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 ↗2008 Honda Odyssey powertrain problems
severe 34 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
34
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
4crashes
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 34 powertrain complaints filed for the 2008 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 34 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.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 13 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
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.
HONDA: DUE TO AN ISSUE OF PISTON RINGS, ON CERTAIN CYLINDERS, ROTATING AND ALIGNING, ON SOME VEHICLES, AND CAUSING SPARK PLUGS FOULING, THE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY HAS BEEN GIVEN AN EXTENSION TO COVER THE REPAIRS. MODEL 2008-2010 ODYSSEY.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of the 2008 Honda Odyssey describe persistent transmission and engine problems across a broad range of mileage. The transmission issues cluster around torque-converter shudder and judder at 20–45 mph, reported as vibration or grinding sensations that often worsen over time. Multiple owners received transmission software updates through recalls, but the vibration returned or worsened in many cases; some had the torque converter replaced without resolution. Owners also report transmission hesitation and jerking during gear shifts, hard downshifts, and delayed throttle response.
Engine-side failures include sudden unintended acceleration while braking or stopped, unresponsive throttle in traffic, metal-on-metal grinding noises at 2800 rpm without warning lights, and one case where a vehicle in Park rolled into a shed. One owner reported complete electrical shutdown (loss of gauges, radio, lights, battery warning) after hearing a loud bang, followed by cascading warning lights.
Several owners cite unsuccessful transmission repairs: rebuilt transmissions that leaked, torque converters that were replaced but the vibration persisted, and software updates that made the problem worse. One shop quoted $1,727 for torque-converter replacement outside warranty. Drivetrain failures include repeated half-axle replacements (every 20–25k miles in one case). ABS and stability-control system malfunctions, some accompanied by sudden braking during acceleration, recurred across multiple dealer visits without diagnosis.
Owners express frustration that diagnostic codes often fail to trigger, limiting warranty coverage and Honda's willingness to acknowledge defects.
Same Honda Odyssey powertrain reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2007 · 2009 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission torque-converter shudder and vibration
Transmission vibrates or shudders at 20–45 mph, often during acceleration or uphill driving; owners describe it as grinding, judder, or lurching. Multiple narratives reference a TSB for lock-up clutch function and recall for software updates, but vibration recurs or worsens post-update.
When: Typically at 20–45 mph during acceleration; failure mileage from 1,000 to 240,100 miles
Symptoms owners cite: vibration at 20-45 mph; grinding or judder sensation; jerking during acceleration; vibration on uphill grades; vibration worsens over time
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission software updates (TSB #09-053 lock-up clutch); torque-converter replacement quoted at $1,727; transmission flush attempted; owners report replacements did not resolve issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB #09-053 (lock-up clutch); recall for software updates; some owners report Honda denied warranty coverage after vehicle left warranty
Transmission hesitation and hard shifting
Transmission hesitates when shifting between gears, particularly 2nd to 3rd; owners report jerking, hard downshifts, and delayed throttle response during normal driving.
When: Occurs during gear transitions; particularly pronounced during cold starts and low-speed shifting (32–35 mph and uphill)
Symptoms owners cite: hesitation shifting 2nd to 3rd gear; hard downshifts; jerking between shifts; delayed throttle response; hesitation pronounced in cold
Repairs/costs cited: Software updates attempted; no specific repair outcomes detailed
Sudden unintended acceleration when braking
Vehicle accelerates involuntarily when driver applies brakes, sometimes to dangerous speeds. Occurs at low speeds near intersections and once while turning in driveway.
When: Occurs at 20–50 mph, most common during braking at traffic lights or during turns
Symptoms owners cite: sudden acceleration upon braking; engine rpms spike to 6000; vehicle will not slow despite brake pressure; engine acceleration while in Reverse
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report repeatedly taking vehicle to dealer with no diagnosis; required engine shutdown to stop acceleration
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers unable to recreate problem or provide diagnosis
Loss of throttle response and transmission lockup
Throttle stops responding while driving; transmission will not engage gears. Vehicle slows dramatically or must be towed. Multiple occurrences with check-engine and VSA lights illuminating.
When: Occurs while driving in traffic at moderate speeds; multiple instances across 2008
Symptoms owners cite: throttle unresponsive in motion; transmission will not engage; check engine light and VSA light illuminate; vehicle sudden deceleration; no engine response to throttle input
Repairs/costs cited: Relay unit replaced; ECM replaced; multiplex unit replaced by dealer (per Honda tech support)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer worked with Honda tech support; multiplex unit replacement; Honda stated problem should not recur after repair
Engine grinding noise and metal-on-metal wear
Loud grinding, knocking, or metal-on-metal noise at 2800 rpm in Park and while driving. No warning lights precede the noise. Shops identified cylinder head, valve, and camshaft wear suggesting lack of lubrication.
