Owners have filed 139 complaints
about the 2015 Honda Pilot with NHTSA between 2014 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 22 of 24 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 13
Against the median year of the Honda Pilot. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 63
12.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 58
34% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
56.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
89.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
911.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2530.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1518.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1214.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
56.1%
150,000+ miles
33.7%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Dec 2014peak 5Jul 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2015 Honda Pilot
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
RQ24013Opened 8 Nov 2024Closed 20 Aug 2025ENGINE
Engine failure
On November 8, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ24013 to assess the scope of Honda recall 23V-751 after receiving complaints that alleged connecting rod bearing failures in vehicles that were not within the scope of recall 23V-751. In November 2023, Honda recalled 248,999 various Model Year (MY)2016–2020 Honda and Acura vehicles equipped with the 3.5L V6 engine. Honda recalled these vehicles due to a crankshaft manufacturing defect that caused premature connecting rod bearing wear and engine seizure. While the out-of-scope failures involved in these complai...
Recalls on the 2015 Honda Pilot
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2019323222,662 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function. Note: This is a new recall campaign that includes vehicles that had an airbag inflator replaced under a previous recall or had a replacement airbag installed. The previous recall provided an interim (short-term) repair. Interim repair parts must be replaced with the final repair parts provided in this recall. Safety Risk: If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury. Corrective Action: Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to replace the driver and/or passenger-front airbag inflator. Note: The Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. This recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk. It is expected that all airbag inflators will be replaced before their function would be affected.
Recall 2018523263,289 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. As a result, if the vehicle were involved in a collision that warrants airbag deployment, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants, and the airbag assembly could be damaged, preventing proper function. These issues could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Rockport, MACrash
ENGINE
I bought my 2015 Pilot in 2024 and since then my local mechanic has told me I am burning oil and I have had to replace several spark plugs. I have had error codes like P0304 come up in conjunction with the replacements. I now have a total engine failure. I looked online after my failure and saw the VCM Warranty Extension, but I was never notified about it. I saw where the codes could come up as "misfires" but might actually be the engine failing. Component failure - engine Safety Risk - I was driving when it died. if i had not come to a complete stop i would have hit a snow covered rocky hill. Inspections - awaiting insurance inspector, engine failure confirmed by mechanic. Warnning - no lights were on when it happened.
NHTSA complaint #11720683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clementon, NJ6 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Constant mold accumulates inside my car, creating an unpleasant, musty odor that fills the air. Over time, this persistent growth not only detracts from the vehicle's interior appearance but also poses potential health risks for anyone who enters. I have had to clean the car and remove mold repeatedly. This situation is extremely dangerous, especially since I have two small children who are being exposed to mold and mildew, which I believe is affecting their health. I reached out to Honda for assistance, but received no results, concern, or solutions regarding this issue. I have multiple receipts that can verify the mold growth is still ongoing.
NHTSA complaint #11683670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Summerville, SCCrash
AIR BAGS
My whole steering wheel detached while driving
NHTSA complaint #11680062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Summerville, SCCrash
STEERING
My whole steering wheel detached while driving
NHTSA complaint #11680062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Summerville, SCCrash
SUSPENSION
My whole steering wheel detached while driving
NHTSA complaint #11680062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Anna, TX6 injured
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Part number 17700-STX-A11 should be made of rubber or metal. The fuel line is made of an ABS plastic. It is cheap quality and brittle. The fuel line should additionally be segmented. When I spoke to the Honda dealership in Mckinney Tx the service supervisor stated this is a frequent and ongoing problem. I also spoke to a service supervisor at Honda in Frisco Tx who informed me when they order the fuel line it often comes in broken on the freight. The poor quality, brittle fuel line is a ticking time bomb. My pilot was spraying gas risking the life of my family today. The exhaust system could have caught fire. My son noticed the smell of gas before I did as the fuel pump is located directly under the center row of seats. The odor became over powering extremely quick leading to myself, my husband and my children feeling ill.
