RoadVitals

2019 Honda Pilot Powertrain (other) Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the powertrain system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Powertrain (other) reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
86
Latest Aug 9, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
10%
of 877 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
1
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
2

What this page shows

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2019 Honda Pilot submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 86 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming powertrain

The 25 most recent of 86, in the owner's own words

Powertrain (other)Suspension
Filed Aug 9, 2026

Ön teker sağ ve sol teker bağlantı yerleri sübvansiyon bağlantı yerleri aşırı paslanma var. tesadüfen gördüm arabam 61500 mile

NHTSA ID
11755761
Incident
Aug 5, 2026
Driver assistanceEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 22, 2026

* Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) – Southeastern Honda: Shortly after purchase, the CMBS repeatedly slammed on emergency brakes without cause, incorrectly flagging adjacent or oncoming vehicles as collision threats. I presented video and photo evidence to Southeastern Honda. The Service Manager dismissed the hazard, telling me I "just have to learn how to drive the car with these driver assist features." Fearing an accident, I was forced to permanently disable the system. * Starter Failure / Battery Issues – Space Coast Honda: The vehicle went through four batteries and repeatedly failed to restart when Auto Idle Stop engaged, stranding my wife and children in parking lots and active traffic. I brought the car in multiple times insisting the starter was the issue, but Space Coast Honda refused to replace it because no codes were present and my VIN wasn't attached to a recall. Once out of warranty, I replaced the starter out-of-pocket, which permanently resolved the issue. Teardown of the original starter revealed extensive heat damage, burned insulation, and charred components. * Current Engine Concern – Space Coast Honda: The engine now exhibits rod bearing failure symptoms aligned with Recall 23V-751, including knocking and metallic debris in the oil and filter. I brought the vehicle and photo evidence to Space Coast Honda. One staff member claimed metal in the oil was "normal," while another disagreed. I left the car for evaluation, but two days later learned no inspection was done; they claimed Honda would deny it based on VIN exclusion and quoted $13,500 for a used engine. When I insisted they present my case to Honda anyway, they abruptly raised the inspection fee to $800—despite having completed zero diagnostics over two days.

NHTSA ID
11752115
Incident
Jul 9, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jun 17, 2026

Driving to work and, all of a sudden, the dashboard lights flicker and the car says the transmission has issues. The car advises us to pull over out of the highway. This was driving to work. The car completely stops working. The dealer says the transmission is dead. this is a car that is a 2019 Honda Pilot. 7 years old. It was bought through Honda and serviced at Honda. The Transmission should not go out this early. We also purchased a 2019 Honda Odyssey in May 2023. In December 2023, the tranmission and to be replaced. I've owned 6 Hondas in twenty years and the only ones that are problems are the 2019 version.

NHTSA ID
11744829
Incident
Jun 2, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Apr 29, 2026

The engine is making the same clunking sound that is associated with the known connecting rod bearing issue detailed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000.

NHTSA ID
11734507
Incident
Apr 1, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Apr 7, 2026

I own a 2019 Honda Pilot. The transmission failed and was replaced under warranty in October 2023. In March 2026, the same transmission problem occurred again and the vehicle is now not drivable. The dealership diagnosed the issue and estimated the repair cost to exceed $19,000. The manufacturer, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., opened and then closed my case (#16240409) without explanation and has not responded to repeated requests for assistance. The vehicle remains at the dealership awaiting authorization from American Honda Motor Co., Inc whether to repair the vehicle or not.

NHTSA ID
11729667
Incident
Mar 18, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Apr 1, 2026

Transmission shudder/stutter during acceleration, most noticeable between 25-45 mph under light to moderate throttle. Issue began at approximately 10,000 miles and has persisted to the current mileage of approximately 65,000 miles. The vehicle has been taken to the Honda dealer on multiple occasions for this issue. The dealer has performed two separate transmission fluid flushes, which temporarily reduce the symptoms but do not resolve the defect. The dealer has now recommended a triple transmission flush at a cost of approximately $1,000, which the dealer acknowledged is a suboptimal solution. The dealer stated their hands are tied because no recall has been issued for the 2019 model year. This is the same transmission shudder defect that led to recalls and Technical Service Bulletins for the 2016, 2017, and 2018 Honda Pilot models. The 9-speed ZF automatic transmission (9HP) in the 2019 Pilot is the same or substantially similar unit. The defect creates a safety concern during acceleration, particularly when merging onto highways or accelerating through intersections, as the vehicle hesitates and stutters instead of delivering smooth, predictable power delivery.

NHTSA ID
11728460
Incident
Jun 1, 2020
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Mar 20, 2026

We were driving from the [XXX] Area to [XXX] in June 2024. We noticed a "Transmission Too Hot" indicator on our dash while we were driving on [XXX] in [XXX] . It was not a hot day. We pulled over because we did not want to damage our car. We were towed to Ciocca Honda in [XXX] . They ran diagnostics and determined the problem was a known issue "A23-073" and our car needed a software update. The did a fine job and got us back on the road. My concern is that this was a known problem which could still be affective other motorists. Please evaluate whether a recall is needed for the fix done to our car and the software update. Thank you! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11725772
Incident
Jun 13, 2025
Driver assistanceElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Feb 7, 2026

The vehicle experiences a persistent stutter/hesitation while driving, which is especially pronounced during acceleration from a stop or at low to moderate speeds. This condition occurs consistently during normal operation and is not a one-time or intermittent event. The hesitation creates a safety concern when accelerating from intersections, merging into traffic, or maintaining smooth vehicle speed. The vehicle feels as though power delivery is interrupted or unstable during acceleration. Multiple warning lights are present. Dealer diagnostics confirmed permanent communication-related fault codes, including CAN bus communication errors and camera/radar-related safety system failures. These fault codes return after clearing and coincide with the drivability hesitation. During inspection, a transmission fluid service was discussed; however, no transmission-specific fault codes were identified. The drivability hesitation has continued alongside the documented electronic and communication-related faults. The issue has been inspected and documented by a dealership. No crash, fire, or injury has occurred, but the condition remains unresolved and continues to affect drivability and safety-related systems.

NHTSA ID
11716450
Incident
Jul 1, 2024
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jan 17, 2026

While driving at highway speed (approximately 60 mph), my vehicle suddenly lost all propulsion and automatically shifted into Neutral without any warning. This occurred in active traffic and resulted in an immediate and dangerous loss of power. I was unable to accelerate and narrowly avoided a serious accident. Following the incident, I took the vehicle to an authorized Honda service center. The dealer diagnosed the failure as a defective Transmission Control Module (TCM/TCU). Diagnostic code P0810 (Clutch Position Control Error) was stored, and the dealer confirmed the TCM must be replaced. This is a serious safety defect. Sudden loss of drive at highway speeds places the driver, passengers, and surrounding vehicles at extreme risk of serious injury or death. The failure occurred shortly after the expiration of the 5-year powertrain warranty. Honda should investigate this issue immediately, as unexpected TCM/TCU failure causing loss of propulsion can result in catastrophic outcomes.

NHTSA ID
11711665
Incident
Dec 31, 2025
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jan 13, 2026

The 9 speed transmission suddenly lost power while accelerating onto an interstate from an on ramp. It is available for inspection at the auto shop as it is not driveable and had to be towed. The vehicle did not give any indication in the moment. My safety and the safety of other drivers were at risk due to the posted speed limit of 65 MPH and my car had no ability to accelerate and get to a shoulder with three lanes of traffic. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by the dealer. I've reported this issue numerous times and they always state they don't find anything defective with the vehicle. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or other entities. There has never been any warning lamps or messages prior to the sudden loss of power on this occassion. In the past when I have lost power, it's been momentarily and no signs have illuminated. It has gained power within seconds of me stepping on the gas. On this occassion, it never got power back and the signs came on. Once I got to the side of the road, I tried turning the vehicle off and back on but once I try to put it in drive, it goes back to neutral automatically on its own. Prior to this incident, other than losing power momentarily at times, when stopped at a red light or stop sign, the car would automatically put itself in neutral and I was unable to drive when the light turned green/my turn at stop sign. I had to turn the car off (in the middle of the road) and turn it back on to get it to go in drive and accelerate again.

NHTSA ID
11710812
Incident
Dec 30, 2025
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jan 6, 2026

Vehicle surges occasionally at 30 to 45 MPH. Had a loud engine knock when driving on interstate and vehicle slowed down and multiple warning lighted up on dash like a Christmas tree. Was able to get to the shoulder safely. Restarted the vehicle, warning lights gone and was able to drive home. OBD II scanner read P0369. Took it to dealer for inspection, they confirmed camshaft “walk” and damaged the camshaft position sensor. After the repair, the surging issue still occurs occasionally.

