I am documenting this for reference.
I have a 1999 Honda Odyssey, bought brand new from the dealer, Rock Honda it was. I was on a waiting list and waited a couple of months to get this van. It was purported to be the best van, efficient engine, and we trusted Honda as a maker of reliable cars.
We were wrong.
In 2003 with 45,000 miles on the van, the transmission went bad. At that time, Honda had not yet realize the extent of their transmission problem and had not extended their warranty. With 45,000 miles, the warranty on my transmission was expired.
A car with 45,000 miles requiring a new transmission was unheard of!
Diamond Bar Honda dealer says, sorry, your warranty is expired. You have to pay about $3000 for a new transmission. The dealer was no help at all. They supposedly made a call to Honda to ask about the warranty. Came back and gave me the same story: the warranty expired on the transmission.
I called myself to complain to Honda Customer Relations (1-800-999-1009 is their current number). After reviewing it with a case manager, they agreed to pay for the part, and I pay the labor. The labor was $471. I give Honda credit for excellent service at that time.
After this, Honda extended their transmission warranty to 100,000 miles on all their Odysseys.
I asked Honda to extend my new transmission warranty 100,000 miles from the time of the new transmission, giving me a warranty to 145,000 miles.
They said, no.
I said, since you are willing to extend new cars to 100,000 miles, it would make sense to cover my new transmission 100,000. It is obviously a defect in design that this transmission goes out so quickly.
They said, no.
Fast forward to now, 2008. My van has 129,000 miles.
My transmission is out again!
Less than 90,000 miles later, my transmission needs to be replaced.
My mechanic (not the dealer) tried to save me money by replacing the automatic transmission lock up solenoid and thought that might help. It didn’t.
Today I called Honda and registered a complaint. Marlene answered the customer service call and assigned me a case number. A case manager is suppose to call me within 2 business days.
I’ll update after I hear from the case manager. If they are as cooperative as last time, I will give Honda a 5 star rating. If not, my next car will be a Toyota.
If you’ve had similar problems, please leave a comment.
Update: Honda covered the transmission replacement, I paid the labor. See my post about that experience here.
I’m back again. I was unable to obtain copies of any tranmission maintenance from my mechanic. Honda is reviewing my case without the maintenance records. From experience, do you think I will receive any kind of assistance without these records?
I had some transmission work done by an outside mechanic. At first they said they can’t warranty any work if the car has been worked on by other mechanics. But they still gave me the part, I paid for labor. Keep complaining and write more letters if you are denied.
To all…I posted this somewhere else here. I don’t know where. But, I did a backflush of transmission cooler only. I then did a drain/flush two times. And the Odyssey is sensitive to fluid level. So don’t overfill and don’t underfill. I did all this and now my transmission is like new. I was told by three mechanics that I needed an overhaul. My total cost was less than $30. Don’t be so fast to trust the mechanics. They are in biz to make money. I wonder how many Honda transmissions were supposed to be overhauled but only received a good maintenance on them, and then returned to owner and told they have a new tranny. Oh and of course with the fat bill.
Update to earlier post: I took my van to Nalley Honda in Georgia on Sun.,Mar. 15. They diagnosed the problem as my transmission and computer board and quoted me a price of $4800 to repair. I said no way. I contacted headquarters and spoke with April on Mon. to open a case and she said the regional mngr would contact me within 1-2 days. The serviceman at Nalley, Karim, talked it over with his manager who contacted the district mngr. and on Fri. offered me 25% off parts. I told him I was not happy with that offer and that I would be contacting headquarters again (which by the way, never contacted me). Within the next hour, Karim calls me back to tell me the district and regional mngr. would offer to pay 50% of parts as a final offer. I called headquarters to see if they could do better than that. Needless to say, the regional mngr, Lilia, was no help at all! She was “professionally” nice but basically told me that I should be happy that they were offering to pay 50% of parts since my van was not under warranty. I asked her 4 or 5 times for the name of her supervisor and she adamantly stated that she was the person that I needed to talk to. She would not give me any names or anything. She stuck to her “script” and wouldn’t budge.
