Honda Pilot Complaints (2026)

27 consumer complaints on file.

#11772821October 21, 2026
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST, STEERING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
The vehicle has a critical, severe multi-system factory safety defect involving structural steering/alignment and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) software. 1. STRUCTURAL DEFECT: From the time of delivery, the vehicle had out-of-specification factory alignment causing extreme handling instability, violent chassis/brake vibrations under acceleration/braking, and severe, premature tire rubber scrubbing/burning. Hayward Honda documented factory alignment failure on July 9, 2026, at 1,615 miles. AutoNation Honda Fremont documented severe vehicle pulling and drifting on September 4, 2026, at 2,533 miles. 2. LIFE-THREATENING ADAS SOFTWARE CRASH: The Honda Sensing Suite, specifically Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), intermittently malfunctions, short-circuits, and drops connection. On a high-speed bridge en route to San Francisco Airport, while traveling with my teenage son, the automated steering suddenly and violently jerked completely out of the lane to the left, attempting to collide with an adjacent vehicle. A fatal crash was avoided solely by instantaneous manual driver physical intervention to overpower the electronic steering rack. Dealership service management has admitted on paper that these safety features operate at a restricted 60% to 70% capacity, making the vehicle an immediate public safety hazard on public roads. Honda Corporate has failed to issue a recall or buyback over a three-month escalation matrix.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772265October 19, 2026
STEERING
Steering wheel makes a clicking sound. Should not due that
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772274October 19, 2026
STEERING
Unknown issue and no recall available - Steering wheel started making a clicking noise at around 1200 miles on the vehicle. I have heard that many people have had this issue and got the clock spring replaced only for the issue to return.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771835October 17, 2026
ENGINE
This is the description from my wife, who was driving the vehicle at the time. I was driving and the check engine light came on and the car started to violently shake. I lost the ability to accelerate. Fortunately, I was able to steer the car to safety and use the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. I called the nearest dealership and they told me to turn it off and if they engine warning light came back on, to contact honda to tow it. The light did not come back on so they suggested that I drive it to them, which was only 7 miles away. Within 1/5 of a mile, they same thing happened- check engine light came on, I lost the ability to accelerate and all warning lights came on including brake system failed. I was again able to pull over safely and stop the vehicle. Honda corp. had it towed to the dealership. It was there for 5 days. It was an engine problem. I have uploaded detailed reports for you. After honda shipped the car back to me, the gas pedal was acting strange. There was a grinding/vibrating sensation upon acceleration. Sometimes it does hesitate to accelerate. I brought it to the dealership closest to me. They kept it for 5 days. They told me that the engine misfired but that could be from anything. They were in contact with honda corp. No codes happened even when they drove it 115 miles. I was told to pick it up and return the rental they provided. My concern is for my safety. The cause of the engine issue initially has not been identified to me and I do not feel safe driving this car. Fortunately, both times I could not accelerate there were no other vehicles behind me and I was able to get to safety very quickly and stop the vehicle. However, this was engine failure and should not have happened on a brand new car. We do have a case # with honda corporation and have not heard back from them. They are only reimbursing us for car rental and hotel.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769005October 5, 2026
STEERING
Steering wheel is stiff and constantly clicking when I turn the wheel. My dealership said there have been several complaints but no recall and they could not do anything to fix the issue at this time. I am concerned that it could be a safety issue if it is not addressed. This has been an issue since I purchased the vehicle brand new in August 2026.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766276September 23, 2026
STEERING
Steering wheel makes a clicking noise. the internal steering rack or the cable reel (clock spring) behind the wheel.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766069September 22, 2026
STEERING
Steering wheel started making a clicking noise after a couple hundred miles. Dealer replaced clock spring and wrapped in felt tape. I could hear the felt tape a few days later when turning the wheel, and the clicking returned within a few hundred miles, returned to dealer again and they replaced clock spring again and wrapped in felt tape. The issue was only fixed for 1 day before I started hearing the felt tape when turning the wheel.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11764493September 15, 2026
