Honda Pilot Complaints

9,418 consumer complaints on file.

#11757552August 17, 2026
ENGINE
I am reporting a catastrophic engine failure involving my 2021 Honda Pilot equipped with the 3.5L V6 engine. The vehicle has approximately 77,000 miles. The vehicle developed an engine rattling noise followed by complete engine failure and loss of motive power. I had the vehicle transported to an authorized Honda dealership for diagnosis. Following inspection and engine teardown, the Honda dealer documented a hole in the front side of the short block, a large amount of metal debris in the oil pan, and the cylinder #3 connecting rod broken in half. The dealer concluded that the engine experienced catastrophic internal failure with widespread metal contamination throughout the lower and upper engine components. Due to the extent of the damage, the Honda dealer recommended replacement of the short-block assembly, both complete cylinder heads, fuel injectors and associated components. The estimated engine repair alone is approximately $20,275. I am concerned that this failure may represent a safety-related engine defect because catastrophic connecting-rod failure can result in sudden loss of motive power. Honda has previously recalled certain vehicles equipped with 3.5L V6 engines for connecting-rod-bearing failures that can cause engine damage, engine failure and loss of motive power. My 2021 Pilot is not currently included in that recall population. I am not asserting that the cause of my engine failure has been established as identical to the existing recall defect. However, given the catastrophic connecting-rod failure documented by an authorized Honda dealer, I am requesting that NHTSA review this incident and determine whether it may be related to the broader pattern of connecting-rod/engine failures involving Honda 3.5L V6 engines, including vehicles outside the existing recall population.
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
#11757250August 16, 2026
STEERING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
during a routine trip thru the [XXX]/[XXX] section of [XXX] our 2025 Honda Pilot suddenly lost power steering capability, we could hardly control the vehicle and had to manage an exist to a side street. We received a message on the dash board of a lost of power steering assistance and to notify the dealer. We shut the car off, restarted and gained control of the vehicle less the lane departure feature. At this time we made an appointment with Fred Beans in Abington for service, we have lost confidence in the vehicles safety after this incident. 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
#11756874August 14, 2026
SUSPENSION
Frame completely rusted through, multiple holes found in the frame. This is a death trap!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756979August 14, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
my vehicle since the first week verhicle stops for no reason comes into a sudden dangerous stop the vehicle in the highway turn off and vehicle take off on its own 0 to 40 miles on its own
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756633August 13, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
Failed Component: Lane Departure System Camera - Honda (P/N 36160-TG8-A51). This camera has completely failed which completely shuts down the following safety systems in this Honda Pilot: Adaptive Cruise Control Forward Collision Warning Lane Departure Warning Lane Keeping Assistance It also fully disables the cruise control system. I have attempted to have this repaired at our Honda dealership - but parts are on backorder without a known delivery time.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756838August 13, 2026
ENGINE
Alternator had been replaced a few days prior. Heard a rattling the same day we picked the car up. Called the dealership to arrange a drop off for inspection. An hour after that call, the car was at a stopped and the engine shut off. The car is currently at the local dealership. We were at risk because the engine cut off with no warning. No lights to indicate an issue. The vehicle has been inspected by a Honda certified service department. According to the service department, this issue has been recalled but this specific vin was not involved in the recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756835August 13, 2026
ENGINE
#1 connecting rod bearing failure at 89,000 miles, all oil changes were done timely and properly. Car is very well maintained. While engine is running it has a very loud rod knock coming from bottom of engine. I did some research and it’s the same symptoms and issues as (NHTSA Campaign 23V751) 2016-2020 Honda pilot recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756675August 13, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The sunroof opens when double clicking the 'unlock' button on the keyfob. this allows rain to get into the vehicle damaging the car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756592August 12, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, STEERING
The steering wheel became extremely difficult for my husband to turn. Power steering went out on my 2025 Honda Pilot Trailsport. Numerous warnings were then displayed on the vehicle's dashboard screen, it was impossible to drive, and caused us to have to get towed. We had it towed to a Honda dealer for repair, where it was discovered that the steering wheel had more turns in one direction than the other, the shaft boot was misplaced, non-factory pins on the steering rack were noted, and the clock spring was stuck reading 508 degrees. Furthermore, the steering wheel rack gearbox had to be replaced following a steering angle sensor failure in my 2025 Honda Pilot Trailsport. This is a serious safety issue and should have never have happened in such a new vehicle. This incident not only put my family's lives at risk, but also everyone else on the roadway. Why did my vehicle that I bought brand new and have only serviced at Honda have non-factory parts?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756575August 12, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
all my lights came on for all of these and break Adaptive Cruise Control Automatic Emergency Braking Blind Spot Warning Forward Collision Warning Lane Departure Warning Lane Keeping Assistance Parking Collision Warning Rear Cross Traffic Warning
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756542August 12, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
