I own a 2004 Honda Pilot with 91,000 miles. I have all fluids changed at required or better intervals. At approximately 70,000 miles, my car started making a strange vibration sound when I would hit 45-47 mph and immediately stops once I hit 50mph. My husband says it sound as though we’re driving over a very mild rumble strip (as in a toll gate). We did take it to a mechanic, and naturally, it didn’t make the noise then. Now it consistently makes this noise.
Has anyone experienced this or know what I’m talking about?
If it is now constantly making the noise then you can take it back to the mechanic.
Where is the noise coming from?
It’s likely that your torque converter is starting to fail. The “rumble strip” noise at this speed is how this is typically described in Hondas and Acuras of that age.
Yes, I believe it is the torque converter and just lodged a complaint with the NHTSA. I hope everyone with this problem, does the same. After Googling “torque converter” for the Honda Pilot I realized there were quite a few car Pilot owners out there with the same problem. The only way we’ll get any resolution from Honda is if we ALL file a complaint with the NHTSA. Check out their website.
I believe Acura with the same issue in these years covered the transmission up to 100k or sometimes beyond. Have you taken this up with Honda themselves which does require a diagnosis by dealer as step 1.
I doubt that NHTSA has much of an interest in issues with torque converter clutch lock-up issues. Take the car to a good, local, independent transmission shop. Have them evaluate it.