Honda Pilot Complaints

9,418 consumer complaints on file.

#11708256January 2, 2026
ENGINE
. We have owned our 2016 Pilot since 2023. We have never had a problem with it and have had the recommended maintenance performed on schedule. The incident of our engine failing, out of the blue, occurred when my husband drove from MN to Indiana and then he made it back to MN and the engine died literally at the exit to our hometown. Our Honda Pilot ran perfect when my husband drove from MN to IN with no problems at all. He made it all the way back to MN and when he took the exit to our town, a bunch of lights went off on the dashboard. There were several lights and I don't know exactly which ones unfortunately. He was able to get it into our driveway and it was unable to be started once he turned it off. We had to get it towed to the dealer (Tom Kadlec) . After diagnostic testing, we were told we needed a new engine. It cost us $8000 for a rebuilt engine. The mechanic knows all the details of the problem, but rod bearings were included in the description of our problem. I realize our vehicle has higher mileage, but this is so unlike a Honda vehicle to just quit and then to have such a drastic and expensive result....a new engine needed. Of course, completely unexpected and disappointing,out of the blue, I just am shocked and would like to know if it had something to do with the recall. I appreciate your assistance. Thank you very much. [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
#11708440January 2, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
2020 Honda pilot will sporadically turn off at highway speeds and at stop lights and will not turn back on until placed in park with foot on the brake. This is not to be confused with the start/stop feature used to save fuel. Additionally the 2020 pilot will lurch forward (like stuck in drive) while still in park.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708268January 2, 2026
ENGINE
While driving the check engine light started flashing and lost a lot of power. Pulled over and turned the car off. Turned the car back on and the light was gone and power seemed to be back. Trying to get home about 15 minutes later every light came on. Lane assist, check engine, blind spot, traction control, literally all warning lights. When these came on the car lost all power within a minute. Wouldn't turn over or even power on to use lights or the radio. Got the car towed to two separate garages both stating engine failure. Honda dealer provided documentation of a bearing failure which damaged cylinder 5.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708203January 1, 2026
SEATS, SEAT BELTS
Rear seat belt indicator and alarm go off continuously when the seat is occupied and when the passenger is buckled by the seat belt. While the passenger is buckled, anytime they shift it causes the indicator light to come on and the alarm to sound. This defeats the purpose of having the indicator.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708041December 31, 2025
ENGINE
There was a snap like sound under my hood while driving. Shortly after, the check engine light engaged and the vehicle lost all ability to accelerate. This happened while merging onto a fairly busy road, with rolling hills. If there were vehicles around there would have been potential for an accident. If this happened on the freeway in a middle lane, the vehicle would not have been able to successfully exit without causing extreme danger to the passengers and other vehicles. The vehicle stopped on the side of the road. When the ignition was briefly reengaged, there were rolling error codes, including vehicle stability, all wheel drive failure, etc. The engine was noticeably knocking. The vehicle was towed and inspected by an independent mechanic. The 3rd cylinder in the engine will no longer hold compression. I now need to get the vehicle to an engine specialist for further inspection and repair.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708058December 31, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
We were driving our 2019 Honda Pilot and at a traffic light the car failed to restart after the auto stop-start system shut off the engine. This happened when I started to step on the gas so we could have been rear-ended by the car behind us. The brakes also appeared stuck when I tried to depress them so I could restart the car. There was no warning until the car refused to start, but the computer system did appear to do some sort of a reboot sequence.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707572December 29, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Honda had issued a recall on the MOST coax cable in 2023 or 2024. As I had issues with mine, and my vehicle was part of the recall, I had it repaired in 2024. For the last 3 months, the issue has started again. When the MOST network fails, the entire infotainment system goes offline. This includes the reverse camera. I have contacted Honda, and they stated they will not correct ongoing issues with the system.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707576December 29, 2025
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Driver side mirror has been vibrating since my purchase of the vehicle. Today the mirror glass has separated from the mirror housing while driving causing me to lose the ability to use this mirror. There is an open recall for the 2020-2021 production years of this vehicle for this same issue which should be extended to the include the 2016-2019 range as well.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707585December 29, 2025
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
