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.
While my wife was sliding into a parking spot, she applied the brakes but was shocked to realize the engine had accelerated. The brakes didn't hold and she crashed into and over a raised barrier, finally coming to rest on its side in a delivery spot with a drop of approximately 3 feet, with the Pilot landing on the drivers side with the side air bag deployed. The engine stopped as soon as the air bag deployed. Fire Department had to extradite her through the sunroof. Totaled? Oh yeah. Wife is fine but now I have to get a new SUV. This was the best vehicle we have ever owned and now its nothing but scrap metal.
Check Emission System light comes on and off every few weeks.
I also feel light jerking with rpm jerk when accelerating into highway around 30~40 mph.
Local Auto Shop mechanic ran OBDII and told me it could be catalytic converter issue if this continues.
I noticed a lot of people are having the same issue and some had to change Fuel injectors and lining and some had to change catalytic converter, but this light continues to turn back on.
I've had a Civic, 3 Accords so far and never had issues with Honda, but with this Pilot I am seriously considering to trade-in.
Update from Apr 26, 2021: Honda extended warranty for engine jerking so I took my pilot to local honda dealer.
Check engine light comes on and off daily and when i took pilot to honda it was off.
They said the warranty will only work if the check engine light is on. I explained it comes on and off but he said come back when it comes on.
This is just ridiculous. This car is my 4th Honda and 1st Honda with major problem. No more Honda in my life.
While pulling into a parking spot and applying the brakes lightly, the engine revved up with excessive acceleration and hit a concrete wall. The car could not be controlled at this point. Air bags deployed and the brakes would not hold. Once the impact occurred the car rolled off the sidewalk and curb and the engine had stopped revving up. I feel this is a defect and possible computer malfunction. The car was towed to body shop for repair. I will not feel safe in this car again.
- Shelia F.,
Jacksonville, US
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
While my wife was sliding into a parking spot, she applied the brakes but was shocked to realize the engine had accelerated. The brakes didn't hold and she crashed into and over a raised barrier, finally coming to rest on its side in a delivery spot with a drop of approximately 3 feet, with the Pilot landing on the drivers side with the side air bag deployed. The engine stopped as soon as the air bag deployed. Fire Department had to extradite her through the sunroof. Totaled? Oh yeah. Wife is fine but now I have to get a new SUV. This was the best vehicle we have ever owned and now its nothing but scrap metal.
- Robert H., Mountain Home, US