2005 Honda Pilot - I wish I had looked at this site before I bought my vehicle. I've had my Pilot for almost 5 years. Have loved it until the last few months. The shaking that everyone is talking about here is EXACTLY what I am experiencing at 87,000 miles. It shakes and rattles at the lower speeds - 35-40 mph and then also at 45-50 mph. I've taken my vehicle to the dealership 3 times and this last time I told them I was not leaving until a mechanic rode with me so he could see what I was talking about. I don't think they believed me the first two times. Finally, he felt was I was talking about. It took him all day long to figure out what it was! Their answer is spend $2100 to get the torque converter replaced. That isn't even including a rebuilt or new transmission! Unbelievable! Now I'm trying to decide whether to keep it or trade it in!

I've reported problem as occurring at 127,000 miles, but feel certain it was long before that, although local Honda dealership service department was unable to detect any problem despite my bringing car in for service numerous times. The first time their documentation shows that I reported the stutter is at 128,000 miles. Again, despite repeated visits to the service department, and despite several other repairs (engine mounts, brakes, tires, balancing, alignment), the stutter continued. When I insisted that a mechanic ride with me so I could point out the problem, the service department was suddenly able to diagnose a bad torque converter and transmission. I am curious, since a quick internet search revealed 5 different sites with consumers complaining about this same issue in 2005 Pilots, why the Honda dealership mechanics didn't know what to look for when I repeatedly lodged the same complaint. And since a factory trained Honda master technician with 24 years experience working on Hondas (according to onlline site justanswer.com) states that a transmission should last in excess of 200,000 miles, I am curious as to why Honda does not take responsibility and cover the cost to replace these faulty converters and transmissions. I am currently discussing this issue with Honda America; they have offered to pay $1800 toward the $4800 cost to replace the converter and transmission, but I am not satisfied with this offer. I will update as this matter unfolds.

I replaced the motor mounts, torque converter and have had the tires balanced twice on my 2005 Honda Pilot over the past year. A vehicle that Consumer Reports claims is such a great vehicle to have. Here it is a year later and the torque converter is acting up again and the stupid thing has developed the shimmies at highway speed that no one can figure out. I was told to replace the front wheel bearings and balance the tires (again). Wow, what a waist of money that was. Now I hear I may have warped rotors and my engine mounts need replaced again. I must not forget the wallet draining torque converter that is still pissing me off.

This is the first and last time I buy a Honda. My other SUV is a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 225,000 miles on it. Rusted, but I love it. Have only replaced a couple u-joints, sway bar, water pump, brakes, rotors and the muffler. Which all cost about the same as one trip to the mechanic with the Honda.