1,162 of the
13,244 complaints filed about the Honda Pilot
are about the other systems —
100% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2016.
Rearview camera is showing up as green and purple on the screen. It makes seeing what is behind the car hard when in reverse. Dealer does not know what caused it but it started as intermittent but now is constant
NHTSA complaint #11764086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Auto restart issues. I have reported this before. When coming to a stop and the engine shuts off it does not automatically restart. It has left me sitting at a light having to sit and wait before I am able to turn my car back on. This can be a huge safety issue when in traffic or when a line of cars is behind me or at any time. I have had services done and computer upgrades in the past and the problem continues.
NHTSA complaint #11763783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This vehicle is equipped with Honda's Auto Idle Stop (AIS) system, which shuts the engine off automatically when the vehicle comes to a stop and is designed to restart it when the brake pedal is released. On XXX, while stopped at a light at approximatly [XXX], the engine shut off as normal, but failed to restart when I released the brake. The vehicle was inoperable for approximately one to two minutes while stopped in a busy traffic muilti-lane road at a light over an expressway, creating a serious risk of being struck from behind by other traffic. This is not an isolated occurrence, I experience this AIS no-restart failure on a regular/recurring basis, not just this one time. I am aware that Honda has issued service bulletins related to this issue (TSB 23-008, TSB 23-009) and that this defect is the subject of a certified class action settlement (In re Honda Idle Stop Litigation, No XXX). I believe this represents an ongoing safety defect that creates a real risk of a collision, particularly in higher-speed or higher-traffic conditions where a temporarily immobile vehicle is a hazard to itself and surrounding traffic. This vehicle has a rebuilt/salvage title (repaired and retitled prior to my purchase; it passed state inspection and is legally registered and roadworthy). When I contacted Honda about repair under the applicable service bulletins (TSB 23-008 / TSB 23-009) for this defect, I was told the rebuilt title status disqualifies this vehicle from that repair coverage. I am not seeking a warranty or cost remedy through this complaint, I am reporting this because it means an unknown number of vehicles with this safety defect are currently excluded from any manufacturer-provided fix, leaving the underlying no-restart hazard unaddressed on the road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11763550 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have a 2025 Honda Pilot. The air conditioner stopped working late evening on August 26th, 2026. I made an appointment and took it to the Honda dealership service center on August 28th 2026. I was informed of the problem and that the vehicle would be fixed by 9/1/26 or 9/2/26 the latest. I did not hear back from the service center so I repeatedly called Honda service on 9/2/26. I then received a phone call and was told that the repair parts were in back order and that I could pick up my car and drive it without air conditioner as it is not a safety issue. My car sat at Honda service for 6 days and I was never told the parts were in back order. I also spoke to service manager explained that I had recently had knee replacement surgery and still dealing with swelling which worsens in heat. I have now been without air conditioner in my 2025 Honda Pilot since late August. This is unfair and unacceptable. I have bought this to the attention of the corporate offices and yet have not been given any updates. I am still paying for a 2025 vehicle with no working air conditioner. I am concerned of other safety issue and/or the reliability of this vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11763557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am filing this complaint regarding a recurring “Network Communication Lost” issue with my Honda Pilot. I am aware that Honda has issued a recall related to network communication issues; however, when I checked my vehicle’s VIN, it is not included in the recall. My vehicle is experiencing the same network communication problem described in the recall. I am concerned that my vehicle may have the same underlying defect but is not currently covered by the recall. I believe this issue should be investigated because a loss of communication between vehicle systems can potentially affect the operation, reliability, and safety of the vehicle. I should not have to wait until my vehicle experiences a more serious failure before this issue is addressed. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether the recall should be expanded to include additional Honda Pilot vehicles, including vehicles with VINs that are currently excluded but are experiencing the same defect. I would also like this complaint documented as part of any investigation into Honda’s network communication system issue and any related safety defects.
NHTSA complaint #11763297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Honda recognized a factory paint adhesion defect and issued a warranty extension 19-057 for a defined VIN population. When I inquired a Honda dealer in 2022, the response was that my vehicle was outside that population. The fact that my car met the year, model, trim, and color criteria, and exhibited exactly the same defect in the same locations. Further, I have learned that other 2016 Pilots outside the VIN population had reported the same failure. My vehicle exhibits the exact defect that Honda recognized in 19-057, but Honda's VIN eligibility population excluded my vehicle. I am asking NHTSA to help convince Honda to reconsider the exclusion and warranty extenstion period or provide goodwill assistance because the defect is demonstrably occurring in vehicles outside that population and these vehicles have been denied proper remedy.
NHTSA complaint #11762322 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
The moonroof of my car exploded on my panoramic sunroof. It was a hot summer day and I had the AC on. I opened the panoramic sunshade and as soon as it was fully open the moonroof glass upfront exploded. My family and I were very shaken, showered in glass and I almost swerved into a car that was passing me to the left. My wife had a minor cut on her arm that initially looked worse than it was. My younger son got glass in his mouth and said he swallowed some by mistake. The poor kid was crying for days thinking he was going to die. This was not a busy highway. There was no sign of debris hitting the car / moon roof. Pictures were taken after I cleaned up the broken glass around the rim of the moonroof so I could drive 2.5 miles to get off the highway without more glass falling on us.
NHTSA complaint #11761528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My pilot is suffering from the known safety defect where the engine stalls and force shifts into neutral during Auto Idle Stop. The dealership advisor handed me Service bulletin 23-010 admitting my vehicle matches the exact failure criteria. However, they are refusing to cover the failed starter motor under the warranty extension, even though Honda’s own technical documents state that the starter failure is a direct consequence of the low cranking torque and the tight engine valves. I need a corporate case manager to open an urgent case and issue a goodwill authorization to cover the starter the 23-010 valve adjustment. We have purchased 8 Hondas in the last 15 years, service has been a main reason for our return but after the experience today I’m not sure we can continue. The problem is a hazard.
