2005 Honda Pilot Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 176about this part
- Share
- 26%of 679 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 97,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 176 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2005 Honda Pilot, 26% of the 679 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 97,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When driving 30-50mph my 2005 Honda Pilot shudder/vibrates as if I'm driving on a rumble strip. I bought my Pilot at 113,000 in 2017 and I noticed the issue first at about 120,000 miles. I now have 134,000 miles and the research I'm doing on this issue suggests there is a major defect with Honda/acura transmission and or torque converters. What can I do at this point?”
NHTSA complaint #11129685, filed 2018-09, 120,000 miles“The powertrain has a very irritating vibration when accelerating through or holding it at 35 - 40 MPH. The vibration lasts about 5 seconds and has a very odd noise that happens at the exact same time. Kind of like deep base. All info I can find points to the torque converter and my mechanic says all his information points to the torque converter also.”
NHTSA complaint #10733379, filed 2015-07, 120,000 miles“D light started blinking as I was going down the interstate. After I stopped I check gas cover and transmission fluid levels. Both ok. Happened again so I went to get code read...throwing code p0872 and code 0700. I had this problem a few years ago and Honda fixed problem for almost $500. Why is it happening again?”
NHTSA complaint #10788968, filed 2015-11, 148,000 miles“I have a 2005 Honda Pilot sometime shuddering between 30-40 MPH. To make the shudder stop, I press or release the accelerator briefly. After checking on line about this problems with over 300 complaints. They all state that the torque converter cause the vibration. Honda still not recall. Couple of times someone almost rear end me. Please look into this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10493553, filed 2013-01, 74,000 miles“Traction control system (vsa) light came on. Took to mechanic, who advised me of recall and that I should take to dealer. I took vehicle to dealer, who tells me that the car is not under the march, 2013 recall, even though my vehicle issues are the same as the issues which LED to the 2013 recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10716370, filed 2015-05, 151,415 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10019818Mar 10, 2006Left rear driveshaft is too long.
- 10016346Apr 16, 2005Automatic transmission fluid (atf) leaks. Honda tech line summary.
- 10016343Apr 1, 2005Service manual fix: vtm-4 differential fluid. Honda servicenews.
- 10016334Apr 1, 2005Hissing between 30 and 50 mph. Honda servicenews.
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 2005 Honda Pilot
134 complaintsAir bags
120 complaintsElectronic stability control
97 complaintsElectrical system
57 complaintsEngine
48 complaintsVehicle speed control
46 complaintsEngine cooling
43 complaintsSuspension
38 complaintsSteering
37 complaintsExterior lighting
30 complaintsOther or unknown
29 complaintsBody and structure
23 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 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