2003 Honda Odyssey: engine failure

Filed Jan 27, 2015 · Acceleration, Transmission · 85,775 miles · CA · crash

The gear in the transmission broken in to pieces, shot in to bearing and broken the case of transmission, made a terrible big sound. The car on free way in more than 65 miles, all the lights is on. Engine died and speed out of control. I have asked just answer, the expert told me that is not normal accident! If you like we will sent pic to you and feed back center. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).'

Filed Oct 6, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 109,000 miles · FL

Traveling at 65 MPH the transmission failed without warning. No warning lights, no slippage... A complete failure. I managed to get into breakdown lane before transmission had completely seized. I was driving with my 72 yr old mother and 3 children, ages 4,6,8. I feel very lucky I was not involved or caused a vehicular fatality due to this failure. All recommended maintenance had been done at dealerships. A compete vehicle inspection was completed the day before the incident.

Filed Jun 13, 2012 · Transmission · 130,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda odyssey. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the transmission seized. The vehicle was merged to the shoulders, turned off and once restarted, the transmission failure was no longer present. The dealer was notified of the issue who advised that they would inspect the failure and inform the contact of the outcome. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified who offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 130,000.

Filed Feb 7, 2012 · Transmission · 113,965 miles · IN

On 12/16/2011, the transmission failed without warning. The tcs and engine light were on and had been on for a few weeks. On 9/27/2011, I had informed my honda dealer, penske honda of indianapolis, of the tcs light. They thought is was oil on the sensor and said it would finally wear off. The oil they said, was coming from the rear head bolt that had developed a leak. As it turned out, the bolt was stripped. This vehicle was never used for towing. It was a "carpool the kids to school and a two spring breaks to florida vacations" van. At 113,000 miles, this is disappointing. Especially since we bought another honda in 2005 and now we are afraid of failure there as well. The head bolt repair necessitates a new engine and the transmission repair was made at a private shop. I spoke with honda motors america's customer service and they offered no indication of help or serious consideration. I have yet to repair the engine.

Filed Dec 21, 2011 · Engine · KY

2003 odyssey approximately 67k miles developed fluid leak in past week. Vehicle had been serviced regularly. While driving with family coolant leaked onto exhaust system causing smoke and had to pull off interstate. Engine had operated normally and there were no warning indicators or abnormal temperature gage readings. Had vehicle towed to local honda dealer. Diagnosed as leaking head gasket. Upon removal of the cylinder head, the head bolts pull from the block ports with the bolt threads. Apparently head bolts had become loose given the thread failure in the block and allowed leakage of fluids in the cylinder head. Honda stated that the engine will need to be replaced at a cost of 3k++. Apparently this same issue has occurred to several other 2003 odyssey owners according to on-line search. The dealer was at a loss to explain the failure of the bolts at the given mileage. It appears that this could be a defect in the block design or manufacture and could lead to premature engine failure. Honda should address this issue as well as automatic transmission and egr valve defects which have also been a continual problem with the 2003 odyssey. Very disappointed in the reliability of this van

Filed Apr 12, 2010 · Transmission · 105,665 miles · IL

My 2003 honda odyssey(automatic transmission) has been slipping gears and having trouble shifting into gears when accelerating or driving in traffic jam. On february 28, 2010 after driving some 40 miles on the highway and exited on a ramp, the transmission locked when the car was at a complete stop at a stop sign on the ramp. Once the transmission locked, the engine died. Then I started the car numerous times and each time the engine started when in parking or in neutral. However, when I shifted to drive or d1, d2 or to rear, the engine always shut off. Luckily, after a dozen times or so, I got lucky to put the car into gear, and slowly drove home, the car jerking and engine on the brink of shutting off as I drove some 3 miles back home at 20 MPH. The next day, march 1st I could put the car into gear at all. Each and every time I shifted from either park or neutral to drive or rear the engine shut off. I towed the car to carrs honda in chicago. Dealer checked and performed a recall on the second gear by installing an oil jet kit. Dealer said my transmission has internal failure and said that this failure was not related to the recall of the second gear. How convenient! I did contact honda at their corporate office in ca and explained what happened but since dealer said that my car is not covered by the provisions of the recall, then I could not get any financial help from honda. I managed to get picture copies of the second gear from my dealer and wanted to get pictures of the same 2nd gear at a different transmission shop. However, honda made it clear that under no circumstances it will accept pictures made by non-honda dealer. There were no codes to be found. I took my car to a transmission center and had my transmission rebuilt. Now I do drive the car and so far it seems fine. The transmission specialist replaced all clutches, torque converter, linear solenoids, shorted ground wire in prndl circuit, etc. It cost me but I needed the car. Please help!!!

Filed Apr 28, 2008 · Transmission · 79,011 miles · WA

2003 honda odyssey transmission seized briefly going up a hill at 79k mi, tcs and engine light on. Mechanic reports that "gear ratio is incorrect" and there is a crash hazard from possibility of total transmission failure due to defect in manufacturing. Honda dealer says records show the vehicle was recalled for inspection of the transmission in 2004 and some kit was installed, but honda does not replace the known defective transmission because supposedly this one was "fixed" in 2004 rather than replaced. Transmission still requires replacement to make this car safe to drive.

Filed Apr 24, 2007 · Engine · 54,500 miles · OH

Failure of gasket material to contain oil within engine valve cover cylinder head has created oil leak that was initially noticed on the garage floor. Dealer has verified problem by injecting dye and using black-light to establish the source of the oil leak. This might typically be a non-issue for an older model year vehicle but I would not expect such a problem on a vehicle that has been in service less than 4 years and personally owned for only 2 1/4 years. Problem could be one of manufacture installation or material defect or a combination of the two. Engine failure could result if problem is not addressed/resolved. Resolution of the problem requires a significant financial commitment that covers the labor to drop the engine in order to remove and replace the valve cover gasket. This owner thinks that this is a manufacturer defect that should be covered by the dealer since this vehicle has not been abused or operated in extreme conditions.