Automatic Transmission problems of the 2002 Honda Odyssey - part 2

We have a 2002 Honda Odyssey with a transmission that is failing at 139,000 miles. . Read more...

While driving in my neighborhood, the van revved very high and wouldn't shift gears. There was a grating sound and it finally shifted harshly. I took it in the next day, and our mechanic said it was under a recall from Honda, so we took in directly to the dealer, Honda city in liverpool, NY. They confirmed that the whole transmission needed to be replaced. They denied there had been a recall until I produced proof, and then they said that it had been fixed at that point and there was nothing they were going to do about it.

Upon accelerating the car, all of a sudden the engine started racing and the car drastically slowed down with no warning at all. Fortunately there was no one close behind at the time. Prior to this incident the tranny had been noticeably less smooth then normal but no warning lights. Upon inspection by the dealer (where car was purchased) dealer said new tranny needed. Mileage 89,502. Dealership installed a Honda rebuilt tranny. Note that car has been maintained only by Honda dealerships.

2002 Honda Odyssey transmission! this car is a pile of junk! I feel unsafe driving my two small children around in it! had the transmission replaced 9 months ago at 93,000 miles and I am already having issues at 104,000 miles. Unreliable, not safe, and I wish I could throw it away! Honda cars of America will not help me and I have spent close to $4,000 fixing this pile of rubble! my mom and I just got stuck an hour and a half from home in columbia, SC after driving. The car would not accelerate on the highway and I basically had to coast off the exit and stop at the red light. When I stopped I looked over my shoulder and smoke was coming from underneath the car. The transmission hose had broken and transmission fluid was all over the place! we were stuck with nowhere to go for 3 hours!!!.

I own a 2002 Honda Odyssey and have had nothing but problems with the transmission since I purchased it. The clutch between first and second gear has been failing for a number of years and when brought to Honda dealers, on at lease three occasions and to Honda America I have been told it is "a hard shift", " my fault for not using Honda dealers to service my transmission" (which is not true) and that my local independent mechanic was not knowledgeable (he builds race cars and restores classic cars). All of this has been an attempt to shirk responsibility for a poorly made product. The transmission already has one recall and according to the records at Honda it was completed. In reading many owners comments it is clear that this transmission was poorly designed and even more poorly supported by Honda. I have had to replace the transmission since the local Honda dealer finally took the time to properly diagnose the issue, which was what my local mechanic stated the issues were. It is appalling that yet another company puts forth a product that puts the safety of two small children and a mother in jeopardy simply for profit. I have already told Honda America that I will never purchase another product from them. I am writing to alert you to the fact that many americans are being ripped off by Honda and requesting that you investigate this abuse and put a stop to Honda's fleecing practices.

2002 Odyssey lx, 158,200 miles, well maintained & serviced. Suddenly started missing downshifts (to 3rd gear I think) while coasting down in stop-and-go traffic, dropping completely out of gear into neutral. Stepping on the gas just caused the engine to race. Down-shifting manually also had no effect. After slowing to the next shift point, it would re-engage. Happened multiple times (15~20). Later, it also began occasionally missing 3rd gear up-shifts too. Started looking for replacements immediately. About 2 1/2 weeks later (April 16th) at 60 mph, it suddenly kicked into a lower gear and threw my wife forward like stomping on the brakes, three different times. After that, the check engine locked in and transmission drive indicator started flashing. We are replacing the transmission with a re-manufactured unit through our mechanic on next Friday, April 23rd. The old unit *could* be available, but will probably be sent back for the core, unless you contact us before that.

The contact owns a 2002 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that when shifting from first to second gears, the transmission malfunctioned. While drving 20 mph, the engine would idle extremely higher than normal and the vehicle would not shift into third gear. The dealer stated that the failure was due to the gear lock. The failure mileage was 55,000 and the current was 56,000.

I have a 2002 Honda Odyssey whose transmission is juddering and slipping. We've had into the dealer 5 times since the car had about 70k miles and Honda never told us this is a major problem on this year Odyssey. They now want to charge us $5000 to replace it.

I have had this Honda Odyssey van since Feb. 2010. I complained to the dealer that from time to time the transmission did not want to pull, sometimes in traffic & other times when a turn was made. Since the service dept. Said that it showed no codes on the computer & it didn't do it when they drove the van, it was a non-issue. My "check engine" light is now on and code "gear ratio". I spoke with the dealership and I was told that the recall was already fixed but it's not. Isn't there something that can be done? I am on a fixed income and can't afford a large repair bill.

Automatic transmission shifted 1st gear to neutral on its own immediately after I pulled into the parkway from where I live.

Transmission in 2002 Honda Odyssey failed for a 2nd time, and Honda won't correct the exact same failure now that the car is out of warranty.

