Do you have an Odyssey in your shop that has a power sliding door that won?t open or close by using the following? ? Power sliding door main switch on the dash ? Keyless transmitter ? B-pillar switch (if equipped) ? Either inside or outside door handle Connect the HDS to the vehicle. Using the information from the power sliding door data list, follow the steps in the flowchart below to troubleshoot the problem.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Honda Odyssey powertrain problems
moderate 69 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
69
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1fire
1injury
What stands out
Owners have filed 69 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.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2007 Odyssey's transmission is problematic from low mileage onward. Starting around 5,000 miles, owners feel vibration and juddering between 30–50 MPH—especially when upshifting or downshifting. Honda issued recall NHTSA 10V098000 and multiple software updates to address this, but owners consistently report the updates either don't work or make the problem worse. When software fails, the next step is torque converter replacement, often costing around $5,800.
The torque converter is the core issue: it locks and unlocks unpredictably, causing the transmission to slip gears, especially on hills. Owners report the vehicle rolling backward when stopped on an incline, even with the brake applied, or losing power when accelerating uphill. If the converter stays bad long enough, metal shavings contaminate the transmission fluid and damage the gears irreversibly. Honda warns of this risk but refuses to cover a new transmission unless the shavings can be proven—a catch-22 for owners.
Some owners also experience sudden unintended acceleration when braking or shifting, rough downshifts that lock seatbelts, transmission fluid leaks from loose bolts that back out repeatedly, and complete transmission failure requiring replacement. In one case, the replacement transmission itself failed within 37 months, and Honda refused warranty coverage on the recalled repair.
Dealers consistently deny problems exist, claim symptoms are "normal," delay repairs until the warranty expires, or demand diagnostic fees for issues Honda's own recalls acknowledge. Owners report wasted time, money, and safety concerns driving a vehicle that may lose power or lurch forward unexpectedly.
Same Honda Odyssey powertrain reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2008 · 2009 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission judder/shudder at 30-50 MPH
Owners report vibration, shaking, and hesitation in the transmission, especially between 30–50 MPH on acceleration or deceleration. Many describe it as railroad-track roughness or engine jutter. Often occurs when upshifting or downshifting in this speed range.
When: 5,000 miles onward; frequently early in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration through the entire vehicle during acceleration 30–50 MPH; Hesitation and juddering when shifting gears in 30–50 MPH range; Engine jutter or shuddering feel; Rough downshifting when slowing down; Transmission hunts for correct gear at low speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Honda issued multiple software updates (TSBs). If software updates fail, torque converter replacement recommended. Costs cited: torque converter replacement is the secondary fix after software updates prove ineffective.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda issued recall NHTSA 10V098000 and subsequent software updates for transmission control. Multiple owners report torque converter replacement as recommended next step by dealers.
Torque converter locking/unlocking and slipping
Owners report the torque converter fails to lock properly or unlocks unexpectedly, causing gear slipping, rough engagement, and unpredictable shifts. Some experience metal shavings in transmission fluid indicating internal damage.
When: Variable; some from 5,000 miles, some later depending on driving
Symptoms owners cite: Gear slipping; transmission does not hold load on inclines; Vehicle rolls backward on hills when brake released; Torque converter locks and unlocks intermittently; Hard or delayed engagement when shifting D or R; Metal shavings found in transmission fluid
Repairs/costs cited: Torque converter replacement is the primary repair. Cost approximately $5,800 cited in one case. Owners warn that early detection and replacement are critical; delay allows metal debris to damage transmission gears.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda acknowledges torque converter as the root cause after software updates fail. Dealers perform torque converter replacement under warranty if caught early. Owners report Honda will not cover subsequent transmission damage unless metal shavings are confirmed in fluid analysis.
Abnormal downshift/gear hunting and harsh shifting
Transmission exhibits abnormal downshifts (sometimes to 1st gear) from highway speeds, causing sudden drag or deceleration. Vehicle hunts between gears, especially at low speeds. Downshifts are harsh and audible.
When: Throughout ownership; variable mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Spontaneous downshift to 1st gear while cruising, causing sudden drag; Seatbelt locking from abrupt deceleration; Harsh or jerky downshift when slowing or braking; Transmission hunts or searches for correct gear at 25–45 MPH; Rough shift when changing from 3rd to 2nd gear
Codes mentioned: D3 warning light flashing on instrument panel
Repairs/costs cited: Software updates sometimes worsen the issue. Torque converter replacement does not always resolve rough downshifting. Owners report dealers declaring the issue 'normal' or 'slight' despite owners' safety concerns.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda issued software updates; effectiveness is mixed. Dealers sometimes refuse torque converter replacement, claiming the problem is minor or within specification. Honda documentation warns that driving without correction risks transmission damage, yet dealers delay repair until powertrain warranty nears expiration.
Unintended acceleration and brake-shift interaction anomalies
Vehicle accelerates on its own when brakes are applied or during shifts. Engine idles roughly and revs without driver input. Occurs at low speeds (parking lots, highway exits) and can result in loss of vehicle control.
