Honda Pilot Complaints

9,418 consumer complaints on file.

#11761766September 2, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, STEERING
A critical failure in the direct fuel injection system caused severe engine misfiring, sudden loss of drive power, and a cascade failure that disabled safety systems during vehicle operation. Diagnostic scan confirmed DTCs P0172 (fuel system rich) and P0301 (cylinder 1 misfire). In response to the misfire, the vehicle's computer automatically disabled the Electronic Power Steering (EPS), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), and SH-AWD systems (diagnostic codes U0401-68, U0416-68). This is a known manufacturing defect involving internal injector wear and high-pressure fuel pump debris (detailed in Honda TSB 20-100). The sudden loss of engine responsiveness paired with the simultaneous disengagement of traction and steering assists while driving creates an immediate crash hazard. Because Honda currently limits this repair to a 10-year warranty extension rather than a mandatory safety recall, vehicles with low mileage are experiencing sudden safety-assist shutdowns on the road without manufacturer remedy.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761194September 1, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
When at a red light or stop sign the vehicle will idle and turn off. The vehicle doesn’t want to restart. It takes a bit to get started again then it progresses.While parked I turned the car off for 5 minutes and it would not start up again. Tried the jump cables to make sure it wasn’t the battery had to have a tow truck come they were able to get the car jumped and started. Took the battery to get tested and the battery was perfectly fine. Something is wrong with the starter. It doesn’t happen all the time but it has happened to me a few times and it’s not safe with me and kids in the car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761242September 1, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating and was shaking violently. The contact associated the failure with the transmission. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered a goodwill repair; however, the contact had not agreed to the terms. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer confirmed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact stated that prior to the transmission failure, the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the hesitation issue, and the dealer associated the failure with the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired for personal reasons.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761361September 1, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My pilot is suffering from the known safety defect where the engine stalls and force shifts into neutral during Auto Idle Stop. The dealership advisor handed me Service bulletin 23-010 admitting my vehicle matches the exact failure criteria. However, they are refusing to cover the failed starter motor under the warranty extension, even though Honda’s own technical documents state that the starter failure is a direct consequence of the low cranking torque and the tight engine valves. I need a corporate case manager to open an urgent case and issue a goodwill authorization to cover the starter the 23-010 valve adjustment. We have purchased 8 Hondas in the last 15 years, service has been a main reason for our return but after the experience today I’m not sure we can continue. The problem is a hazard.
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
#11761470September 1, 2026
ENGINE
It first started having an engine light on that came back to emmission errors. It was intermittent though and didnt cause mucj issues. The shop said if it kept up to take it somewhere for that . Then on XXX all the engine lights, brakes everything just came on and seized up and it stopped working completley. Trying to restart just dies once you try to drive it. This should have been recalled with the other engine years. The shop is saying it needs a brand new engine.. Please advise. [XXX] [XXX] 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
#11761024August 31, 2026
ENGINE
I was driving home from a road trip with my family of four, and I noticed that when I accelerated, the engine made a knocking noise. Prior to this, I had driven the car about 300 miles that day with no issues. While I was driving, my wife asked if we could record the noise so we could take it to a mechanic to diagnose the issue. While filming, I revved the engine a few times, and the noise would get really loud. After filming, I drove about 10 more miles, and the engine completely shut off. The check engine and oil lights both came on, and when I pressed the gas pedal, the car made a polite dinging noise. When the incident occurred, we were in the middle lane driving about 70 miles per hour. Knowing that I needed to get off the highway before I ran out of momentum, I carefully changed lanes and coasted off to the nearest exit. Thankfully, we were able to safely get off the highway and into a parking lot. Had we not, we would have been stuck in the middle of 70mph traffic potentially causing a high-speed collision. I was able to get the engine restarted, but it made a horrible squealing noise while running and a knocking noise when I revved the engine. The car also displayed an emissions check error, along with the oil and check engine lights still on. I had the car towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed it as catastrophic engine failure due to spun bearings. I did some research and found a recall for the defect, 23V-751, but my car isn't covered in the initial campaign. I understand the NHTSA is continuing an investigation into this defect as more cars, like mine, are reporting the same problem. As a result, I took it to the Honda dealer to get a Goodwill Repair, and they diagnosed the car with the same issue. Honda is not going to cover the repair, so I am left with a broken car because of their manufacturing defect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761063August 31, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The engine required a short block replacement at approximately 40,000 miles. There was a severe knocking sound and the dealer diagnosed heavy scoring and abnormal wear present on the front bank cylinder walls. The result was excessive internal engine clearance and cylinder wall damage. Engine cylinder piston block holes were worn beyond spec. After 33 days the vehicle was returned and developed a growling/grinding noise when the AC was in operation and at lower speeds that followed the RPMs. Vehicle was returned to dealer and told sound was normal operation for this model and stated it was coming from AC Compressor. Independent shop verified 2 days later AC compressor was failing and possible metal contamination. AC compressor is backordered with no ETA. Advised to not use AC or Defroster to avoid seizing and causing serpentine belt to snap. Advised Honda Customer Care and assigned Case Manager who was made aware of knock and compressor failure and contacted dealer who stated vehicle could not be seen for 7 days due to being booked. Advised Case Manager of vehicle safety concern with internal engine failure damage and failing AC system and was denied emergency loaner or assistance and told it was all they could do. Vehicle now unsafe due to both with no timeline for fixing and known hazards due to severe engine failures and associated issues with main systems.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761167August 31, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
warning lights and problems
