Transmission Solenoid problems of the 2003 Honda Pilot

Transmission was slow to transition to 3rd gear while going approx. 30-35 mph. A few days later, the "d" light started flashing, but when car was turned off, it did not go on again. Took it to my mechanic thinking it was a "3rd switch" issue I had read about on car sites. My mechanic said one solenoid was cold, while another was hot. He took it to the dealer to run the codes and get a second opinion. The dealer says it needs a new transmission. My mechanic picked the car up and on the way back, it started shifting from 4th to 1st or 2nd gear on the highway. He said he almost smacked his head on the windshield it jerked so hard. This marks a very rapid decline over less than a week and after my mechanic thought the issue was not the transmission. I believe the car was part of the 2004 transmission recall which was serviced by a Honda dealer.

Feb 2009 noticed transmission was periodically slipping at 86,000 miles, 1000 over extended warranty. Did not malfunction when my mechanic checked it. I was passing a truck going uphill at approximately 65mph when the transmission downshifted to first gear on its own and slammed to almost a complete stop. Everything in my car was thrown forward. Took it to a mechanic where I was traveling and he recorded the code p0730, problem in shift control system. Back to my mechanic again for solenoid replacement. Still not shifting properly. Called Honda corp and was told that I had to take it to a Honda dealer. Honda diagnosed as needing new transmission. I provided all records for proof of maintenance. There is no proof that the "fix it" was ever performed on the transmissions recall. I am out over $2500. 00 for a problem that Honda has acknowledged responsibility for in the past but is choosing to look the other way now. I am thankful that I did not crash when the transmission malfunctioned.

In the summer 2004, I received notice from american Honda motor CO. , inc. Involving an automatic transmission recall. My car was serviced for this recall on 10/12/04 by rensselaer Honda, my original dealer. They inspected my 2003 Pilot for the defect and installed an oil jet kit at 42,112 miles. This past summer(7/2006), now with 76,100 miles, I noticed that my car seemed to have a vibration or stutter when driving at 30 mph and again at 50 mph while trying to maintain a constant speed. On 7/6/06, I took the car in for service and asked that they check the transmission because the problem occurred while trying to switch gears just like the recall had stated. The service technician replaced the pgk valve and assured me that the problem was not the transmission. I called rensselaer Honda to see if they could resolve the problem and again asked that they check the transmission. They verified my concern and notified me that the transmission would have to be replaced. There was noise in the automatic transmission in lock up and the lock- up control solenoid valve needed to be replaced. The service director offered to pay for the cost of parts, but I would have to pay $1046. 47 in labor costs. After investigating this transmission recall, I became afraid to transport my kids in the car. I read that certain 2003 Pilot 5-speed automatic transmissions had engineering design flaws that had not been fully corrected as part of the recall process and that gear failure could result in transmission lockup, which could result in a crash.