10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 7
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
84,006 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2003 Honda Odyssey transmission problems

transmission problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2003 Honda Odyssey:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2003 Honda Odyssey Owner Comments (Page 11 of 17)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #132

Jan 012009

Odyssey

  • 120,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2003 Honda Odyssey. While driving approximately 55 mph, the transmission downshifted when accelerating. Suddenly, the vehicle lurched forward and the check engine warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The warning indicator remained illuminated until the engine was turned off. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing and they replaced the relay switch. The technician recommended that the transmission be replaced. The vehicle was previously repaired according to NHTSA campaign id number 04V176000 (power train:automatic transmission); however, the remedy was insufficient. The transmission was replaced by an independent mechanic. The failure and current mileages were 120,000.

- Winchester , VA, USA

problem #131

Jul 122009

Odyssey

  • 89,000 miles
Honda 2003 Odyssey transmission failure. What scared us most was that it happened yesterday right on the highway when our whole family with two young kids was riding together. Luckily I was able to pull it over to the shoulder before transmission totally gave up on us and the vehicle couldn't move at all. Our Odyssey was bought new in October, 2002 as 2003 model. It has less then 90K miles and been well maintained. The problem started to surface around 70K, which at first didn't look so severe. The engine shook at stop sign and low rev, transmission didn't go smoothly during acceleration. We had mechanics looked at it, and based on their suggestion we had tire balanced and rotated. Last week the engine light went on, so we called Honda dealer and were told to wait until over the weekend to see whether the light would go off. Since it happened before and the light did go off after a few days, we took his word. Only after this incident did I find out over the internet that the transmission issue with Honda Odyssey was not an isolated case. It received so much complaint resulting into a class action settlement which Honda offered extended coverage to 109,000 miles or 93 months for some '99-01 Odyssey in the U.S.a. although from 2002 model Odyssey was outfitted with a five-speed automatic, general reliability of the transmission did not improve until 2004, which the end of model year for second generation Odyssey. I shared my story hoping that Honda could acknowledge the transmission defect in 2002-04 models and take similar actions, so that we as customer would have a safe and peace-in-mind environment every time we step into our minivan.

- Blue Bell, PA, USA

problem #130

Jun 102009

Odyssey

  • 73,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Odyssey. While driving less than 35 mph, the transmission became locked. The manufacturer stated that there were no recalls for the vehicle. The VIN could not be verified by the dealer. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were less than 73,000.

- Florence, SC, USA

problem #129

May 012009

Odyssey

  • 60,380 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Bought a 2003 Honda Odyssey in January 2009 and by may the transmission went bad. Contacted Honda in regards to the recall and they said the second gear was replaced when the previous owner had it. However, contacted the local Honda dealer who's service manager indicated that no repairs were ever done on the vehicle (which the car fax indicated the same thing) the van has now sat in the driveway for nearly three months and I am paying $357/month on the loan and full insurance coverage. No one seems to want to honor the recall. When I asked the local Honda dealer for the number of the district service manager, he refused and when I called back and asked another individual if they could give me the number, her response was "what do you need that for" it's pointless to call because it's just going to lead you back to us!" I wasn't expecting the local Honda dealership to be on the defense but apparently they didn't want me to call. My grandfather owns the same vehicle I have and had his transmission completely replaced because of the recall. My question is: Why am I not having the recalled honored for my vehicle" the recall clearly states that the gear failure could result in transmission lockup, which could result in a crash. Not something I want to happen, especially with my five children in the car! please advise me on what I can do to get the ball rolling and get this issue cleared up and my van back on the road. Thank you for your time.

- Port Orange, FL, USA

problem #128

Jun 242009

Odyssey 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 112,375 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Odyssey. While driving various speeds, the transmission would sporadically downshift. The dealer stated that the second and third gears failed and the transmission needed to be replaced. Several years ago, the vehicle was inspected according to NHTSA campaign id number 04V176000 (power train:automatic transmission), but no repairs were made. The vehicle has not been repaired. The VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 112,375. Updated 09/01/09. At a stop after the leaving the interstate, the vehicle slipped put of gear. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer. A diagnosis revealed the transmission was slipping on 1-2 and 2-3 shifts and needed to be replaced. No abnormal discoloration was found in the transmission and an oil jet kit was installed. Updated 09/03/09.