So here I am now….I just picked up my van and had to pay out of pocket $2500. As far as the dealership goes, I couldn’t be more pleased with the service and treatment I received from them, but based upon my experience with Lilia, I will never buy another Honda again. I think I will try to call that New York law office to see if there is anything to an upcoming lawsuit for the ’02 and ’03 models. It’s just not fair for Honda not to stand behind their product 100% expecially when there have been problems since ’99.
This is a follow-up to my original post on March 5. I have an 02 Odyssey with 130K miles, I’m the original owner and maintained the car well; I was overdue a tranny service by 3k miles according to the schedule in my owner’s manual, but had the recall oil jet part and the tranny serviced at the Honda dealer. I called Honda and they gave me a case number and required that I take my car to a dealer to have the diagonstic performed. Long story short, they agreed to cover 25% of the replacement of the remanufactured tranny and the transmisison control module. They originally didn’t tell us about the TCM or quote that in our original estimate, but then called yesterday to inform us of the news that the extra part will now cost us add’l $700 plus tax. When I didn’t respond well to that news, they ended up deciding to cover that part. So our cost should be $2500 including tax. We’ll find out the bottom line Saturday when we pick it up. I’m hoping they’ve improved the problem; the dealer did the song and dance that this tranny is improved and should last another 200k miles. We plan on keeping the vehicle til it drops dead, so I’m sure we’ll find out if he is right…
Hi,
I have a 2000 Odyssey with 106,000 miles and the transmission is dying. I am the second owner. The first owners told me that they had the transmission replaced. What are the details on that class action suit? My DNS server will not load the website so I cannot view it.
You need to do the service I talked about above. Don’t let anyone tell you different until you spend the 30 dollars to do this. I am convinced a lot of these problems can be resolved by doing this.
Thanks for answering so quickly, Paul. If I print out your explanation will my Honda mechanic understand it and do you think I could get him to do it? Is there a more detailed description anywhere?
Becky: The lawsuit gave an extended warranty to 109,000 miles, so I don’t know why you would not be covered. I live in California, maybe that makes a difference?
Go to http://www.hondatransmissionsettlement.com/php/login.php
Enter your VIN to see if you are covered in the lawsuit. Read there what is covered.
When my first transmission went out at 40k miles, the dealer flushed it, and it didn’t work. They charged me $150+. When Honda agreed to replaced my transmission, I asked them to reimburse me for the flush since it was their recommendation and it didn’t work. And they did.
If Honda doesn’t give you another supervisor to talk to, then write letters them, and fax them the letters. Ask them for the fax number of customer service. Put down specifically names of the people you talked to and the dates and time, like you documented everything, and how they did not treat you well, and how disgusted you are. I did that, and they called me.
Joyful – I spoke to my case manager Erica Dotson who says they can not review my case without any records. I’m looking everywhere for some receipts. Do you know if they called your outside mechanic for verification?
alisaom: In my case, they did not. I didn’t give them receipts, I just told them what was done. Does your mechanic have a record that they can print out for you?
In any case, even without receipts, it is a known fact that the Odyssey transmission is a factory defect. Keep complaining, write a “I am a dissatisfied customer, so fed up with your defective vehicle and poor customer service that I will never buy another Honda” letter. It’s worth a try.
An update on my case. My transmission has been formally diagnosed as needing repair. My quote is $2900. The dealer said that they could provide no assistance so I have a case in with Honda of America. I am waiting for the call back at this point, but have a letter drafted and am keeping my notes there. They gave me this runaround that since I am not the original owner, they do not owe me assistance. BTW, my Odyssey has 106,000 miles on it.
Does anybody have an address and or fax number that I can send my compliant letter to at Honda of America? Thanks.
