2003 Honda Odyssey: shudder or vibration when accelerating

Filed Jul 21, 2014 · Transmission · 79,500 miles · NH

1. Van shudders/loses power when driving ~ 35 MPH, especially uphill. 2. Cannot shift lever into either low gear. 3. Reverse would hard "thunk", especially when cold when putting into gear from park. Would also slip out of gear and cause van to break before going back into reverse. Now does not work.

Filed Mar 30, 2013 · Engine, Transmission · 82,498 miles · CA

2003 honda odyssey was brought into the dealership for an interlock recall. After work was completed and leaving the dealership the vehicle shuddered violently. This was not the case when the vehicle was brought in.

Filed Sep 20, 2011 · Transmission · 108,992 miles · CA

On the freeway when all of a sudden without warning slipped and lost power. Very scary with small children in the car and was barley able to make it off the freeway without getting into an accident. Only by the grace of god did we make it safely off the freeway. Honda dealer said we needed a new transmission. I had the extended warranty up to 106,000. Just a few thousand miles over warranty and honda would only grant %50 coverage. Still cost me $2797.00. Honda of america knows all about this transmission problem but still does not compensate loyal honda customers. My dealer replaced this transmission (that had a previous recall in 2003) with a "re-manufactured transmission" now on september 19, 2011 the tcs light came on with the engine warning light and the car "shuddered" badly at 30 MPH. Brought to the dealer but they are denying that it is a transmission problem? We bought the honda odyssey for its safety features and reliability. Honda and their dealer are not standing behind their product. I will look elsewhere for my next car purchase.

Filed Aug 1, 2011 · Acceleration, Engine · 103,400 miles · IA

Minivan started to accelerate upon push of accelerator (rpms jumped significantly). Jerky/harsh acceleration from 0-40. Severe shudder of van when decelerating between gears. Malfunctioning overdrive (will not down shift to d3, 2, or 1st gear while rolling. Reverse gear did not work unless the car was started again.

Filed Feb 14, 2011 · Transmission · 89,400 miles · PA

We own a 2003 honda odyssey ex with 89,000 miles on it. We bought it used in 2007. Last week the transmission "shuddered" for two miles while on the highway. I pulled over, turned off the vehicle, restarted it, and continued. About 50 miles later, the transmission slipped out of gear while I was trying to merge into traffic on an interstate. I was able to pull over, get the van into a gear, and "limp" home. I have now studied this issue and learned that honda has a serious problem with transmissions with their v-6 engines. The van, in fact, does require a new transmission - and it will me significant dollars. Fortunately I was alone in the van at the time, and no accident occurred, but one very certainly could have. Losing all power at the wrong time could be disastrous(goes without saying). I am disappointed that honda knows about these problems, and has not taken proactive steps to prevent them. I would hope that the federal safety agency would compel them to.

Filed Sep 2, 2010 · Transmission · 90,000 miles · TX

Tcs light came on, throttle surges and whole vehicle shudders at about 15 MPH under steady throttle. Transmission hesitates when placed in drive and slips when shifting.

Filed Sep 1, 2010 · Acceleration · 67,000 miles · MD

2003 honda odyssey van (85k) shudders when accelerating at about 22 MPH, particularly uphill. I have taken it in twice for this, to the dealer, who says they can find no cause. While I was picking my van up today from being serviced and to address this issue I overheard another customer talking about his van shuddering. His is a 2004 and it happens at 45 MPH. The customer service rep told me that they had 3 vans in today, all with the same complaint. No problems found, but if I wanted to take a technician with me and replicate it I could give them a call.

Filed Feb 1, 2010 · Transmission · 85,000 miles · IL

It shudders when driving between 30-35 MPH speed. I showed to mechanic and he told me that torque converter lock-up clutch is causing this issue and it is very common problem with odyssey. I perform all regular maintenance but still this happened.

Filed Oct 22, 2008 · Transmission · 95,000 miles · FL

Transmission shudder at low speeds and low power. Dealers can't identify problem or fix it. Car shudders on regular basis and new egr valve, fluid changes tune ups make no difference. Known transmission problems make me nervous of the reliability of the trans.

Filed Mar 5, 2007 · Transmission · 45,000 miles · SC

2003 honda odyssey: got the notice in the mail in 2004 about the 2nd gear transmission cooler update / inspection needed for our odyssey. We had the dealer install the revised cooler and at about 45k miles (shortly after) we noticed a high pitched whine coming from the car at all speeds that increases in pitch / intensity as the vehicle speed increases. If the transmission is put in neutral while the car is driving the noise goes away - as soon as the transmission is re-engaged the noise comes back so the 'gear whine' type noise is definitely coming from the transmission and we didn't notice this until the recall service was performed. Now we have 100k miles and the transmission 'shudders' on the highway when being kicked down from 5th gear to a lower gear like 4th or 3rd so I expect it to fail soon.