134 of the
1,328 complaints about the 2017 Honda Pilot are about the
other systems — 10% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
36,000 miles.
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.
Morrisville, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
ELK Grove, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My speedometer display keeps going blank in the instrument cluster. I will be driving and it would go blank, and stay blank in extented periods of time. This is a car not driven much due to this reason. The milage is still 70k. The speedometer gage goes blank and does not turn on.
NHTSA complaint #11747687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Martinville, LA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have been frequently getting the message on my dash "Keyless Start System Problem" This message appears when starting or stopping the vehicle and while driving. The message does not stay on the dash it eventually disappears.
NHTSA complaint #11745193 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gulf Breeze, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2017 Honda Pilot Touring has experienced ongoing electrical and battery-related issues for several years and has been in and out of authorized Honda dealerships numerous times. The vehicle has been serviced repeatedly at both Fowler Honda in [XXX], and Pensacola Honda in [XXX]. Due to the inability to diagnose the problem, the issue was escalated by Pensacola Honda to American Honda’s technical line. After extensive diagnostics over two days, the technicians informed me that Honda engineers are aware of an issue but currently do not have a solution, although they are working on one. On XXX, while turning left from [XXX] onto [XXX], I had sufficient time to complete the turn and pressed the accelerator to proceed. However, the accelerator became completely unresponsive and the vehicle would not accelerate. My vehicle was left partially in the intersection while an oncoming vehicle approached. The other driver could have easily struck the driver’s side of my vehicle, creating the risk of a serious or fatal accident. Fortunately, a collision was avoided, but this incident demonstrated a significant safety hazard. In addition to this loss of acceleration, the vehicle has experienced recurring starting problems and electrical malfunctions. Pensacola Honda found that the battery tests normally when removed from the vehicle, but does not function properly when installed. Despite numerous repair attempts and escalation to American Honda, the problem remains unresolved. I believe this defect poses a serious safety risk to myself, my passengers, and others on the road due to the potential for sudden loss of acceleration while driving. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11742090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milford, CT
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The paint is peeling on the pearl white color. This is a known issue and it is large sections that could cause a hazard while driving
NHTSA complaint #11741112 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winter Garden, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This is a follow up to my previous complaint. 11729106. I brought my Honda Pilot to my local dealer. They confirmed there is a problem with the keyless start system on my Honda. I ended up paying around $1000 to have it repaired. I have great concern that this could have caused a fatality. I park my car in the garage at home, and the car started by itself. I have pets and children.
NHTSA complaint #11736232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winter Garden, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The issue appears to involve the vehicle’s electrical control system responsible for power management and system activation while the vehicle is off, possibly including the Smart Power Control Module and related components. It may be arranged for the vehicle to be inspected. The vehicle behaved as though it had been remote started, initiating engine cranking without any user input while turned off. If this occurs while parked in a garage or enclosed space, it could lead to dangerous carbon monoxide buildup and pose a serious risk to occupants. Unintended engine activation also presents a risk to nearby people or property. The unintended engine cranking event occurred once and was directly witnessed while I was seated inside the vehicle observing other electrical oddities. The issue has not been reproducible on demand. However, related symptoms including the alarm activating on its own and unexplained electrical activity while the vehicle is off have occurred multiple times. The vehicle has not yet been inspected for this issue by a dealership, manufacturer, or third party. No police or insurance reports have been filed. I plan to take it to the dealership tomorrow (4/4/2026). There were no warning lights or messages before or during the event. Prior symptoms include intermittent alarm activation, display flashing, clicking fuses, and electrical activity while off, beginning before the engine cranking incident.
NHTSA complaint #11729106 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Montevallo, AL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
it is unfortunately the camshaft end play issue that we see with these engines from time to time. Honda identified that the surface roughness of the camshaft thrust cover on these engines was manufactured out of specification. This poor surface finish creates excessive friction and wear, allowing the camshaft to develop excess fore-and-aft movement (end play). As the camshaft shifts physically out of its correct alignment, it begins to scrape against the thrust cover or cause the reluctor wheel to physically strike and damage the Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor. So you have to replace the camshaft, the camshaft sensor, the thrust plate, and timing cover plate. In this picture you can see where the reluctor wheel has been scraping on the cam sensor. This was sent to me not only by one mechanic but multiple. Honda needs to replace this and a recall needs to be made!!!
NHTSA complaint #11728639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gulf Breeze, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car is dangerous. I have been the only owner of this car. Over the years and again today the car loses acceleration when attempting to pass someone on the highway at speeds of 65 MPH +. The car just doesn't accelerate and leave you pushing gas and nothing happens. I have had issues where I have had to move over 2 lanes on busy highway to pull over due to lack of anything happening when I press the gas. Today, it actually didn't throw any codes, but acceleration returned after about 25 stressful seconds. It's bad enough this car has to have the idle engine depressed everytime you start it or the car will die and not restart at a traffic light. There are way too many safety issue with this car. I will keep reporting as time allows. I have done all the routine maintenance on this car as well. I try to keep my cars 10 years, but this one has been an issue since early on.
NHTSA complaint #11727498 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arcata, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving back from my daughter's tournament in [XXX] and while driving, I heard a loud Crack. It sounded like It came from the top of the car. When we got home I hit the button for the moonroof slide and noticed that the moorroof had cracked. There was no one in front of us and no debris when the loud Crack occurred. Luckily there was no glass shards that fell on the kids. I looked online and saw many other customers had this same scenario happen and glass fell on their children. Customers are also saying that this is due to cold/heat exposure. The Problem cannot be reproduced as it involves glass. And there are no warning lights for this issue. I am reporting the incident today to my dealer and insurance. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11723813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gulf Breeze, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This car loses speed when passing while highway driving. Car decelerates and throws you into neutral throws dash errors of "blind spot" & "transmission problem". I was luck to be able to get over 2 lanes to break down lane without being hit from behind on several occasions. Car message to put in park and turn off. Car was in neutral and wound not go into park. I had to put emergency break on and power down car in neutral. Waited a few minutes then restarted and no errors on dash. Car back to normal. Car has major faults and you can't show the codes when you get to dealer because they are gone then they also want to charge you $175 diagnostic fee. Car also has issues with the stop light idle turning off feature and not turning back on for 5-10 minutes yet another way someone can hit you from behind. I am stuck with this unsafe car and Honda never has to recall anything. I am going tomorrow yet again to try and get the Service Bulletin 23-078 Warranty Extension for the torque converter covered to see if that will resolve issue.
NHTSA complaint #11699078 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pennellville, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The Auto engine idle stop system just quits and stalls out at intersections. I have to put the car in park and restart the vehicle. Some times it takes a few minutes to get it moving. I’ve brought it to the dealership and they updated the software but it didn’t make any difference. It doesn’t happen all the time but it’s very frequent. I’ve started disabling it because it’s frightening when your call stalls and people are coming up behind you quickly at a green light. Today it’s entirely malfunctioning with a warning so I will have to take it back to the dealership again for them to tell me nothing is wrong. Honda should do a recall on this. I’ve searched the internet and I’m apparently one of many people having the same issues with this feature. Thanks so much.
NHTSA complaint #11698778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mcallen, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car goes idle/shuts off with the auto shut off feature but won't turn back on automatically.
NHTSA complaint #11696919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elgin, IL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
In August 2022, with approx. 92,000 miles, my 2017 Honda Pilot received fuel injector replacement and a PCM update under Honda TSB 20-100, performed by Schaumburg Honda. This Technical Service Bulletin is known to have downstream impacts on emissions systems if the root cause is not fully corrected. On August 13, 2025, at 134,045 miles, the vehicle triggered a P0430 code (“Bank 2 Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold”). Schaumburg Honda again replaced the injectors. Less than a month later, on September 8, 2025, at 135,101 miles, the vehicle triggered a second emissions code, P0420 (“Bank 1 Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold”). Schaumburg Honda informed me that both catalytic converters had now failed and quoted over $5,800 in replacement costs. This sequence of events strongly suggests a long-term emissions defect potentially caused by unresolved impacts from TSB 20-100. American Honda denied goodwill assistance based on mileage, despite the clear connection to prior manufacturer-directed service. I have purchased several vehicles from this dealer over the years and have maintained all service through authorized Honda service centers. This raises safety and environmental concerns due to the catalytic converter failure, and may indicate a systemic issue tied to the TSB.
NHTSA complaint #11692460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charleston, SC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have a 2017 Honda Pilot manufactured at their Alabama Plant. It has White Diamond Pearl. The paint is de-laminating from the car around the roof, and rear panels. This is ultimately structural problem that will allow rust formation. The paint pealing started in 2023 and has continued. It is apparent Honda is aware of the paint problem for White Diamond Pearl and other white paint from this plant that covers Pilots, Civics, Fits, and HRV models starting in at least 2015 through 2017 (not sure if beyond that manufacturing time frame). Honda is not responsive to this costly problem. This is finally a safety issue if the body panels rust and weaken the car in a collision. The NHTSA should address this issue with Honda. Please advise about warranty extensions or class actions against Honda.
NHTSA complaint #11681951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richardson, TXFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Teenage daughter was driving in rush hour traffic and the car seemed at have stalled out. She pulled over on the shoulder and manually turned off the car. When she tried re-starting it, it would not start. Electrical came on, but no power to the engine. Something then seemed to have overheated because when fire department was called, they extinguished something that had melted the plastic covering underneath the car. Fire department called due to smoke. No flames seen. We believe the smoke was from the melted plastic under car from something (a fluid) that was leaking. Insurance was called, car was towed to a Honda repair shop and then towed to a local Honda dealership. They say engine seized and is locked up and will not re-start. Other noted repair needed they say is torque converter. No other problems with this vehicle in the past. One of the best cars we have owned. No warnings prior to this happening on the highway. Disappointed that Honda did not have a cause and origin expert determine what happened to the car.
NHTSA complaint #11680326 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Campbell, KY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I feel the engine is failing
NHTSA complaint #11674178 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gulf Breeze, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Auto Idle Stop System continues to be a problem even after new battery as well as computer update from Honda. My safety continues to be put at risk due to car not restarting after idle at stop light in traffic. People have almost rear ended my car as well as the stress it puts on driver because car totally dies and can't restart for several minutes. This is a one car owner since new in 2017 and continue to replace battery, but nothing helps. Car has been serviced by Honda dealer since purchased in 2017. No warning and you have to remember every time you restart the car to turn this feature off.
