At the shop, Honda transmission and driveline issues have a recognizable signature. 4,768 documented complaints across 148 year-model entries from 2005 to 2026 is consistent with what we see come in. Complaint volume is spread across the lineup rather than parked on one bad year. That's the signature of a platform or supplier issue, not a single-year flub. 1 fatality report on file with NHTSA tied to this category on Honda vehicles. That elevates this from nuisance to safety-critical. Across the 2,274 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 57,359 miles. Repair exposure averages $2,500, which is meaningful money outside warranty. Pull a transmission fluid sample if you can. Color and smell tell you more than mileage alone. If the fluid is dark or smells burnt, walk.
Honda powertrain problems
4,768 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Honda vehicles for powertrain issues. 1 active recall campaign. See powertrain across all makes →
Worst-affected Honda model-years for powertrain Top 25 by complaint volume
Active recalls — Honda powertrain 1 on file
Honda is recalling certain model year 2011 cr-z passenger cars with manual transmissions, manufactured from january 8, 2010, through june 27, 2011
Unexpected vehicle movement could increase the risk of a crash or personal injury to the persons in the path of the moving vehicle.
Common questions
How many Honda powertrain complaints are on file with NHTSA?
4,768 complaints across 148 model-year entries from 2005 to 2026. 1 active recall campaigns cover powertrain issues across the Honda lineup.
Which Honda model has the most powertrain complaints?
The 2016 Honda Pilot leads with 193 complaints in this category. Next: 2015 Civic (168) and 2018 Odyssey (154).
What does it cost to fix Honda powertrain problems?
Independent shops average $2,500 for powertrain repairs across the Honda lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Honda powertrain recalls?
Yes — 1 active recall campaign covers powertrain on Honda vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.