I have an 01 Odyssey with 80+K miles. Transmission started acting up and check engine light came on. Car was rejected for inspection with three transmission codes. I am the second owner and dealer claimed the extended warranty only lasted 7 years 9 mos from date of purchase which left me 3 DAYS past the entended coverage. Dealer convinced Honda to cover and now I’m getting a new tranny free of charge. but the dealer wants $250 for me to get a new 3yr warranty. Am I getting a decent deal?
Heck yes – if the coverage is at all decent take it!!! At 80K you have other stuff waiting to go out like water pump, A/C compressor, alternator, door motors. Read the fine print and see what is specificaly excluded from warranty! Some wear items like shocks are probably not covered. My 01 is now at 160K miles, 2nd tranny, and still running fine. My first died at 75K and was replaced free of charge. I am pretty rigorous about maintenance, and I plan on getting another 100K out of this thing. BTW, do your 105K timing belt service when it’s due – they’ll do the water pumpt then too. Budget $1k for the work.
Thanks, Mike. I did get my timing belt and water pump done.
Now they are telling me I need shocks. I have 138,000 miles. What do you think?
Yes, I’d bet with 138K you need them. Even under light use that’s a lot of miles if they are the orriginals. I usually figure to get 75-100K out of a set of shocks. I recommend Tire Rack for replacements – about $200 for a fuill set of KYB front and rear. I also get my rotos and pads there. I replace rotors every 100K and usually get 50K out of a set of front pads.
2003 ody , just bought used, didn’ t do my research and am looking at a new tranny. will try the backflush and call honda 1 800… any other suggestions?
benson: don’t take their first offer.
I would call the American Honda, 1-800-999-1009, nicely ask them for the fax number to fax a letter of complaint, and who you should address it to. Make sure they know it’s a letter of complaint. Then they try to be really nice to you.
The American Honda contact is here:
http://automobiles.honda.com/information/customer-relations.aspx
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Honda Automobile Customer Service
1919 Torrance Boulevard
Mail Stop: 500 – 2N – 7D
Torrance, CA 90501-2746
By Fax
(310) 783-3023 (24 Hours)
By Phone
At our toll-free number: 1-800-999-1009
Also had great luck with an Accord. Tried an Odyssey 2003 what a mistake. 5 months later it needs a 4,000 trans with 91,000 miles I called attorney in NY above and gave them my info. They are collecting data. Please please call them Honda needs to pay. They offered me 1,000. The dealer is 1,000 higher than every shop in town so the 1,000 is nothing. This is my last Honda. Customer service just ignores me. I called Japan the other night I am in the process of emailing them a complaint now. Dan Hess 865-556-0314
Just got off the phone with the attorneys office in NY they say the class action has begun. If you have an 02/03 odyssey with problems please call and give them your info. Honda customer service person Holly Mohammat just threatened to call Honda security on me if I continue to call them. They have a huge problem and need to step up and fix it. Attorneys office said they are offering 50% but will only give me 1,000 on a 4,000 transmission for a van purchased 5 months ago. Honda now sells junk. Danny 865-556-0314
I was contacted by Honda Security yesterday. It seems as though we are not allowed to complain about their inferior products. I just told them to fax me a letter stating such so I could get it on the internet. Honda feels we need to take anything they offer and go away. Danny Hess
I was contacted by my local sheriffs department today. Seems as though you are really not allowed to complain about a Honda product such as the Honda Odyssey. Holly Mohammed who would be Lillia and Darryls boss has accused me of harassment. My local sheriffs office says one phone call a day can be deemed by the wonderful Honda folks in California. So understand I am in Knoxville Tennessee. I may be arrested for calling Holly once a day reminding her that the 03 Honda we bought 6 months ago(has been sitting at a dealer for 1 month) that now needs a 4,000 transmission is a piece of garbage. Do I really seem like a threat to the sensitive folks at Honda? Holly can be reached at 1-800-999-1009 ext114911. Please don’t complain if you call her they only want to here fom happy customers.
