While driving my 2002 Honda Odyssey there was a "hiccup". I pulled off the road and noticed the check engine light was on. Took it to the Honda dealership in Petaluma, CA. They performed a DTC scan and found codes PO700 A/T system malfunction and PO730 incorrect gear ratio. They checked the saved data and noticed a transmission slip. Inspected the transmission fluid, level ok, but noticed to be dark. Drained 1/4 noticed particles in transmission (hidden damage) They charged me $141.55 for the diagnosis and recommended replacing the transmission for $5,260.95.

I quickly checked blue book value on my car. It was $4,430 so I told the Honda service woman that I couldn't OK a repair that cost more than the car was worth. She said she understood and could introduce me to a nice sales lady in the show room.

I will never buy another Honda again.

Our odyssey has always shifted a little rough, but I attributed that to its age (we bought it in '09 with 148,000ish miles) but in late August we were on a trip and the check engine light, TCS light, and maintenance required light all came on. We took it to Auto Zone to get the codes read and they said it was the transmission control system, but it was driving fine so i kept going and had our normal mechanic take a look at it about a week later. He too said it was the transmission control system, and that we shouldn't need a new transmission, so take it to Honda and get them to look at it. We took the van to Honda Mall Of Georgia and they had it for less than 15min and came back to us saying that it needs a complete new transmission, and they can put in a remanufactured one for around $2500-$2800, but they "don't like that option, it won't last too long" or a rebuilt Honda transmission for around $5000. The service advisor kept saying "this vehicle isn't going to go very far, it's going to leave you on the side of the road" But, we don't have that kind of money right now, and since it's driving "ok" just shifting the same as it always has, we decided to take it home. When they checked it, they turned off the lights, and they have stayed off for the past week. We'll see how long it lasts, and I’m taking it to Aamco to get a second opinion this week. I'm disheartened that this is such a common problem and Honda doesn't care! They did say ours was part of a recall, but the previous owner had taken it in and it checked out fine so they wouldn't do anything about it. grrrr

Really disappointed with Honda! The van has been well maintained and well cared. Did not quick internet search. I'm surprised to find out that automatic transmission on 2002 Odyssey has been defective to begin with! In fact, the 2002 model is the worst in terms of the transmission. Talked to Honda customer service. They did not even consider to help. Now I'm stuck with this huge repair cost. They suggest me to take legal actions! Very arrogant! Will not buy another Honda! Any suggestions what I should do? Thanks.

Larry Z.

Bought car new and is second family vehicle. Thought it would be a good and dependable vehicle during retirement years. Noticed a problem of mis-shifting between 2-3 or 3-4 maybe 2 yrs ago. Dealer contacted and was told all OK since all known (to me) bulletins were complied with and they all do things like that on occasion.

Dealer recently re-contacted as to any current bulletins. "None, but they would be glad to look at the trans for me."

I then went to an independent service center to run code check and the PO730 appeared. The word is that Honda has some sub-standard transmissions out there which they do not readily acknowledge. It will take $3000-5000 to rebuild/replace or upgrade to warranted condition.

We really have liked the car but now quite leery of any Honda vehicles. Must look seriously at other makes!

I have 2002 Honda odyssey EX car and saw a check Engine light turned on my vehicle.

I went to nearby Honda dealer for a diagnosis and they told me its a transmission issue and need a replacement.Also told about the Honda odyssey transmission recall for this 2002 model.

Honda rep. told me it will take $4600 to fix the problem in their concern.

I have 2 infants and I am scared to accompany them in this car because of the transmission issue I can not bare $4600 at this point of time.

No Help from Honda.

Cronic Honda 4 speed transmission problem. First recalled (Code CS5) and repaired in April 2005 with 36210 miles under warranty.

The new problem occurred yesterday April 28, 2011, car has 69,353 miles on it and it is not abused and has been regularly maintained since owned. The dealer comes back and says it needs an updated ECM (computer) for $6,000.00.

We have owned other cars with automatic transmissions and have gotten well over 100,000 miles on them before any major work. Latest was a 1997 Blazer with 120,000 miles and had to rebuild the transmission it cost $1,500.00 in 2009. What is with this over extortionate charge for a transmission repair.

Update from May 2, 2011: Dealer had offered to replace transmission for $2700.00

I own a brand new 2002 odyssey with well maintained record of all dealer services. I have 160k miles and I got an engine light. The dealer charges more so I call someone locally who only charged me $20. I found 3 codes which is po505, po730, and p1750. I found out that this codes relates to transmission and I called the shop and mentioned the code. They advised me that they will charge me $2,600 or more. This is just painful because some minor problems I already had such as both rear windows does not open, the automatic door rails to be replaced. I have survived with that but with this I agree that honda wants more money and everyone are having transmission problems.

I purchased Honda Odyssey 2002 at 67,000 miles in year 2007. In 3 years at 115000 miles the Engine and TCS light came while driving at acceleration. I had the vehicle serviced for the 112,000 mile service recently. Took the car to dealer where service was performed. Bang - Transmission Failure code P0730. Researched the web and found mine is not the only car. The cost is over $5000. The purpose of buying Honda was due to its quality and service. Extremely disappointed. Not sure if it is even worth to spend $5000 as there is no guarantee of failure in near future. This is very frustrating since in this year alone I've all of the sudden put $1,500 -1,800 in other maintenance already. I do not know what to do since we cannot afford this right now.

Update from Nov 29, 2010: What we ended up doing is going to a reputable transmission shop and getting our transmission rebuilt. This costed $3,300 vs. getting a remanufactured tranny fro the dealer which would have costed us around $5,000 mainly because since this would be a new transmission for this car we would have to spend $1,100 for a new ECU(computer, the brains of the vehicle) so the rebuilt tranny will work correctly. So for the rebuilt tranny we do not need the new ECU because we are just using our same tranny, but it just had some parts of it replaced with new Honda certified parts. Either way we were told that there is a 3 year warranty or 36,000 mile which ever came first. We have had the rebuilt tranny for over a month now and it is working great. I noticed my gas mileage is better as well.