Transmission is jumping between first and second gear randomly.
2018 Honda Pilot powertrain problems
moderate 71 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
71
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 71 powertrain complaints filed for the 2018 Honda Pilot, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 125,000-150,000 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 71 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.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2018 Honda Pilot has widespread powertrain issues—transmission hesitation and stalling at stops, auto-stop engine restart failures, torque converter defects (Service Bulletin 23-078), and unexpected neutral shifts—that create serious safety risks in traffic. Many owners face repair bills of $2000–$5000+ for torque converter replacement, and Honda's warranty extension excludes many vehicles despite identical failure patterns.
Owners of 2018 Honda Pilots describe a cluster of dangerous transmission and engine-control failures that often begin early in ownership but persist for years.
The most common issue is transmission hesitation when accelerating from a stop—the engine revs but the vehicle won't move for 2–3 seconds, then lurches forward abruptly. This creates acute risk when merging onto highways or turning left across traffic. Many owners have reported near-miss accidents. Diagnostics point to a defective torque converter lock-up piston (Honda Service Bulletin 23-078, August 2023), which Honda acknowledges can crack and lose clutch capacity, but the company has issued a warranty extension only for certain VINs while denying coverage for identical failures in other vehicles.
The auto stop/start idle feature frequently fails to restart the engine after shutting it down at traffic lights and stop signs, leaving the vehicle immobilized in traffic for 30 seconds to several minutes. Owners have been stranded in busy intersections, on freeways, and blocking one-lane roads—creating risk of rear-end collisions. Replacing the battery (a dealer suggestion in some cases) has not resolved the issue.
Additionally, the transmission unexpectedly shifts to neutral while driving or idling, causing stalling and loss of power steering and brakes. Dealership diagnostics often find no fault codes, and dealers cannot reproduce the issues despite multiple service visits.
Jerking, clunking hard shifts between gears appear from the first week of ownership for some owners. One owner also reported a connecting rod bearing failure at 100,750 miles and another a camshaft break during highway acceleration—both triggering multiple warning lights and loss of control.
Dealers and Honda repeatedly state they cannot find or replicate these problems, leaving owners to manage dangerous vehicle behavior without remedy.
Same Honda Pilot powertrain reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2019 · 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission hesitation / delayed engagement from stop
Vehicle hesitates or fails to respond when accelerating from a complete stop, often taking 2-3 seconds before engaging. Owners report rolling forward slowly, then sudden jerking or lurching once power finally transfers. Occurs during acceleration from traffic lights, stop signs, and highway merges.
When: Across mileage range; some reported at 10k miles, persisting through 130k+
Symptoms owners cite: No response when depressing accelerator from stop; Delayed gear engagement (2-3 seconds); Abrupt jerk or lunge once power finally transfers; Unsafe when merging onto highways or making left turns in traffic; Intermittent; sometimes clears after restart
Codes mentioned: P0741 (Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance / Stuck OFF), P0369 (Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced)
Repairs/costs cited: Torque converter replacement; some owners report dealer transmission flush or fluid service ($500–$600 per service); some quote $2000–$5000 for full repair. Some dealers treated transmission with additives rather than replace.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda Service Bulletin 23-078 (Aug 2023) acknowledges torque converter defect in 2017–2019 Pilots with 6-speed automatics; warranty extension offered for some VINs but many owners report their VINs are excluded despite identical failure symptoms. Some owners denied coverage due to salvage/rebuilt titles. No official recall issued.
Auto Start/Stop system failure—engine shuts off but won't restart
Idle stop feature engages when vehicle comes to a stop, but engine fails to restart when driver releases brake pedal. Vehicle becomes immobilized at traffic lights, stop signs, and intersections for 30 seconds to several minutes. Multiple restart attempts or full shutdown/restart required to restore power.
When: Throughout ownership; reported from 2019 onward; multiple occurrences per week in some cases
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off at traffic light or stop sign due to idle stop feature; No restart when brake released; no response to push-button start; Vehicle stranded in intersection or traffic; Multiple restart attempts required (2–3 minutes); Sometimes spluttering or clicking sound before failure; Dashboard warning lights illuminate (battery, caution, emissions, transmission system problem); Feature auto-resets each ignition cycle, re-engaging without driver consent
Codes mentioned: Battery light, Caution light, Emissions System Problem, Transmission System Problem
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers recommended battery replacement (tested OK in several cases); some suggested software update to main computer. No lasting repair documented in complaints.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Related to ODI Investigation PE 22-005 (opened 06/03/22). No recall or TSB documented in complaints. Dealers unable to reproduce issue or provide fix.
Transmission jerks, clunks, hard shifts between gears
Transmission exhibits jerking, hard clunks, and hesitation when shifting to next gear, especially in early gears (2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th). Passengers jerk forward unexpectedly. Sometimes occurs when transmission should upshift but instead reverts to lower gear. Present since first week of ownership for some owners.
