Problems with 2004 Honda Pilot POWER TRAIN

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 honda pilot. the contact was driving 70 mph when the check engine warning light illuminated. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who inspected the failure and advised that the transmission needed to be replaced. there was a previous recall under nhtsa campaign id number: 04v176000 (power train: automatic transmission). the vehicle was repaired under the recall previously bu the failure recurred. the manufacturer was contacted who advised that they would file a complaint on the contact's behalf and have a representative give him a return call. the failure mileage was 98,000 and the current mileage was 99,104.

I have noticed when my pilot gets below 50 mph it gets a shuddering to it (not always but most times driving in the city), almost like its driving over a washboard. during a visit to the dealership i talked to another honda pilot owner who was experiencing the same thing but the dealership could not tell her what the issue was. so after more investigating she took it to a non-honda repair person who told her the problem lies with the torque converter and to use a product called shudder fix. my question is if honda is having these complaints why are they not fixing this issue and still selling these vehicles with this problem? i love my honda other than that, but feel this is a defect in the workmanship. *tr

While driving normal and slowly accelerating, at the speed of 35-45 mph a "shuddering vibration" occurs. *tr

Premature automatic transmission failure after recall work (04v176000) oil jet kit installation on 2004 pilot. honda should be responsible for replacing all transmissions on all affected vehicles. how could honda possibly determine that no damage had occurred to the transmission prior to the oil jet kit installation that vehicles with less than 15k received as a "fix". another example of how the end consumer gets the shaft if their fortunate enough to have survived the results of the faulty part. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 honda pilot. the contact stated that the check engine light remained illuminated. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the check engine light was reset several times, but the failure was not corrected. the check engine light remained illuminated and the contact took the vehicle to two different mechanics for diagnosis. both diagnostics located the failure at the transmission torque and the transmission would need to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure and the current mileage was 122,000.

My 2004 honda pilot has a shuddering sound when i go above around 35 miles an hour. it is very intermittent but can be loud. my local dealer said they had to get a honda engineer out to look at it and it is verified to be the torque converter. this seems to be a very common issue researching it here and on the internet. i am frustrated that honda has not recalled these knowing that it is such a wide sweeping issue with pilots. *tr

I took my honda pilot to the honda dealership because the d light was flashing. they found code p1740 indicating a 4th pressure switch failure. i received an estimate for $5,109 + tax to replace the transmission and torque converter. i discovered the recall issued for the transmission on the 2003-2004 honda pilots, but when i called honda, i was told that there was no recall for my vehicle for the transmission. my vehicle is having the same problem that is described in the recall, so i do not understand why honda would deny servicing my vehicle in accordance with the recall. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 honda pilot. the contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph, the transmission began to slip gears with a roaring noise and then suddenly failed to operate. the transmission warning indicator illuminated during the failure. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who stated that the transmission would need to be replaced. there was a recall related to the failure under nhtsa campaign id number 04v176000 (power train: automatic transmission). the manufacturer was notified of the failure and they stated that the vin was not included in the recall. the vehicle had not been repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 193,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 honda pilot. the contact stated that the vehicle would violently shake while driving approximately 40 mph and above. the vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered no assistance. the failure mileage was 100,700. updated 02/22/12*lj the consumer stated the torque converter needed to be replaced. updated 03/01/12

Vehicle shudders when accelerating and shifting gears around 40 mph. *tr

My 2004 honda pilot with just 130,000 miles needed to have my transmission replaced.it was making loud noises and the transmission was slipping. on august 6, 2004 my pilot based on a honda safety recall - installed a oil jet kit to the transmission because my car had 15, 232 which i think was over by 232 miles required to get a new transmission. my car is completely serviced at the honda dealer. *tr

At 30-40 mph while slightly accelerating, the engine vibrates or shudders. the symptom stops if i let off the gas or if i increase the acceleration. does not seem to have other problems associated with this. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 honda pilot. while driving approximately 60 mph up an incline, the transmission down shift into second gear while the engine warning indicator was illuminated. the failure occurred continuously. the contact was unable to drive beyond 30 mph. there was a recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 04v176000 (power train: automatic transmission). the vin was ineligible under the recall defect. the vehicle was diagnosed by a certified mechanic who stated the transmission would need to be replaced. the vehicle had not been repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the problem. the approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

