Problems with 2004 Honda Pilot POWER TRAIN

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 honda pilot. the contact stated that while driving 45mph the vehicle made a grinding sound and the rpm's fell without warning. the contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer to be diagnosed. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. upon investigation the contact had associated recall nhtsa campaign number: 04v176000(power train) with the vehicle failure. the vehicle had not been repaired. the failure mileage was 203,300.

Car would not. move in any gear, let sit over nite started car and made it home with no problem

Seems to shudder .. light acceleration shudders, leaves then comes back again .

I was driving wit my family in the car pool lane when without warning my vehicle started braking hard and accelerating, back and forth, luckily there wasn't too much traffic or most likely this situation could have created a serious accident . i got off the freeway and notice the transmission must be stuck in 2nd or 3rd gear. i doubt my honda pilot is an anomaly, since there're lot of videos online about this vehicles transmission issues.

Purchased a 2004 honda pilot used at 136k miles. within a week of driving the check engine light came on. engine codes p0700, p0705, p0740 were all present, which are all in relation to the automatic transmission. the transmission shop confirmed that this is a common issue across honda & acura vehicles in the '03-'04 range (see 2003-2004 acura mdx service bulletin 06-003). a design flaw in the torque converter causes it to break down & shed metal fragments, which compromises the rest of the transmission. the only real fix is to rebuild or replace the transmission. honda americas customer service refused to review my case any further, even under goodwill consideration.

Ok the vehicle stalls on hills, becoming nearly impossible to proceed, and simultaneously emits a grinding-scraping sound seeming to come from the front-end portion of the undercarriage. so, far it has always managed to continue running/moving forward during and after. it just feels like the automatic transmission is badly, and near the end of slipping/failing. i looked up it's value on a website, and a warning box popped up notifying me that my pilot's year make & model has 6 separate manufacturer's recalls. upon looking further, i see that-indeed-one recall is for the automatic transmissions! then, when i did another search, specific to my vin #, i saw that my particular pilot does not have any recall on it. yet, now, the transmission is failing, and i only just purchased my car at the end of january, 2019....i want to at least make my best effort to complete the process of attempting to get a transmission recall on my car-since i now that other 2004 honda pilots have gotten one. i am filing my complaint today based upon that knowledge, despite the high milage accumulated on my specific pilot. there've been about 10 separate occurances of the stalling-grinding transmission "death throes" since i acquired it, all took place at low speeds on urban streets, and half *5 or 6 times) happened while driving up a large hill, the rest on flat city streets. i hope this is sufficient info for this complaint to be processed. thanks

Transmission started slipping jerking in and out of gear. can't change into any other gear but drive.

Okay i've only owned this vehicle about 5 or 6 months when i first got it didn't have any trouble after about 2 weeks i noticed when i would back up and made like a growling sound but no trouble with the transmission drove it no trouble except for some electrical trouble for some reason my battery kept going dead at night it had a garage check it out and they said there's a short somewhere and we started pulling bulbs and fuses didn't find anything so i had to unhook the battery each night so i don't have to get a jump in the morning okay on to the next issue is no problems until this past sunday the 7th of october and i had pulled into a country exxon station left it running ran inside the door for 2 seconds back out my car was gone hear it had jumped gear roll backwards and thank god it didn't hit anybody or hit the pump is stop within inches so i got in it put it back in park it was still running and try to put it in drive it when go so i shut it off waited 325 minutes started it up again it went into drive drove only about a thousand feet and then it would move and had to be towed home now i don't have any documents but i can but i can get them for murphy's garage but i can get them for murphy's garage and my

At approximately 146,000 miles light in the 'd' drive gear on the dash board began flashing. took it in for repairs and was told the transmission was shuddering 35 mph - 40 mph when it was test driven. looked into the issue and was told the the transmission would need to be replaced (faulty), immediately.

