The Honda Pilot was equipped with various variants of the H5 transmission, including the BVGA and BVLA. In 2013 and later models the PN3A. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Honda Pilot transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Honda Pilot Transmission Models
2003-2008 Honda Pilot: BVGA and BVLA Transmission
2013 and Later Model Honda Pilot: PN3A Transmission
Honda Pilot Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate
Pricing varies by exact engine size and year. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.
What are the DTC codes related to Honda Pilot transmission problems?
P0766 – Failed Shift Solenoid D – This DTC can be stored when there is a problem with a shift solenoid or the valve body.
P2703 – Failed Friction Element D – This trouble code can be triggered by a failed friction element like a clutch disc.
P0720 – Failed Input Speed Sensor or Output Speed Sensor – This trouble code is caused by a bad speed sensor on the transmission.
P0730 – Incorrect Gear Ratio – This issue could be caused by a number of problems, including a fault in the transmission control module, dirty transmission fluid, or a bad transmission solenoid.
P0657 – Voltage Problem in the ‘A’ Circuit – This transmission problem is often caused by a short, or bad ground on the PCM or PCM wiring harness.
P0700 – Malfunction in the transmission control system – This DTC is often triggered when there is a problem with the TCM, a wiring harness, a solenoid, or the valve body.
P0715 – Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Malfunction – This code typically gets stored when the input sensor cannot read the engine RPM, which can prevent the transmission from appropriately shifting gears.
P0717 – Input/Turbine Speed Sensor No Signal – This trouble code is generated when the PCM does not get a signal from the input speed sensor, which will prevent the computer from being able to determine when the transmission needs to shift.
P0791 – Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor ‘A’ Circuit – This error can occur when there is a problem with the intermediate shaft speed sensor, most likely due to a bad sensor, wiring problem, or a failed shift solenoid.
P0793 – Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal – The computer will generate this DTC when it cannot communicate with the intermediate shaft speed sensor.
Honda Pilot Transmission Recalls
None Found
Honda Pilot Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
None Found
Common Problems with the Honda Pilot Transmission
Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light
Can I drive with a transmission problem?
If your Honda Pilot can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.
How often does a Honda Pilot transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a Honda Pilot transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Honda Pilot transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.
How are Honda Pilot transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Honda Pilot transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.
How is a Honda Pilot transmission replaced?
In order to replace your Honda Pilot transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed.
Recommendations for Honda Pilot transmission issues?
To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Honda Pilot transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Honda Pilot Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Honda Pilot Transmission
The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.
Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Honda Pilot Transmission
Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.
Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Honda Pilot Transmission
Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.
What Transmission Do I Have?
What Problem Does Your Honda Pilot Have?
Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!
2011 Honda pilot-Will sometimes vibrate when shifting from 2 to 3, will not usually slam into gear. This doesn’t always happen either. Check emissions light is on.
I am having a transmission system problem warning signal with a 2017 Honda Pilot.The diagnostic found code is P0761 shift solenoid valve C Stuck off. Will I need to replace the transmission too?
2006 Honda pilot with 183,000 miles, had the transmission fluid changed like I do every 40 to 50,000 miles, immediately afterwards I started hearing a loud pop which seems to come from my rear speakers and my stereo cuts off but then cut back on, at the same time I get a jerk in my transmission. Could this be a loose ground wire?
It is a 2008 and it suddenly stopped shifting while being driven. Now it will stop rolling while in park but when put into gear it acts like it is in neutral. Doesn’t feel like it goes into gear, just wants to roll. The engine will rev if given throttle. There are no codes at came up when i scanned it. the fluid id full and all the fuses are good. Any suggestions would be helpful.
Grinds in reverse and par
My car cut on but cut off when you put in drive or reverse, I also hearing a rattling sound when I put it in drive
Salut je cherche la boite de vitesse honda pilot 2007 et son prix svp
The diagnostic test said PO847.. transmission fluid sensor/switch B electrical circuit signal has low voltage for a time
2017 Honda Pilot Touring with 83,000 miles. Had the 90,000 service done less than a month ago, which included transmission service. Now it is shifting from Normal to Snow and back… both Emissions and Transmission Issue light coming on, etc.
2004 Honda Pilot 243,186 miles
No maintenance lights coming on. Car not responding well not going into gear at slow speeds
My 2003 pilot AWD has a code p0870 it’s not moving. I knew I shouldn’t of bought a Honda. Honda USA knows about the transmission issues they have but the engineers at Honda are plain stupid to fix it. I made my mission to leave comments on any Honda product so people know how dishonest Honda USA is.
My 2007 Honda Pilot runs and shift fine but at times when I shift in to reverse it act like it want to back up but want! I pull it back into drive then back to reverse then it will back up
2004 pilot transmission dosen’t fully engage. Push gas and it barely moves. Code p0798
Honda pilot 2003 I have problem from the the first gear to the second gear it’s like making a noise until gets to the second gear
Moves fine in all foreword gears. When you put it in reverse it moves about 3 feet then stops , as if you had put it in park. Was intermittent in the beginning. Now it’s all the time.
Mine is doing same thing did you fix issue what was it
What did you find out
Mine is doing the exact same thing intermittently. I can back up 5 to 20 ft and then it almost feels like the brakes are being applied and ultimately like it’s in park and it stops reversing. Drop it into neutral and then back into reverse and it works fine. Did anyone find out what this is? Sounds like we all have the same problem.
Mine is doing same thing. Did anyone find out what the problem is?
My 2004 Honda pilot transmission randomly slips while driving and sometimes when I have it in reverse it acts like I have it in neutral wtf
Having transmission issues with my acura mdx as well….8/10 its the solenoids inside tranny…called valve solenoids hidden behind a cover no one knows about…well a couple ppl do but wont share the secret.. A,b,c,d…shops wont tell you because its a 2hr diy….and i just saved alot of ppl thousands of dollars…2 red/brown connectors 2 black…electronics always die…
Hi Jeff. Can you tell me more about how to fix this issue? Thanks email
me at perezodante@gmail.com
My 2013 Honda Pilot makes popping sounds when turning. 64,000 miles
2005 Honda Pilot, transmission issue, 160,000 miles. Delayed shifting 1-2. May be starting to slip during this shift period. Tranny fluid regularly changed.
Selling vehicle. Not adverse to a used unit.
2004 Honda Pilot with166,200 miles P0740 transmission shudders upon acceleration between 40 and 60mph. I had codes P1750, P0730 and a flashing D until I replaced all 6 solenoids. The only code that comes up now is P0740.