[wmk0002]

My wife and I are in the market for a used (possibly new) Pilot, wanting to upgrade from her 2009 Murano. We have identified several used 2013 Pilots which fit our budget which have mileages in the 20k's to 40k's. Initially we were looking at year models closer to 2010 so the VCM vibration issues weren't a problem but now that we expanded to newer models it is a concern of mine.

I was wanting to know if anyone had any advice for how to drive the Pilots on the test drive to try induce the vibration to see if that particular vehicle has the issue. From what I have gathered they occur at about 15 rpms for many.

Also, is the vibration something that all Pilots in this model range inevitably experience or is it something that only affects random vehicles? If the vibrations will undoubtedly occur even though they aren't present when we buy it, I'll need to factor that into our decision.

TIA.

 

[ericgautier]

Someone else posed this on another thread I read recently..

For me the easiest way of getting or feeling is to:

1) Make sure the car fully warmed up
2) Drive 40 to 55 MPH (on a nice flat road)
3) Keep very light pressure on the gas pedal

If you feel or think a tire is out of balance and the car has a shake that will more than likely be the VCM shutter.

 

[wmk0002]

Thanks!

 

[MSU_B-Dog]

Someone else posed this on another thread I read recently..

That was in reply to my question earlier this week. My wife and I picked up our 2012 Touring today. We used the described method to watch for VCM issues and were unable to detect any issues. We have already put 150 interstate miles on it and no issues.

On a side note, I can't say enough about the Honda certified used program. This is our second certified Honda and it is worth finding one. The extra warranty allows you to relax a bit more when buying used.

Good luck!!!

 

[wmk0002]

Thanks again. We haven't had time to test drive the Pilot in my OP but should be able to get around to it tomorrow.

 

[benjamin.bow]

Greetings Pilot owners,

My wife and I are going to be picking up at 2014 Pilot LX this Thursday.

Although we are excited and thankful that this whole mostly frustrating purchasing new car experience will be over, I'm starting to lose confidence in this investment we are making, based on the number of VCM related issues that other owners on this site have been reporting for some time.

I have called random local Honda dealers in the area and have spoke with service techs who have all told me the same canned Honda response which is 'this is normal operational behavior for the vehicle to shudder when ECO mode engages/disengages, standar on all VCM enable engines."

Anyone provide any advice ?

Thank you !

 

[MSU_B-Dog]

Greetings Pilot owners,

My wife and I are going to be picking up at 2014 Pilot LX this Thursday.

Although we are excited and thankful that this whole mostly frustrating purchasing new car experience will be over, I'm starting to lose confidence in this investment we are making, based on the number of VCM related issues that other owners on this site have been reporting for some time.

I have called random local Honda dealers in the area and have spoke with service techs who have all told me the same canned Honda response which is 'this is normal operational behavior for the vehicle to shudder when ECO mode engages/disengages, standar on all VCM enable engines."

Anyone provide any advice ?

Thank you !

It made me nervous, too. I decided to do a good long test drive and hope that it doesn't come up in the future.

Furthermore, I have to think that there are many more happy customers than people that have the vibration issue. Yes, the poll on this site is about 50/50 (currently 35 responses - so a very small percentage of owners) but we (Piloteers) are the owners who have -A) had a problem and sought information out or -B) care more about/are more in tune with our Pilots.

I say go for it! Honda continues to make a great product.

 

[RMak]

My pilot is a certified preowned and I absolutely love it! No problems at all with any shuddering while driving. Pilot has been a tank since day 1.

 

[pieceofchum]

I say that you get a paint density meter and check to make sure that the car hasn't been repainted which would also help identify accidents. Also have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle. I would also recommend that you run your fingers over all the metal in the vehicle every freaking inch and make sure the paint is not pealing, melting, or has a rubbery feel, make sure to check behind the rubber gaskets and every crack or crevice. Test drive the vehicle at 45, 55, and 65 mph and maintain a constant speed so that the ECO mode kicks in if you feel an vibration at all forget it. Lastly as much as it tortures me to say this you may also simply want to consider checking out a Highlander or Explorer instead I just purchased a 2015 Pilot LX and I am having paint issue already Honda doesn't manufacture vehicles like they used to and you better be real careful with this purchase because Honda WILL NOT do anything to help you with any of the major defects. A year ago I replaced my Odyssey with a Sienna as the Odyssey at only 70k miles needed its engine mounts replaced my theory is that the cylinder deactivation was the culprit. Never ever had to replace engine mounts on a vehicle and have had cars well over 100K miles. Should have stuck with Toyota way better quality control on average they have there issues yes but the obvious things like paint and mechanical quality is very high and consistent.