Vehicle shudders at 45 mph, making a "whoosh' sound and slowing abruptly, if briefly. *tr

I am an owner of a 2004 honda pilot with 123000 miles and have been experiencing an automatic transmission/torque converter shudder/vibration that occurs between 30-50 mph. the vibration began occurring at about 98,000 miles. at speeds of 30-50mph the vibration occurs under light acceleration and continues until i either push down harder on the gas pedal or let off it completely. i researched the issue on the internet and have found numerous similar complaints on honda vehicle owner forums. apparently this problem is due to a defective transmission that is similar to the one on the honda made acura and has been the subject of an acura recall. the defect will ultimately result in a vehicle safety hazard when the transmission fails. even though my vehicle is no longer under warranty, the transmission problem is a result of a defective part rather than normal wear and tear and honda should issue a recall or initiate an owner notification/resolution program to prevent potential harm to passengers when the transmission fails on the road. this is a dangerous defect that should be publicly adressed by honda. *tr

The car stalled while driving in the freeway. i paid $4500 for rebuilt transmission. *tr

Transmission began to slip, vehicle lost power during acceleration. transmission eventually failed altogether. vehicle undrivable. unsafe situation. no way to accelerate and no warning to pull over. *tt

My vehicle is having automatic transmission problems. i have taken it to several mechanics and the dealership and have been told they need to run diagnostics. they diagnosed the same problems and said the sensor and transmission need to be replaced. i have done some research and found that most 2003 and 2004 honda owners have had this problem. this morning i was driving on the highway and my car stopped and i was almost rear ended. this problem has been there for a while and i took it in before but was told different sensors needed to be replaced. *tt

2004 honda pilot with 131,567 miles. all required maintenance done at the dealer since purchase. took in a car that was running fine for scheduled routine maintenance & left with a $3,000 bill. was told by the dealer that the car was now good for another 30,000 miles. drove several blocks down the road & after stopping at a stop sign, wouldn't go into drive, just ran as in neutral. finally got into drive by downshifting into 2nd. went back to dealer who couldn't duplicate problem. went home & problem persisted. took back to dealer who drove & duplicated problem. stated that i now need a new transmission for a cost of $4,800.i cannot afford another $4800 on top of $3000 so car is now sitting in my driveway wince it is obviously not safe to drive while i drive my fathers 26 year old toyota cressida which runs fine. *tr

While driving at a steady speed of 35-45 mph the car experiences shuddering for about 5 seconds at irregular intervals. it sounds and feels like it is coming from the front of the vehicle, perhaps on the driver side and at first i thought it may be bad wheel bearings. those turned out to be fine. i took it to a repair shop who said it needed the rear differential serviced. that did not stop the shuddering. subsequent research has shown that the honda pilot / acura mdx with the 3.5l v6 in the 2003 - 2008(?) range experience this problem on a large scale, resulting from a faulty torque converter. nhtsa item number 10022468 addresses this problem specific to the 2003-2004 acura mdx but my experience and that of hundreds of honda pilot / acura mdx owners shows that the issue is much broader in scope. *tr

2004 honda pilot when accelerating between 35-45 miles per hour the vehicle starts to shudder. as time has passed this is starting to happen more frequently a nd at lower speeds. i have read other complaints about this and the recall that was issued for the same problem with acura. i know the was a recall for the 2004 pilot but was informed by the dealer that mine was not involved. *tr

Last year our honda pilot began occasionally having a shuddering sound, like driving over a metal grate. this would occur when decelerating slightly around 40 mph. over the past year this has begun to occur regularly rather than occasionally and for a longer duration and louder. now the d light has begun flashing. from research i am expecting to find that the transmission is failing due to torque converter problems. *tr

