2005 Honda Pilot
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 679 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 23 Pilot model years with reports.
Of the 2005 reports, 42 involved a crash and 8 involved a fire. 46 people were injured and 2 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Vehicle speed control, accelerator pedalOct 10, 2019
Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain Accelerator Pedal Assemblies part numbers 699-114 and 825-5029-1, sold as replacement parts for 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2004-2008 Acura TL and TSX, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2007-2011 Honda Element, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot and 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. The rotating portion of the accelerator pedal assembly may bind. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 124, "Accelerator Control Systems."
If the accelerator pedal binds, the engine may not quickly return to idle after the pedal is no longer pressed, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dorman will notify owners, and qualified service facilities will replace the affected accelerator pedal assemblies, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2019. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492, using option 5. Dorman's number for this recall is AS1019XXXX.
Campaign 19E068000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJun 27, 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are E5D and X5C.
Campaign 19V501000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleJun 27, 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are Q5A and Y58.
Campaign 19V499000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleMar 6, 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.
An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.
Campaign 19V182000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleApr 26, 2018
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Insight, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2012 Ridgeline vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 22, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are K1P, and M1O.
Campaign 18V268000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 10, 2017
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2011 Honda Element vehicles, 2005-2012 Acura RL vehicles, 2006-2012 Honda Ridgeline vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles and 2005-2008 Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2009 Acura RL and Honda Element vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot vehicles and 2006-2009 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2008 Acura RL, Honda Element and Honda Pilot vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles and 2006-2008 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall bagan March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KD9 and KE0.
Campaign 17V029000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleMay 23, 2016
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2011 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2011 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2008 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2008 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2008 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling model year 2002-2004 Odyssey and model year 2003-2004 Acura MDX, Honda Element, and Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA0, KA1, KA2, and KA3.
Campaign 16V344000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleMay 28, 2015
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2007 Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2006 Ridgeline, 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2003-2006 Acura MDX, and 2002-2003 Acura 3.2TL vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion and other factors, including manufacturing variability that, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238, select option 4. Note: Vehicles that have had their driver frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy prior to September 12, 2014 need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Vehicles that, on or after September 12, 2014, received a remedy for a prior driver frontal air bag inflator recall already received an inflator of a different design, and therefore are not included in this recall and do not require additional servicing. Note: This recall fully supersedes recalls 08V-593, 09V-259, 10V-041, 11V-260, 14V-351 and 15V-153. Honda's numbers for this recall are JQ9, JR0, JR1, JR2, JR3, JR4, JR5, JR6, JR7, and JR8.
Campaign 15V320000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsNov 4, 2014
American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic, 2003-2004 Civic CNG and Element, 2002-2005 CR-V, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2005 Accord, Pilot, Civic Hybrid, and Acura MDX, 2005 Acura RL and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam, and American Samoa are addressed by this recall. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 14V700000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsJun 20, 2014
American Honda Motor Company, Inc.'s (Honda) is conducting a limited regional recall for certain model year 2003-2005 Accord, Civic, CR-V, Pilot and Acura MDX, model year 2003-2004 Odyssey and Element, and model year 2005 Acura RL, and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in California, and equipped with Takata-brand air bag inflators. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflators in all affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during August 2014. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 14V353000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/moduleMar 14, 2013
Honda is recalling certain model year 2005 Pilot vehicles manufactured July 29, 2004, through August 29, 2005; model year 2005-2006 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured September 16, 2004, through September 22, 2005; and model year 2005 Acura RL vehicles manufactured March 1, 2004, through June 29, 2005. An electrical capacitor may have been damaged during the manufacturing of the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) control module causing intermittent, automatic, minor brake application. However, if the driver applies the brakes while the VSA is malfunctioning, the vehicle may come to an abrupt stop. Additionally, due to a loose ground connection, certain model year 2005 Pilots have a VSA system that may apply partial brake force, without the illumination of the brake lights, whether or not the driver is using the brakes.
Sudden inadvertent braking, especially without illumination of the brake lights, may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Owners will be notified and instructed to take their vehicles to a dealer of their respective brand. The dealer will install a partial wiring harness containing a capacitor for the VSA modulator, free of charge. The affected model year 2005 Pilots will have their ground connection tightened. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Honda owners may contact Honda Automobile Customer Service at 1-800-999-1009, and select option 4 or go to www.recalls.honda.com; Acura owners may contact 1-800-382-2238, and select option 4, or go to www.recalls.acura.com.