The contact owns a 2025 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the front windshield was cracked. The contact stated that a rock or stone had most likely hit the windshield. The vehicle was taken to the auto glass center, and the windshield was replaced. After the repair, the contact noticed that the windshield was cracked at its base. The contact noticed that the lower half of the windshield was cracked, and the crack expanded from one inch to three inches rapidly. The vehicle was taken to the auto glass center, where the contact was informed that the glass needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who declined to take responsibility and referred the contact to the insurance company because the VIN was included in a related recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707440December 29, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
My car stalled at a red light due to Auto Idle-Stop failure. It failed to restart, shifted itself to Neutral/Park, and the car was completely unresponsive for a minute. This is a huge safety hazard.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707133December 26, 2025
ENGINE
The vehicle experienced a sudden engine malfunction while being driven at highway speeds in the carpool lane under normal conditions. The engine began knocking and misfiring, followed by a significant loss of power. There were no warning lights, oil pressure alerts, or messages prior to the failure. The loss of power and engine knocking made it difficult to safely cross multiple highway lanes from the carpool lane to reach an exit, creating a serious safety hazard in active traffic. The driver exited the freeway as soon as safely possible, parked the vehicle, turned the engine off, and had it towed to prevent further damage or risk. The vehicle was towed home and then towed the following day to an authorized Honda dealership for inspection. The dealership confirmed the failure was caused by internal engine damage due to a connecting rod bearing failure, resulting in a misfire on cylinder 4. This diagnosis was confirmed by the dealership, and the vehicle remains available for inspection. The vehicle has been regularly maintained, including routine oil and filter changes. There was no indication of oil starvation, overheating, or neglect prior to the failure. The engine failure occurred suddenly and without warning. There is an existing recall and an active federal investigation related to connecting rod bearing failures in certain 2016 Honda Pilot vehicles. While this vehicle’s VIN has not been officially included, the failure mode, symptoms, and dealer-confirmed diagnosis in this incident appear consistent with the issues described in those actions. Sudden internal engine failure at highway speeds presents a serious safety risk due to unexpected loss of power in traffic. This complaint is submitted to document a similar internal engine failure with no warning and its associated safety implications.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707041December 25, 2025
ENGINE
Vehicle was driving normally when the engine failed and lost power. The vehicle following nearly rear ended ours. Pulled the car over into a side street and tried to restart with no success. Emission control problem warning displayed. Called road side assistance and had the vehicle towed to the dealer from where it was purchased. Dealer contacted us an told us that the engine had seized an would need a new motor. The vehicle was 7 days old and had 160 miles on it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707030December 25, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
After I drove for 30 minutes and made a stop in a red light, the car automatically went to neutral position and I wasn't able to turn it back to driving or parking ( the brake locks) and I had to turn the car off for 10 seconds in the middle of the road and put my emergency lights on. After I turn it back on It worked normally.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707009December 25, 2025
Tether, Lower Anchor (on car seat or vehicle), Other/I am not sure
The car seat snug lock feature in the forward facing position does NOT create a snug fit and becomes loose over time. BOTH of my turn2me seats do this. Purchased on the same day. We recently forward faced my daughter due to maxing out the rear facing limits. We have installed with the seat belt due to being over the limit for the latch. With the seat belt, when installed per the manual, it comes loose almost immediately after install. I noticed the seat starts to wiggle within a couple days and being over the “one inch rule”. I will submit videos of me installing per manual and how it comes undone with the slightest pull on the belt. This is what happens after a couple days of use. I’m a cpst and have discussed with numerous cpst about this seat. This is a “known issue” and nothing we have tried will keep it secure. Extremely unsafe to be using this seat and it needs to be recalled due to this not being the first complaint. I have also made a report with graco with no response yet. It will not let me upload videos to the report but if someone reaches out, I can email them in.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706982December 24, 2025
SEAT BELTS
Rear/third-row seatbelt warning activates repeatedly even when passenger is properly buckled. Issue has been present shortly after vehicle purchase. Dealer refuses inspection without charging diagnostic fee. Safety system is unreliable and distracting while driving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706748December 23, 2025
ENGINE
FAILING ROD BEARING
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706760December 23, 2025
ENGINE
