2000 Honda Odyssey EX from North America - Comments

I have a 2000 Honda Oddyssey mini van. I had to fight to get the dangerous, horrible transmission replaced only 1 year ago. The honda dealership was flatly refusing to replace the tranny even though they agreed it was bad. Even though it was also recalled. One little year later my engine light is on and the van is revving up hard and pulling the van forward! I have 2 children and I am terrified! The sliding doors have to pushed shut half of the time because they don't work properly. Now this! I dread going to the dealership because I know what a fight I will be faced with again. I thought these were the most reliable vans on the market. Its like finding out your childs toy they put in their mouth is full of lead! Its out of warranty now. Thank GOD I found this site. We Americans have been ripped off, fleeced even! Please make sure you know everything before you buy one of these vans. Im stuck with it right now. Does that wonderful, perfectly safe mini van exist out there?

I have a 99. Just about 82000 miles on her. It has treated me very well. I was one of the lucky ones I guess. It was poor engineering that can account for the tranny situation. I recommend not to buy a used one. Unless you can jump on a brand new one (now they are well built, but you are gonna pay for it). There are a lot more alternatives out there that can be had. I mean it's just a minivan, it's not like you are buying a nice sports car or sedan..

I bought my 2000 Odyssey in Feb 2000.

Last month the engine died at 185,540 miles, probably due to timing belt failure (Original timing belt - did not know that it had to be changed) or oil pump failure.

Right around 183 k miles, transmission was acting up at times - shifting hard from first gear to the second. I could still drive regularly. I took the car to the transmission shop. He recommended changing the torque converter solenoid. I bought the part from the Honda dealership and left the car at the transmission shop. When I went to pick up the van, they could not start the car and told me that the engine seized up. Never found out how the engine died just like that.

During the last nearly 9 years, it needed two sets of Michelin tires (80,000 miles warranted), two sets of front brakes and a battery, besides regular oil change and one transmission fluid change.

No other issues ever. It was a great vehicle.

I bought my 2001 Odyssey in May of '01. I currently have 230K miles on the first transmission, which I know is slipping but not too badly. Overall I have had very few problems.

Just a note to those that have trouble with the auto closing rear sliding doors. Just put a little 3 in 1 household oil on the spring hinge (close to the rear of the door where it pivots to pull in flush with the body) this appears to resolve the problem for an extended time. Make sure to work the oil into the joint by opening and closing the door several times and use plenty of oil. I have had this problem 3 times and this has resolved the issue for a year each time.

My first "breakdown" happened today. No fuel appears to be reaching the engine. It was running fine yesterday, no sputtering etc, but this morning it started immediately and then immediately died. Just trying to figure this one out. Oh well, I love the van too much to give up on it. It is a great versatile vehicle. I have carried a lot of construction supplies, camping equipment and many scouts. I will be checking for the tranny issues to be resolved before buying another one. But overall, this van has served me well.

Any ideas on the fuel issue, I will be checking back.

Thanks, Brenda.

2001 Odyssey with about 118k miles. We bought it used a year ago. The transmission just went out.

Through this board we learned of the recalls, etc. and had it towed to a local Honda dealership (with whom we have no previous relationship). They confirmed the transmission had to be replaced and we asked about the warranty extensions we'd heard about. They told us that Honda has issued a second extension on the transmission warranty covering up to 7 yrs 9mos and 109,000 miles. While that put us within the time limit, we are still about 9k miles past the mileage. The service guy said he would call Honda for us to see what can be done.

A day later he called to say that a new transmission costs about $4,000 and that Honda agreed to knock $1700 off that price. We said that was still over priced considering that we are loyal Honda owners and these transmissions are a major documented problem.

He came back 2 days later saying that they could maybe knock our cost down to $2,000 IF we agreed to have them replace our timing belt for $1195 and the ERG for $450. We told him to look into it. He called back two hours later and said they would replace the transmission, timing belt, and ERG for a grand total of $2999.

From what I can find on the internet, it looks like the going price for these timing belts is closer to $750, and the ERG $350. So the prices quoted for those separately sound over-priced. But the total of $3000 for all of it done sounds pretty good, especially considering that we are 9k miles. outside the extended extended warranty...

We are feeling pretty clueless about how this whole game works, but I'm guessing we are about to drop the $3000 and hope we've done all we can to get the best deal.

As much as we love our Hondas, I admit I'm disappointed in the Odyssey. From the beginning, it just hasn't felt like the Honda quality we are used to. I'll never give up my Accord, but we'll probably be looking to replace the Odyssey with a Sienna sometime soon.

Good luck to you all!

I have 2000 Honda Ody. Bought in 2005. Ever since it has been one problem after the other. Have the tranny replaced. Mtr mount replaced at 79k. Then tranny replaced at 85k. Now, at 124k the tranny slips at first gear and drags before changing. Not to think of the sliding right door. Stopped working while on the way to my kids schools. Then 2 months later it fixed itself after Honda refused to come thru. Then the driver side pwr seat will not work any more. Does anyone know of any pending lawsuits to have Honda refrain from false ads concerning their products?