CarComplaints.com Notes: It's worrying when the top category for 2016 Honda Pilot problems are transmission problems. Owners report jerking when accelerating. Also as the first model year of the redesigned 3rd generation Pilot, it's not a good sign.
Honda released a TSB on October 29 2016 that's possibly related. The TSB deals with a "a judder from the torque converter lock-up clutch ... while driving between 20 and 60 mph" due to deteriorated transmission fluid resulting from "specific driving conditions". In the TSB, Honda states they are developing a software fix to try to keep the transmission fluid temperature within spec.
We are keeping a close eye on this defect trend because if certain driving conditions can affect transmission shifting in the first year of ownership, we'd hate to think what 10+ years will do.
This Pilot has the 9 speed AWD transmission. It has no dip stick to check, or add transmission fluid. I had an aux transmission cooler installed before buying at the dealer, but they did not add extra transmission fluid. Anyway, when my engine light came on, so did my AWD warning light (different reason). So, when I scanned the DTC I Also got P2638 (torque management...A range) and P170B (Dog clutch A abnormal operation) besides the other codes. Searching Honda maintenance schedules in my owner manual, I saw that I had done all required maintenance.
However, further searching On the Piloteers Website, I found that the newest recommendation was to change the AT fluid every 30K, not 60K miles! The Honda AT fluid is $50/ quart and needs 4 quarts. I also found the the rear differential fluid had the same interval. The AT also needs two new special drain and level plugs at $25 a piece. This all costs about $800 at the dealer every 30K miles! I decided to follow the special procedures and do it myself. Both the AT and diff fluids were unexpectedly dark, so they did needed to be changed. These are not easy to change, so I guess the dealer can justify the charges (or $5000 for a new transmission if not changed). I have a 2016 Mercedes and have to say it’s cheaper to maintain than the Honda. Honda is changing to a 10 speed transmission in new Pilots. Just keeps getting better.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
This Pilot has the 9 speed AWD transmission. It has no dip stick to check, or add transmission fluid. I had an aux transmission cooler installed before buying at the dealer, but they did not add extra transmission fluid. Anyway, when my engine light came on, so did my AWD warning light (different reason). So, when I scanned the DTC I Also got P2638 (torque management...A range) and P170B (Dog clutch A abnormal operation) besides the other codes. Searching Honda maintenance schedules in my owner manual, I saw that I had done all required maintenance.
However, further searching On the Piloteers Website, I found that the newest recommendation was to change the AT fluid every 30K, not 60K miles! The Honda AT fluid is $50/ quart and needs 4 quarts. I also found the the rear differential fluid had the same interval. The AT also needs two new special drain and level plugs at $25 a piece. This all costs about $800 at the dealer every 30K miles! I decided to follow the special procedures and do it myself. Both the AT and diff fluids were unexpectedly dark, so they did needed to be changed. These are not easy to change, so I guess the dealer can justify the charges (or $5000 for a new transmission if not changed). I have a 2016 Mercedes and have to say it’s cheaper to maintain than the Honda. Honda is changing to a 10 speed transmission in new Pilots. Just keeps getting better.
- webs1000, Atlanta, US