It caused jerking issues and the driving experience was not that good. I'm here to help you with your car. Although the 2004 model still had some issues with the transmission. Any chance the external transmission cooler is NOT keeping the transmission fluid temps at normal operating temp levels? If your Honda Pilot has difficulty shifting from first gear, it can be due to impurities in the transmission fluid. I own and drive a Porsche for my daily tasks. It may be transmitting the wrong data to the transmission, which causes jerking and hesitation. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This makes the Honda Pilot a fairly reliable vehicle, but also a fuel-efficient vehicle as well. And this was mostly the owners fault since the fluid was not replaced regularly, and the car didnt receive enough clean fluid in order to make the shifts perfect. "text": "Oftentimes, one would associate Honda as the maker of the most reliable and long-lasting cars on the market. There were numerous complaints that the transmission was not working as it should. The most common ones include a bad thermostat, water pump, electric fans, and low coolant level. Avoiding it will probably save you a lot of money in the long run. The transmission is changing the gears with the help of hydraulic fluid or ATF. The fluid keeps the transmission lubricated, which helps in a smooth operation. If you suspect that your transmission is overheating, doing something about it now can keep you from an expensive transmission repair later. The third generation on the other hand proved to be problematic. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'wvdot_com-box-4','ezslot_7',822,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-wvdot_com-box-4-0');This is usually a sign that your transmission fluid level is low or at a point where it has started to break down. If/when I get this transmisson fixed I will be adding a cooler. Transmission Shifting Hard What Are The Causes And How To Fix Them? AUTOMATIC. Lets take a look. However, Honda then moved the production of the Pilot in 2007 to the United States. Honda is addressing this recall by replacing the transmission on vehicles with 15,000 miles or less. You need to closely inspect and make your move, and we are going to help you with that. I might get one for our 19. Over the last week or so have noticed the transmisson slipping between 10-40 mph (especially going uphill) and the RPMs fluctuate 100-200 RPM. I took it to a Honda dealership for evaluation. January 2022 Jason, MAZDA6 shuts down while driving fuel pump not monitored, may be no engine light etc. So bad that Honda started using fluid filled electronic controlled engine mounts. The transmission coolant and engine coolant were combined in the same core in the Honda Pilot which meant fixing it was potentially quite expensive. Influence-free. What kind of driving is typical for you? This post contains affiliate links. It is in a super healthy condition when it operates at or below 175C. Check the transmission fluid and see if the fluid is clean and doesnt have debris. Ask me anything! I took it to the dealer and they said that they couldnt check for any trouble codes since it wasnt a constant warning. I'm the MotorVerso.com AI Car Expert. . SEE, I think it's a 15 pin plug and two wires change on the plug fro 95 to. However, it was then redesigned for its second generation, between 2009 and 2015. This transmission lockup had the potential of leading the vehicle into a big crash. 2016 honda pilot - Transmission issues. I took it in & they did a diagnose but nothing would come up when they checked for codes. I believe the design flaw rest between the operation of the VCM and transmission. Thank you for reading. Usually, one to two symptoms will be present depending on your Honda transmission problem. This thread on transmission overheat had a question on where the temp sensor is on the transmission. My Pilot still has this problem every now and then. This will guarantee that you are not going to end up with a money pit of transmission problems. Erratic behaving rpm gauge is the symptom, most noticeable when your cruise control is on. 2006 Honda Pilot problems. . The transmission will emit a grinding noise if it is not working properly. Its 7-seater capacity is a great option for families who want to take their kids on long road trips. (Page 1 of 2) Your email address will not be published. Yes, standard cooler. If there is already noticeable damage or discoloration to the gears, the transmission will be . Motor Verso is an automotive website; for car enthusiasts, run by car enthusiasts. Common symptoms of overheating include smoke coming from under the hood, a pegged temperature gauge, and a blown head gasket. In a lot of cases, many owners claim to easily get upward of 200,000 miles out of their Pilots within their usable lifetime. A damaged converter can also result in your Honda Pilot stalling when putting it into gear. Honda is aware of it, but hasn't publicized it. If not, it can damage the transmission. Reply, It seems you mistook the 9 speed issues for the 6 speed. The problem was reportedly a gear failure that could potentially lead to a transmission lockup. Is this a common problem? From 2004 to 2008, the problems with the automatic transmission of the Honda Pilot were patched up, and the transmission performance improved. Make sure to use the correct fluid for your transmission. Excessive loading or pulling a trailer can cause this as well. It was made cheaply and