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Have a 2003 Honda Odyssey.  For 2 1/2 years had problems with 'hesitation' in my van.  I immediately thought it was the transmission, but when I took it to Honda it was dismissed because they could not duplicate the problem.  This hesitation continued and I noticed it happened at about 40-60 kmh.  It was very intermitant.  No family members could duplicate the problem either, but a few times the teens could feel the hesitation when driving with me.  Then the problem seemed to occur more frequently and when I then took it back to Honda the service mgr took it on a test drive with me.  I drove the van first and drove the van in the speed of 40-60 kmh (about 25-45 miles per hour)and the problem occurred.  Then the service mgr drove the van and eventually duplicated the problem.  He then informed me that he could not tell what the problem was, but he would contact headquarters.  Now I knew that there had been major recalls on the transmissions of these vans and I informed the service mgr of this info.  In fact, I took the info off the internet and provided him with a copy.  When he got back to me on the telephone several weeks later, the service mgr informed me that he still did not have an answer for me.  I informed him that I was not happy and that the problem had to be solved.  Eventually he called my husband and I into the dealership.  He informed me that headquarters thought my driving habits were the problem and that perhaps certain roads should be avoided that I usually take!!!  I informed the service mgr. that the road service had nothing to do with my van's problems.  That I drive on many types of roads daily around our city and it happens at specific speeds and just happens to be more obvious on certain streets, but that was due tothe fact that the speed limit was within the 'problem' area for the van.  In other words, on the roads/streets where the speed limit was posted at 30-60 kmh was where I felt the hesitation mainly.  It was a specific speed and gear that made the difference in identifying the problem for us.  After a few more visits and my determination that the problem was not going away, that it was not my driving habits, etc. etc. I was told that even though Honda was not sure it was the transmission they would provide a new transmission, but without any warranty.

We now have a new transmission for 2 yrs now and I can't see or feel a problem with the transmission -- thankfully.

Go after your dearlerships and if you are forced into a lawsuit, then pursue your financial investment.

We too knew of the recall on the transmission and actually went into Honda for them to 'replace' a small part as part of the recall.  But the problem did occur after that part was replaced or the adjustment was made to the Odyssey????  That is where my husband and I became concerned.  We asked ourselves the following:  It can't be the transmission acting up because we took care of the recall adjustment/repair.  Our hesitation came after we did all the things Honda asked us to do as a customer.  We always had our maintenance done on time and with the Honda dealership, etc. etc.  Now I just take the vehicle elesewhere and it is less expensive.  Only if I have to will I go back to Honda for repairs that no one else can fix or for parts that no one can find.  So far we  have had a successful 'new' transmission.

Good luck.
Canada.  

I am willing to join the lawsuit too.  I have a 2001 Honda with just 55K miles, when the car was diagnosed with internal transmission failure and it had to be replaced.  Please email metry2001@yahoo.com to respond.  

Hello Everyone,  I'm sorry we're all suffering so much with our Honda Odyssey Van transmission problems. I'M FURIOUS and quite willing to get even if we can by taking legal action if need be.  I have a beautiful 2001 model that I also babied and religiously maintained.  In 2006 it broke down and Honda paid for a new transmission, saying that there was some sort of "recall" on this van.  At the time, I was grateful and thought that the problem was solved.  I thought a new transmission meant no further problems.  WRONG.  Just two years later and only 40,000 miles more on it, my van has broken down again, and this time I'm being told "the warranty" (no longer a mention of recall or defect) is over and that it will cost me $4790 to repair and replace the transmission.  "As a kindness" they brought down that figure to $4400.  Well, I can't afford it.  I'm furious.  Who ever heard of a car of van needing a brand new transmission ever two years?!!!  I mean if we were driving some sort of antique car with parts that no longer exist, I could sort of imagine, but this is a Honda for @#$'s sake!  You'd think they would maintain and take responsibility for their own errors in engineering and manufacture. This is truly outrageous and I certainly hope allllll of you take legal action. It was only by complaining the first time around that the first recall happened. We need to do  it again, but this time, I think they need to replace our vans, period. I mean, how can any of us go on driving a van that requires such repairs every two years?  It has lost it's resale value as well.  Its a lemon, folks.  The best that Honda could do is return our money back so that we can buy a better car. If they won't do that, at least repair our disgusting transmissions for free for the rest of our lives!!!!!!!  I'm so angry.  Their dealerships should be boycotted.  

Did you have any luck. We are at 94,000 on a 2002 and the transmission went and now they claim to repalce it they also have to change the computer out - $5,0000.

UGH!  

Did you have any luck. We are at 94,000 on a 2002 and the transmission went and now they claim to replace it they also have to change the computer out - $5,0000.

UGH!  

