I bought the Odyssey because I thought the Hondas were very good cars and the quality was excellent. I was wrong. I had a 1991 Caravan that the transmission went out a 61000 miles. I thought that was bad. But the Honda at 49000 is worst. I'm rethinking buying a Caravan now. Chrysler has a lifetime warranty on their transmission. I called Honda,USA and they won't cover the warranty. I talked to transmission specialist friend that I've known for 45 years and he said Honda has known the defect from 1999 to 2005 models. I'm not sure if I would buy another Honda again. This fix just lost the fuel savings I thought I got from buying a minivan from a full size van.!!!!!! I'm pisssd at Honda

I knew there would be problems with this transmission, but didn't know it would be so soon. I purchased an extended warranty but the transmission outlasted it by 21k miles. I think that a transmission failure after only 6 years is unacceptable for a Japanese make. The dealer is asking $ 4400 for a new transmission with 1 year warranty. This does not include a new PCM - computer that regulates shift patterns. They quoted me another $900 to $1200 for a new PCM. I think the total is about as much as the car is worth! I'm borrowing my dad's 1988 Mercedes Benz 190E with the original transmission!

If you are still driving one of these cars and the transmission has not gone out on you, trade it in NOW and avoid the headache of deciding whether to invest in a new transmission or starting all over with another car.

We have an 2002 Odyssey. This is the one asset I have that I didn't have to worry about because it's a HONDA! I own a 1998 Nissan Maxima and I was worried about that going first but my HONDA...never! We had the recall fixed several years ago and was told that the transmission would be good forever. This would fix any problems. Two days ago, the transmission failed to engage from 2nd to 3rd gear and now my 3 small children and I don't have any transportation except for a Maxima, which I can only get 2 car seat in. I received 2 quotes between $4,000 & $5,000 and a car company that doesn't give a crap! Go figure...I just paid the van off approximately 5 months ago. So now they have my $24,000+ and I have no vehicle for my family. Help Me...how can I get Honda to pay! I have spent 2 1/2 days crying over this...

At 50,000 miles the van began up shifting sluggishly from 1st to 2nd gear. When checked by the dealer, they reported that a new transmission was needed, ? $$$$. It appears the transmission problems Honda had with the 4 speeds has carried over to the 2002 and newer 5 speeds. When I called Honda, they seemed reluctant to admit there had ever been a problem in earlier years even though they had issued a warranty extension for the 1999 thru 2001 models. I really like the van other than the transmission problems, but unless Honda becomes a little more honest when they have problems or improves their warranty, I won't be back.

I took my 02 Odyssey in when it had the recall. They put the kit in it and said "All will be fine." All of a sudden I start having a problem with the trans not shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear. I'm awaiting a response from Honda about if they will fix this since it's a defect on Honda's part. They said probably not, but, I'm still waiting . Been waiting 1 week. Can you imagine what will happen if we're driving this van and it decides not to shift properly and Lord forbid that an 18 Wheeler or other large or just a speeding vehicle comes up behind us?????? What would be left of the passengers in this supposedly great minivan? It is a huge safety issue. I'm ready to talk with anyone that's willing to seek damages from Honda. Who would have thought that you would pay $28,000.00 for a Honda and by the time you almost have it paid for, Get ready to dish out about 3000-4000 more dollars to repair a defect that should be covered by Honda. Let's all pull together and see what we can do!

Hello everyone,

I purchased my 2002 Honda Odyssey Minivan in March of 2002. There have been 2 recalls to my knowledge on this vehicle. The first recall was concerning the timing belt, and the second was about problems with the transmission when changing from 2nd to 3rd gear while driving between 30 and 40 mph. I have taken my vehicle to the dealer hoping they would honor recall by correcting the problem, but was turn down because they said the preventative measure was done in 2005 with the installation of an Oil Jet Kit. Well that apparently didn't fix the transmission, therefore, Honda should accept responsibility and be accountable for this major problem with the transmission on the 2002 Odysseys. I don't know what else to do at this point since I have taken the car to two dealers. Both gave me prices to repair the problem with a replacement transmission, along with letting me know that Honda made the decision not to cover the repair cost. I also spoke with Honda and was unsuccessful getting them to fix the car at no charge. If anyone else is out there who would like to pursue this further, perhaps via a Class Action Suit, please don't hesitate to respond to this complaint. The more of us who is experiencing this exact maintenance problem, the better chances that we will have in receiving some kind of relief and/or resolution to this costly mechanical failure. Please respond at your earliest convenience as I would like to discuss this further. I would be interested in knowing if others are out that would like to take this issue further with legal action. I hope to hear from any and all of you that is affected by this very soon. Have a wonderful day!

