Honda Pilot Complaints

9,418 consumer complaints on file.

#11683613August 28, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while at a complete stop with the START/STOP feature activated, the engine shut off while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. After waiting for several minutes, the contact had to perform several procedures to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was initially taken to a dealer where a software update was performed; however, the failure returned weekly. Recently, the contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle after the failure, the vehicle began to jerk while accelerating, with an abnormal tapping sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was diagnosed with a defective engine rod bearing. The contact was informed by the mechanic that the repair could not be warranted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683595August 28, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The issue is that the rear light on both sides has a sharp plastic edge and I’ve actually cut myself on it twice. I took it to the dealer, and they said they couldn’t really replace it because it’s the same on other Honda Pilots, so it seems to be a common issue. Basically, it’s a safety concern with that sharp edge.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11683328August 27, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The engine shuts off while driving and the car shifts the transmission to Park or Neutral.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683379August 27, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from the passenger’s side wheel. Additionally, the transmission failed to shift into gear as needed while moving the gear shifter. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had progressed. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not identified. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: PE25008 (Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683421August 27, 2025
ENGINE
Symptom: Knocking noise coming from engine. Diagnosis: Honda dealer removed oil pan and found connecting rod bearing material. Removed all connecting rod bearings and found cylinder 1 bearing had excessive wear and found bearing was bent. Engine replacement recommended as bearing material may have went through the entire engine and could cause engine failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683438August 27, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving and coming to a complete stop at a stop light, the vehicle inadvertently stalled but was able to restart. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 133,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683459August 27, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2016 Honda pilot has continued to have engine restart issues with the automatic engine stop feature after taking it in for the initial recall. Upon telling this to the dealer, they said the recall work was already done and won’t address it further. They only did the software upgrade and did not tell me about the 2nd stage of repairs available. The issue is random but happens commonly, and seems to be worse on hot days. It also can sometimes struggle to restart after putting it in park after the auto restart fails.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683460August 27, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Honda has a TSB for all Pilots on all VINs under TSB 17-014. They are making us pay out of pocket for a known issue on all 2017 VINs. I was quoted a minimum of $700 due to the labor involved. We, as customers, shouldn't have to pay for a known issue with all VINs of 2017 Honda Pilots. It caused issues with cruise control and keeping speed on the road especially uphill. Sometimes it will shift extremely hard.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683466August 27, 2025
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
The contact’s daughter owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the hood was vibrating excessively. Upon inspection, the contact became aware that the hood latch was inoperable and failed to properly secure the hood. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 158,819.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683044August 26, 2025
ENGINE
rough idling and performance issues.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683073August 26, 2025
ENGINE
Driving regular highway speed and lost power with a number 6 engine misfire. Towed vehicle to house and eventually to dealer to investigate.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683074August 26, 2025
SUSPENSION
Had vehicle in for state inspection and was told the rear crossmember where the rear wheel assembly bolts into was rusting and should be fixed immediately.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683081August 26, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Since purchasing the vehicle there was a leak under the driver's side console after heavy rains. After multiple trips to the dealer they directed us to replace the windshield. We did so (under protest). The leak still existed. The dealership determined that there was a gap at the A pillar. We worry that this is related to the Sturcture recall about missing welds. Honda will not admit to any issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683127August 26, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel pump- car sputters when accelerating. The car is available for inspection Car does not accelerate efficiently when merging onto highway The car has not been inspected properly There have been no warning lights.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683219August 26, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
There was a small ticking/knocking noise that started the week before I took my Honda Pilot in to the dealer. I took the car in for regular service and told them about this noise. Under further inspection, I was advised by the Honda dealership that the piston connecting rod bearing had failed causing damage to the motor. I had to pay to replace the motor at my own expense. This is a safety issue as I did not really have a warning that anything was wrong with the vehicle and the engine could have seized up and caught fire while I was driving putting my family and other vehicles in harms way. It is my understanding that Honda had a partial recall on this issue in which my VIN was not covered. I was not notified that this was even an issue for the 2016 Honda Pilots and I should have been notified and and this should have been fixed before it occurred. The dealer reached out to Honda Corporate to request coverage of this cost and they denied it even though this is a known issue with this motor.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683224August 26, 2025
ENGINE
(1)My local Honda Dealership (Herson's Honda, Rockville, MD), has diagnosed a knocking sound coming from my engine as a rod bearing failure, and they say I need a new engine. My 2017 Honda Pilot has only 56,755 on it, and I am aware my model car is now currently under NHTSA investigation as a part of the expanded probe of an earlier 2023 recall. It is available for inspection. (2)Your agency has identified this as a widespread problem among my model year, which could lead to complete engine failure. This event would put me as the driver, and any passengers I may be carrying at very serious risk. Other drivers could be at risk of injury if the engine were to fail and I were to lose control of the car. (3)Yes, I had the problem replicated by both my independent service center, and the Herson's Honda Dealership. I will upload the confirmation document in my report. (4)The car has not been inspected by a manufacturer to my knowledge (yet). Right now, the car is at the Herson's Honda dealership. Technicians have told me it is unsafe to drive the vehicle. (5)No lights appeared on the dashboard. I first noticed a slight knocking noise about a month ago, and then heard it again after returning from vacation, prompting us to take it into the dealership. It was quickly diagnosed as a rod bearing failure. -- Herson's let us know they would file a report with American Honda. Ricardo Benitez (Herson's) told us we were not the first to come in with this issue, and "would not be the last". Nevertheless, Herson's Honda has informed us that this is not currently under extended warranty, nor is it the subject of any current recall. This has left me with an inoperable car, with an engine replacement cost that I must bear to the tune of nearly $25,000. I urge NHTSA to compel Honda to issue a recall, given the widespread issue Honda is dealing with for my model year.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683241August 26, 2025
POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, SUSPENSION
Leaking front shock, front differential, and transmission
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683284August 26, 2025
ENGINE
Engine Rod defective .. car completely stopped working on highway . Had towed to dealer for $300 and dealer said 8.9k to replace engine. Lots of Honda owners complaints about the same issue We were forced to sell car to Cox auto at a loss as we did not have the money to fix Check car fax. As we had perfect maintenance all done at dealership
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683307August 26, 2025
ENGINE
Complete engine failure. Connecting rod bearing completely broke while driving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683060August 26, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
The 2021 Honda Pilot would randomly flash brake, which would lock up the steering wheel, electronic warnings going off when nothing was there, and then all of the CMBS warnings came on. Dealer charged for diagnosis, and requires $2,300.00 to fix the sensor. The vehicle was never in an accident, and various ghost electronic issues would be present over the last few years before the system failed with multiple warnings.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Honda Pilot