Honda Pilot engine problems

ENGINE

Our pilot is experiencing similar issues found online with catastrophic engine failure due to a misfire caused by a knocking rod. Honda so far has not responded to our claim despite it being a known issue around the same time ours was manufactured.

NHTSA complaint #11763937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I recently purchased this car from a Nissan dealership a week after we purchased it the emissions system problem light came on took it back they replaced a catalytic converter it was ok for a couple weeks and all of a sudden it showed up again my vin doesn’t show any open recalls but I have a feeling this is a part of the recall that affects the certain years of affected vehicles

NHTSA complaint #11763823 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I own a 2017 Honda Pilot equipped with the 9-speed automatic transmission. I am reporting what I believe may be transmission/torque-converter failure and a potential safety concern. The vehicle began experiencing shuddering, jerking, and hesitation. There is significant RPM fluctuation and harsh shifting. The problem occurs on highway speeds, accelerating or shifting lanes, 40–60 mph. During these episodes, the acceleration stalls and is accident prone. 8 months ago, I brought the vehicle to an authorized Honda dealer because of these symptoms, they couldn't get the code. 3 months ago, I went again for same issues, the dealer diagnosed a damaged air-intake hose and I paid for replacement. However, immediately driving off the lot, the original symptoms continued after the repair. I returned the vehicle to the Honda dealership because the problem persisted. The dealership has now diagnosed transmission failure and has estimated the repair at approximately $10,000. American Honda has offered approximately 60% goodwill assistance toward the repair, leaving me responsible for approximately $4,000. I am concerned because there are numerous reports involving transmission and torque-converter problems in 2017 Honda Pilots. Honda has issued technical service information concerning transmission and torque-converter conditions in this model year, including information involving the 9-speed automatic transmission. I am also aware of other NHTSA complaints involving premature 9-speed transmission and torque-converter failure in 2017 Honda Pilots. My vehicle has previously required other Honda-recognized repairs, including fuel-injector/emissions-related repairs that Honda covered. I am submitting this complaint because a transmission or torque-converter malfunction that causes hesitation, harsh or unexpected shifting, loss of acceleration, or loss of motive power can create a serious safety risk, particularly while entering or traveling on a highway or crossing traffic.

NHTSA complaint #11763553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The car stalled in an intersection. The auto idle function had engaged when the car came to a full stop, but when i took my foot off the break it did not restart. It took a couple of tries to get it to restart, leaving my car in the intersection. This problem has been happening on and off since I bought it used in 2022. In May 2025, a Honda dealership near me made a valve adjustment and replaced the starter, which was supposed to have fixed the issue. However, it recently started occurring again.

NHTSA complaint #11763378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

After previously reporting that a connecting rod bearing noise developed after the timing belt maintenance package was performed near 100,000 miles, the connecting rod bearings failed around 3,000 miles later while going down the interstate with children in the car. Thankfully the Pilot, which was shaking and making noise, was able to be pulled over to side of the interstate and later towed to the dealer service. No symptoms other than the noise at low speeds usually from take off, which regional Honda said wouldn’t damage anything, but apparently it did.

NHTSA complaint #11763509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Engine warning light came on, then all warning lights came on, then the engine just stopped. Honda dealer confirmed it was due to a failed crankshaft and might be covered under a current recall, 23V-751. We spent over $10,000 in diagnostics, purchasing a rebuilt engine and installing the rebuilt engine. The issue was confirmed by a Honda Dealer. No issues with the Pilot prior to this happening. There are many complaints for the same issues from other 2016 Honda Pilot owners with the same failures. Honda knows this was an issue with parts used but has only covered part of 2016 Honda Pilots instead of all of them.

NHTSA complaint #11763131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle lost automotive power, and the battery, oil, and information warning lights remained illuminated. Several minutes later, the vehicle was restarted, and the contact continued driving. Another failure occurred while attempting to accelerate from a stop, and the transmission shifted into neutral, the brake pedal became stiff, and the contact was forced to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The failure mileage was 98,512.

NHTSA complaint #11762859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Have a 2019 Honda Pilot - Fuel injector failure/Catalytic Converter at 115,000 miles. estimated cost over $2,200. KNOWN MANUFACTURING DEFECT: Honda Service Bulletins 20-100, 21-002, 22-002 acknowledge widespread fuel injector failures in 2019 Honda Pilots caused by debris from manufacturing process. Honda extended warranty to 10 years/150,000 miles for certain VINs. My VIN is excluded despite identical failures and many others complaint of the same issue. Something needs to be done to hold Honda accountable!!!!

NHTSA complaint #11762706 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I am having transmission issues with my 2019 Honda pilot. There is an extended warranty service bulletin out, Honda USA claims my vehicle does not fall under that extended warranty based on the VIN. I am experiencing all of the symptoms of the fuel injector issues that they report in the bulletin. I am unable to get anybody at Honda to help me.

NHTSA complaint #11762757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The engine started making a faint rattling sound at low rpm , but after 15 miles of driving the noise grew rapidly and something broke in the engine and seized the engine. Currently at a workshop and mechanic said this can't be fixed as engine is damaged and it need a full motor replacement. He also, mentioned it could have been very a serious issue and I could have gotten into a serious accident.

NHTSA complaint #11762299 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Engine bearing rod failure. Even though all engine required service was completed on time and at the official Honda service, engine bearing rod failed requiring costly whole engine replacement.

NHTSA complaint #11762317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The car is having issues with the idle stop. It started taking longer to restart after a stop and now it turns completely off. It happened today in a traffic light in a big intersection.

