Automatic Transmission Torque Converter problems of the 2004 Honda Pilot

Purchased a 2004 Honda Pilot used at 136k miles. Within a week of driving the check engine light came on. Engine codes p0700, p0705, p0740 were all present, which are all in relation to the automatic transmission. The transmission shop confirmed that this is a common issue across Honda & Acura vehicles in the '03-'04 range (see 2003-2004 Acura mdx service bulletin 06-003). A design flaw in the torque converter causes it to break down & shed metal fragments, which compromises the rest of the transmission. The only real fix is to rebuild or replace the transmission. Honda americas customer service refused to review my case any further, even under goodwill consideration.

Torque converters get stuck and causes vehicle to "shudder" or vibrate quite badly in the 40-50 mph range.

Intense shudder emanating from underneath the car causing the whole car to shake. Typically occurs between 20-30 mph during slight acceleration. Abates somewhat if take foot off of accelerator. From my reading, this appears to be a very common issue involving the torque converter.

The contact owns a 2004 Honda Pilot. While driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle shook and shuttered without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the torque converter was worn out. The technician advised the contact to continue driving the vehicle, but to be prepared to replace the transmission when a warning indicator illuminated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. The failure was not remedied. The failure mileage was approximately 132,500.

Intermittent, audible vibration/shudder between 35-50 mph while accelerating. Dealer inspection believes it's the torque converter.

Yesterday my Honda Pilot started acting irregular as I was pulling into a controlled intersection turning left. My Pilot would not accelerate as normal and left me stranded in middle of intersection as oncoming traffic approached. Traffic did slow down and I shifted into 2nd gear, and that allowed my to move through safely through the intersection. No accident, just a angry young man shaking his hand and screaming through his windshield. I called Honda and open a case # this morning. Interestingly, I call Honda and opened up a case in 2010, with shuddering and vibration problems at 50-55 mph. I bought new tires (only 34k on bridgestones), changed differential fluid ,vtm-4, egr value, even had drive shaft inspected for vibration, anything that was suggested to me. Nothing fixed issue, spoke with several other Pilot owner (2003-2004) and they suggested it was normal operation and theirs does that too. Only item left in my mind was torque converter. Ask Honda for help. Gave me the 3yrs/36,000 mile speech. Now the "d" indication light flashes green. Indicating a transmission problem. Taking to dealer this morning to inspect. Being very careful at stop and go lights.

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.

To start off I bought my Pilot used from Honda with about 83,000 miles on it a year ago. When I drive my car at a steady 30mph to 45mph it shutters and makes noises as if I'm driving over road turtles. It's very violent until I let off the accelerator. I talked to Honda and they said it was the torque converter. I asked if it had been recalled and they told me there had never been a recall for the transmission. I know that's not true and they won't do anything about it. It's mine and my wife's only car right now. It's a serious issue that is very unsafe for my family and could cause a crash. There faulty transmission puts my families life in danger every time we drive it. Honda should take care of us free of cost do to there defective parts that are not because of normal wear. They also should have never sold us the Pilot without fixing the known faulty transmission. I believe it's illegal by federal law to sell it knowing there is a faulty transmission and recall with out addressing it and fixing it.

I have noticed when my Pilot gets below 50 mph it gets a shuddering to it (not always but most times driving in the city), almost like its driving over a washboard. During a visit to the dealership I talked to another Honda Pilot owner who was experiencing the same thing but the dealership could not tell her what the issue was. So after more investigating she took it to a non-Honda repair person who told her the problem lies with the torque converter and to use a product called shudder fixx. My question is if Honda is having these complaints why are they not fixing this issue and still selling these vehicles with this problem? I love my Honda other than that, but feel this is a defect in the workmanship.

My 2004 Honda Pilot has a shuddering sound when I go above around 35 miles an hour. It is very intermittent but can be loud. My local dealer said they had to get a Honda engineer out to look at it and it is verified to be the torque converter. This seems to be a very common issue researching it here and on the internet. I am frustrated that Honda has not recalled these knowing that it is such a wide sweeping issue with Pilots.

I took my Honda Pilot to the Honda dealership because the d light was flashing. They found code p1740 indicating a 4th pressure switch failure. I received an estimate for $5,109 + tax to replace the transmission and torque converter. I discovered the recall issued for the transmission on the 2003-2004 Honda Pilots, but when I called Honda, I was told that there was no recall for my vehicle for the transmission. My vehicle is having the same problem that is described in the recall, so I do not understand why Honda would deny servicing my vehicle in accordance with the recall.

The contact owns a 2004 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the vehicle would violently shake while driving approximately 40 mph and above. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 100,700. Updated 02/22/lj the consumer stated the torque converter needed to be replaced. Updated 03/01/12.