NHTSA ID
11709293
Incident
Sep 20, 2025
Fuel systemPowertrain (other)Steering
Filed Jan 6, 2026

Needed a steering rack. Needed a new transmission due to a torque converter failure. Now AWD is intermittently faulty needing fuel injectors. All within 1 year

NHTSA ID
11709108
Incident
Aug 31, 2025
Powertrain (other)
Filed Oct 18, 2025

Rear differential unit failed at about 66,000 miles without warning. During normal driving, the dashboard warning light came on indicating AWD warning. It was raining at the time the warning came on. The Pilot onboard computer did disable the AWD and place the vehicle in front wheel drive only mode. The next morning again the AWD warning came on when put into drive and was raining again. Driving again in the afternoon the AWD warning did not come on and there was no rain. I could not see any physical signs of an issue. The Pilot was just in for two recalls: one for backup camera wiring harness on 8/27/2025 and fuel pump on 9/8/2025. About two weeks later on 9/24/2025 was when the first warning came on. The Pilot was taken to the dealer and was reported that the differential pump, sub harness, and differential all needed to be replaced. I informed the dealer that the two recalls were performed and the warning coming on during wet weather. The dealer stated the failure was not caused by the recalls. In order to make to Pilot safe to drive again, I had the dealer replace the parts.

NHTSA ID
11694333
Incident
Sep 24, 2025
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)
Filed Oct 14, 2025

My car "lurches" when increasing speed sometimes acting like it does not want to go at all. I am constantly on edge that I am going to get rear ended or hit. Especially when my children are with me. Occasionally the brake light will light up and my car will slow down and then accelerate again. Which also makes me worry about getting hit. Both of these things have happened multiple times and we've done our research. It's a major issue

NHTSA ID
11693467
Incident
Oct 14, 2025
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 24, 2025

My 2019 Honda Pilot was surging when it went up a hill or was at a steady speed on the highway. I was concerned that the car would stall. The dealer confirmed/reproduced the problem and called it a torque converter shudder. Per Honda's instructions they changed the transmission fluid 3 times and did a software update. There were no warning lights. This is a known problem with a very specific fix that is recommended by Honda. It should be a recall and the repair covered by Honda. It costs me over $400.00 to get the repair done at my dealer-Washington PA Honda.

NHTSA ID
11689482
Incident
Sep 4, 2025
Driver assistanceElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Sep 22, 2025

2019 Honda Touring: driving down the highway the windshield would crackle ( Electricity) then we started experiencing transmission delays in shifting and the transmission sounded rough and it was delayed. when the car was put in park the whole dashboard lit up with emissions system problem, Stop driving when safe. transmission problem, Blind spot info system problem. after this showed up the car was not able to move at all. it would not move to gear. the problem was not reproduced at the Honda dealer. They recommend replacing the transmission. I had it towed to another shop where they tell me all codes that pertain this the initial issues stated and refer back to dealer to reset the tmc system failure and to reset the electrical system. Honda refuses to do work as they want to replace the entire transmission

NHTSA ID
11688934
Incident
Aug 30, 2025
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Sep 4, 2025

As the vehicle is stopped in traffic and is about the proceed, the vehicle automatically shifts into park and the emission warning light comes on. The vehicle is unable to be put back into drive unless the vehicle is turned off and then restarted creating a dangerous condition while you are stuck in middle of the roadway.

NHTSA ID
11684915
Incident
Sep 3, 2025
Driver assistanceFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Sep 1, 2025

This vehicle continues to have issues related to a problem that was issued for the fuel pump earlier this year. My fuel pump was replaced, but the vehicle continues to do the same thing. It stalls and jerks while I am driving and does not start sometimes after getting gas. When I am trying to accelerate the vehicle does not go at full power. One time I was going out into traffic and had to reverse because I knew that I would not make it and get hit. In addition to this, the vehicle has an issue with the braking system. Other years have been recalled for what they call ghost breaking, and although this one does this, it has not been recalled. I will be driving and the car will all of a sudden just brake on its own as if there is a vehicle/object in front of me. Sometimes this happens in the same location. Honda is supposed to be a reliable car, but it seems they have failed with this year/model of the Pilot because it has been big issue after big issue.

