transmission problems, this evening, and I have to say I'm a bit shocked to find that current-model Odysseys (2007 thru 2009) are apparently experiencing problems again. I thought those demons were long-departed. Apparently not. HOWEVER, good service intervals and rational driving have kept my 2000 EX Odyssey moving without transmission problems ... so far. It has 150,000 miles on it, and I have the transmission serviced every two years - by Honda; nobody else touches it. Keep one thing in mind, though, in shopping for ANY minivan - no other passenger vehicle takes as much stress as a minvan. 4500 pounds heavy; add upwards of 800 pounds of people, plus 100-200 pounds of luggage, and you're asking a LOT from a vehicle, shaped like a truck, but engineered like a car !! ... You just can't treat 'em like a truck, 'cause they ain't ...

#1435 of 2392 timeline by stickguy

Mar 18, 2010 (5:26 am)

your years are a bit off.
 
the 5 speed AT (for V6 modles) came out in the 2000 MY, at least in the Acura TL. I believe the Odyssey fot it for 2001 (at the latest). it did initially come out in 1999 with the 4 speed. But it had the 5 speed long before 2004.
 
The 2005 Ody redesign carried over the same basic tranny. In 2007, they switched to a different (more robust in theory) 4 shaft design 5 speed AT (basically the tranny from the Pilot).
 
The problems for 2007+ seem to be mostly related to the torque converter, which is a different issue than the main tranny failures on earlier models.

#1436 of 2392 Re: timeline [stickguy] by autowrite

Mar 18, 2010 (7:51 am)

Replying to: stickguy (Mar 18, 2010 5:26 am)
My 2002 Odyssey was the first year the 5-speed came out.

#1437 of 2392 Re: timeline [autowrite] by nedlyj

Mar 18, 2010 (7:56 am)

Replying to: autowrite (Mar 18, 2010 7:51 am)
Correct - the 5-speed AT was first available (on the Odyssey) on model year 2002 Odysseys.

#1438 of 2392 thanks by stickguy

Mar 18, 2010 (8:57 am)

it phased on over a couple of years for different models. I thought 2001 was the first year. I know the 2000 TL was the first year the TL got it.

#1439 of 2392 Odyssey Transmission by avucarguy

Mar 18, 2010 (2:24 pm)

My brother in law has a 2005 Odyssey Exl +Navi + Dvd with over 90K miles. I helped him buy this van back in late 2004. He has no transmission issues. I had driven this van on several occasions, and it is way nicer than my 02 MPV.
I have owned 3 Honda Accord in the past with automatics. My 94 and 99 accord does have hard shifting trannies, but there were nothing wrong with them.
My 02 Mazda MPV transmission can shift hard too 1st to 2nd gear, but there is nothing wrong with it either. Honda automatics has hard shifting characteristics, especially if you are comparing them to GM transmissions. Being different does not mean broken. I understand earlier Odyssey 99-04 does have transmission issues, but a friend of mine at work has a 99 Odyssey with 140K+ miles with no transmission issues either. He used this van for his painting business, it looks beat up, but runs fine.
Make sure you have your transmission fluid change per Honda recommendation or more frequently. Keep up with routine maintenance and your var will last much longer.
If you have issues with the transmission, bring it in and have it checked out, it will be documented by the dealer in case your transmission do break down in the future. Then use can use this to prove that you were having issues with the transmission, if it breaks down after the warranty period is over.

#1440 of 2392 Re: t [lgodfrey] by hogan773

Mar 18, 2010 (3:41 pm)

Replying to: lgodfrey (Mar 17, 2010 12:00 pm)
Maybe I misread the message, but he was complaining that they replaced the tranny at 70K miles and then it failed again at 140K (and his title suggests the car is 10 years old). Then you somehow ask whether I would be upset after 1 1/2 years. Where did he say that?
 
Did he drive 70K miles in 1.5 years? Is he a taxi driver? ">

#1441 of 2392 Re: thanks [stickguy] by fibber2

Mar 19, 2010 (6:53 pm)

Replying to: stickguy (Mar 18, 2010 8:57 am)
No. The 2002 was a face lift from the otherwise 1999-2001 second series Ody. In 2002 the revamped model received a 30 hp bump due to a number of engine mods, the 5 spd tranny, side impact airbags, 7 spoke alloy wheels with 225/60-16 tires, a new grill, amber rear turn signals, suspension tweeks (new struts/springs), and some minor interior bits.
 
We initially were looking to buy an '01, but when we saw the preview sheet for the '02 for an additional $300, it was a no-brainer.

#1442 of 2392 Re: t [lgodfrey] by nedlyj

Mar 20, 2010 (8:59 am)

Replying to: lgodfrey (Mar 17, 2010 12:00 pm)
First, to answer the question: No, I wouldn't be. Second, this isn't the point. Warranty work is generally warranted for 30 days. However - Honda warrants their replacement transmissions for 3 years or 36,000 miles - not a bad replacement warranty. So, either my warranty was 30 days, in which I couldn't really be mad if it lasted 1.5 years, or my warranty was for 3 years, so it was still under warranty - and I still wouldn't be mad.
 
So, back to the initial points, if the original Honda warranty on a transmission is 60K miles, and they replaced it free at 70K miles, with a 36,000 mile warranty, even that takes you to an "actual" warranted period of 106,000 miles that was given. Fairly good I'd think. So, when the transmission is now bad at a total of 140,000 miles (and 10 years, including that the newer tranny also has 70K miles on it) why would we think we should get another free one now? Which car company says "we'll repair your transmission free for life, no matter how many miles you have on your car?" If Honda credits anything towards the new transmission after 140K miles consider yourself fortunate.
 
And yes, I too am on my 3rd transmission (replaced at 60K and 130K).

#1443 of 2392 Re: t [nedlyj] by rfreitas

Mar 20, 2010 (10:25 am)

Replying to: nedlyj (Mar 20, 2010 8:59 am)
You are missing the point. People buy Hondas because they are supposed to be great quality. Why would I want to buy a vehicle where I would have to spend $3000 every 70k miles on a new transmission.. Honda provides a 36k mile warranty on the replacent transmission because they know the transmission will last to 70k miles, convenient...
 
I think they need to change the maintenane schedule to include "Replace Transmission every 70k miles" for the Odyssey.
 
Keep buying odyssey's, I am done with Honda!
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