8.1

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$3,560
Average Mileage:
90,900 miles
Total Complaints:
17 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replace with a new transmission (11 reports)
  2. not sure (4 reports)
  3. rebuild transmission (2 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Honda dealer.

problem #17

Jan 012019

Odyssey EX-L 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 165,215 miles

Bad differential in the transmission resulted in transmission seal leaking.

- Juan P., aurora, CO, US

problem #16

Apr 012016

Odyssey EX 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 157,000 miles

We took very good care of our 2006 Honda Odyssey and were extremely disappointed when the transmission failed just at 10yrs. I was surprised to find that my problem was not unique and there were entire websites dedicated to Honda Odyssey transmission complaints. I did contact Honda and tried to work with the dealership but in the end the cost of a "rebuilt" transmission was more than the cars worth.

I've owned several automobiles including a Toyota Sienna and have never had a transmission fail unexpectedly on the highway after being serviced 3 days prior. I will never buy another Honda after conversations with the Honda customer service. My recommendation for families needing a new family car:

1) Do not buy a Honda minivan.

2) Review websites on the failures people are seeing with the model you're interested in.

3) Always buy the last year a model is being offered. Hopefully, all the defects have been worked out.

Good luck.

- no2honda, Plano, TX, US

problem #15

Jan 102016

Odyssey EXL 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

Van was perfectly maintained, frequent oil changes to tranny, I should buy the Sienna instead.

I am going to repair and sell this van and get a Toyota instead.

After having 5 Hondas in the past, this is the last one, Honda you have lost another loyal customer.

- Rafael R., Katy, TX, US

problem #14

Dec 272015

Odyssey EX 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles

The transmission overheated and the pump inside the transmission failed. The transmission needed to be taken apart and a new pump installed. The indication was a whining noise which occurred once the car shifted into 4th gear on the freeway. Went to several shops to find one that was willing to do the work for less than $5K. This is a very common problem in Honda Odyssey we were told. Wish I went to this website and figured it out sooner as I would have paid for the extra warranty if I had known.

- Aaron K., Carmichael, CA, US

problem #13

Sep 272015

Odyssey EX-L 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

I had been warned, read all the reviews about transmission problems but buried my head in the sand and thought, no, will not happen to me. It was inevitable and I decided that I should take the extra time and effort to add to this complaint forum to put Honda on notice.

I will replace with a rebuilt transmission, hope it will last at least a year then trade it in for a TOYOTA!

- aangeles, Glendale, CA, US

problem #12

Jan 052015

Odyssey

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,000 miles

I can't believe that I have to get a new transmission! Also as luck would have it, as soon as the car was paid off, I needed to replace ALL the engine mounts, they were broken and several other items. Too much money invested in this car! And don't you have buying tires?! Wicked expensive!

- Sheila E., Escondido, CA, US

problem #11

Apr 302010

Odyssey

  • Automatic transmission
  • 101,000 miles

while odyssey was under warranty- I had a difficult time with manager to fix it; I had to come out of pocket half and half per agreement. It was wrong. He gave the van back with problems. I find out the mechanic broke the shock that held the engine. I was being charged for it too if I wanted to fix it. That was wrong! Coral Spring Honda broke it, and they should have not made me go through the loop and called the head quarters and yell discrimination. That when they realized that I was not willing to put up with their mess.

- Edouard J., Coral Springs, FL, US

problem #10

May 042014

Odyssey EX-L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,000 miles

Driving 70 on 10 freeway, rpm shot up and car dangerously slowed with out any warning, NO ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I let tranny cool and was able to continue on my way. Dealer said I need a new transmission. I called Honda, they told me to pound sand.

I am interested in joining a class action lawsuit against Honda regarding the transmission problem, sounds like a lot of people have this problem. I bought it new, I have 125,000 Miles. I will not buy Honda again, what a piece of crap. I am going to reach out to some class action attorneys to see if they have interest in pursuing this.

