9 speed transmission issue: Ever since I purchased this vehicle around 50,000 miles in February of 2021 (mileage currently at 118,048), I noticed a very obvious delay in acceleration from a complete stop. Changing to eco drive mode and sport mode changes slightly, but still has delay. Transmission fluid has been changed 3 times since owning this vehicle and everytime it has, there was no noticeable changes in symptoms. Delayed acceleration occurs more consistently at normal operating temperatures. Brought vehicle to honda dealership after purchasing. They performed a TCM software update. Problem still occurs to this day. Multiple occasions occured where me and my girlfriend are driving and attempting to make a safe left turn only to proceed, but in process of attempt, the vehicle delays while facing oncoming traffic.
2018 Honda Odyssey transmission complaints
Page 3 of 7: complaints 41 to 70 of 166, newest first, as owners wrote them.
My 2018 Honda Odyssey experienced a heavy snowfall in January 2025. The control panel displayed an alarm, Power Tailgate Problem , and the trunk door could not be opened. I asked a professional who pointed out that it is usually due to water intrusion into the control unit located on the rear driver's side body panel, which causes the tailgate to fail to open, close normally, or even open accidentally. They believe that this is a manufacturing defect caused by the manufacturer and there is a safety hazard. For safety reasons, I went to the dealer for an inspection. They said they could not find the cause but that the control panel was broken and needed to be replaced. I had to spend a lot of money to replace it. But I still think that the problem was caused by the manufacturer itself.
In several occasions there is a delay in acceleration. This typically is happening when I take off from a stop sign and turning, others I have literally been on highway merging and loss all acceleration Al though I can hear rpm ramp up, there is no action till 10-15 seconds later. I am very lucky no was injured in that instance and could have been a terrible accident going 70+. I see this is an ongoing issue, and because it is not consistent in manner people fail to repair/research issue.
I just had several recalls completed on my van. The issue that they couldn’t fix (which I have seen on so many message boards) my car stalls when starting from a stop. If I’m at a stop sign and press the gas nothing happens for 2-3 seconds and then it will catch and take off throwing everything in the car and the people forward. It is terrifying! I’ve had it happen with cars approaching and just been a sitting duck, thank the Lord it engaged in time. This seems to be a very prevalent issue and I don’t understand why a recall hasn’t been done before someone dies. My trunk also doesn’t work automatically anymore and they said I had a leak that would be $300 to diagnose and $500 to fix. I know ther are lawsuits for both of these issues. Recalls need to be issued.
Issue-1 High pressure fuel pump in the engine bay (no the fuel pump that was recalled for some VINs) failed at 88000 miles. There was a loud motorcycle exhaust kind of sound coming from the engine bay , which is more audible from inside the cabin than from the engine bay itself. Took it to service center for a 1500$ replacement. Wrote to Honda customer care , but they rejected by claim and goodwill refund saying there is not recall for this item. It is example of poor quality of Honda these days especially with this 2018 Nine speed model. Issue-2 MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. The vehicle doesn't accelerate while moving from a complete stop or turning into a busy intersection , making us prone to big Collison from oncoming traffic. The vehicle lags for 3-5 seconds before it accelerate rapidly. This is an ongoing issue with this model which Honda ignores and is a disaster waiting to happen. the federal safety agency should look into this and recall all HONDA 2018 9 SPEEED ODYSSEYS to fix this issue. It is been 6 years and Honda comfortably ignoring this safety hazard especially for a vehicle meant for kids.
