Severe vibration, thumping, washboard affect in right front when driving over 20mph. Replaced right front drive axel. *tr
2005 Honda Odyssey powertrain problems
moderate 98 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
98
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
2crashes
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 98 powertrain complaints filed for the 2005 Honda Odyssey, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 98 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 21 model years of Honda Odyssey in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2005 Odyssey has a well-documented transmission problem affecting this entire model year, with shuddering starting as early as 40K miles and progressing to catastrophic failure requiring $2,500–$6,000 in repairs. Honda has not recalled the transmission despite issuing a service bulletin and offering extended coverage only through 105K miles; many owners face denial of coverage and are stuck paying out of pocket.
Owners of 2005 Odysseys describe a transmission problem that begins with shuddering or vibration between 20–50 MPH, especially during eco-mode engagement or on inclines. The symptom feels like driving over rumble strips. Dealers typically recommend a $50–$200 software update first, but owners report this almost never works. The problem escalates from annoyance to catastrophic failure, requiring torque converter replacement ($1,900–$2,200) or full transmission replacement ($2,500–$6,000).
Several owners experienced transmission failure while driving at highway speed, causing sudden loss of power or the vehicle to lock in drive and refuse to shift. One owner's transmission caught fire while parked, destroying the vehicle. Another had both solenoids fail one day after dealer service.
Honda issued Service Bulletin 12-029 and extended coverage to 8 years/105K miles—but this is not a recall, so owners outside that window are denied free repair. Dealers sometimes offer a 50% cost-share, but Honda has refused goodwill assistance in many cases. Motor mounts also crack on this model (addressed in a 2006 service bulletin), causing vibration during eco-mode transitions, and owners report dealers deny responsibility. Multiple independent transmission shops report having to rebuild 3–4 of these transmissions monthly, suggesting this is not an isolated defect.
Same Honda Odyssey powertrain reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission shuddering/juddering at 20–50 MPH
Vehicle vibrates, shudders, or judders during acceleration or steady cruise, typically between 20–50 MPH, especially at inclines or during eco-mode engagement. Owners report it feels like driving over rumble strips. Symptom often worsens over time.
When: Starts around 40K–95K miles; some reports at very low mileage (750 miles, 20K miles)
Symptoms owners cite: shuddering/vibrating in steering wheel; vibration between 20–50 MPH; worse on inclines; occurs during eco-mode; vibration when accelerating 25–35 or 40–45 MPH; feels like rumble strips or railroad tracks; worsens over time
Codes mentioned: P0746, P0777, P0741
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership offers transmission software update ($50–$200), transmission fluid flush ($200–$400), torque converter replacement ($1,900–$2,200), or full transmission replacement ($2,200–$6,000). Software updates often fail to resolve issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda Service Bulletin 12-029 issued; extended warranty to 8 years/105K miles for affected vehicles, but not treated as recall. Owners outside coverage window denied free repair. Some dealers offer 50% cost-share goodwill.
Transmission failure with loss of power/acceleration
Vehicle suddenly loses acceleration and power while driving at highway speeds. RPM jumps but vehicle will not accelerate. Engine revs high with no forward motion. In some cases transmission locks in drive and will not shift to any gear. Owners report blinking drive indicator and transmission locked down.
When: Reported between 47K and 170K miles; some at 330 miles after dealer service
Symptoms owners cite: sudden loss of acceleration at highway speed; high RPM but no forward motion; transmission locked in drive; unable to shift gears; blinking drive indicator light; vehicle slowly loses power; smoke from under hood
Codes mentioned: P0746, P0777, P0741
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission rebuild or full replacement required. Costs range $2,500–$6,000. Some shops report having to rebuild 3–4 of these transmissions monthly.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda refused goodwill assistance in multiple cases. Dealers claim no known issues. One case reported $3K quote with Honda refusing assistance.
Transmission fluid leak and burning
Transmission fluid leaks from unknown source(s) or sprays out while driving. Fluid ignites or creates burning smell. In one case, entire front of vehicle caught fire while parked. Transmission overheats; fluid becomes burnt or discolored.
When: Occurs during highway driving and in some cases while parked at idle
Symptoms owners cite: visible smoke under hood; burning smell; transmission fluid leak; ATF sprayed on engine/hoses/battery; transmission fluid completely lost; vehicle caught fire while parked; burnt transmission fluid smell
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission rebuild or replacement. Estimated $2,500+ for rebuild. Shop refills fluid but fluid leaks again within 10 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda denied known issues with model year. One case: vehicle fire with 76K miles resulted in total loss; owner requested NHTSA investigation and Honda reimbursement.
Transmission solenoid failure
Pressure control solenoids (A and B) fail, trapping transmission in fail-safe mode. Occurs shortly after dealer service for other issues (O2 sensor, recalls). Vehicle must be limped to nearby town or towed.
