2017 Honda Pilot: hesitation when accelerating

Filed Sep 27, 2026 · Engine · NC

Was traveling in moderately heavy highway traffic at 65 mph (actual speed limit) and vehicle suddenly started slowing down and hesitating. The narrow shoulder made it unsafe to stop but was able to continue at 45 mph or so and pulled off at first exit. There were numerous trouble lights on the dash. Car towed to Honda dealership and they found trouble code P0369. They found front camshaft sensor to be ground down in the center, as it had been damaged by the cam sprocket. The camshaft had excessive end play causing the cam to walk. New camshaft, thrust cover, sprocket, and related gaskets required. There were no symptoms for the issue before it happened. Honda has a 'Technical Line Summary Article' that says issue is caused by thrust cover manufacturing problem, specifically "we’ve found that the camshaft thrust cover surface roughness is out of spec."

Filed Sep 11, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · PA

I own a 2017 Honda Pilot equipped with the 9-speed automatic transmission. I am reporting what I believe may be transmission/torque-converter failure and a potential safety concern. The vehicle began experiencing shuddering, jerking, and hesitation. There is significant RPM fluctuation and harsh shifting. The problem occurs on highway speeds, accelerating or shifting lanes, 40–60 mph. During these episodes, the acceleration stalls and is accident prone. 8 months ago, I brought the vehicle to an authorized Honda dealer because of these symptoms, they couldn't get the code. 3 months ago, I went again for same issues, the dealer diagnosed a damaged air-intake hose and I paid for replacement. However, immediately driving off the lot, the original symptoms continued after the repair. I returned the vehicle to the Honda dealership because the problem persisted. The dealership has now diagnosed transmission failure and has estimated the repair at approximately $10,000. American Honda has offered approximately 60% goodwill assistance toward the repair, leaving me responsible for approximately $4,000. I am concerned because there are numerous reports involving transmission and torque-converter problems in 2017 Honda Pilots. Honda has issued technical service information concerning transmission and torque-converter conditions in this model year, including information involving the 9-speed automatic transmission. I am also aware of other the federal safety agency complaints involving premature 9-speed transmission and torque-converter failure in 2017 Honda Pilots. My vehicle has previously required other Honda-recognized repairs, including fuel-injector/emissions-related repairs that Honda covered. I am submitting this complaint because a transmission or torque-converter malfunction that causes hesitation, harsh or unexpected shifting, loss of acceleration, or loss of motive power can create a serious safety risk, particularly while entering or traveling on a highway or crossing traffic.

Filed Apr 2, 2026 · Transmission · NC

Transmission issues began to occur shortly after purchase in 2017. The Honda dealership finally did a software update after several complaint. This temporarily fixed the issue. The car shifts low gears harshly and with hesitation. The transmission system failure/problem light came on and the car lost power. The car makes a squeaking noise between 23-30mph. Most recently we were traveling on an interstate at 75mph and had to slow down quickly (~55mph) once we began to accelerate the car went limp. This incident happened twice within a weeks time. This put the occupants in the car in danger because the car would not accelerate. It did finally begin to accelerate.

Filed Mar 6, 2026 · Transmission · AL

On [XXX], approximately 17 hours after purchasing this vehicle from a licensed dealer, the transmission began violently jerking, shuddering, and hesitating without warning while traveling at highway speed in Alabama. The sudden loss of smooth vehicle control created an immediate risk of collision with other vehicles. Diagnostic evaluation at O'Reilly Auto Parts confirmed fault code P0741 — Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance or Stuck OFF. A subsequent Honda dealership evaluation confirmed this as a PERMANENT DTC, meaning the fault existed across multiple drive cycles prior to purchase and prior to the failure event. I am aware that Honda previously acknowledged this transmission defect in 2016-2017 Honda Pilots and extended the warranty to 150,000 miles. This vehicle failed at 152,848 miles.... just 2,848 miles beyond that threshold. Honda USA denied goodwill assistance based solely on mileage. A permanent fault code cannot be cleared by battery disconnect. The defect was pre-existing at time of sale. The dealer listed the vehicle as having "No Issues." The dangerous transmission behavior at highway speed represents a serious ongoing public safety risk for any owner of an affected vehicle. I am requesting formal investigation and recall consideration for this known defect. Two independent repair facilities have confirmed transmission replacement is required. Estimated repair cost: $5,374 to $7,000. We have parked this dangerous vehicle until we can find a way to INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 2, 2026 · Fuel system · MD

