Honda Pilot shudder problems

Filed Oct 9, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · GA

VEHICLE: 2019 Honda Pilot EX VIN: [XXX] CURRENT MILEAGE: 77,000 miles COMPLAINT DESCRIPTION: I am filing a critical safety complaint regarding a catastrophic transmission failure that actively disables my vehicle's advanced driver-assist and automated safety systems while driving, creating a severe crash hazard. At approximately 36,085 miles, the vehicle experienced a severe torque converter judder. The dealership performed an 11-quart transmission fluid service. Immediately following this service, the vehicle began suffering from unpredictable, cascading dashboard warning lights that completely disable the vehicle's automated safety braking, forward-facing camera suites, and vehicle stability systems. The dealership repeatedly misdiagnosed this powertrain fault as a camera/sensor issue, charging me out-of-pocket for a front multipurpose camera replacement that did not resolve the issue. At 77,000 miles, the transmission suffered a complete failure. A diagnostic tear-down confirmed a stuck solenoid valve and destructive metal shards circulating throughout the transmission and fluid lines. The primary safety hazard is that the mechanical failure of the powertrain and torque converter actively sends erratic data to the vehicle's central computer, instantly shutting down the automatic emergency braking system, lane-keep assist, and forward collision warnings while the vehicle is in motion on public roads. This forces the driver to operate without critical automated safety features unexpectedly. Honda has issued an extended warranty for transmission judder on certain 2019 Pilots ([XXX]), but claims my specific VIN is excluded despite experiencing the exact same catastrophic mechanical and electronic safety failure. I request an investigation into this safety-disabling defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 29, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · VA

While driving with my family in my 2021 Pilot on the interstate at 75mph, I felt a shudder while in traffic. Fortunately, I signaled to get over and cars around me responded, because the check engine light flashed on and off and the car shut off. We had enough time to roll to the side of the interstate safely because drivers around me were aware and considerate. The car would not restart so we had to tow it. The Pilot has been evaluated by an independent mechanic who says that a failure in the high pressure fuel pump caused oil to dilute gasoline. A full engine replacement is required. There was no prior warning of this issue. American Honda has been contacted for potential support. Early stage of that, but dealing with them has, so far, been great.

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 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 Jun 4, 2026 · Fuel system · TX

While driving down a freeway, my car shuddered and my engine suddenly lost power and was put into limp mode. Mechanic determined it was the high pressure fuel pump that failed. This vehicle was part of the recall for the low pressure fuel pump that was completed. It also had to have fuel injectors replaced under Honda’s extended warranty over faulty injectors.

Filed Apr 16, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · 167,320 miles · WY

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH on the interstate, the vehicle started shuddering. The vehicle was pulled over safely to the side of the road. The AWD, Hill Descent Assist, power steering, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact checked the manual and continued to drive. While driving days later, there was an abnormal fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The contact continued driving approximately 20 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The failure was associated with the fuel pressure pump. The lower fuel pressure pump was previously replaced. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 167,320.

Filed Apr 1, 2026 · Transmission · CA

Transmission shudder/stutter during acceleration, most noticeable between 25-45 mph under light to moderate throttle. Issue began at approximately 10,000 miles and has persisted to the current mileage of approximately 65,000 miles. The vehicle has been taken to the Honda dealer on multiple occasions for this issue. The dealer has performed two separate transmission fluid flushes, which temporarily reduce the symptoms but do not resolve the defect. The dealer has now recommended a triple transmission flush at a cost of approximately $1,000, which the dealer acknowledged is a suboptimal solution. The dealer stated their hands are tied because no recall has been issued for the 2019 model year. This is the same transmission shudder defect that led to recalls and Technical Service Bulletins for the 2016, 2017, and 2018 Honda Pilot models. The 9-speed ZF automatic transmission (9HP) in the 2019 Pilot is the same or substantially similar unit. The defect creates a safety concern during acceleration, particularly when merging onto highways or accelerating through intersections, as the vehicle hesitates and stutters instead of delivering smooth, predictable power delivery.

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 5, 2026 · Transmission · 120,000 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving between with the RPM between 2,000 and 2,500, the vehicle bucked. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a transmission triple flush was performed; however, the failure recurred within 1-2 months. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the transmission was serviced several times; however, the failure reoccurred. Transmission fluid was added to the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that another diagnostic test was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to TSB: 16-091 (Judder from the Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch); however, the model year was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Filed Jan 17, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · CA

This 2018 Honda Pilot has been taken to mechanic after a number of check engine and other dash lights came on while trying to accelerate to merge with freeway traffic. Mechanic pulled a P0369 code and I paid for replacement of the cam shaft sensor. Problems continued shortly after work and mechanic conducted further inspections and determined the sensor had been worn by a walking camshaft. There are hundreds of these same complaints posted on the web by angry customers dating back over 5 years yet no recall. The car will unexpectedly lose power at any time and shudder and will not accelerate with difficulty steering when all the engine lights start flashing. With luck, you can pull over to side of road. Repair is over $3500 after spending a lot of money already replacing the camshaft sensor which didn't fix the problem.