When: Present from very early ownership (some at 2k miles, 7.5k miles at first oil change); ongoing through 60k+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Hard jerks when shifting between gears; Clunking or clanking noise when gear changes; Delayed gear shifts (up to 2 seconds); Flares (RPMs spike) before hard shift; Sticky clutch feel; Passengers jerk forward without expectation; Occurs on level surfaces, downhills, and regardless of speed or incline; No hesitation when shifting manually (where available); Transmission fluid leak at transmission gasket (noted at 7.5k mile service)
Codes mentioned: P0741
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to replicate or repair. Some owners report transmission fluid flushed; one owner noted transmission fluid leak at gasket from first oil change onward.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No service bulletins or recalls documented in complaints for this specific symptom cluster.
Transmission shuddering, bucking, loss of power during acceleration
Vehicle shudders, bucks, or loses power without warning during acceleration—especially at highway speeds or when accelerating to merge. Sometimes accompanied by RPM surge without forward motion (transmission slip). Vehicle becomes unstable and unresponsive, requiring sudden braking or evasive action.
When: Reported at speeds 35–70+ MPH; some intermittent at first, becoming more frequent
Symptoms owners cite: Shuddering or bucking during acceleration; Loss of motive power without warning; Hesitation at 1500–2000 RPM range (reported by towing owners); RPM surge without corresponding acceleration (transmission slip); Transmission system problem warning light; P0741 code stored; Occurs during highway merging or lane changes; Vehicle becomes uncontrollable; requires sudden braking
Codes mentioned: P0741, Transmission System Problem warning
Repairs/costs cited: Torque converter replacement ($2000–$5000 range). Some dealers recommended auxiliary transmission cooler for heavy towing. Towing owners reported transmission fluid degradation within 7000 miles after flush/fill, unusual for normal driving.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Bulletin 23-078 (Aug 2023) acknowledges defect in torque converter lock-up piston causing shuddering, hesitation, and loss of power. Warranty extension issued for some VINs but many owners excluded. Towing owners particularly affected; dealers suggest cooler upgrade for loads near manufacturer limits.
Transmission defaults to neutral / vehicle stalls while driving
Vehicle unexpectedly shifts to neutral during operation, causing loss of power and forcing restart. Often occurs while stopped (at lights or stop signs) but also reported while driving at highway speeds. Accompanied by warning lights and audible warnings to shift to park.
When: Reported from 2019 onward; some owners experienced 12+ occurrences over 12 months
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shifts to neutral without driver input while stopped or driving; Engine stalls; Dashboard warning: 'Place Vehicle in Park' (despite already being in Drive); Collision warning may flash immediately before failure; Engine dies at 25 MPH while slowing for corner; at 70+ MPH on highway; Vehicle immobilized mid-intersection or mid-lane; Sometimes preceded by spluttering or clicking sound; Cannot shift out of neutral without full vehicle restart
Codes mentioned: Check Engine, Emissions System Problem, Transmission System Problem, Transmission System Failure, Battery light, Caution light
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented in complaints; dealers unable to replicate or diagnose issue despite multiple service visits.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Related to ODI Investigation PE 22-005. No recall issued. Dealers state inability to reproduce and offer no solutions.
Torque converter lock-up piston crack—Service Bulletin 23-078
Honda acknowledges in Service Bulletin 23-078 (Aug 31, 2023) that certain torque converters in 2017–2019 Pilots may have manufacturing defects. Lock-up piston cracks cause pressure bleed-down and loss of clutch capacity, resulting in shuddering, hesitation, power loss, and erratic transmission behavior. Many owners denied coverage despite meeting published eligibility criteria and having stored P0741 code.
When: Defect acknowledged in August 2023; failure onset varies from 28k to 130k+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Shuddering during acceleration; Hesitation under load; Loss of power during merging or highway driving; Transmission system problem warning light; P0741 diagnostic code stored; Unpredictable, sudden transmission behavior
Codes mentioned: P0741 (Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance / Stuck OFF)
Repairs/costs cited: Torque converter replacement. Cost ranges $2000–$5000+. Some dealers quoted partial repairs or temporary fixes (transmission service every 20k–30k miles for $500–$600).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Bulletin 23-078 issued Aug 2023. Warranty extension program established for affected 2017–2019 Pilots with 6-speed automatics, within 8 years original service date and under 150k miles, with stored P0741 code. However, many owners report VINs excluded from coverage without explanation. Honda denies expanded recall, stating NHTSA must identify affected VINs. NHTSA has not declared a recall.
Engine knock / connecting rod bearing failure
Engine produces progressive knocking sound during operation, initially dismissed by dealers as 'normal valve noise.' Knocking worsens over thousands of miles and culminates in complete rod bearing failure, requiring full engine replacement.
When: Knock noted during routine maintenance at 94k miles (while under warranty); failure occurred at 100,750 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine knocking, initially attributed to valve noise; Knocking progressively worsens over thousands of miles; Knock felt and heard during highway driving; Engine seizure imminent at failure point
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required. Bearing diagnosed as worn and failing at 100,750 miles. Replaced under partial goodwill coverage (percentage not disclosed); Honda refused full coverage and refused to provide written documentation of decision.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda recall 23V-751 addresses connecting rod bearing defect (NHTSA PE25008) but excluded this vehicle despite identical failure. Partial goodwill coverage provided; full coverage denied. Dealer initially dismissed knock as normal and did not document complaint.