I own a 2017 Honda Pilot. The vehicle has been stalling and losing power while driving. The loss of power creates a serious safety risk, especially in traffic and at highway speeds, as the vehicle hesitates and struggles to accelerate. The High-Pressure Fuel Pump was replaced at my expense after the vehicle began stalling and losing power. Despite this repair, the problem has persisted. I am now being told by Honda that the Low-Pressure Fuel Pump also needs to be replaced. I have already paid for significant repairs, including replacement of the High-Pressure Fuel Pump, water pump, timing belt, and related components. My vehicle’s VIN is not included in any fuel pump recall, although similar vehicles appear to have had related recalls. I did receive a warranty extension for the torque converter, but I have received no notification or warranty support regarding the Low-Pressure Fuel Pump. The stalling and loss of power place me and other drivers at risk, particularly in intersections and during highway driving. The issue has been diagnosed by a Honda dealer/service center. The failed components are available for inspection upon request. No consistent warning lamps appeared prior to failure. I am concerned this may be a broader safety defect affecting vehicles outside the current recall population.

Filed Jan 6, 2025 · Engine · LA

The cars RPM continuously os ul and down while driving causing the car the continously jerk while driving. Which has been to the shop two times for the same issue. The car hesitates a lot when pressing the gas as if it's lost power.

Filed Dec 27, 2024 · Transmission · 60,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond, rattled, jerked, and shuddered. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure mainly occurred while driving at 15 MPH and higher speeds. The contact stated that the Push to Start button was inoperable intermittently. A message advising that the Push to Start button was defective was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the transmission fluid flush was performed on several occasions as recommended by the dealer; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Filed Oct 29, 2024 · Fuel system · IN

I have a recall for fuel pump malfunction that was announced in December 2023. The first time I was notified was in February 2024 and today we are at the end of October 2024 (240 days) and there has been no update. My car failed to start twice and the battery was in good shape in May and July. The car constantly hesitates when trying to accelerate. Every time, I call a Honda dealer they tell me that the replacement for the item is not available. Upon checking for some affects that might be caused as a result of this recall, the fuel filter might get bad due to bad fuel pump, it might also affect the function of the fuel injectors, valves, and the whole fuel system. Honda wants to charge me just to take a look into this incident. I feel unsafe driving on highways or even in local areas as every time I try to accelerate, the car fails to go to full power and I am afraid that the car behind might hit me from the back if my car stops due to fuel pump failure. If the manufacturer or the dealer is unable to replace this part, I feel that they should change my car to a new car as I have been driving with this issue for over 8 months now with no visible progress.

Filed Sep 24, 2024 · Electrical, Fuel system · 45,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while depressing the hatchback release button to open the hatchback, the hatchback failed to open. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the fuse box had failed and needed to be replaced. The mechanic contacted the dealer to order the parts and was informed that the parts were not available. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle was hesitating while driving. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Aug 7, 2024 · Fuel system · WA

car hesitates when accelerating at both low and high speed, check engine light is also on now. It started several years back, but problem has became worsen.

Filed Mar 7, 2024 · Engine · VA

I purchased my 2017 pilot in Oct 2022, when I test drove the car I asked the sales rep is it normal for it to take off like this with a little hesitation. He said yes and I believed him since I was use to CVT transmissions. A month later I had to take it back to the dealership for service with my RPM fluttering. After 8 hours of sitting there I ended up leaving the car and going home and picked up the next day. After all that, they told me that the did several flushes and had a software update. Now fast forward to March 2023, I am having problems again when going into second gear. I have only put 11,386 miles on my car in over a year. This year has a lot of issues with the transmissions. I bought my car certified and I will never buy another Honda. I think it should be some type of recall on this issue. You should not have engine problems on a HONDA (so everyone says they are the best) at this low millage. Not sure how to handle this or who to reach out too. Maybe get a lawyer.

Filed Sep 8, 2023 · Electrical, Fuel system · TX

I own a 2017 honda pilot ex-l. I keep up with all my maintenance and vehicle mainly has highway miles. Emissions systems problem light has been going on and off for about a month now. Honda did extend the warranty to cover this issue to 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. My light came on when my mileage was around 171,000 miles so it is not covered under the warranty. Last night (9/7/2023), keyless start system problem light comes on. I have changed the battery in both key fobs. The vehicle does not hesitate to start. I called honda customer service only to be told that my vehicle's VIN is not covered under service bulletin 20-117. If honda is aware that these problems exist, the owners of these vehicles should not have to pay for these issues to be repaired. I have driven a civic and accord before and the pilot has been my worst experience ever.