NHTSA complaint #11567389 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Garner, NC
ENGINE
On July 3, 2026 the check engine light, check VSA warning and check emissions warning indicators all illuminated simultaneously and the vehicle began to misfire and sputter which triggered an immediate slow down of traffic behind me. My local Honda dealership acknowledged a known defect with 2013 - 2015 Pilots in which the piston rings deteriorate leading to cylinder misfires. After system diagnostics they confirmed the spark plugs were damaged due to the piston rings defect causing engine misfires, rough idling, and slow minimal acceleration. This situation absolutely placed me, my family and others on the roadway at immediate risk due to the sudden nature of the engine malfunction. While there were no police report or insurance claims the Honda dealer did inspect and perform diagnostics on the vehicle. However American Honda declined any responsibility and refused to repair the vehicle even though this is a known issue with Honda. Prior to this date there were no warning or indication that the vehicle had any issues.
NHTSA complaint #11753531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 270,000 milesMerrietta, GA
SUSPENSION:REAR
The contact owns a 2015 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that upon pulling into the gas station and parking the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound, and the contact also noticed a grinding sound coming from the underbody of the vehicle. The contact stated that the grinding sound persisted and became louder while reversing out of the parking spot. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to Mavis Tires the following day. The vehicle was inspected and diagnosed with sway bar, suspension, and strut failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 270,000.
NHTSA complaint #11743154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mableton, GA
POWER TRAIN
1. The engine assembly failed — Piston 1 suffered catastrophic failure due to VCM-related piston ring wear and oil sludge buildup, generating DTCs P0301–P0304 (engine misfire, cylinders 1–4). Vehicle is completely non-operational. Failed engine is available for inspection in Mableton, GA 30126. 2. Progressive engine misfire created risk of sudden power loss and loss of vehicle control at highway speeds. Complete engine failure in April 2026 left the vehicle fully immobile, posing an immediate collision risk to the driver and surrounding motorists. 3. Yes. In October 2025, I brought the vehicle to AutoNation Honda on Thornton Road, Georgia, presenting symptoms consistent with Honda Service Bulletin 25-060. The dealership examined the vehicle but took no action and offered no warranty coverage, despite SB 25-060 being fully active at that time. 4. Yes. AutoNation Honda (authorized Honda dealer) inspected the vehicle in October 2025 while Service Bulletin 25-060 was fully active. No repair was performed and Honda has denied all warranty claims. No police or insurance inspection has occurred. Vehicle remains unrepaired and available for NHTSA inspection. 5. Yes. The Check Engine Light illuminated with DTCs P0301–P0304 prior to failure, along with engine misfire, rough idle, and reduced performance. These symptoms were present at the October 2025 dealer visit. No corrective action was taken. The engine progressed to catastrophic Piston 1 failure in April 2026.
NHTSA complaint #11737134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Anaheim, CA
ENGINE
While driving in traffic the vehicle suddenly began to sputter and lose power with check engine light flashing on the dash board. I was able to pull over and limp the car the one mile to my home on side streets. I parked the vehicle and called for a tow truck to tow the vehicle to my local dealership that I purchased the car from brand new. This is the third time this failure has occurred. The first occurrence was in October of 2023, the second was in November of 2024. The first two repairs were made at a local independent repair shop in the city of Orange ca. the first occurrence was cylinder 1 and the repair shop indicated that this is a common occurrence in this make and model. The report was a replacement of the spark plug and coil pack as oil was found to be in spark plug chamber. The second occurrence was similar but on a different spark plug (I believe number 2 or 3). This occurrence was diagnosed by the dealer and required a replacement of piston rings and major engine repair and oil in spark plug number 2 I believe. In July of 2025 American Honda sent me a notice in the mail of a known defect affecting this vehicle and offered a repair for this exact problem within an extended warranty of 10 years or 150,000 miles whichever is first. This was my first reciept of such information from Honda. The extended warranty however was sent to me after the 10 year warranty was already expired as I has purchased the vehicle new in October of 2014. American Honda then had fine print at the bottom of the notice extending the extension to Jan. 31st 2026. 15 days later my vehicle experienced the acknowledged problem for the 3rd time. In July of 2025 I contacted my dealership and advised them of the letter I had received and asked for an inspection and or repair of the problem listed. The service advisor spoke with his service manager, and they refused to inspect and or repair the vehicle due to no warning light or symptoms occurring at that time.