- Tallahassee, FL, USA

problem #127

Jun 192009

Odyssey

  • 35,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that the transmission needed to be replaced in his vehicle because the warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The warning light stated that the gear failure will cause the transmission to lock up. The contact took his vehicle to the dealer and they are researching the failure. The failure mileage was 35,000.

- Middletown, CA, USA

problem #126

Jun 102009

Odyssey

  • 45,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2003 Honda Odyssey. While driving less than 50 mph, the traction control system warning light and the emission control light illuminated. In addition, the rpms began to increase. The contact noticed black smoke under the hood of the vehicle. She was unable to stop the vehicle immediately because there was nowhere to pull the vehicle over. Once stopped, all of the occupants exited the vehicle. The driver was transported to the hospital for smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning. One week prior to the incident, the vehicle was inspected and the contact was informed that there were no failures with the vehicle. A case was filed with the manufacturer, but they could not promise any liability or assistance. The transmission was determined to be the cause of the failure. The failure and current mileages were less than 45,000.

- Sayville, NY, USA

problem #125

May 202003

Odyssey

  • 58,000 miles
We have a 2003 Honda Odyssey exl with 58K. Engine light and tcs light came on the other day and there is also surging or trans shifting problems with the car.

- San Diego, CA, USA

problem #124

May 012009

Odyssey

  • 88,000 miles
2003 Honda Odyssey with 88,000 miles that is spontaneously going out of drive into neutral causing lack of acceleration and over revving of engine. This will happen at inopportune times such as entering freeway and merging with oncoming traffic. Transmission light and tcs light are on. Told by dealer transmission needs replacement and there is no manufacturer assistance for cost incurred.

- Winston Salem, NC, USA

problem #123

Mar 192009

Odyssey

  • 98,000 miles
Blinking D on transmission, with check engine light. Transmission locks up, no response.

- Detroit, MI, USA

problem #122

Mar 032009

Odyssey

  • 126,689 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Catastrophic failure to automatic transmission in 2003 Honda Odyssey. Very expensive repair. Numerous published problems with this transmission.

- Prosper, TX, USA

problem #121

Mar 202009

Odyssey

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,893 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Odyssey. In 2004, the contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign id number 04V176000 (power train:automatic transmission). She took the vehicle to the dealer and they installed a jet kit for the transmission, so it would not experience discoloration due to overheating. After the installation, the failure recurred. She called the manufacturer and was informed that they would not repair it again. The contact would be responsible for the repair costs. The failure mileage was 82,893. Updated 06/11/09. Updated 06/12/09.

- Oakley, CA, USA

problem #120

Feb 032009

Odyssey

  • 22,332 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Odyssey. The vehicle was repaired according to NHTSA campaign id number 04V176000 (power train:automatic transmission). Immediately after the repair, the contact noticed that the failure still persisted. Several years later, when attempting to make a turn at 5 mph, she noticed that the vehicle would not shift gears properly. In addition, the engine warning indicator was illuminated on the instrument panel. The dealer stated that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer stated that they would only assume partial financial responsibility for the repair, the contact would have to pay $1,700. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 22,332 and current mileage was 72,000.

- Phoenixville, PA, USA

problem #119

Feb 092008

Odyssey

  • 95,000 miles
One week before I took my van to the dealership for repair, I noticed that my van would roll back from the R position when I put it in the D position. Then one night the engine started revving up from a stop position as I began to accelerate. That scared me, so I stopped driving and called the dealership. They test drove it and checked the van out to discover that the transmission had failed and told me that at this point it was not even drivable. I would need to tow it if I moved it. The cost for repair would be approx. $5200 to replace the transmission and an engine control switch. After my shocked reaction, the dealership made some calls and brought the price down to $2100. With only 95,000 miles on my van, I don't think my transmission should have failed. I called Honda of America. They reviewed my case and because I only done one maintenance service at 30,000, they would not come down in price. I change my oil regularly. Have bought new tires and brakes. But, could not afford to go for the following two maintenance checks because my husband is ill and on disability. Still, Honda could do no more on the price. I felt it should have been covered under warranty because I checked the internet and there are several problems with the automatic transmission on Honda Odyssey. They extended the warranty on the 2001-2002 models, but would not do it for my 2003. I am upset, but need my van back to get my 3 children places. So, I am getting it repaired for the $2100. Still, I am not happy and see lots of problems with the 2003 automatic transmissions on the internet. This is obviously a problem that needs to be addressed.

- Medina, OH, USA

problem #118

Feb 102009

Odyssey

  • 73,142 miles
Automatic transmission not immediately going into reverse for several second that went on for 10 days. Then trouble going into drive for several seconds as well for 3 days. Not going in to gear while driving during gear shifts or stops for 2 days. Completely unable to put the van in any gear while on my way to the dealer for service appointment. They told me the transmission needs to be replaced after only 73K miles.

- Scarborough, ME, USA

problem #117

Feb 042009

Odyssey

  • 20,334 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Odyssey. While driving between 40-45 mph on normal road conditions, the automatic transmission slipped and began shifting erratically between gears. The engine revved extremely high and then the RPM's decreased to zero. Suddenly, the vehicle resumed to normal operation. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing, but they could not duplicate the failure. On a separate occasion, the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for an identical failure. Currently, the vehicle is being repaired. The transmission and engine control module were replaced. The failure mileage was 20,334 and current mileage was 110,000.

- Toledo, OH, USA

problem #116

Feb 072009

Odyssey

  • 130,000 miles
Driving car on pa turnpike when engine revved and the engine light came on, the traction control light came on, and the gear indicator light blinked on and off. Car slowed down and shifted back into gear. The lights remained on. I took it to our mechanic and he instructed me to take to a Honda dealer for repair because the transmission needed to be replaced. He indicated that there should be a recall on this. I took the car to the Honda dealer and they confirmed that the transmission has to be replaced at a cost of $4,700. They mentioned a "jet kit" recall which I never heard of. They will call their district manager and find out if Honda will replace the transmission at no cost. They will get back to me in 24 hours.

- Sellersville, PA, USA

problem #115

Jan 052009

Odyssey

  • 106,000 miles
While traveling on highway 5, the vehicle suddenly stop accelerating and I had to pullover on the side of the freeway. The engine starts but the vehicle could not move forward or back. Vehicle had to be towed to a nearby Honda dealership. Diagnosed the problem was due to a transmission failure. The repair cost will be $3800. Did several hours of research and realized Honda have a lot of transmission problems. I will have to pay for the repair even though Honda should be accountable for their poor.

- Phoenix, CA, USA

problem #114

Jan 052009

Odyssey

  • 106,000 miles
While traveling on highway 5, the vehicle suddenly stop accelerating and I had to pullover on the side of the freeway. The engine starts but the vehicle could not move forward or back. Vehicle had to be towed to a nearby Honda dealership. Diagnosed the problem was due to a transmission failure. The repair cost will be $3800. Did several hours of research and realized Honda have a lot of transmission problems. I will have to pay for the repair even though Honda should be accountable for their poor craftsmanship.

- Goodyear, AZ, USA

problem #113

Nov 152008

Odyssey

  • 95,000 miles
Malfunction indicator lights came on. Dealer diagnosed egr valve which I replaced. (filed complaint with Honda of America since there was a recall. They said my miles were too high to qualify.) the vehicle was purchased used and we were not made aware of the recall or service bulletins. Egr valve did not solve the problem. Vehicle drops hard into gear when starting. Started revving with no forward acceleration randomly. I took it back to the mechanic three times but they were unable to replicate the revving. Problem got worse and local mechanic said the transmission failed and had to be replaced.

- Havre De Grace, MD, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?