My 2002 Honda Odyssey needs a new transmission -

- Clifton, CO, USA

The transmission of our 2002 Honda Odyssey started slipping when shifting from 2nd into 3rd gear around 40,000-50,000 miles. The failure occurred about once a moth. The Honda dealership had installed an A/T oil jet kit around that time because of a safety recall, but the transmission slipping was unaffected by that remedy. The frequency and severity of slipping has increased and is currently at 3-4 times per week. At 96,500 miles the check engine light has come and the Honda dealer told us that the transmission and transmission control unit have failed and need to be replaced. Since the slipping has been occurring more frequently, safety has become a major concern to us. The vehicle cannot be trusted to accelerate out of dangerous traffic situations (I.e., merging into highway traffic, passing, driving in hilly areas), since one cannot predict when the vehicle loses power/slips out of gear. It has taken 3 minutes once to shift from 2nd into 3rd. We have been lucky so far that nothing more seriously has happened, but based on our experiences and reading about the experiences of others, it is only a matter of time until this transmission design issue will lead to serious accidents (hopefully not fatal). Honda has offered to replace the transmission and control unit at a reduced rate, but since this issue should be covered by an extended warranty (as was the case for the 99-01 Odyssey models) or a recall, any repair cost that the customer has to bear is adding insult to injury. I hope, the NHTSA will look into this issue thoroughly and advocate on behalf of the consumer. Please don't wait until someone gets seriously injured.

- Eugene, OR, USA

At 65,000 miles vehicle starting hesitating on accelerating between 2nd and 3rd gears. 75,000 check engine light came on, turns out issues are related to the transmission. Internet search reveals numerous issues with this particular Odyssey engine. Owner believes Honda should be responsible for all costs associated with engine problems due to number of issues. Potential safety issue, as failure to shift causes vehicle to lose power, and only able to re-engage if slowed to 1st or 2nd gear.

- Fruit Cove, FL, USA

Transmission went on the way home from vacation at 44,000. Broke down on NY thruway - very dangerous and very inconvenient. $2900 to replace transmission. Transmission went on the way to vacation at 87,000. Broke down on exit 2 of NJ turnpike. Very dangerous and very inconvenient. Had to leave car and rent one to continue on our vacation. Will get fixed this weekend - $3300. Honda Odyssey are notorious for this, and depending on where you break down, this can be very dangerous. We have 2 kids under 10, and this has happened twice with them in the car on highways with cars running at an average of 75 mph. Honda is really taking chances with peoples' lives turning out faulty product. It's a crime.

- Clifton, NJ, USA

The contact owns a 2002 Honda Odyssey. While the contact's spouse was driving approximately 45 mph, the vehicle failed to shift into third gear. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic and it was discovered that the third gear was cracked. The clutch assembly was replaced. There is no recall regarding this issue. The current mileage was 75,000 and failure mileage was 74,000.

- Lombard, IL, USA

2002 Honda Odyssey with transmission problems customer states the transmission was rebuilt in 4/07 and how he is having problems again and was told by a mechanic that it was a result of a design flaw* the consumer stated that he wants Honda to take ownership of the defect and they should in fact have an extended warranty to cover the transmission.

- Houston, TX, USA