I am an owner of a 2004 Honda Pilot with 123000 miles and have been experiencing an automatic transmission/torque converter shudder/vibration that occurs between 30-50 mph. The vibration began occurring at about 98,000 miles. At speeds of 30-50mph the vibration occurs under light acceleration and continues until I either push down harder on the gas pedal or let off it completely. I researched the issue on the internet and have found numerous similar complaints on Honda vehicle owner forums. Apparently this problem is due to a defective transmission that is similar to the one on the Honda made Acura and has been the subject of an Acura recall. The defect will ultimately result in a vehicle safety hazard when the transmission fails. Even though my vehicle is no longer under warranty, the transmission problem is a result of a defective part rather than normal wear and tear and Honda should issue a recall or initiate an owner notification/resolution program to prevent potential harm to passengers when the transmission fails on the road. This is a dangerous defect that should be publicly adressed by Honda.

While driving at a steady speed of 35-45 mph the car experiences shuddering for about 5 seconds at irregular intervals. It sounds and feels like it is coming from the front of the vehicle, perhaps on the driver side and at first I thought it may be bad wheel bearings. Those turned out to be fine. I took it to a repair shop who said it needed the rear differential serviced. That did not stop the shuddering. Subsequent research has shown that the Honda Pilot / Acura mdx with the 3. 5l v6 in the 2003 - 2008(?) range experience this problem on a large scale, resulting from a faulty torque converter. Nhtsa item number 10022468 addresses this problem specific to the 2003-2004 Acura mdx but my experience and that of hundreds of Honda Pilot / Acura mdx owners shows that the issue is much broader in scope.

Last year our Honda Pilot began occasionally having a shuddering sound, like driving over a metal grate. This would occur when decelerating slightly around 40 mph. Over the past year this has begun to occur regularly rather than occasionally and for a longer duration and louder. Now the d light has begun flashing. From research I am expecting to find that the transmission is failing due to torque converter problems.

My 2004 Honda Pilot has a shudder at 30 mph. It feels as though you are driving over the rumble strips. I am starting to experience poor shifts at other speeds now as well. I understand that the problem is most likely the result of a faulty torque converter. Repairs include replacing the torque converter and the transmission as well as updating the pcm. Honda recalled over a million 2003/2004 Pilots but my VIN is just passed the last VIN recalled. However, there are many 2005 Pilot owners experiencing the exact same failure. Acura also issued a service bulletin that repairs the faulty components for all 2003 and 2004 mdx owners (inside and outside of warranty). Honda should take responsibility for the failed transmissions in the later 2004 Pilots and 2005 years as well.

We are having issues with our 2004 Honda Pilot. We took it to the dealership where after charging us for each and evry item to find the problem. They have concluded it is the torque converter. We have just over 70,000 miles and our certified warranty expired in January 2011. The worst is that our extended warranty is basically worthless. Glas we paid for that one.

I own a 2004 Honda Pilot which was purchased new and has been well maintained with 106000 miles and have been experiencing an automatic transmission/torque converter shudder/vibration that occurs between 35-45 mph. The vibration began occurring at about 90,000 miles. At speeds of 35-45 mph the vibration occurs under light acceleration and continues until I either push down harder on the gas pedal or let off it completely. Research on the internet thru NHTSA has found 43 similar complaints. Apparently this problem is due to a defective torque converter or automatic transmission that is similar to the one on the Honda-made Acura and has been the subject of an Acura recall. The defect will ultimately result in a vehicle safety hazard when the transmission fails. My Honda Pilot is no longer under warranty. The transmission problem is a result of a defective part rather than normal wear and tear and Honda should issue a recall or initiate an owner notification and goodwill consideration for transmission replacement to prevent potential harm to passengers when the transmission fails on the road. Average cost to the customer for such a repair is between $3,000-$5,000 according to the complaints filed. This is a dangerous defect that should be publicly addressed by Honda and should not be a burden that Honda customers should bear.

Not sure if this is consider a power train problem, but no option regarding a transmission or torque converter in the box. My 2004 Honda Pilot shudders very bad when I am going between 35 to 40 mph. I am so embarrassed when someone else is in the vehicle with me and it does it. I have 116,352 miles on my vehicle now and it shudders alot. I have been reading the consumer report and this seems to be very common in the 2004 Honda Pilot. There should have been a recall regarding this problem. It appears this is not an isolated issue. Please help me in resolving this issue. I feel it is a manufactured malfunction and not the owner's fault, but I am a female and it is assumed females do not know anything about their vehicle that they drive everyday to work. Other than this problem, I am very pleased with my Honda Pilot. I do not abuse my vehicle in any way. Please respond and help me correct this problem in the best way possible without a lot of cost to the consumer. Thank you.

