Many Honda owners with the 9-speed transmission, like in the Pilot or Odyssey, report personal experiences of jerking and delayed shifting. One driver shared how their transmission slipped during acceleration, leading to a frustrating and unsafe driving moment.

Honda’s 9-speed automatic transmission, used in models like the Pilot and Odyssey, has experienced issues like jerking, delayed shifting and slipping gears. These problems stem from design flaws, programming errors, and fluid-related issues.

Many Honda drivers have faced frustrating jerks and gear slipping with the 9-speed transmission, especially during everyday drives. Regular updates and maintenance have helped some regain the smooth performance they expected.

Honda:

Honda has long been known for making dependable cars, but even the best automakers occasionally face difficulties. The Honda 9-speed automatic transmission is a significant source of concern in recent years. While it offers further developed eco-friendliness and a smoother driving encounter, a few drivers disapprove of the framework. We will go into detail about the issues, their causes, and how they affect the driving experience in this article.

What Exactly Does The Honda 9-Speed Transmission Do?

Before delving into the issues, understanding the Honda 9-speed transmission’s fundamental functions is essential. Compared to earlier models with fewer gears, the 9-speed automatic transmission is designed to provide better fuel economy and smoother gear changes. 

With Honda’s larger vehicles, such as SUVs like the Honda Pilot and Honda Odyssey, the 9-speed transmission is frequently used. The motivation behind this exceptional transmission is to decrease fuel utilization by offering a more prominent scope of cogwheels, permitting the motor to run at ideal RPMs more regularly. 

Common Issues With The Honda 9-Speed Transmission:

Honda owners have reported some common issues with the 9-speed automatic transmission. These issues can go from somewhat irritating to seriously affecting the driving experience. The most frequently cited problems are listed below:

1. Shivering or Jerking

Numerous drivers report a recognizable shiver or jerk during gear shifts, particularly while changing from first to second or second to third gear. When driving at a lower speed, this issue can make the vehicle feel less smooth and can be particularly uncomfortable. 

Drivers portray this as feeling like an unexpected pull or a slip in the transmission, which can be disturbing, particularly when it happens more than once. While some shivering is normal during gear changes, unreasonable jolting can be an indication of a more difficult issue.

2. Deferred Shifting

Deferred or slow stuff changes are another normal grievance. Drivers might see that the transmission takes more time than expected to move, which can prompt a drowsy speed increase or a lethargic driving encounter. 

When merging onto highways or passing other vehicles, this is especially risky. At times, the deferral can be extreme to the point that the driver could press the gas pedal and not feel the vehicle answer for a few seconds.

When driving at high speeds, this lag in shifting can cause anxiety and pose a risk to one’s safety.

3. Transmission Slipping

Transmission slipping happens when the transmission neglects to remain in the chosen gear. This can bring about startling changes in speed or a total loss of force while driving. 

Slipping can also cause the engine’s RPMs to fluctuate wildly, which not only affects the driving experience but also causes the engine to use more fuel and wear out. For the people who depend on smooth speed increase, slipping can be a baffling issue. 

It can likewise cause drivers to feel as they don’t have full command over their vehicle, which is never a positive sentiment.

4. Hard Downshifts

One more detailed issue is hard downshifting, which can happen when the transmission changes to a lower gear, particularly while dialing back or halting. Drivers have described the sensation as a sharp “clunk” or sudden jolt when slowing down or stopping. In addition to affecting comfort, this may put unnecessary strain on the vehicle’s parts.

5. Gear Hunting

Gear hunting is a peculiarity where the transmission ceaselessly changes to and fro between gears, unfit to view as the fitting one. This can be especially perceptible while driving on slopes or at specific paces, as the transmission appears to be uncertain about which stuff to get comfortable with. This consistent moving can prompt an unpleasant driving encounter and expanded wear on the transmission.

What Causes Issues With The Honda 9-Speed Transmission?

A few variables add to the issues found in the Honda 9-speed transmission. Understanding these causes can assist drivers with knowing what to pay special attention to and possibly alleviate a portion of the issues before they arise.

1. Design and Programming Issues 

Design flaws are to blame for some of Honda’s 9-speed transmission issues. ZF developed the 9-speed automatic transmission, which is a complicated system. The programming of the transmission’s control module may be to blame for some of the issues. 

Occasionally, the software fails to properly communicate with the mechanical parts, resulting in erratic behavior like gear hunting or delayed shifts.

2. Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid may also be a cause. Transmission slipping, shuddering, and delayed shifts can be caused by low or old fluid. Customary upkeep, including changing the transmission liquid at suggested spans, can assist with reducing a portion of these issues. In any case, it’s essential to take note of that liquid alone may not tackle all issues.

3. Wear and Tear

Similarly, as with any mechanical framework, mileage can prompt issues over the long run. Transmission components can wear out, especially if the vehicle has a lot of miles on it or has been used a lot, like towing or driving off-road. At times, supplanting broken-down parts can assist with settling the issues.