When: Variable; under 30,000 miles in some cases
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates suddenly when brake pedal depressed; Engine idles roughly during brake or shift events; Tachometer spikes to 2500+ RPM without throttle input; Vehicle lunges forward or continues accelerating despite brake pressure; Fish-tailing or instability during braking at ~40 MPH
Repairs/costs cited: One case resolved by transmission sensor reprogramming. However, in most narratives, dealers find no error codes and cannot diagnose the issue. Safety concern is severe; owners report near-collisions.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Transmission sensor reprogramming was cited as fix in one case. Most dealers are unable to reproduce the problem and deny any defect. Brake and transmission recalls were performed on some vehicles, but issues persisted or recurred.
Transmission fluid leakage from loose bolts and metal casing defects
Transmission pan bolts loosen repeatedly despite tightening and application of threadlocker. In at least one case, dealer reported a crack or porous metal casing causing fluid loss.
When: Early in ownership for bolt issues; varies for casing defect
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fluid leakage beneath vehicle; Bolts backing out after being tightened; Low transmission fluid warning or symptoms of low fluid
Repairs/costs cited: Bolts tightened twice; second time set with Loctite. Third occurrence required full transmission replacement ($25 deductible under dealer powertrain warranty). Metal casing crack is manufacturing defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Covered under dealer-supplied powertrain warranty (not original Honda warranty). Suggests systemic issue with transmission pan bolt design or metal quality.
Transmission won't engage or fails to shift properly; intermittent non-start
Transmission gears do not engage smoothly or at all. Flashing 'D' warning light on instrument panel. Vehicle may not start or requires shifter jiggling to engage.
When: Variable; some reports over 100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Flashing 'D' or 'Drive' LED on dash; unclear meaning to owners; Transmission does not shift into gear or hesitates; Vehicle will not turn over; interior lights work but engine dead; Shifter must be jiggled to allow engine start; Vehicle shifted to Park but continues to move forward
Codes mentioned: D3 warning light
Repairs/costs cited: One case involved range switch replacement, which did not permanently resolve the problem. Others left undiagnosed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Range switch defect identified in one case and replaced, but failure recurred. No broader response documented in narratives.
Rear wheel bearing failure (both sides)
Both rear wheel bearings fail prematurely, producing grinding and screeching noise at all speeds. Owner reports this is not an isolated incident and found hundreds of references on automotive forums.
When: Variable; one case at unspecified mileage after December 2006 purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding and screeching sound from both rear wheels at all speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Both rear bearings replaced at dealer. Owner notes that dual bearing failure is unusual and suggests systemic design defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner contacted Honda; representative stated no recall exists. Honda response deemed inadequate. No other remedy documented.
Engine oil burning at excessive rate
Engine burns 1 quart of oil every 600–800 miles. Vehicle stalls when oil level drops below 2 quarts. Honda later issued a recall for newer model years with the same issue, but not the 2007.
When: Early in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Rapid oil consumption (1 quart per 600–800 miles); Engine stalling at low oil levels below 2 quarts; Computer shows oil life remaining when actual oil is depleted
Repairs/costs cited: Owner changed oil every 3,000 miles. Dealer and Honda stated consumption rate is normal. Mechanic unable to find solution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer claims consumption is normal. Honda issued a recall for the same engine/computer in later model years but has not recalled the 2007. Suggests Honda acknowledged the defect after initial denial.
Transmission complete failure requiring full replacement
Transmission fails completely and requires full replacement, sometimes multiple times within vehicle lifetime. In one case, transmission failed again 37 months after Honda replaced it under recall.
When: Variable; one case at 27,000 miles after prior replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission stops working; vehicle non-drivable; Same or similar problems recurring after previous transmission replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Full transmission replacement cost cited as approximately $5,800. One owner reported Honda replaced transmission under recall, then replacement transmission failed again; Honda refused warranty on recalled repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda replaced one transmission under recall but provided no warranty on the replacement unit. Owner states Honda either installed inferior replacement or reused the originally defective transmission.
Transmission slipping and loss of power on inclines
Transmission slips under load, especially on uphill grades when transitioning from brake to accelerator or in reverse. Vehicle rolls backward or loses forward momentum. Slipping distance increases over time from inches to feet.
When: Early in ownership; one case from 15,000 miles onward
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward on incline when brake released; Slipping increases from 2 inches initially to 1 foot or more; Loss of engine braking on downhill; RPM drops with foot off accelerator; Difficulty accelerating from stop on slope
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership acknowledged as known defect but refused to repair. No documented fix in provided narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda corporate stated issue is 'part of the car' and refused repair. Owner requested documentation of this 'known defect' but was not provided any. Suggests Honda has classified the defect as normal operating behavior rather than warranty item.
Transmission-related electrical and sensor issues
Transmission warning lights illuminate, sensor malfunctions occur, and transmission control systems fail intermittently. Instrument panel warnings persist without clear diagnostic capability.
When: Variable mileage; some after 100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: All instrument panel warning lights illuminate simultaneously; Transmission begins to slip gears with hesitation when lights are on; Range/position sensor defects; Bearing malfunction warning light; Engine and transmission warning lights (TCS, Check Engine) illuminate together with jerking
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to diagnose or reproduce warning light events. One range switch replacement failed to permanently fix the issue. High repair cost prevented diagnosis in some cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No systematic response documented. Dealers often unable or unwilling to diagnose sensor issues.
Synthesized from 69 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had powertrain trouble with your 2007 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 2007 Honda Odyssey?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 69 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 59 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 35,000 and 80,000 miles, with the median around 56,015. A quarter of owners report trouble before 35,000; a quarter make it past 80,000. 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/2007/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.