Why does my 2018–2020 Honda Odyssey shift hard?

Short answer: Many 2018–2019 Odysseys with the 9-speed automatic (LX, EX and EX-L) shift hard or jerky with steady acceleration, often around 24–27 mph, and some set code P0716. Honda's fix is a transmission software update in bulletin 19-124, and owners say it made a big difference. Touring and Elite models use a 10-speed and had a separate recall (19V299) because the transmission computer could reboot and shift into Park. Check both with your VIN.

Symptom: A hard or jerky upshift around 20–30 mph, a clunk on light acceleration, a delay then lurch from a stop, or the check engine light with P0716.

What to check first

1. Ask the dealer about bulletin 19-124 if you have the 9-speed (LX, EX, EX-L). Bring the bulletin number. Owners said some advisors couldn't find it until they named it.
2. Run your VIN for recall 19V299 if you have a Touring or Elite with the 10-speed.
3. Make sure the 12-volt battery and its terminals are in good shape. The recall is about loose battery terminals and a weak battery.
4. Give it about 500 miles after the update. Owners said the transmission relearns your driving over that distance.

Likely causes

1. Transmission software (9-speed). Honda's bulletin updates the transmission computer to fix hard upshifts with steady acceleration.
2. Transmission computer reboot (10-speed). Loose battery terminals or a weak battery can make the transmission computer reboot and shift into Park. That's the recall.
3. Fluid condition. Some owners also had the fluid changed, but the bulletin's fix is the software update.

What it usually costs

Under warranty, owners said the update was covered. One out-of-warranty owner said his dealer would charge $185 for the update.

Is it safe to keep driving?

Mild hard shifts aren't an emergency, but a van that hesitates and then lurches when pulling into traffic is a real risk. Get the update done and avoid relying on quick acceleration until it is. Verify with a mechanic.

DIY or shop?

Dealer. The software update needs Honda's tools. DIY only for checking the battery and terminals.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• Recall 19V299 (2018–2019 Odyssey): loose battery terminals or a weak battery can make the transmission computer reboot, and it may shift into Park and possibly damage the parking pawl. Dealers secure the battery terminals, update the software and check the parking pawl. If your van is part of this recall, the dealer fixes it for free.
• Honda bulletin 19-124 (2018–2019 Odyssey LX, EX, EX-L with the 9-speed): for harsh or jerky upshifts with steady acceleration or a check engine light with P0716, dealers update the transmission computer software. It's covered under warranty, so ask about coverage.
• NHTSA complaints: 591 keyword-matched complaints for Honda Odyssey 2018–2020 (of 2,475 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-19; keywords: transmission, shift, jerk, harsh, lurch, park, 9.?speed, 10.?speed).

What owners report

• In TSB 19-124 – 9-Speed A/T Hard Upshift on Odyclub, owners shared their update results. An '18 EX-L owner said it made a huge difference once he named the bulletin, others said the hard shift around 24–25 mph went away, and one said a light-throttle 1–2 shift was still a little jerky. Some dealers wanted to reproduce the problem first, and one owner said his dealer would charge $185 out of warranty.
• In 2019 Odyssey Hard Shifting (3rd Gear), an owner with under 4,000 miles had a noticeable jerk shifting into third at about 25 mph. The dealer acknowledged a sound on the shift but couldn't reproduce it at first. Owners in the thread later reported that the bulletin's software update fixed the hard shift.

My take

My advice as a former finance manager: when a dealer says they 'can't reproduce it,' give them the bulletin number in writing and describe exactly when it happens, like '25 mph, light throttle, warm engine.' That makes it much harder to send you home with nothing done.

Vehicle focus: 2018–2020 Honda Odyssey (9-speed on LX, EX, EX-L; 10-speed on Touring and Elite).

Safety / mechanic note

A van that hesitates and lurches can be dangerous in traffic. Verify with a mechanic.