Top Class Actions’s website and social media posts use affiliate links. If you make a purchase using such links, we may receive a commission, but it will not result in any additional charges to you. Please review our Affiliate Link Disclosure for more information.
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest Class Action Settlement News!
Honda has been hit with a federal class action lawsuit that claims its 2005-2009 Odyssey minivans have defective torque converters that make the vehicles “violently vibrate” at low speeds or on a grade, and then hesitate before violently accelerating like a slingshot.
Honda Odyssey Defective Torque Converter Class Action Lawsuit
By Kimberly Mirando
Honda has been hit with a federal class action lawsuit that claims its 2005-2009 Odyssey minivans have defective torque converters that make the vehicles “violently vibrate” at low speeds or on a grade, and then hesitate before violently accelerating like a slingshot.The Honda Odyssey class action lawsuit claims American Honda Motor Company (NASDAQ: HMC) has known about the Odyssey’s defective torque converters since at least 2005, but has never corrected the problem and, in fact, has “actively concealed” the torque converter defect.
A torque converter transfers power from the engine to the transmission of an automatic transmission vehicle. In the defective Honda Odysseys, the defect causes the minivans to suddenly, and without warning, prevent the vehicles from accelerating or maintaining their speed.
“The torque converter defect affects the Class Vehicles’ ability to accelerate and decelerate under the driver’s control, as well as overall transmission performance. As a result of this defect, the Class Vehicles vibrate or judder while being driven typically at 20-45 mph or while being driven on an up or down grade. While the Class Vehicles violently vibrate or judder, the transmission slips causing the Class Vehicles to hesitate for an interval of time in its forward trajectory before abruptly and violently kicking forward with a sudden burst of acceleration akin to a slingshot effect,” the Honda Odyssey class action lawsuit states.
This presents a safety hazard to drivers and renders the vehicle “unreasonably dangerous,” the suit continues.
The Honda Odyssey torque converter class action lawsuit is brought on behalf of all U.S. residents who purchased or leased a 2005 through 2009 Honda Odyssey. It is seeking damages for Class Members in addition to a Court order requiring Honda to halt sales of the Odyssey until the defective torque converters are repaired.
A copy of the Honda Odyssey Defective Torque Converter Class Action Lawsuit can be read here.
The case is Laura Heintz v. American Honda Motor Company, Inc., et al., Case No. 11-cv-09311, U.S. District Court, Central District of California, Western Division.
Updated November 10th, 2011
All class action and lawsuit news updates are listed in the Lawsuit News section of Top Class Actions
LEGAL INFORMATION IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE
Top Class Actions Legal Statement
Top Class Actions Legal Statement
©2008 – 2010 Top Class Actions® LLC
Various Trademarks held by their respective owners.
59 thoughts onHonda Odyssey Defective Torque Converter Class Action Lawsuit
please keep me informed about this settlement.
Seems I have the Same issue. I just purchased an 07 with 80K on it. The vehicle vibrates at 1500 RPM. Let it cruise at 40-45 MPH and then light gas makes it vibrate. The vibrations are not violent as most of you say but large enough to notice. Did not notice it during test drive but have been noticing it for last 1 week that I am driving more in city. I have an appoint with Local Honda dealer to understand the problem (looked up online and learnt I am not the only one). The Toyota dealership where I got the vehicle from has given me a 6 month/ 6000 mile powertrain warranty. However they are Toyotas and will be hard to convince them that I have a problem with my Odyssey especially if its going to cost them a lot. Anything you suggest can help me getting information from the local Honda delaer?