Models With Problems with the 9-Speed Transmission Not all Honda vehicles come with the 9-speed transmission, but the ones that do tend to be SUVs and larger models. Here are the models generally ordinarily answered to encounter these issues:

If you drive a Honda Passport (2019+), Pilot (2015+), Odyssey (2018+), or Ridgeline (2017+) and have transmission issues, you’re not alone. Many owners have faced similar problems with these early 9-speed models.

The Most Effective Method To Recognize Transmission Issues In Your Honda:

It’s critical to distinguish the early indications of transmission issues before they lead to additional huge issues. Here are a few side effects to look for:

• Shivering or jolting during acceleration
• Postponed reaction while moving gears
• Uncommon commotions like thumping or whining
• Unexpected loss of force or slipping gears

Transmission cautioning light on the dashboard

On the off chance that you notice any of these signs, resolving the issue at the earliest opportunity is fundamental. Overlooking transmission issues can prompt more serious harm, which might bring about exorbitant fixes or even all-out transmission disappointment.

Honda’s Reaction And Reviews:

Honda has given a few specialized help releases (TSBs) connected with the 9-speed transmission, recognizing a portion of the issues looked at by proprietors. TSBs are given by producers to furnish showrooms with data on the most proficient method to fix known issues.

Now and again, these announcements have prescribed programming refreshes or mechanical acclimations to determine the issues. However, according to the most recent reports, Honda has not yet issued a complete recall for all models with the 9-speed transmission. 

A few proprietors have gotten fixes under guarantee, while others have needed to take care of the actual costs. It’s a good idea to check with your local dealership to see if any TSBs apply to your vehicle if you’re having transmission issues.

What To Do If You Think Your Honda’s 9-Speed Transmission Is Failing?

If you think your Honda’s transmission is failing, the following steps should be taken:

1. Take Your Vehicle to a Certified Honda Technician or Dealership for a Diagnostic Check 

This should be your first step. They can identify the problem’s root cause by reading error codes from the transmission control module with specialized tools.

2. Check for Technical Service Bulletins 

Inform the dealership of any outstanding transmission-related TSBs. On the off chance that there are, the showroom might have the option to fix the issue free of charge or at a diminished expense assuming your vehicle is still under guarantee.

3. Regular maintenance 

This may help your transmission last longer if the issues you’re having with it aren’t too big. This includes having the transmission fluid changed by the manufacturer’s recommendations and checking the fluid’s level.

4. Think about a Transmission Specialist

At times, the showroom will most likely be unable to determine the issue. If this occurs, consider taking your vehicle to a transmission expert who might have more experience managing these particular issues.

Individual Encounters With Honda 9-Speed Transmission:

Numerous Honda proprietors have imparted their encounters with the 9-speed transmission issues on the web, in discussions, and through client audits. These firsthand records can give knowledge into how far-reaching the issue is and how drivers have tended to it.

One Honda Odyssey owner, for instance, mentioned that within the first few months of ownership, they noticed jerking, which got worse over time. They were eventually able to have the transmission control module updated, which resolved the issue, after repeatedly taking their car to the dealership.

Essentially, a Honda Pilot proprietor detailed encountering gear slipping while at the same time driving uphill, driving them to have the transmission liquid supplanted. While this aided for the time being, they kept on confronting issues until the transmission was supplanted under guarantee.

Is The Honda 9-Speed Transmission Dangerous?

While not every Honda with a 9-speed transmission will have issues, this system has been problematic for a significant number of drivers. Whether it’s shivering, slipping, or deferred shifts, these issues can influence the general driving experience and may require expensive fixes.

On the off chance that you own a Honda vehicle with a 9-speed transmission, it’s critical to be proactive. Normal upkeep, remaining informed about TSBs, and resolving issues early can assist you with staying away from additional difficult issues not too far off.

By understanding the normal issues and doing whatever it may take to address them, you can keep on partaking in your Honda for a long time to come.

Faqs:

1. Are aftermarket transmission parts reliable for fixing these issues?

Aftermarket parts can be less reliable than OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts, potentially leading to further issues down the line.

2. Can transmission issues be resolved without replacing the transmission?

In some cases, problems can be fixed with software updates, fluid changes, or minor repairs. However, more serious issues may require part replacements.

3. Does the Honda 9-speed transmission come with a warranty?

Honda provides a powertrain warranty, typically covering the transmission for 5 years or 60,000 miles, but coverage may vary based on location and vehicle.

4. Is there a difference between cold and hot weather performance for the Honda 9-speed transmission?

Some owners have reported that the transmission performs worse in cold weather, with more frequent delays or jerking when the vehicle is first started.

Conclusion:

Honda’s 9-speed transmission, found in models like the Pilot and Odyssey, has faced problems such as jerking, delayed shifting, and gear slipping. While these issues can be frustrating, Honda has addressed some through service updates, though no full recall has been issued. Regular maintenance, including fluid checks and software updates, can help prevent bigger problems. Staying on top of these will keep your vehicle running more smoothly.