Honda Pilot Vibration Problems Are Leaving Drivers All Shook Up
Honda is well-known for their quality and customer satisfaction, resulting in impressive sales and driver loyalty year after year. Sadly though, they have now fallen into a trend we have seen from other manufacturers–stating an issue is normal when in fact they have no fix. Despite the numerous drivers complaining of a Honda Pilot vibration problem, the car company insists that it is a normal characteristic of the vehicle.
Honda Pilot drivers have called into the 1 800 LEMON LAW hotline complaining of vibration in steering, braking and the center dash, and while dealers have performed minor adjustments, they are now telling consumers no fix is available. Some drivers feel the blame should be placed on Honda’s VCM system, also known as variable cylinder management, a system used to disable one back of cylinders during certain periods (ie highway driving) of driving to save on gas mileage. This is commonly referred to as “eco boost.” While this has not been proven, we have seen other instances of manufacturers, including Ford and Chrysler, trying to improve gas mileage while simultaneously causing numerous other usability problems.
If you are dealing with a Honda Pilot vibration issue, make an appointment at an authorized Honda dealership as soon as possible. Offer to take the service adviser on a drive to illustrate the problem you are experiencing. Make sure when you pick up the vehicle, you receive a repair invoice–do not let them keep the ticket open. If they verify the problem, make sure that is written on the repair ticket, even if they do not fix it. If they say there is no fix, make sure that is written on the repair invoice. Once you are in three or more times, it is essential that you look into your rights under State and Federal Laws.
If you are suffering with a Honda Pilot vibration problem, feel free to submit your information here to determine if you are entitled to 100% cost-free help under State Lemon Laws or Federal Warranty Statutes. You could be looking at a new car, a complete repurchase or significant monetary compensation to reflect the diminished value of the vehicle. The key is to continue to document the issue and to fight for what you are rightfully entitled to receive under law.
February 24th, 2014 at 10:53 am
Have 2104 Honda Pilot that I have been in 2 times for vibration problem. The dealer and Honda America have told me it is an inherritent characteristic of the car and have no fix at this time. They say my car falls within thier specifications of the Engine Management System.
August 31st, 2014 at 4:58 pm
2014 pilot – vibration when in Eco mode, when I’m in cruise running 65-67 very annoying. Have had it in twice and they say it’s normal.
October 26th, 2014 at 6:15 pm
Honda should be forced to develop a software update to program vcm out of the pcm, for those who have issues and/or dont want vcm.
When the rear bank is disabled, the lack of pressure in those cylinders causes the rings to relax allowing oil to be sucked back into the cylinders, leading to fouling of those plugs, leading to misfires, possible destruction of cats, cat particulates going back into motor, eventually compromising the motor.
The active motor mounts work overtime as they try to soften the misfire feel, and eventually wear out.
Ideally its preferable to create a vcm software that skips or rotates the deactivation.
Id prefer to eleminate it altogether.
October 30th, 2014 at 9:01 am
I have the same issue. The car is scheduled for the second visit next week. After that I will pursue the 3rd visit and then the lemon law remedy. My car rattles the dash at 45mph and 1600 RPM. 2014 pilot. Any others in this category?
November 11th, 2014 at 2:41 pm
2011 Honda Pilot EX-L. Shakes when I brake usually at high speeds. The car also shakes sometimes when in reverse and breaking is applied.
November 26th, 2014 at 1:03 am
I’ve said something about the vibration numerous times to service writer. He stated to try different gas. Idiot. I’ve had problems with door looks from the first year to present. Replaced all door locks and they are again broken. This is a EXL Pilot. Told another service writer the issue among two others. Called new manager and said this is BS that I keep getting pushed around or over on the all my matters. Wife has a EXL Accord and now she has the same problems that I do. However I’m told there are no recalls. I’m told my warranty is out now. Pitched a bitch and now they are willing to re look at the problems. Told today 11/25/14 that there is a new download software for the engine to help the problem. Also now told again there must be a problem with my door locks. Wow Really? I’ve only been bitching about this for over two years. Our last two Honda vehicles are not of the same quality of the past Honda vehicles that we have owned. Honda has become Americanized / meaning putting out Shit. Ridiculous over and over on simple matters. If you can’t fix the small things what are you able to fix. ? .
November 26th, 2014 at 1:06 am
Wife’s care / Accord EXL / V-6 has same issues that my Pilot is having. Shudder from 20 mph then again 30 mph. We are told that we must be affecting the engine some how at a certain speed to affect the Eco / just right. Some how we are doing this issue / not HONDA. WOW, no shit you are going to blame all drivers because your shit doesn’t work right. Really.?. Wow it was the gas and now its the way my wife and I drive two different vehicles but the same engine. What Bull Shit.
December 4th, 2014 at 6:43 pm
Hi, i have the same vibration issue in my 2011 pilot. How many people had won or had been given some compensation or solution, as your concern. Just want to know if really worth it to try to do against Honda even when the drivers are who suffer and paid. BTW does this law apply or has efect in Puerto Rico?.Thanks
January 3rd, 2015 at 2:27 pm
My 2012 ex pilot shudders and shakes at various speeds. Last time dealer service said it was the tires. So ridiculous- if that correct it would be always at evry revolution. They’ve had it 3 times now.
January 9th, 2015 at 11:13 pm
I have about 1800 miles on our 2015 Honda Pilot EX-L, and I detected the vibration after only a couple weeks. Called Honda dealer today and have an appointment scheduled for next Friday. See what happens from here. Our 2012 CR-V had zero issues. I hope this one can be solved. We love the Pilot.
January 14th, 2015 at 3:12 pm
I was going to purchase a 2014 Pilot. Googled the vehicle before visiting dealership and learned about the VCM/vibration issue. Shame on you Honda. I loved your Accords from the 80s. Now this.
I bought a 4Runner instead. Wake up Honda.
February 21st, 2015 at 10:12 pm
I have a 2013 Pilot that “Shudders” and “Vibrates” as well and just feels like it can’t decide into what gear it wants to go to sometimes. It can get really annoying. I have read everywhere that Honda says this is a normal characteristic of this vehicle…really? I am just worried that a few more years down the road there could be engine problems due to whatever is making this happen. Has anyone out there been successful in ever getting this problem repaired? Has anyone been successful in following the “lemon law” way?
February 25th, 2015 at 3:58 pm
@Sandy: We have been successful.
February 27th, 2015 at 12:17 pm
I’m having the same issue, I just bought my Honda 3 weeks ago and it’s already been in the shop twice for the vibration and I’m being told that it’s just the way the car is but that’s ridiculous, I know 4 people who own the Pilot and they tell me they don’t have this issue, if it was just the way the car is then why isn’t everyone having this problem? Does anyone know if a car can be returned if you just bought it and if so, how many days you have to return? I can’t believe the money you pay for a car and now I don’t even want to drive it!
March 20th, 2015 at 8:14 am
I too have begun to feel the minor shudder in my 2013 Pilot when the vcm kicks from 4 cyl to 3 cyl. I called Honda dealer yesterday and explained the problem and they are obviously aware. They stated it is “normal” operation and to bring it in to check the motor mounts. I will probably do that but doubt that will fix the minor shuddering. If you have any further advice or updates please let me know.
March 26th, 2015 at 7:40 am
I have vibration/rumbling type noise usually at somewhere between 40-55 MPH. It does it fairly regularly at those speeds and usually when I start to give it some gas after slowing down a bit. It’s hard to explain but it is not a brake or tire issue, that I know. I’m bringing it into a dealer this saturday to have it checked out.
April 30th, 2015 at 2:49 am
2015 Honda Pilot with 4k miles; making metalic rattle noise while accelerating 20-60mph
The noise occurs when the gas pedal is pushed. While in motion the noise happens when the gas pedal is first pushed, then stops. As many time as I was on/off the gas, it was consistent. While doing about 25-60 mph, if I SLIGHTLY press the gas pedal down, the rattle was fairly constant. The noise is like a metalic sounding rattle noise. I took it to the Honda dealer, said they updated the software BUT it didn’t fix the issue. I went to another dealership & same BS.. they told me that they called Honda manufacture and was told it was a common thing. Really? My friend has a 2014 Pilot with NO issue. I will be taking my car to another dealership. If I’m getting the same BS then I will look into the Lemon Law.
