What year did Honda Pilot have transmission problems?

There isn't a single year that defines Honda Pilot transmission problems; complaints have appeared across multiple model years, with the earliest generation drawing the most attention.

The issue has appeared most prominently in the first-generation Pilot, which covered models produced in the early 2000s, but owners of later generations have reported isolated transmission issues as well. This explainer reviews what the data shows, typical symptoms, recalls and what to check if you're shopping used.

Historical overview of transmission issues

Below is a summary of model years commonly cited by owners and recall data as having transmission-related problems. It is not exhaustive; issues can occur with high mileage regardless of year.

• 2003–2006: The first-generation Pilot saw the highest concentration of reported transmission problems, including slipping, harsh or delayed shifting, and, in some cases, transmission failure. These concerns appeared in owner forums, early service bulletins, and some recalls tied to transmission components.


• 2007–2008: As the generation aged, reports persisted for a subset of vehicles, especially with higher mileage. Some owners experienced continued shifting irregularities and related failures.


• 2009–2015: The second generation generally showed fewer widespread transmission complaints, but isolated cases of shifting hesitation, rough shifting, or other transmission-related symptoms were still reported.


• 2016–present: In the current generation, overall transmission reliability is higher, but there are occasional reports of software-related transmission control issues or other hiccups that were addressed through recalls or service updates.

In context, these issues are often tied to mileage, maintenance history, and specific hardware batches rather than a universal defect across an entire year. For shoppers, checking the vehicle’s service history and any open recalls is essential.

What to watch for if you're shopping or own a Pilot

Before listing typical signs, note that transmission problems can mimic other drivetrain issues, so proper diagnosis is important. The following are common symptoms reported by owners and technicians.

• Slipping gears or hesitation when engaging or accelerating from a stop


• Harsh, delayed, or jerky shifting between gears


• Unusual noises such as clunks, whining, or grinding near the transmission


• Transmission warning light or check engine light coming on


• Transmission fluid leaks or a burnt smell coming from the transmission area (less common but possible)

Conclusion: If any of these signs appear, have the vehicle inspected promptly by a qualified technician. Early intervention can prevent more serious and costly failures.

Recall and service information

Honda actions and service advisories

Honda has issued recalls and service bulletins related to Pilot transmissions over the years, including software updates and component inspections. Owners should verify recall status for their VIN on official channels and pursue any recommended service actions.

How to check recalls and service history

To verify if your Pilot is affected, check the VIN against NHTSA’s recall database (safercar.gov) and Honda’s recall portal. Review maintenance records for transmission fluid changes, cooling system service, software updates, or any documented transmission repairs.

Note: Recalls and service advisories evolve over time. Always consult official sources and your dealership for the most current information related to your vehicle.

Summary

There is no single problematic year for the Honda Pilot’s transmission. The earliest generation (roughly 2003–2006) attracted the most attention for transmission issues, with some reports in later generations. For buyers and owners, verify recall status, review service history, and monitor for common transmission symptoms. With proactive maintenance and timely recall repairs, many Pilot owners experience reliable performance across model years.

What years to avoid with a Honda Pilot?

The Honda Pilot years to avoid include 2003, 2004, 2005, 2011, 2016, and 2017 due to common issues like transmission failures, airbag problems (especially the 2003 model), electrical glitches, and premature brake/suspension issues. The 2016 model is also frequently cited as one to avoid as it was the first year of a new generation and had many initial problems.
 
This video discusses the best and worst years for the Honda Pilot: 52sCar ComfyYouTube · Sep 26, 2025
Model years to avoid

• 2003: Suffered from a significant number of complaints and recalls, including a major airbag defect that led to a "Do Not Drive" advisory in some cases. 
• 2004 and 2005: Faced recurring transmission issues, leading to costly repairs. 
• 2011: Had a high number of owner complaints and a range of issues, including transmission problems. 
• 2016: This model year was the first for the third generation and had numerous problems, including transmission failures and electrical system issues. 
• 2017: Continued to have many of the issues from the 2016 model, as Honda was still working to fix them. 

Common problems across multiple years 

• Transmission: Problems were particularly prevalent in the 2003-2005 and 2016-2017 model years. Older models may have issues with the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system, which can be addressed with a disabler device. 
• Brakes: Owners of 2003-2017 models reported problems with warped brake rotors, leading to vibrations while braking. 
• Electrical: Some models, especially the 2016 and 2019, experienced issues with the infotainment system, including frozen screens and loss of connectivity. 
• Airbags: The 2003 model was affected by the Takata airbag defect, leading to safety concerns and recalls. 

What year do Honda pilots have transmission issues?

Common Honda Pilot Problems
Here's a clear breakdown of popular Honda Pilot issues across multiple troubled years: Transmission failures: One of the most widespread issues involves transmission breakdowns across multiple years (2003–2005 and later models).

How do I know if my Honda Pilot has a transmission problem?

6 Signs Your Honda Needs a Transmission Service

1. Unresponsive to Gear Changes. The vehicle may stop responding when you attempt to change gears if there's a problem with the transmission.
2. Difficult Gear Changes.
3. Fluid Leak.
4. Burning Aroma.
5. Gears Slipping.
6. New Sounds in Neutral.

What year did Honda have bad transmissions?

Honda automatic and CVT transmissions from the late 1990s and early 2000s are known for problems, with specific problematic years often cited including 1998–2004 for general issues and 1999–2003 for specific automatic transmission failures. Specific models like the Accord, Odyssey, and Acura TL are frequently mentioned as being affected. 
This video explains the reasons why Honda transmissions fail: 59sspeedkar99YouTube · Jun 10, 2024
Problematic years by model

• Honda Accord: Years 1998–2002 and 1999–2003 had widespread automatic transmission issues, with some later models like 2008–2010 and 2013–2014 also having problems. 
• Honda Odyssey: The 1999–2003 and 1999–2001 models are frequently cited for transmission problems. 
• Acura TL/CL: The 2000–2003 and 2001–2003 models are known to have issues, with the Acura 3.2 TL having problems from 1999 onward. 
• Honda Civic: Some earlier CVT models, like those from 1999–2004, are known to have issues. 
• Honda Pilot: The early 2000s models had issues with overheating transmissions. 
• Honda Jazz and Vezel Hybrid: Some 2014 models had issues with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission software. 

Common symptoms of transmission problems

• Slipping gears
• Rough shifting or delayed shifts
• Jerking during acceleration
• Unusual noises
• Transmission failing to engage
• Vibrations 

This video discusses Honda CVT reliability: 46sShadetree AutomotiveYouTube · Feb 10, 2024
Why these years had problems

• Automatic transmissions: The V6 automatics from the late 1990s and early 2000s were particularly prone to failure. 
• CVTs: Some early Honda CVTs, particularly those from 1999–2004, had a high rate of failure. 
• Dual-clutch transmissions: Some 2014 models had software issues that could cause delays or failure in gear selection.