NHTSA ID
11684232
Incident
Jan 1, 2025
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 22, 2025

DRIVING IN THE WOODLANDS AND AT A STOP SIGN WHEN THE AUTO-STOP FEATURE ACTIVATED AND WHEN LIGHT CHANGED TO GREEN THE CAR WOULD NOT AUTOMATICALLY RESTART, I HAD TO PHYSICALLY RESTART THE VEHICLE BY PUSHING THE START BUTTON WITH THE BRAKE ENGAGED. VERY ANNOYING! AND A BIG SAFETY ISSUE.

NHTSA ID
11682337
Incident
Aug 21, 2025
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 8, 2025

While driving on Highway 35 in Olathe traffic came to a crawl and vehicle automatic idle caused vehicle to stop. Luckily vehicles were slow and was not hit in the rear. Had to place vehicle in Park and restart. Several other times while at stop light vehicle just shuts down and fails to restart. We are just manually turning off auto idle on every start. If we forget the vehicle will start to shut down and we quickly turn off. Safety concerns while having grandkids in vehicle so we usually just take the 2014 Honda Odyssey which does not have this feature. ON going problem.

NHTSA ID
11679275
Incident
May 7, 2025
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 3, 2025

The transmission surges while accelerating and cruising. Honda issued a service bulletin, 17-014 issued 2/27/2018, to fix the problem for the 2016-2017 models. Mine is a 2019 with the same transmission as the 2016-17 Pilot, the 6AT. The solution to the issue was the same as the 2016-17 Pilot, flushing the transmission fluid three times but now Honda will not issue a service bulletin for the same problem on the the 2019 model so I had to pay for it.

NHTSA ID
11678098
Incident
Jul 24, 2025
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 1, 2025

Ticking noise and check engine light. Taken to dealer. Dealer replaced tensioner, timing belt, water pump, did oil change and engine flush. Did not fix the problem. Dealer took the engine apart and discovered damaged rocker arm assembly which caused valve spring break which caused a problem with the cylinder. Honda is denying a warranty claim as the vehicle is just outside of the 5 year power train warranty period even though it only has 48 thousand mile on it and has been serviced regularly and kept in good condition.

NHTSA ID
11677846
Incident
Jun 20, 2025
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 29, 2025
1 injury reported

The contact owns a 2019 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that he had stopped the vehicle and had depressed the brake pedal. The contact stated that he opened the driver's side door and as he stepped out with his left leg, the vehicle started to move forward, and the engine was still running. The contact stated that the vehicle had a safety feature that automatically placed the vehicle into park (P) when the driver depressed the brake pedal and opened the driver's side door. The contact stated that as he exited the vehicle, it started to roll; he had parked on a slope with the hood of the vehicle aimed downhill. The contact stated that the driver's side rear tire ran over both his legs below his knees. The vehicle rolled downhill into a ravine and was not damaged. The contact stated that he called the police, who arrived and asked if he needed medical attention. The contact stated that no report was issued. The contact declined and later drove himself to a hospital emergency room. The contact stated that he was x-rayed and examined and only had abrasions and bruises. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined it had low battery power and had contacted the manufacturer for further guidance. The contact stated that the vehicle had a 9-speed automatic transmission that used a push button. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

NHTSA ID
11676897
Incident
Dec 3, 2024
Mileage
71,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 26, 2025

Transmission shift from 2nd to 3rd gear is extremely violent and inconsistent. This is not a normal "transmission slip" but rather a miscalculation of how much RPM to input post shift. This causes the car to "jump" or slow drastically while driving through city. Typically felt between 25 and 35 mph. When I took car in for diagnostic, the dealership said "oh, that's just how these cars a made. I hear about this many times with now problems." There are no engine lights on as a result of the shifting, but the reported concern has been present on car since first owner.

NHTSA ID
11676342
Incident
Jul 26, 2025
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 9, 2025
Crash reported

I have recently had a traumatizing event with respect to the 2019 Honda Pilot. As you know this vehicle has the 3.5L v6 engine and transmission. Recently I was in a situation where I needed to accelerate to miss an oncoming tractor trailer that crossed the median. The only course of action was to accelerate. At the time of acceleration the car skipped and slipped gear. We narrowly missed colliding and in my estimates dying. I had the vehicle inspected and diagnosed by a Honda dealership in Sanford NC. They determined the Torque Converter failed and is bad. They also informed me this same power train is in the 2018 and previous Honda Pilots. Which Honda extended the warranty on to address the issue. Why haven’t they included the 2019? This is unacceptable I have reached out to Honda and they will not discuss the issue.

NHTSA ID
11672237
Incident
Jul 3, 2025

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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