I have recently purchased a Honda Certified Used 2007 Odyssey Touring with 75,000+ miles. Can I get your advice on the proper care and maintenance as I want to keep the car at least 150,000 if possible. Specifically, what can I do to keep the transmission from prematurely self-destructing?

 

Most of the Transmission problem were on the 99'-04' models. If you are concerned about it thou you could add a transmission fluid cooler and an inline filter.

 

I'm not sure if it was 07 that Honda started to use the 4 shaft version of the AT. I want to say 08. When did Odyssey get the MMC 07 or 08? We can call this an "improvement" to past AT issues.

The two things I would recommend are:

1. Change the ATF. DIY. Some guys do a 3X change each time. I change the ATF every 25K miles. I think the manual don't call for it until like 90K. If you need more details, just ask. Dealer will charge you $90. 4 bottles of Honda ATF cost $28. Dealer will only do 1X drain and fill.

2. Change the Power Steering fluid. Again, owner's manual don't call for it at all. If the car was serviced by the book, it was not changed. Honda actually extended the warranty on my 09 to 7yr,75K miles. Get an old shampoo pump. Clean it. Pump out of the reservoir. Add one bottle of Honda PS fluid. $7. 5 minute job.

Changing these fluids don't guarantee anything. But I rather do it than don't.

Other issues as the Ody gets old.

Engine mounts - they can go bad.

Rear hatch struts - they all go bad, no matter what car. Because it's so big and heavy, keep an eye on it if you noticed it getting weak, or doubts about it holding. Cheap to replace. But can be dangerous if both was to failed at exactly the same time. There one two, so chances are one will go before the other.

P.S. Start saving some $$$ for a new timing belt. Manual calls for it at 90K.

 

Thanks for your advice. I plan to do a 3x ATF drain and fill this spring along with changing the PS fluid, coolant and spark plugs. I already changed the oil and filter (Mobil 1 5W-20/Honda filter). The Odyssey seems pretty user-friendly when it comes to DIY maintenance. I spoke with a Honda mechanic this week and he stated the tranny problems were with the older models, not the 2007. I will probably skip installing the ATM cooler and inline filter unless I need a summer project to keep me busy.

 

Your CPO have an extended warranty, so I would not touch it, other than replacing the ATF. Dealer can't fault you for that.

 

I don't know where you live, but after about 100K miles my 2005 started a problem with the left side-door not closing properly (lots of beeping from the alarm and the door stayed slightly open). I live where they salt the highways in winter and corrosion is rampant on the driver's side of any vehicle. $300 later the cause was found to be a dry mechanism inside the door at the rear latch . It's hard to get at but a few drops of a good lubricant early might save you $ later.