NHTSA complaint #11670222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Monrovia, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Honda has put us in a very difficult and dangerous situation that we have tried to get fixed with two local Honda dealerships and have not been able to get this fixed This relates to "Warranty Extension: 2017–19 Multi-Model 6AT Torque Converter - DTC P0741 Stored." We own a 2017 Honda Pilot that we are still making payments on. We believe in Honda vehicles because our 2007 Honda Odyssey has over 300,000 miles and we can still drive it. For several months prior to December 2024, our Pilot has made a strange knocking noise when we turn it on. We did some research and found the torque converter recall notice. Sierra Honda in our town of Monrovia, Calif. would not even look at our car even though we mentioned the recall. They wanted to charge us just to inspect the vehicle. In December 2024, Pasadena Honda did examine our car but they said there was no code coming up on the computer indicating that anything was wrong with the car. We told them that if they drove the car, they could hear the issue but they said they couldn't drive it. The situation with our 2017 Honda Pilot has worsened and we are asking for Honda to deal with this situation immediately by fixing our car AND providing us with a rental car while our car is being fixed. I have a video from March 2025 that demonstrates that the noise continued to be an issue. The noise has gotten worse. I have videos from today that demonstrates this as well. I could not upload these videos here but can share them with you. We are loyal Honda customers and ask that you please fix this situation immediately for the safety of our family. This is our family car -- we drive our daughters to school 30 minutes away every day -- and do not want to have an accident in our Honda Pilot. Please help us immediately as this car is on recall and it needs to be fixed. HONDA REFUSES TO FIX TORQUE CONVERTER ISSUE
NHTSA complaint #11659393 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Randolph, NJ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Issue : Engine Idle Restart malfunction Incident Description: I was driving my Honda [Model, Year] when I encountered a serious safety issue related to the Engine Idle Auto Start-Stop system. While stopped in traffic at a red light, the auto start-stop feature engaged and turned off the engine as expected. However, when the light turned green and I released the brake, the engine failed to restart automatically. I was stuck in the middle of moving traffic, unable to accelerate or move the vehicle. This unexpected failure caused a dangerous traffic obstruction and put me at serious risk of being rear-ended. I had to manually restart the vehicle under pressure, with vehicles approaching behind me, creating a high-stress and potentially crash-prone situation. This issue is especially concerning because this vehicle was previously subject to a Honda recall for this exact problem, and I was informed that the fix had been applied. Clearly, the issue persists and the so-called fix is not effective. This malfunction not only compromises my safety but also that of other drivers. I request immediate attention to this recurring issue and urge Honda to take responsibility by issuing a proper and permanent fix.
NHTSA complaint #11652633 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Westminster, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The start/stop mechanism is believed to be not working properly at all times. The car will turn off when we are at a stop or red light and we hit the gas to go, the car turns off. When the car turns off we are left at the light or stop while the rest of the cars go. We almost get rear ended because we are expected to go and don’t. We got honked at and at times in dangerous parts of the road with low visibility of our car at the bottom of a hill. We have toddlers in the car in car seats and it’s extra dangerous. The dealer has not been able to reproduce the problem and therefore they say there is no problem even after showing them videos of different occasions. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, or others. We have contacted the manufacturer and they also shrugged and said we can’t reproduce the problem so there’s nothing to fix/do. There are no warning lights before it happens it just doesn’t turn on and then it displays a series of steps that are required in order to turn the car back on. I have videos of it. We have been dealing with this since may 2022 I have record of taking it to the dealer 8 times and all the repairs they recommended each time and what we have paid for.
NHTSA complaint #11651721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jackson Heights, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When the Idle Stop feature is activated, the car idles at a redlight or prolonged stop as when stuck in traffic. The car engine stalls once the brake pedal is released and must be restart in order to move the vehicle. The condition is dangerous as it has happened in busy traffic. It happens approximately 1 out of every 10 times the idle stop is activated.