STEERING, AIR BAGS
When turning steering there is a clicking noise almost like a spring clicking on a gear. It is sound like it is coming from under the middle part where the airbag sits. Not sure if it is the airbag mechanism that it is the attached to the steering or a faulty clock spring.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11764256September 14, 2026
POWER TRAIN
We believe there is a serious safety issue with our 2026 Honda Pilot with its delayed acceleration. There is a distinct delay between pushing the gas pedal and the engine engaging/moving the car forward (approximately 2 seconds). This has nothing to do with the Auto Idle Stop function. I've attached a vLinker MC+ device to our car's OBD port and used the Car Scanner mobile app ([XXX]) to measure the delay. I'm attaching visual proof of the delay between the gas pedal and the engine RPMs. The reason we believe this is a safety issue is that when trying to merge into traffic (think of crossing 2 lanes to turn left) the delay means you have no confidence you'll make it safely across without getting broadsided because the car won't accelerate when it is needed. This sounds eerily similar to NHTSA 25V-031. The engine hesitation will cause an accident at some point. This issue was reported to Honda customer care (case #XXX) but they declined to address the situation and pushed it back on the local Honda dealer. "All technical evaluations and potential escalations must originate with, and be requested by, an authorized Honda dealership based on their inspection findings." We already brought this up with our local Honda dealer in a service call on XXX. It was documented in our service record with them. They asked us to submit the issue to Honda Customer Care. Since all parties are pointing the finger at each other, we are raising this safety issue with NHTSA. This is a new vehicle purchased at the end of May, 2026. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761677September 2, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, STEERING
Steering wheel makes a clicking/spring noise when turning, especially at low speeds
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761451September 1, 2026
STEERING
When turning the steering wheel a clicking sound happen full lock both ways.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761000August 31, 2026
AIR BAGS
The airbag light came on and a warning stating “ Supplemental restraint system problem” on my brand new car. I purchased the car on Friday and the warnings occurred Sunday. The car has 280 miles on it. From a Facebook group I can se that this appears to be a frequent issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760496August 28, 2026
STEERING
Clicking sound when turning steering wheel.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759960August 27, 2026
STEERING, POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am filing this complaint regarding my new Honda Pilot with only approximately 300 miles. The vehicle has multiple serious problems that I believe should be investigated as potential safety defects. Steering/Rack Clicking: The steering system produces a loud clicking/rattling noise that sounds like loose marbles, especially at low speeds and during slow turns. This appears to come from the steering rack/steering assembly. There are multiple reports from Honda Pilot owners on online forums describing the same or very similar steering noise dating back to the 2023 redesign. It is extremely concerning that the issue continues in newer vehicles. A potential defect involving the steering system could affect steering control and represents a serious safety concern. Transmission Jerking: The transmission jerks, lurches, and rocks the vehicle at low speeds, particularly when shifting into Drive, Reverse, and between 1st and 2nd gear. There is sometimes hesitation followed by an abrupt engagement. Unexpected movement during parking, reversing, or stop-and-go traffic could create a safety risk. A/C Not Cooling: The A/C is not properly cooling the cabin and has a condenser/refrigerant leak. In extreme temperatures, inadequate cabin cooling can also become a safety concern, particularly for children and other vulnerable passengers. It is unacceptable for a vehicle with only 300 miles to have these significant issues. Given the multiple owner reports and the apparent persistence of the steering problem across model years, I strongly believe NHTSA should investigate these complaints and determine whether Honda should be required to conduct a safety recall. Honda should not wait for accidents or injuries before taking action. If these are widespread defects, Honda should issue a recall and provide a permanent repair to affected owners. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate these issues and take appropriate action to protect Honda Pilot owners and the public.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759604August 26, 2026
SUSPENSION