May 3rd, 2015 at 8:26 am
Like all the others, I have what feels like an ongoing engine miss that reliably occurs any time the vcm kicks in the the ECO light come on. The car wont readilly maintain speed in cruise either, as it slows up to 3 mph when encountering a slight grade It is a “certified 2014 pilot I just purchased about 4/1/15 with just 9500 miles on it. (Another dissatisfied Honda owner?). Immediately noticed the problem and took it in to dealer. They did verify my complaint and updated the eco software with no improvement. A long discussion with the service manager confirmed the Honda position that all Pilots (earlier and current) have this problem and there is no fix. He said “You’ll get used to it”. I like the vehicle otherwise and will TRY to live with it…. BUT it is very irritating. Dealer wont’ buy it back.
May 24th, 2015 at 11:50 am
Just bought a 2005 pilot exl has 148, 000 miles. I am the second owner. Just got it last Thursday and at firslt I thought it was t he road but now I realized what is going on. Aroumd 20-30 miles an hour it shutters. Sometimes worse than others. Bought it from a Honda dealership with no warranty. Any suggestions?
June 2nd, 2015 at 4:06 pm
I having the same problems as everyone here, I purchase a Honda Pilot 2011 5 days ago, the next day after we purchase my husband took it back to the dealer service department because of the vibration problem, they did the balance but continues like that I took it again 2 days later and they told me that I have to leave the car overnight because they needed to call someone from manufacture office, now I am here and they told me that this is how the car it should be, there is nothing wrong with the car. What I can do? I don’t want to drive a car with vibration issues. Please advise I am located in Florida
June 5th, 2015 at 2:50 pm
@Carolina: Visit https://www.lemonlaw.com/lemon-law-firm.html to find a firm in your state that can assist you.
August 18th, 2015 at 10:17 pm
Honda Pilot 2012/13/14/15 Touring 4×4:
Issues:
1 – Steering constantly vibrates at speeds above 45mph. Smoother roads higher vibrations. This vibration increases to extent that you feel that you are loosing control of the car at speed above 70mph and you can see the steering vibrating and moving. So effectively, you can not drive confidently beyond 70mph.
2 – Transmission shutters at cruising speed above 35mph and searches for gears while going down hill.
3 – Sudden burning smells in the cabin to an extent of air becoming toxic inside cabin.
Honda dealer replaced multiple parts like engine mount, drive shaft but no result and problem has become worse. Finally, Honda does not want to recognize that there is major issue so they are washing off hands by saying that it is VCM vibration. The point is that VMC vibration can not be constant and those can occur only when there is transition from 3 cylinders to 6 cylinder or 6 to 3. The vehicle is under warranty as of now but once it goes out of warranty, Honda would never care for it.
Rather than solving my problem, Honda customer service suggested that I take it to different dealer to take second opinion, why? Why do I have to run, spend time and explain the issue to another person with no guarantee that problem would get solved? Oh, may be because I see it as problem but Honda does not.
That why I say Honda is not reliable and hide issues in there products which are of poor quality. They don’t know how diagnose the issue. Usually, when such issues happens then one starts with smaller things like tires, wheel bearings etc. rather than replacing motor mounts or drive shaft at 13k miles. Totally out of sync. What level engineering they have?
That is why I say Honda is not reliable.
September 6th, 2015 at 5:37 pm
Happen with my 2014 this morning.today Labor Day ,I’m at Mesa Arizona.all shop close I live at California .weekend get away,400 miles from home.go buy coffee this morning I though rough road my pilot little shake.when I hit on 202 fwy run about normal 65mph.it shooting like hell.no one help me by this time.holiday everyone off.i just worry how to get home Monday night.help me god
September 21st, 2015 at 3:16 pm
I have a 2011 Honda Pilot and have experienced a shudder and the console vibrates at the top of first gear and all the way through second gear third and forward smooths out. It started to be noticed at around 25,000 miles and has been to the dealer 4 times and once replace right side lower bushings and once a transmission software adjustment. They tested with computer and said torque converter is okay but clearly won’t admitted to the water cups in the console that are vibrating to beat the band. I open a ticket with Honda headquarters. I took car to another dealer on Honda headquarter advice and they said yes they see the problem and are going to replace both the front axles tomorrow 9/22/15.
September 30th, 2015 at 11:17 pm
It is the VCM. Look up VCMuzzle on piloteers or google it. $75 and its fixed! Dealer will not fix. Corporatiin will not develope a program to kill it. This guys invention disables it without disconnecting oil pressure sensors. Genius!
December 15th, 2015 at 5:41 pm
I find this all very interesting. I bought this 2014 Honda Pilot about a year ago.and have had it back at the dealer at least 4 times and they all act like they don’t know what I’m talking about. First told they would do a computer upgrade-no improvement. Next visit the technician could not find anything wrong-did not experience any such
symptoms. The next visit their best technician supposedly drove it home and supposedly his wife drives the same vehicle and it does the same thing. It’s “normal” something about cylinders shutting down. I have another appointment to meet with the Service Manager.
December 30th, 2015 at 8:42 pm
I have the same problem with the VCM on my 2014 Pilot.
February 19th, 2016 at 8:53 am
I had the same issue on a 2012 pilot and after taking loads of proof from other internet posts they admitted it was a harmonic imbalance between the power steering and ac compressor. They installed a new spacer and replaced power steering.
February 19th, 2016 at 8:55 am
My issue was different it was when idling not cruising. I forgot.
February 25th, 2016 at 11:30 am
I have 2015 honda pilot with 7,000 miles it shutters when going in and out of eco mode. I got no help from dealer or Honda. This is worst pilot I have every owned and my last.
March 2nd, 2016 at 2:00 pm
Manager of Honda Corp return today,there phone#8009991009.i do have case #04474291.after we had little talks,look like he don’t care what ever you explain to him.i almost get kill on freeway on freeway 10 from Arizona back to California on feb 15 /16 car drive 70 mph on 75 limit.then suddenly whole thing vibrate I drop to 10/mph no shoulder to stop.on left lane ,car from behind honking.right lane bunch of truck coming.i lucky came out alive on that moment.give me a idea what I have to go .because they won’t help anyone.just wait til someone get kill,I don’t want to die with this p.o.s Honda.
March 23rd, 2016 at 8:00 pm
My 2004 Honda Pilot has been stuttering and bucking for years. No one seems to know what it is. I thought it was possibly the fuel filter but there isn’t a fuel filter in Honda Pilots. I get oil changes every 3 months and I always get unleaded plus gas. After reading so many comments on so many forums about this problem, I think I’m going to have the EGR value replaced. Thoughts?
My Honda Pilot has been very reliable but this problem is so bad especially if I’m trying to do the 25 mph…if you go easy on the gas pedal it really starts bucking. Very frustrating…how do I go the Lemon Law route?
March 31st, 2016 at 11:39 am
My 2010 Honda Pilot got the same issue. It became worse by the days. I took the advise from Honda and did machine 2 years ago. The problem came back about half year later. It is very noticeable now even to the passenger side, especially when downhill. I have to shift to Gear 2 when downhill to avoid brake. One suggestion from Honda is to replace the rotor which is warped.
I used to be loyal to Honda but now I started shudder like my Pilot.
April 1st, 2016 at 8:22 am
We’ve had for a yr now 09 Honda Pilot and it does the vibrating going over 65 mph it’s getting annoying j called the Honda dealer and they told me that it doesn’t have a recall what can I do ??
May 4th, 2016 at 9:04 am
I’m so disappointed on Honda i have a 2009 poilet and it vibrates between 75 to 80 miles per hour. I called the dealer and told them exactly what’s happening they said warrant is over. I am a mechanic teck also and I spent almost $1500 changing tires/motor mouth/ aliment and same problem
May 9th, 2016 at 10:30 pm
Well just bought a 2011 pilot exl. During the test drive I didn’t notice or maybe because I didn’t know what to look for as far as the shudder. But now I definitely felt it. Shudders when going into ECO mode and out of ECO mode. It would shudders or hesitate. There was a few times where I accelerate, it would shudder than pick up and go. Anyone have had it fix? Or What’s Honda doing about it now?
June 23rd, 2016 at 3:36 am
I bought a pilot touring 2014 2 years ago and nothing but problems. Have had my brakes re surfaced twice. Finally they just changed out my rotors. I also had vibration when ECO light came on. They said it was drive shaft and replaced. Now 4 months later hearing a loud noise coming from engine when doing 120 km/h
50 thousand dollars spent on one big pile of shit. Honda has certainly changed on there products.
July 2nd, 2016 at 10:10 am
For the last 2 years + our 2009 Honda Pilot EXL which we bought new has been vibrating between appx 30mph and 50 mph. Seems like it does not want to shift gears and shudders until it shifts from 2nd to 3rd, & 4th consistently. Gas mileage has been decreasing as RPMs go up. Has been to dealer, mechanic, tire shop twice and the last time I was advised to sell it. Good to know (?) I’m not the only one with a Pilot experiencing the problem. I guess.
Has anyone gotten a solution to this vibration, shuddering problem?
July 24th, 2016 at 3:27 pm
Have a 2005 Honda Pilot with 159k miles. It started shuttering about a year ago (notice it around 25mph and 40mph). I have had 4 mechanics look at it…some have had it in to drive and/or up on a lift more than once. I have bought new tires, new motor mounts and new drive shaft in the past 6 weeks. It feels like the vibration has gotten worse and now does the “shutter” at different mph…but normally around 2000rpm. I am so tired of this! I have also had this vehicle’s 4th gear pressure switch replaced TWICE…within 19 months. The stupid local Honda dealer “accidentally” replaced the THIRD gear pressure switch the second time it was in to get fixed. ( I honestly do not trust them at all, as they have told me things needed replaced over the past several years, only to take it to my mechanic and him tell me the problem does not exist.) Then they replace the wrong part…said it was “confusing” how it is written up to fix in the manual…and that was the second fix…scary.
So…who do you trust? I feel at this point that the mechanics are just throwing darts at a dart board…tired of replacing costly items on a car that is 11 yrs old.
Does anyone have any recommendations on the shuddering? I have an apt at a transmission garage that comes HIGHLY recommended…described to the owner over the phone and he is stumped, too. I just hate to keep spending money on a car that is so old.
August 25th, 2016 at 12:36 pm
I purchased a 2015 honda pilot new & have had a vibration in it when it goes into the “eco mode” (vcm ). I have had it back to the dealer & have gotten the same response as other people, it is normal for the vehicle. I have spoken to American Honda several times & basicaly have gotten the run-around, they say it just goes in the eco mode when you are running a steady speed, it is normal for the vehicle, & ask if I have switch to turn off the vcm,ect. they don’t have an answer for me. I told them if I had a switch too turn it off it would be off all of the time.
September 19th, 2016 at 7:32 pm
For the first generation pilots, you can check the exhaust ports in the top of the intake manifold. Mine were plugged at about 200,000km and it caused what appeared to be “misfires” caused a whole range of drivability issues. VTM light came on as well as check engine. Also I’ve changed the odd coil when vibrations occur. So far I’ve changed 4 of the 6 coils. If I get the correct coil changed, it has cleared up the issues. On the newer pilots, I think the programming could be an issue which means you won’t fix it yourself.
October 3rd, 2016 at 10:36 am
I got a 2011 Pilot EXL (150,000 miles), my car is shaking around 65+ mph with or without AC on and under ECO mode. I brought it to Honda dealer, they changed 2 axles, balancing, front brake, alignment cost $1600.00 and the problem came back 2 days later. I brought back to their dealer, this time they said: a shudder due to my rear shock and they’re asking $600.00 for labor and parts.
October 27th, 2016 at 6:30 am
I recently purchased a 2009 Honda Pilot because I had been leasing Honda vehicles for the past few years and really enjoyed them and found them to be quality vehicles. After putting about 1,200 to 1,500 miles on the Pilot, I began to notice terrible shuddering at around 45 mph which disappears if I just let off the gas or give it a little more gas. Unfortunately, I took my Pilot in to the shop before Googling the issue and wound up paying almost $2,000 for a new suspension and four new tires. The shuddering is still there at around 45 mph. What do I need to do in order to get this issue resolved? I love the vehicle itself, but not if I have to put up with the shuddering every time I drive it. And God knows what that’s doing to the engine. $2,000 down the drain.
November 13th, 2016 at 11:48 pm
I have a 2012 Honda Pilot touring we are driving back from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City. I am so mad. The car is shaking and vibrating at any speed. I thought it was my Tires so I got new ones. I thought it was alignment so had that fixed. I loved my 2004 pilot with no problems and wanted to update to a newer one. I had no idea Honda would have this product on the road and basically tell us it’s not Honda but the owners fault- Good Luck!! HONDA wake up your losing us.
January 23rd, 2017 at 7:44 pm
2009 CRV – excellent car, bought new and traded for used 2013 Pilot (P.O.S.). Pilot had unsolvable vibration problems – dealer/service manager wouldn’t admit to Pilot’s having problems. Traded for a new 2015 Pilot (AWD) and was told by dealership business manager that the AWD’s didn’t have shudder/vibration problems like the 2 wheel drives did (hmmm). Guess what, new Pilot did not have shudder/vibration problems until 24 to 25000 miles on odometer. We have had it to 2 different dealers and various attempts to correct have been tried – including rotation and balancing of tires multiple times, road tests with front drive shaft removed, road tests with rear drive shaft removed, brake rotors turned (out of pocket cost), transmission flush and new fluid added (out of pocket cost), left front CV joint replacement, road test wheel balance (out of pocket cost), plus multiple times left @ dealerships while above was being performed. Yes, it still has shudder/vibration that is getting more noticeable! We are currently out of state but when we return home, we will be contacting our state Lemon Law contact and pursue action against Honda!
April 19th, 2017 at 3:04 pm
This shudder we all experience is a problem that will not go away. I bought my 2011 Pilot and started noticing the shudder at about 29,000 miles and it continued to get worst. Five total visits to dealer before they diagnosed the problem as bad front axles. the diagnoses came from the second dealer after my complaint to Honda. They replaced my axles under warranty at around 48,500 miles In September 2015. It fixed the problem for about 12,000 miles and it slowly returned and is annoying. My shudder is only when I take off from a stop through first gear and part of second then it is smooth. Strangely enough when you are taking off with wheels turned the vibration some time is not there. I have 70,000 miles on the car now and have an appointment next week. My father was a master mechanic for Ford and I know a little about cars. The problem i thing lies in the transmission FLY WHEEL which is connected to the axles. The Honda dealers will not admit this because an unbalanced FLY WHEEL would be major $$$ to recall. The dealer already told me that the replacement axles are only covered for 12,000 miles, so if they tell me it is the axles then let the battle begin. I am retired and have all the time in the world to look into this and I have a paper trail.
May 26th, 2017 at 5:20 am
Hi there, I have a 2011 US Honda Pilot. Done only 30K miles & the shimmy started a year ago. Honda have predictably been particularly belligerent and unprofessional.
June 21st, 2017 at 4:46 pm
I have Honda Pilot 2012 EXL, that I bought 2013 as pre-owned vehicle. I already took my car to the dealer that I bought and they said its normal and there’s no problem for the vibration when I push the brakes. It’s so annoying and scared because I always used my Pilot for long driving and having vacation with my family. I just want to know what should I do because it’s getting worst the vibration ?
