Component
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Manufacturer
HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)
What Happened
The gear system in your automatic transmission is like a complex set of interlocking teeth that help your vehicle shift smoothly. Sometimes, heat can build up in this system, causing the teeth to wear down or break.
Risk if Unfixed
If the gears in your transmission fail, your vehicle could lock up and lose power, which could lead to a crash. This could happen while you're driving, and it's not something you can control.
Free Fix
Your dealer will inspect your transmission and either update the oil system to prevent overheating or replace the transmission entirely, all at no cost to you. You'll receive a letter with more information and a schedule for the repair.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
ON SOME MINI VANS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN HEAT BUILD-UP BETWEEN THE COUNTERSHAFT AND SECONDARY SHAFT SECOND GEARS IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO GEAR TOOTH CHIPPING OR GEAR BREAKAGE.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
GEAR FAILURE COULD RESULT IN TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Original — Remedy
ON VEHICLES WITH 15,000 MILES OR LESS, THE DEALER WILL UPDATE THE TRANSMISSION WITH A SIMPLE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE TO INCREASE LUBRICATION TO THE SECOND GEAR. ON VEHICLES WITH MORE THAN 15,000 MILES, THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION TO IDENTIFY GEARS THAT HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED DISCOLORATION DUE TO OVERHEATING. IF DISCOLORATION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE REPLACED IF DISCOLORATION IS NOT PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL PERFORM THE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 21, 2004, FOR PILOT, ODYSSEY, AND MDX OWNERS. OWNERS OF THE ACCORD VEHICLES WILL START RECEIVING LETTERS ON JUNE 28, 2004, AND ON JUNE 29, 2004, FOR OWNERS OF THE TL AND CL VEHICLES. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.
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Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →