When driving at speed, the car will lose power, and you cannot go anywhere until the transmission reengages Also when starting out there is a hesitation sometimes very dangerous at intersections
2018 Honda Odyssey transmission complaints
Page 2 of 7: complaints 11 to 40 of 166, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Vehicle driving at highway speeds and put itself into park while at speed without operator intervention. Vehicle became uncontrollable and an extreme hazard.
Car shifts out of drive and reverse to Park randomly. It also doesnt shift out of first gear on a cold start. I have to stop the vehicle, shift back into park and turn the car off then on again before it will shift out of first gear.
Our 2018 Honda Odyssey repeatedly and without warning completely loses acceleration power, creating extremely dangerous driving conditions. This occurs in two distinct situations:(1)while driving at highway speeds when attempting to change lanes or accelerate, and(2)when stopped at a stop sign or intersection and pressing the gas to merge into or turn into traffic. In both situations, pressing the accelerator results in little to no response — the vehicle will roll but fails to accelerate as needed. These failures have placed our family in multiple life-threatening situations. On Interstate 285 in Atlanta, Georgia — one of the busiest and highest-speed highways in the country — our vehicle has failed to accelerate during lane changes on multiple occasions, nearly causing serious accidents. Most recently, within the past week, my husband was driving on I-285 when he pressed the accelerator and the vehicle had absolutely zero acceleration response. He narrowly avoided a collision. We have also experienced complete loss of acceleration when turning from a stop sign into traffic and when merging — situations where immediate acceleration is critical to safety. The vehicle lags for several seconds before any power is delivered to the wheels, leaving us dangerously exposed in oncoming traffic. All manufacturer recalls have been completed, including the fuel pump recall. The problem persists and has not been resolved by any dealer service or recall repair performed to date. We are aware that this is a known, widespread defect affecting 2018 Honda Odysseys equipped with the ZF 9-speed automatic transmission. Hundreds of other owners have reported identical symptoms to the federal safety agency and to Honda directly. Honda has acknowledged the transmission's behavior to some owners but has stated it is "how the car is supposed to drive" — a response that is wholly unacceptable given the documented near-accidents this defect is causing.We are requesting that the federal safety agency open or expand its investigation
When driving the transmission is slipping meaning it jerks forward when accelerating on the road.
I am reporting a dangerous and recurring transmission defect in my 2018 Honda Odyssey equipped with the ZF 9-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle experiences sudden and unpredictable delayed acceleration, particularly at low speeds. When attempting to accelerate from a complete stop or at speeds below 25 mph, the transmission fails to engage properly, leaving the vehicle stranded in the middle of traffic with no power response for several seconds. This creates an extreme safety hazard, as other vehicles may collide with mine while I wait for the transmission to respond. The condition is intermittent and unpredictable, making it impossible to anticipate when it will occur. It happens most frequently when accelerating from intersections, merging into traffic, or navigating through slow-moving areas. Honda has acknowledged this defect through TSB 19-124 (issued December 2019), which addresses harsh and jerky upshifts in 2018–2019 Odysseys with the 9-speed transmission. However, the TSB does not fully resolve the issue. A class action lawsuit [XXX] et al. v. American Honda Motor Co., Case No. 5:23-cv-05011-BLF, N.D. [XXX] ) is currently pending for this exact defect. I am requesting that the federal safety agency open a formal investigation and consider issuing a safety recall, as the delayed acceleration constitutes a serious risk of collision and injury. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Bought vehicle new at Millennium Honda, Hempstead New York.Vehicle is not going into reverse when vehicle gets hot. My mileage is 40,512 took it Millennium Honda on October 4, 2025, for diagnostic testing error code P0736 was diagnosed and that my transmission would need’s replacing at a cost of $11,495 for parts and labor, because I was a couple months out of warranty. I have since reached out to Corporate but negative response. I am unable to use my vehicle since which have been at an additional expense to me as I have to maintain insurance and pay for bus, train and taxi services. Not sure what kind of assistance you can offer or even assist in investigating why a vehicle with 40,000 would need a new transmission after moderate use. Thanks for your consideration on this matter.