Torque converters get stuck and causes vehicle to "shudder" or vibrate quite badly in the 40-50 mph range.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 honda pilot. while driving various speeds, the vehicle independently shifted into neutral without warning and the engine stalled. when the key was inserted in the ignition, it was able to be easily removed. the vehicle was taken to a local dealer (colonial honda of dartmouth, 225 state road, dartmouth, ma, 02747), but could not be diagnosed because no warning indicators illuminated. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure was persistent. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vin was not included in any recalls. the failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Heat build-up between the countershaft and secondary shaft second gears in the automatic transmission, eventually leading to gear tooth chipping or gear breakage.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 honda pilot. when the gear was shifted into park, while releasing the brake pedal, the vehicle would attempt to roll backwards. in addition, the contact stated that the vehicle rolled backwards or forward regardless if it were uphill or downhill. the failure recurred numerous times and each time the brake pedal was being released. the vehicle was taken to genesis honda (located on 8931 highway 92 woodstock, ga 30189) where a preliminary diagnostic test was performed. the vehicle was not repaired. the dealer informed the contact that the issue could be the shifter, and that further diagnostic testing was needed. the vehicle was not repaired due to the diagnostic fees. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to take the vehicle to a local dealer. the approximate failure mileage was 188,523.

Intense shudder emanating from underneath the car causing the whole car to shake. typically occurs between 20-30 mph during slight acceleration. abates somewhat if take foot off of accelerator. from my reading, this appears to be a very common issue involving the torque converter.

My wife was smashed between an opened driver's door and a pole because the the car rolled backward. the safety's problem in this car is: that you can remove the key from the ignition while the car's engine is still running, remove the keys from the ignition when the gear in other than park gear, or engine shuts off and vehicle not in park. my wife was injured yesterday because the car was not in park and the vehicle squeezed her between an open door and a pole outside. that happened because in this car the engine shuts off and she was able to remove the key from ignition while the car in neutral... this is a major safety issue when the key can be removed while the engine is still running or in any other gear other than the park status..... this is all happened in a parking lot. stationary and right after she parked the car .

My transmission is slipping, took it to a honda specialist. while drivinf this is how i noticed something was wrong.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 honda pilot. while driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle shook and shuttered without warning. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the torque converter was worn out. the technician advised the contact to continue driving the vehicle, but to be prepared to replace the transmission when a warning indicator illuminated. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. the failure was not remedied. the failure mileage was approximately 132,500.

Transmission failure on the highway. engine began to rev to high rpms with no power

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 honda pilot. the contact stated that the engine warning light illuminated and when the vehicle was in first gear and attempting to place the vehicle in second gear, the gear would seize in first gear and was unable to shift into second. the contact stated the vehicle was previously repaired for nhtsa campaign number: 04v176000 (power train) however, the failure recurred. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed the automatic system, the automatic transmission, system, and the clutch failed. as a result, the transmission needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

I have a 2004 honda pilot with roughly 174,000 miles on it. it has been well cared for and the engine seems to run great. i acquired the car about a month ago and upon driving it i noticed a faint shuddering between gears upon acceleration from 2-50 mph. the weeks went on and it is now very scary to drive it shudders terribly while accelerating and decelerating from 2-50 mph. it feels as if the vehicle is going to just stall or possibly lock up and crash off the road i have an infant son and im afraid to have him in the vehicle. the car was bought outright from a certified honda dealership for over 10,000 $ a few years back,. and like i said the car is barely drivable the steering is very unpredictable and wild it is unresponsive at times when im turning the steering wheel the car continues to go straight. the noise from the front differential area along with the brakes are so loud when going down hill that they can be heard over the radio on level 24-27. i can feel the constant vibration and upset in the front end so bad while driving that i have to mute the radio at times to make sure the vehicle isn't scraping and sparking along due to a transmission lock up cause it just feels like something is terribly wrong. i m too afraid to even go on the freeway unless absolutely necessary because im afraid of being injured or killed by this all too common problem i've been reading about. this fact is very troublesome because i live where the only way to get anywhere is to go on the freeway so i don't know what im going to do. with the amount of complaints on this exact issue im surprised there is no law suit... i am going to try to see what i can do to get one started... if your product has been proven defective like this obviously has then honda really needs to own up its not fair how much money we all lose by purchasing this pos for the high resale prices we pay!!!