Hi there……am in middle east – gcc and having the same issue with honda odysy 2008
I bought 2009 Odyssey in Nov, 2013 from a private owner who maintained the van @ Honda dealer in Tampa, FL. Before buying I spent almost $150 for “Quality Vehicle Inspection” at dealer and the report shows some issues about regular maintenance etc., but no issues about Torque converter. Few days after started driving, I have noticed that van was vibrating violently at speed 42MPM when I decelerate from speeds above 45MPH. I called Honda USA on Feb 2014 3rd week to complain about this issue since it seems to be very well known issue for Odysseys of 2005-2009. Honda suggested to show the problem to dealer; the technician @dealer tested and verified with Honda to confirm that it is Torque Converter(TC) issue similar to that of Odysseys of 2005-2009. I have informed Honda about TC issue found out by dealer.
Honda called me back and said they will not cover the repairs as my van is over 90,000 miles and out of warranty, but however they will offer 10% of total cost. TC replacement would cost about $2,200 with dealer. The TC part itself costs almost $700. Now I don’t know what to do..How do we find updates about Case No. 11-cv-09311 ?
did you hear anything about your issue? Just purchased an 05 odyssey with a great car fax report. 38 services completed since new at same honda dealership since news. Figured this was a great one to buy. Well i to have this problem. Help!
I have a 2005 EX Honda Odyssey. After 68,000 and 80,000 miles I had to replace the front motor mount/twice/ and also the converter. It will be the last Honda
I went to dealership today for o change, they then told me about the torque converter seal leaking. They want $1045. for parts & labor! The service associate told me it’s 9 hrs. labor!! That’s why they(Honda)aren’t fixing this issue that I’m sure they have known it to be the issue all along.My wife and I are pissed because we have told them about the “shuddering” issue since we purchashed the vehicle.Our Oddysey is a 08 with under 50,000 miles!!! I am going to show the dealer my service records before I pay.
2008 Honda Odyssey diagnosed with torque converter issues- have spent many hours and dollars to try to determine the shudder between 30 & 45mph. Only intermittent. Almost sounds like a sticky tachometer cable (showing my age)
2008 Odyssey EX vibrates and shakie in 40-60 mph range while accelerating. Dealer claims the engine mounts are bad but my mechanic checked and they are fine. They also said one of the tire is out of round but all of them are brand new and well balanced by Costco twice in the past two months. They changed software trying to alleviate the problem but it made no difference. They are trying everything to dodge the question about the torque converter. You can tell they were prepared to “handle” this particular issue. Will try again with the dealer where I bought the van from, just to prove my theory.
I have 2003 Honda Odyssey which I purchased new with extended warranty. I now have CEL on and a (free) read at Autozone and paid ($150) reading at the dealership confirmed that it is a problem with transmission. Does this case cover transmission problem Honda Odyssey is known for from 1998? I know there is a class action suit, but it is covering only 1999-2001 Honda Odysseys.
Here is the info about previous years if anyone is interested. Please let me know if there is something similar for the Honda’s after 2001:
FROM: American Honda Service Division
RE: Class Action Announcement – Specific Vehicles with Automatic Transmissions
All 1999-01 Odysseys
All 2000-01 Accords
All 2000-01 Preludes
A settlement agreement was reached with American Honda Motor Co., Inc. regarding a class action lawsuit on the above mentioned vehicles.
The court’s final approval of the proposed settlement is to be heard on December 28, 2006.
NOTE 1: This settlement is not yet final. Once again, it will be presented to the Court for final approval on December 28, 2006. If the settlement is not approved or does not become final for any reason, the order certifying a class for settlement purposes will be vacated and the litigation will resume as though no settlement had been reached.
NOTE 2: Until the settlement has been approved by the courts, please refer inquiries to Gilardi Co, LLC, at telephone number 800-356-9451, or http://www.hondatransmissionsettlement.com
NOTE 3: Even if a settlement is approved by the court, some class members may opt out such that they are not bound by the terms of the settlement.
SUMMARY: No action on your part is required at this time. This message is simply to keep you informed of a pending settlement. Customers may see references to this settlement in major market newspapers or on an Internet news site, and then ask you for additional information.
American Honda will provide you with updated information as it becomes available.
What is the status on this lawsuit? 2005 Honda Odyssey with exact same problem. Vibration at around 50 MPH on acceleration.