When: One case occurred one day after dealer service; mileage not specified clearly, but vehicle had recent service
Symptoms owners cite: transmission solenoids failed; blinking drive indicator; loss of power; transmission locked
Codes mentioned: P0746 PRESSURE CONTROL SOLENOID A PERFORMANCE/STUCK OFF, P0777 PRESSURE CONTROL SOLENOID B STUCK ON, P0741 TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH CIRCUIT PERFORMANCE/STUCK OFF
Repairs/costs cited: $3,000 transmission replacement quote. Owner faced $400 in car rental costs during diagnosis.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda refused goodwill assistance request. Dealer initially said transmission fluid looked fine; second dealer said fluid was burnt from internal part failure.
Torque converter failure
Torque converter fails to lock up properly at highway speeds or steady cruise. Vehicle exhibits vibration, surging power, or slipping sensation. Converter may fail silently or with humming noise.
When: Reported between 40K and 145K miles
Symptoms owners cite: vibration at 45 MPH on level ground; pulsing power to drive wheels; humming/whining noise from transmission; surging like transmission slipping; engine revs surging with transmission surges; transmission slipping
Repairs/costs cited: Torque converter replacement ($1,900–$2,200) or full transmission replacement. Dealers often recommend full transmission replacement instead of converter only.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers acknowledge torque converter issue but push for full transmission replacement. Manufacturer rarely covers under warranty past initial coverage.
Motor mount cracks and failure
Rear and/or passenger-side motor mounts crack and fail, causing noticeable vibration and noise, especially during eco-mode transitions. Owners report this is a common issue per internet forums, but dealers deny responsibility.
When: Multiple owners report at various mileages; one service bulletin issued in 2006
Symptoms owners cite: noticeable noise and vibration during eco-mode shifts; noise as engine shifts in/out of eco phase; excessive vibration
Repairs/costs cited: $600–$1,200 to replace rear motor mounts. One case: $1,200+ for rear and passenger-side mounts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Bulletin issued in 2006 but not treated as recall. Dealers deny responsibility; claim poor design/faulty mounts not covered.
Transmission whining noise
High-pitched whining or whistling sound from transmission during acceleration or normal driving. May occur at various speeds. One case occurred only upon acceleration.
When: Reported after 3–4 years of ownership; one case at 750 miles (early manufacturing defect)
Symptoms owners cite: transmission whine; high-pitched whine upon acceleration; transmission humming; whistling sound
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement required in at least one case with only 750 miles. Dealer could not initially identify issue; noise confirmed on third test drive.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer took 3 attempts to confirm noise and diagnose failure. One case denied coverage due to warranty expiration, but issue existed during warranty period.
Transmission does not shift or delayed shift
Vehicle fails to shift gears, shifts with grinding noise, or exhibits delay (grind) between shifts, particularly 2nd to 3rd gear transition.
When: Reported between 47K and 135K miles
Symptoms owners cite: transmission will not shift; grinding noise when shifting; delay/grind between 2nd and 3rd gear; vehicle will not move when put in drive
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement required. Independent shops diagnosed need for replacement; dealers often could not diagnose initially.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer denied assistance in at least one case; dealers initially claimed vehicle operating as intended.
Transmission slipping
Transmission slips or exhibits surging, particularly on uphill driving at specific RPM ranges. Vehicle loses power momentarily or hesitates during acceleration.
When: Reported between 68K and 100K miles
Symptoms owners cite: transmission slipping on uphill; surging like slipping; hesitation during acceleration; speed drops below 45 MPH unexpectedly; transmission revs high but vehicle slow
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership recommends transmission replacement; Honda refuses to absorb replacement cost. One case: transmission fluid flush recommended as cheaper first step ($200).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda denied cost coverage in multiple cases. One case: Honda offered 50% cost-share ($1,500 out of $3,000) but claim was denied by Honda.
Synthesized from 98 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
We have owned out dark blue 2005 Honda odyssey for approximately 5 years. Recently, I am finding that the paint along the roof and side/front trim panels is chipping away. I have attempted to sand some of the bed spots and paint /protect again, but it is no use. The problem seems to be with the base layer below the blue paint. I have seen where this was identified, but I do not know where to go…
Between 35-40 miles per hour transmission is slipping. Van is 4.5 years old with 53,000 miles. Dealer says torque converter needs to be replaced at an out of pocket expense of $3400. This is on a 2005 Honda odyssey ex-l with navigation. *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Honda odyssey. When driving between speeds 25 MPH to 45 MPH the vehicle shudders as if it will stall . The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the torque converter was replaced. Several months after the repair the failure resurfaced. The technician at the dealer has not been able to duplicate the failure. The failure mileage was 68,000.
Had powertrain trouble with your 2005 Honda Odyssey?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2005 Honda Odyssey?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 98 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 87 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 65,625 and 120,000 miles, with the median around 85,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 65,625; a quarter make it past 120,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Honda/Odyssey.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.