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760834August 31, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I got in the car one morning and had 5 error codes come on and they have not gone off. None of the driver assist controls are working. The cruise control does not work either. All of the dash lights are on. Toyota determined it is the front camera that failed and repair would be $2000. Car is available for inspection anytime. Unable to drive for long periods as the cruise control does not work. The lane assist option does not work. The automatic break system does not work. Half of the option this car came with do not work.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760868August 31, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while merging onto the highway at 40 MPH, the vehicle lost power and several warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact coasted the vehicle to the shoulder of the highway, and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The independent mechanic diagnosed that an unknown engine component failed, causing the timing belt to snap and resulting in engine failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Action Number: PE25008 (Engine). The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no open recalls associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
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
#11760531August 29, 2026
STEERING
We bought our 2025 Pilot in XXX. Within the first 500 miles, the steering wheel was locking up when trying to turn left or right. I was very concerned driving it that it could have locked up during driving and caused an accident. It was taken to Honda East in [XXX] where they agreed the steering rack was bad and replaced it. Currently it has 33,000 miles and is making a grinding/growling sound when turning. Took it back to Honda East (same location) on XXX, where they again stated that there is something wrong with the steering rack and it needs to be replaced. I am currently waiting on a new one to be delivered and they told me I would have to bring it back in for repair. I am concerned with the safety of our Pilot and think there needs to be some type of investigation of the Honda steering racks. 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
#11760548August 29, 2026
STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
While driving on my way home from work (24 mile drive) I received on my dashboard faults that flashed briefly for my steering, lane keeping assistance, lane departure, forward collision, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and parking collision (warning lamps). My radio also had cut out at the same time. While that occurred my steering wheel jerked suddenly while going straight at speeds around 60mph. I brushed it off as a communication issue since it is known to occur on these vehicles, but the steering wheel jerking was new to me. Made it home turned the vehicle off (vehicle was off for 15 minutes). I started up the vehicle no warning lamps came on. But as soon as I got up to 40mph and a mile from my home the same issue occurred but more frequent, but less of the steering wheel jerking. I got where I needed to go and got back onto the road and reached 30 mph the warning lamps came on more a lot more frequently on my way home. As soon as reached my alleyway turning left, the steering wheel had a moment of locking up (about 5-10mph). This came as a shock for me. I backed up into my garage and had to turn the steering wheel left again and the same thing happened. I parked the while the vehicle was running I turned the steering wheel really fast, recreated the steering wheel locking momentarily a few times. I turned the vehicle off and tried to restart it but there was no power. Turns out that my battery had gone bad. I had no indication of a low voltage or battery issue. I replaced the battery and issue was resolved. For me and a situationally unaware driver and this issue occurs where the steering wheel jerked and/or an emergency evasive action was needed, this could cause an accident due to the sudden loss of steering. There was no indication of battery issues. No dealer or independent shops were involved. I am a mechanic myself.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760558August 29, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
I presented the vehicle to a Honda service shop for a squeaking noise from the front of the vehicle. The technician diagnosed a 'loose crash bar/reinforcement bar.' The technician tried to tighten the bar but noted it did not tighten enough to stop the movement, and that the bar will need to be replaced to resolve the complaint. When I spoke to the service manager, he indicated that other vehicles had presented with loose crash bars recently and it 'was on their list.' This vehicle is 37,000 miles and has not been in any accidents. It seems unreasonable and a safety concern that a crash bar has loosened after 37,000 miles and cannot be tightened. This suggests a defect in the hardware or torque specifications that could affect how the crash bar performs in an accident.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760641August 29, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
High Pressure Fuel Pump fails after implementing recall listed below. See recall information: December 18, 2023 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 23V858000 Fuel Pump May Fail Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. NHTSA ID Number: 23V858000 Manufacturer Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) Components FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE Potential Number of Units Affected: 2490460
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760239August 28, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My Moonroof shade shattered all the way back, left(driver side) plastic went bad and it broke.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760407August 28, 2026
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
We have had the car since bought new in 2019 and has about 105k miles. Since then it has had 4 new batteries and going to the dealership again for the same issue. The car struggles to start sometime and other we have to take multiple sttemps to hit the start button. Even then it feels like it is struggling to start. Also if we leave the start/stop fucnction "On" it stugggles to start at stop lights and in the most recent case it did the start at a stoplight once again. This has happened multiple time since we got the car and the dealership has done all the recalls and repalced the battery multiple time. This newest case the battery is new from Honda and less then a year old. We are afraid and concerned if the car will turn on anytime we go somewhere and trust my 2012. No warning light or anything comes on. If stopped in the wrong place this can cause a serious accident or injury.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760453August 28, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
Warning lamps for lkas, acc, auto lights and brake system started to appear. Honda diagnostics have pointed to an electrical failure with the multipurpose camera. The Honda representative admitted that this is a very common failure. I was told the car is “safe to drive” but there are constant brake system warning lights flashing on my dash. The net result is that I have no ability to know whether there is an actual brake system failure if one were to occur.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760457August 28, 2026
ENGINE
I am a [XXX] female driver in northern [XXX], and I am driving a 2016 Honda Pilot that is suffering from severe, documented engine failure symptoms that Honda refuses to address. The vehicle is producing a distinct squeaking and chirping sound from the engine bay, and a recent inspection of my engine oil revealed magnetic metal flakes. This indicates that critical internal engine components — likely the connecting rod bearings or camshaft—are rapidly tearing themselves apart and grinding down into the oil stream. The Check Engine Light continuously comes and goes. When taken to the dealership, instead of diagnosing this severe mechanical hazard, the dealership completely neglected the issue, stated they did not know why it was happening, and simply cleared the light, sending me back out on the road in a ticking time bomb. Although my specific VIN is currently excluded from Honda's active rod bearing recall, my vehicle is exhibiting the exact textbook symptoms of the manufacturing defect currently under NHTSA investigation. 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

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