About this problem
Automatic transmission complaints describe harsh or delayed shifts, jerking at low speed, hesitation when pulling away and flaring between gears. Newer transmissions with many gears rely heavily on software, and some problems are fixed by updates or by relearning shift patterns. Others come from worn valve bodies, torque converters or clutch packs and need a rebuild or replacement.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Honda Pilot since 2012, 101 (1.7%) describe transmission jerking and rough shifting, the third most reported problem we track on the Pilot. The reports cluster on the 2016, 2017 and 2019 model years, and the 2016 drew the most, with 34. It tends to show up in the middle years of ownership: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 31,000 and 70,000 miles. No recall covers it, but Honda has sent dealers service bulletins about it, listed below.
What owners report
Complaints describe the Pilot's automatic transmission jerking, hesitating and shifting roughly, especially at low speeds, and the 9-speed versions slipping between gears. Some owners say the problem shows up mostly when cold or in stop-and-go traffic, others at highway speeds. The 2016, 2017 and 2019 model years drew the most reports.
How it gets fixed
Dealers usually start with a transmission software update (a re-flash) and a fluid change. If that does not help, a valve body, torque converter or full transmission replacement may follow.
Typical cost: A software update is often free or under $200. A torque converter or valve body job runs $1,000 to $2,500, and a replacement transmission $3,500 to $6,000.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"1. Keyless start system problem error warning 2. Transmission or throttle issue: jerky or choppy acceleration when at low or moderate acceleration between speeds of 20 to 50 mph or during cruising at speeds of 20 to 50 mph."
2016 Honda Pilot, 35,000 miles
"After coming to a stop or slowing down to a very low speed, when I reaccelerate to build speed, the transmission stalls and then jerks into gear while in eco-mode. At times this is almost causing a collision."
2017 Honda Pilot, 112,355 miles
"Transmission has a hard shifting loose power when accelerating slipping gear I tell the dealer they said I need to wait or get worse before it needs to fixed"
2019 Honda Pilot, 12 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Service bulletins
Honda has sent dealers 8 bulletins that mention this problem on the Pilot. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
The transmission has intermittent harsh or jerky upshifts with steady acceleration.
Servicenews article - in a 9-speed a/t, the atf level is critical.
Tech line summary article - Loose bulkhead cover latches and strikers can cause a grinding, rattle, flutter, buzz and/or vibration from the front of the vehicle when lightly accelerating with the engine speed under 2,000 rpm.
Servicenews article - Loose bulkhead cover latches and strikers can cause a grinding, rattle, flutter, buzz and/or vibration from the front of the vehicle when lightly accelerating with the engine speed under 2,000 rpm.
Before you buy a Pilot
- On the test drive, accelerate gently and firmly, and pay attention to the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts and to coasting down to a stop.
- Ask whether transmission software updates or a fluid flush have been done.
- Walk away from a car that clunks into gear or flares the engine speed between shifts.
Questions
Which Honda Pilot years have transmission jerking and rough shifting?
Complaints are highest for the 2016, 2017, 2019 model years. The 2016 drew the most, with 34 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 43,000 miles, and half reported it between 31,000 and 70,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
A software update is often free or under $200. A torque converter or valve body job runs $1,000 to $2,500, and a replacement transmission $3,500 to $6,000.