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 honda pilot. the contact stated that the key would not turn over to start the vehicle. the gears also failed to shift into park multiple times. the vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis and repairs. the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 12v573000 (electrical system). the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 174,171. updated 2/4/16 *cn the consumer stated the vehicle was repaired at a cost of $ 441.67. updated 03/31/16.*jb

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 honda pilot. while driving at 45 mph, the vehicle started to vibrate and the check engine warning light illuminated. the contact noticed transmission fluid leaking from the front of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission failed. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 150,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 honda pilot. the contact stated that while driving 60 mph, the vehicle shifted into gears independently without warning. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 201,000.

Intermittent, audible vibration/shudder between 35-50 mph while accelerating. dealer inspection believes it's the torque converter. *tr

I have 2004 honda pilot lx. when traveling at about 30-50 mph. hear and feel a vibration when at consistent speed. seems as if it's coming from the bottom of the vehicle. maybe from a drive shaft or propeller shaft or something. it's getting much and much worst as days goes by. i am worried something can come loose when vehicle in moving motion. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 honda pilot. the contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, the transmission slipped between second and third gears. the contact mentioned that the check engine warning light was illuminated. the vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 04v176000 (power train). the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure and current mileage was 110,000.

Driving around town transmission locked up. avoided crash. recall on my vehicle was never performed. now my transmission needs to be rebuilt and i have to pay for hondas negligence? we purchase this new in 2004 the recall was in the same year. always dealer maintained. this is unacceptable!! my family could have been seriously hurt in a serious crash!! now my vehicle is at aamco for the repairs. honda will not cover the repairs because the recall was never done? honda never repaired it !! i my family will never buy another honda product again, sorry buy my family's well being is more important than their profits. *tr

While driving around 30-50 miles an hour my vehicle has been making a shuddering noise with a vibration and while this is happening the rpms with move up and down with as the shuddering progresses. it seems as though this is a common problem with the year and make of the vehicle. i have taken it to the dealership to verify that i need to have my torch converter replaced and it will cost around $1700.00 to fix it. i'm concerned for the safety of my vehicle as it could cause the whole transmission to go out. *tr

I was due for my yearly vehicle inspection. prior to getting the vehicle inspected the check engine light came on. i took the vehicle to the dealer for the inspection and told them the engine light came on. i was then told that the code that came up was for the transmission and that it needs to be replaced. the vehicle did not pass inspection because of this and i was issued a piece of paper to place in the window that gives me 10 days to have the vehicle repaired. the car is a 2004 honda pilot with 158470 miles.it has shown no signs of transmission problems. *tr

I was driving in the highway then my car wouldn't go fast when i stop to se what happen there was smoke coming out of my engine took it to mechanic he told me it was a transmission problem we goggle around before trying to fix it and it says thus type of situation is been recall already. *tr

When i started the car and began driving i noticed that the gear change lever was gliding through r, n, d, etc. rather than being firm in each position. luckily, the car did not fall out of gear. i have since learned from the shop that the only thing holding it in gear as i drove was this very loose lever. this was extremely unsafe to drive! the determination is that the shift selector assembly inside the transmission is broken and a new transmission is required. i am dismayed to see how many hondas require new transmissions, and am upset that despite the obvious safety issue, and the number of problems experienced, no recall has occurred. *tr

Transmission fail-description of problem: heat build up between the countershaft and secondary shaft second gears in the automatic transmission, eventually leading to gear tooth chipping or gear breakage. contacted honda and was told that there were no recalls for this vin and because the service work was not completed by honda they claim no responsibility for their design flaw. a very expensive engineering/design problem that was flawed from the beginning and then burdened/blamed by honda on the consumer. *tr

Noticed that the d was flashing while on a multi-stop trip to visit family. this first occurred while driving on the interstate and there were no other indications that there was a transmission problem. when i stopped for gas the light stopped flashing and everything seemed to be fine. i continued on to the first stop of my trip. a couple of days later i drove to the 2nd stop of my trip and while driving in and around town on the 2nd day there the d started flashing again. i took the car to a transmission shop and was advised that the transmission was failing and needed to be replaced. at that time i did not know that there had been a transmission recall and so i authorized the repair. that repair was a complete transmission rebuild which cost 2638.42. since finding out about the recall and the other transmission problems i feel that i should be reimbursed for this repair. *tr

