The 2004+ transmissions are more durable than the 2003- units. The 2003- units had five forward speeds running off just two shafts. The 2004+ transmissions use three shafts, and the newer ones even use four shafts I believe. These are not planetary-gear transmissions like many automatics; they're built internally very much like manual transmissions. You can even tow them four-wheels down behind an RV like you can a car with a manual; you cannot do that with most automatics. For that reason, Hondas are rather popular with full-time RVers.
Anyway, as someone else said, though the earlier V-6 transmissions were more prone to failure than their competitors, after 2004, their durability is competitive with their peers. Even on this 2001 unit, 160,000 miles out of an automatic transmission is a reasonable life, regardless of brand.
Overkill, would your mother-in-law be interested in trying a few drain/fill cycles to see if that would clean it up, at least temporarily? I think that's a prudent first step.
Anyway, as someone else said, though the earlier V-6 transmissions were more prone to failure than their competitors, after 2004, their durability is competitive with their peers. Even on this 2001 unit, 160,000 miles out of an automatic transmission is a reasonable life, regardless of brand.
Overkill, would your mother-in-law be interested in trying a few drain/fill cycles to see if that would clean it up, at least temporarily? I think that's a prudent first step.
