Service bulletin - A judder from the torque converter lock-up clutch may be felt while driving between 20 and 60 mph. The problem is typically diagnosed as a bad torque converter. American Honda investigated the judder and found that the torque converter was not causing the judder and the transmission is not damaged by this judder.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Honda Odyssey powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2015 Honda Odyssey have filed 39 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 35,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
39
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Odyssey | 18 |
| 2012 Odyssey | 22 |
| 2013 Odyssey | 13 |
| 2014 Odyssey | 70 |
| 2015 Odyssey (this page) | 39 |
| 2016 Odyssey | 37 |
| 2017 Odyssey | 7 |
| 2018 Odyssey | 155 |
| 2019 Odyssey | 119 |
When does it fail?
Of the 39 powertrain complaints filed for the 2015 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 39 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 20% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 12 categories tracked.
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.
Service bulletin - A judder from the torque converter lock-up clutch may be felt while driving between 20 and 60 mph. The problem is typically diagnosed as a bad torque converter. American Honda investigated the judder and found that the torque converter was not causing the judder and the transmission is not damaged by this judder.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service bulletin - A judder from the torque converter lock-up clutch may be felt while driving between 20 and 60 mph. The problem is typically diagnosed as a bad torque converter. American Honda investigated the judder and found that the torque converter was not causing the judder and the transmission is not damaged by this judder.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service bulletin - A judder from the torque converter lock-up clutch may be felt while driving between 20 and 60 mph. The problem is typically diagnosed as a bad torque converter. American Honda investigated the judder and found that the torque converter was not causing the judder and the transmission is not damaged by this judder.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2015 Odysseys report two major powertrain clusters. Misfire and spark plug fouling occurs when piston rings deteriorate and allow oil into cylinders, fouling plugs and triggering P0301–P0304 codes. Check engine light, rough idle, power loss, and hesitation result. Honda has issued a warranty extension through January 31, 2026 for this defect in 2013–2017 Odysseys, yet some owners report repair denials when the intermittent condition isn't actively misfiring at dealership inspection. One owner replaced piston rings at $4,000+; another's misfire returned after plug replacement.
Transmission issues dominate complaints. Most common is violent clunking and jerking during 1–2 gear shifts at low speeds (10–30 mph), especially in stop-and-go or after acceleration from stops. Owners describe it as a severe jolt or impact; the sensation resets after engine restart. Dealers apply software updates and perform fluid flushes without lasting results. Some owners face $3,000+ transmission replacement at 70K miles. Eco mode produces significant vibration and shudder during transitions and acceleration (20–40 mph), worsening on hills. One owner replaced torque converter, updated software, and balanced tires—no fix. Dealers confirm no permanent solution exists. A smaller number report transmission power loss (slipping sensation) and inability to downshift, plus transmission whine at highway speeds. No recalls exist for the transmission jerking or Eco vibration issues.
Same Honda Odyssey powertrain reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014 · 2016 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Misfire and spark plug fouling (piston ring/oil management defect)
Engine misfires (P0301–P0304) caused by piston ring deterioration allowing oil to foul spark plugs. Owners report check engine light, rough idle, engine vibration, reduced power, and hesitation. Issue is intermittent and resets after engine restart. Documented in 2013–2017 Odysseys; Honda issued warranty extension through January 31, 2026 for this defect, though some owners still face repair denials on intermittent presentation.
When: Intermittent; one owner at 8,000 miles (burning odor), one at 50,785 miles, one at 71,000 miles, recurring misfire after earlier plug replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light (P0301–P0304, P0302); Rough idle; Increased engine vibration; Loss of power and hesitation; Spark plug fouling (oil-covered, ceramic missing); Burning odor; Difficulty merging/crossing traffic
Codes mentioned: P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plug replacement (temporary, does not fix underlying defect); piston ring replacement quoted at $6,000+; one owner paid $4,040.66 for piston ring replacement (1–3); another had all spark plugs replaced at ~50K miles but misfire returned by 71K miles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda warranty extension (Case #13455791 acknowledged November 11, 2022; coverage through January 31, 2026 for 2013–2017 Odyssey); repairs still denied on intermittent presentation despite documented prior diagnosis; Service Bulletin 25-061 and prior SB 13-081 for 2011–2013 models
Transmission clunking, jerking, and hard shifts (1–2 gear)
Violent clunking or jerking when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear, typically at low speeds (10–30 mph) during stop-and-go or post-acceleration from stops. Described as a loud clunk, hard jerk, or impact sensation. Intermittent; resets after engine restart or key-off. Owner research suggests transmission adaptive learning/synchro sensor malfunction or shift valve timing glitch. Dealers unable to replicate under diagnostics. Owners report feeling loss of control, fear of transmission failure, and safety concerns crossing intersections.
When: Intermittent; occurs at low speeds (10–30 mph), especially during stop-and-go, deceleration-to-acceleration, or cold start; one owner at 1,700 miles, another at 32K miles, recurring across ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clunking or jerking on 1–2 gear shift; Vehicle lurches or bucks forward; Severe jerk throwing occupants; Loss of control sensation (foot on gas, pedal feels unresponsive); Hard transition from Park to Drive; Scary unpredictability for driver and passengers; Issue resolves after engine restart or key-off
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission fluid flush and fill ($230 mentioned by one owner) does not resolve issue; torque converter replacement attempted by some with no permanent fix; transmission software updates applied by dealers with no lasting resolution; one owner facing $3,000+ used transmission replacement at 70K miles; another quoted repair cost but problem persists after update
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software updates applied but ineffective; dealers report inability to diagnose or replicate; one owner mentioned synchro sensor investigation suggested to techs; no recalls or TSBs cited by owners for this specific failure
Eco mode vibration and delayed shifting
Significant vibration and shudder at various RPMs and speeds when Eco mode engages or disengages, most notable above 65 mph or during acceleration in 2nd–3rd gear (20–40 mph range). Vibration felt in steering wheel and cabin. Jittery, sluggish sensation during acceleration; described as minor to severe. One owner replaced torque converter, updated transmission software, replaced front axles, and balanced tires—none resolved the issue. Dealer states this is normal for Eco mode with no current fix.
When: Intermittent to frequent; occurs at various speeds (15–65+ mph), worse during stop-and-go, acceleration phases, and hill driving; one owner noticed from 2016 onward (purchased 2015), worsening through 2018
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration and shudder when Eco mode transitions on/off; Sluggish, shaking sensation during acceleration; Delayed shifting as computer decides to engage/exit Eco; Vibration in steering wheel and cabin; Jittery sensation in 2nd–3rd gear at 20–40 mph; Vibration and shudder climbing hills at low speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Torque converter replacement (did not resolve); transmission software update (did not resolve); front axles replaced (did not resolve); tires road-force balanced (did not resolve); dealer states no current fix available
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda shop confirmed no current fix; Eco issue is stated as 'par for the course' by some dealers; no recalls or TSBs mentioned
Transmission power loss and harsh engagement
Transmission slipping, lurching, or losing power under acceleration, especially during merges, highway speed increases, or sudden acceleration from low speed. Vehicle may feel like it is in neutral momentarily, then engage harshly. One owner reports transmission power failure to engage at highway and low speeds after previously noted fluid deterioration. One instance of total transmission failure at 69,600 miles with no prior warning lights.
When: Intermittent; occurs during acceleration, merging, highway speed changes, cold weather driving (suspected); one transmission failure at 69,600 miles with low prior warning; another at 70K miles after initial hesitation reported earlier
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power sensation (feels like neutral); Transmission slipping sensation; Harsh engagement; Violent shaking on engagement in Drive; Difficulty accelerating to merge or cross traffic; Total transmission failure (no warning lamps prior); Most likely in cold weather (one owner suspects)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission fluid flush recommended (one owner completed per dealer); one owner faced $3,000+ used transmission replacement; total transmission failure requiring replacement at 69,600 miles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Bulletin 17-043 noted (fluid deterioration faster than normal, software fix proposed); no recalls cited by owners
Transmission downshift limitation (6-speed manual operation restriction)
6-speed automatic transmission cannot be manually downshifted or downshifts only minimally, preventing engine braking control on long downhill grades. Owner reports inability to use downshift for speed control (standard safety practice in mountainous terrain), forcing reliance on brakes only. Extended brake use resulted in burned, vibrating brakes. Owner states Honda removed downshift capability without notifying consumers, citing safety concern given loss of engine braking control.