yesterday my honda pilot started acting irregular as i was pulling into a controlled intersection turning left. my pilot would not accelerate as normal and left me stranded in middle of intersection as oncoming traffic approached. traffic did slow down and i shifted into 2nd gear, and that allowed my to move through safely through the intersection. no accident, just a angry young man shaking his hand and screaming through his windshield. i called honda and open a case # this morning. interestingly, i call honda and opened up a case in 2010, with shuddering and vibration problems at 50-55 mph. i bought new tires (only 34k on bridgestones), changed differential fluid ,vtm-4, egr value, even had drive shaft inspected for vibration, anything that was suggested to me. nothing fixed issue, spoke with several other pilot owner (2003-2004) and they suggested it was normal operation and theirs does that too. only item left in my mind was torque converter. ask honda for help. gave me the 3yrs/36,000 mile speech. now the "d" indication light flashes green. indicating a transmission problem. taking to dealer this morning to inspect. being very careful at stop and go lights. *tr

The transmission failed on my 2004 honda pilot with only 157,000 miles on it. thankfully, it was in a parking garage and did not cause any injuries or blocked roadways other than a busy parking garage. *tr

My 2004 pilot ex-res started a faint whining noise around 73k miles. the noise became progressively more pronounced with time/miles. the noise is only audible when pressing on the gas pedal and in third gear. as soon as the gas pedal is depressed the noise disappears. i have 93k miles on the odometer as of may 2013 and the noise is now a high pitched whining noise; it is very annoying and easily audible inside the cabin even with the windows closed. i took it to the honda dealership to diagnose this noise and they told me it is the torque converter and that it will eventually fail with the transmission; they advised me not to do anything at this time since the fluid and transmission pressure lines all checked out good. i was surprised to hear this recommendation from the service adviser. i take immaculate care of my car with on the spot oil/filter/transmission/vtm-4 fluid changes using honda oem parts and quality motor oil. i am concerned one day my pilot will leave me and my family stranded on the road with a huge bill to replace the transmission and torque converter. i have 2 small kids and this is the last thing i need to worry about; my vehicle was not part of the recall to install the oil jet kit. i believe honda should fuss up about this issue and issue a proper fix to all affected owners, otherwise lots of people will look elsewhere for their next vehicle. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 honda pilot. the contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, the transmission slipped between second and third gears. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. the mechanic stated that the solenoid would have to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 100,000. *tr

At a traffic stop everything wa normal, when i accelerated the vehicle i noticed that the d indicator started to flash. before contacting the dealership i did a search on line and found that many other pilot owners are having the same issue. when i contacted the dealer they wanted to charge me 150.00 for them to hook the vehicle up to their computers. i now found out that the problem is a switch for the fourth gear. my vehicle runs great and shifts very smoothly. my wife and daughter use this vehicle to go back and forth to school. it appears that honda has had over nine years to fix and address this problem, weather you are the first owner or not, and if you purchased it from a honda dealer should not be a consideration. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Driving on freeway transmission completely dis-engaged ( as if i shifted into neutral ). while "coasting" i was attempting to safely pull off to the side of the freeway. after approximately five seconds the transmission re-engaged and was performing normally again. i took surface streets for the ten mile trip home and the problem occurred four additional times. *tr

Pulled vehicle into a service shop. turned off vehicle and removed key from ignition to take key off ring for technician. vehicle was not in park but still in drive even though i was able to remove key. a minute after leaving vehicle car rolled down slight incline and into and across 3 lanes of busy 40mph traffic. two vehicles slammed on their brakes amazingly missing broadsiding the vehicle. a second change in the timing would have certainly resulted in three car accident and potentially serious injuries. *tr

To start off i bought my pilot used from honda with about 83,000 miles on it a year ago. when i drive my car at a steady 30mph to 45mph it shutters and makes noises as if i'm driving over road turtles. it's very violent until i let off the accelerator. i talked to honda and they said it was the torque converter. i asked if it had been recalled and they told me there had never been a recall for the transmission. i know that's not true and they won't do anything about it. it's mine and my wife's only car right now. it's a serious issue that is very unsafe for my family and could cause a crash. there faulty transmission puts my families life in danger every time we drive it. honda should take care of us free of cost do to there defective parts that are not because of normal wear. they also should have never sold us the pilot without fixing the known faulty transmission. i believe it's illegal by federal law to sell it knowing there is a faulty transmission and recall with out addressing it and fixing it. *tr

