FaultScore

Honda Pilot fuel system problems

859 of the 13,073 complaints filed about the Honda Pilot are about the fuel system — 7% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2019.

859

Complaints

7%

Share of all complaints

18

Crashes

9

Fires

Fuel & Propulsion complaints by model year

2003 Pilot 18 2.1%

Median failure at 108,007 miles

2004 Pilot 18 2.1%

Median failure at 89,500 miles

2005 Pilot 7 0.8%

Median failure at 100,200 miles

2006 Pilot 6 0.7%

Median failure at 17,500 miles

2007 Pilot 3 0.3%

Median failure at 124,000 miles

2008 Pilot 5 0.6%

Median failure at 18,000 miles

2009 Pilot 1 0.1%

Median failure at 98,088 miles

2010 Pilot 4 0.5%

Median failure at 100,000 miles

2011 Pilot 10 1.2%

Median failure at 50,000 miles

2012 Pilot 17 2.0%

Median failure at 41,000 miles

2013 Pilot 13 1.5%

Median failure at 23,750 miles

2014 Pilot 5 0.6%
2015 Pilot 6 0.7%

Median failure at 72,500 miles

2016 Pilot 183 21.3%

Median failure at 53,868 miles

2017 Pilot 139 16.2%

Median failure at 39,000 miles

2018 Pilot 124 14.4%

Median failure at 79,250 miles

2019 Pilot 190 22.1%

Median failure at 65,200 miles

2020 Pilot 54 6.3%

Median failure at 54,000 miles

2021 Pilot 21 2.4%

Median failure at 53,591 miles

2022 Pilot 9 1.0%

Median failure at 5,020 miles

2023 Pilot 5 0.6%
2024 Pilot 6 0.7%
2025 Pilot 15 1.7%

Median failure at 16,000 miles

What owners said

2017 Honda Pilot Houston, TX

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.

2016 Honda Pilot Fort Worth, TX

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The vehicle sputtered and stalled on the highway. I was able to restart after a few minutes and then it stalled again. I was able to get it to a repair shop after stalling about 3 times on the way. The diagnostic code was for the high pressure fuel pump. This was replaced. Four weeks later the same problem occurred. This time I stalled on a major freeway. I was able to restart and get it off the freeway. It stalled so frequently that I had to call a tow. The vehicle is throwing the same diagnostic code but the shop suspects the low pressure fuel pump may be the source of the issue.

NHTSA complaint #11758040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Honda Pilot Valrico, FL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Tachometer is starting to surging idle. Getting a wave of errors lights and messages. It’s also a known problem on the 2019 of the same model and it has a recall. I received the same code from an auto repair shop. Service Bulletin 21-010

NHTSA complaint #11757579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Honda Pilot Irvington, NJ

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Smells gas while driving.

NHTSA complaint #11757561 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Honda Pilot Louisville, CO

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Auto Idle Stop (AIS) system failed to restart engine after automatic shutdown at high elevation (~10,000 ft), following a long sustained incline. Vehicle had been driven through extreme heat (100°F+) in foothills prior to the climb, then ascended into cooler mountain air (~70°F). Coolant temperature gauge read normal (under half) at time of incident. At a stop, AIS shut off the engine as designed. Engine did not start when I released the brake pedal. I have tried to turn off the car completely and start it again. Engine would not restart via the ENGINE START/STOP button afterward. Cranking was strong and fast, but engine did not catch/start. Vehicle was inoperable for approximately 5 minutes, after which it started normally with no further intervention (no jump start, no mechanical repair). After restart, Auto Start/Stop was manually disabled for the remainder of the trip. Vehicle then completed a 1-hour drive home with no further starting or performance issues, suggesting the AIS restart logic, not an unrelated mechanical or electrical fault, was the cause.

NHTSA complaint #11752932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Honda Pilot New Rochelle, NY