I am very disappointed in the quality of the vehicle. Regular transmission fluid maintenance is paramount to this transmission. There could be other reasons involved too, such as a faulty sensor. The new generation of the Pilot also included a new engine and also new automatic transmissions. It can cause your engine to smoke because it's burning off that fluid from the engine. Moreover, the reliability of the Honda Pilot seemed to go up and down, depending on the model year. 2017 Pilot EX-L 2wd (49k); (2) 2012 V6 Crosstour 2wd (117k, 306k); 2013 BMW X5 (112k); 2015 Nissan NV 3500 (210k). The torque converter ensures power can be transmitted from the engine to the transmission. After getting home, I dedicate a few hours of my time to creating an article every day. Go figure. Transmission Fluid Too Hot warning came on in early 2019 when had approximately 32K miles. It has good safety equipment and gets 5 stars on almost all the safety tests. Honda has learned its lesson and tried to deliver a good and reliable vehicle. They also let transmission fluid in. You could also consider doing a background check on the car using VIN look-up tools. The cost for a transmission replacement is around $3500 to $5500. Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 . This is even though there werent too many serious problems with it. 2021 is no exception. Oftentimes, one would associate Honda as the maker of the most reliable and long-lasting cars on the market. It's also possible that there's something wrong with your shifter cable. Returned to dealer and transmission replaced. I would try and pull over and shit the car off. This is where my story starts and WVDOT Automotive was born. The price varies from model to model, but it should lie within this price point. The average repair cost for this problem is $2,610 and occurs at just over 100,000 miles. But nothing major was found like with the previous generation when it was first released. You probably want to learn more about the Honda Pilot transmission problems. Given that the average 2003 Honda Pilot is worth roughly $2,500 to $3,000, trying to fix a major transmission problem could be a huge waste of cash. This is a car's way of telling a driver that the ECU (engine control unit - a car's central computer) has detected anomalies with the transmission. 2015 Odyssey EX-L; 2015 Durango Citadel (Hemi AWD). Discerning customers purchase this SUV because it has long been synonymous with reliability and affordability. They make sure that the fluid remains in place. 4WD. Frankly, Im leary that a software update/3X fluid change will solve this problem - three transmissions in 66K miles seems to be design flaw. It also came with a new engine, but with the same displacement and configuration. The normal transmission temperature is between 175 and 225 degrees Celsius. If it has lost its viscosity or is not present, then there is a good chance that the transmission will jerk while driving.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'wvdot_com-banner-1','ezslot_9',877,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-wvdot_com-banner-1-0'); A faulty sensor may also be the cause of this problem. Be cautious of Honda Pilot models from 2010-2012 and 2016, which have many NHTSA complaints about faulty electrical systems and malfunctioning airbags. Hot transmissions give off an odor. } The 2004 Honda Pilot had two main issues. The most common reason could be due to failing seals and O-rings. This SUV has had issues in the past, which is why this article is being written. Indeed, these transmission issues weren't severe enough for Honda to issue a recall on the Pilot. However, when you overfill the transmission, there is going to be some leakage from the buildup. Well, its an indication that theres something wrong with your transmissionand it could be due to any number of things. 2008 Honda Pilot EX-L 2013 Honda Pilot EX-L. Im curious why VCM affects the transmission at all? And if you plan to get a used one, there are also plenty on the second-hand market as well. This will prevent further damage to your engine and help keep your fluid at an ideal level for longer periods. My problems ended after 3 time drain, fill, and drive(few miles) with MaxLife ATF to remove old black fluid and disabling the VCM. That scores the Accord as "GREAT" when it comes to reliability. Thats because this symptom can be due to wear and tear after driving the vehicle for more than 150,000 miles. Many Honda Pilot owners have reported problems with the transmission, and these reports were for a transmission failure. There is limited data about it, but Car Complaints mentions that the two most common transmissions issues cost between $400 to $750 to fix. "name": "Why Is My Transmission Light On", The fluid that is left must workmuch harder. },{ I assumed it would try to lock the transmission into that gear But I have no idea. I don't have any answers here, only speculation but sorry for your bad luck! This can be a problem for some people, but if they are not a deal-breaker for you, the Honda Pilot is a great buy. As long as your Pilot is stock and used in the way the manufacturer intended, you shouldnt need to add an external transmission fluid cooler. You came to the right place because we are going to cover everything. This components goal is to transfer the energy from the engine to the wheels. Learn more about our writers on our about us page. Then, we are going to share our opinion if you should get it or not. By 2021 Honda has learned their mistakes with its transmissions and decided to replace the 6-speed with a 9-speed ZF automatic transmission. Overheating can drastically shorten your transmissions life. It would also drop into neutral after idling, which could only be fixed with a restart. With prices starting at $32,445 and topping at $49,015, Honda wants to keep the momentum going with its light trucks. It is essential to know more about the Honda Pilot transmission problems before you buy. I took my RTL T up a basic off road trail to do some dirt bike riding with my son over the weekend. 