Honda Odyssey transmission shifts to neutral unexpectedly, front brake pads replaced without resolution on Honda Odyssey

Some Honda Odyssey owners report experiencing unexpected shifting to neutral, which may be caused by a variety of factors. One common issue is a bad door sensor, as the vehicle can shift to neutral if the driver door opens while in drive or reverse. Additionally, some owners have reported rough shifting, which is indicative of potential transmission problems that could lead to gear issues. Loose battery terminal connections or a degraded battery may also cause the transmission control unit to reboot unexpectedly, contributing to shifting problems. Other warning signs to watch for include hesitation during acceleration, downshift failure, transmission fluid overheating, and unusual noises like clunking or grinding, all of which may suggest underlying transmission issues. While replacing front brake pads is important for braking performance, it is unlikely to resolve the transmission shifting issue, so owners are advised to focus on diagnosing the transmission problem specifically.