Service Bulletin - Torque converters may not have been manufactured to proper specifications. As a result, the torque converter lock-up clutch cannot provide adequate holding force due to pressure bleeding down through a crack in the lock-up piston. The reduced lock-up clutch capacity results in DTC P0741 Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance or Stuck OFF.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Honda Pilot powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2017 Honda Pilot have filed 118 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 40,000 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
118
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Pilot | 47 |
| 2014 Pilot | 6 |
| 2015 Pilot | 10 |
| 2016 Pilot | 193 |
| 2017 Pilot (this page) | 118 |
| 2018 Pilot | 71 |
| 2019 Pilot | 84 |
| 2020 Pilot | 30 |
| 2021 Pilot | 24 |
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 118 powertrain complaints filed for the 2017 Honda Pilot, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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 118 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.
Among the 21 model years of Honda Pilot in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
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.
Service Bulletin - The vehicle's transmission temperature can become too hot due to automatic transmission fluid deterioration causing high foaming and low viscosity. During extended high load driving, the automatic transmission fluid will foam and cooler flow rate is reduced.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Dealer Message - Torque converters may not have been manufactured to proper specifications. As a result, the torque converter lock-up clutch cannot provide adequate holding force due to pressure bleeding down through a crack in the lock-up piston. The reduced lock-up clutch capacity results in the MIL illuminating and set DTC P0741 Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance or Stuck OFF.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - The transmission has intermittent harsh or jerky upshifts with steady acceleration.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - The transmission has intermittent harsh or jerky upshifts with steady acceleration.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners consistently describe a 2017 Pilot that becomes undependable and unsafe once past the initial warranty period. The most prevalent complaint is the auto start/stop feature unpredictably failing to restart the engine after the vehicle stops, leaving drivers stranded at traffic lights, on freeway on-ramps, and in intersection traffic. Owners report the engine goes completely dead rather than restarting normally, requiring a manual restart that sometimes takes multiple attempts. Dealers acknowledge the issue but offer no permanent fix.
The transmission is another flashpoint. A torque converter issue surfaces repeatedly, with owners reporting warning lights at highway speeds (typically around 65 mph) and, in many cases, eventual transmission failure requiring replacement at $5,000–$11,000. Honda issued a warranty extension to 150,000 miles for some torque converter problems, but owners outside that range are denied coverage even when fault codes indicate a pre-existing defect.
Owners also describe juddering and rough shifting—particularly between 25 and 50 mph—that they trace to transmission fluid overheating. Honda has issued service bulletins (TSB 16-091 and 17-014) acknowledging the issue, but dealerships treat the needed fluid flushes as maintenance rather than warranty repairs after 80,000 miles, charging owners $400–$700 per service.
Engine failures, including internal rod bearing seizure, are reported at higher mileage. A recall covers AWD Pilots only; owners of FWD models denied coverage say they performed scheduled maintenance but still faced catastrophic engine failure.
The pattern across complaints is one of failures occurring outside warranty or just beyond it, dealerships unable or unwilling to diagnose intermittent problems, and owners eventually disabling the auto start/stop feature or avoiding highway driving to stay safe.
Same Honda Pilot powertrain reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2018 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Auto Start/Stop Engine Stalling and Restart Failure
The automatic idle engine stop feature (AEI) shuts the engine off when the vehicle is at a complete stop in Drive. When the driver releases the brake to resume driving, the engine sometimes fails to restart and the entire vehicle goes dead or experiences complete electrical system failure. The driver must put the vehicle in Park and manually restart the engine, often requiring multiple attempts. This occurs randomly and unpredictably, leaving the vehicle stranded in traffic or at intersections.
When: During stop-and-go traffic, at traffic lights, stop signs, and highway on-ramps; occurs sporadically with no clear pattern
Symptoms owners cite: Engine fails to restart when brake is released after auto-stop engages; Complete vehicle shutdown with no response to acceleration; Entire electrical system cuts out (dashboard goes dark, radio cuts off); Vehicle requires manual restart via start button, often multiple attempts needed; Vehicle becomes stuck in gear or locked in Park; Warning lights illuminate instructing driver to shift to Park and restart
Codes mentioned: No error codes typically generated; fault cannot be reproduced by dealers
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report dealers unable to duplicate the issue. One owner received a $220 software update at dealer's expense after multiple service visits. Factory reset performed by dealers provided temporary relief lasting about one month. Most repairs unsuccessful; owners disable auto start/stop feature as workaround.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda dealerships acknowledge awareness of the issue but state they have no solution. Some offered software updates ($220) but problems recurred. No recall or TSB issued addressing this specific failure mode.