Campaign 13V092000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlights, switchMar 30, 2012
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002 THROUGH 2004 CR-V; MODEL YEAR 2003 THROUGH 2005 PILOT; AND MODEL YEAR 2002 AND 2003 CIVIC VEHICLES. IN MARCH 2012, HONDA FILED A DEFECT REPORT TO RECALL CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002 THROUGH 2004 CR-V AND CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003 PILOT VEHICLES. IN AUGUST 2012, HONDA INFORMED THE AGENCY THAT IT WAS INCLUDING AN ADDITIONAL 820,789 VEHICLES INCLUDING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AND 2005 PILOTS AND MODEL YEAR 2002 AND 2003 CIVICS. THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VEHICLES BEING RECALLED IS NOW 1,375,217. DUE TO TENSION FROM THE COMBINATION SWITCH WIRING HARNESS, WEAR ON THE SURFACE OF THE ELECTRICAL TERMINAL CAN OCCUR, YIELDING COPPER OXIDE, WHICH INCREASES ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE. INCREASED ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE MAY CAUSE THE TERMINAL ENDS TO MELT WITHIN THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR.
IF THE TERMINAL ENDS MELT WITHIN THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE, REDUCING DRIVER VISIBILITY AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
HONDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE LOW BEAM TERMINAL HARNESS OR REPLACE THE LIGHTING SWITCH AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE ORIGINAL RECALL BEGAN IN APRIL 2012. OWNERS OF VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THE SEPTEMBER 2012 EXPANSION WILL BE NOTIFIED IN SEPTEMBER 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 12V136000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, mechanical, carrier/rackFeb 5, 2008
HONDA IS RECALLING 2,032 HITCH STYLE BIKE RACKS SOLD AS AFTERMARKET FOR USE ON MY 2003-2007 AND SOME MY 2008 HONDA PILOT, RIDGELINE, AND ACURA MDX VEHICLES. A PINCH BOLT EXISTS BETWEEN THE BIKE ARM BRACKET AND THE UPRIGHT ASSEMBLY OF THE "HITCH" STYLE BICYCLE RACK.
WHEN MOVING THE BIKE ARM BRACKET TO ITS DOWN POSITION, THIS PINCH BOLT HAS THE POTENTIAL OF CAUSING SEVERE LACERATION OR AMPUTATION TO THE USER'S FINGERTIPS OR HAND.
OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT THULE AT 800-THULE91 (800-848-5391) TO OBTAIN A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS OR OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
Campaign 08E013000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, columnFeb 3, 2005
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE STEERING COLUMN MAY BE INCORRECTLY ASSEMBLED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.
LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL CAN CAUSE A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.
OWNERS WERE NOTIFIED BY TELEPHONE ON JANUARY 25, 2005, AND ARRANGEMENTS WERE MADE TO HAVE THEIR VEHICLES TOWED TO THEIR DEALERS AND HAVE THE REPAIRS PERFORMED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 25, 2005.
Campaign 05V039000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assemblyNov 18, 2004
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, SOME FUEL TANKS WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED.
IN A CRASH, THE FUEL TANK COULD BE DAMAGED AND LEAK FUEL. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
DEALERS REPLACED THE FUEL TANK. ALL OWNERS WERE NOTIFIED BY TELEPHONE ON NOVEMBER 10, 2004.
Campaign 04V541000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: power train
176 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Apr 1, 2013
DRIVING AT APPROX. 30-35 MPH WHEN WITHOUT WARNING I EXPERIENCED HIGH RPM'S AND THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T GO INTO GEAR. WHEN I STOPPED THE CAR AND LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD THERE WAS FLUID EVERYWHERE, EVEN DOWN THE SIDE OF THE CAR. AFTER HAVING THE PILOT TOWED TO MY LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE LINES THAT RUN THE COOLANT HAD FAILED AND TRANSMISSION FLUID ANTI FREEZE HAD MIXED TOGETHER AND WERE INTRODUCED INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THIS HAPPENED IMMEDIATELY! I HAD THE RADIATOR REPLACED AND THE TRANSMISSION FLUSHED 27 TIMES IN ORDER TO COMPLETELY CLEAR THE SYSTEMS. THIS PROCESS COST ME $1000 AND THE REPAIR SHOP TOLD ME THEY COULD NOT GUARANTEE THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT FAIL AS THEY HAD NO IDEA WHETHER THERE WAS INTERNAL DAMAGE OR NOT. WELL, IT DIDN'T WORK! THE TRANSMISSION IS MAKING NOISES THAT IT NEVER HAD BEFORE AND SHIFTING ALMOST AT WILL. MY DILEMMA NOW IS REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION OR REPLACE THE VEHICLE. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO WAY ANYONE COULD ANTICIPATE THIS PROBLEM OR DO ANYTHING TO PREVENT IT BECAUSE OF THE WAY THIS WAS ENGINEERED. WHEN I BOUGHT THIS PILOT I DID SO BELIEVING THAT I WOULD BE THE ONE TO DECIDE WHEN IT WAS TIME FOR ME TO BUY A NEW VEHICLE, NOT HONDA! I HAVE OWNED 4 HONDA'S IN THE PAST BUT THIS WILL BE MY LAST. *TR
Power train, Feb 20, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SLIP GEARS AND THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE INDEPENDENTLY WITH THE TRANSMISSION BECOMING UNRESPONSIVE. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO HIS RESIDENCE WHERE IT WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC REBUILT THE TRANSMISSION TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jan 20, 2013
I HAVE A 2005 HONDA PILOT SOMETIME SHUDDERING BETWEEN 30-40 MPH. TO MAKE THE SHUDDER STOP, I PRESS OR RELEASE THE ACCELERATOR BRIEFLY. AFTER CHECKING ON LINE ABOUT THIS PROBLEMS WITH OVER 300 COMPLAINTS. THEY ALL STATE THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER CAUSE THE VIBRATION. HONDA STILL NOT RECALL. COUPLE OF TIMES SOMEONE ALMOST REAR END ME. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Engine, Jan 15, 2013
I TOOK IT IN FOR A RECALL. I WAS TOLD THAT THE FRONT AND RIGHT ENGINE MOUNTS ARE "CRACKED". AT ABOUT 25-45 MPH THERE IS A NOTICEABLE SHUDDER UNDER THE HOOD. IN SEARCHING THE NHTSA DATABASE I FIND MANY OTHER REPORTS OF THIS SHUDDER AND SEVERAL SAYING THAT ENGINE MOUNTS ARE A PROBLEM IN THIS MODEL. THE REPORTS ARE IN SEVERAL AREAS INCLUDING ENGINE, SUSPENSION, DRIVE TRAIN, TRANSMISSION. IT SEEMS THE ENGINE MOUNTS COULD BE A COMMON DENOMINATOR. IF THE MOUNTS GO IT COULD CAUSE A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE INCLUDING LOSS OF CONTROL. *TR
Power train, Oct 29, 2012
THE VEHICLE SHUTTERS AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH WHILE ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE THEN HAD THE SAME EPISODE HAPPEN WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH WHILE ACCELERATION. I HAVE EXPERIENCED THESE EPISODES SEVERAL TIMES WITHIN THE LAST MONTH. I BELIEVE THAT THE ISSUE IS PROGRESSING AND I AM CONCERNED ABOUT MY SAFETY. I HAVE INVESTIGATED SEVERAL FORUMS ONLINE WITH MANY POSTS THAT HAVE THE SAME ISSUES WITH THE HONDA AND SISTER ACURA. I WOULD LIKE HONDA TO STEP UP AND BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR. *TR
Power train, Engine, Oct 21, 2012
WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL TOWN SPEED (~25MPH) CAR BEGAN OVERHEATING AND SPEED DROPPED. PULLED CAR OVER TO COOL. STARTED TO DRIVE SLOWLY HOME AND SYMPTOM REPEATED. CAR TOWED TO HONDA. THEY DIAGNOSED AS RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION FLUID MIXING DUE TO FAILURE IN THE RADIATOR. DAMAGED THE TRANSMISSION THAT NEEDED TO BE TOTALLY REPLACED, ALONG WITH A RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION COOLER. ENGINE ALSO NEEDED EXTENSIVE FLUSHING. SUGGESTED COST WAS $6400 WITHOUT LABOR. AFTER REPAIRS, ENGINE DAMAGE COULD BE ASSESSED. THIS APPEARED TO BE A MINOR FAILURE IN THE RADIATOR THAT DESTROYED A SEPARATE SYSTEM AND MIGHT HAVE DAMAGED THE ENGINE. *TR
Power train, Service brakes, Oct 21, 2012
I WAS DRIVING THE 2005 HONDA PILOT ABOUT 20 TO 30 MPH . THE TIME WAS ABOUT 7:15 AM. THE ROADS WERE WET AFTER SOME MISTING LIGHT RAIN. I HEARD A RELATIVELY LOUD NOISE THAT STARTLED ME. THE NOISE LASTED FOR PERHAPS 2 SECONDS. IT SOUNDED AS IF THE BRAKES WERE INADVERTENTLY BEING APPLIED AND GRABBING OR PERHAPS SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION OR REAR END. I DO NOT REMEMBER THAT THE BRAKES WERE BEING APPLIED AT THE TIME, BUT IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THEY WERE. I KEPT DRIVING AND WAS THEN MUCH MORE ATTENTIVE TO THERE POSSIBLY BEING SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. ABOUT ONE MINUTE LATER I HEARD AN ALMOST IDENTICAL LOUD SOUND. I DO REMEMBER THAT I WAS BRAKING AT THE TIME, BUT DUE TO BEING STARTLE, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT I MAY NOT REMEMBER SUCH. THE VEHICLE MAY HAVE DECELERATED, BUT TO THE BEST OF MY RECOLLECTION, I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT THE VEHICLE DECELERATION WAS SEVERE. I DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL HONDA DEALER. I WAS TOLD THAT THE MECHANIC TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND COULD NOT REPEAT THE PROBLEM AND THAT HE COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THEN THE SERVICE MANAGER TALKED TO ME ABOUT WHAT POSSIBLE MIGHT HAVE CAUSED THE LOUD NOISE AND HE TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE WITH ME INSIDE. HE DIRECTED THE VEHICLE WITH THE LEFT WHEELS ON THE PAVEMENT AND THE RIGHT WHEELS ON THE GRASS. THEN HE RAPIDLY APPLIED THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD NOISE AND TO MY MEMORY THE NOISE SOUNDED LIKE THE NOISES I HAD ENCOUNTERED PREVIOUSLY. HE SAID THAT THIS NOISE WAS FROM THE ABS SYSTEM ENGAGING. I WAS VERY PLEASE WITH THE ATTENTION OF THE SERVICE MANAGER AND HIS CUSTOMER INTERACTION. NOTE: THE PRINTED PAPER SHOP INVOICE RECORDED : "CUSTOMER STATES IT FEELS LIKE BRAKES ARE STICKING. PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT." MY ABOVE INCIDENT DESCRIPTION PROVIDES A MORE COMPLETE DESCRIPTION OF THE INCIDENTS. *TR
Power train, Engine, Oct 16, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY DECELERATED AND SHE WAS UNABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE ILLUMINATED AND SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSE THAT THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR FLUID MIXED. AS A RESULT, THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED ON ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 97,000.
Power train, Engine, Oct 13, 2012
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK WHEN 2005 HONDA PILOT STATED TRAILING A LIQUID. DROVE A QUARTER OF A MILE TO WORK TO FIND COOLANT AND TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. HAD IT TOWED TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP FOUND THAT THE RADIATOR FAILED CAUSING COOLANT AND TRANSMISSION FLUID TO LEAK OUT. RADIATOR REPLACED, TRANSMISSION FLUSHED AND SERVICED, AND COOLANT SYSTEM FLUSHED FINAL REPAIR COST $900. THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE FOR THE HONDA PILOT AND SHOULD BE CHECKED OUT AND RESOLVED FOR OTHERS.*TR