Upon pressing the accelerator from a complete stop, the vehicle does not respond right away. The main incident was when traveling around 50 miles per hour on a highway, the van shifted into neutral on its own and the accelerator would not respond. An error message of transmission failure showed on the dash briefly. The van had to coast through traffic an eventually push off the road.
2018 Honda Odyssey (10-speed automatic transmission) What happened: The vehicle is experiencing intermittent loss of reverse and delayed gear engagement from a stop. When shifting into reverse or drive, the engine revs but the vehicle does not immediately move, then jerks into gear. The issue is worse when cold. Warning lights / codes: Check Engine Light on. Honda dealer retrieved diagnostic trouble code P0763 – Shift Solenoid C Electrical. The code returned as a hard code after being cleared. Safety risk: The vehicle hesitates or fails to move when shifting into reverse or from a stop, creating a safety risk in traffic, parking situations, and when backing up. Current status: Diagnosed by Honda dealership. Repair recommended. Honda corporate case opened.
Vehicle lags in acceleration from a slow rolling start, at random times. There is a clear 1-2 second lag in the acceleration, then a sudden harsh shift into gear. Mostly happens during turns, and if traffic is present, may cause an accident. Also when traveling at low speeds 20-35 mph, there is a transmission jutter. Have spoken with service reps at dealerships and they claim to have no knowledge of these transmission issues
After I received a software update for my 2018 Honda Odyssey Elite the car has been stalling when idle. It is very dangerous because I will be at a stop light in drive, and the vehicle will shut off with no power. Cars will be behind me or no cars, and I have almost been rear ended. I did not have this problem until I received the new software update. It keeps occurring more and more often.
The transmission failed at 108k miles. Honda is charging 10000USD for repair. They want to replace the 9 speed transmission. This transmission is notorious for failure and Honda hasn’t issued a recall yet.
My vehicle repeatedly and unexpectedly shifts into neutral while in Drive, causing a sudden loss of power in traffic. This has happened multiple times without any input from me and has nearly caused a crash.
Summary: Engine seized due to internal bearing failure with metal shavings found in oil filter. Full Description: My 2018 Honda Odyssey experienced a sudden engine failure around 116,500 miles. The dealer confirmed the engine is seized and showed significant metal shavings in the oil filter and pan. I have performed all maintenance according to Honda’s recommended schedule using the correct oil and filters. Honda corporate denied assistance based solely on mileage, even though this issue matches symptoms described in current the federal safety agency investigation PE25-001 (connecting rod bearing failure in Honda 3.5L V6 engines). There were no prior warnings other than a brief check-engine light and rough running before the engine locked up. The vehicle was in motion at the time and could have caused a hazardous stall, serious injury, or death. Given that Honda has issued recalls for similar rod bearing defects in other model years (2015–2020) and this failure mode presents a clear safety risk (loss of power, engine seizure), I request the federal safety agency include my case in its investigation and compel Honda to extend recall coverage to 2018 Odyssey owners. I can provide dealer diagnostic reports, photos of the oil filter debris, and all maintenance records if needed.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the message "Engine Management System Failure" was displayed on the instrument panel. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal, with an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that there was a failure with the engine and the transmission. The dealer was then notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN related to the engine or the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Recently had the fuel pump recall completed. Within days had intermittent dash emissions light come on then go away. Then a few weeks later, while driving, my odyssey put itself into N and I coasted to a stop. It would not allow me to put the car into P or anything. I had to put the emergency brake on in order to not roll forward. The van at that point would not shift into any gear. It was towed to dealership and I was given the following 2K dollar repair needs. PROBLEM. ADVISE. [Other]: TCM (TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE) AND TRANSMISSION SUB-HARNESS Needs replaced.