97 it's a, I have a 2007 h3 hummer base model. Consequently, the Pilot is Honda's largest vehicle by size. If your 2003 Pilot has more than 15,000 miles on it, a service technician will inspect and revise the oil cooler return line to prevent heat buildup. Get reliability information for the 2008 Honda Pilot from Consumer Reports, which combines extensive survey data and expert technical knowledge. User and NHTSA Transmission Honda Pilot Problems Regarding the transmission, the most user complaints deal with the topics of transmission failure, the D light blinking, the torque converter making noise, the car not being able to engage 3rd gear, the transmission jerking, and the radiator leak causing transmission failure. A number of different things could be causing your transmission to overheat: Your Driving Habits (accelerating too fast, carrying too heavy of a load, etc.) With good maintenance and diligent servicing, you can handily surpass the 250,000 to the 300,000-mile threshold, too. When I turn the car off the light isn't there, but then when I go on the freeway the light cones back on. It implemented a sleek and modern design that made it appealing to buyers. They may harden and crack over time, which may very well lead to the transmission fluid leaking. A burning smell is another common sign of transmission problems in a Honda Pilot. Even then, they still need to follow a more rigorous maintenance schedule. The 2011 Honda Pilot had some issues, but they were not widely reported. The most common 2016 Honda Pilot problems are related to air conditioning and electrical issues, but there have also been reports of transmission failures and suspension issues. Reply, Your email address will not be published. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. } Some of these issues were transmission related and a lot of owners had reported that the transmission had been jerking persistently and had not been an enjoyable experience to drive. Step 2: Warm up the engine to its normal running temperature, then switch it off. I share all my tips with our readers to help them out the best I can. RECALLS! Although Honda has a long history of making reliable cars, the Honda Pilots in the 2003, 2005, 2009, 2011 and 2013 model years have all had . The 6-speed automatic was not good. With good maintenance and diligent servicing, you can handily surpass the 250,000 to the 300,000-mile threshold, too. The Honda Pilot transmission problems are also present. But, if you are towing or live in an extremely warm climate that tests the transmission constantly, an external transmission cooler can help keep your transmission cool. The transmission in these vehicles was not good because it had the tendency to overheat and develop a lot of issues and fail in the worst-case scenario. The contact owns a 2003 Honda Pilot. The Honda Pilot issued a recall in 2004 for over 1 MILLION vehicles due to an issue with the automatic transmission system. BTW - also owned a 2006 Pilot that had transmission problems and reluctantly let it go at 160k when it needed a new tranny. "@type": "Question", } J.D. This is why I recommend reading this article entirely so that your Honda Pilot does not have to face the same issues. I love getting my hands dirty and repairing a car myself for a tenth of the price where possible. Transmission are full of solenoids. 2004-2008 Honda Pilot Transmission Problems, 2009-2015 Honda Pilot Transmission Problems, 2016-Present, Honda Pilot Transmission Problems, 2018-2020 Honda Pilot Transmission Problems, Honda Pilot Transmission Problems: In Conclusion. This is with ambient temps around 92-95 degrees, being in Arizona, I'm concerned about what may happen when ambient temps get to 110+. Although, some owners have even gotten their Honda Pilots beyond 400,000 miles, and they're still running strong - shows how loving care and TLC go the distance." I've been randomly getting a 'transmission system problem' warning message on the information center. The vehicle has 103,000 km so I have concerns. . The transmission in these cars is pretty much bulletproof and you will enjoy driving your Honda Pilot. Me and my mother are on a road trip right now, we have the transmission warning but dont have any glaring issues within the car. Originally, the first-generation Pilot, when it launched for the 2003 model year, it was built in Canada. If youre experiencing these symptoms in your Pilot, dont worrythere are ways to troubleshoot the problem and get your SUV back in usable condition. Here are the most common causes of an overheating transmission: Low transmission fluid is the most common reason that your Honda Pilots transmission will overheat under normal operation. In these vehicles, the transmission and engine coolant may leak. The transmission fluid lubricates the internal parts of your Honda Pilots transmission. This is bad business. Reply, Ah, that one is a tough situation. Modern infotainment systems and other safety features like a blind-spot monitor, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control are also fitted. It implemented a more muscular look and a bold design that made it a lot bigger in size. There was also a report of the transmission producing a whining noise. This section will look at those problems and get into the details of why they happen. When getting a new vehicle, the most important thing to do is to learn the common problems. The parking brake is one of the most important components in your Honda Pilot. Many people dont realize this, but the transmission fluid is the most common culprit when it comes to transmission problems.