NHTSA complaint #11723907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesPerrysburg, OH
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the error message instructed the driver to pull over immediately. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with piston ring failures. In addition, DTC: P0301 (Misfire in Cylinder #1) was displayed. The contact was informed that the piston rings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11721437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rockport, MACrash
ENGINE
I bought my 2015 Pilot in 2024 and since then my local mechanic has told me I am burning oil and I have had to replace several spark plugs. I have had error codes like P0304 come up in conjunction with the replacements. I now have a total engine failure. I looked online after my failure and saw the VCM Warranty Extension, but I was never notified about it. I saw where the codes could come up as "misfires" but might actually be the engine failing. Component failure - engine Safety Risk - I was driving when it died. if i had not come to a complete stop i would have hit a snow covered rocky hill. Inspections - awaiting insurance inspector, engine failure confirmed by mechanic. Warnning - no lights were on when it happened.
NHTSA complaint #11720683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Citrus Heights, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The catalytic converter system on my vehicle is failing prematurely due to the vehicle’s built-in fuel management and energy-saving computer settings. These settings cause excess fuel to be burned and pushed into the catalytic converter, damaging the unit. In addition, this flaw is causing oil to be pushed out of the car, creating both a mechanical hazard and an environmental concern. This is not the result of poor maintenance or misuse — it is a hazard caused by a design flaw in the system itself.
NHTSA complaint #11689299 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Citrus Heights, CA
ENGINE
The catalytic converter system on my vehicle is failing prematurely due to the vehicle’s built-in fuel management and energy-saving computer settings. These settings cause excess fuel to be burned and pushed into the catalytic converter, damaging the unit. In addition, this flaw is causing oil to be pushed out of the car, creating both a mechanical hazard and an environmental concern. This is not the result of poor maintenance or misuse — it is a hazard caused by a design flaw in the system itself.
NHTSA complaint #11689299 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Citrus Heights, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The catalytic converter system on my vehicle is failing prematurely due to the vehicle’s built-in fuel management and energy-saving computer settings. These settings cause excess fuel to be burned and pushed into the catalytic converter, damaging the unit. In addition, this flaw is causing oil to be pushed out of the car, creating both a mechanical hazard and an environmental concern. This is not the result of poor maintenance or misuse — it is a hazard caused by a design flaw in the system itself.
NHTSA complaint #11689299 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ocala, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11686383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ocala, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:COIL:SPARK PLUGS
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11686383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clementon, NJ6 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Constant mold accumulates inside my car, creating an unpleasant, musty odor that fills the air. Over time, this persistent growth not only detracts from the vehicle's interior appearance but also poses potential health risks for anyone who enters. I have had to clean the car and remove mold repeatedly. This situation is extremely dangerous, especially since I have two small children who are being exposed to mold and mildew, which I believe is affecting their health. I reached out to Honda for assistance, but received no results, concern, or solutions regarding this issue. I have multiple receipts that can verify the mold growth is still ongoing.
NHTSA complaint #11683670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Summerville, SCCrash
AIR BAGS
My whole steering wheel detached while driving
NHTSA complaint #11680062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Summerville, SCCrash
STEERING
My whole steering wheel detached while driving
NHTSA complaint #11680062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Summerville, SCCrash
SUSPENSION
My whole steering wheel detached while driving
NHTSA complaint #11680062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boulder City, NV
TIRES
My vehicle started shimmying at 55 MPH up to 70 MPH. My repair show told me that two of the tire walls are flattening out and it's dangerous to drive.
