The Honda Pilot is a midsize crossover SUV that has been produced and manufactured by Honda, a Japanese car manufacturer, since 2002 until the present. Targeted at the NOrth American Market, this car is the largest SUV made from HOnda, sharing its platform with the Acura MDX. Although popular in certain countries, the Honda Pilot transmission problems deter some potential car buyers from purchasing this model.
- 2003 Honda Pilot Transmission Recall
- 2003 Honda Pilot Transmission Pressure Switch Location
- 2003 Honda Pilot Transmission Dash Trouble Lights
The safety rating of the Honda Pilot turned out quite favorable in terms of crash tests. The Pilot earned a “Good” score on the “Moderate overlap frontal offset”, “Side impact”, and “Roof strength” categories. Unfortunately, the Pilot earned only a “Poor” score on the “small overlap frontal offset” and “roof strength” category”, showing how this car has frequent Honda Pilot transmission problems.
Signs of a Bad Honda Pilot Transmission – Honda Pilot Transmission Problems
In order to determine and diagnose the signs of a bad transmission, you need to figure out the reasons of a bad transmission and why it might be happening in your car.
Unable to Stay in Gear
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A big reason why you might have a bad transmission is that your transmission might not be able to stay in gear. If you try to put your car into a specific gear and shift and it will not move smoothly, or will not move at all, this could be a clear sign that there could be a low transmission fluid amount. This low transmission fluid could be due to a leak, the gear shifter, the gear shifter cable, or a problem with the valve body.
Equip cars, trucks & SUVs with 2003 Honda Pilot Transmission from AutoZone. Get Yours Today! We have the best products at the right price. 2003 Honda Pilot transmission problems with 198 complaints from Pilot owners. The worst complaints are transmission failure, d light blinks, and torque converter is making noise.
Delayed Shifting
If your transmission takes a while to go into the proper gear or the shifting is not smooth and jumpy, this could be a sign of a transmission fluid that is too low to work correctly and a sign of a bad transmission. This could be due to a transmission fluid leak, fluid contamination, or water intrusion that can cause other Honda Pilot transmission problems.
Burning Smell
If you notice a burning smell coming from your car, this is a clear sign that you have a problem that needs to be addressed. A burning smell is usually caused by a fluid leak in the transmission, or even the low fluid causing a burning clutch smell and overheating in the engine. If you are able to catch and diagnose the fluid leak quickly, then you might be able to save the transmission from any further damage, and prevent future Honda Pilot transmission problems.
Worst Years of Honda Pilot – Honda Pilot Transmission Problems
The worst years of the Honda PIlot are the 2003, 2005, 2009, 2011, and 2013 years,with 2003 having the most-reported problem of ignition switch failure. Along with the ignition switch issues and the oil concerns, the top problems across every single model year deals with the Honda Pilot transmission problems – premature transmission failure.
2003 Honda Pilot
The worst categories of the Honda PIlot involve the interior accessories and the transmission, with the transmission failing below 100,000 miles, costing owners an expensive fix. The main transmission concerns are transmission failure, torque converter making noise, car not engaging in 3rd gear, transmission jerking, and the radiator leak causing transmission failure.
Fixing the premature transmission failure is an expensive repair or replacement, with the most common solution replacing the transmission, rebuilding the torque converter, replacing the gear solenoids, and rebuilding the transmission. The price of this fix is generally around $3,500 to replace the problematic mechanism at around 123,000 miles, making this one of the most severe Honda Pilot transmission problems.
The 2003 is often considered the worst Pilot model due to the severity of issues and the lack of reliability. Not only are there serious Honda Pilot transmission problems, but the ignition switch concern has made it the worst problem in the interior accessories category this year. CarComplaints gives this ignition switch issue a severity rating of 8.7 out of 10.
Furthermore, the worst problem of all years is transmission failure – a problem which is especially prevalent in the 2003 model year. Occurring at around 100,000 miles in each car, the typical repair cost is over $3,000, making this one of the costliest Honda Pilot transmission problems.
2005 Honda Pilot
The 2005 Honda Pilot has many owner concerns with the brakes not being responsive enough to stop suddenly, and the transmission failing prematurely below 100,000 miles. The top transmision concerns focus on the transmission fluid leaking into the radiator, the transmission failing, and the torque converter breaking.
To fix the transmission fluid leaking into the radiator, the most common solutions are to replace the radiator, replace the flush transmission, and visit the mechanic for frequent checks. The typical repair cost of this repair is $2,150 to replace the radiator at around 121,000 miles. Fixing the leak is one of the most prevalent and expensive Honda Pilot transmission problems.
