Honda Pilot Complaints

9,418 consumer complaints on file.

#11659394May 6, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
LED Headlight burned out and is not possible to change or remove, dealer indicated it is not something that normally goes out, and wants to charge $2,000
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659140May 6, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
The backup camera, parking sensors, and automatic braking system failed to function properly on my 2025 Honda Pilot Touring during two separate incidents, both resulting in collisions with stationary objects (trees). In both cases, the rearview camera displayed only the ground, and the audible alerts and automatic braking system did not activate, despite all safety features being enabled and set to maximum sensitivity. I specifically purchased this vehicle for its advertised safety systems, which did not engage or warn me in either instance. This malfunction put my safety and the safety of others at risk, especially in residential or pedestrian areas. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer or a dealership, but the damage is available for inspection upon request. There were no warning lights or error messages prior to or during the failures.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659045May 5, 2025
ENGINE
I owned the referenced 2017 Honda Pilot vehicle. I was having transmission issues, which there were recalls for. I went to an authorized dealer to have the recall addressed. 6-8 months later same issue or I thought. Honda Dealer told me that the car was no longer in warranty, now I had to pay. What tripe! 6 months later engine blows up. Took car to a non-Honda repair shop. They tell me that there was an issue with the crankshaft and that the rod bearing went through the engine block. NICE. I pay for a used Honda engine over $8,000, NICE! I pick up the car now they tell me the transmission is shot. I take the car back to another Honda dealer complaining about a blown engine and previous trips to the other Honda dealer about transmission issues. Now after a new engine, which this dealer tells me there were no bulletins or recalls, that they'll push back on Honda about the transmission. They get Honda to pay for roughly 60% of a new transmission. Which cost's me another $3,600. Fantastic! I spend almost $12,000 on, at that time a 6 year old vehicle with just 80,000 miles, that I purchased used, in 2019 with just over 13,000 miles. I decided not to push my luck and sold the car to a dealer in 2023. I AM CONTACTING THE REPAIR SHOP THAT REPLACED THE ENGINE FOR A COPY OF THE INVOICE. Now, after almost 2-years, I find out Honda had issued recalls for the same issue I paid for. Do I have any recourse? Can the NHSTA assist with this issue? Anything you can offer would be greatly appreciated.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658824May 4, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
December 2017 I was driving my 2016 Honda pilot back from Florida and the car immediately reduce speed to about 25 to 35 mph. I had my OBD2 in the car so I reset the code and the car start driving fine and every time I will leave the gas station it will do the same thing dealership took the car said it was a throttle position sensor fixed it and the car broke down two days after getting it. I was told it was corrected for sure this time. However I'm saying a recall on Honda engines 2016 but my engine is not included. In 2024 I took the vehicle in for service and they said there was a recall for the ignition switch however since they fixed the ignition switch I have issues at times starting the car. I've also had to pay to get the electronic steering fixed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658659May 3, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle when trying to start locks up, have had the battery alternator starter checked, changed the brake switch and still having issues with hard start to my 2021 Honda Pilot. When this happens all the lights come on. I push the Idle/Start switch when I do get it started so that it does shut off when I’m at a red light or stop sign. Because I’m afraid it will not start. Dealership could not find any issues with the vehicle, I’ve taken it to another mechanic and they could not. It has been put on diagnostics several times. I keep putting money into trying to find out what the issue is!!!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658362May 2, 2025
ENGINE
Honda’s Auto Idle Stop (AIS) system fails to restart the engine from a complete stop at traffic lights, road intersection or when stopped in traffic when the Auto Start/Stop function is engaged. This has required the driver to shift the transmission to park to allow the engine to restart, once this did not work requiring a jump start in the middle of a busy intersection. Honda service has stated that a battery replacement was need, which was done, but a new battery has had no effect on the auto start/stop issue. The engine continues to struggle to restart when the AIS system is engaged. The vehicle headlights can be seen flickering when the engine struggles to restart. This is an extremely dangerous defect that puts the occupants of the vehicle in repeatedly dangerous situations. For example when AIS is engaged and making a turn into oncoming traffic, the vehicle will be stuck and inoperable in on coming traffic’s lane. This issue continues to persist with no resolution or solution from the manufacturer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658422May 2, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
During normal operation of the vehicle, the dashboard information display on the gauge cluster lit up displaying the following error messages: Adaptive Cruise Control Problem, Collision Mitigation System Problem, Lane Keeping Assist Problem, Auto High-Beam Problem, Road Departure Mitigation System Problem. Additionally there is a fixed "dash light" that is showing "BRAKE SYSTEM" illuminated in amber color. After research I have found that Honda issued a TSB for other vehicles with their sensing system for the same issue and referenced the high-mounted mono camera on the windshield. This issue extends to the 2019 Pilot Elite that I own and significantly reduces the safety features of this vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658488May 2, 2025
ENGINE
