2005 Honda Pilot Suspension Problems

The rear subframe attaches to the unibody has rotted and almost fell off the car

The rear suspension got detached from a collapsed/rusted Frame. Item # 11 Sub-Frame, Rear Suspension Part # 50300-S9V-A01 The suspension is rubbing against the rear tires since the Bolt Flange (14x125 item# 14 part # 90160-S0X-A00) can’t be supported by the rusted/ collapsed Frame affecting the rest of suspension parts item # 12 washer E subframe part# 50354-S3V-A00 and item#13 part# 50456-S3V-A00 Washer F subframe Mounting.

My Honda pilot has rust on one of the subframe mounts causing it to come loose from body. Honda issued a technical service bulletin about it for an investigation from nhtsa. But, the dealer is acting like there is no such thing with the known issue and repair kit they made to fix the issue. I will attach the service bulletin below to about the issue of what Honda put out supposedly to fix the problem. They keep saying this bulletin does not exist for my vehicle but the bulletin states all years not VIN specific.

The rear trailing arm, normally attached to the rear suspension is clearly corroded and came detached when driving under 25 mph up a road. The SAME issue Honda had to do a recall on their 2005 CRV model. Researched Honda Pilots, in our (Midwest) area, EVERY SINGLE 2005 Pilot had the corrosion. Also cause the muffler pipe to detach from the catalytic converter (included in the photos attached).

JUST BOUGHT A 2005 HONDA PILOT. I WAS INFORMED BY A MECHANIC THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR A REAR SUPPORT SYSTEM RUSTING OUT AND FALLING DOWN. THIS VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. I NEED IT REPAIRED. ALREADY ONE STRUT IS LOOSE!!

The contact owns a 2005 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at various speeds on several occasions, there was a cranking sound coming from underneath the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that several unknown components needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the shocks, control arms, drive train and other unknown components needed to be replaced. The contact referenced the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V228000 (Structure); however, neither the VIN nor the year, make, or model was included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 149,000.

I DROVE OVER A DIP IN THE ROAD THEN HEARD A NOISE FROM THE REAR OF PILOT I THOUGHT IT WAS THE MUFFLER AND IT THE MUFFLER SEAMED A BIT LOUDER THEN NORMAL BUT AFTER LOOKING AT IT I DID NOT SEE ANYTHING DIFF. BUT A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER AFTER DRIVING SOME FRIENDS TO THE AIRPORT AND EXITING I HEARD A METAL SOUNDING NOISE SO AFTER PULLING IN THE DRIVEWAY AND INSPECTING THE AREA OF THE EXHAUST I NOTICED THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE REAR FRAME/ SUSPENSION WAS LOWER THEN THE RIGHT SIDE. AND LOOKING CLOSER I SAW A BOLT OR WHATEVER ITS CALLED THAT HOLDS THE FRAME CRADLE RUSTED OFF AND SEPARATED FROM THE MAIN FRAME ALSO THE RIGHT SIDE LOOKS VERY RUSTED AND CONCERNED IT COULD SEPARATE AS WELL AND THE WHOLE REAR FRAME SUSPENSION COULD DROP. I NOW AM GOING TO HAVE IT TOWED TO A FRAME SHOP IT IS RISKY TO DRIVE IT IN THE CURRENT CONDITION. THIS IS VERY BAD. WHAT IF WHEN I WAS DRIVING TO THE AIRPORT WITH PASSENGERS IT COLLAPSED ON THE HIGHWAY PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL BUMPING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. THE SOUND WAS HEARD INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VAN'S HONDA LOCATED AT (2821 S ONEIDA ST, GREEN BAY, WI 54304, (920) 499-5483) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TIE RODS WERE CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.

I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2005 HONDA PILOT. IT ONLY HAS 117,000 MILES ON IT. MOTOR AND TRANSMISSION ARE EXCELLENT. THERE WAS A KNOCKING NOISE IN THE REAR RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE. I HAD THE SHOCKS CHANGED AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME IS RUSTED OUT. I DID NOT NOTICE THE RUST BUT MY MECHANIC POINTED IT OUT TO ME AND NOW I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR. BEFORE I WAS ADVISED OF THE RUST DAMAGE I PUT ALL NEW BRAKES AND TIRES. IM IN SIX THOUSAND ON THE CAR AND NOW I HAVE TO SCRAP IT. THIS SEEMS LIKE AN ISSUE THAT HONDA SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR. HOW CAN THE FRAME, CHASIS, AND SUB FRAME ROT/RUST OUT. THIS IS NOT OKAY. I SEE MANY FORUMS ONLINE DISCUSSING THAT THIS IS COMMON WITH OLDER HONDA VEHICLES.

THE COMPLAINT THAT I HAVE IS WITH LOWER SUBFRAME AND THE MOUNTS HAVE RUSTED OUT AND IS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE OR ANY ROADS ABOVE 35MPH. THE DRIVER SIDE REAR MOUNT ISNT ATTACKED TO ANYTHING BC OF RUST AND THE PASSENGER SIDE IS RUSTED BUT NOT SEPARATED. THE TRUCK WOBBLES WHEN U START GOING FASTER THEN 35MPH. THIS HAPPENS WHEN GOING STRAIGHT, ALSO WHILE TURNING EITHER DIRECTION AND MAKES IT HARD TO KEEP CONTROL IF YOUR NOT READY FOR IT TO HAPPEN ESPECIALLY. AND THERE IS A KNOCKING NOISE WHEN THE TRUCK GOES INTO REVERSE THAT'S WHAT CAUSED ME TO INSPECT THE REAR END, IT'S THE METAL HITTING EACH OTHER BC THERE IS A SMALL GAP WHERE THERE SHOULDN'T BE.

STRUCTURAL FAILURE OF BOTH REAR SUSPENSION SUB FRAME MOUNTS. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE ABS, AWD, TRACTION CONTROL, AND BRAKE LIGHTS ALL CAME ON. I CONNECTED MY CODE READER AND IT INDICATED THAT THE LEFT AND RIGHT WHEEL SPEED SENSORS HAD AN OPEN CIRCUIT. UPON VISUAL INSPECTION OF THE REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSORS, WIRES, AND CONNECTORS, I DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR TWO SUB FRAME MOUNTS HAD SEPARATED FROM THE CHASSIS, CAUSING THE REAR PORTION OF THE SUB FRAME ASSEMBLY TO DROP 5-6 INCHES, WHICH RESULTED IN THE REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR WIRES GETTING PULLED FROM THEIR CONNECTORS. THE REAR PORTION OF THE SUB FRAM IS NOW RESTING ON THE EXHAUST PIPE.

THE REAR CRADLE WHICH HAS THE DRIVE SHAFTS AND REAR DIFFERENTIAL HAS COME UNATTACHED FROM REAR CROSSMEMBER DUE TO THE ATTACHMENT POINTS RUSTING THROUGH LETTING CRADLE AND K MEMBER LOOSE FROM 2 OF THE 4 ATTACHMENT POINTS.THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM ON SEVERAL VEHICLES THAT I HAVE SEEN.THE CROSSMEMBER RUSTS OUT FROM THE INSIDE OUT AND LETS THE CRADLE LOOSE FROM THE VEHICLE CAUSING COMPLETE SUSPENSION FAILURE AND LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE.

