P0700 on Honda
Transmission Control System Malfunction
P0700 on Honda vehicles indicates transmission control system malfunction. Au7o has documented this code across 9 Honda models — most commonly on Accord, Crosstour, Fit. P0700 is a general code indicating the transmission control module (TCM) has detected a fault somewhere in the transmission control system and has requested the check engine light be turned on. By itself it doesn't pinpoint the problem — it's an 'umbrella' code that tells you to look for additional, more specific transmission codes stored alongside it. The actual fault could be electrical, a sensor, a solenoid, or an internal transmission issue. You may notice harsh or delayed shifts, slipping, or the transmission going into a protective 'limp' mode. Typical repair costs on Honda range from $100 to $7,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0700
- •Stored companion transmission codes pointing to the real fault
- •Faulty shift solenoid or pressure control solenoid
- •Low, dirty, or degraded transmission fluid
- •Faulty transmission speed or input/output sensor
- •Wiring, connector, or ground problems at the transmission
- •Failing transmission control module (TCM)
- •Internal transmission mechanical wear or clutch problems
- •Valve body fault or sticking valves
P0700 on Honda by Model
Honda Accord(2 issues)
- ZF 9-Speed Transmission Rough Shifting, Shudder, and Hesitation (2.0T)2018-2022
The 10th generation Accord 2.0T uses the ZF 9HP48 9-speed automatic transmission - the same unit that caused widespread complaints in the Honda Pilot (2016-2019) and Acura TLX/MDX. Software-controlled dog clutches are incompatible with Honda's original calibration, causing violent shuddering, harsh downshifts (especially 2nd-3rd gear), hesitation accelerating from stops, and torque converter shudder between 20-65 mph. Honda issued multiple TSBs. The 10th gen 1.5T uses a different transmission (CVT or 6-speed) and does NOT share this issue. 2.0T models are exclusively affected.
- CVT Start Clutch Juddering2013-2015
Early Honda Accord CVT transmissions suffer from widespread start clutch juddering caused by a manufacturing defect. The issue causes shaking or juddering during acceleration, especially from a stop. Honda acknowledged the problem and extended the warranty to 100,000 miles or 10 years for affected VINs.
Honda Crosstour(1 issue)
- Transmission Parking Pawl Failure (Vehicle Rolls Away)2010-2015
The Honda Crosstour (2010-2015) has a serious transmission defect where pieces of the ball bearing from the secondary shaft can become lodged in the parking pawl, causing the transmission to slip when put into Park. This results in the vehicle rolling away unexpectedly, creating a serious safety hazard. Honda issued a recall for the transmission control module software to prevent engine stall, but the parking pawl issue persists. Symptoms include transmission slipping in Park, vehicle rolling on incline when in Park, and grinding noise when shifting.
Honda Fit(1 issue)
- CVT Transmission Problems (3rd Gen)2015-2020
New CVT in 3rd gen Fit (2015-2020) had significant issues, particularly 2015-2016. Hesitation, shuddering during acceleration, whining/howling noise from transmission. Honda addressed some issues with software updates. Transmission cooler addition ($80-150) reportedly prevents issues according to some owners. CRITICAL: Use ONLY Honda HF-F CVT fluid ($35-50/quart) - other fluids void warranty and cause damage. Change CVT fluid every 30,000 miles religiously.
Honda HR-V(1 issue)
- CVT Transmission Shuddering and Judder2016-2022
The 2016-2022 Honda HR-V CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) experiences shuddering, judder, hesitation, and premature belt deterioration. Symptoms include vibrations during acceleration (especially 15-35 mph), delayed engagement, and strange whining/grinding noises. Honda extended the CVT warranty to 7 years/150,000 miles for 2016-2020 models due to premature belt wear. If caught early, CVT fluid replacement can help, but severe cases require complete CVT replacement ($3,000-5,000).