I am writing to formally document a mechanical failure that occurred while I was driving on a major freeway. While traveling at highway speed, I suddenly heard loud, abnormal knocking and banging noises originating from the engine. Almost immediately, the vehicle lost power and became difficult to control while maintaining speed with surrounding traffic. Within moments, dashboard warning indicators illuminated, and engine performance rapidly deteriorated. Due to concerns for safety and to prevent further damage, I safely maneuvered the vehicle out of traffic and shut the engine off as soon as possible. After stopping, the engine was able to restart; however, it continued to produce concerning mechanical noises. The vehicle was no longer safely operable and required towing. Following inspection by two separate repair facilities, including a Honda dealership, both independently concluded that the engine had experienced a rod bearing failure. At the time of the incident, the vehicle had approximately 176,000 miles. Despite the mileage, the vehicle has been well maintained, including completion of the full 100,000-mile service and tune-up. This failure occurred without warning and created a hazardous situation due to the sudden loss of power while traveling at freeway speeds. I am concerned because Honda Pilot model years 2016, 2018, and 2019 have had recalls involving rod bearing failures. Given the circumstances and the nature of this failure, I believe Honda should consider replacing the engine as a gesture of good faith. I purchased a Honda based on the company’s reputation for long-lasting and reliable engines. Please let me know if any additional information or documentation is required.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706798December 23, 2025
ENGINE
This car was purchased new from Gustman Honda in Appleton WI. It was well maintained and never driven off road. On [XXX], my [XXX] old daughter was driving it to school. She was on [XXX] when the engine had a severe failure and several rods punctured the engine block. There were no warnings, no engine lights, etc. prior to this complete engine failure. Luckily she was going to school for an early morning class and there were few cars on the highway. She was able to get the car somewhat off the road and call called me for help. I had it towed to Jiggers Auto in Chilton WI where they determined the complete engine failure 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
#11706838December 23, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
warning engine light came on. Emission control system light came on too. Honda Pilot 2016 Milage 70,662. Vehicle operating normally. Had car parts store use OBD electronic scanner and it revealed a code P0328: "Knock Sensor voltage High". Code was deleted after scan. I was told by tech at car parts store that the sensor was detecting odd electronic signals and sent info to the cars computer, which intern made the computer to display the warning lights on the dash panel. Warning lights were then off, and then a day later, the engine warning lights came on again. There are no physical or audible signs that any mechanical errors are happening, The car/engine is operating as normal. next day; made appt with Honda dealership to check system with their equipment and the warning lights did not come on , prior to the trip to the dealership. Dealership scan (Dec 23, 2025) confirms a faulty Knock Sensor w/code P0328. My internet search of this code reading, reveals possible engine damage, improper fuel distribution and possible engine failure when driving. This issue has been reported before, many times, per my internet search...why no recall? Dealership wants $1,234 to replace Knock sensor bank 1& 2. My original request to the dealership was to check my vehicle to see if it had any performance problems as noted in Honda Service Bulletin 20-100 Nov 24, 2020 problems, but their search revealed the P0328 code . I was charged $100 just for this diagnostic system search.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706864December 23, 2025
POWER TRAIN
I have taken this vehicle into the Honda dealership on five separate occasions to report a power transfer problem. I first visited the Honda dealership to report this problem on 9/2024. It hasn't been until my most recent visit on 12/18/25, that a customer service representative told me that my vehicle needed a new torque converter. It is available for inspection upon request. The first occasion when the vehicle caused a safety issue, we were preparing to make a left hand turn and the car jerked, the dash lights flashed, and the vehicle completely turned off. This was in the summer of 2024. We have had many smaller incidents leading up to this first occurrence but they haven't resulted in the vehicle completely shutting off. Most of the power transfer problems occur when we first back out of the driveway, put the car into drive, press down on the gas pedal, and there is no propulsion forward. This has occurred on a regular basis since the purchase of the vehicle. After two to three seconds the car jerks forward and then drives. This will also occasionally occur when we are stopped at a stop sign or at a traffic light waiting to propel forward or make a turn. Many of the safety issues occur when trying to make a turn with traffic, and there is no power to propel the vehicle forward. We have been fortunate to have the other vehicles slow to allow the Pilot to pause before moving forward. We now have to ensure there is a large distance before making a turn. We have had the dealership, Continental Honda of Anchorage, reproduce the lag problem, July 2025. Recently, we had a Transmission System Problem warning light come on the vehicle. We have also had a flashing P, R, D indicator light when the vehicle was in those gears. The Transmission System Problem light appeared on December 9th, then it reappeared on the 17th.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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