Component
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Manufacturer
HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)
What Happened
The counter shaft and second gear in your automatic transmission are connected by a shaft that can get too hot in certain driving conditions. This can cause the gears to wear down and break.
Risk if Unfixed
If the gears fail, your transmission could lock up and cause a crash. This is a serious situation that requires urgent attention to prevent an accident.
Free Fix
Your Honda dealer will either update the oil system to keep the gears cooler or replace the transmission if it's already showing signs of overheating damage — both repairs are free, and you should schedule it as soon as you get the recall notice.
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.
View full recall details →
Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →