2017 Honda Pilot: Hard shifting
Common wear/failure (not a recall)
Symptoms
Owners of the 2017 Pilot report: hard shifting. CarComplaints.com lists 6 owner complaints, average mileage 49,650 miles.
NHTSA has 122 owner complaints for the 2017 Pilot in this area. Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11763553 (filed 09/11/2026): “I own a 2017 honda pilot equipped with the 9-speed automatic transmission. i am reporting what i believe may be transmission/torque-converter failure and a potential safety concern. the vehicle began experiencing shuddering, jerking, and hesitation. there is …”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11747629 (filed 07/01/2026): “My connecting rod bearing wore are ruined my engine. this is addressed in 23v-751 for 2016, 2018, and 2019 honda pilots, but not 2017 for some reason. could you please see why this year is not included on the recall.…”
Likely causes
Sources do not establish a single root cause; diagnosis is needed. Owner-reported fixes are listed below.
Fix, in plain English
Most common owner-reported solutions on CarComplaints.com: change ignition system (1 reports) replace third clutch pressure switch (1 reports) replacement transmission (1 reports). Check for open recalls and extended warranty coverage with a dealer before paying out of pocket.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Diagnosis needs a scan tool; repair or replacement needs a lift, transmission jack and the manufacturer's fluid fill/relearn procedure. (Our assessment.)
Cost
CarComplaints.com owners report a typical repair cost of about $2,470 (owner-reported average, not a quote).
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
Page last updated .