2004 honda pilot ex i have the "d" gear flashing from time to time. *tr

My 2004 honda pilot has a shudder at 30 mph. it feels as though you are driving over the rumble strips. i am starting to experience poor shifts at other speeds now as well. i understand that the problem is most likely the result of a faulty torque converter. repairs include replacing the torque converter and the transmission as well as updating the pcm. honda recalled over a million 2003/2004 pilots but my vin is just passed the last vin recalled. however, there are many 2005 pilot owners experiencing the exact same failure. acura also issued a service bulletin that repairs the faulty components for all 2003 and 2004 mdx owners (inside and outside of warranty). honda should take responsibility for the failed transmissions in the later 2004 pilots and 2005 years as well. *tr

My 2004 honda pilot has been making a grinding/shuddering noise. doesn't do it all the time, but usually when i'm going 35-40 mph. if i accelerate, the noise will stop. can't duplicate it always, but sounds like something is seriously wrong in the transmission. many, many other reports online of the exact same problem. *tr

Transmission drive d light is blinking. told need a need 4th speed clutch pressure switch. error code p1740? i have read many complaints about this issue on various consumer web sites. honda should have this recalled and pay for repair. *tr

I own a 2004 honda pilot which was purchased new and has been well maintained with 106000 miles and have been experiencing an automatic transmission/torque converter shudder/vibration that occurs between 35-45 mph. the vibration began occurring at about 90,000 miles. at speeds of 35-45 mph the vibration occurs under light acceleration and continues until i either push down harder on the gas pedal or let off it completely. research on the internet thru nhtsa has found 43 similar complaints. apparently this problem is due to a defective torque converter or automatic transmission that is similar to the one on the honda-made acura and has been the subject of an acura recall. the defect will ultimately result in a vehicle safety hazard when the transmission fails. my honda pilot is no longer under warranty. the transmission problem is a result of a defective part rather than normal wear and tear and honda should issue a recall or initiate an owner notification and goodwill consideration for transmission replacement to prevent potential harm to passengers when the transmission fails on the road. average cost to the customer for such a repair is between $3,000-$5,000 according to the complaints filed. this is a dangerous defect that should be publicly addressed by honda and should not be a burden that honda customers should bear. *tr

We are having issues with our 2004 honda pilot. we took it to the dealership where after charging us for each and every item to find the problem. they have concluded it is the torque converter. we have just over 70,000 miles and our certified warranty expired in january 2011. the worst is that our extended warranty is basically worthless. glad we paid for that one. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 honda pilot. the contact was driving approximately 50 mph when the vehicle suddenly stalled without warning. the vehicle was towed to a dealer where they advised the contact that she would need to replace the transmission. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Front engine mounts are bad. *tr

The first symptom our 2004 honda pilot experienced was a shutter/jerking of the car at a little under 30 mph. we took it to the repair shop but the mechanic was not able to replicate the condition. the shutter and jerking then started happening between 40-45 mph. we took it back to the shop at which time the mechanic was able replicate it. the transmission was pulled and inspected. there was heat build up and discoloration. one of the components was totally burnt. the mechanic said that the transmission had to be replaced and could not be rebuilt. he wrote that there was heat build up between the countershaft and secondary shaft 2nd gear. he suggested that i call honda usa because there was a recall issue that year. i called honda usa. honda said my vin was not included in the recall. i explained that the problem located by my mechanic was exactly what the recall was all about-heat build-up between the countershaft and secondary shaft second gears in the automatic transmission, eventually leading to gear tooth chipping or gear breakage. honda apologized but said our car was not part of the recall. they also said our car needed to be taken to an authorized honda dealer for inspection and repair. i paid for the replacement of the transmission out of pocket-$3800-because we needed our car to get around. i told honda that the defective transmission was sent to their plant if they wanted to inspect it. *tr

Not sure if this is consider a power train problem, but no option regarding a transmission or torque converter in the box. my 2004 honda pilot shudders very bad when i am going between 35 to 40 mph. i am so embarrassed when someone else is in the vehicle with me and it does it. i have 116,352 miles on my vehicle now and it shudders alot. i have been reading the consumer report and this seems to be very common in the 2004 honda pilot. there should have been a recall regarding this problem. it appears this is not an isolated issue. please help me in resolving this issue. i feel it is a manufactured malfunction and not the owner's fault, but i am a female and it is assumed females do not know anything about their vehicle that they drive everyday to work. other than this problem, i am very pleased with my honda pilot. i do not abuse my vehicle in any way. please respond and help me correct this problem in the best way possible without a lot of cost to the consumer. thank you. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 honda pilot. the contact stated that the gear failed to engage when shifting from park into drive position. the failure caused the vehicle to hesitate when the accelerator pedal was depressed. the contact had to restart the vehicle several times to stop the failure from recurring. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified. the approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

We have 2004 honda pilot with 94000 miles, today we had it serviced and they told us that it needs a new transmission for about $4450. we have taken this car to the dealership for service since we bought it. all schedule maintenances on time and all the sudden it needs a new transmission. *tr

2004 honda pilot shudders/vibrates violently at 30-50mph. rpm gauge moves up and down. it does this every time i drive it for the past 2 years and honda says they know nothing about it and can't replicate it. *tr

Torque converter shudder /vibration between 35 and 40 mph. i have taken my 2004 honda pilot to the service department for over 18 month now trying to get someone to hear or experience what i was with my vehicle. finally when the vibration was so bad it could be heard and felt. it was finally heard/felt by the service manager at local honda dealer. when i was told what the problem was and that it would cost $2500 to fix, i got a second opinion, when that opinion was confirmend, i went online to see if there was a recall that i had not been notified of. i did not find any recalls but found the numerous complaints on the manufacturer of powe train/automatic transmissions:torque converter. i was livid that there were so many complaint with the same problems that i don't know how the dealership did not know or if they conveniently chose not to acknowledge my problems.. until i experience this problem i loved my vehicle.

Shutter in the tranny from 25-45 mph it has been described as the torque converter. *tr

I am an original owner of a 2004 honda pilot. the transmission has always had a slight shutter since new. i never thought any thing of it until i started commuting with it. if i give the car more gas the shutter will not happen. i believe this transmission will soon self destruct. the "d" on the transmission selector started blinking. i have 86,000 miles to date. i am cautious i will have to replace this thing due to the vast majority of internet threads. i was a loyal honda owner. please recall this transmission before it kills someone. *tr

2004 honda pilot transmission shudders while driving. only 90,000 miles on vehicle. dealer says torque converter needs to be replaced and possibly transmission. upon research found this to be a large ongoing problem with many consumers. *tr

Problem: at low rpm in 4th gear and speeds 25 to 35 mph, there is sporadic vibration of the vehicle when the gas pedal is slightly depressed. the issue goes away if pressure is applied or removed from the gas pedal. the problem has recently started to occur at highway speeds of 65+ mph as well, also at low rpm. the failure was identified as a torque converter issue by the dealer that has resulted in requiring the replacement of the entire transmission in the pilot. if the problem is not rectified, users have reported that it could result in a sudden change of gears to a lower gear which could result in severe consequences. the dealer has recommended that the transmission be replaced in its entirety in order to rectify the problem. *tr

Transmission slips when shifting gears. *tr

2004 honda pilot began making shuttering vibrating noise on deceleration at about 50,000 miles. carried back to honda dealership 3 times and told could not reproduce noise or vibration. i got in vehicle with shop foreman and was able to reproduce the noise for him with no problem. this was on the third trip to the dealership with 102,000 miles on the vehicle. we were told the transmission would need replacing. we were told honda america would pay 40% of cost for "good faith". we still paid $2400.00 for the repair. we looked on the honda forums on the internet and there are hundreds of honda pilot owners with this same problem. *tr

My 2004 honda pilot ex-l is having a torque converter issue (vibration/shudder/grinding between 20-50 mph while accelerating). i have not had the problem fixed yet, but i have read numerous complaints regarding this issue at different internet sites. *tr