When: On long downhill grades (7–8 miles); continuous issue since purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Cannot downshift transmission manually to control speed; Inability to engine-brake downhill; Forced brake-only operation on grades; Burned, vibrating brakes from overuse; Safety hazard in mountainous/hilly terrain
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted; owner contends design removed safety feature
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda stated responsibility is owner's to study vehicle before purchase; Honda declined to acknowledge safety issue or inform buyers of transmission capability changes; Honda insisted on recording call (not allowing owner recording) and avoided transparency
Transmission whine/squeal at specific RPM and speed
High-pitched whine or squeal from transmission at ~2,000 RPM and ~60 mph, intermittent and recurring across multiple road trips. Dealer diagnosis unclear; fluid change recommended. Later, dealer identified transmission fluid as dirty and recommended work; case escalated for approval (still pending in narrative). Unclear if related to Throttle Control Module or transmission itself.
When: At ~2,000 RPM and ~60 mph on highway; intermittent; one instance at 32K miles, another at 47K miles; recurring across trips
Symptoms owners cite: High-pitched squeal/whine at specific RPM/speed; Recurring intermittently on road trips; Noise audible to dealer technician during test drive
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission fluid change completed at 29K miles (30K maintenance); further work pending dealer approval (as of complaint submission)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer initially unsure of cause; recommends transmission fluid change; case escalated to Honda corporate for approval of 'Throttle Control Whine' fix (status pending)
Synthesized from 39 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
car has always hesitated, then jarred or jumped while trying to accelerate. after a second or so it will 'kick in' and go. but the larger issue is at just 70K miles i am paying for a new/used transmission that may have been due to a faulty torque converter. with little warning (and no check engine light warning) the car began to shake violently when i put it in drive. had to call flatbed tow…
The car sporadically does not shift from 1st 2 second and then abruptly shuts cause a loud jerk of engine and car. It is startling and scary when it happens. I’m afraid the car will break down while in the road. Every time we take the car to dealership they “cannot replicate” issue therefore there is nothing to fix on an issue that is all over the internet with Honda vans and suvs.
The vehicle makes hard shifts in lower gears, causing a lack of acceleration and then a lurch with engine/transmission clunk. Occurs when accelerating from a slowed or stopped position, so vehicle can be stationary or in motion when this occurs. Has happened before but dealership could not replicate. Similar complaints with lack of resolution found in online forums as well. Presents a significant…
I was driving in traffic for an hour or so, in first or second gear. After a while, anytime we would accelerate to about 20 MPH, we experienced a violent jerking as if we just ran over something. This happened consistently every time we accelerated to or decelerated to 20mph. Took it into Honda the next day and they couldn't find a problem. The jerking was very strong and consistent for about an…
Vehicle shifts abruptly from 1st to 2nd gear at feels like car will fall apart when that happens. It has happened multiple time throughout the time we owned the vehicle. Dealerships just does a transmission fluid replacement $230 watch time but no permanent solution. Were afraid transmission will fail in traffic.
Very dangerous drivetrain issue. Transmission shifting issues led the transmission to total failure even after a recommended transmission flush and fill by a reputable Honda dealer. Issue was confirmed by an independent local repair shop. The vehicle itself has low mileage, (@69,600 mi.) No warning lamps prior to the transmission malfunction and failure.
Transmission power has started to fail to engage fully at highway speeds or low speed sudden acceleration. The third party shop showed me a Honda service bulletin 17-043 stating the transmission fluid deteriorates faster than normal. Somehow a software fix is going to address this problem.
Purchased car new in 2015, Honda odyssey, have had shifting issues between gears jerking. Problem started within past year, seems to get a little worse and you can feel it shifting rough. I see various others with same issue, could this be a future recall I hope, I have 65k miles so that would be sad product to have this occur. This is my first Honda and thought they were reliable vehicles, don't…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2015 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 2015 Honda Odyssey?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 39 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 26 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 9,800 and 65,000 miles, with the median around 35,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 9,800; 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/2015/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.