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

My current 2021 Honda Pilot (purchased used May 2024) is stalling out in live traffic - the most recent on XXX creating a massive safety hazard. (In addition, the engine is making the same exact clicking noise that the 2015 Honda VIN:[XXX] made right before the engine catastrophically seized on my way to work. That 2015 Honda Pilot seized due to a defective Variable Cynlinder Management (VCM) system. This defect was covered by a court-ordered federal class-action settlement warranty extension (Alex [XXX] v. American Honda, Case No. XXX), extending coverage to 10 years/150,000 miles. While that vehicle was fully within this window - Honda of [XXX] wrongfully denied this legal warranty.) The CURRENT 2021 Honda Pilot (Purchased Used) VIN: [XXX] suffers from intermittent engine stalling in live traffic. The dealership has failed to resolve this issue across three separate visits, while exploiting the emergencies. The timeline of failed repairs includes: 2/14/25: The vehicle stalled in live traffic. The dealership charged me $420.48 for diagnostics and a failed repair. 8/13/25: The dashboard lit up and the vehicle suffered engine failure leaving my family stranded for 9 hours waiting for Honda Assist. It was brought to the Honda of New Rochelle service center where they exploited this emergency to charge me an exorbitant $1,300.00 out of pocket for unrelated work financed via Sunbit loan. 9/24/2025: The vehicle stalled in live traffic for a third time. The dealership charged me an additional $572.00 for another failed repair. They reguse to give me the RO's and the car has 29 active codes including U3006-16 (ECU Power Source Failure), proving a severe electrical or fuel delivery hazard remains completely unresolved. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11752657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Honda Pilot Niskayuna, NY

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I am filing a safety and defect complaint regarding my 2016 Honda Pilot (3.5L V6 Engine). In Dec 2025, the "EMISSION SYSTEM PROBLEM" warning light ocationally illuminated on the dashboard. On 5/26/26.while driving, the vehicle suddenly began to shake violently and experienced a severe loss of acceleration—when I stepped on the gas pedal, the vehicle hesitated and would not speed up (loss of motive power). In June I let a certified Honda dealership scanned the vehicle and pulled diagnostic trouble codes P0430, P219A, and P219B, confirming that the fuel injectors have failed. This is a well-documented manufacturing defect explicitly detailed in Honda’s Technical Service Bulletin TSB 20-100. The defect causes uneven fuel delivery and cylinder misfires, which poses a severe driving hazard, including sudden engine stalling, loss of motive power while driving, and acceleration hesitation in traffic. Although American Honda previously extended the warranty for this specific injector defect to 10 years or 150,000 miles, my vehicle was DENIED coverage by American Honda corporate customer relations solely because it has just passed the 10-year mark (the vehicle was purchased on November 30, 2015), despite having only 140,000 miles (well under the mileage limit).This is a critical safety and environmental hazard inherent to Honda's manufacturing design. An expiration of time does not make a known manufacturing flaw any less dangerous on public roads. I request NHTSA to investigate this persistent issue and upgrade the current warranty extension to a mandatory safety recall so that affected consumers are not left driving hazardous vehicles or forced to pay thousands of dollars out-of-pocket for an acknowledged factory defect.

NHTSA complaint #11752278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Honda Pilot Haughton, LA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Full brake system, Emissions System problem, and Service System malfunctioning, out of the blue. Factory Reset and System Updated performed with no improvement.

NHTSA complaint #11751683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Honda Pilot at 127,000 miles Whitehouse, OH

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.

2019 Honda Pilot Spruce Pine, AL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Left home driving 5 min down the road the car suddenly started hiccuping as to power I almost wrecked it recovered but started again …was a prime example of that fuel pump issue …i turned around drove home barely made it going slow …smelling a low grade sweetish burning smell…made it home checked and found this recall online of the fuel pump issue…called dealership asked to get this fixed they told me I had to get it there they would not provide a tow and the recall issue has made it unsafe to drive…the problem is their fault and now I am expected to to pay 200 to get there…they should tow and fix… they also would not cover a loaner I’m out transportation for days and this has caused all sorts of issues as I have to get to work etc…

NHTSA complaint #11750706 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Honda Pilot Wernersville, PA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2019 Honda Pilot after experiencing a failure of the fuel rail assembly that resulted in the check engine light illuminating and required repair at my own expense. My vehicle exhibited the same symptoms and was diagnosed with the same fuel rail issue that is described in Honda’s existing recall for certain 2019 Honda Pilot vehicles. However, when I contacted Honda, I was informed that my VIN was not included within the recall population, despite my vehicle experiencing the identical failure. The fuel rail failure caused the check engine light to illuminate and required replacement of the defective fuel rail. Because my vehicle was excluded from the recall, Honda declined to cover the repair, and I was forced to pay the full cost out of pocket. I believe this demonstrates that the defect is not limited to the VIN range identified in the recall. My vehicle experienced the exact condition addressed by Honda’s recall, yet I received no assistance solely because my VIN was not included. Owners of vehicles with the same defect should not be responsible for repair costs simply because their vehicle falls outside the current recall range. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether the recall population should be expanded to include additional 2019 Honda Pilot vehicles affected by this same fuel rail defect and that Honda reimburse owners who have paid for repairs related to this safety issue.

