When traveling at low speeds the car jerks and feels like you drove over something large when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. In 2nd gear there is significant loss of power and inability to sufficiently accelerate. Stopped, put car into park, tried again. Car proceeded to jerk horribly every time when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. Took to the closest dealership. They were unable to replicate the…
2014 Honda Odyssey powertrain problems
moderate 70 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
70
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 70 powertrain complaints filed for the 2014 Honda Odyssey, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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 70 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.
Powertrain accounts for 23% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 12 categories tracked.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2014 Honda Odyssey has widespread transmission problems—jerking, clunking, and hesitation during low-speed acceleration that dealers often can't diagnose or refuse to fix, leaving owners paying out-of-pocket after warranty expires. Additional concerns include premature brake rotor warping, spark plug fouling, and rare but serious issues like unintended acceleration and electrical failures that can be safety hazards.
The 2014 Odyssey's transmission is the dominant issue across 70 complaints. Owners describe violent jerking and loud clunking when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear, especially at 10–30 mph in stop-and-go traffic or during cold starts. The jerking is intermittent and often doesn't throw a diagnostic code, frustrating owners because dealers claim they can't replicate the problem or deny anything is wrong. One owner was told "no code, no problem." Owners report temporary relief by turning the vehicle off and restarting it, suggesting a computer control issue.
Transmission fluid discoloration (turning black at low mileage), sluggish acceleration, and loss of power at highway speeds are recurring complaints. Several owners cite Honda TSB 16-060 (improper transmission fluid heating) or TSB 13-081 (cylinder 3 misfire in earlier models) but report Honda limits warranty fixes to certain model years. One owner was hit with a $550 repair bill for three transmission fluid flushes and a computer update on a vehicle out of warranty.
Separately, owners report premature brake rotor warping (as early as 12,800 miles), spark plug fouling on cylinder 3, and a handful of serious incidents: unintended acceleration when braking, engine timing failure requiring cylinder head replacement, and an oil leak in the transmission control spool valve that destroyed the alternator. Dealers consistently tell owners the jerking is "normal" even when mechanics acknowledge the problem on test drives.
Same Honda Odyssey powertrain reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission jerking/bucking and clunking during low-speed acceleration (1st-to-2nd gear transition)
Violent jerking, bucking, or clunking noise when accelerating from stops or low speeds (10–30 mph), particularly during 1st-to-2nd gear shifts. Owners report the vehicle lurches forward abruptly or shudders. The problem is intermittent and often does not produce diagnostic codes, making dealer replication difficult.
When: Typically within first 1–2 years; one owner at 7,500 miles, others throughout ownership; triggered by cold starts, stop-and-go traffic, low-speed acceleration
Symptoms owners cite: Violent jerking/bucking when shifting 1st to 2nd gear; Loud clunking or clanking noise during gear change; Vehicle lurches forward as if rear-ended; Hesitation before transmission engages correct gear; Problem resolves after turning vehicle off and restarting
Repairs/costs cited: One case involved transmission fluid overfill (factory defect)—removing excess fluid resolved issue. Others cite transmission fluid changes or computer/firmware updates attempted without permanent fix. Some owners report needing transmission replacement; at least one dealer kept vehicle for two weeks and installed new transmission.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda TSB 16-060 addresses transmission judder by improving heating; short-term fix is transmission fluid drain-and-fill; software/firmware updates issued but inconsistent results. Dealers often claim 'no problem found' or 'normal operation' despite owner and technician confirmation of jerking. No formal recall issued; warranty extensions limited to 2011–2013 model years for similar issues (TSB 13-081).
Transmission shuddering and juddering at mid-range speeds
Rough, jerky transmission behavior between 20–40 mph, often occurring on hills, during sustained acceleration, or in stop-and-go traffic. RPMs hunt erratically; vehicle body shakes as if driving over bumps. Some owners report the transmission struggles to find the correct gear ratio.
When: After 30+ minutes of driving or when transmission is warm; reported from early ownership through higher mileage (30,000–125,000 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Violent vibrations in steering wheel and body during low-to-mid acceleration; RPM needle bouncing 200+ rpm back and forth at steady throttle; Vehicle shudders or shakes as if on a bumpy road; Transmission hunts between gears; erratic upshift/downshift; Loss of power or sluggish acceleration, especially when merging or passing
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission fluid flushed and refilled; computer software updates attempted; some cases cite improper heating of transmission fluid. One owner reported fluid changed three times with computer upgrade ($550 charge out of warranty). No permanent fix widely reported.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 16-060 identifies improper transmission fluid heating as cause; recommends transmission fluid drain-and-fill and eventual software fix (not yet completed at time of complaint). Dealers often unable to replicate in service and claim normal operation.
