Service bulletin - Under certain driving conditions, there is excessive vibration between 30 and 65 mph. For 2WD and 4WD vehicles, the calibration VCM operation combined with the action of the lock up torque converter creates excessive vibration. Additionally for 4WD vehicles, the propeller shaft?s center support bearing bushing material may not effectively dampen vibrations in cold (below 32ºF) temperatures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Honda Pilot powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2013 Honda Pilot have filed 47 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 16,750 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
47
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Pilot | 10 |
| 2010 Pilot | 5 |
| 2011 Pilot | 21 |
| 2012 Pilot | 17 |
| 2013 Pilot (this page) | 47 |
| 2014 Pilot | 6 |
| 2015 Pilot | 10 |
| 2016 Pilot | 193 |
| 2017 Pilot | 118 |
3crashes
7injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 47 powertrain complaints filed for the 2013 Honda Pilot, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 47 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 12 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Dealer message - Under certain driving conditions, there is excessive vibration between 30 and 65 mph. For 2WD and 4WD vehicles, the calibration VCM operation combined with the action of the lock up torque converter creates excessive vibration. Additionally for 4WD vehicles, the propeller shafts center support bearing bushing material may not effectively dampen vibrations in cold (below 32ºF) temperatures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗HONDA: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, PISTON RINGS FOR CERTAIN CYLINDERS ROTATE AND ALIGN AND CAN LEAD TO FOULING SPARK PLUG AND A POWERTRAIN WARRANTY EXTENSION HAS BEEN ISSUED. MODEL 2009-2013 PILOT.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2013 Pilot's powertrain is plagued by a well-documented but unresolved vibration problem tied to the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system. When ECO mode engages to save fuel by running fewer cylinders, the vehicle shudders and vibrates between 35 and 70 MPH—felt through the steering wheel, pedals, seats, and floor. Over 40 complaints detail this same issue. Owners report the vibration stops only when they accelerate or climb a hill, forcing constant speed adjustments to find a comfortable RPM range. Dealers consistently say this is normal operation; Honda has issued no recall.
Beyond VCM vibration, owners report cylinder 1 misfires, transmission hesitation, rough shifts with metallic clapping sounds, and engine power loss while driving. One owner documented recurring misfires traced to oil contamination from misaligned piston rings damaging spark plugs—a failure Honda allegedly acknowledged but refused to repair pending VIN approval. Unintended acceleration incidents are rare but serious: one owner's vehicle rolled uncontrolled down a driveway while parked and idling in Park, injuring the owner with a compound fracture. Brake failure, radiator rupture at 46,000 miles, and transmission rollback on inclines round out the powertrain failures documented here. Dealers cannot replicate most issues during diagnostics, yet owners experience them repeatedly during normal driving.
Same Honda Pilot powertrain reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
VCM/ECO mode vibration and shudder
When the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system engages and the engine cycles between 6-cylinder and 4-cylinder operation (ECO mode), owners report significant vibration and shuddering felt through the steering wheel, pedals, seats, and cabin. The issue is most pronounced at steady cruising speeds (typically 35-70 MPH) and occurs when the engine is warm and the ECO light illuminates. Vibration stops with increased acceleration or when ECO mode disengages. Dealers consistently tell owners this is normal operation; Honda has not issued a recall or fix.
When: Begins within first few months of ownership, worst from approximately 20-70 MPH at steady cruise with light throttle, diminishes above 2000 RPM or during acceleration
Symptoms owners cite: Noticeable vibration/shudder felt through steering wheel, gas pedal, floor, and seats; Low-frequency rumbling or humming sound in cabin; Vibration intensifies at 35-45 MPH, 45-65 MPH, and 60-70 MPH ranges depending on driving conditions; Occurs primarily in ECO mode when engine maintains steady RPM at light throttle; Chirping or growling noise sometimes accompanies vibration; Worse on level roads or slight inclines; stops with hills (engine loads) or acceleration
Codes mentioned: ECO light illumination (not a diagnostic code but system indicator)
Repairs/costs cited: No successful repair documented in narratives. Dealers report unable to replicate, or state no fix is available. One owner reports software update and transmission fluid change had no effect. Owners suggest disabling low ECO mode as workaround.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda/dealers consistently state this is normal operation. No recalls or Technical Service Bulletins mentioned. American Honda customer care told owners they would investigate but provided no resolution.
Cylinder 1 misfire and VCM/oil contamination failure
Engine misfires originating from cylinder 1, causing check engine light, rough idle, and shaking. One owner documents this as a known VCM system failure where oil leaks into cylinders from improperly aligned piston rings, fouling spark plugs and causing corrosion. Multiple mechanics confirmed the issue. Misfires recur despite repeated maintenance and dealer visits. Related diagnostic codes P3400 indicate rocker arm oil switch failure.
