P0741 on Honda

On the Accord's 5-speed automatic (notably the 2003-2012 V6 and 4-cylinder units), P0741 sets when the PCM commands the torque converter lockup clutch to engage but the input/output speed ratio shows it never locks — the clutch is effectively 'stuck off.' On these Honda automatics the usual root causes are a failing lockup/torque-converter-clutch solenoid, worn friction material inside the torque converter, contaminated or degraded ATF, or valve-body wear. Honda's older 5-speeds are known for torque-converter and lockup-clutch weakness, and neglected fluid accelerates the failure. The classic customer complaint is a shudder or vibration felt through the car at steady cruise (roughly 40-70 mph) as the clutch tries and fails to hold lockup.

P0741 sets when the PCM commands the torque converter clutch (TCC) to lock up but the measured engine-vs-input RPM slip (greater than ~200 RPM) shows it is not engaging (stuck off) or slipping. It applies only to automatic/CVT-transmission Civics. This is a well-known Honda automatic-transaxle complaint: the early-2000s 7th-gen (2001-2005) Civic automatics are documented for TCC/torque-converter trouble, and the code also appears on later 8th/9th-gen automatics and even on 10th-gen (2016+) CVT cars (sometimes triggered after tuning). Root causes on the Civic, in order of likelihood: a failing torque-converter lock-up (TCC) solenoid, degraded/burnt or low ATF reducing lock-up apply pressure, a worn TCC valve/valve body, and — worst case — worn converter clutch friction material or internal transmission wear. Drivers typically feel it at highway cruise, where the converter normally locks.

P0741 means the torque converter lock-up clutch is not engaging as commanded (stuck off / slipping). On the CR-V this is the classic torque-converter judder: a shudder or vibration felt under light acceleration at roughly 20-45 mph as the lock-up clutch chatters. The dominant root cause is not a broken part but deteriorated automatic transmission fluid — Honda's lock-up clutch is sensitive to fluid condition and heat, and the CR-V/Civic/Accord family is known for this. It is most associated with the 2007-2011 (Gen3) and 2012-2014 (Gen4) 2.4L CR-Vs; Honda issued judder-related TSBs (e.g., 15-086) calling for a fluid change and A/T software update, and torque-converter replacement only if the shudder persists.

Honda Crosstour (2010-2015) owners report transmission shuddering, hard shifting, slipping gears, and hesitation during acceleration. The 5-speed automatic transmission experiences torque converter shudder at low speeds (15-35 mph) and harsh shifting between gears. Honda issued software updates for torque converter control, but many owners report issues persist. Transmission fluid flush may help temporarily.

The Honda Crosstour (2010-2015) has a serious transmission defect where pieces of the ball bearing from the secondary shaft can become lodged in the parking pawl, causing the transmission to slip when put into Park. This results in the vehicle rolling away unexpectedly, creating a serious safety hazard. Honda issued a recall for the transmission control module software to prevent engine stall, but the parking pawl issue persists. Symptoms include transmission slipping in Park, vehicle rolling on incline when in Park, and grinding noise when shifting.

Complete transmission failure due to faulty bearings and defective 3rd clutch components in 4-speed (1999-2001) and 5-speed (2002-2004) automatic transmissions. The 2002-2004 transmission can suddenly downshift from 5th to 2nd gear causing dangerous drivability issues. Honda recalled 1.1 million vehicles in 2004 and settled class-action lawsuit in 2006.

The ZF 9HP 9-speed automatic transmission experienced severe drivability issues from programming defects. Software-controlled dog clutches proved incompatible with Honda's calibration, causing violent shaking/juddering, hesitation when accelerating from stops, and harsh downshifts at low speeds. Multiple class-action lawsuits filed against Honda.

Judder from torque converter lock-up clutch felt while driving between 20-60 mph. Honda determined the judder was caused by deteriorated transmission fluid exposed to intermittent high heat loads under specific driving conditions. Most noticeable during light acceleration when torque converter attempts to lock up.

The Honda Passport (2019-2023) with the ZF 9-speed automatic transmission experiences rough shifting, delayed shifting, harsh acceleration/deceleration, sudden loss of power, and transmission slipping into neutral unexpectedly. A class action lawsuit alleges the transmission control module (TCM) and powertrain control module (PCM) are miscalibrated, causing dangerous failures. Owners report the transmission downshifting harshly at highway speeds, hesitating when accelerating from a stop, and in severe cases, dropping into neutral while driving. Honda has issued multiple software updates (TSBs) but many owners report issues persist.

Honda Passport owners report annoying vibration and wobble at highway speeds (45-65 mph). The vibration is cyclical, often felt through the steering wheel, floor, and seats. Common causes include: wheel balance issues (OEM wheels are finicky), tire cupping/uneven wear, driveshaft imbalance, transmission torque converter shudder, and worn suspension bushings. Some owners report Honda dealers dismissing it as "normal characteristic" despite it being clearly abnormal. Road force balancing (not regular balancing) often fixes tire-related vibration.

The ZF 9HP transmission produces rough and delayed shifting, loud noises during shifting, sudden harsh accelerations/decelerations, jerking/hesitating at all speeds, and loss of power. Problems stem from improper software calibration and electrical connection defects. Honda issued multiple TSBs but many issues persist until 2019 models.

Second-generation Pilots with the 5-speed automatic develop a torque-converter lockup-clutch shudder felt as a brief vibration or 'rumble-strip' shake, typically during light acceleration around 25 mph or while cruising at 55-65 mph when the converter clutch partially engages/slips. The cause is the lockup clutch failing to apply smoothly, aggravated by aged or degraded ATF. Left unaddressed it accelerates converter and clutch wear.

The 4-speed automatic transmission (MAXA/M6HA) in the 1997-2001 Prelude is prone to premature failure, a problem shared with many late-1990s Honda automatic transmissions. The 3rd and 4th gear clutch packs wear prematurely, and the torque converter can develop shudder. High-mileage automatics often slip, flare between shifts, or fail to engage gears. Honda automatics of this era were undersized for the power output of the H22A engine.