Cold-start transmission shifting problems
When vehicle is started in cold weather (below 30°F) or first thing in morning, transmission gets stuck in low gears and then shifts abruptly with loud clunk and violent jerk. Problem is intermittent and difficult to replicate at dealer; owners report computer reset (turning vehicle off/on) temporarily resolves it.
When: Triggered by cold weather (below 30°F) and early morning cold starts; began within first 1–2 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stuck in low gear initially, then suddenly shifts with loud clunk; Jerking forward after delayed shift; Intermittent and random occurrence; Temporary fix: restart vehicle to reset computer
Repairs/costs cited: Owners perform self-repairs by pulling over and restarting. Dealers report transmission fluid repeatedly dirty during service but unable to diagnose root cause. No factory repair completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented in narratives; owners report online forums suggest computerized shifting mechanism issue in cold. Warranty denial due to inability to throw diagnostic codes.
Transmission slipping, lag, and power loss
Transmission slips out of gear momentarily or exhibits significant hesitation and lag during acceleration, especially on highway or when passing. Vehicle sluggish and unresponsive; high RPMs without corresponding power. Improper downshifting contributes to weak braking assist.
When: From early ownership onward; one case at 50,000 miles; prevalent throughout vehicle lifespan
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slips out of gear temporarily; Severe lag during acceleration, particularly for passing; High RPMs (3,000+) during normal driving without speed increase; Improper downshifting on deceleration; Loss of power at highway speeds (65+ mph); Sluggish response to accelerator pedal
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission fluid flushed; no permanent repair reported. One owner believes improper downshifting caused premature rotor wear.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers claim 'no code, no problem' and refuse service. Mechanics acknowledge problems but service managers override and deny warranty claim.
Transmission clunking when shifting into Reverse or Park on inclines
Loud metallic clunk or clanking noise when shifting into Reverse or Park, especially on graded or inclined surfaces. Vehicle may feel as if something is falling out or loose. Accompanied by transmission jump or jerk.
When: Intermittent; can occur from early ownership onward
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clunk or clanking noise when shifting to Reverse or Park; Vehicle feels as if shifting internally or component falling; Transmission jump or jolt when engaging on incline; Metal-on-metal sound in rear area
Repairs/costs cited: One case reports sensor adjustments attempted without resolution. No effective repair documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers deny problem or claim normal operation; no recalls or TSBs specifically addressing this.
Idle RPM racing and transmission jump on startup
When vehicle is idling or first takes off, RPMs race and transmission engages with a hard jump or jolt. Vehicle lurches forward unexpectedly, sometimes at full throttle.
When: Can occur at any startup or idle; random occurrence
Symptoms owners cite: RPMs race while in idle; Transmission engages with hard jump; Vehicle lurches or jumps forward uncontrollably from stop; Loud electronic/computer reboot sound during episodes
Repairs/costs cited: Sensor adjustments attempted without success. No permanent fix documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers claim normal; service manager and district manager both stated behavior is normal despite owner concern.
Brake rotors warping at low mileage
Premature rotor warping causing violent vibration in steering wheel during braking. Warping occurs despite low mileage (12,800–55,000 miles). One owner suspects improper transmission downshifting caused excessive strain on brakes.
When: As early as 12,800 miles; recurrence at 55,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Violent vibrations in steering wheel while braking; Rotor warping confirmed by dealer turning or replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Rotors turned at ~36,000 miles during warranty; re-warped by 55,000 miles. Replacement required second time.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer service confirmed warping and performed turning during warranty. Pattern suggests systemic issue unaddressed.
Transmission fluid overfill (factory defect)
Factory-assembled vehicle had transmission filled approximately half-quart over capacity. Excess fluid caused severe pressure buildup, resulting in abrupt 5th-gear engagement, hard clunking, and vehicle using only 2 gears (2nd and 5th) with violent jolts.
When: Discovered at 25 mph; vehicle was very new
Symptoms owners cite: Engine RPMs increased briefly, transmission slipped out of gear; Abrupt engagement into high gear (5th); Vehicle limited to 2 gears with violent clunking; Loud clunk so severe it felt like powertrain being ripped from mounts
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer removed excess transmission fluid (approximately half quart); vehicle then operated normally, though owner questions long-term transmission longevity.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None; manufacturing defect discovered and corrected at dealership during warranty.
Misfire and spark plug fouling on cylinder 3
Cylinder 3 (closest to firewall) experiences repeated spark plug fouling and misfire, causing vehicle shudder, flashing check engine light, and loss of power. Plug gets fouled quickly after replacement. Issue may relate to Honda VCM (variable cylinder management) system.
When: Recurring issue within months of initial repair; began early in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shuddering while driving; Check engine light flashing; Rapid deceleration; Fouled spark plugs (oil on plug electrodes)
Codes mentioned: P0303 (Cylinder 3 misfire code)
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plugs replaced multiple times; coil pack switched between cylinders; no permanent resolution. Owner advised to pursue lemon law after Honda denied extended warranty coverage despite matching TSB 13-081 criteria.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda TSB 13-081 covers similar issue but only 2011–2013 models; 08/2013 build 2014 Odyssey denied coverage. Dealer recommended fuel injector replacement as next step but no further action documented.
