I've had a similar situation as others. The vehicle lost power and after pulling over; turning the vehicle off and back on, it wouldn't shift into Drive. We checked the transmission fluid level and found it to be extremely low (although it had just been at the dealer for service 1 week prior). We added some fluid and it would shift into drive, however it would NOT shift into D3, D2, etc. Adding the fluid allowed us to drive to our hotel. The next morning, we checked the fluid level and discovered the chocolate milk. I immediately phoned my dealer and alerted them of the situation. They advised to have it towed home (Pittsburgh to Columbus, Oh) - not cheap! After having it sit for 4 days, they finally informed me yesterday that that transmission and radiator were both shot and would need to be replaced. When I inquired about the source of this problem, the answer was, "I don't know." When I inquired if they had seen or heard of this problem before, again they had no idea. So, I too had planned on keeping my Pilot for many, many more miles and never expected this sort of problem. I've owned 4 other Hondas and based on this experience, I won't be purchasing another.

On Thursday morning I brought the car in to check on a rattling sound and the air bag light is on. The service consultant recommended that I am overdue for a transmission fluid and brake fluid service. So I told them that it was ok to get that done. The rattling sound was due to the heat shield was rusted and air bag light was due to some sensor that needs to be replaced. They didn't fix the 2 items since they had to order the parts I picked up the car that afternoon and drove it home. I felt a little hesitation on the car but I didn't think much about it since I just had it serviced. The following day I saw some pink fluid in the garrage but I just thought it was just residue from the service. Saturday came around and I noticed a larger spot in the garrage so I opened the hood and that's when I saw the pink sludge in the coolant reservoir and in the radiator. Called the dealer and they told me to bring the car back on Monday.

Brought the car back on Monday and that's when they informed me that the transmission fluid has leaked into the coolant in the radiator and now I need a new radiator and I need to service the transmission and cooling system which will cost me around 6,000 - 8,000. I told them that this is just not acceptable. I brought the car in to get serviced and it was working fine on Thursday when I brought the car. The dealer didn't want to take blame for this and pretty much claimed that this was not their fault.

My wife was driving our 2005 Honda Pilot home from work when she noticed the engine revving at a high RPM. No engine lights came on, but the vehicle was losing power and she could barely get it to the side of the road. After allowing the vehicle to sit for awhile it was able to be driven home. Once it was parked in the garage, a chocolate milk like substance was noticed overflowing from the radiator and reserve tank. We were able to get the car to a local mechanic (about 1 mile from our house). The mechanic confirmed what we feared: the transmission was damaged and it was caused by a faulty cooling system, where transmission fluid and antifreeze mixed in the radiator and transmission causing severe damage. He quoted us at $3,800 for all repairs associated with the problem, which included the cost of a used transmission from a salvage yard.

We contacted two Honda service technicians. One denied ever hearing of such a problem. The other confirmed he had heard about this problem with 05 Pilots and had seen the same thing with an 05 Acura MDX (sister car to the Pilot). Both technicians told us Honda would not be likely to help with the problem unless we could provide detailed service records at a Honda dealer showing all recommended maintenance had been performed on the car, and that still would not be a guarantee. My wife then contacted the dealer where we purchased the Pilot to talk to the owner, but we never received a return call from him or anyone else at the dealership. She then contacted Honda directly and they told her that although we have a power train warranty on the vehicle, Honda would not pay for the costs of the repair as the problem was caused by the radiator, which is not part of the power train (PS, we've financed two cars through Honda in the past 10 years so you would think they would treat a loyal customer with respect). The Honda representative was rude and unhelpful.

So now we are stuck with a car that we still owe $5800 on. Our local mechanic warned us to not opt for repairing the vehicle as he thinks there could be more damage to engine parts that might be undiagnosed. He is encouraging us to sell the car as is and try to break even with what we owe. This is a huge financial setback as we will have to purchase another vehicle but will have nothing to trade in to help offset the cost. We've lost everything we've invested in the car. Don't trust Honda. After doing research we've found their cars aren't as reliable as we thought and worse yet, Honda's poor customer service and unwillingness to acknowledge a common problem in their cars is shameful. Honda is a company that does not understand how to stand behind their product and properly rectify a situation that is the result of poor quality and engineering. Instead they allow their loyal customers to suffer.

Radiator failed with zero warning leaking infamous Honda chocolate milk everywhere. Overflow tank was filled to the top with fluid. Towed to reputable shop and told the radiator had failed sucking coolant into transmission, that may or may not be ruined. Called Honda USA and was told that radiators failing at 71K miles was a-okay! In fact, I should be thrilled it lasted that long. Opted to have shop perform service. OEM radiator replaced, multiple drain and fills using Honda's ridiculously priced fluid ($244 in fluid alone). Shop doing the work was very honest saying it was a 50/50 chance the trans. would survive. About 250 miles later, transmission failed. Towed this time to Honda dealership. Honda USA currently refusing a "goodwill adjustment". The cherry on top of this poop sundae is that the service agent at the stealership is just as full of it as Honda USA. Called to inform me my "after-market radiator failed and leaked fluid into the transmission." Said I needed a new radiator and transmission for a total of $4,800. I let him lie for a few more minutes before telling him the above story. Also, the new radiator never leaked or overheated. After being caught, he relented slightly saying it needed to be looked at again to be sure. One week after the trans. died, still waiting word from Honda. Two tow trucks, two rental cars, and 2,000 dollars with no end in sight, I am truly regretting my faith in Honda.

Radiator failed with zero warning leaking infamous Honda chocolate milk everywhere. Overflow tank was filled to the top with fluid. Towed to reputable shop and told the radiator had failed sucking coolant into transmission, that may or may not be ruined. Called Honda USA and was told that radiators failing at 71K miles was a-okay! In fact, I should be thrilled it lasted that long. Opted to have shop perform service. OEM radiator replaced, multiple drain and fills using Honda's ridiculously priced fluid ($244 in fluid alone). Shop doing the work was very honest saying it was a 50/50 chance the trans. would survive. About 250 miles later, transmission failed. Towed this time to Honda dealership. Honda USA currently refusing a "goodwill adjustment". The cherry on top of this poop sundae is that the service agent at the stealership is just as full of it as Honda USA. Called to inform me my "after-market radiator failed and leaked fluid into the transmission." Said I needed a new radiator and transmission for a total of $4,800. I let him lie for a few more minutes before telling him the above story. Also, the new radiator never leaked or overheated. After being caught, he relented slightly saying it needed to be looked at again to be sure. One week after the trans. died, still waiting word from Honda. Two tow trucks, two rental cars, and 2,000 dollars with no end in sight, I am truly regretting my faith in Honda.

Update from Nov 18, 2010: (pictures show leak from overflow)

Update from Jan 12, 2012: Honda gave me a goodwill adjustment, paying under half of a re-built transmission, from a dealership. Between two tows, 4 weeks of car rentals, a new radiator and half of a re-built transmission I spent $8,000 out-of-pocket. Honda USA rep denied this being a problem. One month later, The NY Times wrote a great article detailing the many woes of Honda owners. Please see my newest complaint for 1/2012. My 1 year old, re-built transmission with 5,000 miles on it has failed.