2018 Honda Pilot transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jul 27, 2026CATransmission & Drivetrain

   2018 Honda Pilot Transmission Failed at Only 34,726 Miles I want to share my experience so other Honda owners are aware of a very premature transmission failure. I am the original owner of a 2018 Honda Pilot with only 34,726 miles. My family has trusted Honda for many years, and my wife also drives a Honda HR-V. We believed Honda vehicles were reliable. While driving, my Pilot suddenly showed a “Transmission System Problem” warning. The vehicle became very slow and later was…

   NHTSA complaint #11753017 · source
2. Filed Jun 2, 2026WATransmission & Drivetrain

   While operating my vehicle on a public roadway, the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic loss of transmission hydraulic pressure and vehicle propulsion, accompanied by a dashboard warning light with a blinking "D". The vehicle completely stopped delivering power to the drive wheels while moving with traffic, creating an immediate and severe safety hazard for a rear-end collision on an active road. We pulled into the high school parking lot, stopped the car, then restarted…

   NHTSA complaint #11741546 · source
3. Filed Apr 2, 2026MDTransmission & Drivetrain

   Transfer case exploded internally and cracked the transfer case while pulling out of parking lot. I still have the transfer case for inspection.

   NHTSA complaint #11728954 · source
4. Filed Mar 24, 2026NJTransmission & Drivetrain

   HONDA PILOT 2018 87K MILES DIAGNOSED WITH DTC P0741 TORQUE CONVERTER Vehicle has experienced severe and recurring drivability issues on more than one occasion during normal driving conditions. While attempting to change lanes, the vehicle exhibited delayed acceleration and loss of power. When accelerating from a stop sign, the vehicle bucked and lagged, followed by sudden and unintended forward propulsion. These events occurred without any warning lights or alerts. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11726702 · source
5. Filed Mar 18, 202687,443 miNJTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2018 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with torque converter failure. The contact was informed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the…

   NHTSA complaint #11725356 · source
6. Filed Mar 15, 2026GAElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Engine failure due to connecting rod bearing manufacturing defect (NHTSA PE25008). Component: engine; available for inspection upon request (replaced; documentation available). WARNING SYMPTOMS: At 94,000 miles during routine maintenance while under warranty, I reported engine knocking to the dealer. The advisor dismissed it as "normal valve noise" and did not document the complaint. Knocking progressively worsened over thousands of miles. FAILURE: At 100,750 miles the…

   NHTSA complaint #11724446 · source
7. Filed Jan 17, 2026CAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   This 2018 Honda Pilot has been taken to mechanic after a number of check engine and other dash lights came on while trying to accelerate to merge with freeway traffic. Mechanic pulled a P0369 code and I paid for replacement of the cam shaft sensor. Problems continued shortly after work and mechanic conducted further inspections and determined the sensor had been worn by a walking camshaft. There are hundreds of these same complaints posted on the web by angry customers…

   NHTSA complaint #11711582 · source
8. Filed Dec 23, 2025AKTransmission & Drivetrain

   I have taken this vehicle into the Honda dealership on five separate occasions to report a power transfer problem. I first visited the Honda dealership to report this problem on 9/2024. It hasn't been until my most recent visit on 12/18/25, that a customer service representative told me that my vehicle needed a new torque converter. It is available for inspection upon request. The first occasion when the vehicle caused a safety issue, we were preparing to make a left hand…

   NHTSA complaint #11706864 · source
9. Filed Dec 16, 2025130,000 miKYTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2018 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50-65 MPH, the vehicle jerked, and the message "Transmission Systems Failure" was displayed on the instrument panel. In addition, the transmission downshifted unexpectedly, and a short while later shifted to normal drive and operated as intended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the torque converter clutch had failed; DTC:…

   NHTSA complaint #11705419 · source
10. Filed Nov 30, 2025ORTransmission & Drivetrain

    Issue with Power Train caused car to go into limp/survival mode. Dealer found issue with power train sensor Code, error PO 369 CMP Sensor Interruption CMP Sensor Damaged. Mileage on care was 73,048. Had to replace power train at approx $ 3,646.00.

    NHTSA complaint #11702131 · source
11. Filed Nov 16, 2025OHTransmission & Drivetrain

    This car has had numerous transmission issues and a documented torque converter failure. Honda extended the warranty for 2018 pilots with these failures but did not include our vin number even though it’s the sane problem. They are refusing to fix it. This is a widespread issue and they are refusing to help us even though there are known manufacturing problems. The dealer hid this problem from us before the sale even though the code was documented in their system in Dec 2024…

    NHTSA complaint #11699720 · source
12. Filed Oct 12, 2025TXTransmission & Drivetrain

    While accelerating to merge onto the highway at 40-50 mph, the ~50K mile engine lost power and began to abruptly decelerate. All warning lights came on. The car was taken to the dealership where we were informed that the camshaft broke. Fortunately we were not struck or involved in an accident because of this but it was very dangerous and we were very lucky. There were not any warning indicators before this incident, but the car was taken to the dealership recently for a…

    NHTSA complaint #11692901 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology