The Honda Odyssey was equipped with various variants of the H5 transmission, including the P36A, BGRA, PGRA, BYBA and B7TA. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Honda Odyssey transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Honda Odyssey Transmission Models
2000-2007 Honda Odyssey: BGRA, PGRA, BYBA, P36A and B7TA Transmission
Honda Odyssey Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate
Pricing varies by exact engine size and year. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.
What are the DTC codes related to Honda Odyssey transmission problems?
P0766 – Failed Shift Solenoid D – This DTC can be stored when there is a problem with a shift solenoid or the valve body.
P2703 – Failed Friction Element D – This trouble code can be triggered by a failed friction element like a clutch disc.
P0720 – Failed Input Speed Sensor or Output Speed Sensor – This trouble code is caused by a bad speed sensor on the transmission.
P0730 – Incorrect Gear Ratio – This issue could be caused by a number of problems, including a fault in the transmission control module, dirty transmission fluid, or a bad transmission solenoid.
P0657 – Voltage Problem in the ‘A’ Circuit – This transmission problem is often caused by a short, or bad ground on the PCM or PCM wiring harness.
P0700 – Malfunction in the transmission control system – This DTC is often triggered when there is a problem with the TCM, a wiring harness, a solenoid, or the valve body.
P0715 – Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Malfunction – This code typically gets stored when the input sensor cannot read the engine RPM, which can prevent the transmission from appropriately shifting gears.
P0717 – Input/Turbine Speed Sensor No Signal – This trouble code is generated when the PCM does not get a signal from the input speed sensor, which will prevent the computer from being able to determine when the transmission needs to shift.
P0791 – Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor ‘A’ Circuit – This error can occur when there is a problem with the intermediate shaft speed sensor, most likely due to a bad sensor, wiring problem, or a failed shift solenoid.
P0793 – Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal – The computer will generate this DTC when it cannot communicate with the intermediate shaft speed sensor.
Back in 2004, Honda was forced to admit there was a problem, and recalled some 1.1 million vehicles, at a cost of $153 million dollars.
The recalled Honda models included:
- 2002–04 Odyssey
- 2003–04 Pilot
- 2001–02 Acura MDX
- 2003–04 Accord V–6
- 2000–04 Acura 3.2 TL
- 2001–03 Acura 3.2 CL
2006 Honda Transmission Class Action Settlement
Honda settled a class-action lawsuit over the matter in 2006, where they were accused of misleading consumers by selling them vehicles with defective transmissions. Naturally, Honda denied the charges, and settled so they wouldn’t have to admit there was actually a defect.
1999–2001 Honda Odyssey owners that were covered by the lawsuit were given an extension to their transmission warranty from the date they first purchased the van, which amounted to 93 months/109,000 miles (whichever comes first). The plaintiff’s lawyers also got nearly $5.5 million, plus expenses. However, a majority of the Odyssey’s covered by the lawsuit had already exceeded the time/mileage limits of the extended warranty. So these owners were forced to pay the $2,000-$4,000 repair bills themselves.
The second generation 1999-2004 Honda Odyssey was designed to be reliable and family-friendly. They got the usability part right, with power sliding doors, a fold-into-the-floor 3rd row seat, and side airbags. Unfortunately, the reliability bit wasn’t as well executed, because many owners experienced complete transmission failure due to faulty components used in the Honda B7XA 4-speed automatic, and Honda BYBA 5-speed automatic transmissions.
Honda claimed the faulty transmission parts were manufactured by outside suppliers. “Obviously, these components were not made to specification,” Honda spokesman Mike Spencer said. He went on to explain that Honda engineers had identified the root of the problems a few months prior, and have since redesigned the transmissions. “The four-speed models were afflicted with a bad bearing that could break apart, scattering fragments of metal that clogged fluid passageways in the transmission, causing it to shift erratically”.
