2017 Honda Pilot problems

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Vehicle stalled twice within a week. All lights on dash showed up. P0087 code. Honda dealer confirmed low fuel pressure pump needed to be replaced. It was happened on 8/13 and again on 8/22/26. Lucky, I was exiting the fwy. Almost lost control of steering wheel.

NHTSA complaint #11758905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I stopped at a stoplight and when the light turned green I pressed the gas and my car wouldn’t start. It took a few attempts at pressing the start button and putting car in park and my foot on the brake to get it to restart. Afterwards I noticed sometimes an orange light on dash for the Auto Idle Stop System Indicator. It did this once before earlier this year and I thought maybe I just didn’t push the brake hard enough when I stopped. I didn’t know what was going on.

NHTSA complaint #11758782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The connecting rod on my 2017 Honda Pilot is coming apart and metal is present in the oil. The engine began knocking and progressively got louder. The sound was coming from the bottom of the engine around cylinder 1. We shut the car off and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer service center confirmed that the connecting rod on cylinder 1 was coming apart and found metal in the oil and filter. The vehicle has not been inspected by any other parties. There was a warning lamp that came on saying there was a fuel emission problem. That lamp has come on intermittently since we had recall service done on the transmission 6 weeks ago (June 2026). We did have that looked at, but were told they could not reproduce the issue. A check engine lamp also appeared just after the noise first appeared. I included the dealer repair center diagnosis and estimate of repair. I also included documentation that their records for our maintenance are incorrect. We took immaculate care of that vehicle from the day we purchased it.

NHTSA complaint #11758204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

I am writing to request that the NHTSA investigate a potential safety and repair adequacy issue regarding our 2017 Honda Pilot Elite. On June 29, 2026, we brought the vehicle to an authorized Honda dealership for a Rear Subframe Safety Recall. At drop-off, I specifically reported an ongoing grinding and rattling noise coming from the rear of the vehicle and requested an investigation. The Honda repair order documents this as "Concern rattle heard coming from the rear" but states they were "Unable to duplicate concern." The dealership also documented performing a multi-point inspection. The odometer was recorded at 87,508 miles in and 87,509 miles out. The abnormal noise continued after the recall repair. Due to ongoing safety concerns after driving the vehicle a considerable distance, we sought a second opinion from an independent repair facility on August 17, 2026. The technician there discovered and documented that the left rear upper control-arm bolt was incorrect and too short, and that the required washer and nut were entirely missing. Photographs were taken to document this condition. The technician advised us that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. It remains at the facility waiting for the correct hardware to be installed, followed by an alignment. We are deeply concerned that this critical suspension hardware issue was not identified by the authorized Honda dealer during the recall service, the multi-point inspection, or the targeted investigation of our rear suspension noise complaint. We request that the NHTSA investigate whether this condition is related to the recall repair, and whether the recall repair and subsequent safety inspection were performed adequately. Thank you very much.

NHTSA complaint #11758068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

when trying to accelerate car is yanking very bad seems like it is a very bad shutter or something with the transmission there is also a very bad squeak when you drive under the car

NHTSA complaint #11757503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

when trying to accelerate car is yanking very bad seems like it is a very bad shutter or something with the transmission there is also a very bad squeak when you drive under the car

NHTSA complaint #11757503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Component/system that failed: The audio/infotainment system (radio), rear DVD entertainment system, and backup camera all fail together while driving. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Description of the problem: While driving, the radio works normally for approximately 10-30 minutes, then begins developing static that gradually worsens until the audio cuts out completely. At the same time, the rear-seat DVD entertainment system stops functioning, and the backup camera also fails. This appears consistent with a known defect in the MOST (Media Oriented Systems Transport) bus and FAKRA connectors that Honda has already acknowledged and recalled on 2019-2022 Pilot, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2018-2023 Odyssey models (NHTSA Campaign 23V431), but my 2017 Pilot Elite with the same Navigation/rear entertainment head unit is not covered by that recall despite the identical failure pattern. How safety was put at risk: Loss of the backup camera while driving/reversing removes a safety feature I rely on to see behind the vehicle, increasing risk of a collision when backing up, especially around pedestrians or in tight parking situations. This mirrors exactly the safety concern Honda cited in its own recall notice for later model years — that loss of MOST communication causes rearview camera failure.

NHTSA complaint #11755779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Component/system that failed: The audio/infotainment system (radio), rear DVD entertainment system, and backup camera all fail together while driving. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Description of the problem: While driving, the radio works normally for approximately 10-30 minutes, then begins developing static that gradually worsens until the audio cuts out completely. At the same time, the rear-seat DVD entertainment system stops functioning, and the backup camera also fails. This appears consistent with a known defect in the MOST (Media Oriented Systems Transport) bus and FAKRA connectors that Honda has already acknowledged and recalled on 2019-2022 Pilot, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2018-2023 Odyssey models (NHTSA Campaign 23V431), but my 2017 Pilot Elite with the same Navigation/rear entertainment head unit is not covered by that recall despite the identical failure pattern. How safety was put at risk: Loss of the backup camera while driving/reversing removes a safety feature I rely on to see behind the vehicle, increasing risk of a collision when backing up, especially around pedestrians or in tight parking situations. This mirrors exactly the safety concern Honda cited in its own recall notice for later model years — that loss of MOST communication causes rearview camera failure.