When: Occurs at 2800 rpm with vehicle in Park and while driving; no check-engine light or low-oil warning
Symptoms owners cite: clicking, vibrating, knocking noise at 2800 rpm; metal-on-metal grinding sound; noise continues while driving; noise audible in Park
Repairs/costs cited: Timing belt and tensioner replaced (did not resolve); valve adjustments performed twice per TSB (did not resolve); shops recommended cylinder head, valve, and camshaft replacement due to metal-on-metal wear; recommendations ranged to engine rebuild or replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Shop stated 'this is a fluke'; no Honda recall or TSB directly referenced for this symptom; owner noted multiple TSBs exist for vehicle
Vehicle in Park rolls unexpectedly
Vehicle shifted into Park rolls away uphill and gains speed, crashing into neighbor's shed. Driver was outside vehicle. No mechanical failure or brake failure documented.
When: Occurred shortly after vehicle placement in Park on sloped driveway
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle rolls away while in Park; vehicle gains speed going uphill; requires key-off to stop forward motion
Repairs/costs cited: Owner had to manually turn key off to stop forward motion
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated 'no known issues'; Honda of America not willing to assist; claim ticket opened but no resolution mentioned
ABS and braking anomalies
ABS activates erratically during normal driving or acceleration, causing sudden unwanted deceleration. Vehicle fails to downshift or engage gears properly after ABS event. Brakes seem unresponsive, requiring full pedal pressure.
When: Occurs at 20–50 mph during acceleration on highway; also reported during normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: ABS activates without reason; sudden unwanted deceleration; VSA light illuminates; transmission will not engage after ABS event; reverse does not work; brakes appear unresponsive even with full pedal; burning rubber smell
Repairs/costs cited: ECM/PCM software updates in April and May 2011 attempted without success; dealer unable to reproduce problem
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software updates provided; no long-term resolution
Complete electrical system shutdown
After hearing loud bang while driving, vehicle experiences cascading electrical failures: ABS light, VSA, TPMS, seatbelt light, radio, gauges, battery light—all within a mile. Engine dies, requiring manual door unlock. No accident occurred.
When: Occurs mid-drive after loud bang; vehicle had recent maintenance (timing belt, brakes, oil change)
Symptoms owners cite: loud bang while driving; all dashboard warning lights illuminate sequentially; radio loses power; gauges lose power; engine dies; vehicle stops responding
Repairs/costs cited: Recent maintenance included timing belt, rear brakes, and oil change
Transmission leak and clutch burn
Transmission leaks coolant; clutch burns out. One leased vehicle required transmission replacement at 4,000 miles. Dealerships indicate seal replacement is standard first step; full transmission replacement follows if seal fails.
When: At 4,000 miles (3 months); another at 19,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: transmission fluid leakage; burned clutch smell; transmission malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Front case seal replacement attempted first; full transmission replacement if seal does not hold; service writer stated 'known problem with Honda and these transmissions'
Half-axle failure and repeated replacement
Half-axles fail and require repeated replacement. One owner reported driver-side half-axle failed at 19,500 miles, then both driver-side replacement and passenger-side failed together at 44,550 miles—requiring replacement every 20–25k miles.
When: First failure at 19,500 miles; second failure 25,000 miles later at 44,550 miles
Symptoms owners cite: popping sound during slow turns; half-axle mechanical failure
Repairs/costs cited: Half-axles replaced; metallic noise occurred immediately after drive-shaft replacement, causing dangerous loss of control
VSA and yaw-sensor malfunctions
Vehicle stability assist (VSA) and yaw-sensor failures cause intermittent warning lights and system activation. Repairs include computer code reset and yaw-sensor replacement, but failures persist.
When: Occurs intermittently while driving at 35–40 mph
Symptoms owners cite: VSA warning light illuminates; VSA activation indicator illuminates; intermittent warnings
Repairs/costs cited: Computerized system code reset (twice); yaw sensor replaced; failures continued after repairs
Synthesized from 34 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Transmission with hesitation shifting and shudder on slight incline at about 32-35 MPH. Also has hard downshifts through gears. *tr
Had powertrain trouble with your 2008 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 2008 Honda Odyssey?
It's a meaningful issue. 34 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 29 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 22,000 and 65,000 miles, with the median around 40,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 22,000; a quarter make it past 65,000. 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/2008/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.