Regarding the later 5-speed BYBA transmission problems, Spencer stated “The five-speed models typically were damaged by premature wear of the third-gear clutch pack. As the clutch friction material abraded, it scattered bits inside the transmission case, clogging fluid lines and causing erratic shifting. Drivers might suffer slipping, poor or no shifts, or sudden down-shifts from 5th gear to 2nd gear”.
But wait, there’s more! In certain situations, a second 5-speed BYBA transmission problem can arise, in which case 2nd gear itself would overheat and break. If this happens, the transmission would completely lockup, and your Odyssey will come to a sudden halt.
Honda Odyssey Recalls
Recall ID – Honda: P30 / NHTSA: 04V176000 – 2002-2004 Odyssey
Summary
After numerous customer complaints, Honda recalled the 2002-2004 Odyssey because certain operating conditions can cause the transmission to overheat. If this happens, extreme heat buildup between the countershaft and secondary shaft second gears, could result in broken gear teeth or complete gear failure.
Consequence
If the internal components heat up to the point that the 2nd gear breaks, the transmission could lockup, bringing your minivan to a sudden halt, and possibly cause you to loose control.
Remedy
On vehicles with less than 15,000 miles, Honda dealers were instructed to modify the oil cooler return line so that it provided more lubrication to the second gear. For vehicles with over 15,000 miles, dealers would look for discoloration on the gears, which signaled that overheating had already occurred. If overheating damage was found, the entire transmission would have been replaced. If no damage was found, the dealer would have simply modified the oil cooler line. Owners can contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009 (refer to Honda Odyssey recall P30). Or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 1-888-327-4236 (refer to recall 04V176000). This recall was issued on April 21, 2004
Recall ID – Honda: S73 / NHTSA: 12V573000 – 2003-2004 Odyssey
Summary
On certain Odyssey vans, the interlock lever inside the ignition switch may become deformed, allowing the ignition key to be removed without the gear selector being in the Park position.
Consequence
If the ignition key is removed before the transmission is shifted into Park, the Odyssey could rollaway unexpectedly, increasing the risk of injury or property damage.
Remedy
Dealers were instructed to install an updated shift interlock lever, or an entirely new ignition switch. Owners can contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009 (refer to Odyssey recall S73). Or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 1-888-327-4236 (refer to recall 12V573000). This recall began on Issued February 7, 2013
Honda Odyssey Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
2011-2012 Odyssey – TSB 12-064 / 10046880
Problem:
A software issue can cause a slight hesitation, a surge, or a judder as the transmission shifts into 2nd, 3rd, or 4th gears.
Solution:
To correct this issue, the PGM-FI software will have to be updated to the latest version, and the ATF will have to be changed as well.
Common Problems with the Honda Odyssey Transmission
Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light
Can I drive with a transmission problem?
If your Honda Odyssey can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.
How often does a Honda Odyssey transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a Honda Odyssey transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Honda Odyssey transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.
How are Honda Odyssey transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Honda Odyssey transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.
How is a Honda Odyssey transmission replaced?
In order to replace your Honda Odyssey transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed.
Recommendations for Honda Odyssey transmission issues?
To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Honda Odyssey transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Honda Odyssey Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Honda Odyssey Transmission
The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.
Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Honda Odyssey Transmission
Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.
Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Honda Odyssey Transmission
Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.
What Problem Does Your Honda Odyssey Have?
Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!
What Transmission Do I Have?
