Automatic Transmission Torque Converter Problems of Honda Pilot - part 1

The transmission has subtle but concerning jerking between 10-30mph, especially while accelerating. This can be getting on the freeway, driving straight down the street or going up hills. I noticed it is worse when going up a sloped surface. Upon having a transmission specialist dismantle and analyze, I was informed the torque converter and other elements of the trans were failing and falling apart. At unusually low mileage, the transmission was heating up very high because of the issue, darkening the fluid and carrying elements of the failing converter etc into other parts of the transmission. This requires a full trans rebuild which costs range from 4-7k depending on where you take it. This is an issue that a basic mechanic may miss, but owners will notice for this year/model over the long term. Potential dangers reported are very concerning, so we chose to have the trans fully rebuilt for the safety of our family. Based off my research, hundreds of other complaints exist online for this year/model describing the same exact experience. Honda should be recalling their transmission for the 2016 Honda Pilot.

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My car makes a grinding noise around 40-45 mph. This has been identified as an ongoing problem with this and several other model years with the transmission torque converter. This happens anytime I am accelerating past 40 mph.

See all problems of the 2003 Honda Pilot 🔎.

I had a check engine light on the dashboard and brought the car to the dealership for service. They diagnosed the car and stated that there is something wrong with the torque converter. I have read a number of reports regarding issues with the torque converter of the Honda Pilot. Significantly, report states that there is shuddering and vibration during shift change. This was addressed to them when I have my car when it was bought brand new. They said it is just the way it was design but honestly, it was really annoying. So now, after about 95,000 miles, an issue came up. I do believe that these two event are related. Please conduct an investigation regarding this matter. The shuddering/vibrations happens when accelerating, deccelerating, at idle, from a stop and accelerates, when making a trun while accelerating slowly.

See all problems of the 2013 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.

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Tl the contact owns a 2011 Honda Pilot. While accelerating, the vehicle vibrated violently without warning. Crown motors (555 cypress Ave, redding, CA 96001, (530) 241-4321) repaired the transmission switch, but the failure recurred. The dealer informed the contact that the torque converter needed to be repaired. The contact scheduled an appointment to have the vehicle repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 62,000.

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My engine light went on and went I checked the code p0741 stated torque converter stuck off.

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

2010 Honda Pilot exl with approx 100,000 miles with the following issues: check engine light code p3400, very low oil pressure, replaced two oil pressure switches, torque converter beginning to fail causing vibration and shuddering at 45 - 50 mph with low accelerator pressure. Car is burning excessive oil approx 1qt per 1,000 miles.

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When driving 30-50mph my 2005 Honda Pilot shudder/vibrates as if I'm driving on a rumble strip. I bought my Pilot at 113,000 in 2017 and I noticed the issue first at about 120,000 miles. I now have 134,000 miles and the research I'm doing on this issue suggests there is a major defect with Honda/Acura transmission and or torque converters. What can I do at this point?.

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When driving between 30-50 mph the vehicle will shudder/judder upon light acceleration and the rpms will rev briefly. This appears to be a common issue with the torque converters among early Honda Pilots.

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.

Have noticed a shudder for quite some time when accelerating around the 40 mph point and also during deceleration around the 40 mph point, seems to be a grinding as the automatic gears are changing, I reported this to dealer at last two regular maintenance, the first time they didn't find issues, second time they explained it was the "torque converter" and would be $2250 to repair and would need to leave the vehicle while they order parts and replace. I opted to not repair at this time as I wanted to research the issue. I am seeing lots of complaints about this issue in the Honda Pilots. Of course the warranty expired end of last year (08/2016).

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.

My Honda Pilot is having difficulty shifting gears in the city and on the highway. I will be moving in a few weeks and traveling about 40 miles on the highway everyday. A few days ago I called Honda after looking up recalls and there was a transmission recall number 04v176000. I was told to take it to the Honda dealer and if it is a problem with the transmission it will be replaced at no charge. I took it to the dealer and told them what Honda told me and they said it is probably the torque converter. (code p0740) the supervisor was going to call Honda and get back to me. I feel very frightened to travel on the highway when my check engine light is still on and having trouble with the transmission. I just can't believe that a 2003 Honda Pilot with only 130,000 miles would have issues with the transmission and/or torque converter !! if it is causing gears to chip or break I don't want to be driving on the highway and possibly be injured or even killed ! or causing injury to others.

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.

Purchased 2011 Honda Pilot ex-l new in mid-2010. For the past several months, we felt a shudder in the transmission at/around 25 mph when accelerating lightly from a full stop. Got progressively worse over time; even passengers noticed it. Car is just under 5. 5 years old with 72k miles on it. Dealer checked, said the torque converter had failed and would cost $1,900 to replace. Stated the new t/c had a 'fix' that corrected an earlier, known problem?! after replacing the transmission and/or torque converter on my 2000 Acura tl three times and once on two previous Honda preludes, I said I'd had enough with Honda and demanded for it be repaired for free. I've seen a plethora of complaints on-line about 2009-2011 Pilots and odyssey transmissions and t/c's so Honda obviously hasn't fixed the transmission problems that plagued earlier models, including tl's, accords and crv's. We finally settled on $500 but this will be my last Honda/Acura product. Hellotoyota/Lexus and Mazda!.

When driving on hwy there is sometimes a shudder at speeds bet 55-65mph. After checking the internet for similar problems it appears it might be the torque converter. Honda recalled the Acura with the same problem but not the Pilot.