Torque converter shudder /vibration between 35 and 40 mph. I have taken my 2004 Honda Pilot to the service department for over 18 month now trying to get someone to hear or experience what I was with my vehicle. Finally when the vibration was so bad it could be heard and felt. It was finally heard/felt by the service manager at local Honda dealer. When I was told what the problem was and that it would cost $2500 to fix, I got a second opinion, when that opinion was confirmend, I went online to see if there was a recall that I had not been notified of. I did not find any recalls but found the numerous complaints on the manufacturer of powe train/automatic transmissions:torque converter. I was livid that there were so many complaint with the same problems that I don't know how the dealership did not know or if they conveniently chose not to acknowledge my problems. . Until I experience this problem I loved my vehicle.

Shutter in the tranny from 25-45 mph it has been described as the torque converter.

2004 Honda Pilot transmission shudders while driving. Only 90,000 miles on vehicle. Dealer says torque converter needs to be replaced and possibly transmission. Upon research found this to be a large ongoing problem with many consumers.

Problem: at low rpm in 4th gear and speeds 25 to 35 mph, there is sporadic vibration of the vehicle when the gas pedal is slightly depressed. The issue goes away if pressure is applied or removed from the gas pedal. The problem has recently started to occur at highway speeds of 65+ mph as well, also at low rpm. The failure was identified as a torque converter issue by the dealer that has resulted in requiring the replacement of the entire transmission in the Pilot. If the problem is not rectified, users have reported that it could result in a sudden change of gears to a lower gear which could result in severe consequences. The dealer has recommended that the transmission be replaced in its entirety in order to rectify the problem.

My 2004 Honda Pilot ex-l is having a torque converter issue (vibration/shudder/grinding between 20-50 mph while accelerating). I have not had the problem fixed yet, but I have read numerous complaints regarding this issue at different internet sites.

2004 Honda Pilot driveline vibration. The 2004 Honda Pilot we own shudders and vibrates very loudly when accelerating between 25-50mph. This has been ongoing throughout the life of the car. (family owned since new) the vehicle has been taken to Honda on several occasions for diagnosis and repair for the problem. Honda has stated they can not reproduce the issue or said they find no problem. Honda did complete a recall and installed an oil jet kit at 12k miles. This was their attempt to quell the problem. After research I have found Honda has issued TSB 06-003(9 June 2007) and is fully aware of the problem. American Honda has diagnosed the problem as a faulty torque converter, thus causing premature destruction of the vehicle's transmission. Due to the vehicle's age/mileage american Honda refuses to cover the repair of the torque converter and or transmission, even though the problem was reported/documented while still under warranty.

Transmission noise/vibration at low rpms while driving in 4th gear. Does not make noise while driving in d3. Recall work was supposed to have been done by dealer when vehicle was purchased new. Recall stated that trans could "lock up" while driving. Have seen other complaints online for same problem with Acura mdx which uses the same transmission. The problem appears to be faulty torque converters.

Our 2004 Honda Pilot began making noises every once in a while a couple of months ago. At first, the noise sounded like we had run over a paper cup with the rt front tire. This small sound got more frequent. We noticed it happened most often when we were moving at a slow speed -- between 30 and 40 mph. We called the dealership and the mechanic determined the torque converter is malfunctioning. The dealer says we need to replace both the torque and transmission at $3,500. Our Pilot has 78,000 miles. When I pull up information for our VIN, it shows 3 safety notices/recalls including the one for the transmission (recall number: 04v176000)the recall began on Apr 21, 2004 and I remember getting a notice to take the vehicle to the dealer, but Honda America says the recall did not include my VIN no. And there are no recalls for our Pilot at all. The recall involved 1099796 units -- including the 2003 and 2004 model yr Pilots. Honda America does not want to acknowledge that our VIN was -- or at the very least should have been -- in the recall. The Honda America rep was abrupt and repeated the same scripted line over and over . . . "your VIN is not under any recall. . . " the dealership has been supportive. We don't know if there will be any discount from either Honda America or the dealer. Our 1999 odyssey had to have transmission replaced just out of warranty -- and this was the vehicle Honda promised to be the best of the best for quality and safety. We will be selling or trading the Pilot and looking for something out of the Honda line. The powertrain should have 100,000 miles -- not the 36,000. I want Honda America to look into our problem , step up and say this issue is the same issue in the recall. Our Pilot was serviced on schedule through the dealer. The Honda America rep said they don't look at what websites say about Honda issues (edmunds, safecar. Gov. . . ). Perhaps Honda should ask Toyota how that worked for them. . . --[xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I am an owner of a 2004 Honda Pilot (purchased new and meticulously maintained) with 89,000 miles and have been experiencing an automatic transmission/torque converter shudder/vibration that occurs between 30-50 mph. The vibration began occurring at about 75,000 miles. At speeds of 30-50mph the vibration occurs under light acceleration and continues until I either push down harder on the gas pedal or let off it completely. I researched the issue on the internet and have found numerous similar complaints on Honda vehicle owner forums. Apparently this problem is due to a defective transmission that is similar to the one on the Honda made Acura and has been the subject of an Acura recall. The defect will ultimately result in a vehicle safety hazard when the transmission fails. Even though my vehicle is no longer under warranty, the transmission problem is a result of a defective part rather than normal wear and tear and Honda should issue a recall or initiate an owner notification/resolution program to prevent potential harm to passengers when the transmission fails on the road. This is a dangerous defect that should be publicly adressed by Honda.

