2017 Honda Pilot Powertrain & Transmission Problems

I was taking my kids to school and then suddenly a knocking sound started and then a boom. I found out that at 134,000 miles my engine threw a rod and punched a hole in my block. My [XXX] old was freaking out because there was smoke coming from the engine and her sisters said the car was going to catch fire. The [XXX] old was stuck in her seatbelt and couldn't get out. Then as I was calling a tow truck my [XXX] old almost walked out into traffic because she wanted to see what I was looking at. After getting another family member to get my kids to school I was able to get to a repair shop where I was informed that Honda had a safety recall for rod issues and was advised to see if my car was covered. I check and it looked like only the all wheel drive cars were covered but mine was front wheel drive so it didn't fall under the recall. I want to issue a formal complaint to expand the recall on Honda Pilots for rod issues because mine obviously had an issue with the rod and should have been recalled. American honda refuses to give any good will because I didn't get my oil changes with them, even though it is an hour drive to get to the closest dealership. Engines shouldn't throw rods at 134,000 miles. A car is a big investment and it died after 9 years. I had all my maintenance done as scheduled, this never should have happened. Currently my car is at Carson Honda in Carson City NV. Also, another issue. I would get transmission system warnings. I did take it to the honda dealer because I was told there was an injector issue and they looked at the car, reset the code and said there was nothing more they could do. I don't know if the two were connected in any way but wanted to throw that out there. They need to be investigated for crappy parts and scamming customers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Transmission issues began to occur shortly after purchase in 2017. The Honda dealership finally did a software update after several complaint. This temporarily fixed the issue. The car shifts low gears harshly and with hesitation. The transmission system failure/problem light came on and the car lost power. The car makes a squeaking noise between 23-30mph. Most recently we were traveling on an interstate at 75mph and had to slow down quickly (~55mph) once we began to accelerate the car went limp. This incident happened twice within a weeks time. This put the occupants in the car in danger because the car would not accelerate. It did finally begin to accelerate.

Internal engine damage was determined by a Folsom Honda Dealer in California. The damage is originating from the primary rod bearings; Replacement of the short block is necessary. Folsom Honda also stated the vehicle will need Cams and Heads of the engine replace. Needless to say, this a major engine failure. The vehicle only has 140K miles mainly freeway. Dealer estimated it will cost from 11K to 15K to repair the problem. We aware of Savannah Messenger V. American Honda Motor Co. Inc Lawsuit. We need help from you guys on this….. please advice Francisco Talavera [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving between with the RPM between 2,000 and 2,500, the vehicle bucked. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a transmission triple flush was performed; however, the failure recurred within 1-2 months. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the transmission was serviced several times; however, the failure reoccurred. Transmission fluid was added to the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that another diagnostic test was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to TSB: 16-091 (Judder from the Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch); however, the model year was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

I am submitting a safety complaint regarding a 2017 Honda Pilot experiencing a connecting rod bearing failure. Which has left my vehicle disabled. While driving on I-270 North, the vehicle suddenly made a loud “pop” noise and immediately lost power, creating a dangerous situation on a busy highway. Shortly afterward, the engine developed a very loud knocking noise, consistent with internal engine failure. The vehicle does not need to reproduce the concern, as multiple technicians were able to immediately hear the knocking upon inspection. The issue is constant and clearly present. There were no warning lights, no check engine light, and no prior indications of failure before the incident occurred. This sudden failure without warning presents a serious safety risk, especially at highway speeds. The vehicle has been regularly inspected and serviced, including services performed in dealership settings. The vehicle is currently available for inspection if needed. I am aware that similar model years have been affected by connecting rod bearing issues, and I believe this vehicle should be included or further investigated due to the sudden and dangerous nature of the failure.