NHTSA complaint #11755780 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Component/system that failed: The audio/infotainment system (radio), rear DVD entertainment system, and backup camera all fail together while driving. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Description of the problem: While driving, the radio works normally for approximately 10-30 minutes, then begins developing static that gradually worsens until the audio cuts out completely. At the same time, the rear-seat DVD entertainment system stops functioning, and the backup camera also fails. This appears consistent with a known defect in the MOST (Media Oriented Systems Transport) bus and FAKRA connectors that Honda has already acknowledged and recalled on 2019-2022 Pilot, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2018-2023 Odyssey models (NHTSA Campaign 23V431), but my 2017 Pilot Elite with the same Navigation/rear entertainment head unit is not covered by that recall despite the identical failure pattern. How safety was put at risk: Loss of the backup camera while driving/reversing removes a safety feature I rely on to see behind the vehicle, increasing risk of a collision when backing up, especially around pedestrians or in tight parking situations. This mirrors exactly the safety concern Honda cited in its own recall notice for later model years — that loss of MOST communication causes rearview camera failure.

NHTSA complaint #11755779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Component/system that failed: The audio/infotainment system (radio), rear DVD entertainment system, and backup camera all fail together while driving. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Description of the problem: While driving, the radio works normally for approximately 10-30 minutes, then begins developing static that gradually worsens until the audio cuts out completely. At the same time, the rear-seat DVD entertainment system stops functioning, and the backup camera also fails. This appears consistent with a known defect in the MOST (Media Oriented Systems Transport) bus and FAKRA connectors that Honda has already acknowledged and recalled on 2019-2022 Pilot, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2018-2023 Odyssey models (NHTSA Campaign 23V431), but my 2017 Pilot Elite with the same Navigation/rear entertainment head unit is not covered by that recall despite the identical failure pattern. How safety was put at risk: Loss of the backup camera while driving/reversing removes a safety feature I rely on to see behind the vehicle, increasing risk of a collision when backing up, especially around pedestrians or in tight parking situations. This mirrors exactly the safety concern Honda cited in its own recall notice for later model years — that loss of MOST communication causes rearview camera failure.

NHTSA complaint #11755780 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the engine made a knocking sound while being started and while driving. The knocking sound became louder while driving to the residence. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the timing belt, timing belt tensioner, idler pulley, and water pump, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was determined that the connecting rod bearing had failed and the short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Action Number: PE25008 (Engine). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 56,908.

NHTSA complaint #11755483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

2026-08-06 ~7:50AM check engine light came on/flashed while entering freeway, car generally ran as normal though felt as if cylinder was not firing (two weeks prior had regular maintanance and all spark plugs were replaced, assumed this was related to that). Dropped daughter off at camp turned off vehicle. 2026-08-06 ~8:05AM restarted vehicle, check engine light did not come on. Engine ran as normal, proceeded to drive towards dealership. 2026-08-06 ~8:25AM entered freeway, check engine light and many other warnings came on (rolling display of errors), engine limited to low RPMs and ~30MPH. 2026-08-06 ~8:30AM called honda dealership to let them know I was coming in. 2026-08-06 ~8:40AM Service manager utilized OBD port which provided initial code of misfire on cylinder 5. 2026-08-06 Dealership subsequently determined the engine had "spun a rod bearing". Honda recommended service "Replace Short Block"

NHTSA complaint #11755334 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The back up camera every so often will be blank. Other times the dashboard warning lights will go on effecting the cruise control, lane assistance, and break assistance. According to the Honda dealership it is the back up camera that is causing all of these problems because there are some parts that are defective because of heat and weather. There are thousands of complaints by Honda owners claiming to have the same issue. The solution is a part that costs over $2000 with a high chance of the part needing repair in a few years. Honda knows about this issue for cars 2015-current. There is a current class action lawsuit as well. We just want it fixed without further issues.

NHTSA complaint #11751774 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

The back up camera every so often will be blank. Other times the dashboard warning lights will go on effecting the cruise control, lane assistance, and break assistance. According to the Honda dealership it is the back up camera that is causing all of these problems because there are some parts that are defective because of heat and weather. There are thousands of complaints by Honda owners claiming to have the same issue. The solution is a part that costs over $2000 with a high chance of the part needing repair in a few years. Honda knows about this issue for cars 2015-current. There is a current class action lawsuit as well. We just want it fixed without further issues.

NHTSA complaint #11751774 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

The back up camera every so often will be blank. Other times the dashboard warning lights will go on effecting the cruise control, lane assistance, and break assistance. According to the Honda dealership it is the back up camera that is causing all of these problems because there are some parts that are defective because of heat and weather. There are thousands of complaints by Honda owners claiming to have the same issue. The solution is a part that costs over $2000 with a high chance of the part needing repair in a few years. Honda knows about this issue for cars 2015-current. There is a current class action lawsuit as well. We just want it fixed without further issues.

