2017 Honda Pilot: complete transmission failure

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 Mar 12, 2026 · Fuel system, Transmission · TX

Vehicle: 2017 Honda Pilot Elite VIN: [XXX] Mileage at failure: 107,593 The 9-speed automatic transmission failed at approximately 107,593 miles. The repair cost $6,229.91 at an independent shop and included a full transaxle overhaul, replacement of the torque converter, transmission oil pump, and main control valve body. The vehicle previously had fuel injectors replaced under warranty at approximately 87,000 miles. I have opened a Honda goodwill reimbursement case (Case #16225384). I am filing this complaint to document the premature failure of critical powertrain components and support review for Honda goodwill assistance. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 May 5, 2025 · Engine · NY

I owned the referenced 2017 Honda Pilot vehicle. I was having transmission issues, which there were recalls for. I went to an authorized dealer to have the recall addressed. 6-8 months later same issue or I thought. Honda Dealer told me that the car was no longer in warranty, now I had to pay. What tripe! 6 months later engine blows up. Took car to a non-Honda repair shop. They tell me that there was an issue with the crankshaft and that the rod bearing went through the engine block. NICE. I pay for a used Honda engine over $8,000, NICE! I pick up the car now they tell me the transmission is shot. I take the car back to another Honda dealer complaining about a blown engine and previous trips to the other Honda dealer about transmission issues. Now after a new engine, which this dealer tells me there were no bulletins or recalls, that they'll push back on Honda about the transmission. They get Honda to pay for roughly 60% of a new transmission. Which cost's me another $3,600. Fantastic! I spend almost $12,000 on, at that time a 6 year old vehicle with just 80,000 miles, that I purchased used, in 2019 with just over 13,000 miles. I decided not to push my luck and sold the car to a dealer in 2023. I AM CONTACTING THE REPAIR SHOP THAT REPLACED THE ENGINE FOR A COPY OF THE INVOICE. Now, after almost 2-years, I find out Honda had issued recalls for the same issue I paid for. Do I have any recourse? Can the NHSTA assist with this issue? Anything you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

Filed Apr 30, 2025 · Transmission · VA

First received a transmission system issue and took car into dealership for the torque converter recall. Not even a 1,000 miles later I received a transmission temperature too hot signal. Took it into the dealership again and they stated I need a new transmission due to “transmission clutches are burned from not servicing the transmission causing excessive friction making the fluid heat up faster and over heating”. Just got this vehicle a year ago. I believe my safety is at risk because with our other vehicle the muffler got so hot that it burned a hole through the bed of the truck and don’t want that happening in this vehicle with two kids under two.

Filed Dec 27, 2024 · Transmission · IA

My husband was driving on the highway to a competition for our daughter. He said the Transmission System Problem light came on 4 different times in 20 minutes. This had happened once while I was driving last year and had never happened again. We took it to our local transmission repair shop and the guy could not get it to repeat and the transmission worked as it should when he was testing it. He said it's something that he thinks is happening on the 6th speed that the rpm is not going to where it should. He said if it continues, we will have to put a new transmission in which will cost around $6000 and we are obviously past the Honda warranty. Looking online, it seems like many pilot owners of the same year are having the same issues. I would like to issue a complaint that Honda needs to extend a warranty for this issue.

Filed Nov 15, 2024 · IA

My 2017 Honda Pilot has been experiencing significant RPM surging and juddering between 10-45 MPH, accompanied by "Transmission System Problem" and "Emission System Problem" warning messages. Timeline of Events: Initial Repair (May 13, 2024): The Billion Honda dealership in Iowa City diagnosed the issue as DTC P0776. I paid $426.10 for the repair, but the surging, juddering, warning lights, and DTC P0776 code persisted. Recommended Transmission Replacement (June 17, 2024): The dealership recommended replacing the transmission at $9,000.00. Upon contacting American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Case #[XXX]), Honda offered to cover 30% ($2,723), leaving me with a $6,277.88 bill. Highway Breakdown (November 7, 2024): The vehicle severely juddered and displayed warning messages before breaking down completely on [XXX] in Chicago, endangering my safety and others during heavy traffic. Concerns: Premature Failure: The vehicle had only 42,073 miles as of May 2024, far below the expected lifespan for a transmission, suggesting a manufacturing or design defect. Recurring Issue: Despite the repair, the DTC P0776 problem persisted, indicating a deeper quality defect. Financial Burden: It is unreasonable for a loyal customer to pay $6,277.88 for a transmission replacement likely caused by a manufacturing defect. Safety Risks: The highway breakdown highlights the severity of this issue and the danger it poses. Common Problem: Similar transmission issues (DTC P0776) have been widely reported by other Honda owners, suggesting this is not an isolated case. Requested Resolution: I request Honda to: Cover 100% of the transmission replacement costs, including taxes and fees. Reimburse the $426.10 I paid for the unsuccessful repair. Address the root cause of this defect to ensure no further safety risks. I invested significantly in this vehicle and expect Honda to uphold its reputation for quality and customer care. Please address this matter promptly. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)

