2020 Honda Pilot transmission problems

Filed Sep 1, 2026 · Transmission · MO

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating and was shaking violently. The contact associated the failure with the transmission. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered a goodwill repair; however, the contact had not agreed to the terms. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer confirmed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact stated that prior to the transmission failure, the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the hesitation issue, and the dealer associated the failure with the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired for personal reasons.

Filed Aug 1, 2026 · Transmission · NJ

I am reporting a severe safety defect regarding the automatic transmission on my 2020 Honda Pilot AWD (VIN: [XXX]). The vehicle experiences a violent and constant transmission vibration/judder under light throttle acceleration. On XXX, at 127,073 miles, an authorized Honda dealership officially diagnosed the vehicle under Repair Order # XXX, confirming the presence of "shudder at light throttle". Despite changing the transmission fluid as required by maintenance schedules, the issue persists. This failure causes unexpected vehicle hesitation and jerky shifts while driving at highway speeds, creating a high risk of rear-end collisions and posing an immediate safety hazard to my family and other drivers on the road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 18, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · NY

MOST Network problems continue to persist even after MOST FAKRA Service Cables Safety Recall work was performed. Typical progression: Radio goes silent, Infotainment Screen displays error message, "Network Communication Lost / MOST Net Off", Driver Information Interface Display goes blank, then 3 error messages cycle, "Blind Spot Info System Problem", "Emissions System Problem", "Transmission System Problem", and vehicle enters limp mode (stuck in 3rd gear). Multiple safety issues: Rearview camera does not function, vehicle speed is not displayed, vehicle gas gauge is not displayed, blind spot system does not operate, reduced vehicle power.

Filed Jan 2, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · IN

2020 Honda pilot will sporadically turn off at highway speeds and at stop lights and will not turn back on until placed in park with foot on the brake. This is not to be confused with the start/stop feature used to save fuel. Additionally the 2020 pilot will lurch forward (like stuck in drive) while still in park.

Filed Dec 4, 2025 · Electrical, Transmission · 125,000 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that an ABS message was frequently displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the contact was informed that there was a miscommunication error with the front camera, which caused the failure. The contact was informed that the failure was not a safety issue and was given an estimate for the repair; however, the contact declined the repair. Since the failure, the contact received various messages on the instrument panel, with one message related to the transmission. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who confirmed the miscommunication error and that if not addressed, the failure could lead to other major safety issues. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

Filed Oct 17, 2025 · Electrical, Transmission · IL

My battery died while the vehicle was parked. I needed to physically move the vehicle but could not because the electronic button shifter would not allow me to put the transmission in Neutral. The only way to move it out of Park is a lengthy process requiring tools, engine component removals and a manual shifting of the linkage using a long wrench. My solution, was I had to leave the vehicle unattended, call a friend, get tools and replace the battery while blocking traffic. Safety concerns were that the vehicle was blocking traffic at a business and no documentation by Honda of how to fix or even shift the vehicle into Neutral. Now consider if someone has to try and manually tow the vehicle while in Park! I replaced the battery myself, but this is a well documented issue with electronic shifters, that will never make a dealership or service departments records or statistics! There was no warning of the failure, or battery light illuminating. Previous vehicle inspections at the dealership gave no indication that the battery was failing.

Filed Oct 11, 2025 · Transmission · IN

The torque converter has a shutter and has had a shutter since the day I bought it. All they want to do is flush the transmission fluid they didn't want to change the torque converter or whatever it's causing the shutter when it was under warranty. They just wanted to continue to keep flushing the transmission to give the torque converter thinner fluid so that way it would continue to run properly instead of actually changing the problem. The started to happen when I had 60,000 mi on the car cuz I had them their way of fixing the transmission first. Then it happened again at approximately 80,000 mi. Have them fix it again. Then it happened again at 115,000, mi The transmission will slam into gear around 19 mph and then it will fluctuate and slam into gear around 30 to 40 mph as well and then once you get past those two spots the transmission seems to run normal.

Filed Oct 3, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · NY

The auto stop/start idle function does not re-engage after stopping the engine. This has happened at least 4 times in the last 3weeks with my vehicle. When stopped in traffic or at a light and stop sign the engine idle engages and stops running the engine, when releasing the brake pedal the engine does not turn on as it should and the car stalls. This requires the operator to engage hazard lights, shift into park and repeatedly try the push start button to turn on the vehicle to proceed. The passenger safety of myself and children are of concern. While having to wait on a car function, that is the core operation of the vehicle, it is dangerous to shut off a vehicle while in operation. Having other vehicles honking and trying to pass or even stopping at a highway entrance ramp then trying to engage the car to meet highway speeds is a dangerous time for an engine to stall and not re-engage. Yes, the issue has been reproduced and a dealer has already addressed the issue with a software update. This update has not resolved the issue. There are no current recalls on my vehicle. There are no warning signs or messages or the ability to turn off the function permanently. In addition, there a times during the operation of the vehicle where the engine stop/start function works after many stops but then randomly does not start. It is an inconsistent feature.

Filed Oct 2, 2025 · Transmission · WA

Transmission shuddering 55,000 miles and 3 months beyond warranty. Quoted a $221 diagnostic fee to “maybe tell me it needs a software update.” Dealer also said when transmission was serviced at 30k it should have been drained and filled 3 times not once as the book calls for. They are doing their damndest to hide a major problem.

Filed Sep 26, 2025 · Driver assistance, Transmission · TN

Since I purchased the vehicle it has had a miss, lunging forward, a lag and stall. Appears to be transmission related. Also, all lights related to the CMS suddenly came on. Car only has 59,000 miles and 5 years old and shouldn’t have these kinds of issues. The transmission problem has been from the start…. Two years now. Probably why original owner traded. From what dealer said these are common problems with this vehicle, should definitely be part of a recall. Wanted 3000. to correct issues. Below date is estimate since problems started soon after purchase and have continued. Ongoing issue.