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 ↗2010 Honda Odyssey powertrain problems
severe 19 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
19
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
2crashes
1injury
What stands out
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 14 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
The 2010 Odyssey's powertrain exhibits multiple distinct failure modes. Torque converter judder—vibration or shaking during acceleration between 20 and 75 mph—is the most common complaint. It affects vehicles across the mileage spectrum, persists after PCM software updates (Recall 09-053), and typically requires $1,900+ converter replacement. Transmission slipping develops around 110,000 miles, with shifts that progressively worsen and 5+ second lags shifting from Park to Drive. Some owners report replacement transmissions still failing, with shops suspecting electrical or ECM issues.
Unintended acceleration occurs within the first year on several vehicles, with engines surging to 4,000–5,000 rpm and lurching the van forward despite brakes being applied. Hard gear shifts—where the transmission revs to 6,000 rpm and slams into the next gear with violent jerking—begin as early as 10,000 miles. In extreme cases, transmissions lock in low gear or fail to engage any gear entirely, with check engine lights and flashing D lights. One owner reported a vehicle rolling backward 7 feet from Park on a near-flat driveway with keys removed. Engine misfire and belt failure have also been reported, with some recalls expired and repairs offering only 50% fix probability.
Same Honda Odyssey powertrain reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2009 · 2011 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Torque Converter Judder and Vibration
The torque converter develops a shudder, judder, or vibration during acceleration, typically in the 20-75 mph range. This is a premature failure mode that occurs across multiple vehicles despite recalls and software updates. Owners report the vehicle shaking violently when accelerating, with vibration disappearing immediately when throttle is released. Some vehicles required torque converter replacement; others had temporary fixes via PCM software updates (Recall 09-053) that failed to resolve the underlying defect.
When: Between 46,500 and 159,000 miles; earliest reports within 6 months to 1 year of purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission judder and vibration during acceleration at 20-75 mph; Violent shaking of entire vehicle, similar to tire imbalance but more severe; Vibration persists despite wheel alignments and tire balancing; Vibration stops immediately when accelerator is released; Problem recurs after temporary software fixes
Repairs/costs cited: Torque converter replacement estimated at $1,900; some dealers applied PCM software update (Recall 09-053) as temporary fix; 40% discounts offered in lieu of full coverage
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 09-053 for lockup clutch function (PCM software update); Class action lawsuit covered models through 2009 but excluded 2010 despite using same part; Honda offered partial discounts rather than full coverage for 2010 models
Transmission Slipping and Loss of Gear Engagement
Transmission slips during gear shifts, particularly from 2nd to 3rd, and develops extended lag times when shifting from Park to Drive. Problem worsens progressively until multiple shifts are slipping. One vehicle showed 5+ second delays shifting into Drive; another transmission continued to malfunction even after replacement, with the shop suspecting an ECM or electrical issue as root cause.
When: Around 110,000 miles and beyond
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slipping when shifting between gears, starting with 2nd to 3rd; All shifts eventually affected by slipping; Long lag (5+ seconds) when shifting from Park to Drive; Problem worsens progressively
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replaced by third-party shop at $2,600; replacement transmission still exhibited problems, shop suspected electrical or ECM root cause
Unintended Acceleration and Engine Surge
Engine suddenly revs or surges, causing the vehicle to lurch forward without driver input. Occurs during traffic stops, when brakes are applied, and while cruise control is active. In one case, a new vehicle lurched forward within inches of a collision despite driver applying firm brake pressure. Engine rpm climbs to 4,000-5,000 rpm during these events. Dealership unable to reproduce problem in some cases.
When: Within first year of ownership; as early as January 2010 for one brand-new purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Engine races and lurches forward despite foot on brake; Engine surge to 4,000-5,000 rpm when braking; Unintended acceleration during cruise control operation; Sudden loss of acceleration with check engine light; Uncontrollable acceleration when reversing or in parking lot
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs completed in reported cases; one independent shop ruled out third cylinder misfire at 60,000 miles
Transmission Hard Shifts and Gear Slam
Transmission revs to high rpm and slams into the next gear with jarring force, often accompanied by banging or loud noise. Occurs during acceleration and highway entrance. Events may be intermittent—occurring once or twice then stopping for extended periods. The hard shift occurs across multiple gears and can cause the entire vehicle to jerk.
When: As early as 10,000 miles; reported at various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission revs to 6,000 rpm and slams into gear at 40 mph; Loud banging noise when slamming into gear; Vehicle jerks violently during hard shifts; Hard shifts occurring between 1st-2nd and 2nd-3rd gears; Abrupt shift from engine/transmission under deceleration
Repairs/costs cited: One case diagnosed defective torque converter; transmission was replaced
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service bulletin noted for 2009 and earlier models linking issue to software problem; similar issue suspected in 2010 but bulletin not applied
Transmission Lock and Stuck Gears
Transmission locks in low gear or fails to engage any gear. Engine runs at high rpm (around 4,000) with check engine light and D light flashing. One case reports complete transmission and engine lockup where vehicle will not turn over and transmission will not shift into any gear. Vehicle loses ability to be driven.
When: Early in vehicle operation; one case at highway speeds from day one
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission locks in low gear; Engine runs at elevated rpm (4,000); Check engine light and D light flashing; Transmission will not engage any gear; Engine will not turn over; Complete powertrain lockup
Repairs/costs cited: One case noted under recall; no repairs completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One case mentioned recall coverage; specifics unclear
Park Gear Rollback
Vehicle rolls backward while transmission is in Park, despite no driver input. Occurred twice on nearly flat driveway with less than 2% grade typical of rain runoff. Second incident resulted in vehicle rolling approximately 7 feet into street/alley while parked in standard location with keys removed from ignition. Vehicle remained unrepaired.
When: At some point in vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward while in Park; Occurs on nearly flat surface (less than 2% grade); Occurs with keys removed from ignition; Second incident caused 7-foot rollback into street
Engine Misfire
Engine misfires, causing loss of acceleration and illumination of check engine light. One case involved third cylinder misfire diagnosed by independent mechanic. Another case involved misfire resulting in white smoke from exhaust and belt failure, rendering vehicle unable to accelerate.
When: At 60,000 miles (one case); at 159,000 miles (another)
Symptoms owners cite: Third cylinder misfire; Loss of acceleration capability; Check engine light illumination; White smoke from exhaust; Belt snap following misfire event
Repairs/costs cited: One case had recall for misfire; owner stated recall expired and repairs had only 50% chance of fixing issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall expired; Honda denied coverage based on make year expiration
Synthesized from 19 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
2010 Honda odyssey. Consumer states vibration and transmission problems *tgw the consumer stated he could fell the transmission slipping and the vehicle would shake while driving at certain speeds. The dealer was unable to duplicate the consumer's concern. The consumer stated the judder continued to get worse. The dealer then stated they could replace the torque converter to see if that would…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2010 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 2010 Honda Odyssey?
It's a meaningful issue. 19 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 14 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 35,000 and 90,000 miles, with the median around 69,600. A quarter of owners report trouble before 35,000; a quarter make it past 90,000. 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/2010/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.