Problems · by component
2019 Honda Pilot power train problems
95 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2019 Honda Pilot cite power train, 10% of all 927 complaints for this model year.
Complaints
95
10% of all complaints
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
4
Reported by owners
What owners say about the power train
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“While driving my 2019 Honda Pilot at highway speeds 70 mph, the dashboard suddenly displayed a severe safety warning stating "Transmission Temp Too Hot." There was no prior warning, mechanical symptom, or heavy cargo towing to cause this. The sudden warning forced me to immediately navigate across multiple lanes of fast-moving traffic to pull onto the shoulder of the highway, creating an immediate and dangerous crash hazard. This is a severe mechanical failure that occurs without reason under standard driving conditions, heavily compromising vehicle reliability and occupant safety on the highway. The vehicle has been exclusively and regularly maintained at an authorized Honda dealership according to all factory recommendations. The sudden transmission overheating and subsequent safety hazard occurred despite flawless maintenance compliance, proving this is a severe manufacturing or chemical fluid defect and not a case of owner neglect.”
“Took Pilot to Reilly's for FREE diagnostic reading. Showed misfires in cylinders 4 & 5 & random misfires. Then took to Son's Honda and PAID for the same diagnostic readings which were the same. The Pilot drives in a "limp mode" due to the issue. This issue is a known Honda issue for this year and make model. They have granted some Pilots an extended warranty to resolve the known issues. They say mine doesn't qualify even though it is the exact same issue. Defects with their fuel injector system. A secondary issue is the Transmission. We were traveling 2 hours away on the highway when we got a warning to pull over. Our Transmission fluid was too hot. This is another issue I have found to be a common problem with the 2019 Honda Pilot's and their redesign transmission system.”
“VEHICLE: 2019 Honda Pilot EX VIN: [XXX] CURRENT MILEAGE: 77,000 miles COMPLAINT DESCRIPTION: I am filing a critical safety complaint regarding a catastrophic transmission failure that actively disables my vehicle's advanced driver-assist and automated safety systems while driving, creating a severe crash hazard. At approximately 36,085 miles, the vehicle experienced a severe torque converter judder. The dealership performed an 11-quart transmission fluid service. Immediately following this service, the vehicle began suffering from unpredictable, cascading dashboard warning lights that completely disable the vehicle's automated safety braking, forward-facing camera suites, and vehicle stability systems. The dealership repeatedly misdiagnosed this powertrain fault as a camera/sensor issue, charging me out-of-pocket for a front multipurpose camera replacement that did not resolve the issue. At 77,000 miles, the transmission suffered a complete failure. A diagnostic tear-down confirmed a stuck solenoid valve and destructive metal shards circulating throughout the transmission and fluid lines. The primary safety hazard is that the mechanical failure of the…”
“The contact owns a 2019 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with fuel injector failure. The contact was informed that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The fuel injectors were replaced. The contact became aware of Technical Service Bulletin: 21-010, NHTSA ID Number: 10187008 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System, Equipment, Power Train). The contact called the dealer, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not covered under an extended warranty. The manufacturer was informed of the issue and confirmed that the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 91,670.”
“The contact owns a 2019 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the engine light was illuminated. The transmission emission message was displayed. The contact stated that the failure was associated with DTC: P0777. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who recommended a transmission flush. After the transmission flush the vehicle failed to shift from second to third gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer a second time and another transmission flush was recommended and the dealer eventually determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.”
“* Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) – Southeastern Honda: Shortly after purchase, the CMBS repeatedly slammed on emergency brakes without cause, incorrectly flagging adjacent or oncoming vehicles as collision threats. I presented video and photo evidence to Southeastern Honda. The Service Manager dismissed the hazard, telling me I "just have to learn how to drive the car with these driver assist features." Fearing an accident, I was forced to permanently disable the system. * Starter Failure / Battery Issues – Space Coast Honda: The vehicle went through four batteries and repeatedly failed to restart when Auto Idle Stop engaged, stranding my wife and children in parking lots and active traffic. I brought the car in multiple times insisting the starter was the issue, but Space Coast Honda refused to replace it because no codes were present and my VIN wasn't attached to a recall. Once out of warranty, I replaced the starter out-of-pocket, which permanently resolved the issue. Teardown of the original starter revealed extensive heat damage, burned insulation, and charred components. * Current Engine Concern – Space Coast Honda: The engine now exhibits rod…”
Showing 6 of 95 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.