NHTSA complaint #11648265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Iowa City, IA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2017 Honda Pilot has been experiencing significant RPM surging and juddering between 10-45 MPH, accompanied by "Transmission System Problem" and "Emission System Problem" warning messages. Timeline of Events: Initial Repair (May 13, 2024): The Billion Honda dealership in Iowa City diagnosed the issue as DTC P0776. I paid $426.10 for the repair, but the surging, juddering, warning lights, and DTC P0776 code persisted. Recommended Transmission Replacement (June 17, 2024): The dealership recommended replacing the transmission at $9,000.00. Upon contacting American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Case #[XXX]), Honda offered to cover 30% ($2,723), leaving me with a $6,277.88 bill. Highway Breakdown (November 7, 2024): The vehicle severely juddered and displayed warning messages before breaking down completely on [XXX] in Chicago, endangering my safety and others during heavy traffic. Concerns: Premature Failure: The vehicle had only 42,073 miles as of May 2024, far below the expected lifespan for a transmission, suggesting a manufacturing or design defect. Recurring Issue: Despite the repair, the DTC P0776 problem persisted, indicating a deeper quality defect. Financial Burden: It is unreasonable for a loyal customer to pay $6,277.88 for a transmission replacement likely caused by a manufacturing defect. Safety Risks: The highway breakdown highlights the severity of this issue and the danger it poses. Common Problem: Similar transmission issues (DTC P0776) have been widely reported by other Honda owners, suggesting this is not an isolated case. Requested Resolution: I request Honda to: Cover 100% of the transmission replacement costs, including taxes and fees. Reimburse the $426.10 I paid for the unsuccessful repair. Address the root cause of this defect to ensure no further safety risks. I invested significantly in this vehicle and expect Honda to uphold its reputation for quality and customer care. Please address this matter promptly. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)
NHTSA complaint #11625643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pensacola, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
18 June 2021 took car in for A/C no longer working. They stated the a/c compressor failed, but not under recall, however they didn't have any parts since it was a common problem. Got the parts and repaired it 7 July 2021. Only safety issue is that on another Honda we own the compressor also failed during an interstate drive with thunderstorms and a tornado we couldn't see out of the window and while attempting to exit the interstate the compressor seized causing the engine to overheat leaving us stranded.
NHTSA complaint #11624559 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fishers, IN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have a recall for fuel pump malfunction that was announced in December 2023. The first time I was notified was in February 2024 and today we are at the end of October 2024 (240 days) and there has been no update. My car failed to start twice and the battery was in good shape in May and July. The car constantly hesitates when trying to accelerate. Every time, I call a Honda dealer they tell me that the replacement for the item is not available. Upon checking for some affects that might be caused as a result of this recall, the fuel filter might get bad due to bad fuel pump, it might also affect the function of the fuel injectors, valves, and the whole fuel system. Honda wants to charge me just to take a look into this incident. I feel unsafe driving on highways or even in local areas as every time I try to accelerate, the car fails to go to full power and I am afraid that the car behind might hit me from the back if my car stops due to fuel pump failure. If the manufacturer or the dealer is unable to replace this part, I feel that they should change my car to a new car as I have been driving with this issue for over 8 months now with no visible progress.
NHTSA complaint #11622461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Archdale, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Transmission needs replaced after I did transmission flush 5/24/24
NHTSA complaint #11613207 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Freeport, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? THE A/C COMPRESSOR IS BAD, REMOVED DISCHARGE HOSE AND FOUND METAL CONTAMINATION. NEED TO REPLACE ALL MAJOR COMPONENTS OF THE A/C SYSTEM. NEED TO REPLACE THE A/C COMPRESSOR, CONDENSER, EXPANSION VALVE, EVAPORATOR, DISCHARGE HOSE AND FLUSH LINES. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The safety of both the driver and passengers was compromised due to the malfunctioning air conditioning system in the 2017 Honda Pilot EX-L. Driving without a functional AC system can lead to discomfort, distraction, and potential health risks, especially during extreme weather conditions. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, problem has been confirmed by Honda of Bay County on 04 April 2024. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No
NHTSA complaint #11598059 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Diego, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Had an “Emission system” problem in Jan. 2024. The Honda services replaced fuel injector and other parts relating to the problem. However, 1,000 miles after the same problem showed up again and was told on 6/10/24 by the Honda services that problem is the same again after running a test. I tried contacting American Honda to check any recall and found out that anything relating to fuel injector has extended warranty. Today, 6/11/24, after I demand for free car loaner Honda services called to tell us that this time it was the catalityc converter fails. I’m very concern whether telling me the truth or not.
NHTSA complaint #11593744 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sylvania, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The radio intermittently changes volume, brightness level, turns off/on all by itself. This has caused the volume to get so loud I have to take my eyes off the road. There has been several other complaints online about this. It's dangerous to be driving to have the radio all of a sudden startle everyone and the driver tries to fix it while driving
NHTSA complaint #11583186 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.