When: Recurrent over 3-4 years (2025 report documents August, October, December occurrences); can occur at highway speeds (70 MPH reported)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shakes and rough idle when misfires occur; Check engine light illuminates; VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) and VTM-4 warning lights may illuminate due to cascade effect from engine light; Panic response from driver when multiple warning lights appear simultaneously
Codes mentioned: Cylinder 1 misfire codes, P3400 (Rocker arm oil switch fault)
Repairs/costs cited: Repair involved piston/ring gasket replacement due to piston ring misalignment causing oil leakage. One owner reports rocker arm oil switches were replaced (front and rear). Costs not specified. Second rocker arm oil switch replacement mentioned.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owners state Honda repeatedly promised recall/extended warranty repairs but cited VIN approval requirements. No recalls explicitly mentioned as issued. Honda stated issue is 'well documented known issue' per owner allegation but refused repair approval.
Torque converter judder and transmission shudder
Vehicle exhibits vibration and shuddering attributed to transmission/torque converter issues. Some owners describe this as distinct from VCM vibration, occurring at specific speed ranges. Dealers initially attributed symptoms to VCM, but diagnostic confusion exists about whether issue is transmission or engine-related. One owner with 95,000 miles reports check engine light and confirmed torque converter issue.
When: Can occur early in ownership; one case at 95,000 miles; symptoms worsen with time and mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Shuddering and vibration during acceleration, deceleration, idle, and turns; Vibration when accelerating slowly or making turns; Check engine light illumination after extended ownership; Transmission 'hunting' between 4th and 5th gear
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (code not specified in narrative #19)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports dealer diagnosed torque converter issue but no repair details provided. Owners question if VCM vibration and torque converter issues are related or distinct problems.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers reportedly dismiss symptoms as design characteristic or claim no issue can be found. No TSBs or recalls mentioned.
VTM (Variable Torque Management) system light malfunction
VTM-4 warning light remains illuminated continuously in all gears and speeds (park, drive, etc.), outside manufacturer specifications. Light fails to respond to manual switch engagement. Issue recurs despite multiple component replacements.
When: First occurrence at 2 days of ownership (6/30/2013 purchase, 7/1/2013 issue); recurred at 5,974 miles (11/26/2013), and again at 6,573 miles (12/16/2013)
Symptoms owners cite: VTM-4 warning light remains lit continuously regardless of gear or speed; Manual VTM-4 switch does not engage light properly; Intermittent check engine and traction control lights also reported in separate complaint (#22)
Repairs/costs cited: VTM relay replaced after first occurrence. VTM control module replaced after second occurrence. Dealer initially stated vehicle was safe to drive. Third occurrence created extended service uncertainty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued per narrative. Owner requested Honda issue safety bulletin and recall for possible accident risk if all-wheel drive fails to engage.
Loss of engine power/transmission engagement failure
Vehicle loses all engine response and drivetrain engagement despite engine running. Engine will not rev, car will not move forward or in reverse. No warning lights illuminate in some cases. Incidents occur intermittently and cannot be replicated by dealer technicians. Multiple episodes with increasing severity.
When: First documented at 1.5 years of ownership; recurred 2.5 weeks later; third incident shortly after; also reported at 3 miles mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Flooring accelerator pedal produces no engine response, no revving, no vehicle movement; Engine running, AC and radio operational, but no drivetrain response; Multiple warning lights may illuminate (Vehicle Stability Control, etc.) or no lights illuminate; Vehicle fluids overheat in some instances; Inability to shift vehicle or move in any direction
Codes mentioned: Vehicle Stability Control warning (mentioned in one narrative)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer reset all computers (first incident). Dealer replaced accelerator 'box' component (second incident). Dealer suggested removing aftermarket remote starter without evidence it caused problem or compensation offered. No successful resolution documented. Vehicle retained by dealer 8 days with no progress.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented. Remote starter removal suggested without evidence or compensation.
Transmission shift quality and engagement issues
Transmission exhibits harsh shifts, hesitation, lurching, and metallic clapping/snapping noises when shifting from Park to Drive or during other gear transitions. Vehicle may hesitate to engage after shifting, with subsequent lurch when moving from idle coasting to standard drive. Behavior sometimes occurs multiple times on same trip.
When: First reported at 1 month of ownership; incidents in November 2013 timeframe and later
Symptoms owners cite: Audible metallic clapping/snapping noise from cabin and exterior when shifting P to D; Vehicle shake and hesitation to engage after shifting; Lurching forward when transitioning from zero-speed coasting to drive engagement; Harsh, jerky shift feel
Repairs/costs cited: Repeat service calls scheduled but no repair outcomes documented in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented.
Engine hesitation and surging during low-speed operation
Engine hesitates and bogs down when starting off from stop lights, stop signs, or when making turns after slowing. Hesitation lasts a few seconds before engine 'kicks in' with surge of power. Occurs inconsistently, making it difficult for dealers to replicate.
When: Ongoing throughout ownership; can occur at any time engine transitions from idle or light load
Symptoms owners cite: Engine hesitation at stop lights, stop signs, or when making turns; Bogging sensation for 2-5 seconds before power returns; Surge of power after hesitation period; No response sensation when accelerating during turn, feeling of coasting; Difficulty turning in high-traffic conditions due to delayed response
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented.
