Braking Issues, Jerky Acceleration & Electrical Failures—2024 Honda Pilot Owner in Wisconsin Speaks Out

DEAR SUZANNE

By Suzanne Henderson
LETTER 252 – David J. from Madison, WI

Dear Suzanne,

I used to drive a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, and I absolutely loved it. But with a growing family and a dog, I needed something bigger. That’s how I ended up with a 2024 Honda Pilot. It seemed like the perfect choice—spacious, modern, and packed with features. Unfortunately, within days of buying it, I started having serious regrets.

The problems I’m dealing with aren’t minor annoyances. They make me feel like I wasted my money. Here’s what’s been happening.

A Safety Feature That Feels Dangerous

Most new cars come with a Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS). While it’s designed to improve safety, Honda’s version is overly sensitive. I had read about these issues before buying, so I wasn’t completely surprised. I figured I could just turn it off. Turns out, Honda makes that nearly impossible.

Every time I start the car, I have to go through a tedious process: scroll to the safety settings, find CMBS, press multiple buttons to turn it off, exit the menu, and then clear the warning message. That’s at least eight steps—every single time. If I forget, I have to wait until I’m at a complete stop to disable it because Honda won’t let me turn it off while driving.

But the real problem is how the system behaves. It has slammed on the brakes for no reason, putting me in danger. Once, I was going 45 mph when a cyclist ahead of me prepared to turn. I had plenty of space, but the system misread the situation and braked hard. If someone had been tailgating me, I would have been rear-ended. Instead of making me feel safer, this system does the opposite.

Unrefined Transmission and Sensor Issues

The way the Pilot drives at low speeds is another major issue. On highways and main roads, it seems fine. But the moment I slow down—whether in a neighborhood, parking lot, or stop-and-go traffic—it feels rough and unpredictable.

Between 0 and 30 mph, the car jerks like it can’t figure out which gear to use. At around 20 mph, the transmission hesitates, making acceleration and braking feel awkward. It’s especially bad in traffic, where the unpredictability makes driving stressful.

I reported this to the dealer, but they brushed it off, saying it wasn’t a big deal and that nothing could be done.

Then there’s the blind spot sensor. It sometimes alerts me to cars two lanes over when I’m only trying to merge into the next lane. That hesitation could make merging even more dangerous.

The sensors also struggle in winter. If I don’t completely clear them of snow, they start going off randomly, warning me about obstacles that don’t exist. I didn’t expect a modern SUV to be this unreliable in basic weather conditions. Of course, the Honda dealership had no solutions.

CarPlay That Barely Works

One of the features I was excited about was wireless CarPlay. But in the Pilot, it’s practically useless. It randomly disconnects at the same spots during my commute. I know it’s not my phone because I’ve tried different devices, but the problem keeps happening.

Losing connection in the middle of navigation or a call is incredibly frustrating. I don’t understand how Honda can advertise wireless CarPlay when it clearly doesn’t work properly in this vehicle.

Electrical Issues After a Windshield Replacement

This car has already needed multiple component replacements, and now the windshield is part of the mess.

I had a cracked windshield (a story for another day), so the car sat idle for a while before I could get it replaced. During that time, rainwater seeped into the vehicle through the damaged glass.

By February, after finally getting the windshield fixed, I expected to be back on the road. Instead, I put the key in the ignition, and nothing happened. Well, almost nothing—some things worked, like the power seats, headlights, and interior lights. But the dashboard stayed completely dead, the car wouldn’t start, and the infotainment system was unresponsive.

I suspect water damage affected the wiring or fuse box. Now, I have a tough decision: do I keep throwing money at this car, or do I cut my losses and get rid of it?

Honestly, Suzanne, this whole situation is even more frustrating because nothing was wrong with my Crosstrek. I thought I was upgrading, but instead, I ended up with a vehicle that disappoints me at every turn. Between the aggressive CMBS, jerky acceleration, unreliable sensors, and electrical issues, I can’t see myself keeping this car any longer than necessary.

That’s why I’m looking into Lemon Law. I heard I could hire a lawyer, file a claim, and get compensated if I can prove my complaints. How true is that? Do you think I qualify? And how exactly does the process work?

