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 ↗2019 Honda Pilot powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2019 Honda Pilot have filed 84 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 23,000 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
84
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Pilot | 10 |
| 2016 Pilot | 193 |
| 2017 Pilot | 118 |
| 2018 Pilot | 71 |
| 2019 Pilot (this page) | 84 |
| 2020 Pilot | 30 |
| 2021 Pilot | 24 |
| 2022 Pilot | 11 |
| 2023 Pilot | 8 |
2crashes
4injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 84 powertrain complaints filed for the 2019 Honda Pilot, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 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 84 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.
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 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 ↗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
The 2019 Honda Pilot exhibits a persistent cluster of powertrain and control system failures that span transmission, engine starting, and electrical behavior. Transmission issues dominate: owners describe torque converter shuddering and juddering starting as early as 3,000 miles, worsening to harsh shifts and complete loss of drive at highway speeds. Dealerships acknowledge the problem—some referencing Technical Service Bulletins for earlier model years—but deny coverage for 2019 despite the identical ZF 9-speed transmission. Temporary fixes like triple transmission fluid flushes ($1,000+) recur or fail; permanent repair (converter or TCM replacement, $4,700+) is denied or offered out-of-warranty.
Auto start/stop failures strand vehicles in active traffic and intersections. The engine fails to restart after shutting down at red lights, forcing owners to restart multiple times or call towing services. Simultaneously, the transmission locks up or shifts to Neutral by itself—sometimes while driving—and will not re-engage Drive without restart or disabling the vehicle. Dealerships cannot reproduce these issues despite owners providing video evidence and the system working normally during diagnostic visits.
Additional hazards include vehicles rolling unexpectedly while parked (one owner struck by his own vehicle), sudden unintended acceleration while parking, and uncontrolled braking. When the engine fails or starter malfunctions, owners cannot shift to Neutral manually because the electronic shifter requires a special Honda tool inaccessible in emergencies. Dashboard blackouts render critical instruments invisible, and electrical faults cascade through safety systems (collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise). Across all issues, diagnostic codes either do not store or disappear, leaving dealerships unable or unwilling to diagnose root causes.
Same Honda Pilot powertrain reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2018 · 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission Torque Converter Failure
Torque converter degradation causing harsh shifts, judder, hesitation, or complete loss of drive at highway speeds. Owners report the issue worsens with mileage and can occur suddenly without warning.
When: Typically 32,000–99,500 miles; some complaints from as early as 3,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Shuddering/juddering during acceleration, especially between 25–45 mph; Harsh or jerky upshifts, particularly 1st to 2nd gear; Loss of power or acceleration during highway merges; Temporary power loss followed by regained power; Vehicle may enter limp mode; No warning lights in early stages
Codes mentioned: P0810 (Clutch Position Control Error)
Repairs/costs cited: Honda dealers recommended triple transmission fluid flush (~$1,000) as temporary fix, but issue recurs. Owners cite Honda's reluctance to perform warranty torque converter replacement. TSBs issued for 2016–2018 models (extended warranty to 150,000 miles) but 2019 not included. Estimated replacement cost: $4,700. Some owners report dealership pressure to pay out-of-warranty or deny repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda has Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for 2016–2018 models with extended warranty coverage; 2019 Pilot excluded despite identical ZF 9-speed transmission. Honda case management denies some claims despite evidence of known defect.
Auto Start/Stop System Failure & Engine Stalling
Auto start/stop feature fails to restart engine after shutting down at stop lights or in traffic, leaving vehicle stuck or requiring multiple restart attempts. Safety risk in busy intersections and highways.
When: Starting early in ownership; instances reported from <7,000 miles through 59,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine fails to restart after auto start/stop engages; Vehicle stalls in middle of intersection or traffic lane; Multiple restart attempts required (2–4 presses); Hazard lights and power windows/doors may be inoperable; Vehicle beeps when restart fails; Delay in auto start/stop activation, getting longer over time
Repairs/costs cited: Battery tested normal at dealership. Dealers unable to reproduce issue. No permanent fix offered; some owners report dealership brushed off complaints. One owner reported mechanic stated battery should not die in Drive, indicating electrical or fuel system fault. Emergency shutdown leaves vehicle unable to shift to neutral without special tool.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships acknowledge known issue and that recall may take years. Honda customer service declined financial assistance in at least one case despite case assignment. No TSB or recall issued.
Transmission Shifting to Neutral Without Driver Input
Transmission intermittently shifts itself from Drive to Neutral or Park, sometimes while driving, sometimes while stopped. Vehicle locks in neutral and will not re-engage drive until restart. Creates immediate safety hazard in traffic.
When: Occurs at various mileages from 16,000 to 71,000 miles; some incidents within weeks of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission shifts to Neutral while stopped at traffic light or in drive; Transmission shifts to Park while driving; Dashboard message: 'STOP DRIVING WHEN SAFE' 'REFER TO OWNERS MANUAL' or 'Transmission Problem. See Manual'; Vehicle will not shift back to Drive without multiple restart attempts; Occurs randomly, multiple times per outing; No diagnostic codes stored in vehicle computer; Issue recurs after restart
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships unable to reproduce issue; no codes stored. No repair completed in most cases. Vehicle remains unfixed. One case: transmission reprogrammed by dealer after incident caused injury but issue persisted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. Dealerships state they have 'never heard of it' and cannot replicate. Owners report dealership brushing off complaints and refusing to pursue diagnosis.
Loss of Drive Power at Highway Speed
Vehicle suddenly loses all propulsion while at highway speed and automatically shifts to Neutral, creating immediate danger in active traffic. No warning before failure.
When: Mileage varies; one case at highway driving shortly after powertrain warranty expiration
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden complete loss of propulsion while at ~60 mph in traffic; Automatic shift to Neutral without driver action; No warning lights or messages prior to failure; Vehicle becomes immobilized in traffic lane
Codes mentioned: P0810 (Clutch Position Control Error)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission Control Module (TCM/TCU) diagnosed as defective and requiring replacement. Failure occurred shortly after expiration of 5-year powertrain warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle diagnosed by Honda authorized service center but no coverage offered post-warranty.
Harsh/Jerky Transmission Shifts & Juddering
Transmission exhibits harsh, jerky, or jolting shifts during normal acceleration, particularly in low-speed ranges. Severity increases with mileage. Owners report it feels like sudden acceleration or deceleration without driver input.
When: Onset reported from 3,000 miles through 65,000+ miles; worsens over time
Symptoms owners cite: Violent jerking or jolting during gear shifts, especially 1st to 2nd; Shakes entire vehicle, startles occupants; Rough, hard shifting from idle; Stalling sensation when accelerating from turns or low speeds; Intermittent; worse after engine warm-up; RPM fluctuation during steady acceleration; Issue recurs after engine restart even if temporarily resolved
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple transmission fluid flushes performed (cost ~$740–$1,000 for triple flush); issue recurs or persists. Dealers admit problem but claim no recall exists for 2019 model year. One owner: transmission fluid was dark; flushed 3 times with partial improvement. Problem has occurred since ~37,000 miles; fluid replaced once, problem returned by 52,000 miles. Engines restarted mid-drive to resolve temporarily.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda has issued TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) for Judder in 2016–2018 models, prescribing triple flush and transmission reprogramming. 2019 Pilot not included in TSB coverage despite identical transmission. Some dealers refuse to apply TSB to 2019 vehicles citing selective VIN coverage.
Transmission Control Module / Electrical Failure
Transmission control electronics fail, causing limp mode, loss of acceleration, and cascading safety system failures. Vehicle enters reduced-power mode or becomes nearly immobilized.
When: Mileage ranges from <1,000 miles (new vehicle) through 99,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple warning lights illuminate simultaneously (service engine, powertrain, emissions, collision, braking system, blind spot info); Vehicle enters limp mode with severely reduced acceleration; Vehicle fails to shift gears or move forward; Dashboard screen blacks out or displays CAN bus communication errors; Advanced safety systems (LKAS, collision warning, adaptive cruise, auto emergency braking, lane departure warning) fail; Fault codes return after clearing
Codes mentioned: CAN bus communication errors, Camera/radar-related safety system faults, Transmission-related codes (specific codes not always documented)
Repairs/costs cited: One case: TSB 23-0780 referenced but vehicle not covered. Another: dealer recommended full transmission replacement without successful diagnosis. Multiple cases: electrical/computer module repair attempted by dealer without resolution. One case: TSB A23-073 identified as known issue requiring software update (performed successfully).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Known issue identified in at least one TSB (A23-073) for transmission overtemp condition; software update available. Other TCM failures appear unaddressed.
Unable to Access Neutral When Engine Disabled
When vehicle loses engine power or starter fails, driver cannot manually shift to Neutral for emergency towing because shifter is electrically locked. Requires special Honda tool and knowledge, inaccessible in emergency.
When: Occurs when engine is disabled; example given at <7,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle disabled (starter failure, engine stall, power loss); Electronic shifter locked; cannot move to Neutral; No mechanical override accessible to driver in passenger compartment; Vehicle cannot be pushed/towed to safety or side of road
Repairs/costs cited: Honda has a special tool requiring three extensions to accomplish manual neutral shift during transport. AAA mechanic could not operate the device. Owner's manual does not provide instructions. Design appears in 2019–2020 Pilot and Passport models.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda aware of design; tool exists but not accessible to owners. No recall or design change noted. Dealership initially unaware of procedure.
Vehicle Rolling/Moving Unintentionally When Parked
Vehicle moves or rolls unexpectedly while parked in Park gear, with brake applied, or during normal start-up operations. Creates risk of striking people, property, or vehicles.
When: Occurs at various mileages from new to 71,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle moves 6–8 inches forward when brake is released in Park (level pavement); Vehicle rolls downhill when brake released before gear engaged (parked facing downhill); Vehicle moves forward when started remotely or by push button (engine cold start); Vehicle rolls backward from neutral without brake applied; Movement occurs even with parking brake set in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: One incident: owner struck by vehicle, suffered bruises and abrasions on both legs below knees; vehicle rolled into ravine with no damage. Dealer diagnosed low battery and contacted manufacturer; vehicle not repaired. Another case: dealer told owner movement up to 5 inches is 'acceptable per Honda' and advised nothing should be within 4 feet of vehicle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated 5-inch movement is within acceptable tolerances. Manufacturer notified in one incident but no repair or recall issued.
Sudden Unintended Acceleration
Vehicle accelerates violently or abruptly without driver input while parked at slow speed, creating crash risk.
When: Occurred at ~32,000 miles while parking at ~2 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden violent acceleration while parking (moving at ~2 mph); No warning lights illuminated before failure; Vehicle jumped parking barrier and hit tree; Air bag deployed on impact
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed in crash. Towed to salvage lot. One nearby passenger injured (fractured arm from fall during incident). Driver sustained injuries to arms, chest, stomach from seat belt.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no further information provided. Vehicle destroyed, not investigated.
AWD System Failure / Differential Failure
All-Wheel-Drive system or rear differential fails, triggering warning light and disabling AWD. In one case, multiple failures over time; in another, complete differential failure.
When: First case: warning appeared intermittently at 66,000 miles during wet/rainy conditions. Second case: leaking seals at 76,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: AWD warning light illuminated on dashboard; Computer disables AWD and places vehicle in FWD-only mode; Warning appears during wet/rainy conditions, clears in dry weather; Transmission/transfer case leaking fluid with no warning lights; Burned transmission fluid observed
Repairs/costs cited: First case: differential pump, sub harness, and differential replaced. Owner noted timing: failures began ~2 weeks after fuel pump recall and backup camera harness recall were completed; dealer denied recalls caused failure. Second case: transmission case seals replaced twice (once by dealer, once by independent shop) within same month; burned fluid replaced.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated failures not caused by recent recalls. No TSB or warranty coverage noted.
Fuel Pump / High-Pressure Fuel System Issues
Fuel pump or high-pressure fuel system components fail, causing stalling, loss of power, or noise. In one case, vehicle stalls and jerks after fuel pump replacement, suggesting incomplete resolution.
When: Fuel pump replaced on recall; issue persisted. High-pressure pump issues at 75,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls and jerks during driving; Does not start reliably after refueling; Does not accelerate to full power when needed; Loose/failing spring in high-pressure fuel pump noted; Noise when starting and accelerating
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump recalled and replaced but stalling issue continued. High-pressure pump spring failure identified as potential catastrophic failure if pump fails (fuel spill into engine). Parts hard to obtain; service centers booked with 1–2 week wait.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Fuel pump recall issued but does not address persisting stalling issues. High-pressure pump defect not addressed.