Unintended acceleration incidents
Engine unexpectedly accelerates to high RPM without driver command or with foot on brake. Three incidents documented: one while slowly backing up, one while making a right turn with foot on brake at 35 MPH, one while parked and idling in Park gear.
When: Various; one while slowly backing, one at highway speed (35 MPH), one while parked/idling in Park
Symptoms owners cite: Engine RPM suddenly increases to high rate without pedal input or despite brake application; Vehicle accelerates uncontrollably despite brake pedal depressed; No floor mat or double-pedal operation involved in cases documented; Turning off ignition stops incident
Repairs/costs cited: Engine restarted and functioned normally in one case; one incident resulted in vehicle collision and airbag deployment. One incident (parked with child in vehicle) resulted in vehicle rolling down driveway uncontrollably, causing injury to owner with compound fracture requiring surgery and metal rod/screws implantation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented.
Brake failure and soft pedal with vibration
Brake pedal fails to engage at normal stopping distance and feels soft. Brake pedal travels partially to floorboard with abnormal vibration when depressed. Failure occurs when traveling at highway speeds (65 MPH) over flat surfaces.
When: At approximately 3 miles (very early in ownership); current mileage 2,400
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal feels soft when depressed; Reduced stopping power at normal braking distances; Brake pedal travels excessively toward floorboard; Abnormal vibration occurs when brake pedal depressed
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer performed diagnostic unable to locate failure code. Dealer loosened engine and transmission bolts but failure was not corrected. Vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was made aware per narrative but took no action; vehicle not repaired.
Transmission rollback on inclines
Vehicle rolls backward when foot is removed from brake pedal on inclines. Transmission does not maintain position/lock. Honda service manager stated this is normal for Honda vehicles, but owner has never experienced this in other vehicles.
When: Ongoing issue when driving on inclines
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward when brakes released on hills; Transmission slips and does not hold position without continued brake pressure
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted; dealer stated normal operation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda service manager stated this is normal behavior for Honda vehicles.
Radiator failure and engine overheating
Radiator fails and ruptures, spilling coolant into engine compartment. Engine overheating warning message appears on dashboard with smoke from hood. Vehicle had only 46,000 miles. Owner notes Honda issued recall for radiator problems only on 2017 models but suspects older models have the same issue.
When: At approximately 46,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Radiator ruptures/blows; Fluid spills into engine compartment; Smoke exits from hood; Dashboard engine overheating warning message
Repairs/costs cited: No repair details provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall for 2013 model mentioned; recall only issued for 2017 models per owner.
Vibration and grinding noise unrelated to VCM
Vehicle produces vibration and grinding noise at constant cruising speeds. Issue persists despite multiple mechanic visits and alignment checks. Vehicle pulls despite alignment being correct. Steering wheel is misaligned.
When: Ongoing throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration and grinding noise at constant speed; Vehicle pulls to one side; Steering wheel misaligned; Noise occurs when hitting constant speed even without cruise control
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple mechanics unable to diagnose cause after 3-4 days of inspection. Dealership and multiple mechanics unable to fix. Alignment is correct.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership claimed everything was fine when sold; promised repair but never fixed issue.
Synthesized from 47 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
I purchased a 2013 Honda pilot touring model on may 3, 2013. Over time, and now whenever I drive between 35-45 MPH the car shudders and vibrates. It occurs in vcm mode and is now present whether in vcm mode or accelerating. There is no vibration thru the steering wheel. I feel it thru the car seat, back, and center storage lid. Passengers have remarked "what's wrong with your car?" at 30 MPH…
Purchased vehicle used as a Honda certified vehicle on 10/23/14. During test drive we did not notice vibration in drive train - possibly because fluids were cold. During a road trip 2 weeks after above date, we noticed a vibration in 51, 52, 53 MPH range. Felt like transmission or torque converter was trying to shift up or down. Took back to dealership and explained problem, service writer took…
At various speeds there is a very annoying shuddering and vibrating and growling at 45 MPH 68 MPH. Just when your ready to have a smooth ride on the highway it begins to shudder in eco...on a straightaway while free wheeling and while I am on cruise control ... If you accelerate or decelerate, it will cease for a second and begin again.. I have even stayed at 68 MPH to see how long it would last…
2013 Honda pilot 4wd was purchased 6/30/2013 from dch temecula. On 7/1/2013, vtm light on instrument cluster stayed lit in all gears, all speeds, including park and drive, which is out of manufacture spec's. Dch Honda of temecula confirmed issue on 7/2/13. Relay replacement was needed and performed. Car out of our possession: 2 days. On 11/26/2013, at 5,974 miles, car was brought in with…
Vibration at 1500 RPM. Stops when RPM go above 2000 or less than 1400. *tr
Had powertrain trouble with your 2013 Honda Pilot?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2013 Honda Pilot?
It's a meaningful issue. 47 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 24 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 4,500 and 51,000 miles, with the median around 16,750. A quarter of owners report trouble before 4,500; a quarter make it past 51,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Honda/Pilot.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.