Power train, Oct 8, 2012
VEHICLE ENGINE STARTED TO SHAKE (VIBRATING) MORE THAN NORMAL. WHEN THE VEHICLE REACHED BETWEEN 35 TO 45 MPH. ONCE I PASS 45 MPH, THE ENGINE WOULD STOP SHAKE. *TR
Power train, Oct 3, 2012
ON A 3 HOUR TRIP, DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED WHEN ENGINE POWER DROPPED TO ALLOW ONLY 30-40MP AND APPROXIMATELY 6000 RPM. AFTER COOLING DOWN, IT WAS ABLE TO GET BACK TO HIGHWAY SPEED. NEXT DAY, THE EXACT SAME ISSUES STARTED OCCURRING. HAD IT TOWED BACK TO DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD BLOWN AND IT WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $5,000 TO REPLACE. *TR
Power train, Sep 28, 2012
2005 PILOT HONDA TRANSMISSION SHUDDERS BETWEEN 30-40 MPH. RESEARCH ON THE WEB CONFIRMS THAT MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM - FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTERS. THE PROBLEM BEGAN AT 50K MILES AND NOW HAS 142K. JUST SPENT $750 TO REPLACE THE PRESSURE SWITCHES, WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Sep 3, 2012
D LIGHT TRANSMISSION FLASH AND I STOP THE CAR TO TRY RESET IGNITION KEY. THE D LIGHT NO FLASH NOW. BUT I THINK THAT IT WILL HAVE PROBLEM MY TRANSMISSION LATER ON. FOR MY SAFETY CONCERN I NEED A RECALL FOR MY CAR ABOUT THIS ISSUE. THANKS FOR YOUR COOPERATION TO KEEP HIGHWAY SAFE. *TR
Power train, Equipment, Sep 1, 2012, crash
TOOK MY 2005 PILOT IN FOR MAJOR SERVICE 100K . VEHICLE HAS BEEN MAINTAINED WITH REGULAR INTERVALS OF FLUID REPLACEMENT AND OIL CHANGES AT NON HONDA SHOPS BUT WITH CERTIFIED COMPATIBLE PRODUCTS FROM VALVOLINE. MILEAGE ON CAR IS 107,928. PICKED UP CAR WAS RUNNING GREAT. WITHIN 7 MILES FLASHING D LIGHT ENGINE WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON AND CAR FEELS LIKE ITS LOSING POWER AND WON'T SHIFT. DEALER SAYS ITS COINCIDENCE. NO SLOWING OF TRANSMISSION NO WARNING WHEN DEALER DID MAJOR SERVICE AND ALL POINT INSPECTION WITH HONDA DIAGNOSTIC COMPUTER. CONTACTED DEALER WAS TOLD CAR SHOULD BE DRIVABLE TO BRING IT IN. CAR STALLED OUT JERKED BACK AND RPMS SOARED ALMOST CAUSING ME TO GET REAR ENDED WHILE TRAVELING AT 35 MILES AN HOUR. DROVE CAR 20 MILES AN HOUR AND JERKED BACK AGAIN CAUSING ME TO BE STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. PULLED OVER TURNED CAR OFF AND BACK ON ONLY ENGINE SILHOUETTE STILL ON AND DROVE 20 MPH TO DEALERSHIP. CAR IN DEALERSHIP MILEAGE IS 107953 AND AM TOLD ITS A COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON A SEALED TRANSMISSION THAT DEALER COULDN'T DETECT THREE DAYS EARLIER. NO WARNING SYSTEM OR FAILED WARNING SYSTEM ON A VERY DANGEROUS MAJOR CAR FAILURE. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT IT WAS AN EMISSIONS PROBLEM EVEN CAR HAS BEEN THOUGH MY CAR PASSED SMOG IN MAY 2012 WITH ABOVE AVERAGE RATING. MY POINT IS WHY IS THERE NO WARNING OR DETECTION TO THIS POTENTIALLY LIFE THREATENING CAR FAILURE????? *TR
Power train, Aug 28, 2012
STARTED EXPERIENCING A SHUDDER WHEN ACCELERATING BETWEEN 35-40 MPH. APPARENTLY, THIS SEEMS TO BE A LARGE PROBLEM WITH THE 2005 HONDA PILOTS. THE ISSUE IS INTERMITTENT AND TWO SHOPS WERE NOT ABLE TO REPRODUCE THE ISSUE. BOTH SHOPS TOLD ME THEY HAVE SEEN THIS ISSUE BEFORE IN THE PILOT AND MDX. THE PROBLEM IS STILL INTERMITTENT BUT GETTING WORSE. *TR
Power train, Aug 22, 2012
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
Power train, Engine, Aug 14, 2012
2005 HONDA PILOT - SEAL OR TRANSMISSION COOLER FAILED AND LEAKED TRANSMISSION FLUID INTO THE RADIATOR. NO WARNING LIGHTS OR INDICATORS WERE EVIDENT. OWNER NOTICED LEAKING FLUID FROM THE RADIATOR OVERFLOW. BOTH PARTS NOW REQUIRE EXPENSIVE REPLACEMENT. VEHICLE HAS 86,000 MILES AND NEVER EXPERIENCED ISSUE BEFORE. HOWEVER, THERE ARE SEVERAL POSTS ON THE INTERNET CONCERNING THE EXACT SAME ISSUE, WITH LITTLE OR NO APPARENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT BY HONDA OF THIS BROAD ISSUE. *TR