Honda Insight(1 issue)
- CVT Transmission Judder and Failure (Second Gen)2010-2014
The 2010-2014 Honda Insight (second generation) CVT transmission experiences judder, shuddering, knocking noise during acceleration, and complete failure. Early CVT steel belt failures were identified. When CVT fails, the green "D" indicator on dash blinks. The transmission shudders at low speeds (15-35 mph) and makes knocking noises when shifting or accelerating. Honda extended CVT warranty to 10yr/150k miles on some models. CVT replacement: $3,000-5,000.
Honda Odyssey(2 issues)
- Automatic Transmission Complete Failure (2nd Gen)1999-2004
Complete transmission failure due to faulty bearings and defective 3rd clutch components in 4-speed (1999-2001) and 5-speed (2002-2004) automatic transmissions. The 2002-2004 transmission can suddenly downshift from 5th to 2nd gear causing dangerous drivability issues. Honda recalled 1.1 million vehicles in 2004 and settled class-action lawsuit in 2006.
- ZF 9-Speed Transmission Shudder and Harsh Shifting2018-2019
The ZF 9HP 9-speed automatic transmission experienced severe drivability issues from programming defects. Software-controlled dog clutches proved incompatible with Honda's calibration, causing violent shaking/juddering, hesitation when accelerating from stops, and harsh downshifts at low speeds. Multiple class-action lawsuits filed against Honda.
Honda Passport(1 issue)
- 9-Speed Transmission Rough Shifting and Hesitation2019-2023
The Honda Passport (2019-2023) with the ZF 9-speed automatic transmission experiences rough shifting, delayed shifting, harsh acceleration/deceleration, sudden loss of power, and transmission slipping into neutral unexpectedly. A class action lawsuit alleges the transmission control module (TCM) and powertrain control module (PCM) are miscalibrated, causing dangerous failures. Owners report the transmission downshifting harshly at highway speeds, hesitating when accelerating from a stop, and in severe cases, dropping into neutral while driving. Honda has issued multiple software updates (TSBs) but many owners report issues persist.
Honda Pilot(1 issue)
- ZF 9-Speed Transmission Rough Shifting and Hesitation2016-2019
The ZF 9HP transmission produces rough and delayed shifting, loud noises during shifting, sudden harsh accelerations/decelerations, jerking/hesitating at all speeds, and loss of power. Problems stem from improper software calibration and electrical connection defects. Honda issued multiple TSBs but many issues persist until 2019 models.
Honda Prelude(1 issue)
- 5th Generation Automatic Transmission Failure1997-2001
The 4-speed automatic transmission (MAXA/M6HA) in the 1997-2001 Prelude is prone to premature failure, a problem shared with many late-1990s Honda automatic transmissions. The 3rd and 4th gear clutch packs wear prematurely, and the torque converter can develop shudder. High-mileage automatics often slip, flare between shifts, or fail to engage gears. Honda automatics of this era were undersized for the power output of the H22A engine.
Looking for P0700 on a different make?
View P0700 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0700 mean on Honda?▼
P0700 stands for "Transmission Control System Malfunction." P0700 is a general code indicating the transmission control module (TCM) has detected a fault somewhere in the transmission control system and has requested the check engine light be turned on. By itself it doesn't pinpoint the problem — it's an 'umbrella' code that tells you to look for additional, more specific transmission codes stored alongside it. The actual fault could be electrical, a sensor, a solenoid, or an internal transmission issue. You may notice harsh or delayed shifts, slipping, or the transmission going into a protective 'limp' mode. On Honda specifically, this code is documented across 9 models.
What causes P0700 on Honda vehicles?▼
Common causes on Honda: Stored companion transmission codes pointing to the real fault, Faulty shift solenoid or pressure control solenoid, Low, dirty, or degraded transmission fluid, Faulty transmission speed or input/output sensor, Wiring, connector, or ground problems at the transmission. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0700 on a Honda?▼
Repair costs on Honda range from $100 to $7,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Honda models have P0700 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0700 on 9 Honda models: Accord, Crosstour, Fit, HR-V, Insight, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot, Prelude.