Around 35-45 mph, loud noise is produced inside my 2004 honda pilot transmission. the vehicle has 117,000 miles. it sounds as if gears are not engaging, and are rather chipping off. i took the car to honda before my warranty expired and they stated they could not reproduce the noise. i continued to drive the vehicle, and the noise would intermittently happen. now the noise happens all the time around 35-45 mph as i let off of the accelerator a bit. i took it to my local mechanic(who i trust) and told him to check it out. he stated that a recall was out for the 2004 honda pilot automatic transmissions. i took the car the next day to the honda dealership, and they stated that my vehicle had already received the recall, and therefore the automatic transmission was replaced with a new one (transmission number 2 i will call it). i asked honda to investigate the cause of the transmission noise to see if it was something else. honda tested the car, and it now again needs another automatic transmission. if i replace the transmission as they recommend, this will be the 3rd transmission in the car and i do not even have but 117,000 miles on the vehicle! the honda representative stated that the noise will continue and eventually lock up...which could cause a serious accident if on the highway when it occurs. this is a serious safety concern, and i am not pleased with honda's customer service in this instance. upon researching, i have seen numerous posts on the internet, and official complaints stating they too are having the same issues even after the recall. honda should have a 2nd recall as the safety of their customers is in jeopardy. this is ridiculous, and honda should step up to pay for the repair as they clearly have a problem with their transmissions even after the recall. *tr

2004 honda pilot driveline vibration. the 2004 honda pilot we own shudders and vibrates very loudly when accelerating between 25-50mph. this has been ongoing throughout the life of the car. (family owned since new) the vehicle has been taken to honda on several occasions for diagnosis and repair for the problem. honda has stated they can not reproduce the issue or said they find no problem. honda did complete a recall and installed an oil jet kit at 12k miles. this was their attempt to quell the problem. after research i have found honda has issued tsb 06-003(9 june 2007) and is fully aware of the problem. american honda has diagnosed the problem as a faulty torque converter, thus causing premature destruction of the vehicle's transmission. due to the vehicle's age/mileage american honda refuses to cover the repair of the torque converter and or transmission, even though the problem was reported/documented while still under warranty. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 honda pilot. after shifting the vehicle into neutral gear the contact noticed that he could turn the vehicle off and remove the key from the ignition which caused the vehicle to travel backwards crashing into a nearby parked vehicle. no one was injured. a police report was filed. the vehicle was not diagnosed. the current and failure mileages were 84000.

The shift interlock allowed the key to be removed without the pilot being in park. this caused the pilot to roll backwards in a parking lot. luckily the lot was fairly flat, so it didn't roll far or hit anything (or anybody!). a honda dealer confirmed the issue, and contacted honda about it. honda said they wouldn't fix the issue due to the mileage, and the fact that i purchased the vehicle used (from carmax). *tr

Transmission noise/vibration at low rpms while driving in 4th gear. does not make noise while driving in d3. recall work was supposed to have been done by dealer when vehicle was purchased new. recall stated that trans could "lock up" while driving. have seen other complaints online for same problem with acura mdx which uses the same transmission. the problem appears to be faulty torque converters. *tr

Our 2004 honda pilot began making noises every once in a while a couple of months ago. at first, the noise sounded like we had run over a paper cup with the rt front tire. this small sound got more frequent. we noticed it happened most often when we were moving at a slow speed -- between 30 and 40 mph. we called the dealership and the mechanic determined the torque converter is malfunctioning. the dealer says we need to replace both the torque and transmission at $3,500. our pilot has 78,000 miles.when i pull up information for our vin, it shows 3 safety notices/recalls including the one for the transmission (recall number: 04v176000)the recall began on apr 21, 2004 and i remember getting a notice to take the vehicle to the dealer, but honda america says the recall did not include my vin no. and there are no recalls for our pilot at all. the recall involved 1099796 units -- including the 2003 and 2004 model yr pilots. honda america does not want to acknowledge that our vin was -- or at the very least should have been -- in the recall. the honda america rep was abrupt and repeated the same scripted line over and over ..."your vin is not under any recall..." the dealership has been supportive. we don't know if there will be any discount from either honda america or the dealer. our 1999 odyssey had to have transmission replaced just out of warranty -- and this was the vehicle honda promised to be the best of the best for quality and safety. we will be selling or trading the pilot and looking for something out of the honda line. the powertrain should have 100,000 miles -- not the 36,000. i want honda america to look into our problem , step up and say this issue is the same issue in the recall. our pilot was serviced on schedule through the dealer. the honda america rep said they don't look at what websites say about honda issues (edmunds, safecar.gov...). perhaps honda should ask toyota how that worked for them... --[xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Began to hear "rumble strip" noise. hasn't obviously affected vehicle performance and mechanic could not find problem, but noise continues between 35 and 50 mph. *tr