Daniel, probably calling them once a day and complaining is not going to get you anywhere. It would just be deemed as harassment. If you can’t get any response from the manager, then you probably have to leave it up to the attorney.
Did you write Honda a letter? Did they respond to a letter? Then you can have something written to go by.
I have 2000 Odessey I bought on 11/99 and have approx 145k on it. Had issues with the sliding door sticking and now is in the shop for the transmission. Dealer indicated they contacted Corp, but said they’d only do 6040 split; I’d have to take care of the 60%. Dealer indicating they can give trans part at wholesale for $2800. Not sure what I can do, since I’m way beyond the mileage mark for warranty.
Will be calling Corp and openning case, but is there anything else I can do?
Thank you………-R-
Make sure you document who you talk to and what they say, then you can reference it when you fax them a formal letter of complaint.
Joyful – Get a life and get off this board…
All – This tran is a mechanical device – all this mechanical will fail – so go get your toyota, hyundai, etc… Quit belly-aching and telling everyone you are done, actually do it.
I have 2002 with 80,000 miles. Mine went out too. Had to pay $3000, Honda would only cover 25%.
There is a new site tracking all the Odyssey transmission failures.
http://www.odysseytransmission.com
Everyone add your info, hopefully this will help bring more attention to Honda and the Odyssey transmission problems…
I have a 99 and it now sits in the shop waiting for the FOURTH! transmission the van has 118k on it. Total run around with the dealer! and with the 1800# as well, I was told no help and it will cost me 2375.00 for another rebuilt trans.
I told them why who I want to pay for a trans that we already had three of and they won’t hold together!
I to paid for the 100k warranty and was told today “how much did I spend putting in the other transmissions?” To think that I hadn’t spent any money on the transmissions!
My question is, who do they think bought the thing?!!!
I’m sick, we have to move my family around with this,it sits in the shop while I argue about who’s going to fix it and I’m paying for a rental car.
I was questioned on the maintenance of the van and I told them I did just about all of it,then was told to show that I really did it with a paper trail. I AM A AIRCRAFT TECHNICIAN FOR THE PAST 20 YRS- I have a real good idea how things work and follow maintance schedules and fluid changes,even at -20 below I change the oil in the driveway on both cars.
HONDA’S have real problems with the transmissions and they know it.
They fall apart inside,filters clog up and then the torque converter overheats because of the lack of fuild to the unit.
HELP!!!!
I’m sorry the 800# didn’t get you something for a new trans. I had such good experience with them.
Try writing letters and fax them to their customer service.
My mom bought me a 00 odyssey, it has 145k on the tranny. I don’t think that it has ever been changed but i could be wrong. I know that it’s starting to need a new tranny. We live in the mountains of north carolina, so when i go up and down a steap hill is feels like it’s pulling on the trans. I don’t want to pay for a new one cause the van it self doesn’t cost as much as a new one, the only problem is i have 3 kids and don’t have a payment on this van. Does anyone have any suggestions on what i should do? I have also had touble with the automatic doors, and the check engine light. It’s becoming more of a hassel to have a free and clear vehical than one you have to pay for.
You are way over the extended warranty, don’t know if you can get Honda to do anything. Let’s say if you fix everything for $5k, it’s still cheaper than buying another car…
I am the latest victim of the Odyssey tranny. We have an 01 with 87K miles and the second transmission just died on my way back from picking up my daughter at school. First was replaced at 67K so this one has only lasted 20K. I was told at the time it was a brand new transmission. Now they say it was a rebuild with only a 12K/12 mo. warranty.Dealer tells me my warranty period ran out last Dec. I have called Honda Customer Service and will supposedly receive a call from a district manager in 1-2 days. Quote for new transmission was $3100. I am astonished at the number of complaints and problems I have read. This is not the trusty Honda we all keep hearing about.
20k miles!! I was hoping mine would last at least 80k when I will be ready to downsize to a sedan, a Toyota sedan.