Filed Sep 7, 2024 · NC

Transmission needs replaced after I did transmission flush 5/24/24

Filed Jul 25, 2024 · Transmission · PA

In April my transmission started slipping and making a whirring noise. I took it to my dealership three times and they could never find a problem. In late June 2024 while driving back from OH to PA, the transmission died and left us stranded on [XXX] in WV with car zipping by. We spent several hundred dollars on towing, hotel rooms and rental cars. Had to leave our car in WV for two weeks for repair. The car was five hours from home. There is a lawsuit for the 9 speed transmission and I am here to confirm there is a problem. There was only 90000 miles on the car and all preventive services have been performed prior to transmission dying. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 29, 2024 · Transmission · AZ

Without any indication of a problem, the check engine light came on after turning off the car briefly. The car would not shift and the dash reads transmission problem. We had the car towed and we’re told we need a new transmission. There was 68,000 miles on the car and it has always been maintained.

Filed Mar 6, 2024 · Transmission · TX

I was driving on [XXX] and I suddenly started seeing that my vehicle gearshifting was a bit and I got a notification that there was a transmission problem. I immediately pulled over and turned off the vehicle for a few mins and then restarted it and the alert icon went away. Then as I was driving, I stopped at the signal and then tried to accelerate when the signal turned green, the gear shifting wasnt working correctly. I eventually took this to a mechanic and he told its a transmission problem. Then I took it to a transmission expert and he said that its something which I should take to a honda service technician since they would have advanced equipment for it. I took it to a dealership and they now said that I have to replace the transmission for the vehicle. Looking up online, there has been plenty of reports of issues with the 9 speed transmission in Honda but there hasnt been a recall for the 2017 Honda Pilot. Here are a few links [XXX] [XXX] https://www.google.com/search? [XXX] Now the dealership is asking me to pay close to $9000 to fix this issue. I tried to reach out to Honda customer support online and they didnt help either. I dont know how I should approach this and hence reaching out to the federal safety agency. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 27, 2024 · Acceleration, Transmission · GA

driving down the highway at 65mph the car started bucking and losing acceleration leaving almost no control to the driver to maneuver effectively and avoid other cars. after a terrifying experience of losing control of the car my wife and children stranded on the side of the road for hours in sub 32 degree weather. the vehicle goes into limp home mode on the highway causing her to pull off with little to no acceleration control. barely avoiding other commuters she was able to pull the vehicle to the side of the road. once stopped the vehicle locks itself in park and will not go into gear or neutral so the vehicle cannot be pushed when needed. had to have the vehicle towed. after diagnosis and thorough investigations the following information was collected. The 9 speed automatic transmissions are "lifetime" meaning there is no dipstick for fluid checks. no external sensors or actuators can be replaced when they fail. the transmission failed internally (p0841) because all solenoids sensors and switches are internal non serviceable parts. no electronic part lasts forever understandably. however this means when one small item fails the entire transmission is to be replaced with the same part number and no new fixes or remedies. they seem to all fail right around 60,000 miles or after. seems to be a very common issue with no recall or fixes listed. meaning even with a new transmission installation the transmission is still a ticking time bomb. leaving the customer on the hook for several thousand dollar repairs every 60k. a class action lawsuit has been filed in California for these exact reasons and i would hope that honda makes and effort to have a redesign, fix, or full recall.