August 22nd, 2017 at 4:57 pm
Need Help!! I’ve been having engine noise my honda Pilot 2013 28000 mi which I bought new. I only complained after I had it for 2 years. It’s my wife’s car and for almost a year she was out abroad so it was left in our garage. I only used it twice in that period. By the time we noticed that it was bothering us, only then I brought it to Honda just to realize that it was out of warranty. And that I had to pay $150 to have it checked. I was afraid that they would just say it has nothing wrong with it so I did not proceed. The noise comes like a bass sound in the engine exactly when I hits between 70 to 75 MPH. Before or after that reading it is fine. But it gets so annoying when my wife is in the front passenger seat and we would almost be shouting to each other when having a conversation on the freeway. I’m feeling that I have similar problems with people around this blog. If anyone could tell me that if I have any chance of having it fixed from Honda without cost. Or would I be better off trading it with another car. All I know right now is I will NEVER EVER buy a honda again in my life. Please help..
October 2nd, 2017 at 10:50 am
Hi I also had a 20015 honda pilot with 20000 miles EXL
and had a vibration between 20 and 40 miles
I had a appointment with the dealer 11-3
December 13th, 2017 at 2:28 pm
Hello my 2011 Honda Pilot EXL with 50000 vibrates between 20 – 30 mph and I am planning to make an appointment with the dealer for next week. I had been a Honda costumer for years but I am very disappointed with the issue. I am plaining to trade in and get me a different brand.
December 14th, 2017 at 9:08 pm
My 2009 Honda Pilot has the same shutter issue as the others on this site, Honda should find a solution to fix this issues.
January 13th, 2018 at 7:14 pm
I have a 2012 Honda Pilot. Two months ago started vibrating when the engine goes into ECO and stops when the ECO lite goes off when the engine is forced to work harder. I had an appointment to have it checked out-sounds like this might be a waste of time ?? This didn’t start till the engine turned over 110,000 miles.
February 11th, 2018 at 2:43 pm
I have a 2013 Honda Pilot EXL. I purchased it new and within a week, my wife and I noticed a vibration in the steering wheel and console. We brought it back to the dealer twice. First time they said that it was the tires and re balanced them. Second time they told me that it was the vcm and that there was nothing they can do about it and that Honda said that the vibration was normal. Dealer said that Honda was working on a fix and will let me know when they get something available to fix the problem. Now over 4 years later, we are still dealing with this vibration only it seems to be getting worse. Worst vehicle ride I have ever had. Honda needs to be held accountable for this.
February 24th, 2018 at 9:25 pm
Bought a 2015 EX-L AWD with 20000 miles. Noticed shake going from 0 to 25 mph when turning. Shudder is felt in dash and steering wheel with a low grinding sound. After reading above comments, I will take it immediately to the dealer; warranty runs out in two months though my expectations are low.
April 15th, 2018 at 4:19 pm
i had the problem of vibration at 30 to 45 mph or so . ITS THE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT . THERE IS A SERVICE BULLITIN ON IT. I demanded dealer replace it and its fine now
July 24th, 2018 at 4:57 pm
I have a 2005 Honda Pilot and i started to notice it shaking at 80 mph about 6 months after I got it. Now it has 200,000. miles on it and about 5 years ago and 60,000 miles, I started to notice it shaking when I excelerated at 20 mph and around 40 mph. I took it to our regular shop and they said the same thing. It was normal and that they could barely feel anything. Today, I am having my Pilot towed to the shop because the engine light and VTM light are on and the truck almost dies whenever it idles and the steering feels extremely loose. I’m wondering if all of that shaking earlier has broken down the transmission? Just a thought.
September 23rd, 2018 at 9:46 am
2011 honda pilot with 170000 mi. recently started and progressively getting worse. entire vehicle seems to vibrate under acceleration thru all gears. only quits when you let off the gas. heavier on the gas the more violent the vibe. to me simulates a bad inner cv joint. i replaced both axles new, still have problem. ????????
February 26th, 2019 at 6:49 pm
I purchased a 2009 pilot exl touring last nov5 2018 at a local pre owned dealership . Was great not until. Third week of Feb 2019…(almost 3 months ago ) Now everyday As i sped up around 50 – 60 kmph , i felt something Vibrating on my Dash and like inside the Cabin. It is Annoying cause i feel the vibration on my Seat to my Head. Wow what was that????
