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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
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59 thoughts onHonda Odyssey Defective Torque Converter Class Action Lawsuit
It seems as if the problem persists with the newer Odyssey models as well. I’m the owner of a 2011 that is having the same issues between 40-45 and additionally shudders under breaking. I have not addressed the issue with a mechanic yet but I’m not looking forward to shelling out 2k plus for repairs. The vehicle has 85000 miles and again is out of warranty. Just bought this van a month ago and I’m sure it was dumped due to this problem.
Same problem. 2006 Odyssey EX-L Shutter starts under load at freeway speeds. You can feel it starting gradually, then will suddenly build up to a violent shake. tap on the brake and it stops. Repeat. On my 4th set of motor mounts. 3rd power steering pump, CD changer long gone, 2nd DVD player. This van has turned into quite the money pit. (I miss my 1980s CIVIC)
05 Odessey EX-L …. shuddering for AWHILE. No one seems to know why. Now because it happens more. Says it’s transmission. But I don’t believe that. Would not have been able to drive 15,000 if that was the case. I have just notice as soon as it shudders let off the gas and then reapply and it went away until another shudder comes. Yes. The whole up hill, or at speeds of 30-45. Sometimes even a little higher. Please keep me informed. ….. Next step replace the torque converter and wait for it to happen again.
Just purchased Odyssey w/93k w/bad torque converter. Single owner. I’m guessing he knew the problem was out of warranty and dumped it. Paid $450 to have it shipped to me. I’d pay for the work and keep it if I could get some compensation. Stinks.
The very same happen to me but I wasn’t so lucky I hit and other car wile trying to avoid crashing in to a car from behind so know I am dealing with court and not I only had the Honda Oddssy for 2moths I have to pay the bank for something that can a actually kill me.I really think Honda is making this cars with out thinking of the safety since is clear there are a lot of issues !
Having the same vibrating issue at 50mph…..Not sure what to do about this situation..
En el 2013 compre una odyssey 2006 que experimentaba vibración arriba de 60 millas. La lleve a alineación y balanceo pero no se le quitó. Me dijeron que era x las llantas ya que eran desiguales. Le cambie las cuatro llantas y nuevamente alineación y balanceo. Luego descubrí mayor vibración al acelerar para rebasar o en subidas. Me dice el mecánico que debo cambiar todos los soportes del motor y transmisión, así como tornillos y hules de barra estabilizadora. Pero la cuenta sube a más de 15 mil pesos. Y no se si en realidad tenga que cambiar todo eso.
Just purchase a use 2006 EX-L. I had the rear motor mount replaced with the certified Honda part, not the aftermarket one (tran$lation, add $500) and it didn’t help. Looks like I am on to having the torque converter looked into. I guess I am lucky like some of you, I actually bought two Honda’s in the same day. My first and my last. Any developments on the CA lawsuit?
I just purchased a 2005 Odyssey EXL have the same problem that desepcion
I just purchased a 2005 Odyssey EXL and noticed a shuddering between 30-45mph under light acceleration. Please keep me updated with this lawsuit. Thanks.