Power train, Aug 2, 2012
THE VEHICLE STARTED TO "SHUDDER" AT MEDIUM SPEED, AND TWO TO THREE DAYS LATER WHILE ACCELERATING TO HIGHWAY SPEED THE TRANSMISSION BLEW UP, CREATING LOUD BANGING NOISES AND SPILLING TRANSMISSION FLUID ONTO THE ROADWAY. *TR
Power train, Engine, Jul 27, 2012
I STARTED NOTICING A VIBRATION AT 34 TO 45 MPH. IT WAS DEFINITELY CAUSED BY A MALFUNCTION UNDER THE HOOD. IT CAUSES MY 2005 HONDA PILOT TO VIBRATE, SHUDDER AND HESITATE AT THAT SPEED. I HAVE TO TAKE MY FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BEFORE IT WILL STOP. IT HAPPENS CONTINUOUSLY AT THAT SPEED. *TR
Power train, Engine, Jul 17, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NOTICED THERE WAS A PUDDLE OF A RED COLORED FLUID UNDER THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION COOLER HAD LEAKED INTO THE RADIATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND INSPECTED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS COMMON WITH THE VEHICLE MODEL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY REPLACING THE UPPER AND LOWER HOSE, THE RADIATOR, THE THERMOSTAT AND THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,500. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,145.
Power train, Jul 12, 2012
2005 HONDA PILOT WITH 106,750 MILES. I WAS STOPPED AT THE RED TRAFFIC LIGHT, WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. I CHANGED GEARS FROM PARK TO DRIVE AND VEHICLE WOULD STILL NOT DRIVE. VEHICLE TOWED TO NEAREST HONDA DEALER. DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE TRANSMISSION COOLING LINE IN THE RADIATOR. COOLANT FLUIDS MIXED WITH TRANSMISSION FLUID. DEALER WILL REPLACE RADIATOR($400), REFILL COOLANT, REPLACE THERMOSTAT, ATF LINES, CHANGED ATF FLUID 3 TIMES TO REMOVE CONTAMINANTS. TOTAL LABOR $685, TOTAL PARTS $800++. I'VE BEEN SEARCHING ONLINE AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A MAJOR ISSUE WITH HONDA PILOT, ACURA MDX AND HONDA RIDGELINE. RADIATOR/TRANSMISSION COOLING LINE LEAK IS A SAFETY ISSUE ESPECIALLY WHEN DRIVING IN AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. *TR
Power train, Jul 10, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT, WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD NOISE AS IF THERE WAS A FLAT TIRE. THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE TIRES WERE CHANGED HOWEVER THE NOISE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP AND INSPECTED. THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE TRANSMISSION AND THE 4X4 FEATURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000.
Power train, Jun 28, 2012
WAS DRIVING ALONG A MAIN ROAD IN DELAWARE, AND MY "D" LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. I LOOKED IT UP IN THE MANUAL AND IT SAID THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. THE LIGHT WENT OFF AFTER I SHUT THE CAR OFF AND TURNED IT BACK ON. IT HAS CAME ON A HANDFUL OF TIMES, BUT SHUTS OFF AFTER I TURN THE CAR OFF AND ON. I NOW AM EXPERIENCING A HARD SHIFT, AND A SHUDDERING (ALMOST LIKE IT IS GOING TO STALL), AND A CLUCKING NOISE. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH AND REALIZE THERE HAS BEEN MANY MORE COMPLAINTS WITH THIS ISSUE IN THE 2005 HONDA PILOTS. *TR
Power train, May 21, 2012
ITS A KNOWN ISSUE TRANSMISSION HAS PROBLEMS IN 2005 HONDA PILOTS, CAUSES A REAL BAD SHUDDER. *TT
Power train, Engine, May 15, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA PILOT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE ENGINE POWER REDUCED SIGNIFICANTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DRIVE AND UPON REACHING THE DESTINATION AN INSPECTION UNDERNEATH THE HOOD WAS PERFORMED. THE CONTACT NOTICED A DARK BROWN MILKY SUBSTANCE LEAKING FROM THE RADIATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000.