March 21st, 2019 at 9:31 am
The day after MA car inspection my wife was driving about 40-50 mph for about half a mile when suddenly our Honda Pilot 2015 began shuddering. We stopped, turned around and came home.
We bought it a year ago and have had no such problems.
28k miles.
April 14th, 2019 at 5:28 pm
have a 2009 honda pilot and it vibrates when going along between 60 and 70 km.put all new tires been to shop 3 times now, had driveshaft taken off and checked was good and dealer wanted to put a new one on for between 5 and 7 hundred and said that may help i said no thanks.dealer said thats normal but to me thats not normal.was in to dealer last week as i was thinking about getting a new pilot but after reading all these comments i think i will be getting a new kia sorento my daughter bought a new one last year and loves it and i find it works as good and rides better than my pilot.pilot has a little more room but the sorento has no vibrations just nice and smooth
August 21st, 2019 at 8:12 am
016 honda pilot 45k miles. when we are on a stop or waiting for more than 5 minutes, motor start shaking, feeling like hood will pop up and motor fell down also all warning light come on on dashboard.
after a few minute stop shaking, but are not able to use cruise control or the other technology. next day everything is ok again. anybody know how to fix it.
August 21st, 2019 at 8:15 am
2016 honda pilot 45k miles. when we are on a stop or waiting for more than 5 minutes, motor start shaking, feeling like hood will pop up and motor fell down also all warning light come on on dashboard.
after a few minute stop shaking, but are not able to use cruise control or the other technology. next day everything is ok again. any body know how to fix it.
September 30th, 2019 at 11:02 am
See mine on www. Piloteers.com page! Same as all the above issues and more.
November 1st, 2019 at 6:05 pm
We have a 2011 Pilot that has the vibration problem, feels like the torque converter is having trouble locking up. Took it to the dealer in Battle Creek, Michigan and they acknowledged the problem and put what they called Vibration Dampening Fluid in the transmission. It seemed to help a little but now the vibration is back worse than ever. WHY CAN’T HONDA ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM AND JUST FIX THE DAMN THING ????????
December 6th, 2019 at 11:03 pm
My Honda 2015 Pilot started jerking after doing 65 miles an hour on an interstate for30 miles. After doing so it continues to have the check engine light on as well as the CVM4 and slippery road sign as well. No indication anything has been wrong with the car following service expectations and oil changes accordingly.
December 7th, 2019 at 4:57 pm
I’ve bougth my 2011 Honda Pilot EXL on 2010 and fell the problems after couple of years took it to dealer and nothing was done. Finally in 2014 a friend advised me of taking to the dealer where his friend works and I was told that yes there was a recall for the problem. My vehicle’s warranty was extended from 60,000 miles to 120,000 miles to compensate for the warranty and they proceed to work on my vehicle. They did a major tune – up replace the piston rings #1-3 and the spark plugs #1-3 and I was told they’ve found a few drops of oil in one of the cylinder. I said what about the other piston rings and spark plug and they responded to me it is not necessary to do it. Now it’s already 2019 warranty expires and been experiencing the same problem still since then really annoying.
January 26th, 2020 at 5:06 pm
I have a 2013 Honda. Since new. I continually complained at the dealer starting at about 40,000 miles about vibration at different speeds from 44 to 65. In that I kept all my records at 76000 miles Honda agreed to replace torque converter. Still rumbles but now the reason given is shifting of engine to “eco”. It now has 96000 miles all the required maintenance performed but rumble persists. Waiting on total collapse!!!
June 17th, 2020 at 7:59 pm
2015 Honda Pilot 52000 bought new/ have had vcm shutter since had 20000 miles on it and torque converter lockup problems and shaking even when applying brakes. Have decide to just get rid of it/. Honda engineers have been in a self induced coma for the last 15 to 20 years and have never come out of it!! Will never buy another Honda anything and if you do you’ll be a bigger fool than me HONDA YOU GOT ME ONCE NEVER AGAIN !!!!!!!