David J.
Madison, WI

Wisconsin Lemon Law Was Made for Situations Like Yours—Here’s What You Can Do

Dear David,

I’m really sorry you’re going through this. You bought the Honda Pilot expecting a safe, reliable upgrade for your family, and instead, you’ve been dealing with constant problems—from the aggressive Collision Mitigation Braking System to the jerky acceleration, faulty sensors, and now electrical issues. Frankly, no one deserves to experience this much hassle with a brand-new vehicle, especially after spending that much money.

Can You Hire a Lawyer, File a Claim, and Get Compensated?

Yes, and in your case, that may be the best route. Wisconsin has strong Lemon Law protections, and hiring a lawyer who specializes in these cases can help you get the best outcome. The law is on your side, and the good news is that Lemon Law attorneys usually don’t charge you directly—the manufacturer is responsible for covering legal fees if you win.

If your car qualifies as a lemon, you could be entitled to either a full refund (buyback) or a replacement vehicle. Since you’ve already lost faith in the Pilot, getting a refund and moving on might be the better option. The key is proving that your vehicle meets the requirements under Wisconsin’s Lemon Law.

Do You Qualify Under Wisconsin’s Lemon Law?

Wisconsin law protects new vehicles that have serious defects affecting their use, safety, or value. Based on what you’ve described, your Pilot could very well qualify. Here’s what you need to check:

• Repair Attempts: Wisconsin’s Lemon Law applies if the manufacturer (or an authorized dealer) has tried and failed to fix a major issue at least four times OR if the car has been out of service for at least 30 days due to repairs.

• Warranty Coverage: The defects must have appeared within the first year of ownership or before the manufacturer’s warranty expires, whichever comes first.

• Written Notice: Before filing a Lemon Law claim, you need to send a written demand for a refund or replacement to Honda, giving them a final chance to fix the issue.

Since your Pilot has been in and out of the shop with serious problems—including the electrical failure after the windshield replacement—you may already meet these requirements. If your car has been undrivable for 30 days or more, you have a very strong case.

What’s the Next Step?

It’s time to take action. Start by gathering all your repair records, service invoices, and any written complaints you’ve made to the dealer. The more documentation you have, the stronger your case will be.

Then, I highly recommend speaking with a Lemon Law attorney. They can review your case for free and let you know if you qualify. If you do, they’ll handle everything for you—no stress, no out-of-pocket legal fees. Honda has a legal obligation to fix this, and you don’t have to keep suffering through a vehicle that doesn’t work the way it should.

Don’t Wait—Get the Help You Need

You don’t have to keep driving a car that puts you and your family at risk. Wisconsin’s Lemon Law exists to protect car buyers just like you, and if your Pilot qualifies, you deserve compensation. I know this has been exhausting, but you’re not stuck. Far from it. 

A lawyer can help you get a refund or replacement, and you can move on from this headache once and for all. If you need a recommendation, let me know—I’d be happy to point you in the right direction.

Suzanne

Editor’s Note: The letter above has been edited for clarity, and personally identifiable details like names and actual locations have been changed to protect the letter sender’s privacy.

Find Out if Your 2024 Honda Pilot Qualifies For Lemon Law Compensation

Dear reader, are your vehicle problems ruining your life? Confused about what legal route to take? We’re here to help! Find information about Texas’ lemon law protections here, fill out the form on this page, or give us a call at (833) 743-1990 to discuss your situation with someone who understands how frustrating it can be to have a lemon car, and what to do about it.

DEAR SUZANNE is a weekly column written by Suzanne Henderson and published in LemonLawyers.ORG. If you have a defective lemon vehicle and have questions about Wisconsin Lemon Law or how to file a claim, please write to [email protected]. While not guaranteed, we will try to feature your letter in this column to provide you the answers you need, as well as enlighten other consumers who may have lemon problems similar to yours.

Disclaimer: Suzanne Henderson is not a lawyer and the points discussed here are intended for general information and reference purposes only and not to be construed as legal advice. Please consult a Wisconsin Lemon Law Attorney to get proper legal advice about your lemon law claim.

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Featured Images:

• 2024 Honda Pilot ©Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)