1 - 2002 Honda Odyssey - transmission burned out at 101,500 miles 2 - happened all of a sudden - was driving on a highway, get off the exit and had a problem. I knew the transmission was shot. 3 - transmission was rebuilt - and still trying to get fully fixed.

My car started revving very high and within 30 seconds, came to a complete standstill on the highway. The dealer said there were major transmission problems and that it had to be replaced. I had taken the car to the dealership for routine maintenance and with complaints that often it would not start. (the dealer said nothing was wrong with it and told me to use the "emergency key" to start it).

The contact owns a 2002 Honda Odyssey. The transmission will not properly shift into gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer in reference to NHTSA recall# 04v176000 ( power train:automatic transmission). He was advised that his VIN number was invalid and that they could not locate the number in their system. He purchased the vehicle from germany and imported it to the USA. He has made a claim with the Honda manufacture case#n012009-12-0100051 ron 800-999-1009 x 117749. The failure mileage was 80,000.

O2 Honda Odyssey, transmission problems, already replaced the tranny once back at 78k and now the tranny needs replacing again 119k. This is a serious problem and Honda won't do a dame thing about it. Somebody is going to die as a result of these trany failures. Class action suit only covered up to 2001. I could go on but look at all the forums and see the consistent problems.

The contact owns a 2002 Honda Odyssey. While driving he experienced gear failure, which caused the steering column to lock. The manufacturer was notified in reference to recall #04v176000 (power train:automatic transmission); however, he was advised that since the recall was already performed, they would not assume any responsibility for repairs. An authorized technician concluded that the transmission was never replaced. The failure has not been remedied. The failure and current mileages were 140,000.

I have been told by Honda and 2 other independent transmission repair shops have told me my 2002 Honda Odyssey, 76k miles, transmission needs to be replaced due to a very hard shift from 1st to 2nd. I'm also told the ecu must be replaced as well otherwise new part will not be warranted. Honda has agreed to pay 70% of the repair. I feel Honda knows these defects exist, and don't think I should be charged 30% of this repair.

I was having problems with the "d" (drive gear) light flashing a couple of months ago. My husband took the car to aamco and they said the fuel cells needed to be replaced otherwise we will have transmission problems. So, we replaced them (cost us about $300). This past Friday, starting of the labor day holiday weekend, my entire family (husband, wife, 3 kids and mother) were taking a road trip to niagara falls in canada. My husband was driving and approximately 400 miles into our trip on I-90, he felt the car stall while driving. Then the tcs light came on by itself and wouldn't go off, even after he pressed the tcs button. Within minutes the car was not driving properly, it was stalling and then it started to smoke. He pulled over at a "parking" restop, no facilities, just an "aid" phone (which didn't work). The entire vehicle filled up with smoke and when we opened the hood, the amount of smoke was tremendous. It smoked for at least 30 minutes. We called for service, but since that's a private road, we couldn't get a towing company to come out. The nys thruway authority finally got someone there to tow the vehicle to schenectady, NY (about 1/2 hour drive in opposite direction) and we had to pay extra for towing to that town. There was no service until Tuesday due to holiday weekend. We had to get a taxi to albany airport to get a rental car. . . Everything sold out due to long weekend. . . Begged and pleaded and finally got a rental for 2 days. . . Basically, we were stranded. . . We paid an astronomical amount for the rental SUV which had to be dropped off at jfk (incur more fees because we needed a vehicle to get back home). On Tuesday, day after labor day, repair shop quoted us $6k for a rebuilt transmission. Since that amount is too high, we had the vehicle moved to a relatives home in schnectady until we can somehow get it back home.

The contact owns a 2002 Honda Odyssey. While driving between 30-40 mph, the rpm's began to rapidly increase, but the vehicle did not accelerate. On one occasion when the failure occurred the engine warning light illuminated on the instrument control panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the technician stated that the transmission was the cause of the failure. No repairs were made. The current and failure mileages were 115,000.

My 2002 Honda Odyssey began having troubles shifting into gear in August 2009. It happened sporadically and once I took my foot off the gas it would shift. Recently that did not work and I was almost in an accident as I was merging on to the long island expressway. The transmission wouldn't shift even after I took my foot of the gas and I had to quickly pull on to the shoulder to avoid getting hit. The only way the car would shift after that is that I had to stop the car first. I took the car to Honda and they told me I needed a new transmission. Since my car is a 2002 and not between 1999 and 2001 it does not fall under the recall and it is going to be very expensive to fix. I don't understand why a recall hasn't been made for this year. On this site alone is over 125 pages worth of complaints (with at least 2 complaints per page) about the transmissions for this model, make and year. This most definitely is still a design flaw in the transmission. Not only is this expensive but someone can be seriously hurt.

