2001 Honda Odyssey review from North America

Defective EGR valve.

Car revs loudly while idling.

Automatic car doors get stuck open.

TCS light and check engine light came on at 80,000 miles despite pampering. Dealer says it needs a new transmission.

This car handles very well. The interior is very well designed and comfortable.

However, I have had some problems that warranty action from Honda. I feel that I have not been treated like a valuable customer despite my loyalty to Hondas.

For example, at about 60,000 miles, I had a problem with the engine revving while the car was idling, so I went in to the dealer and had work done. They told me it was not the defective EGR valve that was under an extended warranty I was recently informed about. After the repair, the problem returned in a few days. I returned the van and had work done again, and was also told that it was "not the EGR valve." The problem returned again. This time I insisted that they do the work on the EGV valve, which they did. Consequently, the problem went away and did not return.

Recently however (at about 80,000 miles) the TCS and check engine light came on. The dealer told me that the transmission needs to be replaced. Coincidentally, the TCS light only comes on when I am driving over 60MPH with a cruise control (I have checked this theory for several months). The van is not performing any differently so I am reluctant to spend $5,000 on a new transmission.

In disbelief, I called the Honda corporation and asked them about the problem. The person I spoke to admitted that the 2001 Honda Odysseys have had some transmission problems. Today, on this website, I am reading about a class action lawsuit resulting in an extended warranty with the transmission of 2001 Honda Odysseys. Why have I not been informed? Would the dealer have made me pay $5,000 to have work done even though it should be free? If I replace the transmission, will the problem come back like other people say? Honda owes me an answer.