We had been experiencing symptoms for over a year that, in hindsight, were because of a failing transmission. These were documented in our service records. When the transmission finally failed at 85k miles, we were 25k miles UNDER the warranty (109k), but had surpassed the 7 year, 9 month time period by 1 year. After MUCH arguing with Honda (this was our 6th Honda vehicle) they finally provided a limited goodwill credit toward future service, but we were still out of pocket a substantial amount of money.

To add salt to the wound, this replacement transmission died after only 40k miles, and of course was out of warranty too. If Honda was having problems with the 2001 transmissions, by 2008 when they replaced mine, they should have found a way for the replacement to last AT LEAST as long as the defective original one, instead it only lasted 1/2 as long. After speaking to the manager of the local dealership, AND Honda North America Customer Service, they say there is nothing they can do other than spend another $4,600 to replace the transmission AGAIN now at 135k miles.

The reason we, like so many others, purchased this Honda is because of it's reputation for dependability. To replace a transmission twice in 135k miles, on an Odyssey, when Honda knows about this problem (even though they never officially "admitted" it when they settled the huge class action lawsuit about these transmissions), is completely unacceptable. To have Honda tell me that it's my problem and there is nothing they can do about it is even more unacceptable.

If you are thinking of purchasing a Honda, please take this into consideration. Apparently brands with less reputation for dependability are working harder to gain one, and Honda is resting on its laurels and hoping people keep thinking they will support their vehicles and customers.

3 years ago, we had been experiencing symptoms for over a year that, in hindsight, were because of a failing transmission. These were documented in our service records. When the transmission finally failed at 85k miles, we were 25k miles UNDER the warranty (109k), but had surpassed the 7 year, 9 month time period by 1 year. After MUCH arguing with Honda (this was our 6th Honda vehicle) they finally provided a limited goodwill credit toward future service, but we were still out of pocket a substantial

Now, this replacement transmission died after only 40k miles, and of course was 3 months out of warranty too. If Honda was having problems with the 2001 transmissions, by 2008 when they replaced mine, they should have found a way for the replacement to last AT LEAST as long as the defective original one, instead it only lasted 1/2 as long. After speaking to the manager of the local dealership, AND Honda North America Customer Service, they say there is nothing they can do other than spend another $4,600 to replace the transmission AGAIN now at 135k miles.

The reason we, like so many others, purchased this Honda is because of it's reputation for dependability. To replace a transmission twice in 135k miles, on an Odyssey, when Honda knows about this problem (even though they never officially "admitted" it when they settled the huge class action lawsuit about these transmissions), is completely unacceptable. To have Honda tell me that it's my problem and there is nothing they can do about it is even more unacceptable.

If you are thinking of purchasing a Honda, please take this into consideration. Apparently brands with less reputation for dependability are working harder to gain one, and Honda is resting on its laurels and hoping people keep thinking they will support their vehicles and customers.

I was disappointed that the transmission went so fast; only 53,000 miles and it's a 2001. I have a 1993 Pontiac Bonneville with 83,000 and the car is running excellent. I take my Honda to Hillside Honda for repairs and check up. I could not believe that they were not able to detect my transmission problem. I always say good things about Honda and their brand to people and how it is wonderful to own a Honda. I tell them to buy Honda brand. I was planning to buy a Honda Accord next year. After this issue I would never recommend Honda to anyone or buy another Honda brand.

Engine light came on.... Gave to dealer ...they suggested to change transmission and quoted ~ $4200 after discount.

Huge amount for me...and having only one vehicle for our family not sure.. what to do.

Can any one please email the details of the 2001 Odyssey action lawsuit details.

After reading on couple of forums.. it seems Honda paid to their customers in full or 50% or not a single penny for this problem... not sure what is the exact consideration by American Honda ... in case they help..

Any suggestions or info really appreciated.

thanks, Vish

If you get a 2001 Honda Odyssey up to 90,000 miles, that's the time to trade it in or sell it. You will save your self a lot of money on the 90K service and avoid some other major problems. I had to replace the Catalytic Converter last summer while on vacation to the tune of around $1200.