NHTSA complaint #11751774 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while idling at a red light and then attempting to accelerate, the vehicle failed to respond, and the vehicle shut unexpectedly. The contact was assisted with pushing the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed it with connecting rod bearing failure. The mechanic informed the contact that it was a known issue and that there was a previous recall for the issue. Upon research, the contact became aware of NHTSA ID Number: PE25008 (Engine). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who confirmed the failure and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer located a used engine, but the vehicle was not repaired because the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The manufacturer was informed of the issue and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

NHTSA complaint #11751525 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Lane keeping assist problem light on, collision mitigation system problem light on, road departure mitigation system problem light on, adaptive cruise control problem light on. brake sy stem light on. The vehicle’s multiple camera has failed and it is a common occurrence with this vehicle. Honda has not recalled this and is charging customers upwards of $2500 to replace the camera behind the windshield and recalibrate it. This isn’t an issue based on miles there have been incidents with it happening as early as 30,000 miles. I bought my vehicle used and about 113,000 this started happening

NHTSA complaint #11751382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

Lane keeping assist problem light on, collision mitigation system problem light on, road departure mitigation system problem light on, adaptive cruise control problem light on. brake sy stem light on. The vehicle’s multiple camera has failed and it is a common occurrence with this vehicle. Honda has not recalled this and is charging customers upwards of $2500 to replace the camera behind the windshield and recalibrate it. This isn’t an issue based on miles there have been incidents with it happening as early as 30,000 miles. I bought my vehicle used and about 113,000 this started happening

NHTSA complaint #11751382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

Lane keeping assist problem light on, collision mitigation system problem light on, road departure mitigation system problem light on, adaptive cruise control problem light on. brake sy stem light on. The vehicle’s multiple camera has failed and it is a common occurrence with this vehicle. Honda has not recalled this and is charging customers upwards of $2500 to replace the camera behind the windshield and recalibrate it. This isn’t an issue based on miles there have been incidents with it happening as early as 30,000 miles. I bought my vehicle used and about 113,000 this started happening

NHTSA complaint #11751382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 to 60 MPH, the emission warning light illuminated. The contact was concerned about the vehicle stalling while driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel injector, torque converter, and front and rear catalytic converters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was contacted and offered goodwill assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

NHTSA complaint #11750790 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 to 60 MPH, the emission warning light illuminated. The contact was concerned about the vehicle stalling while driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel injector, torque converter, and front and rear catalytic converters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was contacted and offered goodwill assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

NHTSA complaint #11750790 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 to 60 MPH, the emission warning light illuminated. The contact was concerned about the vehicle stalling while driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel injector, torque converter, and front and rear catalytic converters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was contacted and offered goodwill assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

NHTSA complaint #11750790 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Digital speedometer stop working. It won’t display. It has happened before, and it’s happening again. This is dangerous to my driving as I have no idea how fast I’m driving when there is no display of my speed. I read from Honda Pilot community there are many others Honda Pilot owners have this same issue. This should be safety recall as it’s driving safety issue. Thank you for looking into my concerns.

NHTSA complaint #11750083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Digital speedometer stop working. It won’t display. It has happened before, and it’s happening again. This is dangerous to my driving as I have no idea how fast I’m driving when there is no display of my speed. I read from Honda Pilot community there are many others Honda Pilot owners have this same issue. This should be safety recall as it’s driving safety issue. Thank you for looking into my concerns.

NHTSA complaint #11750083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

On XXX, while my wife was driving our 2017 Honda Pilot Elite (VIN: [XXX]) southbound on [XXX], approaching the intersection with [XXX], the vehicle experienced a complete engine stall due to the Auto Idle Stop feature. The engine shut off at a stop but failed to automatically restart when she released the brake to proceed. All dashboard warning lights flashed, and the vehicle became inoperable in the middle of traffic, creating a significant traffic jam at a busy intersection. My wife was able to restart the vehicle manually by shifting to Park and pressing the engine start/stop button. This is part of a persistent safety defect with the Auto Idle Stop (Idle Stop-Start) system. The vehicle has stalled multiple times in traffic and on highways since new. Honda performed TSB 23-008 (PGM-FI Idle Stop software update/product update campaign) on XXX at Autopark Honda in Cary, NC, but the issue was not resolved. I also replaced the battery in November 2024 at the dealership's recommendation, but the no-restart/stall problem continues. I normally keep the Auto Idle Stop feature disabled for safety, but my wife forgot on this occasion. **Cause:** UNKNOWN (per Honda TSBs 23-008 and 23-009, the issue relates to excessive cylinder pressure and/or low cranking torque after Idle Stop engages; prior fixes have not resolved it). This defect creates a dangerous situation where the vehicle can unexpectedly lose power in traffic, increasing collision risk. I have reported this to the dealership multiple times and am seeking resolution under TSB 23-009 (warranty extension). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11748740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.