I had a 2011 Pilot and I didn't like the way the transmission shifted, so I dropped off at the dealer. They said there was no problem but I made them keep it until they were able to replicate the problem. After they tried to fix it for two months, they finally gave me a new 2012 Pilot instead. I immediately noticed a similar erratic shifting in/out of overdrive and they just said it is characteristic of the ECO mode and just to get used to it. We are at 90 K miles now and the problem with the transmission is much more pronounced. I need to put it into D3 just for my own sanity since it kills me to drive it with the tranny jumping in and out of OD at all the wring times. I can't wait to get rid of the car as I think it is just the way Honda's drive.

I am wondering if it has anything to do with ECO? When I drive in D3 and see the ECO come on, it doesn't seem to have any bad impact on the tranny, and I can't even feel it. Any suggestions from anyone on this?

I just purchased a used 2012 Honda Pilot with 30,000 miles on it. The first month was great with no complaints. After one month, I noticed the transmission shifting into overdrive too soon, causing a shuttering noise. It seems to happen simultaneously to the ECO light coming on, which can occur at 25, but most typically occurs at 45 and 55 mph, when on a flat road. I have had it happen once at 25 when I was not accelerating much but I was going up a slight incline. The "remedy" occurs when I accelerate, which takes it out of overdrive, also negating the benefit of ECO mileage. I have read online complaint boards and noticed one suggestion that will eliminate the problem, which is to press the "D3" button. Of course, this works, because it is bypassing the overdrive option. However, it immediately kicks up the rpms, which also decreases fuel efficiency. When I read the owners manual about the "D3" button, it suggests using this when towing (makes sense) or when "stop and go driving". Why would they suggest to use it when "stop and go driving", when this reduces fuel efficiency? Also, I was getting an average of 20mpg city driving, but I am now only getting about 18mpg city, so it appears to be having an effect on my gas mileage. I am VERY frustrated with this, since I have not purchased a new/used vehicle in years and had researched Pilots for many months before buying one. I had several people rave about them, but I'm am disappointed to already be having problems with mine. I will be taking it to the dealership since it is under warranty, but it does not negate the fact that I will be inconvenienced. I am hoping this will be a quick fix, but from reading the boards, I am not very hopeful.

My 2012 Honda Pilot only has 12,000 miles on it, and it is impossible to enjoy my driving experience due to the following VCM issues: * Constant shifting in and out of ECO causing the vehicle to vibrate/shutter * The engine rumbling loud like it can hardly go. * This annoyance happens at any speed (25, 45, 75) - whenever the ECO light is on. I called my service department and told them my issue. He acted as if he had never heard of this problem & couldn't imagine what was going on. I had to cancel my appointment due to unexpected issues but decided not to reschedule & waste my time - it was obvious that I was going to be the "VCM Guinea Pig". I have since searched complaints on the internet. I am definitely not the only one that is having this issue. Honda is aware of the issue but is not forthcoming with a solution.

I really like my Honda & hope they can find a solution SOON!!!!

Have you ever driven a car cruising along at 70 M.P.H. on a flat road and all of a sudden the transmission shifts from OD to a lower gear and then back in OD? It shakes the whole car! I've had this problem since the day I purchased it!!! I've had the car in to the dealer three times and each time the dealer is unable to duplicate the problem. I informed the dealer the problem doesn't happen all the time, but it does happen to me daily! It happens whether the cruise control is on or off, but always happens when I'm cruising along at a constant speed. When the road is very smooth is when it's more noticeable. The problem is much more evident at higher speeds such as 70 M.P.H. While on the expressway, when the transmission shifts from OD to a lower gear and back again, it shutters the whole car. Once, about three weeks ago while driving at a constant 50 M.P.H. the transmission shifted from OD to neutral and back into OD again! My wife refuses to drive the car as she is concerned the transmission will fail. The service manager at Port Charlotte Honda said there is no safety issue, but that doesn't help in my wife's case. The issue is gradually getting worse and happening more frequently, yet they are not able to find or correct the the problem. I suggested that we switch cars and I get a different car and they could drive mine for a week or so and that was refused because their insurance issues. I guess I'll have to wait a while longer and take the car in for its fourth trip and see if they can find anything. For a vehicle that is only 3 months old, I've got a dud! Needless to say, I'm very unhappy with this vehicle. And, I purchased a Honda because of its reputation on engines and drive trains. Sheeeeeesh!