Honda Pilot whining noise problems

Filed Dec 10, 2025 · Acceleration · SC

Whining noise during acceleration in any gear, gets louder as acceleration advances

Filed Nov 8, 2025 · Transmission · FL

Transmission failed and car would no longer get into gears. It started when I tried accelerating on the highway and heard a whine The car would not accelerate. I tried again and this time it accelerated just fine. Made it home and the next day the car would turn on but not go into gears. The front panel showed warning of “Transmission Failed”, and “Engine trouble”. The dealership diagnosed that I needed a new transmission for $9,000! The previous day the car was working fine until and after that “whine” noise. I have not paid for repairs yet.

Filed Jul 11, 2025 · Fuel system · CA

2017 FWD Honda Pilot, Current miles 67k. In June 2025, Morning start, car makes whining noice when idle and gets louder while driving. Pilot then loses power, poor acceleration, starts to stall and steering wheel jerk. NO WARNING LIGHT / CHECK ENGINE ON DASHBOARD. (Common for light not to come on) Not putting my family and others at risk Pilot was taken to nearby dealer for diagnostics. I was told high pressure fuel pump needs fail / need replacement. Advisor at dealer sent out Goodwill request for replacement and was denied any repair. This is known problem on "2017-2020 Acura and Honda vehicles" Part #16790-RLV-305 - PUPM ASSY IS COVERED under Emission Warranty 84month / 70k miles. Why did Honda denied repair(?) Called American Honda Motor co., Inc. recall line Center and submit another request for repair. waiting for call back.

Filed May 1, 2025 · Body · TX

There seal on the doors doesn’t hold up all the wind comes howling inside the car it’s so loud

Filed Mar 1, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · OR

My Transmission went out on my 2016 Honda Pilot I bought it on 8/25/24 with 68,000 miles on it, six months later I have 81,000 miles on it and I’ve been quoted $9222 to install a rebuilt transmission at the dealership. 3 mechanics & transmission specialist do NOT even work or offer to replace transmissions on this model of honda pilot due to its known issues in the 6 cylinder V6 3.5 L. My car was in excellent condition, low miles, always well maintained. 2/21 It started rough/delayed shifting, during gear changes, hesitation when accelerating, unusual noise like quiet whining, on 2/22 the check engine & emissions & transmissions system lights came on I immediately took it to the Honda dealership/service on 2/22/25 I dropped it off and left it after hours (weekend Mon. 2/23 they diagnostic performed $200 transmission fluid flush and software update $500 it did not fix a thing. They evaluated & diagnosed on 2/24/25 Error codes stored P0776 & P0777. Recommending a rebuilt transmission for $9222. I got second and third opinions from experienced, highly recommended mechanics & transmission specialists who won’t even touch the 2016 honda pilot because it is considered problematic model/year with frequent reports of glitches & complex issues which can be make the job time consuming & potentially costly for the mechanic due to the need for speciality parts & diagnostics. Ive contacted American Honda & service/dealership inquiring “goodwill” program with no resolution. I have personally owned a 2005 pilot, 2011 pilot, 2007 odyssey, my parents & sister both currently own two Honda pilots & a Honda Ridgeline to say we’re loyal Honda customers is an understatement. I regret buying this 2016 Honda Pilot 6 cylinder V6 3.5 L I believe honda made a huge mistake and recalls must be issued. Show some integrity and take accountability this is unacceptable. If consumers & mechanics want nothing to do with it you should probably follow the evidence. From a very disappointed customer.

Filed Oct 27, 2017 · Suspension · 83,000 miles · OH

Humming/whining noise and steering vibration coming from front wheels while driving at all speeds.

Filed Apr 15, 2016 · Brakes, Steering · 8,000 miles · IL

Pilot with 8k miles -driving 50mph + on the highway when applying break the vehicle shakes. Power steering makes whining noise when turning wheel.

Filed Sep 19, 2014 · Engine · 672 miles · FL

My 2014 honda pilot ex-l has a multi major issues. Starting with a major water leak inside the passenger compartment. Vehicle stalling in the middle of a left hand turn during the rain. Hesitation in the motor when traveling at 45 MPH. This occurs all the time when driving. Lunging forward while the brake is engaged. Pulling to the right, the vehicle should be in alignment. This has been going on since the day of purchase. Whining in the power steering no matter which way you are turning. Lifters are tapping under the hood. The list goes on. Tried to have these issues addressed at the dealership and all I got was there is nothing wrong with the pilot. It runs the way it should. And now they will not even look at the vehicle as they told me to never bring it back to their dealership. I do not feel safe driving this pilot, I loved my 2012 pilot.

Filed Mar 4, 2014 · 1,325 miles · VA

Ongoing disturbing shudder or vibration apparently related to the vcm/eco feature. The relationship seems to correlate with the visual eco display on the dashboard. The issue can be categorized by progressing through three stages or modes as speed and driving conditions vary. The first mode can be characterized as a howling (significant audible tone change) from the engine right before the vibration begins, which is the second mode. The second mode is the vibration/shudder most predominately around 44 MPH, but can occur at other speeds - depending on the "load" on the engine. The shudder/vibration can vary from a high frequency vibration (like going over small narrow rumble strips) to a more pronounced shudder, both of which is can be felt by passengers and/or driver. In general, the pilot will vibrate/shudder consistently, apparently when the vcm feature is in transition. However, on two occasions, a third mode occurred: very suddenly while driving about 45 MPH or so, by surprise, the pilot shook (front end area) to such a intense degree that it impulsively caused the driver of the pilot to pull-over and stop. Not knowing what really is going on is causing some trepidation about whether to even drive the car. Took pilot into the dealer and explained these modes. Dealer was aware of the vcm related vibrations and says that is the way it works and nothing they can do. But, to me this is a real safety issue. A brand new (rather costly) car should not behave this way. Moreover, it seems such regular ongoing vibration/shuddering can quickly negatively impact the integrity or longevity of the engine/drive train, etc., as most mechanical things generally do not like vibrations which quite often is a significant source of wear and tear. As the owner one must ask things like: will the engine even "survive" this in the long run? Will this cause more frequent repairs?

Filed May 15, 2013 · Transmission · 92,000 miles · CA

My 2004 pilot ex-res started a faint whining noise around 73k miles. The noise became progressively more pronounced with time/miles. The noise is only audible when pressing on the gas pedal and in third gear. As soon as the gas pedal is depressed the noise disappears. I have 93k miles on the odometer as of may 2013 and the noise is now a high pitched whining noise; it is very annoying and easily audible inside the cabin even with the windows closed. I took it to the honda dealership to diagnose this noise and they told me it is the torque converter and that it will eventually fail with the transmission; they advised me not to do anything at this time since the fluid and transmission pressure lines all checked out good. I was surprised to hear this recommendation from the service adviser. I take immaculate care of my car with on the spot oil/filter/transmission/vtm-4 fluid changes using honda oem parts and quality motor oil. I am concerned one day my pilot will leave me and my family stranded on the road with a huge bill to replace the transmission and torque converter. I have 2 small kids and this is the last thing I need to worry about; my vehicle was not part of the recall to install the oil jet kit. I believe honda should fuss up about this issue and issue a proper fix to all affected owners, otherwise lots of people will look elsewhere for their next vehicle.