I own a 2002 Honda Odyssey with 88,948 miles on it that now has a check engine light on and codes for p1491 egr valve failure and p1740 4th pressure switch failure. Honda refuses to fix this for less than $5000. The egr valve failure is well-documented in a service bulletin and on the internet and Honda has extended warranty repairs for that to 80,000 yet wont' extend another 8000 for mine. I cannot afford a $5000+ repair or new car and it is not fair that a car I paid $30,000+ for in 2001 based upon its reputation for reliability is failing me after only 88,000 miles moreover, the no. Of complaints by fellow Honda owners for this same defect clearly shows a manufacturing defect that Honda needs to accept liability for. The car may not be safe but I have no choice but to transport my kids in this car because I can't afford a new car or to get this fixed. Honda really needs to take responsibility for this and fund these repairs. It is not fair and with no rhyme or reason that Honda will cover these problems up to 80,000 miles but not to mine with 88000 miles. Moreover, I believe my problem could have started at 80,000 miles but was not properly and timely diagnosed. Please expand your actions against Honda to hold them accountable for these repairs just as they are under warranty service problems.

Returning home from vacation and transmission went out on my 2002 Honda Odyssey at 133000 (approx). The original transmission was replaced by Honda (lester raines) under safety recall around 47000. Contacted Honda customer service, lester raines and crown Honda for assistance and was told they could not do anything because we are beyond the normal warranty. This was after waiting all week for an answer. In the meantime, left without a vehicle, had to rent vehicle to get back home originally ($258 charge incurred). I feel this is still a problem on this particular model year after reading this site and other Honda forums and wish to have assistance on this. Im currently looking at a $5000 repair bill if replaced by Honda. I can get it done cheaper by someone else with better warranty. However because of the safety issue and known problem with these models, I feel that Honda should fix the problem. We've owned Honda vehicles for several years and right now, I'm very disappointed. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

2002 Honda Odyssey with 48,000 miles has an overheated transmission and needs replacement. The mechanic states that alot of these vehicles have had this problem. He advised me to contact Honda service for warranty service. Honda service at plaza Honda told me there is no warranty for my transmission. Web blogs have shown many Honda owners trying to participate in a class action suit against Honda to be responsible for these repairs.

2002 Honda Odyssey began displaying symptoms of failing transmission (I. E. , erratic shifting) at approximately 52,000 miles. Honda's bandaid fixes cost over $800 and did not improve the situation. Transmission finally died at 85,000 miles. Vehicle was exceptionally well maintained, to include transmission maintenance (I. E. , fluid changes) well in excess of Honda's specifications.

I just bought a 2002 Honda Odyssey may 12 2009 as is from a Honda dealership 2 days later I was noticing my rpms were revving up I called up the better business bureau they told me to check for recalls I did 2nd gear shift brought it back to the dealership put it on a diagnostics they said it was fine ordered the oil jet kit put it in a month later then when I was given the keys was told I had a transmission problem, I walked in the dealership they told me to call up Honda canada and see what they can do for me,they said nothing called the dealership back and asked them why did they sell me a car if they knew had transmission problems they said that they could try to get me a power train warranty I have to get up 910. 00 im upset and mad at how they can get away with this and sell me a car that has problems when they diagnosed it to be a working car with no problems now im looking on the internet of these horror stories I paid 10,000 cash for this van please help I have a special needs child and this car is needed to bring her back and forth to drs. Appointments.

1. "check engine" light came on about more than 1 yr ago, one week after a regular maintenance at the dealers. I brought it back to the dealer, and the service adviser drove it around, and said he will just reset the light. 2. While driving on the freeway on 5/9/2009, I accelerated trying to pass a car, and the car jerked very badly (the service adviser called it "slipped gear"), and later, same symptom happened while city driving (between 2nd gear and 3rd gear). 3. I took it to the dealer, and the service technician drove it around with me, and identified it as a "transmission problem". My 2002 Honda Odyssey minivan has 106017 miles on it. I am the original owner, and there are many many customers currently experiencing the same problem with the automatic transmission. The class action lawsuit against Honda for Odyssey automatic transmission problem covers up to 2001 model, but the problem I have is exactly the same as the description in the class action lawsuit. It was very scary on the freeway when it slipped gear. . . . . It felt like the car was in 'neutral' for a little while until it jerked into the gear.

I step on the gas pedal, the rpm is go up to 4-5, but the van is not moving.

My 2002 Honda Odyssey has transmission issues. It slips and is on its way to complete failure. It started just after we bought it with just over 60000 miles on it.

The contact owns a 2002 Honda Odyssey. The contact was driving approximately 50 mph when the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where they were unable to diagnose the failure and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred approximately one week later. The vehicle was taken back to the authorized dealer where they were again, unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle began to experience trouble accelerating while driving at any speed so it was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the failure involved the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 110,000 and the current mileage was 119,000.