Engine timing jumped, requiring cylinder head replacement
Engine stalled suddenly while driving at 55 mph without warning. Honda diagnosed timing chain as jumped, requiring new cylinder heads. No prior symptoms; occurred 3.7 miles after routine oil change.
When: Single incident at normal highway speed, shortly after oil service
Symptoms owners cite: Engine sudden shutdown at 55 mph
Repairs/costs cited: Honda replaced cylinder heads under warranty; root cause not explained.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda warranty covered repair but could not explain cause of timing jump.
Unintended acceleration / brake override failure
Vehicle accelerated when brakes were applied. In one case, while pulling into drive-through and applying brake pedal, engine revved and vehicle moved forward despite brake pressure increasing. In another, at neighbor's driveway, brakes failed and vehicle hit garage and parked cars.
When: Both incidents occurred during low-speed maneuvers (drive-through, driveway approach)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revved when brake pedal applied; Vehicle moved forward despite increased brake pressure; Inability to stop vehicle with brake pedal; Engine at red line despite gear in Neutral
Repairs/costs cited: Both incidents resulted in property damage; no repair details provided. One case opened Honda case #11754879.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda opened case for diagnostics; results not documented in narrative. Owner notes LDW and FCW fail lights appeared day before incident.
Vehicle rolling after shifting from Park despite brake engagement
When shifting from Park to Reverse or Drive on inclines, vehicle intermittently rolled forward without brake pedal depressed. Owner had to press brake multiple times to prevent rolling. Also reported engine shutting off while in Reverse or Drive on hills.
When: Early ownership, ~4,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls after shifting from Park without brake input; Engine shuts off in Reverse or Drive on inclines; Vehicle rolls requiring emergency brake action
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; dealer suggested behavior may be normal.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer advised failure may be normal operation.
Transmission fluid discoloration and overheating
Transmission fluid becomes dark/black after relatively low mileage (38,000–75,000 miles), indicating overheating and fluid degradation. Problem occurs despite regular service intervals.
When: 38,000–86,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fluid dark/black (normal is red/pink); Evidence of overheating and accelerated wear
Repairs/costs cited: Fluid flushed multiple times; one owner charged $550 at 75,000+ miles for three transmission flushes and computer upgrade.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers comment on dirty fluid but offer no explanation; repairs treat symptom rather than addressing root cause.
Transmission control system electrical failure (spool valve oil leak)
Oil leak from spool valve in transmission control system resulted in loss of alternator function and battery discharge. Transmission disengaged, preventing acceleration. Led to complete vehicle power loss at highway speed. Leak location posed fire risk due to proximity to hot engine components.
When: 70 mph highway driving; vehicle 6+ years old
Symptoms owners cite: Battery light illuminated initially; ABS, FCW, LDW, and brake lights activated; Air conditioner and console shut off; Automatic transmission disengaged; Entire vehicle lost electrical power
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator destroyed; battery fried. Repair covered under warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda issued TSB 20-023 addressing spool valve leak source, but TSB covered only leak repair, not collateral damage to alternator or battery. No fire-risk mitigation documented.
Synthesized from 70 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
I was pulling into a drive through on december 6, 2020. As I applied the brake (I drive with one foot - my right foot) with my right foot, the engine revved up and the van moved about 5 feet forward as I increased the brake pedal pressure. I then shifted into neutral. The engine went to red line. I pushed the power button. No one was injured, and the vehicle didn't touch anything as the…
As I try to accelerate from a low speed, for example entering an intersection or a highway, the transmission slips and bangs into gear, causing the van to hesitate before it moves, it is a violent feeling, almost like being rear ended from another vehicle. I have brought it to the dealer numerous times and had the technician experience what I was talking about verifying something is wrong. Then…
We bought a 2014 Honda odessey it's started jerking when it was 7500 miles while driving in surface street in henderson, nv we immediately took it to the dealer have it fixed they said they updated the software then started jerking again for the 2nd time when it was 2700 miles that almost cause us into an accident while driving to los angeles. We had it towed on 11/29/15 by aaa from la to oc in…
I stopped the vehicle on an inclined street to talk with a neighbor. He asked me to look at something so, I turned the ignition off not thinking the gearshift was still in the drive position. After the engine stopped I started to exit the car when it began to roll. I applied the brakes then restarted the car and shifted into park. This is a safety issue requiring a recall before somebody gets…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2014 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 2014 Honda Odyssey?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 70 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 45 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 6,700 and 73,720 miles, with the median around 38,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 6,700; a quarter make it past 73,720. 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/2014/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.