On [XXX], while driving in traffic, my 2018 Honda Odyssey suddenly and without warning shifted itself into Park. The vehicle slammed to a stop in the middle of an intersection, stranding my family and creating a serious risk of collision and injury. The vehicle would not move afterward and had to be towed from the scene. After the failure, the dashboard displayed multiple warnings: “Transmission Problem,” “Stop Driving When Safe,” “Emission System Problem,” and *“Blind Spot Information System Problem.” The gear shift indicator also blinked. The Odyssey has remained undrivable since the incident. The vehicle is at Stockton 12 Honda in Sandy, Utah, where the dealer confirmed a hard transmission failure (RO #[XXX]). Honda Corporate opened two cases (#[XXX] and #[XXX]). Despite my repeated calls and emails, Honda’s assigned case manager verbally denied coverage on Sept 12, 2025, stating the denial would only be reflected in Honda’s internal case notes. This failure is identical to the defect described in the federal safety agency Recall 19V‑299, in which the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) can reboot due to low voltage and cause the transmission to shift into Park while driving. Although my VIN is not currently flagged, my Odyssey EX-L uses the same ZF 9-speed transmission and TCU as affected trims. I have a tow record, witnesses, and video evidence documenting the event. The vehicle remains disabled, leaving my family without safe transportation. This is a serious safety defect that should require investigation and expansion of the existing recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2018 Honda Odyssey gear shifting switch letters are rubbing off. This caused the drive to click wrong button as they do not have letters to identify the functionality of the each button. This can cause accidents. I see many online forums customers are discussing the same issue. [XXX] [XXX] / [XXX] [XXX] This is manufacture defect and please be kind to investigate it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine has been running very rough the last 20k miles, and East Coast Honda in Surfside Beach, SC noted engine bearing wear prior to the rough engine performance during a service visit in May 2023. In June-July 2025 driving on [XXX] driving between Washington D.C. and Surfside Beach, SC, we went to pass and the engine cut RPM's drastically and went into 'limp mode' nearly causing an accident with the sudden decrease in speed. We have asked American Honda Customer Service [800‑999‑1009] to provide an engine evaluation but they have declined and have stated our VIN is not included in the rod bearing recall/TSB. We did mentioned about the further investigation for 2018 Honda Odyssey's but was advised any action we take would not be compensated since the vehicle is out of warranty by date and mileage (73,000 miles). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Vehicle has a vibrating shake when you go about 26 to 40 miles per hour like it does not know on what gear to be me I took the car multiple times to the dealership, and after charging me hundreds of dollars they had the face to say it is what it is. That the design of the car. I even called the corporate and no one really cared. I am always scarred that engine or transmission will fail and cause an accident. On the last trip, as I was stuck in traffic, stop and go was hard on this condition as car wants to think on what gear to be.
The transmission is very jerky and has completely lost power before. It has refused to shift and stalled in the middle of the road. It is very scary.
Rod knock diagnosed and confirmed by dealership July 15, 2025. Van is currently at dealership and is available for inspection. I have paused work to allow Honda (case 15705425) and now this team the opportunity to diagnose and inspect first hand. Inspection and first hand visuals have only been completed by certified Honda dealerships. All warnings and my concerns are documented in our ROs with Honda dealerships. When any light or reminder came on, I immediately took the van to Honda for service. Safety: slow starts and sluggish acceleration. Noise that was not normal. Out to eat 30 minutes away from home July 13 and van wouldn’t start. Dealership thought initially battery but then kept van overnight and nod rock confirmed. Also repaired back suspension. Additional details: Problem has been reproduced and confirmed. Have been experiencing slow start, van not driving properly. Our family went out to lunch July 13 and van wouldn’t start. Waited handful of minutes and then started. Immediately took to dealership next day. Honda dealerships have done all servicing and repairs on this van. (I was told there are 55 repair totaling $22k for your research purposes.) Honda notified me July 29, 2025 that they will NOT offer any assistance and/or goodwill because of the age and mileage of the van. Escalating case 15705425 up Honda chain - we have been very loyal to Honda. As of today, July 31, 2025: Van sits at dealership; has been there since July 14, 2025. I have been advised not to drive the van, esp on the highway. I want to keep the van and want to drive it for many more years. Took very good care of it and followed all of Hondas recommendations for servicing. Just put brand new tires front suspension (March 2025) and rear suspension (July 2025) on it as well. Appreciate your investigation. I’m working diligently to do the right thing and allow the proper people time to investigate the van before any work begins on the engine.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The contact stated that the failure has caused the vehicle to hesitate while attempting to accelerate. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions while driving on the interstate and the freeway. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the software needed to be updated and the vehicle needed to be driven approximately five thousand miles to correct the failure. The vehicle was repaired, and the transmission was replaced once before. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; however, the warranty department failed to return the call. The approximate failure mileage was 108,900.
