Honda Pilot Complaints (2020)

493 consumer complaints on file.

#11637830January 22, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The sun roof shattered without provocation while driving in the interstate. Glass showered in the cabin to the driver, front passenger and floor in the back seat. Temp outside was between 55-57F. Inside cabin heat in system was at 69F. Seat warmer were on. It was raining at the time of incident between 2:30-3:15pm. I (driver) was very shaken by incident but did not lost control of steering. Initially could not correlate explosion like sound to location. Thought it was in rear of car but upon feeling rain and recognition of glass in the cabin realized it was the sunroof. Vehicle was at around 60-65mph in 70mph. This is memorable as GPS send notification of speed checks on zone prior to incident. Car in front was very far ( more than 10 car lengths) in two lane road. Car in rear was also at about 2 car lengths. Not reported to insurance as deductible is higher than cost of repair. Did not reported to police as no other vehicle involved and no loss of vehicle control. Definitely a safety risk. Both passengers were wearing glasses, and long sleeves due to weather and glass was all over driver and Passeger. Explosion sound was terrifying and unsettling. No warning lights or sounds noted prior to the incident. Car had been driven the day before. Car is always stored in garage. This was first drive of day for car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11637020January 20, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I am a retired car dealer and have driven hundreds of different cars but have never had this happen before and Honda tells me it is normal which I know is not the case! when I am driving on any kind of road flat or hilly when opposing traffic is on coming, the yellow light flashes and beeps and occasionally the steering wheel also vibrates. this false warning light indicating an impending head on collision is unsafe and not how the car is designed to work. my belief as a a retired honda dealer ( 1982- 2020) is that Honda does not know how to fix it and says that it is normal so they do not have to fix. please make them fix this serious flaw so that we can drive our 2020 Honda's with out this false warning light. Honda knows they have a problem! sincerely [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
#11635795January 14, 2025
POWER TRAIN
This vehicle has shown juddering and difficulty with shifting gears, especially on an incline, although it RPMs will speed up and slow down even while traveling on a flat road at a consistent speed. The Honda dealership stated that the course of action is to drain and fill the transmission 3 times to the tune of $550+ and Honda Corporate claims this is "Routine Maintenance", which it is not. I have an extended warranty which would cover the torque converter but will not cover this fluid. As many other posts have indicated, this is not an issue limited to the 2016-2019 Pilots, but that it extends to 2020s as well. Continuing to escalate this with Honda Corporate, and will pull in my state's Attorney General for these unfair practices of lack of warranty coverage for a known issue that is due to manufacturing.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11635356January 10, 2025
STEERING
My 2020 Honda Pilot steering wheel locks or sticks while driving, which terrifies me. After researching the problem online, I found that 2020 Honda vehicles have been recalled due to a manufacturing defect in the steering gearbox assembly. My vehicle is NOT on the list. Please advise. Thank you!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11634925January 8, 2025
ENGINE
We were driving down [XXX] in Columbus, Ohio and the cars started to lose power and felt a explosion or slip, right after all the dash board warning lights came on and oil light stating no oil, as I pulled over you could see tire width of oil 1/2 mile down the interstate and showing where I pulled and engine has seized up, I turned engine off , all lights stayed on and dash board, and engine was smoking bad, I got out until help arrived. husband opened hood and oil was everywhere, and car would not start. It was towed to Honda Dublin, Ohio and they inspected. Stated the engine had a hole in it and rod bearing had overheated and shot out of the block destroying the engine. WHY ARE THERE NO RECALLS. THIS CAR IS A 2020 UNDER $100K NOTHING WAS WITH IT AND STILL OWE $18K YET CAN'T BE DRIVEN. HAS THERE BEEN ANY SOLUTIONS? [XXX] if anyone else has experienced this please email me on what the end result was please. [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
#11634380January 6, 2025
