2016 Honda Pilot: complete transmission failure

Filed Jul 21, 2026 · Driver assistance · CA

Monocular Windshield Camera premature part failure. 36160-TG8-A72-M1. Premature failure of the part causes all included safety systems to be disabled, and also negatively impacts standard cruise control. The part was sent for repair and the lens was thermally degraded as well as processor board non functional. There was no thermal paste installed on the processor. When the camera fails, an improper transmission failure warning light also appears on the dashboard, which prevents smog testing from being completed despite the camera system not impacting emissions at all.

Filed Nov 7, 2025 · Fuel system, Transmission · VA

Honda is aware of thousands of 9 speed transmission failures. but worst of all they tell you that you failed to change trans fluid as scheduled, but there is no schedule printed in their owner's manual, nor in their vehicle service maintenance manual. the service manual only speaks to the quality of fluid required, and that it not be mixed with other brands of trans fluids. it then goes on to say "HAVE A DEALER CHECK THE FLUID LEVEL AND REPLACE IF NEEDED." I have owned cars with sealed trans that required no maintenance, which is not the case with the Honda's 9speed trans. The Honda 9 speed is a sealed unit. I am currently face with an estimated bill of $10,600 to replace my failed trans. There is a reaccuring problem with the 9 speed, that Honda should pay for. I am requesting an investigation, and a reimburstment of my total cost. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 22, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · MO

2017: transmission replacement UW 2021: Vehicle stopped/ lost power on I44 at a speed of 70 mph. I immediately pulled over and called Roper on a recorded line per roper Honda. Took it to roper- needs a new motor. 2021: motor replacement Not UW 2024: vehicle was called in about hatch defect . Apparently, Roper reports that it is fixed yet- it IS NOT. I was unaware of the rods recall. That would explain why I need another motor. 2025: motor is knocking. Not UW 2025: AIS: vehicle has stalled at busy intersections after an idle stop. Scary when you have a car full of kids and your car doesn’t want to go. Now the car will just loose power and not start at a stop light regularly. I paid $43,000 for a vehicle that may have all the bells and whistles but it is complete trash to say the least. I have records of all of the work, issues, and roper has recorded calls that could be supenaded. ROPER HONDA JOPlIN MO

Filed Apr 29, 2025 · VA

My name is [XXX] . I am submitting this formal complaint regarding the repeated and serious transmission failures on two 2016 Honda Pilot vehicles that I own. Both vehicles were purchased together and have developed nearly identical transmission problems, posing serious safety concerns. Despite regular maintenance, including expensive and frequent transmission fluid changes, both vehicles have experienced significant drivability issues. I brought one of the Pilots to an authorized Honda dealership, where I paid out-of-pocket for an inspection, but Honda refused any assistance, citing mileage. However, I believe the nature of the defect, not the mileage, is the true concern, as transmission failure affects the safe operation of the vehicle. Transmission failure at any speed, especially in family SUVs like the Pilot, presents a real danger to occupants and others on the road. High mileage should not excuse serious mechanical defects that directly impact vehicle safety. Given that there are many similar complaints online from other Honda Pilot owners, I respectfully request that the federal safety agency investigate whether a broader manufacturing defect exists with the 2016 Honda Pilot’s transmission systems. I appreciate your time and attention to this important safety matter INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 29, 2025 · VA

This is my second complaint regarding my other 2016 Honda Pilot (VIN: [XXX] ). Like my first Pilot, it suffers from serious transmission issues — jerking, rough shifting, and occasional loss of power. Both vehicles were maintained properly and now have the same safety-related defect. Honda refused to replace the transmission, citing that the vehicle is over the mileage limit for warranty coverage. I believe this is unacceptable, as safety issues like this should not be dismissed based on mileage. A known defect that puts lives at risk must be addressed, and I urge the federal safety agency to investigate this pattern. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 1, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · OR

My Transmission went out on my 2016 Honda Pilot I bought it on 8/25/24 with 68,000 miles on it, six months later I have 81,000 miles on it and I’ve been quoted $9222 to install a rebuilt transmission at the dealership. 3 mechanics & transmission specialist do NOT even work or offer to replace transmissions on this model of honda pilot due to its known issues in the 6 cylinder V6 3.5 L. My car was in excellent condition, low miles, always well maintained. 2/21 It started rough/delayed shifting, during gear changes, hesitation when accelerating, unusual noise like quiet whining, on 2/22 the check engine & emissions & transmissions system lights came on I immediately took it to the Honda dealership/service on 2/22/25 I dropped it off and left it after hours (weekend Mon. 2/23 they diagnostic performed $200 transmission fluid flush and software update $500 it did not fix a thing. They evaluated & diagnosed on 2/24/25 Error codes stored P0776 & P0777. Recommending a rebuilt transmission for $9222. I got second and third opinions from experienced, highly recommended mechanics & transmission specialists who won’t even touch the 2016 honda pilot because it is considered problematic model/year with frequent reports of glitches & complex issues which can be make the job time consuming & potentially costly for the mechanic due to the need for speciality parts & diagnostics. Ive contacted American Honda & service/dealership inquiring “goodwill” program with no resolution. I have personally owned a 2005 pilot, 2011 pilot, 2007 odyssey, my parents & sister both currently own two Honda pilots & a Honda Ridgeline to say we’re loyal Honda customers is an understatement. I regret buying this 2016 Honda Pilot 6 cylinder V6 3.5 L I believe honda made a huge mistake and recalls must be issued. Show some integrity and take accountability this is unacceptable. If consumers & mechanics want nothing to do with it you should probably follow the evidence. From a very disappointed customer.

Filed Dec 20, 2024 · Fuel system, Transmission · 140,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. That contact stated while driving 35 MPH, multiple warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the gear shifter failed to move. The contact stated once the vehicle was stopped the transmission failed to shift. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed. The contact stated that several unknown repairs were performed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was referred to a local dealer for assistance. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V858000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 140,000.

Filed May 5, 2023 · Transmission · TX

Torque converter on transmission failed at 86,643 miles. This is a common problem on most Honda Pilots

Filed Dec 7, 2022 · Transmission · 60,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle at lower RPM’s between 1,500 – 1,800 RPM, the vehicle intermittently surged and hesitated to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who reprogrammed the PCM and replaced the transmission fluid however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.

Filed Feb 10, 2022 · Transmission · OH

Two incidents occurred: 1) On 12-6-21, while travelling in the high speed lane, my wife's car shut down causing her to become stranded on the side of the highway. The first system report from the incident can be found attached as indicated permanent transmission codes of P0716 and P0700. Our body shop consulted with a Honda dealership, neither could pinpoint the issue, but they were able to get the car running. 2) On 1-21-21, at a stop light, the car shut down and ran through all the error codes on the dash . My wife was able to turn car on, but could only put it into neutral. The second system report indicated permanent transmission codes of P0730, P07A6, P190B, P286D and temporary transmission codes of P0730, P07A2, P07A6. My wife discovered a thread of comments about others who experienced the issue and they said a new battery fixed the issue. A new battery was put in the car but it only drove in reverse. Our body shop consulted with the same Honda Dealership discovered Honda Service bulletin 19-004, which mentioned a transmission software issue, much like my wife experienced the first time, not the second time. Our body shop indicated the only fix would be a new transmission, which was confirmed by a Honda Dealership.

Filed Jul 6, 2021 · Transmission · 50,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 mph, the transmission failed to shift up to a higher gear. The contact mentioned that the RPMs were shifting faster than the speed. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.

Filed Nov 28, 2020 · Transmission · 95,300 miles · MD

Total transmission failure. Stationary until towed to the nearest dealer.