About this problem
Automatic transmission complaints describe harsh or delayed shifts, jerking at low speed, hesitation when pulling away and flaring between gears. Newer transmissions with many gears rely heavily on software, and some problems are fixed by updates or by relearning shift patterns. Others come from worn valve bodies, torque converters or clutch packs and need a rebuild or replacement.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Honda Odyssey since 2012, 126 (2.9%) describe transmission jerking and rough shifting, the second most reported problem we track on the Odyssey. The reports cluster on the 2014, 2018 and 2019 model years, and the 2019 drew the most, with 36. It tends to show up early in the car's life: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 8,000 and 60,000 miles. 3 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. No recall covers it, but Honda has sent dealers service bulletins about it, listed below.
What owners report
Complaints describe the Odyssey's automatic transmission shuddering, jerking at low speeds and shifting harshly, with some 2018 and later 9- and 10-speed vans hesitating when pulling away. Some owners say the problem shows up mostly when cold or in stop-and-go traffic, others at highway speeds. The 2014, 2018 and 2019 model years drew the most reports.
How it gets fixed
Dealers usually start with a transmission software update (a re-flash) and a fluid change. If that does not help, a valve body, torque converter or full transmission replacement may follow.
Typical cost: A software update is often free or under $200. A torque converter or valve body job runs $1,000 to $2,500, and a replacement transmission $3,500 to $6,000.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"While my wife and daughter were returning from a short shopping trip, the transmission started to make a "clunk" noise when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. Immediately upon her return home, I drove the van around the block, stopping at each intersection."
2014 Honda Odyssey, 6,700 miles
"The 10-speed transmission on my 2018 Honda ex-l Odyssey van slips. This has intermittently happened since the vehicle was new, but it is getting worse over time. The slippage occurs most often when starting after a stop."
2018 Honda Odyssey, 2,500 miles
"Transmission shifts erratic. When going from reverse to drive the transmission delays engagement to 1st gear. This behavior causes a clunk to 1st gear and sometimes rapid acceleration when it does engage and the gas pedal is depressed."
2019 Honda Odyssey, 20,000 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Service bulletins
Honda has sent dealers 8 bulletins that mention this problem on the Odyssey. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
The transmission has intermittent harsh or jerky upshifts with steady acceleration, or the MIL comes on with DTC P0716.
There is a hard downshift or clunk around 6-13 mph, often experienced when slowing down and accelerating at slow speeds or from a rolling stop.
After shifting into 2nd, 3rd, or 4th gear, vehicle would surge or judder or would have hesitation.
Before you buy a Odyssey
- On the test drive, accelerate gently and firmly, and pay attention to the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts and to coasting down to a stop.
- Ask whether transmission software updates or a fluid flush have been done.
- Walk away from a car that clunks into gear or flares the engine speed between shifts.
Questions
Which Honda Odyssey years have transmission jerking and rough shifting?
Complaints are highest for the 2014, 2018, 2019 model years. The 2019 drew the most, with 36 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 27,000 miles, and half reported it between 8,000 and 60,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
A software update is often free or under $200. A torque converter or valve body job runs $1,000 to $2,500, and a replacement transmission $3,500 to $6,000.