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11634403January 6, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 30 MPH, several unknown warning lights flashed on the instrument panel and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact stated that the message "Pull Over When Safe" was then displayed and the contact's wife pulled over, restarted the vehicle, and drove to the residence. The following day, the vehicle was taken to a dealer who discovered a misalignment between the 4th and 5th gear, causing the transmission failure. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the transmission was replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11634428January 6, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My issue is with existing recalls of the following: 23V-431 & 23V-858 in that replacement parts are NOT readily available according to multiple phone calls to a local dealership. The dealership responded by placing one on a waiting call list. I’ve owned this Honda Pilot over a year and have FIVE such notifications from Honda America. It is like they prefer I sell it or wreck it to get from under all these notices. Does NHTSA have legal authority to fine or demand Honda America conform to build replacement parts in straight forward i.e., as soon as possible. The vehicle surges up and back when climbing hills or attempting to pass. It is very disconcerting at the least or dangerous at worst. I will appreciate any help NHTSA can provide to get more fuel pumps with proper impellers out quickly.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11633982January 3, 2025
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled; the vehicle returned to normal operation several minutes after the failure had occurred. No warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission fluid needed to be flushed and refilled. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 35,987. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11632721December 27, 2024
ENGINE
Honda Pilot AWD EX-L 2020 Engine Failure Incident Report October 5, 2024 Check Engine light went on 294 IL Tollway while traveling in left lane. Began to feel a slowing of the vehicle and just a wrong feeling, proceeded to move towards right lane in busy traffic and ~0.5 to 0.75 miles later check engine light started flashing as we proceeded to exit. Planned to make it to rest area or tollbooth but felt it was too far away; check engine light flashing, pulled over to shoulder short of the tollbooth. Shut down all extraneous items (radio, A/C) and pushed the ignition button to turn off vehicle. Could hear some clanking sounds (which we have later researched and found audio/video of mechanics speaking about oil pump failure and loud clanking sounds, which was exactly what we heard).Vehicle didn’t seem to respond (not shutting off), pushed button again and now several red light warnings popped up in succession, these are the ones I recall seeing: (Oil pressure low and Low oil), I believe there were others, but they were cycling fast and didn’t put them to memory, but clearly the codes had been unleashed. Pushed button again and engine shut down. Opened hood and checked oil and did see oil on the dipstick (though level was not clear, seemed to have oil on upper and lower part of reading area, but not in the middle); Called dealer and agreed sounded like an oil pump failure, which in theory could mean there is still plenty of oil in the engine and moving to a safe location. Attempted to start engine again and it struggled and didn’t really start, had a clanking sound again, so hit the button to shut it off for good; and called for tow. Diagnosed with engine failure, quoted replacement $16k, negotiated after documentation and provided good will from Honda with deductible out of pocket $4917.75. Upon posting of investigation now approaching Honda Corporate for reimbursement request.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11630602December 13, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
The Honda Pilot radio center includes the back-up camera and also Apple-Play used for navigation. This system was subject to a recall earlier when the radio would crackle and then the info center would lose power on an intermittent basis. A recall was performed, and a cable was replaced. That seems to have fixed the loud crackle issue, but I still have an intermittent problem with the info center losing power. The dealer told me to contact Honda. Honda told me it is a dealer decision to charge for troubleshooting and diagnostics. Meanwhile this is a safety issue especially when backing up and while driving because I lose my GPS map. Honda has not fixed the earlier problem, and the dealer will not do anything without getting paid for their efforts (which seems reasonable).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11630325December 12, 2024
ENGINE
Engine developed a knocking, then started to sputter and ultimately stalled. No codes showed. Sent to dealership, they said I need a new engine, but could not tell me why. Again No codes drove car for 1 day, engine completely failed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11629004December 5, 2024
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 55,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11629138December 5, 2024
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
Monocular Camera electronic Failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11627728November 27, 2024
ENGINE
Piston rod blew out the side of the motor, was checked out at the Honda Dealership. My young daughter and friend were driving when it happened, which could have been bad. Dealer confirmed motor blown. I'm not sure if this was inspected by the manufacturer, but the dealer looked at it. There was no warning whatsoever prior to motor blowing.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11627332November 25, 2024