I am the original and only owner of a 2002 Honda Odyssey. At approximately 66,000 miles, I began to feel the vehicle jarring when accelerated. After a week, it began to shake(twice). A few days later, when accelerating the car, it remained in a neutral state while the rpm was going wild, it did that for a full minute as I was merging into the highway, it did that again as I was changing lanes in which a vehicle had to swerve out of the way to avoid a disaster. I brought the vehicle in to findlay Honda of henderson on April 30, 2009. The service advisor, john, drove the vehicle (while I accompanied) to see if he could duplicate the problem. After a mile or so on the highway he was not able to do so. . . So we went back to the shop where I waited. About an hour later, john advised me that it may take longer and asked if they could keep the vehicle until 3 that afternoon, no problem. At approximately 3pm that same day, I received a phone call stating that my vehicle was ready to pick up, the vehicle showed no signs of trouble. I asked that he keep it overnight and test drive it again in the morning, it was a safety hazard to keep it on the road. I received a phone call the next morning from john who proceeded to tell me that the transmission needed to be replaced. I was in disbelief, after only 66-67,000 miles. I was quoted approximately $4,500. For the repair. After a bit of bantering and arguing with everyone from the service advisor john, to the service manager jesse, to the district manager shawn, to the representative from american Honda, I was offered a 50% discount. A 'remanufactured' Honda transmission was put in place of the faulty one.

The contact owns a 2002 Honda Odyssey. While driving between 30-40 mph on normal road conditions, the vehicle experienced gear shift failure and excessive hesitation. There were no warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing, but the technician was unable to duplicate the failure. In 2004, the contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign id number 04v176000 (power train:automatic transmission). The recall remedy was performed and consisted of installing an oil jet kit. The recall repair was insufficient and has not corrected the failure. The failure and current mileages were 91,000. Updated 05/27/09 at 91,000 miles, the vehicle exhibited intermittent gear shift failure and excessive hesitation in low gears around 30 mph. The check engine light illuminated at 92, 623 and stayed on. Diagnostics codes revealed a transmission problem and incorrect gear ratio gear. Updated 06/01/09.

Have always had all scheduled maintenance completed. Previously: 39,000 miles July 2004 had the oil jet completed by Honda for recall; 43,000 miles oct 2004 check engine light coming on and shifting abnormally, re-manufactured engine installed by Honda per sb# 04-043; 67,000 miles July 2006 shift hesitation between 30 - 60 mph, egr valve replaced by Honda per sb# 05-026. Still having hesitations after egr valve replaced, but Honda was not able to determine any additional problem. Continued this hesitation on and off. 114,000 miles Mar 2009 shift slipping and van moving slow. Of course passed all warranties. Advised by Honda that I needed yet another transmission costing almost $4,000. Called american Honda. Only offered 25% discount. I was able to get it done cheaper by someone else with a better warranty. I would like to be included if there is any type of "defect" determined, which I as well as many others believe is the case.

Shifting problems from defective cooling system.

When putting car in reverse, will not go forward for several seconds after the car has been put into drive. Transmission problem. Honda covered this problem for 99-01 Odyssey's but not 2002. Problem obviously was not corrected prior to 2002.

My vehicle is a 2002 Honda Odyssey ex-l. The vehicle was subject to a recall for its automatic transmission (NHTSA campaign id number: 04v176000). Recall service was performed for my vehicle by replacement of the original transmission in 2005. I had not noticed any significant changes in performance since I purchased the vehicle in 2006 that alerted me to any new problems with the transmission. When the incident occurred, I was driving the vehicle on the interstate at 62 mph. Spouse and four young children were passengers. Without warning, a loud "clunk" was audible from the engine and the vehicle lurched, after which the transmission completely locked, the front wheels quit turning, and the vehicle skidded to a stop within around 100 yards or less from the initial point of failure. The front tires were smoking and nearly burning when the vehicle came to rest, having been worn down to the belts despite them being only about one year old. It was later determined by the dealer that when the transmission locked, it also caused the engine block to crack, the shift cable snapped, and the right axle was broken into two pieces. American Honda agreed to install a remanufactured transmission, a salvage engine, new right and left axle assemblies, and new front tires. The dealer was instructed to send the transmission back to Honda. I was able to maintain only very limited control of the vehicle when the front wheels locked, and it is remarkable that there was no crash, injuries, or fatalities considering that this occurred at highway speeds in a narrow urban construction zone with moderate traffic. At least two other vehicles avoided hitting mine from behind only by quickly braking and swerving into the adjacent lane. This is a well-known defect for this transmission that has not been corrected by the recall. Many owners are on their 3rd or more transmissions, and I have seen reports of similar incidents (lockups at high speeds) to mine.