2004 Honda Pilot Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 142about this part
- Share
- 26%of 544 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 106,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 142 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 Honda Pilot, 26% of the 544 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 106,000 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Was on highway and started jerking real hard where I almost hit a car head on was going 55 for sure scared me to dead and pulled over and called my boyfriend he came to me and got in it and it wouldn't go forwards backwards nothing so he went and got trailer and hauled to his house could of been my life along with my kids”
NHTSA complaint #11385169, filed 2020-12, 178,000 miles“I have 2004 Honda Pilot lx. When traveling at about 30-50 MPH. Hear and feel a vibration when at consistent speed. Seems as if it's coming from the bottom of the vehicle. Maybe from a drive shaft or propeller shaft or something. It's getting much and much worst as days goes by. I am worried something can come loose when vehicle in moving motion.”
NHTSA complaint #10575460, filed 2014-03, 168,000 miles“I was driving wit my family in the car pool lane when without warning my vehicle started braking hard and accelerating, back and forth, luckily there wasn't too much traffic or most likely this situation could have created a serious accident . I got off the freeway and notice the transmission must be stuck in 2nd or 3rd gear. I doubt my Honda Pilot is an anomaly, since there're lot of videos online about this vehicles transmission issues.”
NHTSA complaint #11229650, filed 2019-07, 150,477 miles“Went to dealer for a recall service and maintenance, also ask dealer to check for an issue about car makes a clunking sound some where in front engine when turn right. They found the front/right engine mount was broken, need to be replaced both of them and cost $820. I found a lot of Pilot owners has same issue. I think Honda should issue a recall for this.”
NHTSA complaint #10504253, filed 2013-03, 59,340 miles“Driving on freeway transmission completely dis-engaged ( as if I shifted into neutral ). While coasting I was attempting to safely pull off to the side of the freeway. After approximately five seconds the transmission re-engaged and was performing normally again. I took surface streets for the ten mile trip home and the problem occurred four additional times.”
NHTSA complaint #10498168, filed 2013-02, 173,996 milesRelated recalls
- 04V176000Apr 15, 2004On some mini vans, sport utility and passenger vehicles, certain operating conditions can result in heat build-up between the countershaft and secondary shaft…Covers: Honda Pilot 2003–2004, Acura TL 2000–2004, CL 2001–2003 +3 more
Related service bulletins
- 10194971May 28, 2021Service Bulletin - Case v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Case No. BC 424169 (Third Clutch Transmission Settlement - $25 Credit Vouchers).
- 10018159Jun 16, 2005Pilot- knowngood pcm swap with sidewinder key.
- 10018029Jun 1, 2005Replacing a canon a75 digital camera to take inspection photos for s/b 04-021, safety recall: a/t 2nd gear inspection, or s/b 04-037, safety recall: accord v6 a/t 2nd gear…
- 10016346Apr 16, 2005Automatic transmission fluid (atf) leaks. Honda tech line summary.
- 10016334Apr 1, 2005Hissing between 30 and 50 mph. Honda servicenews.
- 10014514Nov 16, 2004Buzzing or clicking noise on hard acceleration.
- 10013608Oct 1, 2004Replenishing atf on vehicles with automatic transmission oil jet kits. Honda servicenews.
- 10013607Oct 1, 2004Automatic transmission solenoid replacement criteria.
- 10013604Oct 1, 2004Removing a stubborn atf filler bolt. Honda servicenews.
- 10013844Sep 16, 2004Transmission solenoid replacement criteria.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 11% |
| 2025 | 23 | 11% |
| 2024 | 12 | 10% |
| 2023 | 10 | 7% |
| 2022 | 18 | 11% |
| 2021 | 25 | 6% |
| 2020 | 35 | 7% |
| 2019 | 94 | 10% |
| 2018 | 78 | 18% |
| 2017 | 122 | 13% |
| 2016 | 201 | 12% |
| 2015 | 11 | 10% |
| 2014 | 7 | 6% |
| 2013 | 54 | 20% |
| 2012 | 20 | 12% |
| 2011 | 21 | 7% |
| 2010 | 6 | 5% |
| 2009 | 12 | 9% |
| 2008 | 11 | 8% |
| 2007 | 13 | 6% |
| 2006 | 13 | 5% |
| 2005 | 176 | 26% |
| 2004 | 142 | 26% |
| 2003 | 224 | 31% |
Other parts of the 2004 Honda Pilot
85 complaintsAir bags
81 complaintsElectrical system
60 complaintsBody and structure
42 complaintsEngine cooling
28 complaintsSuspension
27 complaintsBrakes
22 complaintsEngine
22 complaintsOther or unknown
21 complaintsVehicle speed control
21 complaintsFuel system
18 complaintsSteering
16 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Honda Pilot
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology