A safety concern with some Honda Pilot models involves a potential transmission defect that can cause the vehicle to hesitate or fail to accelerate when the driver presses the accelerator. This unexpected loss of power can create hazardous situations, particularly when merging into traffic, crossing intersections, or attempting to avoid obstacles. Drivers have reported delayed engagement and inconsistent acceleration, raising concerns about the reliability and safety of the vehicle's transmission system.
2022 Honda Pilot: hesitation when accelerating
7 of the 175 complaints about the 2022 Honda Pilot describe hesitation when accelerating.
- owner complaints
- 7
- of this car's complaints
- 4%
- recalls
- 0
Hesitation when accelerating by model year
What owners say
Upon accelerating from a stop, or at various speeds, the vehicle experiences a significant loss of motive power(pulling backwards) followed by an abrupt lunge forward. This hesitation occurs unpredictably and makes entering traffic or intersections extremely hazardous. This feels like a fuel delivery or transmission engagement failure. The last incident occurred on or around the afternoon of March 23. My vehicle has been examined at the dealership on multiple occasions for this same issue and each time I have been told that they are unable to replicate the issue and can not help me further unless they are able to replicate the issue.
Problem with Auto idle stop mechanism. There was an event of no restart after the auto start/stop engaged. There have been several issues with it over time. For a while it cut out completely until we got a new car battery. Especially in the past 3 weeks the car has hesitated to start after a stop. Then, yesterday, [XXX] it failed to start creating a traffic hazard. We were at a red light and once green, I removed my foot from the brake and it would not start. Traffic was approaching behind us and it was a dangerous situation. It was stressful for me, the driver as well. After putting the car into several gears and pressing the start button twice, it eventually started. A display messages appeared only when the car would not start. I believe it said to put the car into neutral. If the car failed to start, it would have been stuck at a major intersection posing danger to ourselves and fellow drivers. Previously, when the feature stopped working, we reported the issue to our local Honda dealer and they did not offer a solution but said there are a number of factors that could cause it to not operate. We didn't mind it wasn't working because we loathe it. Later we purchased a new battery and it started working again. Also previous to [XXX], we updated the software system. We were aware that there was an update for this issue. To ensure we have the update, I checked it again, today, 8-10-2025 and our software was up to date. We (my wife and I) were so alarmed by yesterday's operation failure that we are considering getting rid of the vehicle. However, we don't want to pass the problem onto someone else. We are petitioning that this become a bulletin or recall fully covered by Honda. We see that similar 2016 to 2021 vehicles are under a bulletin. Honda is aware of the issue since 2016. 2022 Honda Pilot should be included. The software update did not resolve the issue. Please escalate from investigation phase to a mandatory Honda fix. TY! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMA
As I understand it from a law firm, other Honda Pilot owners have filed complaints with the federal safety agency the following which is an EXACT description of what is occurring on our Pilot. Ref: 25V‑031. Our problem is that there is about a “2-5 second hesitation” or “delay in acceleration” where the engine seems to “bog down for a few seconds before it ‘kicks in’ and then there is a ‘surge of power.’” This surge of power causes a rapid acceleration where the vehicle “jumps forward at a rapid rate.” I took this to Honda two years ago after we first purchased it and they said that "All vehicles are made this way now." This has proven "very dangerous" when trying to do a 3-point turn or a u-turn in traffic. I'd be happy to demonstrate this with someone if they want to ride along so they can see for themselves. I checked your site but it says there aren't any recalls for my vehicle. Problem is, Honda told me the same thing two years ago so if it isn't on your site, appears that it isn't a problem for them. Please help look into this before someone in my family or someone else's gets hurt.
The contact owns a 2022 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds and depressing the brake pedal, there was an abnormally loud squeaking sound coming from the brake pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer where a software update was performed; however, the failure persisted. The dealer stated that dust had caused the brake pedal to squeak and the failure persisted after the repair was performed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.
Something with the brakes and the car performing it’s safety measures when unnecessary It hesitate
The contact owns a 2022 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle hesitated. The contact stated that the emissions warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the entire fuel system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure recurred, and the emissions warning light illuminated again. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 5,020.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2022 Honda Pilot hesitation
Is hesitation when accelerating a common problem on the 2022 Honda Pilot?
7 of 175 owner complaints about the 2022 Honda Pilot (4%) mention hesitation when accelerating. The model year with the most reports is 2016.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2022 Honda Pilot?
There is no recall or service bulletin for this area of the car on record.
Other symptoms on the 2022 Honda Pilot
Adaptive cruise 21Collision warning 18Lane assist 15Stalling 13Loss of power 11Sunroof shattered 9Warning lights 9Start-stop 8Headlights 7Won't start 6Transmission failure 5
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