The problem
On some Mini vans, sport utility and passenger vehicles, certain operating conditions can result in heat build-up between the countershaft and secondary shaft second gears in the automatic transmission, eventually leading to gear tooth chipping or gear breakage.
The risk
Gear failure could result in transmission lockup, which could result in a crash.
The fix
On vehicles with 15,000 miles or less, the dealer will update the transmission with a simple revision to the oil cooler return line to increase lubrication to the second gear. On vehicles with more than 15,000 miles, the dealer will inspect the transmission to identify gears that have already experienced discoloration due to overheating. If discoloration exists, the transmission will be replaced if discoloration is not present, the dealer will perform the revision to the oil cooler return line. The recall began on April 21, 2004, for pilot, odyssey, and mdx owners. Owners of the accord vehicles will start receiving letters on June 28, 2004, and on June 29, 2004, for owners of the tl and cl vehicles. Owners should contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009 or Acura at 1-800-382-2238.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 04V-176 (04V176000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | P30/P31 |
| Manufacturer | Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) |
| Component | Power train › Automatic transmission |
| Report date | April 15, 2004 |
| Owners notified | April 27, 2004 |
| Vehicles affected | 1,099,796 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the transmission & drivetrain
- 2001 Acura CL transmission problems 206
- 2002 Acura CL transmission problems 33
- 2003 Acura CL transmission problems 36
- 2001 Acura MDX transmission problems 131
- 2002 Acura MDX transmission problems 125
- 2000 Acura TL transmission problems 111
- 2001 Acura TL transmission problems 103
- 2002 Acura TL transmission problems 224
- 2003 Acura TL transmission problems 246
- 2004 Acura TL transmission problems 56
- 2003 Honda Accord transmission problems 924
- 2004 Honda Accord transmission problems 348
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 04V-176 repair free?
Yes. Acura dealers will fix the problem at no cost: On vehicles with 15,000 miles or less, the dealer will update the transmission with a simple revision to the oil cooler return line to increase lubrication to the second gear.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 1,099,796 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.