At approximately 70,000 miles, vehicle transmission failed after intermittently falling to go into reverse and transmission warning system shifting vehicle down while driving. Rebuild parts not available from manufacturer, replaced transmission with used part. Immediately after putting car back into service, engine began to knock severely. Dealer recommended full engine replacement. Car currently not drivable and has been parked for past 13 months.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while stopped, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. On another occasion, the contact stated that while his wife was driving, the message "Stop Driving when Safe - Transmission Failure - See Owner’s Manual" was displayed. The contact stated that his wife pulled over to the shoulder of the road and parked the vehicle, and the vehicle became difficult to shift out of park. In addition, the contact stated that the RPM occasionally fluctuated and there was a delay with the vehicle responding. The contact also stated that the transmission was shifting hard. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with an internal cylinder failure and that the 9-speed manual transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer several times; however, no failures were diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by the local dealer to assist with the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
When trying to accelerate from a stop either in an intersection or from a driveway the vehicle takes a long moment before it responds... leaving my family vulnerable to cars coming from the opposite direction. I think it's the transmission but it could have to do with the fuel intake... it has been ongoing for months and months. The dealer has attempted to rectify but to not avail....very dangerous
UNKNOWN At random times I will push the gas pedal and the car does not engage at all to move. I will lift my foot up and down trying to engage the engine and it won’t. After a few times it will catch and the car takes off making the tires squeal, spin or jerk. It happens at random times, no warnings whatsoever that there’s a problem. It is very dangerous at intersections when turning left on green lights, when pulling out of parking lots. It’s to the point I am afraid to drive it at busy traffic times because it happens so often and I’m afraid of getting hit while my car will not move. We have told the dealership and they suggested we wait for the fuel pump recall to be readily available. I looked in forums and this seems to be a major problem for many other owners of the 2018 or newer. It started approximately two years ago and continues to happen, in fact happening more often.
Transmission hesitation when turning from stop. Scary when traffic is coming. Not safe and seems to be a common, known issue. https://www.odyclub.com/threads/2018-odyssey-having-1-3-second-acceleration-lag-from-stopped-or-rolling-on-9-speed-transmission.368250/ https://www.reddit.com/r/HondaOdyssey/comments/pxw7xz/2018_honda_odyssey_having_major_acceleration/ https://www.odyclub.com/threads/hesitation-on-acceleration.362860/
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly shifted to park(P), and the vehicle shut off while approaching a traffic light. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred while driving and exiting a parking lot. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The mechanic related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
We started hearing a metal knocking type noise on start-up and acceleration. We took it to a mechanic who diagnosed it as a rod-bearing problem. Then we took it to the Honda dealership thinking it was related to recall 23V751000 which also deals with 2018 Honda Odysseys, but for some reason our VIN was not included in that recall even though our problem sounds exactly like what is mentioned in the recall. The dealership said we are 6 months out of warranty and would therefore need a new engine. I used one costs $9,000 and a new one would be $22,000.
See attached document for complaint.
Forward collision warning comes up on vehicle. There is a problem with the transmission. the car automatically shifts itself from D to S.
The vehicle often hesitates to accelerate when pressing the fuel peddle. This mostly happens when backing out of a driveway and placing the gear into drive but also has happened after coming to a full stop and then pulling out. The hesitation lasts about 1-3 seconds and could lead to a collision if I decide to pull out in front of oncoming traffic and anticipate the car to accelerate rather fast. Often, during the hesitation the instinct is to press the gas pedal harder, in which case, when the vehicle does accelerate it will spin the tires, making forward progress even more frustration and dangerous. This happens with both drivers in the family, it is not isolated to just once person's style of driving. This becomes a safety issue if you expect to merge into traffic and the vehicle does not respond. we have adjusted our driving habits in this car to assume it will not accelerate when from a full stop. We have not had a shop verify the condition. No warning lights or messages appear. The car is NOT in ECO mode. Doing a google search for the condition, it does not appear to isolated event.
