We don’t expect you to go out into the wilderness and try to buy an automobile that is over 20 years old. However, you might find one if you’re looking for a cheap used Honda Pilot. We’re here to advise you not to purchase it under any circumstances. This is by far the worst model year Pilot has ever produced. Users of the NHTSA and Car Complaints have encountered a lot of issues since 2003.
Users have specifically reported issues with the drivetrain, electrical, engine, and airbags. There are a lot more difficulties mentioned, but these are the biggest and most expensive. For instance, the NHTSA received reports of 105 gearbox issues, 123 electrical issues, and 112 drivetrain issues. It’s far simpler to avoid this paradigm given how frequently serious, expensive to fix problems like this occur. If you see a 2003 Pilot laying around, do not purchase it.
Furthermore, same issues reappeared for the 2005 model year a few years later. This one is still best to avoid even though they don’t happen as frequently as the 2003 model did. Even if this is a different model year, we wouldn’t anticipate anyone to be purchasing at the moment.
In This Article...
Honda Pilots: Do they have transmission problems?
One of the most popular Honda models sold in the US is the Pilot. However, class action lawsuits involving the Honda Pilot and other Honda vehicles have been filed, alleging that its gearboxes have a history of recurring flaws such violent shaking, acceleration issues, stalling, lurching, gear changing problems, and transmission failure.
The torque converters in some afflicted Honda car owners’ cars are reportedly defective, and some owners have even experienced torque converter clutches locking up.
We have gathered a sample of complaints sent to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to give you an idea of the problems some Honda Pilot SUVs are having.
Please be aware that the Honda Pilot SUV complaints have been modified for clarity and language.
Do 2016 Honda Pilots have issues with the transmission?
Although the 2016 Honda Pilot experienced numerous transmission problems, things could have been worse. Although it received a “Beware of the Clunker award” from Car Complaints, the Pilot has had more unstable model years.
For instance, according to Car Complaints, the Pilot had a lot of problems when it was originally released in 2003. In fact, according to Car Complaints, the 2003 Pilot is remains the SUV’s worst model year.
On Car Complaints, the 2005 Pilot had the second-most complaints, and the 2016 Pilot is in third place. Therefore, even if the 2016 Pilot has a fair share of issues, there are worse Pilot model years available. However, it’s interesting to note that both the 2005 Pilot and the 2003 Pilot experienced several gearbox issues.
For instance, transmission failures in the 2003 Pilot and transmission fluid leaks in the 2005 Pilot are two of the Pilot’s greatest issues, according to Car Complaints. Both of those issues, which cost thousands of dollars to correct, occurred on Pilots with more than 120,000 miles on them.
Which Honda Pilot year is the best?
The second-generation Pilot was produced from 2009 to 2015 and featured a number of extremely significant contemporary conveniences. The latter models had more streamlined and contemporary body lines even if the overall size and shape were similar to that of the first generation. 2015 is regarded as the Honda Pilot’s best year.
Second-generation automobiles still come with the 3.5-liter engine. To increase fuel efficiency, Honda, on the other hand, used cylinder deactivation technology. Depending on how much power is needed, the engine shuts down two or three cylinders at cruising speeds. Reducing the number of cylinders in use increases fuel savings. Because of this technology, the second-generation Pilot boasts much better EPA fuel-efficiency ratings.
Both the front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions score 20 mpg overall. On the interstate, all-wheel-drive cars earn 24 mpg, while front-wheel-drive models get 25 mpg. Given that second-generation vehicles continue to produce 250 horsepower, this represents a significant improvement over first-generation models.
Like the first-generation Pilot, the second-generation Pilot has experienced many airbag recalls during its entire production run. Early models up to 2011’s seat belt stitching has been recalled owing to faulty or inadequate stitching, which might lead to the seatbelt disengaging from the chassis in the event of an accident.
Due to loose nuts on the front suspension parts, which could result in steering loss, other early models are recalled. Premature piston wear in some Honda Pilot models from the 2013 model year may cause engine failure.
Honda Pilot’s Second-Generation Gets An Offroad Design
Honda was spot on with the second-generation Pilots’ use of current technology, just as it was with the first-generation models. Voice controls and satellite navigation have been added to The Pilot’s GPS game. Beginning with the 2013 model year, all Pilots were required to have a backup camera as standard equipment. Some second-generation vehicles included an XM radio, and the rear-seat DVD system was still available.