I'VE OWNED THIS CAR FOR A YEAR NOW AND ITS BEEN A GREAT RUNNING VEHICLE. I NOTICED THAT THE REAR OF THE CAR HAD BEEN SAGGING A BIT BUT I DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING OF IT BECAUSE OF THE MILES IT HAD AND FIGURED THE SPRINGS WERE JUST A LITTLE WORN OUT. MY WIFE PULLED IT IN THE DRIVEWAY ONE AFTERNOON AND I NOTICED THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS LOWER THAN NORMAL (NO ADDITIONAL WEIGHT IN TRUCK AREA). I LOOKED UNDERNEATH TO INSPECT WHAT COULD BE THE PROBLEM AND SAW THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION CRADLE THAT'S MOUNTED TO THE UNIBODY CROSS MEMBER HAD BROKEN THE REAR TWO BOLTS COMPLETELY OUT FROM THE CROSS MEMBER. I TOOK PICTURES FOR DOCUMENTATION. THIS VEHICLE HAS MANY MILES ON IT BUT IT IS ONLY 10 YEARS OLD AND I FEEL THAT THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED. I HAVE NEVER TOWED WITH THIS VEHICLE AND NEVER HAD ANYTHING OVER 200 POUNDS IN THE TRUNK AREA. IN MY OPINION THIS SEEMS LIKE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THIS COULD HAVE ENDED MUCH WORSE. I BELIEVE THIS IS CAUSED BY WATER SITTING IN THE CROSS MEMBER AND RUSTING IT FROM THE INSIDE OUT. THE OUTSIDE OF THE CROSS MEMBER HAS FEW SIGNS OF RUST. EVEN THOUGH I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO FIND ANY INFORMATION ON THIS HAPPENING IN THE PAST I FEEL IT NEEDS TO BE BROUGHT TO SOME ATTENTION BEFORE IT BECOMES A REAL PROBLEM. THANK YOU.

THE CROSS FRAME WHERE PART OF THE REAR SUSPENSION IS MOUNTED RUSTED SO THE MOUNTS ARE NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE FRAME. THE SUSPENSION HANGS FROM THE OTHER POINTS OF CONNECTION WHEN THE VEHICLE IS UP ON A LIFT. WE DRILLED TROUGH THE SECTION OF THE FRAME THAT WAS NOT RUSTED AND REATTACHED THE MOUNTS WITH STEEL ROD. WE WOULD NOT OF NOTICED IF THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UP ON A LIFT.

HONDA PILOT 2004'S COMPLIANCE BUSHINGS CRACKED. IF IT IS TOTALLY BROKEN OFF. IT CAN CAUSE SERIOUS CAR STEERING PROBLEM OR CRASH. I HAVE SEEN THIS HAPPEN ON EVERY SINGLE 2004 HONDA PILOTS THAT MY FRIENDS HAD AS WELL MY OWN HONDA PILOT AND POSSIBLE LATER YEARS OF HONDA PILOTS. *TR

I TOOK IT IN FOR A RECALL. I WAS TOLD THAT THE FRONT AND RIGHT ENGINE MOUNTS ARE "CRACKED". AT ABOUT 25-45 MPH THERE IS A NOTICEABLE SHUDDER UNDER THE HOOD. IN SEARCHING THE NHTSA DATABASE I FIND MANY OTHER REPORTS OF THIS SHUDDER AND SEVERAL SAYING THAT ENGINE MOUNTS ARE A PROBLEM IN THIS MODEL. THE REPORTS ARE IN SEVERAL AREAS INCLUDING ENGINE, SUSPENSION, DRIVE TRAIN, TRANSMISSION. IT SEEMS THE ENGINE MOUNTS COULD BE A COMMON DENOMINATOR. IF THE MOUNTS GO IT COULD CAUSE A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE INCLUDING LOSS OF CONTROL. *TR

WHEN APPROACHING 35-40 MPH, MY 2005 HONDA PILOT BEGINS TO SHUTTER AND I FEEL A LOT OF VIBRATION. I HAVE GOT NEW TIRES, ROTATED, AND BALANCED THEM THINKING THIS WOULD HELP THE PROBLEM TO NO AVAIL. WHEN I PASS 40 MPH, THE NOISE/VIBRATION/SHUTTERING STOPS. *TR