What Transmission Does a Honda Odyssey Have?
| Year | Engine | Trans Type | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010-2008 | 3.5L | PGRA | FWD |
| 1997-1995 | 2.2L | MPJA | FWD |
| 1998 | 2.3L | MDWA | FWD |
| 2006-2005 | 3.5L | BGRA | FWD |
| 2007 | 3.5L | PGRA | FWD |
| 2010-2008 | 3.5L | PGRA | FWD |
| 2001-1999 | 3.5L | B7TA | FWD |
| 2004-2002 | 3.5L | BYBA | FWD |
Our odyssey has 180,000 miles and it feels like it’s “slipping” when it shifts gears. Does that sound like the transmission? I really wanted to drive this van a few more years but now I’m wondering if we should sell instead.
light is on in my 2003 honda odyssey and when I hit 55 and let all the way off the gas it sounds like it goes into neautral
I just bought 2001 Honda odyssey I went out this morning my transmission slipped twice then drove find what should I do
Check your fluid
Excellent breakdown, pardon the pun, of the Odyssey transmission issues. I chose to purchase a reman and worked with a small auto repair shop to help have it replaced. 500 bucks and I’m super happy. Thanks a ton for the information
I have a 2003 oddysey runs great until it warms up then it just goes into neutral and does not move forward or backwards I shut it of then start it again and it runs again for a little bit fluid is fine no funny smells and I already installed another cooler to try to keep it cool there are also no codes
I have a 2006 odyssey with 144k that makes a snaping sound when it is swift from park to drive, and i have replaced two driver side axle and a trans mount
Sounds like the axle nut’s have not been tightened to the correct torque, I have seen this many times in the dealership, when mechanics get paid flat rate to do a job, they sometimes forget to put a torque wrench on, or simply don’t care and move on to the next.
HONDA SHUTTLE MODEL 1999 When the R position returns correctly, it becomes a brake and the brakes should be placed on (N) position (R) and so on every time you want to go back. Thank you.
Problem with 2019 Honda odyssey transmission.
We have a new 2019 Honda odyssey elite with less than 2000 miles. This morning we could not get the car to back up no matter how many times we pushed the reverse button. Fortunately we were in a parking spot where we could go forward once the car ahead of us moved. After moving forward into another parking spot we were able to use reverse successfully. Anyone out there have a similar problem with their 2018 or 2019 Honda Odyssey?
JimO
I heard from Honda Mechanics themselves to keep away from any 2019 Odyssey they have bad transmissions.
Remember that your vehicle will not go in to gear with any doors open, it will automatically apply the emergency brake. Safety feature that is on all new Honda’s including my 2019 pilot elite. Very annoying to me as a mechanic, when I try to put on a alignment rack or a vehicle lift.
I came here because I was curious about the severity of the Odyssey transmission issue.
I am restoring my 2004 Odyssey that I have for over twelve years now.
I for one, rarely drive my car hard, so far I haven’t experienced any transmission issue with my Odyssey (knock on wood), but I couldn’t help but to wonder when I was at the junkyard savaging interior/body parts to restore my Odyssey as to why there were so many 2nd Gen Odysseys in the yard!
My Odyssey recently hit 220K miles. Let’s hope that by taking care of her, she will make it to at least 300K?
Good for you!! You were lucky.
I have a Honda Odyssey 2012, it has around 55K miles and has started to make a louder noise especially when the gears change from 1-3. I’m assuming this is related to the transmission system but not sure. I’m looking for advise, do I take it to my Honda dealer? I dont have extended warranty, do I buy the warranty etc? What do I do in case this is several thousands of $$’s.
If is not a solenoid or sensor more than likely it will need to be replaced and try to get extended warranty
Recently replaced 5sp trans, now it will not start off in 1st , will only drive in 2nd and 3rd .. 4th and 5th non existent..
Wow not uncommon
I have Trans problem today. Previously it was hard shift on the first gear for almost 4 -5 month. But today it didn’t shift up from 3rd to 4th and there was revving up the engine for a couple of second and then it got engaged. But then after 5 minutes of driving it again took time to disengage at traffic light. I have 249,500 miles on it. wondering what should I do now.
I know I know. .some of you are saying throw it away… but the thing is I love this van. IT worked flwlessly for last 15 years and 148,000 miles.
Any suggestions?
1-800-Dónate car or Junk it. Unless you’re a mechanic and can easily get parts.
