2012 Honda Pilot transmission problems

Filed Feb 18, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · OK

The check transmission light comes and goes. Ive had the transmission flushed with no issues. It pulls codes for the torque converter as its supposedly getting stuck per mechanic or is over heating and throwing the code. It does not drive rough and I believe it is a faulty code that needs to be addressed and updated and cleared. Ive had it cleared out once and it stayed off for a whole month. The light and blinking D doesn't come on all the time or in patterns so that also tells me it isn't a transmission issue or it would be on more frequently and consistently. To where when mine comes on and then I shut my car off for an hour it stays off for quite some time. This really needs to be addressed instead of causing car owners unnecessary costs for diagnostic purposes through a Honda dealer which costs 100.00 or more or even them putting in a complete new transmission.

Filed Dec 25, 2023 · Electrical, Transmission · VA

While driving the vehicle at around 45 MPH it suffered a complete loss of power for 3-5 seconds. The dashboard lights illuminated and then the vehicle restarted without having to restart via the ignition and all of the dash lights turned off. This has happened intermittently on two prior occasions. No electrical issues were evident, new battery and charging system appears to be functioning normally. The contact stated that the dealer found that the issue was a faulty positive battery terminal connector. It was replaced.

Filed Jun 1, 2023 · Transmission · TX

The contact owns a 2012 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered. Additionally, the contact stated that unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the contact was unaware of the diagnostic result. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jun 16, 2019 · Suspension, Transmission · 36,000 miles · CT

I brought my rain because of a woo king sound in 2014, 2015 hondarepaired partially under warranty compliance bushings. While still under warranty the car needed tie rods replaced/tightened I paid for this has been an ongoing problem for the past three years posing a safety issue for me and my children. I've recently emailed and called honda they are refusing to cover this because of the mileage deapitwthis has been an ongoing problem since the car was still under warranty. The front end is still wobbly after repairs which I believe is a defect in this model.

Filed Apr 4, 2016 · Engine, Transmission · 45,000 miles · FL

Vehicle developed a vibration around 45000 miles in rear and thought tires needed rebalancing. That didn't help and after vibrating on a 1600 mile trip had dealer replace tires with original brand and size after discussing problem with them. $1000 later I took the car back to dealer and complained about vibration. They rebalanced tires on hi tech balancer. 275 miles on new tires and still vibration is there. Went back today because of vibration and they did software update and replaced right rear tire. Service manager and then general both rode with me I vehicle and they agreed the vibration is still apparent. They think it's inherent with the honda pilot. It obviously is not something that is normal. Who what's to drive a car vibrating all the time.

Filed Sep 4, 2015 · Transmission · 4,839 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 honda pilot. While driving 15 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to accelerate before going into a higher speed. The failure recurred intermittently. The dealer was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 4,839.

Filed Apr 16, 2015 · Engine, Transmission · 10 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 honda pilot. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician was unable to find a failure. The transmission fluid and oil were changed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 10. Updated 6/3/15*cn updated 06/09/15

Filed Nov 17, 2014 · Acceleration, Engine · 20,000 miles · FL

Problem: while trying to accelerate, there is a resistance/hesitation that is felt in the gas pedal and the engine has trouble increasing RPM's. This is an intermittent issue. Case I: while in a parking lot, trying to pick up a little speed. Gas pedal has resistance and engine won't pick up speed. I keep my foot steady on the accelerator and then pilot picks up speed in a unexpected rush. High level of danger due to people present in the area; as there was an unexpected amount of speed. Case ii: road type: three lane road in each direction of traffic. While in the legal u-turn lane, I observe that there is enough distance to make a u-turn. From a stop I try to pick up speed (I was aiming for 5k RPM's, I know how far to press the gas pedal to get that response). A great resistance and lack of response from the gas pedal was felt. There was minimal acceleration happening and then after about 6 to 8 seconds, the engine was able to get to 6k RPM's. As the cars approached faster I almost got rear ended. As there have been more cases, these are to two most dangerous ones. *note: the resistance/hesitation of the gas pedal happens under any temperature in the cabin.

Filed Oct 2, 2014 · Transmission · 20,000 miles · CT

Recently purchased a used 2012 honda pilot touring. After driving for a few days, I tuned into a considerable vibration in my seat mostly at highway cruising speeds. I believe it is the same shudder that others have reported. I have brought to the dealer on 2 occasions so far and they have balanced, rotated, and even put new wheels from another vehicle on it. I swear I continue to feel it and honda techs including the master tech say it drives normal. It drives me insane and I continuously adjust speeds to avoid it from happening which is dangerous on the highway. It also pulls considerably to the left even when the road slopes right. This is very dangerous as if someone ever drifted while driving, it is straight into oncoming traffic! I also wonder about longevity of the transmission, torque converter etc. I'm supposed to be excited driving a new car, and now I am frustrated the entire ride each and every time. I regret this purchase. This has gotten to the point I want to return or take a loss and trade it for another car manufacturer. This is unacceptable in a $42,000 vehicle. Other than this sole issue, I love the pilot. I decided to add my entry to hopefully help get honda's attention to this issue and resolve for those of us experiencing this.

Filed Aug 4, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · NC

My 2012 honda pilot ex-l has had issues with vibration when driving at consistent speeds between 40-50 and 60-70 (I.e. Not accelerating). Local dealer initially tried to update control software with no impact, then replaced the torque converter under warranty, also with no impact. Honda service manager now says that this is a known issue with the variable cylinder management program that is designed to increase fuel economy - and the only way to correct this is to drive with the overdrive turned off (thereby significantly lowering fuel economy). The vibration can be best described as a sort of "stuttering" that typically occurs during highway driving while moving at a consistent speed, almost as if it were misfiring and goes away once the accelerator is pushed harder, only to return once consistent speeds are again reached. The issue has been non-stop since purchase in january 2012, and the vehicle now has approximately 55,000 miles. Had honda initially explained the issue I would have applied for the north carolina lemon law program, but instead they were less than up front about a known issue.