Transmission System Problem Light and Torque Converter Failure
Transmission system warning lights appear at highway speeds (typically 65 mph) with no prior indication. Light may clear briefly then reappear. Many owners report diagnosis of torque converter clutch failure (DTC P0741). At higher mileage (typically 85,000-150,000 miles), the entire transmission requires replacement. Honda issued a warranty extension to 150,000 miles for torque converter issues in some cases, but owners outside this mileage threshold are denied coverage.
When: Typically 49,000-90,000 miles; owners report recurring issues after Honda software updates or transmission flushes; can occur at any mileage before warranty extension cutoff
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission system warning light on dashboard; No prior warning before light appears; Vehicle continues to drive normally when light is on, but light recurs; Transmission juddering or hesitation at acceleration; Rough or hard shifting, particularly between 25-30 mph or 30-50 mph; Transmission fluid overheating (per owner research and Honda TSBs)
Codes mentioned: P0741 (Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance or Stuck OFF), P0841 (Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch A Circuit), Transmission System Problem (generic warning)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers perform transmission fluid flushes ($400-$700) multiple times; some owners report flushes provide temporary relief. Fluid is often found to be burnt or degraded. Honda service bulletin TSB 16-091 addresses judder from torque converter lock-up clutch but is not applied uniformly. Many owners report being charged for flushes after 80,000 miles when warranty coverage ends. Full transmission replacement quoted at $5,000-$11,000.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda issued warranty extension to 150,000 miles for torque converter issues on 2016-2017 Pilots (some sources indicate TSB 16-091 and TSB 17-014). Owners report Honda refuses goodwill assistance if vehicle is outside mileage threshold, even if fault codes are permanent and pre-existing. Software updates offered but issues recur within 1-2 months.
Transmission Overheating and Juddering
Transmission fluid overheats prematurely, causing the transmission to judder or shake during acceleration, particularly between 30-50 mph and when partially depressing the accelerator. This juddering is described as jerky acceleration that makes passing unsafe. Honda acknowledges the issue exists on all 2017 Pilot VINs via technical service bulletins but treats it as preventive maintenance rather than a defect, leaving owners to pay for repeated transmission flushes.
When: Can begin as early as 40,000-50,000 miles; becomes more frequent over time; continues beyond 80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission juddering or pulsating acceleration; Jerky, harsh shifting especially between 30-50 mph; Hesitation when partially accelerating; Transmission fluid appears burnt or darkened; Safety concern when attempting to pass on highway; Problem persists at all speeds and in all driving modes (Eco, Normal, Sport)
Codes mentioned: TSB 16-091 (Judder from Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch), TSB 17-014 (2/27/18 - software update to prevent transmission overheating)
Repairs/costs cited: Honda service bulletin TSB 16-091 recommends addressing judder issues. TSB 17-014 proposes a software update to prevent transmission fluid overheating. Transmission fluid flushes cost approximately $400-$700 per service and must be repeated every 1-2 months to provide temporary relief. Owners report multiple flushes are ineffective long-term solution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda has issued two TSBs (16-091 and 17-014) acknowledging transmission overheating and juddering on 2017 Pilots. Despite documented knowledge, Honda treats fluid maintenance as owner responsibility, not warranty repair, after 80,000 miles. Software updates available but do not permanently resolve the issue.
Complete Transmission Failure with Loss of Power on Highway
Transmission suddenly fails while driving at highway speed, causing complete loss of acceleration and power. Vehicle may shift into Neutral involuntarily, become locked in Park, or refuse to shift out of Park. Multiple warning lights illuminate. Vehicle becomes a hazard on busy highways with traffic moving at 70+ mph. Failures occur with no prior warning light, or warning lights are deleted by dealer before customer is informed.