Thanx to all for your comments on Honda Ody. My wife and were Loyal Dodge Caravan owners, but after many Transmission issues are looking at the Honda or Toyota Seinna. After reading all the comments I will NOT buy a Honda Ody. ps I am on my 4th Tranny in my 2000 dodge Caravan Even they won’t warranty me anymore.
Hi every one, iam also a victim of odessy transmission problem, infact i was forced to replace the transmission twice and still not satisfied with the performance. So for now my next car will be a TOYOTA. Shame on you HONDA.
My story is very similar to the rest of you. I bought a “certified” 2002 Ody from the dealership in 2006. I now have 124K on it and the transmission is gone. I took it to the dealer and the quoted me a price of $4600 to replace it. They called Honda Am and got me an offer of 25% off, plus a discount on the parts which would bring the cost down to around $3000. Unfortunately, my husband was so disgusted at this point that he took the van to a local backyard mechanic who is going to use replace the Honda transmission with a Jasper transmission for $3500. Does anyone think that Honda would still make good on their offer to pay 25%, or is that offer only good if the dealer does the work. Also, when you call the 1-800 number, what information will they ask you for? Thanks
I purchased my odyssey in 2001. Less than one year later I was putting a new tranny. Now in 2009, with 103,000 miles on it, I have my 6th tranny on order. Lemon? They say not. I am so frustrated with honda. Sure, they fix it everytime assuring me the problem has been taken resolved. I’m still waiting. Honda has been the car of choice at my home. Now, I can say I am done.
113K miles, 3 transmissions, no support from Honda, no nothing.
Big disappointment. Very sad. No more Honda purchases from me or my family
I bought a new 2001 Honda Odyssey and the check engine light came on around 96500 miles. Took it to a new dealer nearby and they came back with tranny, catalytic convertor, struts (!!!) & cracked motor mounts (!!!). I figured that they are trying to drum up business, though they talked to Honda and said that Honda would cover 50% of transmission. So took it to the dealer that I bought it from and they are saying tranny, catalytic convertor, Timing belt and spark plugs.
I talked to Honda and initiallyt they said tough luck, you are out of warranty. When I told them about the first dealer’s offer they said that’s the best they can do. I asked them how they could say tough luck first and then 50% is the best. They gave me a spiel about each case being different. They initially would not give me a supervisor, but after a second call said that a super would call me within 24 hrs. I don’t know if it is worth it now to fix any of this.
I was shocked that Honda had such a bad transmission. The reason I bought Honda was because of their presumed relaibility. I will never buy Honda again.
Any advise on how to handle this?
Keep after them. Call and talk to higher up, and fax them letters.
My mechanic told me to change my engine mounts at about 125k miles, and I did. Now I’m thinking if maybe I didn’t need it. I’m not going back to him.
Update
Super from Honda called the same day and was very curt and said the offer (50% for tranny) would be valid only for a couple of days(whereas the 1st dealer had given a written diagnosis and offer valid for 30 days). I felt like I was dealing with shysters and not a reputable company. It was really shocking to me that they do not have a uniform spelt out poliicy of dealing with this.
The dealer that I bought it from came back to me and said that Honda is not willing to go above 50% but that the dealer would throw in couple of hundred bucks. I guess that this is the best I can get and am going to take them up on the offer.
I will never buy any Honda product again. Mark my words, this coimpany is going down the tubes in a few years the way GM & Chrysler went.
One more question is that how come 2 dealers come up with different diagnosis for the same vehicle. One said motor mounts and struts while the other says timing belt & Spark plugs none of which are related to to “check engine light” coming on.
I would say never go to a dealer but in cases like tranny problems manufacturer might not accept servicing done by non-dealer mechanics. Catch 22.
