Topic: A few Questions about Honda's Transmissions!

[Carman99]

Hi: I have 3 questions about the transmissions on the 7th generation's('03-'07) V-6 cars.

1) I've read that the main problem is the 2nd gear bearing overheats which then leads to the transmission failing? (2)Are there any other weaknesses that anyone is aware of?

3) If scenario 1 above happens will the repair feature an updated bearing so this will not happen again???

Thanks for any info.

[Squishy]

There was more than one mode of failure.  The 2nd gear problem, as far as I know, was not the bearing per se, but a general lack of lubrication.  There was a recall which installed an oil jet, but the oil jet kit takes up your transmission fill hole.  It's annoying if you do your own maintenance.

I think the other failure was for the Accord, and invoved a bad clutch or torque converter, I'm not sure.

One thing I don't like about Honda transmissions is the lack of aftermarket support.  Very few fluids meet Honda Z1 specifications, and the Z1 fluid needs to be changed often.  Colour is no indication of fluid life with Honda Z1 - it will turn brown very quickly.

[barrie1]

I have heard several Grenade stories about them and its not cheap to fix either if you can Find someone who can. I guess they are not so perfect afterall. 

[Erik]

My tranny guy LOVES Hondas! He says he hasn't had this much transmission work on one brand of vehicle since the Chrysler tranny issues of the early 90's.

Just puts a huge smile on his face whenever you mention Honda.

[tpl]

Would it be correct to say that sensible people who buy cars with proper gearboxes don't have problems with Honda's.   

[Erik]

Would it be correct to say that sensible people who buy cars with proper gearboxes don't have problems with Honda's.   

There is probably MUCH truth to that statement!

[barrie1]

Yes if they buy the GM turbo trannys you are correct for sure as they run for years very faithfully. They are the same as the rest tho in that they need the fluid service and filter change out about every 65,000 miles or so as well but will run for many years and miles if its done. 

[Loudpedal]

Hi: I have 3 questions about the transmissions on the 7th generation's('03-'07) V-6 cars.

1) I've read that the main problem is the 2nd gear bearing overheats which then leads to the transmission failing? (2)Are there any other weaknesses that anyone is aware of?

3) If scenario 1 above happens will the repair feature an updated bearing so this will not happen again???

Thanks for any info.

Based on what I've researched re: Honda V6 trannies (and prior to purchasing one), and I'm no tranny expert.

The closest thing to a numerical scope of the problem was ~13% of trannies having issues. 
- the most prevalent was the 2nd gear problems due to lack of lubrication, as mentioned in the thread, there was a recall for an oil jet kit.     
- clutch pack deterioration causing some issues, not as widespread as the 2nd gear issue. 
- Honda did extend the 'goodwill' warranty for replacement
- use of an oil cooler did not seem to affect either way the failure rate
- doubling up of the change interval using Honda Z1 was viewed as the only prevention activity
- tranny flushing seemed to magnify the clutch pack deterioration issue

Personally, I know ~10 persons (inc my wife) with Honda V6's and auto trannys (TL's, Accords and Odysseys).    FWIW, of those, the only vehicles in my circle that have had any issues were the TL's.   

[PJungnitsch]

I wouldn't get too cocky there Barry. Edmunds long term Silverado after transmission failure:



I called Santa Monica Chevy a few hours after the tow truck left to see if they had a chance to look at the truck. Our service advisor had said earlier that they may get to it that day, but most likely it would be Tuesday morning. I took the chance and called anyways. To my surprise they had looked at it and he was frank with his diagnosis:

"We've had a rash of these lately. The input housing busting as the mileage gets up there. It should be ready by Wednesday." 

http://blogs.edmunds.com/roadtests/2008/07/2007-chevy-silverado-lt-transmission-failure.html

Not sure what the problem is exactly, that tranny has been in production a long time, and AFAIK, had an excellent reputation. Something must have been changed to save cost. There's a bunch of TSB's out on it:

http://www.edmunds.com/maintenance/recalltsb.do?step=tsb&year=2007&make=Chevrolet&model=Silverado+1500&style=LT1+4dr+Extended+Cab+4WD+8+ft.+LB+(5.3L+8cyl+4A)&zip=90036&synpartner=edmunds#92

[eddy4]

About the first post I put up here involved a Honda Odyssey , the first Honda van I ever puchased .. and the transmission stopped working after only a few weeks .

After some unpleasant dealer visits the transmission has not broken in almost 400,000km... It has always taken several minutes to warm up but then works very well .  I have tolerated this van but not enjoyed it ,bits and pieces have fallen off  or stopped working over the years but it just wont quit ...

Eddy

[Juke1]

When I worked for a Honda dealership in the mid 80's, there was tranny problems then, after all these years it would appear there are still issues.  It is funny how they can still manage to sell so many, retain their value etc etc.  I stay away from Honda for that reason, owning one of the best selling model in america and then have sit at the dealer for an overhaul would not sit well me.  Other brands get kabosh for lesser issues.

[safristi]

MID 80's ....................WDF!!!..................are U Barrie's EVIL TWIN..................

[Juke1]

MID 80's ....................WDF!!!..................are U Barrie's EVIL TWIN..................

Relax Saf, you'll be alright.  What I say is problems then and still problems today, so WDF can they not get it right?  After all it's Honda here!

[barrie1]

Anybody can have a tranny failure but at a 13% rate thats extremely high for any brand. How do we know that GM wasen't abused or overloaded as that is not a common occurence with them at all. They are responsible for the auto tranny design which goes all the way back to around 1939 in the Oldsmobile I believe and then the Caddy next. The Old Power Glide is a fine example of a tough tranny that is very hard to kill as they still use them in high HP racing to this day. The TH400 is another example of a very strong tranny that is almost impossible to blow up even in a heavy racing mode. There is others as well that they have produced that can take the heavy punishment of this type of driving also. 

[Ilpav]

Does this only apply to V6-powered Hondas with auto trannies? I'm thinking of buying a 2003 Civic, so do 4-cyl Hondas have auto tranny problems also?

[barrie1]

AS a suggestiuon why not call some of the local tranny shops and ask them their opinion on them as they have 000 to lose by telling you the truth either way. They are the experts and should have a vast knowledge of them for sure. 

[locutusx]

Back when I was considering the acura tsx automatic (and I still am) I did a lot of research on forums, user reviews, and other sites, looking for reliability info or even anecdotal accounts of transmission problems with that car - 5-speed auto tranny on a 2.4L i4 engine. I was hard pressed to find any. Therefore I wouldn't be opposed to getting an Auto Honda/Acura if it involved a 4-cylinder engine. As far as i can tell, only the V6 versions have gotten bad press. And Honda sells MORE 4-cylinder models than V6 models!

[phil]

I have a 2002 Accord V6 that I bought used with 82k.  It now has 110k.  No problems at all, although the shift from park to reverse sounds clunky if you don't warm it up in the winter. 

Anyway, before I bought it from Sundance Mazda in Edmonton, I did a Carfax search which gave me the dealership name from which the car was originally purchased.  I phoned the dealer and asked about its history.  They were helpful and forthcoming and gave me a list of all warranty work--none of it related to the transmission.  That satisfied me.  Otherwise I would have been leery.