NHTSA complaint #11761361 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The engine required a short block replacement at approximately 40,000 miles. There was a severe knocking sound and the dealer diagnosed heavy scoring and abnormal wear present on the front bank cylinder walls. The result was excessive internal engine clearance and cylinder wall damage. Engine cylinder piston block holes were worn beyond spec. After 33 days the vehicle was returned and developed a growling/grinding noise when the AC was in operation and at lower speeds that followed the RPMs. Vehicle was returned to dealer and told sound was normal operation for this model and stated it was coming from AC Compressor. Independent shop verified 2 days later AC compressor was failing and possible metal contamination. AC compressor is backordered with no ETA. Advised to not use AC or Defroster to avoid seizing and causing serpentine belt to snap. Advised Honda Customer Care and assigned Case Manager who was made aware of knock and compressor failure and contacted dealer who stated vehicle could not be seen for 7 days due to being booked. Advised Case Manager of vehicle safety concern with internal engine failure damage and failing AC system and was denied emergency loaner or assistance and told it was all they could do. Vehicle now unsafe due to both with no timeline for fixing and known hazards due to severe engine failures and associated issues with main systems.
NHTSA complaint #11761063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
High Pressure Fuel Pump fails after implementing recall listed below. See recall information: December 18, 2023 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 23V858000 Fuel Pump May Fail Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. NHTSA ID Number: 23V858000 Manufacturer Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) Components FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE Potential Number of Units Affected: 2490460
NHTSA complaint #11760641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I own a 2012 Honda Pilot Touring equipped with the factory navigation system. The navigation system clock recently developed a problem where the time displays as 0:00 and does not operate normally. I attempted the available clock-setting procedures through the navigation system. I was temporarily able to set the correct time, but after exiting the settings the clock returned to the incorrect 0:00 display. This appears to be an electronic/software or GPS-related issue rather than a normal mechanical failure. I am concerned because other Honda owners with similar factory navigation systems appear to be experiencing the same issue. I contacted American Honda regarding the problem, and Honda opened Case #16589920 on August 27, 2026 under In-Car Technology / Navigation. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA has a record of the issue and can determine whether this represents a widespread defect affecting these Honda navigation systems and whether further investigation, manufacturer corrective action, or a recall is appropriate.
NHTSA complaint #11759992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am filing this complaint regarding my new Honda Pilot with only approximately 300 miles. The vehicle has multiple serious problems that I believe should be investigated as potential safety defects. Steering/Rack Clicking: The steering system produces a loud clicking/rattling noise that sounds like loose marbles, especially at low speeds and during slow turns. This appears to come from the steering rack/steering assembly. There are multiple reports from Honda Pilot owners on online forums describing the same or very similar steering noise dating back to the 2023 redesign. It is extremely concerning that the issue continues in newer vehicles. A potential defect involving the steering system could affect steering control and represents a serious safety concern. Transmission Jerking: The transmission jerks, lurches, and rocks the vehicle at low speeds, particularly when shifting into Drive, Reverse, and between 1st and 2nd gear. There is sometimes hesitation followed by an abrupt engagement. Unexpected movement during parking, reversing, or stop-and-go traffic could create a safety risk. A/C Not Cooling: The A/C is not properly cooling the cabin and has a condenser/refrigerant leak. In extreme temperatures, inadequate cabin cooling can also become a safety concern, particularly for children and other vulnerable passengers. It is unacceptable for a vehicle with only 300 miles to have these significant issues. Given the multiple owner reports and the apparent persistence of the steering problem across model years, I strongly believe NHTSA should investigate these complaints and determine whether Honda should be required to conduct a safety recall. Honda should not wait for accidents or injuries before taking action. If these are widespread defects, Honda should issue a recall and provide a permanent repair to affected owners. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate these issues and take appropriate action to protect Honda Pilot owners and the public.
NHTSA complaint #11759960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
There's an old recall called FAKRA Service Cable Safety, Recall Number #23V-431, The recall issue was fixed, but it is now recurring. The cracking windshield sound, along with the screen shutting off or going blank, increases the risk of a crash or injury when backing up or driving while using the navigation system. We contacted Honda about this issue, but they don't seem keen on fixing it, especially now that it's out of warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11759738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This vehicle exhibits an issue with the fold down sun visors on both sides whereby the hinge mechanism is extremely tight. So much to the point that the sun visors will no longer fold up out of the drivers view. Additionally, if the vehicle was to be involved in an accident the front driver and passenger's heads would likely impact the partially lowered sun visor possibly resulting in additional injury. When brought to the attention of the service department at my local dealer, I was told there is no way to lubricate the hinge mechanism and I'd have to purchase new sun visors as it is a trim item not covered by my extended warranty. This issue started to occur around the 90,000 mile mark and has continued to get worse. The vehicle currently has approximately 120,000 miles now.
NHTSA complaint #11759599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Known design defect under Special Coverage for some vehicles, but does not include my VIN for a 2020 Chevy Traverse. Full details are provided in the attachment, including photos of the broken exhaust weld bracket and costs incurred so far. Additional expenses are expected to be incurred in the coming days when parts are available to prevent exhaust emissions from entering the vehicle during operation while doors and windows are closed, which is an issue caused by failure of the exhaust weld bracket.
NHTSA complaint #11759404 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.