The contact owns a 2004 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that a burning odor was coming from the transmission. The vehicle would also shake excessively while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was then taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was advised to have the torque converter replaced. The manufacturer was aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 90,000.

Torque converter stutters at 25-30mph. Very disturbing and can result in transmission damage while driving.

Transmission and torque converter causing serious shudder and possible lock-up.

Purchased a used 04 Pilot from a car dealer and during the first week of operation I heard shuttering noises like going over a rumble strip. I researched this on line and was horrified to find hundreds of similar complaints (torque converter) and a recall by Acura for same reason. I took it back to dealer to get my money back and luckily was able to get out of the Pilot by trading it for another truck on the lot. I feel sorry for the next person who unknowingly (not like Honda) purchases this with their hard earned money to drive their kids around in and are in a possible death trap! shame on Honda, do the right thing and recall before you kill people.

Torque converter shudder /vibration between 35 and 40 mph. I have taken my 2004 Honda Pilot to the service department for over 18 month now trying to get someone to hear or experience what I was with my vehicle. Finally when the vibration was so bad it could be heard and felt. It was finally heard/felt by the service manager at local Honda dealer. When I was told what the problem was and that it would cost $2500 to fix, I got a second opinion, when that opinion was confirmed, I went online to see if there was a recall that I had not been notified of. I did not find any recalls but found the numerous complaints on the manufacturer of power train/automatic transmissions:torque converter. I was livid that there were so many complaint with the same problems that I don't know how the dealership did not know or if they conveniently chose not to acknowledge my problems almost two years now. I want to know what I can do when I confront the dealership with my complaint. Until I experience this problem I loved my vehicle, now everytime it vibrates/shudders I am just sick about it.

2004 Honda Pilot that makes a "washboard" sound between 30 - 45 mph. Dealership failed to diagnose problem as torque converter which has now damaged the transmission. Problem started in late 2008 when vehicle was only 4 years old. I am aware of numerous problems with this transmission in Hondas and acuras. Honda is not making the situation right and leaving the consumer with a substantial expense for something that certainly appears to be a defect.

I now have been the victim for the 2nd time of what is unquestionably a major design flaw in the transmission / torque converter of the shared power train for Honda Pilots ('03 ,'04) Honda odyssey vans ('02 to '04) & Acura mdx ('01, '02). I owned a pristine 2001 Acura mdx with just over 100k miles on it which experienced the all too common trans. / torque converter failure only a few months after I purchased it from a Honda dealer. This happened in spite of the fact that the power train recall (sanctioned by NHTSA) had been completed in 2004. I parted ways with the vehicle, incurring a substantial loss. But the nightmare continues, as unfortunately, my other vehicle is a 2004 Honda Pilot. Right after I purchased it new in 2004, I took it back to the dealer since the model was subject to a nearly identical power train recall as the mdx and odyssey. My dealer said my VIN was not included in the recall, & that my new Pilot should be fine. Yet @ 60k, the "d" light on the shifter display started to blink from time to time. Each time the dealer said everything was fine; shuttering on downshifting over the years was passed off by the dealer as normal for the vehicle. Then last week, the power train failed on this vehicle as well. This time my son was driving, & the car shuttered so badly that it nearly went out of control. This car has been well maintained & I have all service records. Clearly the recall "remedy" for this major design flaw has not solved the issue, and these power trains still present a major safety hazard for the vehicle operator & others on the road who may need to avoid a disabled vehicle in front of them. Please do something! if you total all the power train complaints for the recall yrs. On these 3 models, you get nearly 3000. The legitimacy of NHTSA is at stake. This "solution" was a good deal for Honda, but it has not protected the public!.