Remember four years ago when the transmission in my 2002 Honda Odyssey disintegrated? Remember when Honda jerked us around and I said I’d never buy another Honda again?
I should’ve stuck with that.
On my way to work this morning, the transmission died in our 2003 Honda Odyssey. You know, the one that Leith Honda assured us wasn’t susceptible to the low coolant flow problem like our prior Odyssey. I was heading west on Wade Avenue at Ridge Road when the transmission began slipping. I was fortunate enough to hobble the car over to Kelly’s office nearby, rather than get stuck out on I-40 which is what could’ve very easily happened.
Leith says that fixing it will cost $5400 for a new transmission, $3700 for a rebuilt one, and between $2500-$3500 for a salvaged one. Unlike last time, Honda has not offered to eat this one. Not yet, at least.
Here’s one transmission shop which has gotten significant business correcting Honda’s defective transmissions:
2002-2003 Honda Odyssey 3.5L 6Cyl Transmission BYBA
$1,395.00
Honda
Our expertly remanufactured Honda transmissions are overhauled and come with a 24 month/unlimited miles warranty. These transmissions are overhauled with new frictions and steels, a new filter, a new heavy duty torque converter and an upgraded valve body to increase pressure to the torque converter. Don’t waste your money on a used transmission, they only have a 30-90 day warranty, are not updated, and cost $900-$1200. You’ll be spending that same money again in a year. Many of the transmission failure complaints we see are caused by the torque converter failing, clogging the internal filter, then the engine will slide into gears as it is upshifting, usually on the 1-2 shift. In some reports, the transmission will not move forward or reverse after warmup.
We’re probably going to put in a rebuilt transmission, sell our van, and buy a Toyota Sienna. I am never buying a Honda vehicle again.
yep first found out about WIllow Creek trying to fin a better transmission for my Honda Accord. Honda certainly has an issue with their transmissions from like 1999 to 2004 that I know of.
Aaron, what did you pay for shipping if you don’t mind me asking?
Never got it shipped. Debating taking it down there and letting them install it as well. I think it was fairly cheap for shipping. They will work with your mechanic/ garage to have the old one shipped back and new one shipped. Give them a call as they are fairly responsive.