Odyssey tranny issues?

[crimsonaudio]

I've heard tons of horror stories regarding different model Odysseys needing transmission replacement - what years are most affected? Our 2003 has about 70k miles and if it's going to start having issues, I'd rather get rid of it now than strand my family on the road sometime in the near future.

So far we've had zero issues, but I'd rather not wait until it's too late to make a move...

[weatherman]

Originally Posted by crimsonaudio

I've heard tons of horror stories regarding different model Odysseys needing transmission replacement - what years are most affected? Our 2003 has about 70k miles and if it's going to start having issues, I'd rather get rid of it now than strand my family on the road sometime in the near future.

So far we've had zero issues, but I'd rather not wait until it's too late to make a move...

With an '03 model you might be okay, but from around '98 or '99 through '01 or '02, there were major issues with the Odyssey's trannys. The best thing to do is ask someone at your local Honda dealer that you can trust.

[rfdixon]

I want to echo what Weatherman said. You are probably ok with a 2003.
My wife's 1999 Odyssey had it's first transmission replaced at 39K miles (though out of warranty, Honda payed for the tranny and labor).
This past Christmas we had to have the transmission replaced again at 123K miles. With the help of our dealer (where I have bought 3 Hondas including a 2007 Ridgeline), Honda agreed to pay for this transmission as well, though I payed the labor costs ($800).
I have owned 5 Hondas and have never replaced another transmission, though I drove my 2 Accords for nearly 200K miles. I will say that with the 3rd transmission my wife's Odyssey, though 9 years old, still drives very well.

[crimsonaudio]

Thanks for the encouraging words, guys. As it is, we're still thrilled with the Ody and wish to keep it for a few more years. So far, we've had ZERO issues and you guys have made me feel better about it.

Thanks again.

[MTPockets08]

The first major trans upgrade was not until 2007. Like the other fellas say & per the complaints you see, ~2000-2003 seem to be the worst, 2004-2006 better. Honestly I think it's just because the years/miles are not high enough yet on the 2004-2006. Don't sweat it though. Do your regular maintenance and Honda will help out in the event of trans issues. Look at the bright side, Chrysler and Fords MV ATs fail at equal frequency.

Joel

[dparrothead1]

I know that Honda has a problem with some years trannys.....

BUT, complaints are sort of like spilled oil.......doesn't take a lot to look like a real big mess....

I remember seeing a poll on the other site of the people that actually had experienced a tranny failure and the amount was very low.

What I am trying to say is, don't spend all your time worrying about something that hasn't happened yet........do you maintenance and enjoy your van.....but keep in mind that everything mechanical breaks....even Hondas!!!!!!

[MTPockets08]

Originally Posted by dparrothead1

BUT, complaints are sort of like spilled oil.......doesn't take a lot to look like a real big mess....

Very true, plus the vast majority just post online to complain and you never hear from them again. I have heard rumor that the failure rate on the earlier Ody ATs was 25%.

Joel

[Cwalti]

Originally Posted by dparrothead1

I know that Honda has a problem with some years trannys.....

BUT, complaints are sort of like spilled oil.......doesn't take a lot to look like a real big mess....

I remember seeing a poll on the other site of the people that actually had experienced a tranny failure and the amount was very low.

What I am trying to say is, don't spend all your time worrying about something that hasn't happened yet........do you maintenance and enjoy your van.....but keep in mind that everything mechanical breaks....even Hondas!!!!!!

Well, almost... '99 through '02 Odys and Accords are affected by the tranny problem. I got my tranny replaced after 8 years and 85k miles at no cost to me, but after a class action lawsuit prevailed. (I was not part of the action but benefited from it.) It was explained to me as springs in the control valve body that break and do not close the orifice anymore creating multiple gear engagement conditions. The error code would read 'Wrong Gear' or something to that effect. My symptoms were delayed up-shift 1st to 2nd and hard down shifts 2nd to 1st. I have currently 89 k miles and the tranny as smooth as silk.
I love the Ody as a 'High Speed Transport' for easy long distance runs. I cannot imagine easier and more comfortable traveling than 4 people in an Ody. I once set the cruise control at 125 mph between Scotty's Castle and Las Vegas for a few miles, and none of the passengers even noticed the speed we were traveling at. I do run Michelin HydroEdges and like their over all performance... I love all my Hondas (...see my sig...) and hope to soon add another one to the 'collection'... :-)

[herrhaus]

Originally Posted by MTPockets08

Very true, plus the vast majority just post online to complain and you never hear from them again. I have heard rumor that the failure rate on the earlier Ody ATs was 25%.

Joel

The figure that I've heard is more like 12%.

herrhaus (fingers, toes & eyes crossed)