What is the most common problem with the 2021 Honda Pilot?
The most commonly reported problem for the 2021 Honda Pilot is transmission-related issues, particularly rough shifting and hesitation, with some owners reporting more serious failures. This article examines the nature of those problems, how widely they appear in data and owner reports, and what steps owners can take to address them.
Overview of the issue
Across owner forums, complaints about the Pilot's nine-speed automatic transmission are among the most frequently mentioned. Some drivers report a noticeable shudder as the transmission shifts, occasional hesitation when accelerating, and in rare cases transmission failure that requires service or replacement. Regulatory data and consumer review aggregators through 2024–2025 continue to highlight transmission behavior as the leading concern for the 2021 Pilot. Honda has issued service bulletins on various models over the years; for the 2021 Pilot, transmission-related symptoms are the aspect most often cited by owners in non-warranty repairs.
Leading problem: transmission behavior
Before listing the details, note that transmission problems typically show up under moderate to high-load driving, cold starts, or after several years of use. The following items summarize common transmission-related experiences reported by owners and summarized by third-party reviews.
Below is a concise list of the common problems related to transmission that owners report.
- Rough shifting or shuddering: The nine-speed automatic can feel abrupt as gears engage, sometimes described as a jolt or clunk during shifts.
- Hesitation or slow response when accelerating: Some drivers experience a delay before the transmission downshifts or engages into a higher gear, resulting in slower acceleration.
- Torque converter or internal transmission wear: In a subset of cases, owners report torque converter issues or internal wear that requires service or replacement.
These issues represent the core transmission-related complaints observed in owner feedback and safety data for the 2021 Pilot. They are not universal, and many owners report years of trouble-free operation.
Other recurring problems reported
Beyond the transmission, other problems in owner reports and reliability surveys include:
- Infotainment and electrical glitches: touchscreen freezing, Bluetooth connectivity issues, and occasional system reboots.
- A/C and climate control problems: inconsistent cooling or failure to reach set temperatures in some vehicles.
- Brake system or sensor concerns: occasional brake warning lights or sensor faults reported by a minority of owners.
These issues are less widespread than transmission problems but are among the more frequently discussed non-transmission concerns for the 2021 Pilot.
What buyers and dealers can do
Mechanisms to address these problems include software updates, recall/service campaigns, and potential warranty coverage. If you own a 2021 Pilot and notice transmission symptoms, steps include scheduling a diagnostic with a Honda dealer, checking for any active recalls related to the vehicle's VIN, and reviewing your warranty status to determine eligible repairs under powertrain or vehicle coverage.
In addition to transmission-specific concerns, staying on top of routine maintenance and software updates can help mitigate some of the infotainment and climate-control glitches that owners report.
Summary
The 2021 Honda Pilot’s most commonly reported problem centers on the transmission, particularly rough shifting and hesitation, based on owner feedback and data collected through consumer reviews and safety databases through 2024–2025. While many drivers enjoy reliable operation, a notable subset reports transmission-related symptoms, alongside infotainment glitches and climate-control concerns. Prospective buyers should consider a thorough pre-purchase inspection, review the vehicle’s maintenance history, and verify warranty coverage if issues arise.