I am writing to formally report a potential safety-related defect involving the front windshield of my 2025 Honda Pilot. The windshield has demonstrated what I believe to be an abnormal susceptibility to cracking and chipping under what appear to be normal driving conditions, including ordinary interstate highway travel. The damage has occurred from relatively minor road debris and/or without a significant impact that would reasonably explain the severity or rapid progression of the cracking. I contacted Honda regarding this issue and requested assistance with the windshield repair/replacement as well as further investigation into whether there may be a defect involving the windshield glass, its installation, mounting, or related vehicle components. Honda declined to provide assistance or initiate any further investigation. My concern is not simply that windshield glass can occasionally be damaged by road debris. Rather, I am concerned that the windshield may be unusually susceptible to cracking under conditions that should reasonably be expected during normal operation of the vehicle. A windshield is a critical safety component, and repeated or unusually easy cracking could potentially affect driver visibility and the structural integrity of the windshield. I am also aware of other reported complaints involving windshield cracking on 2025 Honda Pilot vehicles. The existence of similar reports raises additional concern that this may not be an isolated incident and that the issue may warrant further investigation. I respectfully request that Honda: 1. Review the circumstances surrounding this windshield failure; 2. Determine whether similar windshield complaints have been reported for the 2025 Honda Pilot; 3. Investigate whether there may be a defect involving the windshield glass. Because the windshield is an essential safety component, I believe this matter deserves more than a determination that the damage is simply ordinary road debris.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756431August 12, 2026
ENGINE
Message Emissions System Problem – Avoid Heavy Acceleration and High Speed. See Dealer. Car has been dropped off at dealer on 7/12/26 and has still yet to be returned. Dealer stated they contacted Honda corporate and they need to take the engine apart and submitt photos
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756418August 12, 2026
SEAT BELTS
Left middle row seat belt sensor is indicating unbuckeled when it is buckled. Dealer is asking over $500 to repair. I hae also read about other sensor alerts on 2023 and 2024 for left side as well.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756203August 11, 2026
ENGINE
When I press down on the gas, the car is delayed in responding. This has gotten increasingly worse, at times resulting in near collisions with on-coming traffic. I've reported this to my local dealership (Priority Honda in Chesapeake, Virginia) but they continue to tell me there are no diagnostic codes that allude to there being an issue and will not review it further. When I took a technician for a test drive and was able to replicate it, the technician said that it was normal that the gas was not immediately responsive. The unresponsiveness happens when I'm trying to get initial momentum (starting at a full stop), when I'm changing from reversing to moving forward, and when I'm already in motion and trying to advance speed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756267August 11, 2026
SEAT BELTS
The second row passenger side seat belt warning sensor repeatedly pings even when the seat belt is connected anytime the passenger shifts in his or her position. It's as if the seat belt is not connected but it is. Not only is this annoying but it also means the driver is uncertain as to whether the seat belt is plugged in properly and has to manually check each time. Safety is therefore a concern. This happens whenever the vehicle is in operation and someone is using the second row passenger side seat belt. No other seats are affected. There has been no inspection of the problem but I plan to take the vehicle to a Honda dealer. My research online suggests this is an problem consistent with NHTSA investigation PE25017
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756236August 11, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING
I was driving on a somewhat bumpy road (due to construction works in that location), when suddenly several warning lights came on. Driver assist was disabled, power steering and electrical braking were disabled as well. I was driving at 10mph (this was at a roundabout) so was able to control the vehicle and safely navigate it to a place where I could park. I turned off the vehicle and waited a few moments. When I turned it back on the warning lights cleared and I had power steering wheel/brake control as normal. I brought the vehicle to a certified Honda service station first thing in the morning. The report states an error code C0051-96 has occurred. The wheel sensor was recalibrated and the vehicle was cleared to drive by a Honda certified technician.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11755856August 10, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the radio made an abnormal crackling and popping sound, and the instrument cluster flickered with the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), and the cruise control became inoperable while driving. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the contact was informed that the failure could not be duplicated. The contact associated the failure with TSB: 20-058 and 21-012, and NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V431000 (Back Over Prevention). The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the contact was informed that there would be a charge for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 10.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756067August 10, 2026
SUSPENSION
Under Honda recall 26V-365 our 2022 Honda Pilot has a rear subframe that was not properly manufactured with the proper paint and corrosion protection. Honda has admitted this. Therefore, Honda is saying the subframe may rust at the mounting points. They are putting braces at these points in case they rust. We do not want Honda simply drilling and riveting brackets onto our rear subframe. This is unacceptable when it comes to our families' safety. We do not want to be driving a vehicle where eventually only brackets are holding our suspension together. What about the rest of the subframe?? This will eventually rust out and become unsafe. Honda admitted they manufactured our subframe with improper paint and corrosion protection. They changed their manufacturing process in August, 2022 (improved pre-paint treatment process) and January, 2023 (coating thickness) was increased. This happened AFTER our car was manufactured. The only responsible remedy for our car is to install a new rear subframe that was manufactured under the new process. Why would you allow Honda to do this to so many families?? People's safety should come before Honda's costs being kept low and allowing them to repair this admitted manufacturing error. We want a new rear subframe installed into the car we paid over $40,000 dollars for as we retired and expected to last a long time. DEMAND Honda replace the rear subframe and not just install a bracket. Look out for the people not the corporations. Help us!!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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