The car has an automatic transmission system. I was driving just fine when the transmission slipped and it felt like the car was in neutral. I was pressing the gas, but no power was given to the car. I could brake and steer just fine so I pulled over and put the car into park. It engaged into gear fine and I continued on. This continued to happen slipping in and out while driving. I wouldn't even have to stop and put into park, I would slip "out" of gear and feel like it was in neutral. I would pump the gas a few times, and rev up the engine and then it would magically engage into gear. Honda dealership stated the transmission was bad, stated that pieces of metal were in my fluid and my entire transmission needed replacement. Estimate $2K-4K - will know more when they break it open to find out. Honda America states that I had taken the van in for the transmission recall in 2005 - I don't recall doing that, but if I did why is it happening? now the van will not pass the ca smog test simply for functional check portion. The emission portion is fine. Seems the repairs exceed the value of the car. Working with Honda America to get warranty or recall to offset the cost of repair. At this point, the car is deemed non operational.

- Castro Valley, CA, USA

Accelerator pedal frequently sticks in the idle position, with resulting lurch forward when the pedal is pushed further toward the floor. The service department reports that this is caused by a sticking dash pot in the accelerator system; they have cleaned it (which does provide some temporary relief) but the problem returns. Now, it seems that the accelerator will (once, so far) stick in an advanced position, requiring significant brake force to slow the vehicle so that the ignition can be turned off.

- Los Osos, CA, USA

Gas fumes leaked throughout the vehicle. Gas smell became overwhelming when vehicle was driven for awhile with all windows down. Dealer notified. The consumer received a recall letter in reference to a defective gas tank. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and it was determined that the gas tank needed to be replaced. Eight months later the consumer noticed an overwhelming odor of gasoline. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was determined that the gas tank gasket was defective. The gasket filled with gasoline and splashed into the inside of the vehicle. As a result of the defective the entire family was ill from inhaling the fumes.

- Vero Beach, FL, USA

American Honda motor co., Inc. Honda automobile customer service 1919 torrance boulevard mail stop: 500 - 2N - 7D torrance, ca 90501-2746 claim number: [xxx] dear Honda, we are writing to you in order to put you on notice of a potential vehicle defect with my new 2003 Honda Odyssey, VIN: [xxx]. after having the vehicle just 6 weeks the vehicle experienced the following problems: 1. brakes began to get softer and would not engage till almost to the floor 2. while waiting at a signal the car engine appears to be revving up and shaking 3. rattling noise emanating from the muffler linkage 4. low fuel warning light comes on when gage is still at tank. Of grave concern is an incident that occurred last Friday, August 8, 2003 while my wife was taking my son to celebrate his 6th birthday at summer camp. This is what happened: After making a turn on a steep hill my wife proceeded down the hill. While going down the hill the brakes completely failed to operate and the following lights illuminate on the dash, battery, oil, door open warning lights. The engine was still on and she had to use the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. We were very fortunate that there was no accident, the vehicle was not going fast and we were able to bring the vehicle to a stop. My wife was extremely frightened and upset by the incident. She was almost in a very serious accident! we had the vehicle towed to beaverton Honda who advises us thus far they could not duplicate the problems. You can surely understand our concerns with this vehicle, especially if there appears to be nothing wrong with it. We would like Honda of America to take the following steps to protect our family and it's brand: 1. provide us with a loaner Odyssey until& (2) 2. exchange our Odyssey with the same exact vehicle from a different factory or fully refund our purchase. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Lake Oswego, OR, USA