Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 12% | — |
| 2025 | 22 | 10% | 22,000 miles |
| 2024 | 12 | 10% | 20,000 miles |
| 2023 | 10 | 7% | — |
| 2022 | 16 | 10% | 18,000 miles |
| 2021 | 25 | 6% | 20,000 miles |
| 2020 | 35 | 7% | 78,000 miles |
| 2019 | 94 | 10% | 32,000 miles |
| 2018 | 78 | 18% | 52,000 miles |
| 2017 | 122 | 13% | 40,000 miles |
| 2016 | 201 | 12% | 48,000 miles |
| 2015 | 11 | 10% | 55,000 miles |
| 2014 | 7 | 6% | 19,000 miles |
| 2013 | 54 | 20% | 3,000 miles |
| 2012 | 20 | 12% | 5,000 miles |
| 2011 | 21 | 7% | 45,000 miles |
| 2010 | 6 | 5% | 109,000 miles |
| 2009 | 12 | 9% | 103,000 miles |
| 2008 | 11 | 8% | 102,000 miles |
| 2007 | 13 | 6% | 103,000 miles |
| 2006 | 13 | 5% | 117,000 miles |
| 2005 | 176 | 26% | 98,000 miles |
| 2004 | 142 | 26% | 106,000 miles |
| 2003 | 224 | 31% | 124,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The vehicle since purchase has a delay of a few seconds after hitting the gas pedal to move forward. Once the vehicle does decide to move, it surges to a high rpm before switching to second gear moving forward rather aggressively. This causes the vehicle to be unpredictable and unsafe when making decisions in navigating traffic.
I am filing this complaint regarding my new Honda Pilot with only approximately 300 miles. The vehicle has multiple serious problems that I believe should be investigated as potential safety defects. Steering/Rack Clicking: The steering system produces a loud clicking/rattling noise that sounds like loose marbles, especially at low speeds and during slow turns. This appears to come from the steering rack/steering assembly. There are multiple reports from Honda Pilot owners on online forums describing the same or very similar steering noise dating back to the 2023 redesign. It is extremely concerning that the issue continues in newer vehicles. A potential defect involving the steering system could affect steering control and represents a serious safety concern. …
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.
The contact owns a 2025 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the vehicle recently received routine maintenance by the dealer; however, approximately one month later while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power and came to a complete stop. The messages "Transmission Temperature -Avoid Heavy Acceleration and High Speeds", "Transmission System Problem", "Apply Parking Brake When Parked", "Emissions System Problem", and "Power May Be Reduced - See Your Dealer" messages were displayed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and was diagnosed with transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 52,646.
The contact owns a 2024 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH, the brakes inadvertently activated after passing a truck on the highway. The contact stated that the vehicle unexpectedly slowed down to 40 MPH. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while the accelerator pedal was depressed, there was an abnormal banging sound coming from under the floorboard. The contact pulled over and checked the vehicle, and saw a puddle of transmission fluid on the ground. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed, and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact stated that the inadvertent braking had occurred once before, but it was not as severe, and the vehicle was not diagnosed. During the first failure, there was no warning light illuminated. …
When pushing the accelerator there is typically anywhere from a 2 to 5 second delay before the vehicle starts to move. On average the delay is around 2 seconds, but there have been times where trying to pull into traffic the vehicle would not move for approximately 4 to 5 seconds creating a hazard. When the care is moving at higher speeds, the acceleration and gas pedal response is accurate, this only occurs when at a stand still or at very slow speeds. I have taken the car to the dealership to be evaluated and they informed me that the vehicle is operating as it is intended to and the delay is normal. I believe that this acceleration delay is inevitably going to cause an accident because it is difficult to gauge when the care is going to begin moving due to the inconsistent acceleration issue.
The engine required a short block replacement at approximately 40,000 miles. There was a severe knocking sound and the dealer diagnosed heavy scoring and abnormal wear present on the front bank cylinder walls. The result was excessive internal engine clearance and cylinder wall damage. Engine cylinder piston block holes were worn beyond spec. After 33 days the vehicle was returned and developed a growling/grinding noise when the AC was in operation and at lower speeds that followed the RPMs. Vehicle was returned to dealer and told sound was normal operation for this model and stated it was coming from AC Compressor. Independent shop verified 2 days later AC compressor was failing and possible metal contamination. AC compressor is backordered with no ETA. Advised to not use AC or Defroster to avoid seizing and causing serpentine belt to snap. …
I had two time between the week of June 30 th to July 4 thank July 13 to July 16 th on the excessive heat days my car was making a lot of sound from driving side as well full vibrations on steering and floor I went to page Honda dealer ship they said short block problem and they they are raising request to Honda my mileage is 58800 2023 Honda pilot bought in May 2023 which is under power train warranty but did not receive any email or any paperwork from Honda dealer ship.
Related recalls (1)
Power train › Automatic transmission
On some Mini vans, sport utility and passenger vehicles, certain operating conditions can result in heat build-up between the countershaft and secondary shaft second gears in the automatic transmission, eventually leading to gear tooth chipping or gear breakage.
Remedy: On vehicles with 15,000 miles or less, the dealer will update the transmission with a simple revision to the oil cooler return line to increase lubrication to the second gear.
Frequently asked questions
Which Honda Pilot years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (224), 2016 (201), 2005 (176), 2004 (142) and 2017 (122) model years. Transmission complaints make up 31% of all complaints for the 2003.
Is there a recall for Honda Pilot transmission problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 04V-176 (automatic transmission, Apr 15, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Honda Pilot transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 83,000 miles; 29% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (202 mentions), followed by the automatic transmission › torque converter (10).
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.