Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Honda Pilot owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2005 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at various speeds on several occasions, there was a cranking sound coming from underneath the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that several unknown components needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the shocks, control arms, drive train and other unknown components needed to be replaced. The contact referenced the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V228000 (Structure); however, neither the VIN nor the year, make, or model was included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 149,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Honda Pilot. While the vehicle was in park and the key was not near the vehicle, the gear shifted independently. As a result, the vehicle crashed into the neighbor's yard. The contact was in the vehicle cleaning it out at the time of the failure. The contact sustained a concussion to the head and injuries to the neck, back, and left leg that required medical attention. The vehicle was taken to union park Honda (1704 pennsylvania ave, wilmington, de 19806), but the cause of the failure was undetermined. The body damages were repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 144,000.
On our way home to nj from a family trip to Canada we stopped for a bathroom break in the "middle of nowhere" maine. The car hesitated to go when stepping on the gas. I managed to drive down the road, the "temp" light went on, then I pulled over. I checked the fluids....the transmission fluid was milky red. We were lucky to have cell phone service to call for a tow. I had my family, wife and two younger kids in the car. We waited for over 30 minutes for the tow truck to arrive, he had to call for transport for my family. We managed to find a service center that was willing stay open to fix our car. The car needed a new radiator and have the transmission flushed ($800), a valve broke sending coolant into the transmission. We learned that other 2005 pilots had the same problem of which there was a recall for this issue on the 2004 pilots, Honda would not do anything! …
After coming home from work I noticed a drip line in the driveway. When I turned around I saw a pool of milky red liquid under the passenger side engine compartment. After opening the hood I saw that the coolant overflow bottle was in fact overflowing with this milky red liquid. After having the vehicle towed to the service station I was told that the transmission cooler failed in the radiator causing the coolant to mix with transmission fluid. I was told that this a common problem in the 2005 Pilot and that now the transmission will have to be replaced or rebuilt at a cost of $2500 plus the cost of replacing the radiator and lines, total bill $3500. I am told and I have since researched that Honda is aware if this issue and has not at least warned owners that the radiator will most certainly fail, had they informed me I would have replaced the radiator before this happened. …
On 9-9-15, our 2005 Honda Pilot abruptly stopped on emerald parkway - police assisted. Leaking fluid was clumpy red/brown and vehicle hot. Shop today says radiator and transmission and possibly engine need replaced and instructed us to contact a Honda dealer. This is our second safety complaint on this vehicle - 1st was dangerous "phantom braking" or inadvertant application on brakes in 2012, which Honda subsequently recalled in 2013. After reading thru complaints, I see the exact same problem - transmission line in radiator suddenly came loose and transmission fluid leaked into radiator and coolant leaked into transmission, ruining both has occurred numerous times. We anticipate a very expensive repair.... …
At 105,000 miles I took my 2005 Honda Pilot for some preventative maintenance-oil change, transmission service, and an air bag recall. The mechanic noted that the vehicle shuddered on his test drive. Now the d light is blinking and the vehicle does shudder between 35-50 MPH. The service writer alex schenbeck at dick's Honda in hillsboro said he didn't notice the mechanics note and had no idea what this could be. After doing some research this is a very common problem. Acura issued a recall on the mdx for the exact same problem caused by a design flaw in the torque converter. On the NHTSA website there have been 208 complaints on the 2004-2005 Honda Pilot transmission and 66 complaints on the torque converter specifically. I will be contacting Honda north America to see if they are interested in helping a loyal Honda customer or losing my business for life.
My 2005 Honda Pilot check engine light came on. My local mechanics scanned the computer code p0741, torque clutch solenoid. After he replace the solenoid and cleared the code I drove it for about 50 miles before the light came on again. So I took it back the the shop to have the code scan again. The same code, p0741 appear in his scanner. He recheck the replacemental part for malfunction and connection issues with no issues. So I took it to a transmission shop to have a second opinion. The trans shop exam the tran and found no issues also. Both shops suggest that there must be an interior issue in the tran itself. My only option are to replace the whole tran or drive it as long as it is driving fine. I think Honda know of this interior issue and don't want to recall the vehicles. Replacing a tran isn't a cheap fix.
Transmission cooling mechanism in lower part of radiator failed causing transmission fluid to leak into the radiator and mix with coolant. Introduction of antifreeze into the transmission caused damage which would require replacement of transmission, radiator, hoses, flush the engine, etc. Even with this amount of repair, increase failure rate of water pump, heater core or any rubber seal or gasket exists. A quick google search as well as a search on this site reveals that this is a known problem which has never results in a recall. My Pilot had just under 134,000 miles and now is undriveable. The repairs cost more than the vehicle. Please issue a recall so that there May be some relief for owners who have been left stranded by this known problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle suddenly decelerated and she was unable to continue driving. The contact mentioned that the temperature gauge illuminated and smoke started to emit from underneath the hood. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnose that the transmission and radiator fluid mixed. As a result, the radiator and transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included on any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileage was 97,000.
When I slow down from going higher then 40 miles per hour my Pilot shudders between 35 and 40. It quits at about 35 but it started happening a year ago and does it every time I drive now. I have read on line of other pilots doing the same thing. Seems tome this is a recall issue as well as a safety one if my transmission quits because of defective torque converter as a dealer once told me. I don't want to pay the costs of a new transmission when it sounds like a defect. I am getting airbag recall fixed this week I plan to ask about this problem. Thank you, [redacted]
Transmission complaints in other Pilot years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2005 Honda Pilot?
NHTSA has 176 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2005 Honda Pilot, 26% of the model year's 679 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (39 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Honda Pilot transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2005 Honda Pilot, though it has 13 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2005 Honda Pilot transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 98,000 miles, and 2% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.