When new vehicles are released, manufacturers often have invested a significant amount of time and money into ensuring their stability and safety. Problems happen with all vehicles, including the Honda Pilot. You should know about the big ones, like transmission problems, if you plan to buy this vehicle.
Are there significant Honda Pilot transmission problems?
Yes, there have been some transmission problems with the Honda Pilot, including:
- Transmission jerking
- Transmission slips and jerks
- Total transmission failures
- Lurching forward in “Park”
- Transmission fluid leaks
These are some significant problems with the Honda Pilot that you should know about before you buy. We’ll break down some of these big problems here. It is also wise to take a closer look at your Vehicle History before you invest.
Transmission Jerking
This is by far one of the most common complaints about the transmission in the modern Honda Pilot. In older models, such as those from 2003 to 2005, other concerns exist. Yet, a large number of consumers have noted problems with the transmission jerking or engaging in difficult movements.
The jerking movements happen when the vehicle is changing gears. It can be so significant that a person will physically move as a result.
Others report the transmission jerking when they are driving it. Some reported the problem began to happen once at around 5,000 miles, while others reported it much later than this. The key here is that the jerking movement is significant and can indicate a problem with the shifting process.
Honda has not issued a recall on these specific concerns. However, the 2019 and 2018 model years tend to have a lot of reports for this problem.
Transmission Slips and Jerks
Some drivers noted the transmission slipping. This often accompanies claims of a jerking movement as well. Some drivers report that it sounds like a grinding noise is coming from the transmission when it does this. It may not move right away, and then, when it does, it jerks the driver.
The slipping problem can happen at high speeds as well. When the driver depresses the gas pedal, the vehicle does not accelerate as it should. Drivers also report they can feel when the car is moving from one gear to the next, especially at higher speeds.
Transmission slipping is one of the more common complaints drivers have about the Honda Pilot’s newer models – model years 2019, 2018 and 2016. Honda has provided no solutions for this problem.
Total Transmission Failures
Perhaps one of the worst things to see in a vehicle is a history of transmission failures. These can occur for any of the other listed complaints and concerns. In short, drivers cannot keep operating the vehicle because the transmission is inoperable or significantly damaged. Replacing a transmission is expensive.
Some drivers report having routine service completed on the vehicle and not having any concerns with it until it failed at around 25,000 miles. Some noted a transmission light coming on the dash to warn them of a problem. The vehicles stopped and failed to restart.
Transmissions should last much longer than this. Early transmission failure may be a sign of poor maintenance, but many owners claim this is not the case. In all situations, transmission failures in relatively new cars – especially the 2016 model year – were a concern for many consumers.
Lurching Forward in “Park”
One of the lesser known concerns with the Honda Pilot is the vehicle lurching forward. This can happen when a driver switches gears, however, it has also occurred, reportedly, when drivers are in the “Park” position. Putting the car from “Drive” into “Park” caused it to lurch forward in more than one instance. This problem was reported by a few owners.
Some owners reported that the vehicle will jump forward, and, while doing so, it makes a loud noise. This occurs at a lower speed, such as when the user is in a parking lot.
The lurching forward sound while accelerating is more common than being in the “Park” position. The dealership and technicians working on the vehicle were unable to replicate this problem.
Transmission Fluid Leaks
For those thinking about purchasing an older model, it is important to know about the significant concerns with the 2005 Honda Pilot transmission. One of the biggest complaints is a fluid leak. In these vehicles, the transmission and engine coolant may leak. This may be due to the fact that they are in the same core.
Some drivers reported the vehicle suddenly stopped operation. Others noted that there was a defect in the transmission itself that caused these problems.
Some drivers had to replace the radiator and flush the transmission more than one time to keep it operational. This was done, in some cases, every 5,000 to 10,000 miles, which is far more frequent than is expected.
This model year does not have any transmission recalls. There have been numerous consumer complaints about the vehicle, though, including 174 out of 649 complaints related to the powertrain itself. There have been some service bulletins listed for this vehicle’s transmission. Yet, even those are few.
Should You Buy a Honda Pilot Knowing About Transmission Problems?
The number of transmission problems with the Honda Pilot’s most recent vehicles are not as significant as other vehicles. There are a lot of great features about this vehicle lineup that are often too hard to ignore.
It is wise to check out more information about the vehicle if you plan to purchase a pre-owned Honda Pilot. To do this, check out the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website. Input the VIN or the make, model and year of the vehicle.
This lists all applicable consumer complaints (reported to the agency) as well as recalls and service bulletins about the vehicle. It will include concerns about the transmission and powertrain.