I purchased a brand new 2026 Honda Pilot Elite AWD in March of 2026. Since then, I've taken my vehicle in service 3 times, with the first time being 1 week of purchase after noticing loud noises, rumbling, shaking and clunking as I drove over speed bumps, potholes, etc. The first service, the Honda technicians weren't able to identify the issue. The second and third times I've taken the vehicle in for service, it was determined that the stabilizer link components were prematurely worn on both the driver and passenger sides of the vehicle. As a result, both parts were replaced through the Honda warranty but unfortunately, I am still experiencing significant issues with the overall handling and reduced stability, and the vehicle's quality and driver experience has decreased and has been significantly impacted and has caused major safety concerns.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757450August 17, 2026
SEAT BELTS
The contact owns a 2026 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and placing a child inside the safety seat, the rear passenger’s side seat belt was loose, and the locking mechanism failed to perform normally and became inoperable. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757383August 17, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I am submitting a formal vehicle safety complaint regarding a persistent and hazardous malfunction that has been present since the day I purchased my vehicle. Below are the required details: 1. Component or System Failure The issue appears to involve the drivetrain or transmission engagement system. From the moment I purchased the vehicle—when it had only 17 miles—the vehicle has consistently hesitated for several seconds before engaging when shifting from Park to Drive, Reverse to Drive, or when attempting to accelerate while already in Drive. This hesitation continues now at nearly 6,000 miles. The affected components are available for inspection upon request. 2. Safety Risk This malfunction places my safety and the safety of others at risk. The delay in acceleration has caused dangerous situations, including the vehicle nearly rolling toward me, other drivers reacting aggressively, and traffic hazards due to the vehicle failing to take off promptly. The hesitation creates unpredictable vehicle behavior that could lead to injury or collision. 3. Reproduction or Confirmation of the Problem The problem has been present since purchase and occurs frequently during normal operation. It has not yet been formally diagnosed or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center, but it is easily reproducible. 4. Inspection Status The vehicle and its components have not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or any other authority. 5. Warning Lamps or Symptoms There were no warning lamps, messages, or alerts prior to the failure. The symptoms began immediately upon ownership and have continued without any prior indication from the vehicle. Given that this issue has existed since 17 miles and now persists at nearly 6,000 miles, I request that NHTSA investigate this matter due to the ongoing safety concerns and the potential risk to myself and other road users.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754575August 3, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The vehicle since purchase has a delay of a few seconds after hitting the gas pedal to move forward. Once the vehicle does decide to move, it surges to a high rpm before switching to second gear moving forward rather aggressively. This causes the vehicle to be unpredictable and unsafe when making decisions in navigating traffic.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11750287July 14, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving down the road, when suddenly my sunroof exploded. Thankfully the cloth part was shut, otherwise glass would have shattered through the car, but it was loud and scary. Insurance company has seen car, and is replacing glass, I am calling the Honda dealership to let them know what happened.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11746492June 25, 2026
SEAT BELTS
When dropping off rear-seat passengers, the seat belt alarm continues to sound loudly for an extended period after passengers unbuckle and exit the vehicle. This behavior persists even after the door has been opened and closed. In contrast, the front passenger seat does not behave this way, and in my previous vehicle—a 2023 Honda Pilot Touring—the rear seat alert would disengage promptly once the door was opened and closed. At the dealership we tested a 2026 Honda Pilot Touring and this issue does not exist in that model either. Seems specific to only 2026 Honda Pilot Trailsport trim level or possibly just some 2026 Honda Pilot Trailsport vehicles. This issue occurs regardless if the vehicle is put into park or not. The only way to eliminate the issue is for the vehicle to be turned off after rear passenger exits during a drop off. As a parent of three active children, I make multiple drop-offs each day at school and sporting events. The repeated and prolonged alarms have become a distraction while driving and have contributed to what I would describe as “alarm fatigue.” My concern is that when a legitimate seat belt safety issue arises, the effectiveness of these alerts may be diminished because of their frequency in routine, non-risk situations.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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