 

[Zvo]

Kick the tires

 

[eg78]

I say that you get a paint density meter and check to make sure that the car hasn't been repainted which would also help identify accidents. Also have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle. I would also recommend that you run your fingers over all the metal in the vehicle every freaking inch and make sure the paint is not pealing, melting, or has a rubbery feel, make sure to check behind the rubber gaskets and every crack or crevice. Test drive the vehicle at 45, 55, and 65 mph and maintain a constant speed so that the ECO mode kicks in if you feel an vibration at all forget it. Lastly as much as it tortures me to say this you may also simply want to consider checking out a Highlander or Explorer instead I just purchased a 2015 Pilot LX and I am having paint issue already Honda doesn't manufacture vehicles like they used to and you better be real careful with this purchase because Honda WILL NOT do anything to help you with any of the major defects. A year ago I replaced my Odyssey with a Sienna as the Odyssey at only 70k miles needed its engine mounts replaced my theory is that the cylinder deactivation was the culprit. Never ever had to replace engine mounts on a vehicle and have had cars well over 100K miles. Should have stuck with Toyota way better quality control on average they have there issues yes but the obvious things like paint and mechanical quality is very high and consistent.

remind me not to sell you a vehicle....

 

[wcool01]

I have a 2015 touring with 5k on it and have had no issues with vibration. It had 3 miles on it when I bought it was in the show room



Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

[Safetybob]

I went on purpose on Oct 31st to buy a Pilot. Last day of the month, right? It came down to a 2011 Pilot EX-L as I recall and a certified 2015 Touring with 22,000 on it. Certified car was exec car driven by zone guy in Iowa. I haven't contacted him, but I have his name and email if needed.


Both Pilots looked nice and well kept. When I test drove both cars on highway at 60 to 65mph, yes, there was what I would normally associate with a tire balance problem or tire that had issues. I simply can't remember if the 2011 or the 2015 was worse, but they both had noticeable vibration. I purchased the 2015 and compared to the 7 Honda Accords (one left) and CR-Vs two left) we have owned the interior finish sure seemed not up to par for a $40K+ vehicle. I like it and was about ready to go put new Michelin Premiers on the Pilot when I found this forum. Thank goodness. Did I mention the tires have 24,000 miles on them now? No they are not shot. I do need to get them rotated and balanced since I can't find any record of any rotations being done. All I can say, I don't want VCM, you can feel the converter and VCM having all sorts of fun going up and down the small inclines on the drive home from work on the interstate. We don't drive it much.


I plan on putting on the VCM disabler and seeing how it goes. This is the first Honda I have purchased that I honestly haven't been full pleased with.


Bob

 

[pieceofchum]

Ha ha I still have my Pilot "persuaded" the dealer to swap my car for another car and they did it believe it or not. I also did experience the rapid acceleration problem once in the other Pilot but not the swapped one. I love the Pilot as it is the most functional and practical SUV ever made for it's size, I am limited in the size of my vehicles by my incredibly small garage hint the new Pilot will not fit so I need to keep this one as long as I can. I am overall happy I am not a fan of the dashboard but I don't notice any other thing I dislike outside of the bad paint. I am a master now though at inspecting cars ha ha.

 

[oulous]

A small thing which I am sure is obvious but tell the dealer to stop talking and roll up the windows and turn the air/heat off. I took a CPO out yesterday and the wheel had a vibration/grind to it. Its a shame, was otherwise a perfect car.

Even better try to get the dealer to let you take it out by yourself. Many have done that for me.

 

[JimBianchi]

I bought (in Oct 2015) a used 2012 EX-L RES with 32K on it, certified Honda Used Car. There was a 2013, with 15,000 more miles and dark blue. Not for me. Low mileage counts for a lot in my book.

I test drove it close to 40 miles round trip, to my mechanic that I trust.

He gave it the all clear and I drove it home that afternoon.

Hope this helps.

 

[Iaschneider5]

There Is a Fix for the Vcm problem don't let the dealer lie to you! Need more Info let me know. The vcm muzzler works great from what I read but there Is an actual honda fix out there just takes a bit of work to get done! depending on dealership anyway.

 

[fenderplayer18]

What is the fix that the dealer can do? Mine has the VCM issue bad. We're on a new set of axels and a new set of motor mounts as well.

There Is a Fix for the Vcm problem don't let the dealer lie to you! Need more Info let me know. The vcm muzzler works great from what I read but there Is an actual honda fix out there just takes a bit of work to get done! depending on dealership anyway.

 

[Iaschneider5]

What is the fix that the dealer can do? Mine has the VCM issue bad. We're on a new set of axels and a new set of motor mounts as well.

Has the rear propeller shaft been replaced? Did they update the PCM?

 

[fenderplayer18]

I'll see if they can send me a history of what's been done to it. They said the software is up to date. Does that include the PCM?