CarComplaints.com Notes: We all want our SUVs to be able to stop on a dime, just not randomly and without warning. But that's what was happening to 2005 Pilot owners: their vehicles were slamming on the brakes even when they didn't. A government investigation of this problem led to a recall in March of 2013.

Another issue that keeps popping up is transmission fluid mixing with coolant in the radiator which is causing transmission failure, a costly repair to say the least.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
124,851 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2005 Honda Pilot engine problems

engine problem

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2005 Honda Pilot Owner Comments (Page 3 of 3)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #8

Oct 012012

Pilot

  • 100,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2005 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, he noticed oil and coolant fluid leaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the radiator had become corroded internally, allowing the transmission fluid and coolant to mesh. As a result, the fluid entered the transmission and caused the failure. The dealer advised that both the transmission and the radiator would need replacing. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 100,000.

- Naperville , IL, USA

problem #7

Apr 082010

Pilot 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the oxygen sensor was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 100,000 and the current mileage was 145,000. Updated 12/7/12

- St Louis, MO, USA

problem #6

Oct 122012

Pilot

  • 97,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving 35 mph, the vehicle suddenly decelerated and she was unable to continue driving. The contact mentioned that the temperature gauge illuminated and smoke started to emit from underneath the hood. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnose that the transmission and radiator fluid mixed. As a result, the radiator and transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included on any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileage was 97,000.

- Edinboro, PA, USA

problem #5

Oct 102012

Pilot 6-cyl

  • 103,500 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I was driving to work when 2005 Honda Pilot stated trailing a liquid. Drove a quarter of a mile to work to find coolant and transmission fluid leaking from the front of the vehicle. Had it towed to a transmission shop found that the radiator failed causing coolant and transmission fluid to leak out. Radiator replaced, transmission flushed and serviced, and coolant system flushed final repair cost $900. This is a common failure for the Honda Pilot and should be checked out and resolved for others.

- Muncie, IN, USA

problem #4

Aug 132012

Pilot 6-cyl

  • 86,000 miles
2005 Honda Pilot - seal or transmission cooler failed and leaked transmission fluid into the radiator. No warning lights or indicators were evident. Owner noticed leaking fluid from the radiator overflow. Both parts now require expensive replacement. Vehicle has 86,000 miles and never experienced issue before. However, there are several posts on the internet concerning the exact same issue, with little or no apparent acknowledgement by Honda of this broad issue.

- Painted Post, NY, USA

problem #3

Jan 012010

Pilot 6-cyl

  • 90,000 miles
I started noticing a vibration at 34 to 45 mph. It was definitely caused by a malfunction under the hood. It causes my 2005 Honda Pilot to vibrate, shudder and hesitate at that speed. I have to take my foot off of the accelerator pedal before it will stop. It happens continuously at that speed.

- Peck, KS, USA

problem #2

Jun 132012

Pilot

  • 77,145 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that he noticed there was a puddle of a red colored fluid under the vehicle. In addition, the contact noticed that the automatic transmission cooler had leaked into the radiator. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and inspected. The dealer stated that the failure was common with the vehicle model. The vehicle was repaired by replacing the upper and lower hose, the radiator, the thermostat and the automatic transmission. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The current mileage was 78,500. The failure mileage was 77,145.

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #1

Apr 282012

Pilot

  • 67,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Honda Pilot. While driving approximately 20 mph, the engine power reduced significantly and without warning. The contact continued to drive and upon reaching the destination an inspection underneath the hood was performed. The contact noticed a dark brown milky substance leaking from the radiator. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who advised the contact that the transmission and engine would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000.

- South Bend, IN, USA

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