As reported previously to Honda the vehicle jerks when accelerating at high speeds.It was recommended to die a transmission flush which was performed and did not resolve the issue.slow acceleration at times is also a safety issue especially on highways.
I have had four diagnostics on this vehicle and it's pointing to sensors which are inside the transmission transmission was not leaking and wasn't slipping or nothing I went to get in the vehicle after it was sitting for an hour and I put it in reverse it went right back in the park I put it in dry went right back in the park I couldn't get it out of the park and it was saying on the dash that stop driving one safe transmission problem emission system problems okay like a four diagnostics that are saying that it is sensors transmission pressure sensor A park neutral switch is bad power source failure steering angle low voltage sensor failure four different things I cannot get any help I hear a bunch of different stories some are saying the transmission not so we're saying it's not a transmission isn't slipping I drove it car was fine it won't go into drive I've been told and I researches so much that if it's happened on the road it could slam in the park the be able to roll they could crash it's a very bad safety issue there are recalls on 50,000 of this year of the Honda Odyssey I'm being told that my VIN number is not on the recall list I don't understand why not it's doing exactly what all the other 50,000 recalls are doing and I can't get help fixing mine
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated when the vehicle was shifted into park(P), the contact was unable to shift the vehicle out of park(P) into drive(D). The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V299000 (Power Train, Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 700.
Honda issued a recall on the fuel pump December 2023. They did not have any parts available to replace mine. I had brought in my Odyssey Elite to Space Coast Honda multiple times before the recall stating my engine wouldn't crank. I was unable to get the fuel pump replaced until December 5, 2024. ONE YEAR after the recall. I am now getting Emissions System Problems and Stop Driving When Safe Engine Temperature Too Hot. The dignostics that were pulled were P219A Secondary P219A, P0420, P219A. Also, my intake manifold gaskets are leaking coolant. I have had nothing but problems with this van since April 5, 2023 with my car not starting and stalling. My kids and I were stranded at their school two times and there were multiple times at my work. I don't believe I should have to pay thousands of dollars for these items to be replaced since I believe they're an issue due to me driving on a faulty fuel pump. I even called Honda Customer Service multiple times and they told me to keep driving it even though I expressed concern for my kids and having been stranded multiple times. Both dealerships said there was nothing wrong even though I brought it in multiple times for the same issue.
Transmission failure. We had issues with acceleration and hesitation. When brought to the dealership they didn’t find anything wrong, but then the transmission ended up failing completely.
The vehicle would make noises and stalls during accelerations and decelerations. It would struggle to shift into gear, especially from 1st to 2nd gear. When the vehicle comes to a stop at traffic lights or stop signs, it's really hard to get the car to move when accelerating. In high speed on the highway, the vehicle would struggle to increase speed when accelerating and the vehicle would automatically slow down and get weighted down. This would result in having to pull over. Sometimes, the vehicle would not be able to be put into Park, and automatically shifts to Neutral not allowing it to be put into Park mode. When attempting to put it back onto Drive, the vehicle would not go and emission and transmission warning would start flashing. The majority of the time, the emission or transmission warnings would not flash. This is very frightening because I was not able to control the speed of the vehicle, and luckily when the car automatically shift to N and came to a stop, I was able to pullover to the side of the busy highway right on time. The car has been inspected for the same issues in the last 3-4 years by the dealership for the same problem. The transmission fluid got changed and that was all. Now it's happening again.
[XXX]: Van failed while driving on interstate / all dash / warning lights while driving on [XXX] / car inoperable while driving / Towed to Crest Honda, Nashville TN Feb 11, 2025: Crest Honda repaired airbag and replaced negative battery connector and cable (believed to be the source of the [XXX] van operations failure. Drove it home (6-7 miles) from Honda dealer. Later that evening, started van at house - all warning lights / would not go into gear. Towed to Crest Honda Feb 12. Feb 14, 2025: Crest Honda said transmission had failed, it was not the battery connector, provided a quote $7714. In March 2025, Crest HOnda replaced the transmission for total price of $7714.65 - I paid for the transmission. The transmission failed at 117K miles. The Van has a comprehensive dealer service history, including all transmissions fluid changes. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6
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