I own an 03 Honda Odyssey with less than 100,000 miles.  The transmission failed in one day, with no previous signs of trouble.  Van had been serviced regularly, with fluids inspected.  Honda of America is now denying any compensation, because the transmission fluid was not changed as spelled out in the manual.  My mechanic and a tech at the Honda dealership where I took the van do not believe the transmission fluid was the problem.  I am pursuing a complaint against Honda of America with the attorney general's office in Ohio and will explore joing a class-action suit.  Honda has clamped down on any ``goodwill assistance"  so I am trying to clamp down on them.  I have read about owners who have followed the manual religiously, and still had transmission failures.  

i have a 2002 odyssey with 104,260 miles.  it has just been hauled to the dealership with a bum transmission.  HMA responded within 2 hours of contacting them and offered to split the $4000 repair bill with me.  this vehicle has been meticulously maintained and was inspected at the 2004 recall.  i feel that honda is trying to handle thier obvious design flaw on a case by case basis instead of admitting the problem and taking care of thier dwindling customer base.  i just gave them a $1000 for timing belt service and a brake job.  i am very disappointed in a company that i always thought was above such dispicable practices.  my next mini-van will be a toyota or hyundai.  

We just took our 2002 odyssey with 81,000 miles to have the transmission looked at. The dealer called back later saying the mechanic managed to get the same behavior (hesitation and high rev without engaging into the next gear). He said it's the beginning of transmission failure. The service mgr also said that Honda would be willing to split the cost down the middle ($1700 for us). I then called American Honda to complain about having to pay out of pocket for a faulty product, and got stonewalled. They told me that this is the best we're going to be able to do.  

I also have transmission problem with my 2002 Odyssey that will cost about $4800 on first estimate by first dealer. I contacted another dealer and was offered 50% off with 3year/36000 warranty. However, the cost is still enormous considering today's economy. My van has 104,300 miles in it.   I bought the van from friend at end of his lease with 60000 miles for $17000, on July 2006. And through his service paperworks, I found a transmission recall (and service) back in early 2003. But the dealer can only go up to 50% off. I shouldn't have to pay for Honda's defective design, but I have nowhere to go. I need to have the van fixed. I am in for any class action suit for 2002 Odyssey.  

Wow, just found you all!

mine is a 2000, and it got its "goodwill" tranny replaced at around 70K miles.  Now at 150K miles and the thing exploded on me and my family on the fwy, leaving us stranded (on the side of the fwy!!) and needing a tow.  BTW, all maintenance is always done religiously, and far sooner than the factory-recommended intervals.

So it is now at a trusted indep shop.  What can I do?  Am I out of luck since I am not dealing with a Dealership?  And where is the best place for my shop to get a good tranny that will last.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated ...thanks!!

Oh yeah, and how can I join the lawsuit again??  (please remind me as this is a long thread).

Edward  

All the info plus much more is on the other Honda transmission thread, the one with the 70,000 views plus.

I am meeting with the attorney this week to get this going on behalf of all fed up customers.

Penny  

I have 2003 Odyssey and on the way back to NY from florida my transmission started to fail at 101,000 miles. cost of new transmission $2900. contacted america honda and they say "sorry pal warranty is up".  this is my third and last honda going over to toyota.  

In regard to all of your Honda Transmission problems, it seems that none of you have found a qualified Honda mechanic.  I found one that worked for a Honda Dealer for 14 years, quit and opened his own shop as he was tired of seeing people ripped off.

From 1999 - 2002 Honda did a recall on their transmissions.  2003 there was a call in to inspect a drum and seal but, not really problems like earlier.

I purchased a 2003 Oddesey with 33,000 miles on it.  Took an extended warranty on it which cost me close to $2000.  I now have 82,000 on it and am within a few hundred miles of the expiration of that warranty.

My engine light and TCS lights came on and the computer diagnosed the transmission.  I am getting a new transmission and being paid $35 per day toward the rental of a van.

I must say I have rented a Toyota Sienna and it is a wonderful car.

Although I love my Oddesey, this is a far superior car except I get great gas mileage out of my Honda and I do not know what the Toyota gets.

The jist of this is that there is not a real recall on the 2003 and although it happens, it is not a bad tranny like the 1999 - 2002.

I sold a 1992 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon with 176,000 miles on it for the Honda.  In the 6 years I owned the car, I never had a minutes trouble with it and got 17 - 23 mpg.  That was luxury and I still miss it.

I hope this helps some frustrated individual.  

This is in response to your comment of being unable to locate a qualified Honda Mechanic.  The transmission issues have absolutely nothing to do with who repairs the vehicle.  The issue is with the design, perhaps you should do more research.  As for your being paid $35 a day for a rental car?  For those of us who received full compensation for their repair bill, the jist of that would be?????

Penny A. Shanley  

I have a failed transmission on a 2003 Odyssey, 92,000 miles...has had all service work completed on a timely basis; had the recall issue addressed by the dealer before I bought it used 3 years ago. I just finished paying the thing off and now my mechanic tells me its $4000 for a new transmission. I feel that I really got ripped off by Honda and will never purchase another.