NHTSA complaint #11667690 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresno, CA
ENGINE
Started hearing a loud ticking/knocking noise, but it would get quiet once the car was running over 2500rpm. Noise was overheard by a pedestrian while dropping my kids off at school and he let me know he was a mechanic and that I should not be driving the car with that noise as the engine sounded like it could be on the way to seizing up. After inspection by 2 independent service center mechanics, it was found that there are 2 faulty connecting rod bearings. The Rod bearings to cylinder 2 and 5, specifically. There were metal shavings in the oil and a piece of a rod was found when the bottom pan was dropped. We either have to rebuild the engine or replace it. No warning lights other than the Tire Pressure Management System light. Checked VIN to recall list after hearing that this is a common issue with 2016 Pilots, but our VIN is not on the list.
NHTSA complaint #11659946 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lewisville, TX
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
NHTSA complaint #11657680 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mccordsville, IN
AIR BAGS
Airbag lift would come on intermittently. Upon dealership inspection it was learned that it could be a possible issue with the passenger side airbag and instructed to not drive vehicle. Airbag was ordered and took over six weeks to receive and repair. Dealership said airbags are not covered by any recall or warranty. Is, should, this be correct?
NHTSA complaint #11641485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OH
ENGINE
The valve cover gasket spool valve is leaking oil. Oil appears to be leaking on the alternator causing it to short and die. There is a Honda service bulletin 20-023 which shows 2009-15 pilots having this problem. However, Honda has declined to cover my repair saying my VIN is not covered and my warranty is expired. Sad
NHTSA complaint #11637719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Inglewood, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Honda Warranty Extension: White Diamond Pearl Paint SB19-057. Affected vehicle - 2015 Honda Pilot. Issue - peeling paint. Corrective action performed by approved Honda dealership as stated in SB19-057. Now experiencing other body panels that are peeling paint. Went back to Honda dealership to request repair of peeling paint. Repair claim denied by Honda Corporate. What recourse do I have since there other body panels that have exterior paint peeling besides the roof and/or tailgate peeling off.
NHTSA complaint #11637304 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coon Rapids, MN
ENGINE
We were on our way out of town in May 2022 when the car suddenly idled and wouldn't go past 35 mph. The spark plugs would constantly need replacement and we bought a connector which seemed to make them last longer, but eventually still burn out sooner than they should've. We've had diagnostics through friend mechanics and family and cylinder 2 was the main culprit. We took the car to honda recently and there is valve repairs that need to be done, to include all necessary gaskets, water pump and tensioner. There's also need to replace power steering pump, bushings and vtec spool valve. There were no prior indicators, the engine light suddenly came on when the car idled and riding on the highway at 35-40 mph was not very fun or safe. We've left the vehicle in the garage since the malfunction as is since we had other vehicles until we saved funds for the fix. We just didnt think it'd be this high of a cost and granted the car is only 98,800 miles in, i just dont understand how this all could be when my honda accord is 255k and still in good shape with no major fixes... Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
NHTSA complaint #11630971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Albany, NY
ENGINE
In my 2015 pilot I have rod bearing connector that failed,The report says that the engine in all vehicles is the 3.5L V6 that was popular from 2016 through 2020. However , my engine is a 3.5L V6 as well, and it has the same issue. The car has 162K .
NHTSA complaint #11626053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scottsdale, AZ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My Honda was leaking gas, I normally park in my garage and the whole house smelled gas very dangerous being I have kids living in the house.. I had it repaired cost me $1500. This is very dangerous
NHTSA complaint #11619739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
La Verne, CA
AIR BAGS
Air Bag light is on. Service department informed me the passenger seat side air bag is faulty. There is no recall on this make year but Other Honda Pilots with same issue but other make years have been recalled.
NHTSA complaint #11613229 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.