Transmission made a very loud noise wheels locked up, and trans lost fluid through the drivers side. upon closer examination i found that the entire transmission case had small cracks and the trans would lock-up as if there was something in the gears like a bolt or pin of sorts if driven even a couple of feet. complete transmission had to be replaced, contacted dealer no coverage from honda. *tr

Went to dealer for a recall service and maintenance, also ask dealer to check for an issue about car makes a clunking sound some where in front engine when turn right. they found the front/right engine mount was broken, need to be replaced both of them and cost $820. i found a lot of pilot owners has same issue. i think honda should issue a recall for this. *tr

The transmission shakes and stutters as if it is stalling at speeds of 35 to 50 miles an hour. it will not go in reverse or forward. engine starts but it will not go. *tr

Complete transmission failure at 60 mph. no warning, no blinking lights, sounds, shuddering etc. i was able to coast off the freeway without collision! i had my car towed to the dealership and was told $5000-$5500 for a transmission replacement. my vin was not included in the transmission recall of 2004. this is dangerous! i am so grateful that my children were not with me and that there was no collision. *tr

I was parked in the driveway on a completely flat surface. i put the car in reverse to back out of the driveway. i touched the accelerator pedal lightly to get the car moving, the car accelerated wildly. i stomped on the brake, which went to the floor. i had time to look down and see that my foot was on the brake pedal and to stomp on the emergency brake. the car did not slow down at all. the vehicle continued accelerating until it smashed into a tree going approximately 30 mph (estimated). a couple hours before the wreck a previously unseen brake error light came on the dash. the shop it was taken to refused to look into the brakes, accelerator, master cylinder or the transmission. they stated there were no codes triggered, though they could provide no proof that they even had the necessary equipment to read the codes. state farm insurance refuses to investigate because the vehicle was a total loss. this from a stand still on a flat surface. it was horrific. i would like the vehicle inspected to determine if there was a mechanical failure. *tr

Apparently i did not place the car in park but was able to take the keys out of the ignition. left the car and when i came back to the car, the car had rolled backward and crashed into bushes which stopped the car. this has happened to me twice. i now make sure i engage the parking brake to make sure the car does not roll. *tr

Pilot rolled away while it was parked, i had key in my hand, it hit a concrete flower pot. damaging my right fender bumper mirror.policeman got inside pilot took key in and out of ignition several times,while it was in gear. i drove the car to honda dealership told them what happened. they admitted it should not do that, but did nothing to help. after hearing of recall in jan. i contacted honda about the incident telling them they should fix my pilot since it was there fault this accident happened. they had me send them information about what happened. the police report ect.they had me take the pilot to dealership and leave it 5 hours. when honda called me back a week later they refused to take responsibility for accident because the key does not come out of ignition when dealership had it, it does not do this all of the time , but it did happen in july 2012 long before i knew about recall and i have police report and witness to prove it did. my insurance has gone up because of accident plus i have to pay deductible, when this was not my fault. honda has recall on honda so how could they not be responsible? could you please help me with this? *tr

While driving to the airport for family vacation, my 2004 pilot started making a grinding sound every few minutes. when we returned 2 weeks later while driving around town between 20 and 40 miles per hr. it continued making same grinding sounds. had my mechanics look at it suggested changing transmission fluid and differential fluid, did so but it kept on making grinding sounds. recently got a notice for another recall on my pilot, looked online and found there was a recall for the transmission soon after i bought my pilot in 2004. i was never notified about this recall. pilot still grinding and getting worse. called dealer this morning and said that my vin # was not recalled for this problem. why am i not getting a recall notice for a problem that honda knows about? *tr

There is a growl/grind/shudder between 30-40 mph specifically at 1,500 rpms. the noise appears to be coming from the transmission or very close to the transmission. this issue is very hard to diagnose, however i already replaced the transmission once and the issue came back. could i have purchased two faulty honda transmissions? *jb