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that after shifting into reverse to reverse out of the driveway, the contact had forgotten an item on the outside of the vehicle; the contact opened the door; however, while reaching outside the vehicle to retrieve the item, the contact released the brake pedal unintendedly and the vehicle rolled backwards, causing the contact to fall out of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle continued rolling backwards and struck the sidewalk and the neighbor’s garden wall. The contact stated that the vehicle then rolled forwards and rolled over the right feet to the right shoulder of her body and then struck the garage door and garage door frame to her residence and came to a stop. There were damages to the garage door and garage door frame. The contact became immobilized and yelled for help and a neighbor ran over to assist. The contact stated that the neighbor had a difficulty in shifting to park and turning off the vehicle. The vehicle was eventually shifted to park and the vehicle was turned off. The air bags did not deploy. The contact was taken to urgent care by her mother for X-rays. The contact suffered no broken bones but did sustain mild bruising to the right side of the body. A Police report was not filed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11625998November 18, 2024
ENGINE
The vehicle had an engine bearing rod failure but was not included in the 23V-751 recall. The repair is covered under warranty but because there is no recall, I have to pay for car rental myself and the repair could take weeks to months.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11625857November 18, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Every week or two, sometimes multiple times in same week, the 2020 honda pilot would turn on randomly in accessory mode where headlights would come on and/or infotainment/radio would come up, or alarm/horns would go on by themselves. Often in the middle of the night when car was in a garage. Sometimes during the day. New vechicle battery was replaced 2 months earlier. Batterries in key fobs were replace but issue continued. Honda dealership diagnosed it as keyless access unit letting voltage through transistor waking ignition switch and recommended replacement of keyless access unit. 2020 pilot was 4 years old with 55,832 miles. Appears to be a common issue/complaint on online forums with replacement of remote keyless access control unit. Dealership replaced unit 19 days ago.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11625770November 17, 2024
ENGINE
Approaching a 4 way intersection and traffic lights. I applied my brakes to stop as the light turned red. With my right foot on the brake and the engine stopped while waiting for light to change. When the light turned green, I took my foot off the brake and started to press the gas pedal to continue traveling out of the intersection. The engine did not restart and I looked at the dash and saw my indicators were on and the transmission had gone into neutral mode. I tried repeatedly to get the car to engage into drive mode with no success. A 18 wheeler behind me started to lay on his horn to get me to move. I tried to get my transmission to engage in drive again, then park but nothing happened. I had no control. I next put my hazard lights on. The only thing I could think to do in this situation was to try to shut off the car by pressing the start/stop button. All the cabin lights and indicators went dark. I then prayed as the vehicles behind me and around me blared their horns and tried to get around me. Thank God, when I pressed the start button I heard he engine start and my indicator lights came on and I was in park. I pressed the drive mode and was finally able to get out of the busy intersection. I continued on my way without any other problems.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11625019November 13, 2024
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Vehicle struggles and jerks to keep speed between 1st and 2nd and 3rd gears and jerks trying to accelerate up until around 50 mph check engine light came on and off a few times and information center on car reports exhaust system problem and to take to a dealer, took to autozone to get codes read replaced part it said to replace but problem persisted light came back on took back to autozone same code showing different bay so I took vehicle to Honda dealer and had them do a diagnostic on it which they could not complete without me paying an extra 180.00 for a more in depth diagnostic I paid and they found the fuel injectors not functioning properly and said I need to replace them I declined Honda to do this and took it to a different shop myself to have it done where I trusted the mechanic had all the injectors replaced and same problem is still happening. The breaking assist comes on randomly while driving and hits breaks and shakes steering wheel while flashing (break) but there is nothing in front of me.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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