2003 Honda Odyssey: stuck in gear or won't shift

Filed Dec 10, 2016 · Transmission · TN

While in motion, my vehicle will sporadically not shift into a higher gear. This results in lack of acceleration and has caused problems when trying to merge into traffic, crossing highways and intersections which cause the need for other drivers to swerve around me. No matter how much gas I give the thing, it will not speed up or shift into gear until something happens that causes a sudden jolt, and then it will jump into gear. On the contrary, it also gears down on its own while in motion or does not shift into a gear at all after stopping at a stop sign or red light. This has happened several times while trying to cross the highway near my home. When this happens, I must shift into park or reverse and then back into drive until it goes into gear. I cross many highways daily which put my children and I at an unnecessary risk. I have researched this, and I am not the only owner experiencing these issues. It continues to happen without a permanent resolution. There was a recall on the transmission "power train:automatic transmission-recall for 2003 honda odyssey" and my particular VIN shows as being repaired. However, it seems that it is still causing hazardous issues for my family. The recall on the tranny states that a defect causes the gears to "chip". That sounds like what I am experiencing. I will say that during these instances, the tcs light will come on. Sometimes I have to manually turn it off, and sometimes it goes off on its own after it finally goes into gear. I am at a loss for what to do. Did honda fix the problem with the tranny or did they simple put in another defected component? Other examples of owners with same issues: http://www.carcomplaints.com/honda/odyssey/2003/transmission/transmission_failed.shtml http://www.odysseytransmission.com/ http://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/6155/honda/odyssey/honda-odyssey-transmission-problems

Filed Jul 10, 2015 · 178,820 miles · WA

My car 2003 honda odyssey won't shift d3, d2, d1

Filed Jan 31, 2014 · Transmission · 127,000 miles · NY

Drove my 03 honda odyssey on a bridge going to work car would not shift properly check engine light a traction control light came on code read p0730 incorrect gear ratio this is extremely dangerous especially on highways and bridges these transmissions have these common problems and should be recalled or honda should take responsibility and fix there original mistake.

Filed Jan 27, 2014 · Transmission · 129,000 miles · NJ

Car was working 100% normally without any indication of a problem. Driving along on road trying to merge onto highway, car stuttered badly and would not accelerate! Would not shift gears properly at all. I could not get up to moving traffic speed! Had to quickly pull off to shoulder and limp with hazards on to next exit and return home! Very tense moments! The car never gave any indication of impending failure; just happened on the spot!

Filed Oct 24, 2012 · Transmission · PA

2003 honda odyssey. Consumer states transmission overheated, began shifting erratically and the check engine light illuminated. *tgw the consumer stated he turned the vehicle off, to allow it to cool off. When he turned it back on, the engine light was still on, but he was able to drive the vehicle home. It was still shifting erratically, but it did not overheat again. He took the vehicle to an auto parts store to have the check engine light code checked. The code came up as a p0740; torque solenoid circuit. The consumer did some research on the code and discovered that his model and year had a recall on the transmission and several class action lawsuits had been filed due to the problem. The vehicle was inspected by the dealer and it was determined that the vehicle needed a new transmission. The dealer couldn't say if the problem was definitive to the recall. Honda informed the consumer the vehicle was inspected in 2005, where an oil jet cooler was installed on the transmission. The consumer then examined his vehicle, and discovered there was no oil jet cooler on the transmission. The van remained in overdrive and would not shift into 2nd or 3rd gear.

Filed Jul 30, 2012 · Transmission · 127,000 miles · UT

The transmission started slipping while our family was heading for a vacation going 75 MPH on freeway in the middle of nowhere. Van jerked incredibly, then wouldn't shift into anything higher than 3rd gear. We made it to a freeway exit (not a town, just an exit) where after stopping for a minute we discovered that the van wouldn't go into reverse. We were able to turn it around by pushing and managed to make it to a small town limping along on the side of the freeway going 40 MPH with our hazard lights on. Repair shop has quoted us at least $3700.00 to fix it.

Filed Mar 12, 2012 · Transmission · 133,300 miles · IL

Transmission shifting from 2nd to 3rd does not shift properly. Replaced 4th gear pressure switch as per honda and removed and replaced transmission fluid 3 times. Nothing works. Need trans rebuilt.

Filed Feb 20, 2012 · Transmission · 95,000 miles · IL

The transmission is failing, slipping. After the d on the gear indicator started flashing. While driving the car has a difficult time going into the next gear revving up to 6000 rpms its gotten so bad at times that it wont go into reverse. Honda dealers in the area are giving me the run around as to when the 2004 recall warranty is up. Apparently my car (1 previous owner) was serviced for the recall. Doesn't honda have to help if there is this many complaints about the same make model and year? Literally google 2003 honda odyssey transmission and the complaints are endless in the thousands. I'm a single mother of 4 and can't afford to fix this or buy a new car.

Filed Jan 28, 2012 · Transmission · 107,000 miles · TX

Transmission failed to shift gears, caused engine to stall while driving, would not shift into or out of gear.

Filed Dec 6, 2011 · Driver assistance, Transmission · 126,500 miles · AL

As my wife was preparing to enter an exit ramp from the highway, the van experienced several hard shifts of the transmission which caused her to almost lose control of the vehicle. Since that instance, every time the van shifts gears, it is a very hard shift that jerks the occupants around. Van will not shift above third gear or into reverse. Mechanic has diagnosed this as a transmission failure.

Filed Nov 7, 2011 · Engine, Transmission · 164,400 miles · MD

While driving my daughter to school, accelerating from 35 to 40+, transmission locked up! Extremely dangerous!!! Could have been in a serious accident since we were merging onto a busy highway. Next day, another lock up + slipping between 25 & 35 MPH and @ 50 pm. Transmission slips and gear shift will get stuck in park, reverse & drive. Rpm revs high. Honda dealer diagnosed today as "internal transmission failure" 164,000 highway miles, serviced @ dealer, babied with oil changes, etc. Now $4,000 quote for transmission 3 yrs/36,000 mile warranty. I have been a loyal honda owner since 1990, but will not consider buying any future hondas.

Filed Sep 27, 2011 · Transmission · 88,000 miles · CT

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda odyssey. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH the vehicle stalled and would not shift into gear. The check engine and traction control lights were illuminated. The contact towed the vehicle to a local mechanic where the mechanic stated that the transmission failed. The contact called the manufacturer and the manufacturer advised that the vehicle was not under the warranty so there was nothing they could do to assist. The failure mileage was 88,000.