When: Can occur at any mileage from 18,500 to 160,000+ miles; often occurs shortly after dealer service visit
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden violent jerking, shuddering, and loss of acceleration at highway speed; Multiple warning lights illuminate (transmission, AWD, emissions, collision avoidance); Transmission involuntarily shifts to Neutral; Vehicle becomes locked in Park and will not shift into any gear; Push-button shift system becomes inoperable; Vehicle must be towed; may require 2+ hours on roadside; After shutdown and restart, transmission may function briefly before failure recurs
Codes mentioned: P0741 (Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance or Stuck OFF), Transmission System Problem, All Wheel Drive Problem, Emissions System Problem, Blind Spot Monitor Problem
Repairs/costs cited: Full transmission replacement required, costing $5,000-$11,000 depending on repair facility. Owners report dealers unable to explain the cause of failure. One case involved a used vehicle purchased with a permanent fault code (P0741) that was pre-existing at sale but not disclosed. Torque converter replacement alone quoted at $4,250-$5,374. Replacement transmissions are the same part number and owners report the new transmission also fails.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda warranty extension covers torque converter issues to 150,000 miles on some 2016-2017 Pilots, but owners outside this mileage are denied coverage even if fault codes are permanent/pre-existing. Honda corporate refuses to acknowledge manufacturing defect or provide goodwill assistance. No recall issued.
Harsh Shifting and Transmission Hesitation
Transmission exhibits rough, harsh, or delayed shifts, particularly between first and second gear (typically at 25-30 mph) and during low-speed maneuvers. Vehicle feels sluggish or unresponsive when accelerating from a stop. Shifting behavior is jerky and inconsistent, making the vehicle difficult to drive smoothly.
When: Early in ownership (as low as 2,000-18,500 miles); continues throughout ownership with no improvement
Symptoms owners cite: Hard shift between first and second gear at 25-30 mph; Transmission hesitation when accelerating from stop; Sluggish response when pressing accelerator; Jerky driving experience at all times; Vehicle feels like it doesn't know which gear to select; Rough acceleration when attempting to merge or pass
Codes mentioned: Transmission warning lights may or may not appear, No specific error codes often recorded
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers recommend turning off Eco mode, but problem persists in all driving modes. Transmission fluid service and software updates have been performed but do not resolve the issue. Multiple dealership visits often fail to reproduce or fix the problem.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific TSB or recall addressing harsh shifting. Dealers offer software updates and Eco mode disable as workarounds but acknowledge inability to permanently repair the issue.
Unintended Acceleration During Downshift or at Stop
Vehicle accelerates violently and unexpectedly when driver is attempting to brake and stop, particularly when slowing down at traffic lights or pulling into parking spaces. No response to brake input initially; vehicle must be placed in Park or emergency brake engaged to stop. This occurs intermittently, making it difficult to diagnose.
When: Occurs intermittently, approximately once every few months or less frequently
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates violently when driver is attempting to brake; Brake pedal input ineffective; No warning before acceleration occurs; Vehicle collision resulted in at least one case (owner hit parked vehicle); Downshift produces hard lurch forward with high RPM; Transmission may not respond to gear selection
Repairs/costs cited: Owner reported taking vehicle to dealer but noted that intermittent problems are difficult to diagnose. Vehicle has not been repaired; owner avoids driving it due to safety concerns.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or TSBs identified. Dealers unable to reproduce or address the issue.
Engine Rod Bearing Failure and Internal Engine Damage
Engine internally seizes or throws a connecting rod, punching a hole in the engine block. This occurs with a loud knocking noise and sudden loss of power, sometimes accompanied by smoke from the engine. Failure is catastrophic and requires engine replacement or short-block overhaul. Honda issued a recall for rod issues on AWD Pilots only, leaving FWD Pilots without coverage despite identical failure modes.
When: Occurs at high mileage (134,000-160,000 miles) but also reported at lower mileage in some cases; 9 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knocking noise from engine; Sudden loss of power while driving; Smoke from engine hood; Complete engine shutdown; Oil leak visible from engine block with hole punched through; Engine will not crank after failure
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement cost estimated at $1,000-$15,000 depending on severity and repair facility. One owner quoted $1K for diagnostics alone, another quoted $11K-$15K for full replacement of short block, cams, and heads. Honda denies warranty goodwill if owner did not have oil changes performed at Honda dealership (owner argued dealership was 1 hour away).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda issued a recall for rod issues but only covers AWD models of the year, not FWD. Owners with FWD models report Honda refuses goodwill assistance claiming maintenance was not performed at a Honda dealership. No expanded recall has been issued despite documented failures in FWD models.
