2005 Honda Pilot: engine overheating

Filed Sep 9, 2015 · Engine, Transmission · 140,000 miles · OH

On 9-9-15, our 2005 honda pilot abruptly stopped on emerald parkway - police assisted. Leaking fluid was clumpy red/brown and vehicle hot. Shop today says radiator and transmission and possibly engine need replaced and instructed us to contact a honda dealer. This is our second safety complaint on this vehicle - 1st was dangerous "phantom braking" or inadvertant application on brakes in 2012, which honda subsequently recalled in 2013. After reading thru complaints, I see the exact same problem - transmission line in radiator suddenly came loose and transmission fluid leaked into radiator and coolant leaked into transmission, ruining both has occurred numerous times. We anticipate a very expensive repair.... We are thankful this did not occur on the highway, during rush hour or with any of our 3 kids in the vehicle, and are angered at honda's failure to recall this as well - as some said they did for 2003 and 2004 models?

Filed Jul 24, 2014 · Transmission · 175,000 miles · PA

Transmission overheated, over pressurized and sprayed out bleeder valve.

Filed Oct 21, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · 92,800 miles · CT

While driving at normal town speed (~25mph) car began overheating and speed dropped. Pulled car over to cool. Started to drive slowly home and symptom repeated. Car towed to honda. They diagnosed as radiator and transmission fluid mixing due to failure in the radiator. Damaged the transmission that needed to be totally replaced, along with a radiator and transmission cooler. Engine also needed extensive flushing. Suggested cost was $6400 without labor. After repairs, engine damage could be assessed. This appeared to be a minor failure in the radiator that destroyed a separate system and might have damaged the engine.

Filed Jan 15, 2012 · 70,000 miles · MA

Driving and noted motor not running good. Looked down at temperature and say overheating past the h mark. No warning lamp on. Got out found spill of gray fluid under engine. Oil level ok but trany fluid dry. Tow to garage. Working on it . States failure of tranmission cooler located in radiator that sucked out trany fluid into radiator and out of overflow. No warning at all of problem at all. Not sure yet if transmission damaged. Right now over$12oo oo repair bill to replace radiator and flush all out. Wanted this vehicle for at least 200,000 miles. Maint. Up to date and well maintained.

Filed Jan 5, 2012 · Transmission · 180,600 miles · NY

Car started to slip out of gear with no warning at all on the highway and started to shudder. Got off the highway and suddenly car wouldn't move in the middle of an intersection...just started overheating and then there was a huge puddle of on the ground. Had to have it towed to the honda dealer where we were told the hoses had failed and we needed new hoses and radiator after that is replaced we will find out if we need a new transmission. Total cost will be approx: $6,000. Looked on http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f1155f7/299!keywords=#msg299 and see that there are a number of people with this same issue happening. Apparently this is the same trans that is in the 2003 which was recalled.

Filed Jul 6, 2009 · Transmission · 118,000 miles · OH

Vehicle (2005 honda pilot, 118,000 miles) became immobile due to transmission slippage. Left wife and two small children stranded. Vehicle towed to dealer. When vehicle driven by service tech, it overheated. Had not done this before. Determined that transmission fluid coil within radiator had likely failed causing coolant to enter transmission and transmission fluid to enter cooling system. Coolant causes surfaces of clutches in transmission to be compromised. Could not get any help from american honda in making repair, nor from dealer (where car was purchased). Traded car in on a 2006 pilot.