TRAVELED ~15 MILES AT HIGHWAY SPEED. EXITED HIGHWAY ONTO SECONDARY ROADS THRU A BUSY TOWN. TRAVELING APPROX 30 MPH. CAR SHUDDERED AND SPEED DROPPED TO ABOUT 10 MPH. TRANSMISSION WOULDN'T SHIFT OUT OF LOW WITH RPM APPROACHING 4000 RPM. STOPPED AT LIGHT, CAR STALLED ALL SENSOR LIGHTS CAME ON AND FLASHED. GOT IT RESTARTED, HAD TO PUT IN LOW TO MOVE...GOT IT MOVING AT ~3500 RPM, WENT A BLOCK TO GET OFF THE MAIN ROAD INTO PARKING LOT. COOLING FAN RUNNING, BUT TEMP GAUGE SHOWED NO ISSUE. PUDDLE OF BROWN FLUID FORMED UNDER PASSENGER SIDE FRONT OF ENGINE. LOOKED LIKE FLUID SPRAYED THROUGH FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT NO INDICATION ON SENSOR LIGHTS OR TEMP GAUGE THAT ANYTHING WRONG PRIOR TO STALL AND ALL SENSOR LIGHTS CAME ON. HAD CAR TOWED TO HONDA...THEY DIAGNOSED AS 2 TRANSMISSION COOLING LINES BURST MIXING THE TRANSMISSION AND COOLING FLUID. FIX OPTIONS...1) FLUSH COOLING & TRANNY SYSTEM 5-7 TIMES, REPLACE RADIATOR, FILTER, AND LINES FOR $1600-1800 BUT WON'T KNOW IF TRANSMISSION NEEDS REPLACING. 2) FULL REPLACEMENT OF RADIATOR, LINES AND TRANSMISSION $3800 OR IF OPTION 1 CHOSEN AND SUBSEQUENTLY TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED IT WOULD COST THE INITIAL $1600-1800 PLUS AN ADDITIONAL $4000 FOR A TOTAL OF APPROX $5800. NO INDICATOR FROM DEALER OF THE PROBLEM HISTORY FOR THIS VEHICLE. HAD PREVIOUSLY COMPLAINED ABOUT SHUDDER AND THE DEALER REPLACED A WHEEL BEARING FIRST, THEN WHEN KEPT COMPLAINING THEY REPLACED MY ROTORS SAYING THE ROTORS HAD WARPED ...AFTER BEING RESURFACED ONLY ~3600K MILES PRIOR. LEARNED LESSON....INVESTIGATE ANY PROBLEMS ON -LINE BEFORE YOU ACCEPT THE DEALER EXPLANATION. *TR

AT SPEEDS OF 35-40 MPH UNDER LIGHT THROTTLE THERE IS A SHUDDER. LETTING MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND STOMPING BACK ON IT SOMETIMES HELPS MAKE IT GO AWAY. IT SEEMS TO BE WORSE ON INCLINES WHERE THE THROTTLE IS UNDER LOAD AT THE DESCRIBED SPEED. THERE IS A HILL IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD THAT IT REPEATS ALMOST EVERY TRIP. IT ALMOST FEELS LIKE THE PAVEMENT IS RUTTED PERPENDICULAR TO TRAFFIC BUT DOESN'T HAPPEN IN OTHER CARS. IT ALSO RETURNS AROUND 70-75 MPH. I THOUGHT IT WAS OUT OF BALANCE OF TIRES BUT I HAVE HAD AN ALIGNMENT DONE AND ASKED THE MECHANIC TO LOOK INTO THE SUSPENSION TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY PLAY. HE SAID THERE WASN'T ANYTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY. I HAVE ALSO TAKEN IT TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHICH I TRUST AND THEY DROVE IT, INSPECTED IT FROM UNDERNEATH AND THEY TOO COULDN'T FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM AND CHALKED IT UP TO OUT OF BALANCE TIRES. MY PILOT HAS BEEN THROUGH 3 SETS OF TIRES SINCE I'VE HAD IT AND THE PROBLEM IS EXACTLY THE SAME WITH EVERY SET OF TIRES. I HAVE USED BRIDGESTONE, YOKOHAMA, AND KUMHO TIRES TRYING TO RULE OUT BRANDS. *TR

HAD A HONDA DEALERSHIP SERVICE CENTER COMPLETE REPAIRS ON WARPED FRONT BRAKE ROTORS. DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT THE FRONT MOTOR MOUNT IS BROKEN AND COLLAPSED AND THAT THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK IS STARTING TO LEAK. THE VEHICLE HAS 77,606 MILES AND HAS BEEN WELL TAKEN CARE OF AND REGULARLY SERVICED. AFTER RESEARCHING THESE ISSUES, IT APPEARS THAT THE MOTOR MOUNT AND REAR SHOCK FAILURES ARE NOT UNCOMMON ISSUES FOR 2005 HONDA PILOTS. *TR