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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
starting to worrie.. was so excited to purchase our 2006 Honda Odessy.. great test drive .. less then 200 miles in on 109678 registered miles I start to notice a vibration… thought it was me at first but seems to aggressively be progressing… luckily the used lot offers a90 warranty though we were told that if repair was 2500 or more they would discuss other options….. I love this van power comfort safety…. I’m over paying allot because it’s purchased from a bad credit lot that charges 29 percent financing…… to bail or not to bail that is the question…. also.. what up with law suit. has it settled
I own a 2004 Hnda odyssey. it is taking off by itself. rapidly. up to 35 mph with me holding brakes to the floor. Just found out , if your honda was built afrer June 2004 then it was built with 2005 parts. yet honda admitted this to me, but still refused to fix it. what should i do
I have been having this exact problem. In my 2004 Honda Odyssey. Almost caused me to crash with my 8 year old son in the van! Started about 3 weeks ago. So I haven’t been driving it much. Because it dies it about every other time. What should I do?? nleona78796@gmail.com
I have the same issue – 145000 miles on the van bought in 2006 brand new and it started last december 2016 – violent vibration at range of 20 – 40 mph and Honda must fix this.
Anyone know if the lawsuits done? Ive got a 2005 thats been doing the shudder for 2 years. Was told it was mounts that were broke. 3 days later it was doing it again. Now its getting worse. I want my vehicle fixed!
I had same problem on my 2005 Odyssey, started two years ago, 35-45 mph, little up hill, vibrating and shuttering. Last month changed timing belt, left and right engine mounts, nothing help.
I have had the same problem (for 2 years) on my 2005 Odyessy that everyone is saying. I bought the torque converter (2 years ago) only to discover through a trusted and honest mechanic that it was both front wheel axles that needed replacing and he was correct. This was done two years later. Now I’m stuck with a torque converter but had to replace two catalytic converters. I won’t complain only because it has almost 200,000 miles and this is my first repair work.
06 Odyssey same problem shuttering problem! I hope they own up and make this right!
I have the same issue with my 2011 odyssey. At 45 mph it starts to vibrate and shake. What to do? I have owned five Honda vehicles and I am thinking of changing my brand loyalty.
I have a 2005 and when i hit around 60 mph, it starts to vibrate and shake. How can i file a class action, and is it still open.