2017 Honda Pilot: jerking or lurching

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 Jul 6, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · FL · fire

Driving home from church sunday june 28th downslope of a small hill smelled hot metal; wasn't sure if the odor was from us, the large truck that just passed us or environmental; sudden "pop" was heard accompanied by a "jerk" in the vehicle; loss of steering and brakes; dash was lit and showed RPM/MPH/etc then battery light came on smoke billowing from engine followed quickly by complete fire from enginge; all 4 passengers eventually got out; police and fire dispatched; complete loss; traumatic to say the least; only light previous was service soon as oil life was at 15%; believe to be a known issue with 2017 pilots rods bend and break but now warning (researched after the fire)

Filed May 27, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · 135,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving 60-65 MPH, the check engine light was blinking. The vehicle began to jerk. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with faulty fuel injectors. The injectors were replaced. After further evaluation, it was determined that the engine and knock sensor needed to be replaced Additionally the rod bearing was blown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but declined the repairs. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

Filed Apr 2, 2026 · Engine · OR

Engine lost power. I put the gas pedal to the floor and it would barely go. Finally, after barely moving out of the intersection, the car lurched forward and I managed to drive it home. I was stuck in a very busy intersection with a car that would not go. All I wanted to do was get out of the intersection because it is a very busy street and I was afraid I was going to get hit. I noticed that there was a knocking sound when the RPM got above about 2000-2500. I took it to the dealer and they said that I had a bad piston rod and that I needed a new engine. There was a check engine light that came on, but it later went away.

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 Feb 16, 2026 · Transmission · CA

Transmission and torque converter, were effected on my car. Safety concerns were witness when wife was driving on freeway with our 4 kids and car was jerking and not going like it’s was suppose to. We drove to slow lane were we proceeded to destination slowly . Problem was detected when transmission light came on when my wife and sister in law were driving on freeway. America Honda didnt want to look into it due to it being out of there warranty-of 150,000. So we took it to a transmission shop. We’re he diagnosed the code for the torque converter. The warning light came on at 166,000 miles. Thats when we’re actually aware of the issue. We never received a letter or call from America Honda warranty regarding this issue.

Filed Nov 19, 2025 · Engine · NV

While traveling on highway a loud bang occurred, car jerked and started decelerating almost causing on accident. Car came to rest in middle of highway exit. Car was towed to Honda dealership where it was found to have a broken crankshaft rod bearing. No warning signs or symptoms had come prior to. New engine is required and confirmed by dealership.

Filed Sep 3, 2025 · Acceleration, Fuel system · CA

I drive a 2017 Honda Pilot Touring 9-speed and I’ve been dealing with some frustrating issues for last 3 years. The car has sudden loss of power, jerking, harsh shifting, and acceleration problems. I’ve done all the dealer-recommended maintenance (timing belt + water pump, spark plugs, valve adjustment, fuel injector cleaning, regular oil and transmission fluid changes), but the problem still hasn’t gone away. I feel unsafe to drive the car on freeway due to sudden loss of power and then sudden acceleration. Sometimes it feels like the gears don’t shift when they should, I am not a mechanic and not sure if it’s an engine issue or a transmission issue. I checked for recalls but didn’t find any. First I thought it has to do with driving on ECO mode but it seems like it does not matter which mode I drive. It still gives me the same issue.

Filed Jul 15, 2025 · Transmission · 45,480 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently jerked with the transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 45,480.

Filed Jul 11, 2025 · Fuel system · CA

2017 FWD Honda Pilot, Current miles 67k. In June 2025, Morning start, car makes whining noice when idle and gets louder while driving. Pilot then loses power, poor acceleration, starts to stall and steering wheel jerk. NO WARNING LIGHT / CHECK ENGINE ON DASHBOARD. (Common for light not to come on) Not putting my family and others at risk Pilot was taken to nearby dealer for diagnostics. I was told high pressure fuel pump needs fail / need replacement. Advisor at dealer sent out Goodwill request for replacement and was denied any repair. This is known problem on "2017-2020 Acura and Honda vehicles" Part #16790-RLV-305 - PUPM ASSY IS COVERED under Emission Warranty 84month / 70k miles. Why did Honda denied repair(?) Called American Honda Motor co., Inc. recall line Center and submit another request for repair. waiting for call back.

Filed Feb 28, 2025 · Fuel system · OK

To whom it may concern, I own a 2017 Honda Pilot which recently stalled while I was driving on the highway, forcing me to pull over. There was no indication that anything was wrong with the vehicle at the time - no check engine lights, no warning indicators, no alerts - this happened suddenly and unexpectedly. My car felt like it lost power, the steering wheel became jerky, and I was concerned for my safety. All the warning lights on the dashboard then lit up, and I believe the car entered limp mode. Had I not been on an empty highway, I believe that it could have easily led to an accident. Fortunately, I was able to slowly drive towards a Honda Service Center nearby, who ran diagnostics and told me that the fuel pump had failed. The error code that their diagnostics reported was p0087: fuel rail pressure too low. Upon looking online, it appears Honda released a statement recalling 2017-2020 Honda and Acura vehicles in the US to replace the fuel pumps: [XXX] . This appears to be associated with the federal safety agency recall no. 23V‑858. Based on the description in the notice, where an inoperative fuel pump can cause the engine to not start or stall while driving, I believe that my car experienced the exact same issue. My 2017 Honda Pilot appears that it would be included in this recall; however, when I check my VIN on the Honda Recall Lookup website, it claimed that my car has no active recalls. I believe this is a serious safety concern, and Honda should be expanding the recall to include the production batch when my 2017 Honda Pilot was manufactured. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 31, 2025 · Fuel system · CA

Vehicle stalls when trying to accelerate and then jerks when it eventually does. RPM needle bounces when trying to accelerate after having to slow down.