Dashboard / Entertainment System Blackouts
Dashboard instruments and infotainment screen black out or lose function multiple times while driving, rendering speed, fuel level, and warning displays invisible.
When: Multiple incidents starting in 2022; mileage varies
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard instruments go black in sequence with entertainment system; Cannot see speed, fuel level, or other critical information; LKAS (Lane Keeping Assist), collision warning, adaptive cruise control, auto emergency braking, lane departure warning fail with warning lights; Systems fail, work randomly, then fail again; Electrical/CAN bus-related fault codes
Codes mentioned: CAN bus communication errors, Safety system-related faults
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnostic service performed 4+ times; cause not found. Vehicle serviced and transmission flushed per maintenance schedule but issue persists.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership unable to diagnose or resolve; recommends transmission replacement despite no transmission-specific codes.
Transmission 'Too Hot' Warning
Transmission overtemp warning appears during normal driving in cool weather, requiring emergency pull-over.
When: Occurred during highway driving in June 2024 in cool conditions
Symptoms owners cite: 'Transmission Too Hot' warning on dashboard; Occurred in non-hot weather conditions
Repairs/costs cited: Known issue TSB A23-073 identified; software update resolved.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Known issue with documented TSB A23-073 requiring software update; update performed by dealer.
Engine Knock & Internal Bearing Failure
Engine develops internal damage at 100,000 miles with misfire and bearing failure. Premature for a 2019 model at this mileage.
When: At 100,000 miles, vehicle maintained on schedule
Symptoms owners cite: Engine knock; Misfire diagnostic code for cylinder #2; Metallic debris in engine oil (bearing failure indicator)
Codes mentioned: Misfire code (cylinder #2)
Repairs/costs cited: Honda Certified dealership diagnosed internal engine damage; engine/motor replacement recommended.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda Service Bulletin #24-001 exists but vehicle apparently not in 'affected VIN' population per dealership.
Brake System Issues (Unexpected Braking)
Vehicle brakes unexpectedly and without driver input, sometimes with multiple unnecessary stops. Related to automatic emergency braking or collision avoidance system malfunction.
When: Multiple instances across different driving contexts
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle brakes without driver input or visible hazard; Occurs on highways and country roads with no traffic present; Came to complete stop in one instance; Occurs at same location multiple times
Repairs/costs cited: Owner notes 2018 models were recalled for 'ghost braking'; 2019 exhibits same behavior but not recalled.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall for 2019 model despite known issue in prior years.
Synthesized from 84 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
On [XXX] we were driving on [XXX] in Nashville and experiencing a sudden loss of power and the check engine light started flashing. Thankfully we were able to exit the interstate without incident and there was a mechanic shop near the exit. He found brass flakes in the oil filter and told us that it was likely a bearing failure. We then had the vehicle towed back to the Honda dealership in…
Experiencing Judder/hesitation when car reaches a speed where it has to shift from first to second gear and from second to third gear. Sometimes it feels more like a jerk. Issue mostly occurs after the car has warmed up, so after around 3-4 miles of driving the car. Second issue was RPM fluctuation when car is at steady acceleration. Judder issue first occurred back in June 2022 when the car…
Unknown….vehicle slips at certain speeds and repeatedly does so on a trip. If the engine is turned off, this may reset and slippage goes away temporarily. This issue has been brought to the dealers attention on multiple occasions over the past 2 years, but they have been unable to reproduce except on the most recent visit. Occurrence is more frequent now. Wondering why this vehicle is not…
I was coming to a stop at a red light and the car shut off . It flashed a transmission issue and emissions issue on the dash. I tried to restart and it would start but not move or let me shift into gear leaving me stranded in the middle of a busy road. It took for an officer to remove my battery cable and then reconnect for me to be able to move the vehicle out of the road and into a parking lot.…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2019 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 2019 Honda Pilot?
It's a meaningful issue. 84 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 15 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 13,000 and 71,000 miles, with the median around 23,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 13,000; a quarter make it past 71,000. 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/2019/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.