26th Jan 2007, 09:27

Can anyone help us? We had our 01 Honda Odyssey transmission replaced in Nov. 06 (recalled at no cost to us). One month later, the van blows cold air instead of heat (we suspected the thermostat). Upon arriving at home, we noticed antifreeze leaking. It didn't start for us the next day, so we had it towed to a Honda dealer. They said the engine is ruined, and must be replaced. Could the poor initial transmission be the cause for the engine failure, only one month after a new transmission? Note: No lights were lit on the dash during the "cold air" incident (ex. no oil or engine lights were lit). Thanks for your input!

3rd Mar 2007, 18:06

I came here to look for dirt because I'm considering buying a 2002 Odyssey. I know better than to expect a full spectrum of consumer comments - how many people bother to write reviews when they're NOT angry?

So I learned that a lot of people are complaining about the transmission and a wide variety of electrical issues. There are always complaints about those power sliding doors, no surprise. People should know that this was the first year for that 5-speed automatic transmission in this car (I think), which is reason to expect some trouble. Unfortunately, it's YOUR job to spot the trouble and get responsible service, even if Honda does everything it should in a recall. The dealer is more likely to be the source of your trouble, in my opinion.

These comments (thank you very much) led me to search for safety recalls. I searched and landed at the NHTSA website: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/defect/

Where I quickly found 228 "technical service bulletins" (which is probably not unusual, many just about the right way to change the oil), plus 2 safety recalls (transmission 2nd gear overheating and timing-belt obstruction).

I learned to look for two marks on the VIN to see if the recalls had been serviced; they hadn't. I don't know if I want to browse through the TSBs.

Monday I'll call a dealer to make sure the recalls will be honored. I suppose this means I might get a new transmission at 100,000 miles. Maybe I can also get timing-belt replacement for the price of the belt. That doesn't sound all bad to me. Anyway, I'll have the details and the instructions in hand if I find myself trying to convince a dealer that there's a problem!

On second thought, maybe I'll go buy it on some Caribbean island for $2800, if that other reviewer is to be believed! Maybe I'll get into the import business!

3rd Mar 2007, 21:36

I have had good luck with the recall situation in another sense. I bought a 1996 Honda Accord from a Toyota dealer in Minnesota and the thing showed up on Honda's records of never having any of its recalls ever done on it. These recalls were issued back in 1998 regarding emissions and things regarding to that. Honda performed all the recalls for free which would have cost 1200+$ had it not been a recall. I bet the person had a lot of problems with this car before me because they never took care of all these recalls so they bought a Toyota. Now I have a car that runs perfect and it did not cost me a cent to fix it and it has 140,000 miles now.

4th Mar 2007, 10:56

There shouldn't be any relation between the transmission and the engine, other than the fact that they are bolted together at a mating surface. Otherwise, they share no fluids. I suppose there is a possibility that when the transmission was replaced, the mechanics might have "done something" either inadvertently or to get you back to the shop for repairs. If they had to remove the engine to replace the transmission, that would be a different story. Where was it leaking antifreeze from? It could just be a coincidence.

8th May 2007, 21:04

I also own a 02 Ody EX-L. Very disappointed! On the way to the zoo with my family, tranny goes out on the interstate. Not that I think Honda is a bad auto co. but considering that just replaced the half shaft 2 months ago (not cheap) I am getting disgusted with the van. If you're looking to buy a van, don't buy a older Ody. Overall it's a nice van, just poor engineering. Not a good choice if your trying to support a family too!!!

14th May 2007, 15:02

I have a 2002 Odyssey. The van has been reliable as we have taken it on several road trips. This past weekend the "D" green light started blinking. I checked the tranny dipstick, the fluid was not to the marks as required. There was almost no fluid on the dipstick. I added about 1/2 a quart of fluid to the mark, the blinking stopped and I drove for about 300 mile. Now the dealer (who checked and OK'd all fluid level last week) is tell me about a potential fourth gear issue and potential tranny replacement.

Anyone experience such thing before?

1st Jun 2007, 20:08

Re Honda Odyssey Tranny Recalls - I just dropped my 02 Odyssey off today @ the Honda dealer due to the tranny acting up (shifting poorly, ck engine light, etc.). This evening they let me know that the tranny was shot and they had ordered a new one. They told me that Honda would pay for parts, but I needed to pay for the labor which is $863. has anyone heard of a partial payment recall/warranty for this recall or am I getting jerked around? Also, a good explanation of the tranny recall was on a Yahoo thread so I copied the best answer for folks to see:

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker.

Honda Does have a problem with these tranmission in the second generation Odyssey take it from someone who changed a lot of them. there is a recall on these transmission, but you have to be with in a certain year range and VIN# range also I believe the mileage plays a factor. I would call a honda dealership describe the problem and give them your VIN code Honda is very good for warranty coverage. I didn't like it as a TECH, but it helps the customer.

24th Jun 2007, 11:53

2002 Odyssey EX-Leather. 147000 Miles. We are the original owners. We didn't pay as much as most for it because we had it imported from Canada and saved about 6000. Overall this has been a great and dependable car for our family. Regular maintenance is key. Inside and out the car still looks brand new. One thing I can tell you is that it is a heavy car and eats brakes, tires and rotors. We also only average about 23 mpg combined city/highway.

At 142000 miles the tranny dropped on a long trip, 1200 miles from home. We left it and had it rebuilt, but not at a Honda dealer. We chose the best tranny shop in the area. We were okay with the rebuild until it broke again 2000 miles later. We had it rebuilt again, but closer to home. The first person who rebuilt it actually honored the warranty and paid to have it fixed here at home. What a guy! Believe it or not, the car has never run better. Tranny is smooth. Amazing.

We have had problems with the sliding doors, but simple ones. We keep them greased. But age has gotten to the rollers on one door and we have to fix that for the door to open properly without rubbing against the body of the car.

I think we are going to drive this baby into the dirt. This really has been a great family car. I do believe the newer Odysseys have answered most of the earlier year problems with the trannys. But remember, heavy car means lots of brakes, rotors and tires.

We are going to stick with Honda after this car dies, but we will probably downsize to a Civic for the better mpg rating. In the past we were very pleased 1995 Civic EX owners. That was a great car!