2009 Honda Pilot – Honda Pilot Transmission Problems
The 2009 Honda Pilot has many problem categories, focusing on the transmission, engine, interior accessories, brakes, and seat belts. Although these other categories have concerning issues, like engine performance issues and brake failure, the Honda Pilot transmission problems are the most severe.
The main transmission concerns focus on the car hesitating while shifting gears, the transmission failing, and the transmission making noise.
2011 Honda Pilot
The worst problem categories regarding the 2011 Honda Pilot is the engine, body and paint, interior accessories, wheels, brakes, and transmission, with owners stating the most severe eHonda Pilot transmission problems focus on the car hesitating while shifting, erratically shifting, making a high pitched whining noise, and unintended gear changes while driving.
Rough shifting can make your drive unpleasant and annoying to the driver. Owners should bring their vehicle to a local mechanic to see how to fix the shifting concerns, as this problem generally arises at around 60,000 miles.
2013 Honda Pilot
The last concerning model year of the Honda Pilot is the 2013, with this car having frequent reports of owners complaining the car hesitates while accelerating. Other transmission concerns focus on the chattering or shuddering noise, the car shifting roughly, and the car vibrating at around 1500 RPM.
Honda Pilot Recall
The Honda Pilot issued a recall in 2004 for over 1 MILLION vehicles due to an issue with the automatic transmission system. According to this serious recall, a failure in the gear mechanism and gear shifting selection could cause a transmission lockup. The lockup of the important mechanism can lead to extreme safety issues and cause a serious crash.
Reliable Honda Pilot Years – Avoid Honda Pilot Transmission Problems
The 2021 Honda Pilot has favorable rankings when compared to other similar cars on the market, but has a very poor JD Power score in terms of safety and reliability due to the Honda Pilot transmission problems. The 2021 Honda Pilot offers a comfortable ride, but the safety and predicted reliability ratings makes this car fall in the rankings.
The pros of the 2021 Pilot includes a smooth and agile ride, adult-friendly seating, and ample cargo room to bring plenty of suitcases for long trips. The negatives of this Pilot feature the poor reliability rating, limited infotainment technology, and the prevalence of Honda Pilot transmission problems.
The 2021 Honda Pilot #9 ranking out of all cars in the Midsize SUV category comes from earning a score of 7.9 out of 10 on the Car US News Scorecard. The rating comes from a 9 out of 10 in terms of the critics score, a 7.5 out of 10 for performance, an 8.4 out of 10 for interior, and a 9.4 out of 10 for safety.
Furthermore, along with the #9 spot, the 2021 Honda Pilot earned a #22 spot in the Crossover SUV category, and a #10 spot in the SUVs with 3 Rows category, despite the prevalence of Honda Pilot transmission problems.
2020 vs. 2021 Honda Pilot – Honda Pilot Transmission Problems
There are a few key differences between 2021 and 2021 models of the Honda PIlot, with the previously available 9-speed automatic transmission now standard in all Pilot models. Furthermore, the Honda PIlot has gone through significant changes since being redesigned a few years earlier in 2016.
In 2017, the Pilot gained infotainment technology like the Android Auto and CarPlay compatibility with Android and iPHones. In 2018, there were no major changes, but the following year saw the car add a volume knob, various driver assistance features, and a 9-speed automatic transmission.
In the 2020 Honda Pilot, the Black Edition trim was introduced into the car, and the 2021 introduced a dual-zone automatic climate control. As you can see, the Honda PIlot has evolved and changed over the years. With updated looks, style, and technology, some users forget about the prevalent Honda Pilot transmission problems in the earlier Pilot years.
The Bottom Line
Finding the worst Honda Pilot model year in terms of Honda Pilot transmission problems can help you save money on buying an unreliable and unsafe vehicle! Although some production years have had reliability concerns, the newer cars have a favorable safety rating from numerous car companies, making the more recent Pilot cars reliable, high-performing, stylish, and safe for new car owners.
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Is Your Pilot Having Problems?
2003 Honda Pilot Transmission Recall
Honda is a Japanese brand with nearly 60 years of experience producing reliable vehicles. The brand’s name is associated with sturdy and well-made vehicles that generally withstand the test of time.
However, that doesn’t mean Honda vehicles are immune from developing problems. Some models are more likely than others to develop serious problems. The Honda Pilot might be one of them: transmission issues, electrical issues and more have been known to pop up with this vehicle.
The sections below go over common problems you might encounter with your Honda Pilot. Car giving you problems? Consider selling to CarBrain. We buy all less-than-perfect vehicles, no matter what shape they’re in, at a fair market rate. We make the process fast, safe and easy. You can get paid for your clunker and start shopping for a replacement vehicle in under a week.
Common Pilot Problems
The sections below go over common Honda Pilot problems that may pop up across model years.