I bought new and have 59,000 miles on the car. During the past year or two, when I get to a stop sign and about to cross or turn into a busy road (that has no traffic signs for the cars traveling on that road), the car hesitates when I step on the gas pedal, then after a second or two, the car lurches forward (abruptly) while screeching the tires. My analysis is that there is something about making several complete stops in short succession (as a driver would do in an attempt to inch into a busy intersection of fast moving traffic in order to get a better view and position the car for a smoother merge) which triggers the car to stall for a second or two. I say this because it does not happen at any other types of intersections. The danger here is that a second or two is crucial in avoiding a crash when you are trying to merge into a gap in traffic. Then after hesitation, the car lunging forward in an uncontrolled manner can cause an inexperienced driver to loose control of the vehicle during a turn. There are many similar complaints filed with the federal safety agency and posted on online owner forums. Many owners have reported to Honda, but Honda’s response is that this is how the car is supposed to drive. the federal safety agency, where are you? We need help on this
At critical accelerating situations (turning, merging, passing...) the minivan will hesitate, and no power is delivered to the wheels. As a result, the car does not perform as intended and can cause an accident when turning, merging, or attempting to pass. The only resolution is to remove any pressure from the accelerator and allow the car 1-2 seconds to recover, then you can usually accelerate slowly. Sometimes this has happened multiple times in the same accelerating event. This happens on 2018-2019 Honda Odysseys with 3.5l V6 with ZF 9HP transmissions. This has happened multiple times and Honda has failed to correct this issue. This is a known issue and has been part of a class action lawsuit. The most recent incident occured yesterday and the vehicle automatically shifted into Neutral and would no long drive.
2018 Honda Odyssey failed transmission systems. This vehicle had recalls in regard to TCM module and softwares in past. Normally transmission system should last well over 150,000 miles for this type of vehicle. My car failed at 74000 miles. That too without any advanced warning. Vehicle was maintained and serviced at same dealership regularly where it was purchased. Honda is claiming its outside their 60000 mile powertrain warranty. Honda expects me to pay over 10,000 dollars for repair. I believe my vehicle is having issues with transmission related to TCM module recall of 2019 and Recall 04v176 of 2023. Honda is refusing to look in to possibility of my vehicle's issue could possibly related to those recalls. I believe those recalls need to be looked at and my vehicle should have been involved in those recalls. I have documented proof for all services performed and current vehicle inspection report.
My 2018 Honda Odyssey doesn't have any current vehicle recalls but it's is experiencing the engine stall while driving, the power sliding floors not locking properly and the power trunk making a grinding noise when it opens and closes. I had the vehicle inspected at the local Honda dealership and they told me there was nothing they could do about the vehicle stalling, the power doors not closing and the trunk grinding. From releasing the brake and pressing the gas, the vehicle will stall and then spin the tires as if I'm racing or burning rubber.
While driving, the transmission will go into limp mode and will not drive over 40 mph. Comes on and off intermittently. Will not show error code. Was almost rear ended by semi trailer when happened
On the week of May 3rd my car began to shift into different gears with no notice or reason while driving, when it would do this it would show a warning signal on the dash that stated"transmission issue!" And the gear letter would flash on the dash. I brought the car in to the dealership it was purchased from (Ira Honda Saco, ME) as the car was shifting into reverse and park while driving causing significant safety issues for myself and my children in the car. When I arrived I was told there was issue with loaners although the service employee was great in helping me find one eventually that day as I'm a solo parent with multiple children. However, when I brought the car I said there was a recall on the transmission for this exact issue. I was told my make model and year matched but not the VIN so it couldn't be the transmission recall/issue. Then I was told the issue was the fuel injectors but that they were not covered by any warranty so I'd need to pay out of pocket. Then I was told it was partially covered and I ended up paying out of pocket for the remainder and was told the car was all set no more issues, it's fixed, completely safe to drive. Now barely 4 weeks later on 6/1024 while driving on the highway the car slams into park with the same exact warning flashing on the dash. The car behind me nearly rear ended me and my seatbelt engaged as I was going 65mph and came to a complete halt, causing bruising to my chest and collar bone. I immediately brought it back to the dealership and they suddenly say it's the transmission (like I said last month) but that it's not under warranty and is $6300 to repair that Honda can't guarantee they can cover with a claim and they also don't have a loaner or any vehicle I can use to safely transport myself or my children. Yet the only reason I am at the dealership with a car that has now twice nearly caused severe injury events or death is due to the dealership's misdiagnosis of the issue and the guarantee the car was fixed
At around 25 miles per hour the vehicle has a transmission issue where the vehicle seems to hesitate, then downshift causing the vehicle to lurch forward. This happens regularly and started sometime before I acquired the vehicle with 48k miles. Honda dealer had no fix to the problem.