Last weekend, my engine warning light came on I took it immediately to the dealership where I purchased the Odyssey. As I was going I noticed the transmission was slipping. When they ran the computer scan, they discovered the transmission needed to be replaced. They told me they could replace the transmission for around $4000 to $5000. When the parts manager called Honda for the transmission, they discovered it was not available. They were being held for Honda owners who sitll had warranties on their contract.

My college daughter has a 2003 Subaru Forester that I bought used with 40,000 miles for her in 2005. We have had it serviced and it has over 160,000 miles. I have not had to pay for a new Catalytic nor have I had to pay for a new transmission.

This is not just a case of Honda letting quality control slide. They admitted the '99 - 2003 transmissions had major problems and admitted such during a class action suit. They extended the warranty by 9 months and 10,000 miles. Of course Canada was not included in the law suit.

Which brings me to a further wrinkle. Honda US says ithe vehicle does not exist and there is not anything they can do anyway since it cane from Canada. Next time I'll be looking at Subaru or Kia. Even my 92 Pontiac Bonneville got a 120K without replacing the transmission. So much for the Honda myth of lasting forever. What a disappointment!

Honda

My check engine light went on a few weeks ago. My mechanic said the "solenoid" needed to be replaced at a cost of about $800. A few weeks later, the light went on again. I took it to a honda service center in passaic, NJ, and they said the transmission needs to be replaced, at a cost of $3600. ($150 of this is just for shipping of the part.)

After a little research, I am starting to realize that this is a common defect in odysseys, and an extended waranty was given because of that. But I'm about a year and 5000 miles past the extended warranty, so unfortunately, this is going to cost me big, and doesn't make me feel to happy with Honda.

I'm posting my complaint here in the hope that someone out there has some idea of how I should best proceed.

Should I challenge Honda to pay for some of the cost, as it was due to a defect that they know about? Or is that a non-starter? Should I have Honda repair it, or a transmission expert such as AAMCO? Or is my local mechanic just as good? It still drives, albeit with some hesitation when I shift into drive, and reverse, etc. Can I just drive it indefinitely until it really breaks? Will that cause more damage and make my problem more expensive to fix in the end? Any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks.

Dependable is what Honda says. I say they suck with their cars. The first one i bought was 2000 Honda Accord, and after 50k miles it had the SRS on. When i went to the dealer they checked it and charged me 100 bucks and they told it was not covered under warranty and would be around 1000 bucks. I thought what the heck and bought 2001 Honda Odyssey. Now at 80k miles the transmission lights are flashing and the dealer told me this time 2000 bucks. Is this dependability ? I would never buy another Honda

I use to like Honda because I felt that they gave the less amount of problems. I know problems do occur but my issue is that I bought a 2001 Odyssey in 2003 and it seems to be fine. Now the transmission is acting crazy and when I looked on the Honda website and see that there was a problem with it. Called Honda they are saying that since it's over the miles I'm on my own. That's just crazy because the fact is that it was Honda faulty part so if they don't want to fix things then they should make it right the first time. This is not a matter of wear and tear it's a matter of bad transmission that should have been fixed by the company no matter when it start because it was bad to begin with. A bad product can't automatically be a good product and this was their fault and their mess.

I bought a Honda because they are supposed to be reliable. Now after 1 month of ownership, a light comes on and they are telling me the Torque converter is causing a problem in the transmission, they say the converter clutch has deteriorated and it's leaving metal in the transmission. Supposedly it will lock up on me soon and they are recommending I rebuild the transmission. ???? After reading all of the complaints about other Odyssey model years having transmission trouble, I actually believe the mechanic is telling the truth. Honda knows they made a piece of crap, we need to file a class action law suit to make them pay. I'll never buy another. From now it'll be Toyota or Ford. My Ford Taurus is an 01 with 128,000 miles and has never had a major problem. Drives great, super reliable. I'd take it anywhere with no worries.