NHTSA complaint #11762329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The engine started throwing emissions codes and running rough about 6 mo ago but it was very sporadic and always cleared on their own. However on 8/23 my husband was driving it, all the lights started coming on and it froze up and died while he was driving it. We had taken it to the shop where they confirmed that the whole engine was dead that its a known problem with these years pilots and would require a new engine.

NHTSA complaint #11762221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Rod bearing failure, diagnosed by Honda Service. At a stop light, vehicle starting making very loud noises (video proof). I pulled over right away and had it towed to not risk an accident or more damage. Honda(same place that the vehicle was purchased at did most preventive maintenance) diagnosis: "Engine Major Miscellaneous | rod bearing failure. removed timing covers and confirmed t belt is intact and holding tension. was able to start motor momentarily and confirmed rod bearing noise. replace motor with used engine" I asked Honda Coporation for a goodwill claim and help and the claim was denied. I appealed this decision. I am asking Honda to consider whether the actual cause of my engine failure could be consistent with the type of internal engine concerns that have been documented on comparable vehicles, and to give my case the attention that such a serious failure warrants. In particular, I asked that Honda: - Reviews the complete authorized-dealer diagnosis, technician notes, repair estimate, and any teardown findings. - Determines and document the specific failed bearing and the suspected root cause of the failure. Review the oil condition, lubrication findings, crankshaft condition, and any other evidence that may explain why the rod bearing failed. -Preserves the failed components and diagnostic records while this request is being reconsidered. -Considers full or substantial goodwill assistance toward repair or engine replacement, including parts coverage, labor assistance, towing or a fair cost-sharing arrangement. This was not an expected maintenance expense, a neglected oil change, or a routine wear item. It was a sudden, serious internal engine failure. I did what Honda asks owners to do: I maintained the vehicle, completed scheduled preventive maintenance, and took well care of it. I HAVE (and provided Honda) proof of ALL PREVENTIVE maintenance completed as recommended, including a costly timing belt change. *NO warnings, lights or signs prior to t

NHTSA complaint #11762175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My engine light came on, and the codes reported were P0441 P04F1 U0401 and P0172. I took the car to the dealer for a diagnostic and they stated it was the fuel injectors. Their is a TSB 21-010 related to this situation, however my car's vin wasn't covered by the TSB. I have two coworkers with the same engine, and they had the same issues and were covered on the TSB. I spoke with my local shop to get a quote and they mentioned doing a lot of fuel injector replacement on Honda lately. It seems like the scope of the TSB wasn't wide enough to include all affected VINs.

NHTSA complaint #11761856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My vehicle is equipped with Honda's Auto Idle Stop system. While driving, the vehicle has chronically suffered from a slow crank symptom. On two occasions, after coming to a complete stop at an intersection and the engine shutting off automatically, the vehicle completely failed to auto-restart when required, taking considerable time to restart and enter Drive. No warning lights or error codes were displayed on the dashboard during or leading up to or after these failures. One of these auto-restart failures occurred in active traffic and nearly resulted in a crash. I mentioned the slow start/crank to the dealer on several occasions (before the "no restarts" occurred); they were dismissive of the issue, stating that "All pilots with Auto Idle Stop feature do this. I've gotten to the point where I try to disable the feature everytime I get in the car but don't always remember. The vehicle remains a safety risk to myself and other drivers on the road. I would love a method of shutting this feature off perminently as to not have to disable it every time I get in the car or accidentally forget!

NHTSA complaint #11761871 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

A critical failure in the direct fuel injection system caused severe engine misfiring, sudden loss of drive power, and a cascade failure that disabled safety systems during vehicle operation. Diagnostic scan confirmed DTCs P0172 (fuel system rich) and P0301 (cylinder 1 misfire). In response to the misfire, the vehicle's computer automatically disabled the Electronic Power Steering (EPS), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), and SH-AWD systems (diagnostic codes U0401-68, U0416-68). This is a known manufacturing defect involving internal injector wear and high-pressure fuel pump debris (detailed in Honda TSB 20-100). The sudden loss of engine responsiveness paired with the simultaneous disengagement of traction and steering assists while driving creates an immediate crash hazard. Because Honda currently limits this repair to a 10-year warranty extension rather than a mandatory safety recall, vehicles with low mileage are experiencing sudden safety-assist shutdowns on the road without manufacturer remedy.

NHTSA complaint #11761766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

While driving car it lost power and was going only 35 mph then shut off completely while driving. Would not crank had car towed to Honda dealer and they said the engine was seized up. The car is at the Honda dealer now. No warning lights that I'm aware of. Honda dealer stated I would need a new motor.

NHTSA complaint #11761565 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2019 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with fuel injector failure. The contact was informed that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The fuel injectors were replaced. The contact became aware of Technical Service Bulletin: 21-010, NHTSA ID Number: 10187008 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System, Equipment, Power Train). The contact called the dealer, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not covered under an extended warranty. The manufacturer was informed of the issue and confirmed that the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 91,670.

NHTSA complaint #11761593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The vehicle experienced a check engine light with code P0430 and a failed Air/Fuel ratio test due to defective fuel injectors leaking raw fuel into the exhaust bank. This failure completely mirrors the factory defect in Honda Service Bulletin A21-010 (NHTSA ID: 10187008), which extends the fuel injector warranty to 10 years/150,000 miles. A certified Honda dealer verified the exact codes and components but explicitly denied the mandatory corporate warranty extension, attempting to charge $1,804.51 out-of-pocket and ignoring subsequent communication. Unburned raw fuel dumping into the catalytic converter presents a progressive engine failure and exhaust safety hazard.

NHTSA complaint #11761695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.