Your linear and lock up solenoid screens may be clogged. Try removing n cleaning them then do four transmission drain and fills. A inline filter will also help.
You may want to do several drain and fills of the transmission fluid. Honda recommends four. That’s 92 percent of the fluid replaced. More importantly you may have trash built up and restricting fluid passing through little metal screams on one or more of the transmission solenoids.From what I’ve read and seen this apparently solves a lot of shifting problems on these vehicles. I myself have done this to positive results.
I feel I should warn you that changing the fluid in some instances will unfortunately accelerate the transmission failing.this only happens in failing transmissions. Drain and fills are recommended on undamaged transmissions. What happens is all the metal shaving and other debris actually help worn out clutch plates turning together where new fluid free of trash doesn’t.
My 2003 Odyssey transmission failed in 2007 at 115,000 miles while travelling out of state. And I had already had the “fix” by the dealer on regular visits. A new transmission installation cost $5000. After dozens of phone calls to Honda customer service, they took no responsibility for the failure and refused reimbursement. Good luck.
I don’t suppose you still have this auto? How long did it last? Where did you go for the 2nd transmission? I’m in this situation now…
Hi i have odssey 2002.this the second tramsmission.car have 164.oo miles on.as much a love my car i have to let go.buy used tramsmission is lost money.
my Honda Odyssey 2005 doesn’t start by the ignition switch but when I shift the lever from park to 1 back and forth then it starts.
Me too, does anyone know the problem?
Bad starter
Replace the starter
Bad starter
My 2003 Hknda Odyssey will not shift into high gear until it reaches 50 mph.
Please help
Ok so my 2004 honda odyssey spit fluid on the freeway and now the transmission fluid looks and smells burnt and tcs light is on and check engine light is on too
2004 odyssey, bought w 205k miles, love the car. serviced tran on a regular basis, major trans failure at 315k. Doing aamco complete rebuild w warranty, would an external return inline filter be good? Thanks for the help.
If your 1999 – 2004 Honda Odyssey start slipping in 2nd or 3rd gear like it’s revving in neutral while you’re driving it’s because you need to replace the 3rd and 4th gear pressure switches are the 1999 to 2001 Honda Odyssey there’s only four speeds so you need to replace the 2nd and 3rd gear pressure switches. Do not forget to buy the crush washers for each it’s about $30 and $40 for each pressure switch. The problem you were experiencing on the slip is called flaring I just discovered this and found the fix a few weeks ago try it trust me it works. Also do a transmission fluid flush and also there are two solenoids on the transmission that you need to clean out. Depending if you have a 4 speed or 5 speed transmission they will be either to solenoid on top of the transmission or one on top and one on the front of the transmission. You need to remove it and clean out the metal mesh screens with brake cleaner and reinstall
I will try this. I have a 2000 honda odyssey which sometimes does and sometimes doesn’t more does lately slip when going into second gear. Sometimes very hard shifting. I will have to have a mechanic do this, but sounds worth a try vs a new transmission on what is an otherwise good running old vehicle.
How long did that take? If you had to pay someone…
I have a 2002 Honda Odyssey with only 88,115 miles. In the last month, three times, the car has hesitated like skipping a beat while the motor whirred for a second as if you were stepping on the gas to rev it up or to pass. It’s almost like while you’re driving along you put it in neutral for one second and that’s the feeling and sound I have gotten in this early stage of some problem. I figured after all these years of living that it must be the transmission. It has been inspected and the computer checked as well as the hoses, belts and fluids etc. a week ago and no computer problem with the general hook up of the analysis device.
A week ago, my 2003 Honda odyssey, would not drive in any gear including reverse. It would rev but not move. It has about 90,000 miles on a replacement tranny. The dash “dummy” switch also activated showing a problem with he transmission. I assume this is a major transmission issue but am wondering if there are some less expensive failures that might cause this and whether it is worth attempting a fix. I would estimate the car is worth about 2000.00 with a working transmission and about 600.00 for parts.