Transmission Temperature Too High Warning Light
Transmission temperature warning light illuminates while driving, indicating overheating. This occurs during normal driving at highway speeds with no unusual conditions. Light may turn off after pulling over and stopping, then reappear later, suggesting an intermittent thermal issue rather than simple overheating.
When: 49,000-100,000 miles; occurs multiple times during same trip
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission temperature too high warning light on dashboard; No other symptoms while light is on; Vehicle can be driven after light appears, but appears again after 1-2 hours; Light clears after vehicle is stopped and cooled
Codes mentioned: Transmission temperature warning (specific code not provided)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners have added transmission fluid at independent shops (Valvoline, etc.) with temporary relief. One case involved full transmission replacement ($11,000) at dealership after repeated warning lights. Dealership inspection at time of recall showed no transmission problem, but later inspection found transmission needed replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific TSB or recall issued for transmission overheating warnings. Dealers have recommended transmission fluid check and potential refill.
Multiple Warning Lights and System Faults Affecting Vehicle Safety Systems
All or multiple warning lights on the dashboard illuminate simultaneously including transmission, emissions, safety systems (collision avoidance, blind spot monitor, all-wheel drive, etc.). Vehicle runs roughly or may stall. Lights may turn off and turn back on repeatedly over weeks. Owners report feeling unsafe due to warnings indicating all vehicle systems are faulting.
When: Can occur at any mileage; reported to recur over several weeks
Symptoms owners cite: All dashboard warning lights illuminate at once; Transmission system problem light; Emissions system problem light; All-wheel drive problem light; Collision avoidance/blind spot monitor lights; Vehicle runs roughly or sluggishly; Lights cycle on and off repeatedly; Radio and infotainment system malfunction
Codes mentioned: Multiple simultaneous faults reported, Fuel injector fault identified in at least one case
Repairs/costs cited: One dealership diagnosed fuel injector replacement needed ($cost not specified); another dealership could not identify root cause. Lights turn off temporarily after dealer visit but reappear. No successful repairs reported.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda refuses to address the issue citing systemic problems across multiple vehicle systems. No recall or TSB issued.
Transmission Limp-Home Mode and Loss of Acceleration on Highway
Vehicle enters limp-home mode while driving at highway speed, causing dramatic loss of acceleration and ability to maneuver around traffic. Transmission may shift to Neutral involuntarily. Vehicle loses acceleration control, leaving the driver unable to effectively merge or avoid hazards. After stopping, vehicle locks in Park and cannot be shifted.
When: At any mileage; one case at 61,000 miles with sub-32-degree weather conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of acceleration at highway speed; Vehicle bucking and losing power mid-drive; Transmission shifts to Neutral involuntarily; Vehicle severely limited in acceleration capability; Unable to maneuver around traffic effectively; Vehicle locks in Park and will not shift; Error code P0841 may be recorded (internal transmission sensor failure)
Codes mentioned: P0841 (Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch A Circuit)
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle required towing. Transmission was found to have internal solenoid, sensor, and switch failures. 9-speed transmission is sealed without dipstick and has no serviceable external components. Full transmission replacement only option. Owner notes replacement uses same part number and may fail again.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. No extended warranty for internal transmission failures beyond torque converter.
Synthesized from 118 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Traveling about 70 mph on the interstate using cruise control. I don’t think there was a change in steepness/grade, but if there was it was mild. Suddenly, the rpm’s were erratic and the engine and gears seemed out of sync. Pressing the gas pedal didn’t seem to effectively accelerate the vehicle. I don’t believe the brakes were affected. The “D” for drive indicator kept blinking on and off.…
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond, rattled, jerked, and shuddered. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure mainly occurred while driving at 15 MPH and higher speeds. The contact stated that the Push to Start button was inoperable…
My husband was driving on the highway to a competition for our daughter. He said the Transmission System Problem light came on 4 different times in 20 minutes. This had happened once while I was driving last year and had never happened again. We took it to our local transmission repair shop and the guy could not get it to repeat and the transmission worked as it should when he was testing…
The car would not go into reverse and when it finally did and we pulled out we received a transmission problem warning
Had powertrain trouble with your 2017 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 2017 Honda Pilot?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 118 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 40 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 25,866 and 63,000 miles, with the median around 40,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 25,866; a quarter make it past 63,000. 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/2017/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.