THERE IS A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE BAY. YOU CAN HEAR IT WHEN THE VEHILE STARTS UP BUT IT GETS LOUDER AS THE VEHICLE GETS UP TO TEMP. MAINLY AT IDLE AND LOUDER AT ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GERMAIN HONDA IN WOOSTER OHIO AND THEY DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS BAD ROD BEARINGS. WE PURCHASED IN FALL OF 2024 WITH ABOUT 64K MILES AND THE ENGINE AT THIS POINT HAS ABOUT 75K MILES ON IT. IT HAS AN EXCELLENT SERVICE RECORD AND HAS BEEN SERVICED AT HONDA SINCE IT WAS NEW AND I AM THE SECOND OWNER.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658573May 2, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 144,8000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 360,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658382May 2, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal, loud rattling sound. The contact stated that her husband had noticed that the rattling sound persisted while the vehicle was parked. The contact stated that upon opening the hood to inspect the vehicle, the contact noticed that the driver's side engine cooling fan had melted. The contact purchased a new engine cooling fan from O'Reilly Auto Parts, and the vehicle was taken to Four Brothers Auto Services, where the engine cooling fan was replaced. The contact stated that while driving on another occasion, the vehicle made an abnormal rattling sound. The contact stated that while idling in line at the airport Arrival and Pick-Up level, the rattling sound became louder, and the vehicle made an abnormal popping sound. The contact stated that the engine started overheating. The contact pulled over to a safe location and inspected the underhood. The contact noticed that the passenger's side cooling fan had separated. The contact was able to drive to the destination. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658071May 1, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
There seal on the doors doesn’t hold up all the wind comes howling inside the car it’s so loud
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658072May 1, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The driver side sun visor quit staying up after just 1 year. It’s dangerous always stuck hanging halfway down.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658190May 1, 2025
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact's son owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that her son smelled a gasoline odor in the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the odor was very strong and that her son had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the fuel pump gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the vehicle had not been taken to another mechanic or dealer. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that her daughter-in-law had asked the dealer if the vehicle was covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and the contact was advised that the VIN was not included. The contact notified the manufacturer of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658298May 1, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
Auto restart failed. Vehicle failed to move forward at a red light. Dash instructed to place vehicle on park then press the engine start-stop button hence restarting in the middle of the road presenting a safety hazard, cars behind me almost tail ending mine. People were honking and I couldn’t move fast enough. Why is the Honda dealer saying they will charge $222 to inspect to see if it’s a starter issue? Just fix the problem. I already had the system reset due to recall. This is a prevalent problem, shouldn’t it be inclusive to a recall. Also putting the customers at risk knowing its an issue is a huge problem. Please advise and help resolve this safety issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657680April 30, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Steering is shaking when braking at high speed. Replaced pads and rotors multiple times but problem keeps coming back. Lots of complaints also about this issue so please help
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657797April 30, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When the Auto Idle feature is on, the car will often completely turn off when at a red light or in stop & go traffic. When it is time to move again, I cannot go. Cars are honking at me to move, but the car will not start. I have to put the car in park, completely turn it off, and restart it. This sometimes happens on the interstate in heavy traffic, which can be extremely dangerous. My car’s engine light had been having a warning sign “emissions system problem”. I took it to the dealer, and told them about the auto idle problem & the light, but they could not find anything wrong. A few months later, my engine failed & they said it wasn’t covered under the recent recall so I had to pay $7,000 for a new engine. Now a few months later, the auto idle problem is happening again & the emissions system problem light is back on again. The new engine is only a few months old
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657804April 30, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart, and the contact heard a loud knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657860April 30, 2025
POWER TRAIN
First received a transmission system issue and took car into dealership for the torque converter recall. Not even a 1,000 miles later I received a transmission temperature too hot signal. Took it into the dealership again and they stated I need a new transmission due to “transmission clutches are burned from not servicing the transmission causing excessive friction making the fluid heat up faster and over heating”. Just got this vehicle a year ago. I believe my safety is at risk because with our other vehicle the muffler got so hot that it burned a hole through the bed of the truck and don’t want that happening in this vehicle with two kids under two.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657425April 29, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My name is [XXX] . I am submitting this formal complaint regarding the repeated and serious transmission failures on two 2016 Honda Pilot vehicles that I own. Both vehicles were purchased together and have developed nearly identical transmission problems, posing serious safety concerns. Despite regular maintenance, including expensive and frequent transmission fluid changes, both vehicles have experienced significant drivability issues. I brought one of the Pilots to an authorized Honda dealership, where I paid out-of-pocket for an inspection, but Honda refused any assistance, citing mileage. However, I believe the nature of the defect, not the mileage, is the true concern, as transmission failure affects the safe operation of the vehicle. Transmission failure at any speed, especially in family SUVs like the Pilot, presents a real danger to occupants and others on the road. High mileage should not excuse serious mechanical defects that directly impact vehicle safety. Given that there are many similar complaints online from other Honda Pilot owners, I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether a broader manufacturing defect exists with the 2016 Honda Pilot’s transmission systems. I appreciate your time and attention to this important safety matter 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
#11657444April 29, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 150,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 166,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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