- Larry S., Encinitas, CA, US

problem #9

Jan 022007

Odyssey EX-L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10,000 miles

I am currently stuck by my Odyssey. I owned a Civic for 10 years and one prior for 10 years therefore when I purchased another Honda it was no-brainer. However, I first noticed the problem around 10,000 miles. The shudder started lightly. Brought it in and the service guys said they had problems in the past with this. However they can't fix it until after the American Honda Corp (1-800-999-1099) was contacted. I contacted them and nothing can be done (after dealing with them for months) unless I pay the outrageous cost of $4500 plus. Therefore, being a new car with car payments, there was no way. Over time, the problem got worse.

In 2012, the recall was issued on this vehicle. However, I had over 100k miles on my car but less than 105k. The car was about to hit 6 years old but when I brought it to the dealership they said there was nothing to be done because it was over the mileage. First, why would there be a restriction?!?

Then today May 19, 2014 I called about the fuel pump recall, then decided to look into the torque converter since the issues are still there. After being on hold for 5-7 mins, I spent a total of 58:58 mins (Thanks to technology) on the phone angry frustrated and wishing Karma pays American Honda Corp. a visit. There was an extension to the service recall a few months later that issued it until 105k miles and 8 years. But I was never informed.

Basically the rep said had this issue came up 7 years ago, they could have tried to figure it out but now I have way too many miles on my vehicle to do anything. I later referenced that it did, but they can't help me on past issues!!!! I later referenced IF a purchase a new car, and the problems arises, I go to the dealership and they said they can't help me, what can I do? American Honda Corp. stated,"I would call the manufacturer." I then stated, okay if I do that and they say no what do I do? She said she can't help me on a hypothetical situation because this has never happened!!! HELLO!!! referenced above. So I stated again, what is the manufacturer can't help me? American Honda Corp stated than YOU need to find resources to help you repair your vehicle!!!

All I can say is WOW!!!! As a buyer, there should be some type of obligations by auto manufacturers to be responsible for INDEPENDENT DEALERS not wanting to repair the vehicle and MANUFACTURERS which do not want to lose money.

Then, I was inquiring on obtaining a copy of the phone transcripts. Well, how convenient, the phone call is not recorded!!!!! But yet, at the beginning, the system said, "all calls may be monitored or recorded for quality purpose!" I later said, so if we ever go to court, it will all be a he say she say. I asked for last names and I can't be given last names because of security reasons, then later, I was told they had no employee ID number or information that can help me locate the NONRECORDED call besides my VIN#. Might I add they couldn't pull up old conversations because their system automatically purges after 3 years!!!

- nguyenfl, Panama City, FL, US

problem #8

Aug 062013

Odyssey EX-L RES 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 88,944 miles

This minivan failed while I was driving on the highway. It has 88,954 miles.It is really expensive to fix with Honda service without warranty which I do not have anymore and the only fix is to replace it. It is sad that so many complain about these cars and Honda does not do anything about it. I would like to know if it is possible to complain directly to Honda about it?

- D V., Bronx, NY, US

problem #7

Apr 012013

Odyssey EX L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 145,000 miles

I was driving down the street, and the van began to STALL! I thought maybe I put bad gas in the car. at a stop light I had to turn the car off, and back on again for it to get power to move. I was trying to get to my mechanic to check it out. After a while it stalled badly whether I turned it off and back on or not! It was an awful feeling! I brought a so called "Honda Vehicle" because I thought if you keep it up you would not have to go through these problems. I thought if you invested more money, you would be getting a better quality automobile. But after investigating the "Honda Odysee" van reviews and transmission troubles others are experiencing I can see that these issues seem to be inevitable. I have taken pride in the way I have taken care of my van but it was to no avail. A few months ago I was thinking about purchasing a newer model, but I can see that transmission problems are sure to happen. Bottom Line: I will never get another car or van from "Honda".

