Honda Pilot harsh shifting problems

Filed Nov 8, 2026 · Body · VT

Customer Complaint: Clunking/Rocking noise heard in front end, on both sides near feet from interior, when making turns at low speeds. Noise would go away when driving straight. Correction: Technician found two outer subframe bolts to be loose/not torqued to manufacturer specification causing front sections of the subframe to shift under load. Technician retorqued all bolts to manufacturer specification, reinstalled underbody shield, and test drove. No noise indicated at this time. Miles: 46,075 Repair Order: 456280 Date: Nov 02, 2026

Filed Oct 24, 2026 · Engine · OR

While driving our 2016 Honda Pilot on the highway approximately three weeks ago, we experienced a sudden, loud clunk from the engine, followed by catastrophic engine failure. The failure occurred unexpectedly while the vehicle was traveling at highway speed, creating a serious safety concern. Following the incident, we learned that the engine had suffered severe internal damage involving the connecting rod/piston assembly, with internal components breaking through the engine block. The vehicle now requires a complete engine replacement, estimated by the Honda dealership at approximately $20,000. At the time of failure, the vehicle had approximately 95,000–105,000 miles and had received regular maintenance at an authorized Honda dealership, including major engine maintenance in November 2025. We are particularly concerned because Honda previously issued Safety Recall 23V‑751 for connecting rod bearing failures affecting certain 2016 Honda Pilots. However, our vehicle’s VIN was excluded from that recall despite experiencing an apparently similar catastrophic engine failure. the federal safety agency also opened Investigation PE25008 to investigate additional connecting rod bearing failures involving Honda vehicles outside the original recall population. We believe our vehicle’s failure warrants investigation to determine whether it is related to the known connecting rod bearing defect and whether additional vehicles were improperly excluded from the original recall. We have opened a case with American Honda, which is currently reviewing our request for assistance with engine replacement. We request that the federal safety agency document and investigate this incident as a potential vehicle safety defect, given the sudden engine failure at highway speed and the risk of a serious accident.

Filed Oct 9, 2026 · Body, Suspension · 101,600 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V365000 (Structure, Suspension); however, the front subframe had a hole caused by corrosion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5-10 MPH, the front end of the vehicle made clunking sounds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for suspension wear and tear repair, and it was determined that there was a hole in the front suspension. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone and stated that the recall repair was only for the rear subframe. The failure mileage was approximately 101,600.

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 Aug 26, 2026 · Suspension · DC

I purchased a brand new 2026 Honda Pilot Elite AWD in March of 2026. Since then, I've taken my vehicle in service 3 times, with the first time being 1 week of purchase after noticing loud noises, rumbling, shaking and clunking as I drove over speed bumps, potholes, etc. The first service, the Honda technicians weren't able to identify the issue. The second and third times I've taken the vehicle in for service, it was determined that the stabilizer link components were prematurely worn on both the driver and passenger sides of the vehicle. As a result, both parts were replaced through the Honda warranty but unfortunately, I am still experiencing significant issues with the overall handling and reduced stability, and the vehicle's quality and driver experience has decreased and has been significantly impacted and has caused major safety concerns.

Filed Aug 20, 2026 · Suspension · CT

Clunking that happens at low speeds, sounds like control arm, but this is not the rear. It’s the front.

Filed Jun 22, 2026 · Engine · 105,800 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-40 MPH, there was a loud bang coming from the engine compartment, followed by a clunking sound. The contact stated that the engine started running rough and the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated prior to the failure. The Check Engine warning light illuminated after the failure, with unknown messages displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was coasted into a nearby parking lot and manually pushed into a parking space. The vehicle was towed from the parking lot to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with complete engine failure. The vehicle was then towed to a Honda dealer for further inspection. The dealer disassembled the engine and informed the contact that the engine had thrown a connecting rod. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The contact was informed that the manufacturer would do a follow-up with the dealer; however, no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 105,800.

Filed May 18, 2026 · Steering · AL

Steering rack and pinion worn with approx 38,000 miles. Dealerships (2) advised the” clunking” was “normal” on the model. Another dealership advised it was more likely the CV-axles worn. Took to two independent garages who advised steering rack was bad. I advised them the dealer stated it was CV-axles. They stated the axles were fine. No wrecks, no driving off-road, and no driving in a manner that would cause failure. 2 years of asking about the clunking noise (now at 54,000 miles) and no ownership or accountability by the OEM for garbage parts. A steering rack should not be worn out in 5 yrs or 54,000 miles. I have my late father’s 1977 truck and it still has the original steering from the day he bought it in the fall of 1976. Forums and many other owners tell me it’s a safety concern and I agree. If Honda thinks sub-par steering components are ok… then I’ll be sure to replace every aircraft component on the executive jets with the same cost savings. It’s not insignificant parts, theirs is truly placing cost savings per unit above lives of people.

Filed Apr 29, 2026 · Transmission · KS

The engine is making the same clunking sound that is associated with the known connecting rod bearing issue detailed in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V751000.

Filed Apr 1, 2026 · Engine · TX

Based on everything we've documented, here's a tight, factual account written in the style the federal safety agency expects — first person, chronological, no fluff: "I own a 2016 Honda Pilot Touring AWD, VIN [XXX] , with 89,962 miles. The vehicle began producing a clunking noise from the engine. I brought it to Honda of Tomball [XXX] ), where the dealer diagnosed all main rod bearings as damaged and recommended full engine replacement. This failure is identical to the defect described in the federal safety agency Safety Recall 23V‑751 (Honda Recall XG1/GG0): premature connecting rod bearing wear and seizure caused by improperly ground crankshaft crank pins. My vehicle is a 2016 Honda Pilot, a model year explicitly covered under the recall. However, my VIN was not included in the identified recall population, and Honda of Tomball has not offered to cover the repair under the recall. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate whether my vehicle's crankshaft contains the same manufacturing defect, and that Honda be required to extend recall coverage to my VIN. The repair cost for a full engine replacement is substantial, and the failure mode is mechanically indistinguishable from the acknowledged recall defect INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)