Honda Pilot Transmission Problems
The most common recurring issue with the Honda Pilot is transmission problems. This can be quite a serious complication to encounter. Transmission problems could cause your vehicle to jerk, speed up or slow down unexpectedly. It could even cause your vehicle to stop working entirely.
In some model years, the problem is limited to slippage. In others, the problem can be with the transmission fluid mixing with the radiator fluid. In others still, the transmission may fail completely, requiring a total replacement.
Unfortunately, repairing a transmission is a major job, typically totaling $2,000 or more at the shop. If you’re facing transmission issues and you’re driving an older vehicle, trying to repair it could cost you more than the vehicle is worth.
Honda Pilot Emissions System Problems
Many drivers report that their Honda Pilots develop emissions system problems. This is particularly common in more recent model vehicles including the 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 models.
2003 Honda Pilot Transmission Pressure Switch Location
Drivers report that their emission systems warning light will come on while driving. Many report that the injectors need replacement — a job that can cost more than $1,500 to complete. If you’re still under warranty, you might get partial assistance from Honda in covering the expenses. If not, you might be on the hook for the full cost of repairing this issue.
Models With Higher Than Normal Complaints
Some model years accumulate more complaints than others. The sections below go over Honda Pilot problems appearing in specific model years and how much they might cost you.
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Honda Pilot 2003 Problems
The 2003 Honda Pilot has accumulated thousands of complaints over the years. A majority of complaints for this model center around transmission problems and ignition problems. However, complaints have also rolled in for everything from the electrical system to the seatbelts to the drivetrain.
Numerous drivers report that 2003 Pilots with 100,000 miles or more develop problems with the ignition switch. Drivers who enter their vehicles and put the key in find that it won’t turn on any more. Repairing it could involve replacing the entire ignition, a job that can total $500. For an older vehicle, that’s a relatively expensive repair.
However, 2003 Honda Pilots are prone to developing a more serious and costly problem: transmission failure. The 2003 Honda Pilot transmission appears prone to giving up after 100,000 miles, forcing drivers to spend upwards of $3,000 to replace it.
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. In such instances, it might be better to sell your damaged car rather than try to fix it.
Honda Pilot 2005 Problems
The 2005 Honda Pilot has some problems of its own, including another transmission issue. However, it also has a major brake problem that led to a recall in 2013.
People who drive a 2005 Honda Pilot have found that the brake might suddenly slam down without input from the driver, forcing the vehicle to come to a sudden halt on the road, which could lead to major accidents. At least nine injuries have been reported as a result of this issue.
Unfortunately, the recall did not necessarily encompass all vehicles that have dealt with this issue. As a result, some drivers are forced to shell out $1,000 or more to diagnose and fix the issue.
Along with brake problems, the 2005 Honda Pilot has transmission difficulties of its own. Many owners have reported transmission fluid leaking into the radiator, which can cause difficulties in both systems. The cost of repairing it can be at least $2,000.
Honda Pilot 2016 Problems
While Honda Pilot transmission problems can be expected in older vehicles, it’s worrying that transmission difficulties are showing up in 2016 models as well. Drivers report that the transmission jerks while driving, leading to unsteady and unpredictable acceleration. Others report their vehicles stalling on the road.
Because the problem is so widespread, Honda voluntarily extended the warranty for this issue to 80,000 miles. However, if your vehicle has already surpassed the mileage limit, you may be on the hook for a $400 repair job on a vehicle that should be too new to experience transmission difficulties.
Unfortunately, many 2016 model owners have also reported numerous electrical problems ranging from incorrect computer codes to malfunctioning systems. Some even report that the keyless fob feature stops working, rendering them unable to switch their cars on. Repairing these electrical problems can cost anywhere from $80 to $350, depending on the specific difficulty.
Honda Pilot 2019 Problems
Although it’s practically brand new, the Honda Pilot 2019 has already accumulated a disproportionate amount of complaints, which could spell bad news for the model.
One big issue drivers face is with the infotainment screen: for numerous 2019 model owners, it doesn’t work. Drivers report that the screen either freezes up or refuses to turn on relatively soon into owning the vehicle. Although this isn’t integral to driving the car, it can be a frustrating experience for someone who expects a new car to come with all the latest gadgets and features.
Relatively few people have been able to find an effective fix for this issue, which means you could spend hundreds trying to diagnose the problem without an answer. Unfortunately, there’s no obvious solution to infotainment problems thus far.
Others report that the brand-new transmission is already slipping and jerking, which can be a major red flag. Unfortunately, this is another problem still without a solution. If you were hoping that Honda Pilot transmission problems were a thing of the past, that may not be the case.
2003 Honda Pilot Transmission Dash Trouble Lights
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