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'wvdot_com-netboard-1','ezslot_21',896,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-wvdot_com-netboard-1-0'); You should first check your fluid level if you think your SUV has a transmission problem. That is the sound of the serpentine belt slipping from the . Everything related to the Honda Pilot SUV. On top of that, there were problems with strange sounds that happened at low speeds. Content on piloteers.org is generated by its users. Audi A1 Vs. Mini Cooper: Which Car Is Better? Car ReviewsExperiencesNewsMotorsportProduct ReviewsTroubleshootingTrending. If the neither hose has any heat, you may have air in the cooling system, low fluid, or low pressure. So I'm thinking maybe it's a sensor? This Honda Pilot also had new transmission and a new engine. Honda decided to trust them and implement one of their best automatic transmissions that are available on the market and make the Pilot very reliable. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'wvdot_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_11',827,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-wvdot_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');If your Honda Pilot lurches forward when youre parking, it can be an issue with the Transmission Control Module. This is the best way to keep your transmission running smoothly. Go figure. The transmission has been slipping on occasion and the check engine light came on. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'wvdot_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_4',806,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-wvdot_com-medrectangle-3-0');That leads me to talk about the Honda Pilot transmission problems. Despite the challenges and limitations we have a great adventure and live to driv. Old, worn out, or burned fluid will cause the transmission to run hot. #1 Cause of Failure It is estimated that close to 90 percent of automatic transmission failures are caused by overheating, and the main reason they overheat is because of overworked transmission fluid. I own a 2018 Pilot Ex-L now with 66K miles. This fluid is extremely durable and can withstand a lot of stress. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Thats why you should avoid it. And we are going to elaborate on it for you to have a better perspective on which Honda Pilot to buy and which to avoid. In a lot of cases, many owners claim to easily get upward of 200,000 miles out of their Pilots within their usable lifetime. Yet, they were still insignificant compared to the early model of the Pilot which suffered an enormous number of problems and was recalled to get these things patched. American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain 2021 Pilot vehicles equipped with Continental CrossContact LX Sport 245/50R20 102 H tires with DOT serial number A376 D3K9 2920 and . Today the dealer admitted that there is a known issue with the 9 speed transmission. The car will stop pulling. Consequently, the Pilot is Hondas largest vehicle by size. Reply, There is a technical service bulletin for the transmission judder for the 6 speed transmission found on the 2016 model. The engine is producing rotational energy in the crankshaft. The failure mileage was 90,000. If you drive 15,000 miles annually, the transmission will last for around ten years. It is the perfect vehicle for my family. While some model years mightve been plagued with transmission issues, as a whole, the Honda Pilot is a dependable and long-lasting car. When you accelerate, the delay of getting all 6 cylinders firing again is not transferring the energy smoothly to the transmission causing the transmission to slip. Have others seen this problem on 2018s? The Honda Pilot is one of the most popular SUVs right now and thats for a good reason. The overworking transmission fluid will overheat and lose its ability to cool operate the transmission quickly, which only makes the problem worse. As described in power train tsb a20-029 (but so far associated only with 2019 pilot awd touring and elite) - my 2019 pilot awd transmission . I recently purchased a 2017 Honda Pilot EX-L with a 6 speed transmission with 83K miles. Common causes include a faulty solenoid or low transmission fluid level. Will be looking for Honda to replace the second transmission as well. Also, before you buy make sure that you make a thorough inspection of the engine and transmission. There were a few complaints of the transmission shifting hard. It is somewhat common knowledge among Honda transmission experts that the most common failure point on these units is the 3rd and 4th gear pressure switches. If your automatic transmission has been overheating, take a look at the front of the radiator and make sure that it is clean and free of large debris (think plastic grocery bag). 