In 2018, Honda extended its warranty on certain 2016 and 2017 Pilots equipped with its 9 speed automatic transmission from 5 years/60,000 miles to 10 years with no warranty expiration by miles. The extension comes after reports by Honda Pilot owners that the transmission chirps while shifting between third and fourth gear, has poor shift quality and in response to reports that the engine overheats due to a manufacturing defect. Honda claims the problem is a defective Automatic Transmission Fluid Warmer which improves fuel economy by warming the transmission fluid temperature before ignition.
In 2020 and 2021, Honda issued two Technical Service Bulletins, each attempting to address harsh and jerky shifting. The service bulletins expanded the scope of affected vehicles to include 2018 to 2020 Honda Pilots and 2019 Honda Passports. This time, Honda is blaming the problem on the software in the Transmission Control Module (TCM), claiming the problem is now specifically caused by abnormal adaptation values. Honda is calling for software updates to the TVM.
If you are the owner of a 2016 to 2020 Honda Pilot or 2019 Honda Passport and have experienced transmission juddering or hesitation, then you may have a lemon. Contact The Beck Law Office, APC for a free consultation and make sure you get the justice that you deserve!
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