NHTSA complaint #11749801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Honda Pilot Budd Lake, NJ

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

My 2016 Honda Pilot Touring repeatedly stalls and shuts off while driving, including at lower speeds in traffic. When it happens, the engine and all electrical power shut off; the vehicle then has to be jump-started, and it will sometimes only restart after sitting for an hour or more. This is a serious safety hazard because the vehicle can lose power unexpectedly while in motion, creating a risk of a crash and of being stranded in a travel lane. The failed component is the fuel delivery system (fuel pump / fuel system pressure). The condition has been diagnosed repeatedly with trouble code P0087 (Fuel Rail/System Pressure — Too Low). It was first documented on July 18, 2025 at 144,303 miles by an independent service center, which diagnosed a failing fuel pump. On March 13, 2026 a Honda dealer again retrieved code P0087 and diagnosed a failing fuel pump. In April 2026, a second Honda dealer could not reproduce the code, replaced the fuel injectors instead, and the stalling returned within about 670 miles. In May 2026 that same dealer documented the problem as a "reoccurring issue" and now recommends replacing the in-tank fuel pump. The warning symptom prior to failure was the check-engine/malfunction-indicator lamp, which set code P0087; the stalling followed. The problem has been confirmed and reproduced by both an independent service center and a Honda dealer, and the vehicle is still owned and available for inspection upon request. No crash, fire, or injury has occurred. This stalling/loss-of-power failure mode is the same one described in NHTSA recall 23V-858, in which the in-tank fuel pump can fail and cause the engine to stall while driving. This vehicle is exhibiting exactly that failure mode but is not currently included in that recall population. I am reporting it so the agency is aware, and I request that this vehicle be considered for inclusion in recall 23V-858.

NHTSA complaint #11748988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Honda Pilot Winter Park, FL Fire

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

DRIVING HOME FROM CHURCH SUNDAY JUNE 28TH DOWNSLOPE OF A SMALL HILL SMELLED HOT METAL; WASN'T SURE IF THE ODOR WAS FROM US, THE LARGE TRUCK THAT JUST PASSED US OR ENVIRONMENTAL; SUDDEN "POP" WAS HEARD ACCOMPANIED BY A "JERK" IN THE VEHICLE; LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKES; DASH WAS LIT AND SHOWED RPM/MPH/ETC THEN BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON SMOKE BILLOWING FROM ENGINE FOLLOWED QUICKLY BY COMPLETE FIRE FROM ENGINGE; ALL 4 PASSENGERS EVENTUALLY GOT OUT; POLICE AND FIRE DISPATCHED; COMPLETE LOSS; TRAUMATIC TO SAY THE LEAST; ONLY LIGHT PREVIOUS WAS SERVICE SOON AS OIL LIFE WAS AT 15%; BELIEVE TO BE A KNOWN ISSUE WITH 2017 PILOTS RODS BEND AND BREAK BUT NOW WARNING (RESEARCHED AFTER THE FIRE)

NHTSA complaint #11748455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Honda Pilot West Valley City, UT

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2019 Honda pilot with under 60k miles, no obvious symptoms but Codes P219B and P0430 coming up, multiple sites reporting common recall for fuel injector issue with these codes. Called dealer and reporting that VIN not covered even though codes/symptoms the same as other vehicles covered under recall. Estimated cost over $1000 to replace fuel injectors

NHTSA complaint #11748071 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Honda Pilot Louisville, KY

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Honda pilot would not restart after auto ideal engine stop. This issue caused all the warnings lights to come on with blinking engine light! Honda dealer was not able to resolve the issue and ended up paying $1500 even though it was a part of their service bulletin 23-009.

NHTSA complaint #11747433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Honda Pilot Knoxville, TN

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

On two separate occasions this vehicle has died when stopped at a traffic light. First time was in February and the second was in June, both times were in 2026. Both times had to push the off button and do a restart.