Camshaft failure / walking camshaft and sensor wear
Camshaft breaks or becomes loose (walking), causing cascading engine failures. Often triggered during acceleration or merging, with all warning lights illuminating simultaneously. One owner paid for camshaft sensor replacement ($3500+ total); however, root cause was worn camshaft causing sensor to be worn out by walking camshaft.
When: Reported at 50k miles and 100k+ miles; owner notes hundreds of complaints over 5+ years with no recall
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light and multiple dash warning lights simultaneously; Loss of power during acceleration or highway merge; Engine shudder and inability to accelerate; Difficulty steering (loss of power steering assist); No warning signs prior to failure; Vehicle must be pulled to roadside
Codes mentioned: P0369 (Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced), Misfires on cylinders 4, 5, 6 (reported)
Repairs/costs cited: Camshaft sensor replacement attempted ($3500+); root cause is walking camshaft causing accelerated sensor wear. Owner notes repair costs exceed $3500 after multiple visits.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner notes hundreds of similar complaints posted online dating back 5+ years with no recall. Service Bulletin 19-045 exists but this vehicle's VIN not included despite same year/model. No manufacturer response documented.
Multiple warning lights / fuel injector degradation (TSB 21-087)
Vehicle displays simultaneous warning lights including Trailer Stability Assist (TSA), Hill Start Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Power Steering System (EPS), and Emissions System Problem. Root cause identified in Honda Technical Service Bulletin 21-087 as fuel injector degradation. Occurs in vehicles with low mileage (47k miles or less).
When: Reported at 47k miles; some at time of initial issues
Symptoms owners cite: TSA Problem warning light; Hill Start Assist Problem warning light; VSA Problem warning light; EPS (Power Steering) Problem warning light; Emissions System Problem warning light; All lights appear simultaneously
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel injector service or replacement (covered under warranty extension per TSB 21-087). Owner reports quoted repair but warranty extension exists for vehicles meeting criteria.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda Technical Service Bulletin 21-087 issued for fuel injector degradation. Warranty extension available but burden of proof on consumer. No official recall; treated as warranty extension only.
Transmission fails to engage from park / shift lever issues
Vehicle parked with automatic transmission / push-button shift refuses to engage Drive or other gears. Sometimes accompanied by warning to 'Place Vehicle in Park' even though already parked. Issue prevents vehicle from being driven and creates safety hazard if on slope or in traffic.
When: Reported at 50k miles and multiple occurrences thereafter
Symptoms owners cite: Cannot shift from Park to Drive or other gears; Warning light: 'Place Vehicle in Park' displayed; Vehicle immobilized and unable to move; Push-button shift unresponsive; Sometimes requires full vehicle shutdown and restart; P and D buttons on instrument cluster blink continuously
Codes mentioned: Check Engine, Transmission System Problem, Blind Spot Info System Problem
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; dealers unable to diagnose or fix issue. Codes do not register despite multiple dealership visits.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented in complaints.
Engine stalling while braking or at intersections
Engine stalls unexpectedly while coming to a stop, slowing down, or idling at traffic lights and intersections. Vehicle may stall without warning while operating normally. Issue distinct from Auto Start/Stop feature; occurs even with feature disabled. Creates acute safety hazard as vehicle loses power brakes and power steering.
When: Reported over 1+ month duration in some cases; multiple occurrences at different locations
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls at traffic light or stop sign without warning; Engine stalls while slowing to make turn at 25 MPH; Engine stalls while idling in parking lot; Loss of power brakes and power steering upon stall; Delayed restart (sometimes several minutes); No throttle response immediately after restart (in park, neutral, or drive); Shift lever may shift to neutral without driver input; Battery light and caution light illuminate
Codes mentioned: Battery light, Caution light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to reproduce or repair. One suggestion to document video evidence, posing additional safety risk to driver.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No documented response; owner notes large collection of similar complaints online.
Synthesized from 71 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
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…
When the idle stop feature is active the vehicle can stop, ceasing all functions, including steering and engine. The entire electrical system does not function, and the vehicle cannot be restarted. In order to restart the vehicle you are required to jumpstart the vehicle. This issue was not common during early ownership of vehicle, but has become more frequent with age. This is a safety issue as…
My transmission failed although it was scanned a few weeks earlier indicating no issues with the transmission. I was lucky that the car failed once I stopped and wouldn't shift back into gear however it could have failed while driving. The car was driving fine and was slightly slow to engage, but I believe that was due to the fuel pump recall, which I could not have fixed because of a shortage of…
Transmission failed suddenly while on the highway. Engine light came on, and could not shift above first gear. Took to the Honda dealership where we purchased the vehicle (purchased new in 2018) and was told transmission failed and needed to be replaced. This is a 2018 Honda Pilot with only 35,000 miles on it with all routine maintenance done.
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…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2018 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 2018 Honda Pilot?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 71 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 17 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 20,000 and 64,000 miles, with the median around 50,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 20,000; a quarter make it past 64,000. 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/2018/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.