Just wanting to reply about the motor mounts… That’s another problem area with these vans. My front and right motor mounts were also broken and recommended to be replaced. I just forked out the $550 for that repair last week. Just replaced the tranny in March for $2500 after Honda’s best offer. Timing belt and tires last year too (granted, these are normal routine maintainence items), but this car has cost $4200 in the past 17 months and it’s only worth $6500. We bought new and paid $30K and were planning on keeping forever. I keep telling myself, “It’s cheaper than another car payment,” but maybe I’m delusional. ha ha!! And they want me to replace the platinum tipped spark plugs and do a major service with my next oil change. Another $450 buckaroos. I told them that they don’t need to to the tranny part of the maintainence since it was just replaced, and the mechanic replied, “You can’t service these trannies too often.” Yep, he knows their history. GEEESH!! Gimme a break. So I’m suposed to service the tranny every 5K miles to keep the tranny gremlins away? WHATEVER….
I have a question. If engine mounts are cracked and I don’t replace them, what will happen? As of yet I do not see any symptoms. I just had tranny, timing belt and spark plugs replaced. Am planning to keep it for 2 years and then trade it in. Will it last that long with cracked engine mounts?
Like the majority of you, I also purchased a 01 Ody, used in 3/04. Big mistake. By 07/04 I was needing a new trans. Not to mention they tried to scold me at the svc. center that my trans fluid was bad. I only had it for 4 months. It was all lack of care before my purchase. To make a long story short, I’ve had very poor performance from my Ody. My trans has been done twice. I just paid off my Ody in March 09 and my warranty is up. Now, just my luck my trans yet again needs to be replaced. Ughhh, does anyone know if there is anything I can do. I’m a single mom with 3 kids and I worked dam hard to get this car and pay it off, I’m not trying say my story is any worst than anyone else. But I feel so ripped off.
Okay, now we have a new issue to add to our list of replacement/maintainence expenses these past 1 1/2 years. Transmission: done ($2500) Motor mounts: done ($550) Timing belt: done ($800) Tires: done ($400). And now we add the newest member to the list: A/C compressor: repair pending ($1100). We drove from Las Vegas to Tucson with NO A/C for 8 hours last week. It must’ve been over 130 degrees in our van, since it was 117 outside. Oh, but no worries: IT’S A DRY HEAT!! Ha ha ha. I’m laughing all the way to the bank to withdraw the remainder of my savings to add this newest member to our ‘Odyssey Gremlin Adoption Plan.’ Sure wish they’d have warned me about the extended gremlin family when I bought this van. I guess this is Honda’s way of assuring they won’t go broke during the recession. :- P Looks like I can’t afford those new platinum tipped spark plugs yet… Seems like Odyssey owners ought to be able to receive an Ody gremlin adoption tax credit from the gov’t since they can give bailout money for so many other things!
I HAVE A 2004 ODYSSEY AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND TCS LIGHT CAME ON TOOK IT TO HONDA AND THE CODE IS P0740 TRANSMISSION. THEY INFORMED ME IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND NO WARRANTY OR RECALLS. FUNNY I HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THIS ISSUE. MY VAN IS ONLY 5 YRS. OLD AND HAS LESS THAN 100,000 MILES! I AM CONTACTING HONDA IN REGARDS TO THIS. I KNOW THEY EXTENDED THE WARRANT FOR 99-01’S ODYSSEYS FOR THE EXACT SAME ISSUE.
I have the 2001. It was purchased new. Within the first six months of owning the van, I found that the TCS would not turn off. I luckily was able to have it replaced under warranty. There also has been many other issues with this van, including 7 yes 7 transmissions. Think I have a lemon? Honda does not feel that way. They think it is fine now, but it still is slipping. No more Honda for me!
Our local repair shop just serviced our ’00 Odyssey after it started shifting very abruptly. They told us that a mount was also cracked, probably due to the shifting problem. They flushed and filled, and it’s running much more smoothly now, though they believe the problem may return in 15-20k miles.
They have worked on at least 1/2 dozen Odysseys with transmissions that couldn’t be fixed. They have replaced them with Jaspers, which they say have been working very well.