Transmission and torque converter, were effected on my car. Safety concerns were witness when wife was driving on freeway with our 4 kids and car was jerking and not going like it’s was suppose to. We drove to slow lane were we proceeded to destination slowly . Problem was detected when transmission light came on when my wife and sister in law were driving on freeway. America Honda didnt want to look into it due to it being out of there warranty-of 150,000. So we took it to a transmission shop. We’re he diagnosed the code for the torque converter. The warning light came on at 166,000 miles. Thats when we’re actually aware of the issue. We never received a letter or call from America Honda warranty regarding this issue.

On [XXX], approximately 17 hours after purchasing this vehicle from a licensed dealer, the transmission began violently jerking, shuddering, and hesitating without warning while traveling at highway speed in Alabama. The sudden loss of smooth vehicle control created an immediate risk of collision with other vehicles. Diagnostic evaluation at O'Reilly Auto Parts confirmed fault code P0741 — Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance or Stuck OFF. A subsequent Honda dealership evaluation confirmed this as a PERMANENT DTC, meaning the fault existed across multiple drive cycles prior to purchase and prior to the failure event. I am aware that Honda previously acknowledged this transmission defect in 2016-2017 Honda Pilots and extended the warranty to 150,000 miles. This vehicle failed at 152,848 miles.... just 2,848 miles beyond that threshold. Honda USA denied goodwill assistance based solely on mileage. A permanent fault code cannot be cleared by battery disconnect. The defect was pre-existing at time of sale. The dealer listed the vehicle as having "No Issues." The dangerous transmission behavior at highway speed represents a serious ongoing public safety risk for any owner of an affected vehicle. I am requesting formal investigation and recall consideration for this known defect. Two independent repair facilities have confirmed transmission replacement is required. Estimated repair cost: $5,374 to $7,000. We have parked this dangerous vehicle until we can find a way to INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I received a letter from Honda regarding a warranty extension on the torque converter of my 2017 Honda Pilot. When I took the vehicle into the dealership, their senior technician confirmed the mechanical issues happening with the vehicle are aligned with the description of the concerns outlined in the warranty extension. The only element of the extension condition that was not happening was a code popping up on the screen. When I asked what conditions would need to take place for the code to pop up, they stated the torque converter would seize up while driving and cause the vehicle to be a hazard to those in the vehicle. When I explained this to Honda, they continued to deny the repair since the code did not populate. I am asking the NHTSA to look into this matter as I assume the purpose of the warranty extension was to repair an issue that could cause serious injury to the inhabitants of the vehicle, and not to rely on an electronic error code to pop up. Thank You

Vehicle: 2017 Honda Pilot Elite VIN: [XXX] Mileage at failure: 107,593 The 9-speed automatic transmission failed at approximately 107,593 miles. The repair cost 6,229.91 at an independent shop and included a full transaxle overhaul, replacement of the torque converter, transmission oil pump, and main control valve body. The vehicle previously had fuel injectors replaced under warranty at approximately 87,000 miles. I have opened a Honda goodwill reimbursement case (Case #16225384). I am filing this complaint to document the premature failure of critical powertrain components and support review for Honda goodwill assistance. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I am submitting additional documentation related to NHTSA complaint #11723932 for my 2017 Honda Pilot. I have obtained a transmission inspection report confirming that the failure was caused by a defective torque converter, resulting in internal transmission damage including the valve body and transmission oil pump. The report also indicates that the failure was not related to maintenance and represents a defect in the component. This required a full transmission overhaul at approximately 107,593 miles. I am providing this update to ensure the complaint accurately reflects the cause of the failure. I have contacted Honda several times and they are not willingvto look into my case. I had to get my fuel injector replaced at 87,000 miles when it was under warranty then the transmission goes 20k miles later.

