2005 Honda Pilot: complete transmission failure

Filed Apr 11, 2017 · Transmission · 100,000 miles · NJ

Vehicle in motion, stopped in traffic when automatic transmission failed. Engine was running perfectly but vehicle would not move. Mechanic found radiator had failed, allowing transmission fluid to mix with engine coolant. Transmission had to be rebuilt and radiator replaced. Cost of repair approximately $5,000. Contacted honda and they refused to do anything. Receipts for repair and communication to honda are available.

Filed Oct 13, 2015 · Transmission · 105,746 miles · NJ

The vehicle jumps on and off and I tend to loose control of the vehicle with steering. Further check revealed that the transmission failure of the vehicle.

Filed Sep 14, 2015 · Transmission · 120,000 miles · IA

When I slow down from going higher then 40 miles per hour my pilot shudders between 35 and 40. It quits at about 35 but it started happening a year ago and does it every time I drive now. I have read on line of other pilots doing the same thing. Seems tome this is a recall issue as well as a safety one if my transmission quits because of defective torque converter as a dealer once told me. I don't want to pay the costs of a new transmission when it sounds like a defect. I am getting airbag recall fixed this week I plan to ask about this problem. Thank you, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Oct 20, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 126,000 miles · WI

I was driving my honda RPM started going up and down vehicle started violently started to shake. I luckily made it home. The transmission fluid and coolant had mixed. I bought a new radiator, extensive transmission flush 15 qts. Now 2 months later the vehicle is shifting hard, shaking at 35-40 MPH and have been informed I need a new transmission. I have read numerous comments and reports of this honda should be notified and a recall put in place.

Filed Apr 3, 2014 · Transmission · 200,000 miles · SC

Tl* the contact owns 2005 honda pilot. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle over heated and stalled without warning. The vehicle did not restart. The vehicle was towed to the contacts residence. An independent mechanic stated that the transmission pushed water into the radiator and the transmission needs to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

Filed Mar 11, 2014 · Transmission · 112,000 miles · NJ

Transmission shudders at 35-40 MPH apparently due to faulty torque converters and transmissions installed in these vehicles. There are numerous instances of premature transmission failures documented on this vehicle. It can cause the vehicle to stop suddenly, and is a hazard. These torque converters and transmissions should be recalled.

Filed Jan 1, 2014 · Transmission · 138,250 miles · NM

I bought a used 05 pilot 1 year ago for my wife and boys. Vehicle started to shudder at around 30-40 MPH. I remember my mother having this same thing happen to her acura mdx and she was told she needed a whole new transmission. I looked up what was happening to our pilot and have found hundreds of other complaints dealing with this same issue! Acura even put out a service bulletin (06-003) addressing the problem of the torque converter in the transmission and stated that even if the vehicle was out of warranty owners may be eligible for a goodwill consideration to have the problem fixed free of charge. This shows that they are aware of the problem and expected to have many such complaints. Honda pilot has the same engine/transmission as it is the same company and needs to issue a recall!!! If I am expected to pay $11,000 for a used 05 pilot with 130k miles on it I should not also be expected to pay an additional $4,000 to replace the transmission less than a year later!!! If honda is proud enough of their product to charge that high amount to begin with they need to back it up with quality that matches the price!! Please issue a recall on this so people don't have to continue to throw money down the drain in this economy!

Filed Jul 23, 2013 · Transmission · 93,104 miles · OH

Intermittent transmission failure causing vehicle to loose acceleration at low to medium speeds. Ongoing issue after repairs have been completed. First incident at 93,000 miles and intermittent problem continues at 112,000 miles after 3 repairs. Internet search shows thousands of complaints of unsafe transmission issues on 2005 honda pilots yet honda motors refuses to admit design flaw. Acura mdx with exact same drive train as the honda pilot has been recalled for the same issues being experienced by pilot owners yet honda motors will not do a recall on this issue. This is a widespread unsafe issue with these vehicles that is oviously caused by an design flaw as honda corrected the design in the 2006 models. Honda should be made to take resonsibility for their defects.

Filed Apr 1, 2013 · Transmission · 170,000 miles · NJ

Driving at approx. 30-35 MPH when without warning I experienced high RPM's and the vehicle wouldn't go into gear. When I stopped the car and looked under the hood there was fluid everywhere, even down the side of the car. After having the pilot towed to my local repair facility it was determined that the lines that run the coolant had failed and transmission fluid anti freeze had mixed together and were introduced into the transmission. This happened immediately! I had the radiator replaced and the transmission flushed 27 times in order to completely clear the systems. This process cost me $1000 and the repair shop told me they could not guarantee that the transmission would not fail as they had no idea whether there was internal damage or not. Well, it didn't work! The transmission is making noises that it never had before and shifting almost at will. My dilemma now is replace the transmission or replace the vehicle. There is absolutely no way anyone could anticipate this problem or do anything to prevent it because of the way this was engineered. When I bought this pilot I did so believing that I would be the one to decide when it was time for me to buy a new vehicle, not honda! I have owned 4 honda's in the past but this will be my last.

Filed Sep 1, 2012 · Transmission · CA · crash

Took my 2005 pilot in for major service 100k . Vehicle has been maintained with regular intervals of fluid replacement and oil changes at non honda shops but with certified compatible products from valvoline. Mileage on car is 107,928. Picked up car was running great. Within 7 miles flashing d light engine warning light stays on and car feels like its losing power and won't shift. Dealer says its coincidence. No slowing of transmission no warning when dealer did major service and all point inspection with honda diagnostic computer. Contacted dealer was told car should be drivable to bring it in. Car stalled out jerked back and rpms soared almost causing me to get rear ended while traveling at 35 miles an hour. Drove car 20 miles an hour and jerked back again causing me to be stuck in the middle of an intersection. Pulled over turned car off and back on only engine silhouette still on and drove 20 MPH to dealership. Car in dealership mileage is 107953 and am told its a complete transmission failure on a sealed transmission that dealer couldn't detect three days earlier. No warning system or failed warning system on a very dangerous major car failure. I was also told that it was an emissions problem even car has been though my car passed smog in may 2012 with above average rating. My point is why is there no warning or detection to this potentially life threatening car failure?????

Filed Aug 2, 2012 · Transmission · 101,000 miles · WI

The vehicle started to "shudder" at medium speed, and two to three days later while accelerating to highway speed the transmission blew up, creating loud banging noises and spilling transmission fluid onto the roadway.

Filed May 9, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · 139,000 miles · PA

Transmission cooling portion of radiator failed causing transmission fluid to leak into the radiator and mix with coolant. Transmission drained and caused car to stop. Introduction of antifreeze into the transmission caused damage to the transmission resulting in need to replace transmission.