Family-friendly features have also become more prevalent. Twelve cupholders in total are included with the second-generation Pilot. The number of 12-volt power outlets was reduced to three due to the loss of one of the original three. However, a 115-volt power outlet with a standard household socket soon became accessible, enabling the family to bring along gadgets like phone chargers and portable game systems. The second-generation Pilots could tow up to 4,500 pounds, much like the first.
The second-generation Pilots may be obtained in earlier versions for less than $10,000, but if you want one with all the bells and whistles, expect to pay more over $10,000. The most appealing models in terms of technology are those from 2013 and later. If you can do without a primary backup camera and make a few other minor changes, buying a model made before 2013 can save you a ton of money. Overall, you can obtain a superb second-generation Pilot for $15,000 or less.
Has the 2006 Honda Pilot experienced transmission issues?
In order to enable you to drive at the correct speed, the gearbox transfers power from the motor to your wheels.
Due to the transmission’s duty to convert the proper amount of power into the appropriate speed,
What is the Honda Pilot’s main issue?
The transmission breakdown issue is likely the most significant of all the issues Honda Pilots encounter. Fortunately, this issue mostly affects the 2003 model. Other Pilot models have seen a few rare transmission failure incidences, though.
Does the 2017 Honda Pilot have issues with the transmission?
The 2017 model experienced various transmission-related troubles, same like the previous year. There have been transmission reports, and these reports also mentioned the jerking issue. Additionally, there were issues with odd noises that occurred at a slow tempo. The car had problems accelerating as a result of these clunking noises and the jerking problem.
There were complaints of jerking and shifting issues, but no transmission failures were reported. And, to be honest, that’s the most crucial factor.
However, if you want to drive smoothly, I wouldn’t advise purchasing one of these. One of the most crucial components of the car is the transmission, and, to be honest, if the transmission doesn’t shift smoothly, your day is going to be miserable.
which is more trustworthy Toyota Highlander or a Honda Pilot?
The information above makes it evident that the Toyota Highlander outperforms the Honda Pilot in every category, including safety features and fuel efficiency. The Highlander is a much better choice if you’re searching for a three-row SUV that is incredibly dependable in this situation.
How long does a Honda Pilot transmission last?
According to estimations, a Honda Pilot will cost $542 on average per year to maintain. In contrast, the typical midsize SUV has annual maintenance expenditures of about $573.
How Long Do the Brakes Last?
Your driving habits have the most impact on how long your Honda Pilot brakes last. Your brakes will deteriorate more quickly if you frequently drive through urban areas with a lot of stop-and-go traffic or in regions with mountainous roads.
As an alternative, your brakes will last longer if you frequently drive in a rural area or on a highway.
The brakes on your Honda Pilot should last 30,000 to 70,000 miles on average.
How Long Do the Tires Last?
A Honda Pilot’s original equipment tires have a 30,000–50,000 mile lifespan. The longevity of your tires will be greatly influenced by how often you drive.
Check out our post on Goodyear Tires if you’re looking for high-quality tires for your car.
How Long Do the Transmissions Last?
With the right maintenance, the transmissions in many Honda vehicles can last up to 120,000 miles. We advise routinely checking the tranny for indicators of difficulty because certain earlier models experienced premature transmission failure.
How Long Do the Spark Plugs Last?
Spark plugs made of iridium or platinum in your Honda Pilot should last up to 100,000 kilometers. But if they start to fail at an early stage, you should change them immediately.
What About Insurance Cost?
The fact that the Honda Pilot is reasonably priced to insure will thrill families. A Honda Pilot’s insurance runs roughly $1,644 annually or $137 monthly.
Is a Honda Pilot purchase worthwhile?
The Honda Pilot is a solid midsize SUV, that much is true. With three rows of comfortable seats, a sizable load area, and a high-quality cabin, it succeeds on almost all counts. Thanks to a strong base V6 engine and a good balance of handling ability and ride comfort, driving it is also not boring.
What Honda Pilot is the best?
The new 9-speed transmission that comes as standard on this Honda Pilot puts it at the top of the list of the greatest cars you can buy. It enables the car to accelerate more quickly and smoothly without affecting cruising speed or fuel economy. Given everything, it makes sense that so many people would be interested in purchasing one of these for themselves. It will be able to withstand the test of time if it is like the majority of Honda Pilot models.
Are Honda Pilot vehicles dependable?
Breakdown of the Honda Pilot’s reliability rating. The Honda Pilot has a 3.5 out of 5.0 reliability rating, which places it 13th out of 26 midsize SUVs. It has cheaper ownership costs than the national average due to the $542 average annual repair cost.