I started having issues with my van not going into 3rd gear in Jan 08. I took the van to the dealer a couple of times but their service reps could not reproduce the problem. They asked me to come back when it became worse. I can't believe they let me drive knowing these vans have transmission issues. Finally a few days ago, the same thing happened and this time the engine light came on at 61,000 miles. I drove straight to the dealer and after running diagnostics, they said the transmission needs to be replaced. They said they called Honda on my behalf and that Honda offered to pay 50% of the costs. I called Honda on their 800 number and opened a case file which is being looked into by their regional case manager. I am still waiting to hear back from him. I asked the dealer to perform the repairs and now they say the new transmission will not have any parts or labor warranty because Honda is paying 50% as a goodwill gesture. This is something I'll have to take up with Honda again. I don't think I should pay anything to replace a transmission that failed this early.

I purchased this vehicle used with 20k . I purchased this van expecting to be trouble free for a long time but after driving it for only 50k, the transmission came apart. This van now has 71k. The extended warranty did not cover a new transmission. They insisted I take it to aamco.The tranny shop charged 3700.00for rebuilding it . The extended care paid for most. I paid $240 for misc shop supplies and tax. I thought so highly of these cars. I was so disappointed to find out that this is a common problem. The shop said they have repaired 5 of these vans in the last 3 months for the same problem and close to the same mileage. 70-80k. I was given a 12 month 10k warranty . but I don't think I'll need it...The toyota dealer is only 3 miles away! I was told that there is nothing you can do to prevent this tranny failure. The problem is in the design .So, save yourself a lot of grief..get a toyota.

Our 2002 Odyssey EX-L started having transmission problems at about 60,000 miles. Transmission seemed to completely disengage while engine was running (as if in neutral). Letting off of gas until transmission shifts seemed to be the only solution but didn't always work. Took vehicle to the dealer to troubleshoot but they couldn't find anything wrong. Luckily when we bought the van, we also bought a 3yr/36k mi extended warranty through the dealer from CNA Insurance. The new transmission would've cost us $3000 but fortunately the warranty is covering it and a rental car and we're only responsible for the $150 deductible.

My '02 Odyssey EX-L started having transmission problems at about 36,000 miles. Transmission shifts abruptly or seems to completely disengage while engine revolutions soar and car slows down(as if in neutral). Letting off of gas until transmission shifts seems to be the remedy but driving vehicle has become dangerous. On ramps to the expressway and significant inclines are particularly problematic. Taking vehicle to the dealer in a few days and am not optimistic. They made sure to tell me on the phone when I set up the appointment that vehicle was out of std 3/ 36 warranty period.

Trans failed to engage 3rd gear, this is a pampered van, with no abuse whatsoever. The van still has 50% tread on tires and 50% on disk brake pads. Who ever heard of the trans failing before your new vehicle needs tires or brakes? Van was 5% over standard warranty of 36000 miles. (I did not get extended warranty because it's a HONDA.) I think dealer did the replacement on his own, as American Honda does not acknowledge any problem related to my van and at this time are refusing to extend the warranty on the remanufactued trans. Dealer has stated new trans is covered to 100000 miles/7years. Call me untrusting, but I want it in writing from American Honda! Yes I am happy the dealer did the right thing, now American Honda should also do their part. These Honda Odyssey transmissions have been failing since 1999 and I thought waiting for the 2002 new 5spd trans would solve the problem, not so the 5spd just has one more gear to fail!!!! Come on American Honda stand behind your product and take care of business.