15 months /34K miles later and the "Transmission Fluid Too Hot" warning came on again today. It will cost me $5,000. Usually, it's a prelude to something going wrong, and you'll be wise to have it checked out before it gets any more serious. This may be due to the fact that they are in the same core. Since 2020. 1. }. This can happen if your fluid has not been changed for a long time. The new transmission was a 6-speed automatic transmission and had one gear more than the previous generations of the Honda Pilot. The Honda Pilot is a midsize SUV introduced in 2003 only for the American market. But what is uncanny about this transmission is that it brought again some of the old memories and problems that the old first-generation Honda Pilot had. "text": "While some model years might've been plagued with transmission issues, as a whole, the Honda Pilot is a dependable and long-lasting car. A new transmission for this generation of Honda Pilot is probably going to cost you a lot of money to get replaced. Reply, Transmission judder on 2016 6 speed transmission goes away after replacing the transmission fluid. They looked at the service records to see when the last time the transmission had been serviced and it hadnt so I had them change the fluid. If there is one thing this article has made clear about the Honda Pilot transmission problems, there can be many. In 2016, there was another generation of the Honda Pilot. The best is the 2007 and 2008 model years. I, too had a trans overheat (2001 MDX Touring Edition) and loss of trans fluid, actual overflow point unknown after a Honda dealer working on it for about 4 hours including addition of dye. Or, look for an example where the transmission was replaced. Some large trucks were designed to tow with heavy duty transmissions and a cooling system designed for the job. I was not impressed by the number. Specifically, their plant in Lincoln, Alabama. Some folks are very leery of the Honda DW1 fluid, which seems OK for most people but maybe doesn't hold up in the heat too well? Assuming big-time here.Good news is the since you had the trans fixed under warranty and the problem persists it should still be covered by Honda. (16) View all. Im having the same issue as above. With or without the light on, no problems, no driveability concerns. These cars have accumulated a lot of miles through the years, and the transmission might simply not be that healthy anymore. My '16 EX-L at 54k will be getting a triple drain-refill and the firmware update with a transmission cooler install fairly soon. You should know that this transmission is not one of the greatest transmissions out there and you should avoid it. In 2009, Honda introduced the second generation of the Pilot with a completely new design and new platform. Or between $1,500 to $2,500 to get the transmission rebuilt. I took it to the dealer and they said that they couldn't check for any trouble codes since it wasn't a . You mentioned that the previous owner didnt have the build sheet, but did they keep any other maintenance/service records? This is common in older models of the Pilot or any other vehicle. The first generation was produced in Lincoln, Alabama and it came equipped with a 3.5L V6 and a 5-speed automatic transmission. There is already a lot of friction due to the low fluid level, so both issues are certainly not good. This information will be of a lot of use to you if you are in the market for a used Honda Pilot. Because even if the transmission cooling was improved, it will not guarantee that the transmission is going to hold. I am Tahir Azam, and this is my blog. So, you were quoted $5K to replace the torque converter?? Parts Of Automatic Transmission: Whats Inside? if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'wvdot_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_17',831,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-wvdot_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0');Now, I will discuss some preventative measures to ensure that your SUVs transmission will work for as long as possible and with as few issues as possible. Automatic transmission fluid is cooled through the same radiator that the antifreeze goes through. So, if you are in the market for a used Honda Pilot, you should look at some cars that have a lower number of miles on the clock. In 2004, there were 1.1 million Honda Pilots recalled because of problems with this transmission. You may be able to catch and fix issues before they ever become a problem. From 2006 to 2008, the Honda Pilot didnt have any major issues. There was only one reported case of the transmission failing in 2007. No, I havent found a solution but so far, it hasnt come back on in I dont know how long. Its malfunctioning can also lead to the transmission acting up when trying to park.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'wvdot_com-leader-3','ezslot_15',855,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-wvdot_com-leader-3-0'); If you notice a drop of transmission fluid under your Honda Pilot, the seal on one or more of the transmission components has likely deteriorated. The top five main reasons why your transmission could be overheating are: Hot Weather Lots of stop & go traffic Vehicle tow overload (includes getting caught in the snow) A leak or break somewhere in the transmission lubrication system Neglect (failure to service at 50K for light driving or 25K for heavy duty & towing) I recently purchased a 2017 Honda Pilot EX-L with a 6 speed transmission with 83K miles.