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The powertrain has a very irritating vibration when accelerating through or holding it at 35 - 40 mph. The vibration lasts about 5 seconds and has a very odd noise that happens at the exact same time. Kind of like deep base. All info I can find points to the torque converter and my mechanic says all his information points to the torque converter also.

Vehicle began making a fluttering noise underneath and has continued to be problematic when driving from 35-50 mph. Torque converter/transmission issue. Mechanic says car unsafe to drive because transmission may lock up, causing possible loss of vehicle control.

Tl-the contact owns a 2003 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at any speed the vehicle failed to accelerated. The checke engine light illuminated. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the torque converter cluth solenoed valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. However. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000. Aw.

Purchased vehicle used as a Honda certified vehicle on 10/23/14. During test drive we did not notice vibration in drive train - possibly because fluids were cold. During a road trip 2 weeks after above date, we noticed a vibration in 51, 52, 53 mph range. Felt like transmission or torque converter was trying to shift up or down. Took back to dealership and explained problem, service writer took for a test drive and explained that he felt it was when engine was going into "economy" mode and half the cylinders were shutting down. ???? on a later road trip on more open highway, we noticed same vibrations in 61, 62, 63 mph range - I watched the econ. Dash light and it didn't necessarily change when we felt vibrations. Took back to dealership and I drove vehicle while service writer watched, looked, and listened. He said he could feel vibration but until a warning light came on, they might spend many hours/days trying to find problem but not locate it. We are keeping our fingers crossed that nothing serious develops and endangers lives or vehicle!.

Recently purchased a used 2012 Honda Pilot touring. After driving for a few days, I tuned into a considerable vibration in my seat mostly at highway cruising speeds. I believe it is the same shudder that others have reported. I have brought to the dealer on 2 occasions so far and they have balanced, rotated, and even put new wheels from another vehicle on it. I swear I continue to feel it and Honda techs including the master tech say it drives normal. It drives me insane and I continuously adjust speeds to avoid it from happening which is dangerous on the highway. It also pulls considerably to the left even when the road slopes right. This is very dangerous as if someone ever drifted while driving, it is straight into oncoming traffic! I also wonder about longevity of the transmission, torque converter etc. I'm supposed to be excited driving a new car, and now I am frustrated the entire ride each and every time. I regret this purchase. This has gotten to the point I want to return or take a loss and trade it for another car manufacturer. This is unacceptable in a $42,000 vehicle. Other than this sole issue, I love the Pilot. I decided to add my entry to hopefully help get Honda's attention to this issue and resolve for those of us experiencing this.

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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, carol schinker.

Vehicle shudders at 40-45 mph. Causes severe shaking that could hinder driving ability especially in slippery conditions. Lots of complaints on internet related to torque converter and motor mounts. Threats of class action suit against Honda for multiple people complaining of this ongoing problem.

Anywhere between 35-50 mph I get a shudder that sounds like driving over a rumble strip on the freeway. The problem started out to where it sounded like a gush of air was flowing underneath the car for about 15 seconds, then progressed to a rumble strip noise. At that point, I had it looked at. Mechanic says failed torque converter and will have to replace transmission. I have 132,000 miles on the car. Haven't contacted Honda as I'm the second owner and have read in many different places on the internet that Honda won't acknowledge the problem. Mechanic warned that the transmission will go at any time now and the car isn't safe to drive. I've decided if the transmission is going to fail at 132,000 miles, I'm not taking the chance of putting more money into it, only to fail again (several complaints about people ending up with several transmissions installed by Honda with subsequent failures). I've owned three Hondas. The lack of response from Honda on this issue across the board means they lost me as a customer.

Transmission shudder between 35-40 mph. This is a well known problem that is caused by a failing torque converter.

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

Torque converter shudder or vibration between 35-40 mph.

See all problems of the 2009 Honda Pilot 🔎.

I bought a used 05 Pilot 1 year ago for my wife and boys. Vehicle started to shudder at around 30-40 mph. I remember my mother having this same thing happen to her Acura mdx and she was told she needed a whole new transmission. I looked up what was happening to our Pilot and have found hundreds of other complaints dealing with this same issue! Acura even put out a service bulletin (06-003) addressing the problem of the torque converter in the transmission and stated that even if the vehicle was out of warranty owners may be eligible for a goodwill consideration to have the problem fixed free of charge. This shows that they are aware of the problem and expected to have many such complaints. Honda Pilot has the same engine/transmission as it is the same company and needs to issue a recall!!! if I am expected to pay $11,000 for a used 05 Pilot with 130k miles on it I should not also be expected to pay an additional $4,000 to replace the transmission less than a year later!!! if Honda is proud enough of their product to charge that high amount to begin with they need to back it up with quality that matches the price!! please issue a recall on this so people don't have to continue to throw money down the drain in this economy!.

Transmission shudders at 35-40 mph apparently due to faulty torque converters and transmissions installed in these vehicles. There are numerous instances of premature transmission failures documented on this vehicle. It can cause the vehicle to stop suddenly, and is a hazard. These torque converters and transmissions should be recalled.

Loud scraping noise comes from car during cruising at around 35-40mph around 2000rpm. Car seems to stutter at these speeds causing abrupt vibrations. Other drivers have reported the same occurence, many report it is from a bad torque converter.

Car starts shimmering at 35 - 45 mph. Had mechanic check car and said no mechanical issue. Had new tires put on car. Still shimmering. Have similar characteristics as others on the Honda web site that mentioned that the diagnosis is a bad torque converter. Strong shimmer at 35 - 45 mph intermittent problem.

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.

Vehicle vibration, from failed torque converter.