Honda Pilot transmission failure problems

Filed Oct 11, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · TX

A recent drive on the expressway with my two young children turned into a nightmare when my vehicle's transmission failed without warning. Traveling at 65 mph, I was faced with a huge risk to our safety. Sadly, this was not the first time I've experienced problems with this vehicle. The steering wheel has locked up on me multiple times. I've lost count, but it's happened at the least 7 times – and I've been living with the constant fear of being involved in an accident. I've previously tried to address these issues through the lemon law, but unfortunately, I haven't seen any resolution yet.

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 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 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 Jul 27, 2026 · Transmission · CA

2018 Honda Pilot Transmission Failed at Only 34,726 Miles I want to share my experience so other Honda owners are aware of a very premature transmission failure. I am the original owner of a 2018 Honda Pilot with only 34,726 miles. My family has trusted Honda for many years, and my wife also drives a Honda HR-V. We believed Honda vehicles were reliable. While driving, my Pilot suddenly showed a “Transmission System Problem” warning. The vehicle became very slow and later was unable to engage into gear. I had to tow it to Capital Honda in San Jose. Capital Honda diagnosed a complete transmission failure requiring a full replacement. The repair cost was about $11,800. I appreciate that American Honda provided goodwill assistance and covered a large portion of the repair. With that assistance, my out-of-pocket cost was reduced to $3,500. However, I am frustrated and disappointed that a Honda transmission could fail completely at only 34,726 miles. This is unacceptable for such a low-mileage vehicle, especially from a company known for engineering quality and reliability. All maintenance was completed on time at Honda dealerships. About six months before the failure, the transmission fluid service was also performed at a Honda dealer. I did not neglect this vehicle. Because of the low mileage, I asked American Honda to review my case for additional goodwill assistance. Unfortunately, that request was declined. Again, I appreciate the assistance already provided, but as a loyal Honda customer, I am deeply disappointed that I still have to pay $3,500 for a major transmission failure that happened far too early. I am sharing this so other Honda Pilot owners can watch for warning signs such as warning messages, delayed engagement, slipping, jerking, or abnormal shifting. Please keep your service records and report serious issues if they occur. Honda built its reputation on reliability, but this experience has made me question that reputation.

Filed Jul 21, 2026 · Driver assistance · CA

Monocular Windshield Camera premature part failure. 36160-TG8-A72-M1. Premature failure of the part causes all included safety systems to be disabled, and also negatively impacts standard cruise control. The part was sent for repair and the lens was thermally degraded as well as processor board non functional. There was no thermal paste installed on the processor. When the camera fails, an improper transmission failure warning light also appears on the dashboard, which prevents smog testing from being completed despite the camera system not impacting emissions at all.

Filed Jun 30, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 35,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2025 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while reversing, the automatic emergency brake unexpectedly engaged. The check engine, ABS, and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The transmission failed to shift into the intended gear. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and was able to shift into the intended gear. Additionally, the transmission jerked while accelerating, the RPM failed to increase while accelerating. The contact stated that the doors failed to open immediately after pressing the fob key, and the infotainment screen was flashing. The contact stated that the failures were intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

Filed Apr 24, 2026 · Engine · KY

On April 3,2026 we are starting back from a road trip to Florida from Kentucky (starting odometer 69,199 miles)oil changed prior to leaving in our 2022 Honda pilot. Stopped to get gas and transmission alert code popped up-it would not go into any type of gear. We had no warning previously to this. We were still 3 hours from home, had to get it towed to nearest Honda dealership where they stated it was an electronic module failure but transmission would have to be replaced entirely. Car was out of standard power-train warranty of 60,000 miles d/t this road trip (odometer now over 70K) and we had no extended warranty on the vehicle. We requested assistance for transmission replacement from American Honda. We filled out the required form on 4/9/26 explaining we are a loyal Honda customer(own an additional Honda-CRV), had good service records, etc. It was assigned to a case manager on Fri 4/10-they called left voicemail that it was under review and asked us to call back. We immediately called back on Friday 4/10 and left message-no call back. The following week we called back everyday to American Honda and finally got our case manager over a week later on Monday 4/20-said it would be 5 more days. Heard back today 4/24/26 that Honda denied our assistance request saying it was out of warranty and there are no known manufactorer defects or recalls at this current time. Made us wait 3 weeks to decide we will have to eat cost of a new transmission in a car that is less than 4 years old and <100K miles on it. Very disappointing in Honda corporation especially since there are numerous known complaints, civil law suits, etc on various online forums and in the national news of same issues and they aren't taking any responsibility leaving owners with very high repair expenses. Our transmission will be over $8000 to replace out of pocket.

Filed Apr 7, 2026 · Transmission · NM

I own a 2019 Honda Pilot. The transmission failed and was replaced under warranty in October 2023. In March 2026, the same transmission problem occurred again and the vehicle is now not drivable. The dealership diagnosed the issue and estimated the repair cost to exceed $19,000. The manufacturer, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., opened and then closed my case (#16240409) without explanation and has not responded to repeated requests for assistance. The vehicle remains at the dealership awaiting authorization from American Honda Motor Co., Inc whether to repair the vehicle or not.

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)