- oldvan2006, Richmond, VA, US

problem #6

Oct 052012

Odyssey EX 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

Well honda won't listen so i hope the world does ,I have owned 2 honda odysseys a 2001 which the transmission failed on i-95 with my wife. i should have ended my relationship with honda then , but stupid me went and bought a 2006 odyssey ! "i guess i just didn't have enough" here i am at 110,000 mi and yes this tranny is failing also despite the fact that the tranny fluids have changed once every 30,000 mi i have come to the conclusion that honda's are overated and that honda motor company is ran by crooks, can someone please get lawer this is highly unjust to sell hardworking people a defective product and not recall it

it from 1999-2006 odysseys have been plagued with this problem and honda has done NOTHING!!! CROOKS!!!!

- Kirk B., Port St Lucie, FL, US

problem #5

Nov 282011

Odyssey LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 103,000 miles

I have consistently used the Honda dealership as scheduled for maintenance. When asked why this happened (after full Oil change just a month ago) with No warning. The reply was- sometimes is just happens. This is why I bought Honda - they are supposed to last -- all done with HOnda..$30,000 van - 5 years, $100,000 miles- that's CRAP

- susandalp, San Rafael, CA, US

problem #4

Oct 022009

Odyssey 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 57,000 miles

I'm not sure what the real deal was, however, with limited options i took the vehicle to Rock Honda.

Story: As I was driving on the freeway without prior warning signs oil began spilling all over the place. I pulled over opened the hood and discovered oil everywhere. Although the vehicle was still operable, I did not want to risk any further damage.

Once at the dealer, they ran several visual tests (only) and concluded that it was the transmission, although no failure light indicators on my dash supported this.

They quoted my a price of $4,100 and would take about 3 working days. 1 day later they called me stating that although they were replacing the transmission a rear transmission seal would also need to be replace to the tune of 60 dollars - I would have thought this would have been included in their price. I then thought maybe the problem was only the seal but got con'd into the transmission, as the vehicle showed no signs of transmission failure and was fully operable.

A day after that they called me again with some recommended services to the tune of another 800 dollars, on top of which they didn't want to provide me with a car rental - talk about kicking someone when they're down.

Honda, your reputation at one point was one of quality and you stood behind your product - this is quickly deteriorating.

I don't really see a difference between buying American or Honda, in fact i bet they are probably built in the same factories. Next time I'll buy American and save a bundle.

- Richard A., Fontana, CA, US

problem #3

Nov 152006

(reported on)

Odyssey LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 11,000 miles

First off, I LOVE Hondas. This is my third, and I do plan on buying more. However I wanted to make people aware of a potential big problem. With only 11,000 miles on my vehicle, the transmission should not be failing. It should never fail, but if it does, you expected at 100,000+ miles.

I noticed the transmission having trouble switching gears a few days ago. It was a little jerky, but I blamed the weather. Today, it wouldn't slip in to gear much at all. When it did, it would only go into first or second gear, and it took me 45 minutes to get to the dealer... only 10 minutes away.

When the transmission failed, the engine light came on, and the "D" light (as in drive) kept blinking.

Honda was VERY good about getting me in and working on the problem right away.

- Joe K., Webb City, MO, US

problem #2

Sep 212006

(reported on)

Odyssey EX

  • 6,000 miles

I have owned my Odyssey for about 6 weeks. Two weeks after purchasing the van, I returned to the dealership stating something was wrong. The service department drove the van around in the parking lot for 5 minutes and said they did not feel anything and told me to come back when the problem becomes worse. Well, 3-4 weeks later my van had to be towed into the dealership and the transmission has to be replaced. I have made it known that I no longer want that particular van, the verdict is pending.

- Tracy W., Kingwood, TX, US

problem #1

Apr 152006

(reported on)

Odyssey EX-L

  • 783 miles

No resolution yet, just notifying people.

- George H H., Davie, FL, US