On April 13th, 2024 our son was driving the family 2018 Honda Odyssey (Approx 83,000 miles) in a nearby city. He was driving at 43 mph when the vehicle shifted from drive to neutral without his shifting it. He tried to brake using the brake pedal but was unable to stop or slow the vehicle. He also tried to accelerate and was unable to accelerate the vehicle. All the lights on the dashboard lit up and he was forced to use the emergency brake to stop the minivan. A good samaritan stopped and assuming that the battery was the problem, tried to help jump-start the vehicle -- but they were unable to start the car. Our son called us, and I drove 20 or so miles to his location. After trying a jump box in the vehicle, we called AAA. After trying a jump start and a new battery, At this point the technician said that the vehicle would need to be towed. The transmission of the minivan appeared to be locked and the towing company was not able to find a means to unlock the transmission. As a result, the front tires were placed on skids, which allowed the minivan to be drawn up onto the bed of the tow vehicle and towed the vehicle 20 miles to the local dealer, which had originally sold us the vehicle and had completed all recent maintenance. On Monday, the Honda service technician assessed it. We were advised that the 2018 Odyssey would require a new engine. After involving American Honda, we learned that the transmission was also affected, and the car would need to have $28,000 of repairs. After a month of discussions with American Honda, they closed our case without a teardown to identify root cause of the event. Our son could easily have been killed by being in a vehicle that could not be controlled while it was moving down the street. He used the only means available to him to stop the vehicle – the emergency parking brake. American Honda has told us that we must pay the $1600 to tear the engine apart to learn the cause. We have more history than can fit here.
When I drive the van just stops working. So I have pulled out into the street to cross traffic and on many occasions the car just won't drive like the transmission isn't in gear. It will eventually get into gear and go again but I have almost been hit before. I think my car should've been included in the transmission recall.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while the vehicle was stopped at a traffic signal, the signal changed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle hesitated before responding. The contact stated that the engine almost stalled while driving at various speeds. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle also lurched forward while responding. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
My van driving on the highway and pop up two error cods at the same time, one is transmission system problem and the other is blind spot info system problem. Check it out with code P0741. And this incident happened 7 times in the past 6 months.
Our Tailgate is having an issue that triggered a safety issue with my wife driving on a highway then 3 lights popped up and car entered a limp mode. transmission issue, emissions issue, tailgate issue since then car is behaving normally but the tailgate latch is opening when we start the van and not working from fob (unlock) or exterior tailgate button. I have read other owners having an issue where the tailgate control module is getting submerged by water causing the unit to short and cause these issues. A car entering limp mode on the highway poses a threat to our family and others, I hope to see a solution in the near future.
The transmission has been acting weird - not shifting appropriately and jerking when shifting for about 2500 miles previous to this. The car has had routine maintenance and all recall work completed at dealership. At 86000 the transmission needs to be replaced. In addition, when it would get really wet or go through a car wash the transmission wouldn't function properly and not go into reverse at all.
The 2018 Honda Odyssey with 59,000 miles downshifts on its own when we are driving. This has happened about half a dozen times. It is disconcerting because the vehicle slows down. No one has hit us from behind. The Odyssey was at the dealer for a transmission fluid change recently. A multipoint inspection was done with no mention of the transmission or any other problems. There have been no warning lamps, messages, etc. displayed on the instrument panel. There are no service bulletins or recalls at this time.
It was the gear shift, changing from drivre mode to neutral, or from drive mode to completely shut off while I was driving on the the freeway and had to slow down because the vehicles in front of me were slowing down too, because of traffic conditions, the car problem has been confirmed by the manufacturer, there's even a law suit in process here in California for this matter. The car is right now in the dealership for repair, there was no light on in the dashboard warning. This started like to weeks ago, first time just went from driving mode to neutral. Second time shut off and turn on again, third time yesterday, from driving mode changed to neutral and finally completely shut down. I feel unsafe for my wife driving this car and for the kids .
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