I took my vehicle (2017 Honda pilot) to a Honda dealer in Selma, TX to have a pre-road trip checkup. They performed mileage related maintenance and assured me the vehicle was ready for my 2200 mile road trip. 600 miles into the trip, I stopped for gas. As I put the car in park, I received multiple errors on the driver's info panel. "1.Emissions system problem. 2.Transmission system problem. 3.Stop driving when safe. Transmission problem. See manual." Without any warning there was complete and sudden failure of the transmission. The car is available for inspection at a Honda dealer in Little Rock, AR where they ran diagnostics and found a list of problems. Apparently the Honda dealer in TX saw at least one of the errors and deleted it without informing me. If the transmission had failed while I was driving on the highway, average speeds of 70 mph, it could have caused a fatal accident. Right now the failed transmission has only been inspected by the Honda service dept in Little Rock, AR. There were no warnings from the vehicle to the driver prior to the complete and sudden failure whatsoever. After the failure the power train was locked in park. Drive, reverse, and neutral could not be engaged. I understand the mileage on the vehicle is high, but it is a grave safety concern when a major component of a vehicle can fail without reason or warning.

Unresponsive and delayed acceleration when pressing the accelerator at highway speed. There is no reaction once the accelerator is pressed, engine does not increase rpm and no increase in speed for 1-2 seconds. This lag in any acceleration has caused multiple dangerous situations and needs to be investigated.

Failure occurred at highway speed. A host is warning light came on and the car lost power. Lights that came on included emissions, traction control, power steering, all wheel drive and towing (I wasn’t towing anything). No lights were on before the incident. The vehicle lost power and could not maintain any speed. I was able to roll into the breakdown lane. The vehicle was brought to a local Honda dealer who preformed the diagnosis and determined the issue to be a failure of the high pressure fuel pump. Seems this has been the source of several recalls including the 2017 pilot but not my vin. It seems like the recall my need to be expanded

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently jerked with the transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 45,480.

First received a transmission system issue and took car into dealership for the torque converter recall. Not even a 1,000 miles later I received a transmission temperature too hot signal. Took it into the dealership again and they stated I need a new transmission due to “transmission clutches are burned from not servicing the transmission causing excessive friction making the fluid heat up faster and over heating”. Just got this vehicle a year ago. I believe my safety is at risk because with our other vehicle the muffler got so hot that it burned a hole through the bed of the truck and don’t want that happening in this vehicle with two kids under two.

Transmission locked up and had to be replaced April 8 of 2025. I was blessed it did not lock up while I was driving, but did as soon as I pulled in my driveway. While driving that evening I had some issue with it not downshifting. When stopped in driveway could not restart the car. Had to have a special tow truck take it to the repair shop. I never got a warning light regarding the transmission needing to be checked. I had issues prior to the lock up, engine revving, gearshifting too late. Obvious transmissions issue. As I never got a warning light no code would show to have it repaired. I took it to the honda dealer for repair. After the replacement with another 9 cyclinder transmission the autoshut off is problematics causing me to stall out when stopping at lights and intersections. I had a previous experience with the 1999 honda odyessy and had 3 transmissions replaced. I am concerned about my safety as I could only replace it with another Honda 9 cylinder transmission.

While driving got 3 messages. Transmission Error, Emission Error and Blind Spot Error and the vehicle would not go into Drive mode. Looking at all the information online there is plenty of reports on issue with the transmission on the 2005-2019 Pilots 9 Speed transmission including loss of power when driving which luckily did not happen to me. It is a safety concern that Honda needs to address.

Shifts hard and accelerates too fast between gear 1 and 2. DTC permanent codes are p2638 and p170B

My husband was driving on the highway to a competition for our daughter. He said the Transmission System Problem light came on 4 different times in 20 minutes. This had happened once while I was driving last year and had never happened again. We took it to our local transmission repair shop and the guy could not get it to repeat and the transmission worked as it should when he was testing it. He said it's something that he thinks is happening on the 6th speed that the rpm is not going to where it should. He said if it continues, we will have to put a new transmission in which will cost around $6000 and we are obviously past the Honda warranty. Looking online, it seems like many pilot owners of the same year are having the same issues. I would like to issue a complaint that Honda needs to extend a warranty for this issue.

I was driving on the highway home and received the transmission system error warning message. Pulled over safely after leaving highway and shit off the truck and was able tot skenabck roads home after restarting truck and error cleared. There was never a check engine light on, just the warning light.