NHTSA complaint #11747427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Honda Pilot Buckeye Lake, OH

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The fuel injectors have been diagnosed by my local dealership with all the appropriate codes referencing the following extended warranty bulletin issued by Honda for the repair of all 6 fuel injectors and related parts to be installed free of charge. Honda issued a warranty extension for the 2019 Honda Pilot fuel injectors under Service Bulletin 20-100. ​Warranty Coverage Details ​Expiration Point: The warranty is extended to 10 years from the original date of purchase or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. ​Condition: The vehicle must display a Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine Light) with specific stored fuel-system error codes (such as P0300 through P0306, P0420, P0430, P219A, or P219B). ​How to Get Coverage or File a Claim ​1. If Your Vehicle Needs Repair Now ​Take your vehicle to an authorized Honda dealership. They will scan the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). If the codes match the service bulletin criteria, the dealer will replace the fuel injectors for free. ​American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Honda Automobile Customer Service P.O. Box 2964 Torrance, CA 90509-2964 I meet all the requirements for the warranty work to be provided for free as the fuel injectors are a defective part as manufactured and my vehicle is at 125,000 miles under the 10 year 150k condition. However Hinderer Honda, Heath Ohio stated my vehicle isnt covered even though its the same as covered by Honda extended warranty. The parts kit for repair is $479.00 dollars and labor quoted was $895.00. I simply cant afford this vital repair as its also causing safety issues and business loss as a delivery and rishare driver. I ask that you approve the warranty repairs to be provided to Hinderer Honda ASAP please. Please contact me @ [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11746794 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Honda Pilot Mobile, AL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Fuel started to pour from under the vehicle above the gas tank. The seal on the fuel pump was causing this when the vehicle was turned on. The fuel pump was on recall for this failure and the vehicle was towed to the Honda AutoNation Dealership in Mobile, AL. While there the franchise dealership executed Safety Recall 21-034 on my 2019 Honda Pilot; the fuel pump. The technician then sent us a video saying the fuel pump did not fix the problem as a rodent had chewed through the fuel line near the fuel pump above the gas tank. He did not show an image of this damage nor produce evidence of rodents. During the repair, the technician mechanically damaged the high-pressure fuel line. The line subsequently continues to leak gas under pressure, creating an immediate engine fire hazard. The dealer then falsified paperwork blaming rodents to escape liability. This is evident by the crescent shaped slice through the fuel line. I have video proof showing the difference in fuel leaks from the pump and then from the sliced fuel line.

NHTSA complaint #11746805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Honda Pilot West Palm Beach, FL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I was driving home at 4am on I-95 with my children in the car. My car has had a history of "juttering" and making a vibrational noise, but on the way home there was an issue with acceleration when using the gas pedal, and slow to gain speed. There were times when the gas pedal didn't respond to my foot depression at all, and did not accelerate. When I was almost home, many lights came on my dash including: Blind Spot warning, emissions systems problem, transmission problem apply parking brake when parked, stop driving when safe transmission problem see manual. The car is not driveable at this time and sitting in my driveway. I have no idea where to tow it to or what to do or how much it will cost

NHTSA complaint #11746473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Honda Pilot Berkley, MI

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Component Involved: Engine Lubrication / Cylinder Head / Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Spool Valve (Solenoid Assembly) and Electrical Charging System (Alternator). Vehicle Affected Example: Honda vehicles equipped with the 3.5L V6 (J35 Engine Series) with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), including the Honda Pilot. Description of the Safety Defect & Failure Mechanism: The rear (bank 1) variable valve timing spool valve assembly is mounted directly above the vehicle's alternator. Due to thermal cycling and material degradation, the molded rubber gasket on the upper portion of this spool valve assembly experiences premature compression set and fails, resulting in a pressurized engine oil leak. Because of the physical packaging and architecture of the J35 engine, the oil dripping from this failed gasket falls directly into the open housing of the alternator located immediately below it. The engine oil contaminates the alternator's internal brushes, slip rings, and diodes, leading to a catastrophic electrical short circuit and total failure of the charging system. Description of the Safety Risk: When the alternator fails due to oil contamination, the vehicle experiences an immediate drop in system voltage, resulting in a sudden and un-warned loss of electrical power while the vehicle is in motion. This triggers a cascade of safety hazards: Loss of Power Steering Assist: The sudden loss of electrical generation drops the vehicle into battery-reserve power, frequently causing the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) to shut down immediately, drastically increasing steering effort and the risk of a crash. Engine Stalling: Total depletion of the battery occurs rapidly without alternator output, leading to sudden engine stalling in active traffic without the ability to restart. Loss of Safety Systems: Reduced system voltage disables critical safety components, including Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), supplemental restraint systems (airbags).

NHTSA complaint #11746124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Honda Pilot problems