Faults:
DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES PURCHASE THE 1998-2002 HONDA ACCORD 3.0 V6!
The stories are true. My transmission failed the first time at just over 120,000 miles. Going 70mph down the freeway, the computer suddenly drops the transmission into D1 with no warning, and I nearly lost control of the vehicle and narrowly missed a major accident. 2nd gear and the torque converter had to be replaced along with all the transmission electronics. (Cost: $2,600)
Honda of America wouldn't assist with any of the cost, based on the fact that I was the 2nd owner of the vehicle. This kind of customer service is unacceptable, especially since there is currently a civil-action lawsuit underway regarding this particular drive train. (J30A1)
Link#1 - Lawsuit info:
http://www.acuraworld.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=24415
It is also in the Honda Odyssey, though I don't know what years.
The second failure occurred at 150,000 miles. Same failure, same equipment. I had a third party warranty on the new transmission, so this one will be free. No thanks to Honda. As soon as I get it back out of the shop, I am selling this vehicle and will never buy another Honda. I honestly thought Honda was a better company than this.
I am not the only one... Here is a link to a forum with a tracker of individuals with the same type of failure.
Link#2 - Official J30 Dead transmission thread:
http://www.v6performance.net/forums/showthread.php?t=63785
12th Sep 2007, 20:36
Honda isn't as good as many make them out to be. They have quite a few current class action lawsuits against them.