general problems of the 2017 Honda Pilot - part 1

While driving the engine started smoking and stopped working. Upon checking by a mechanic it was found that the engine had no oil and was shut. Regular maintenance had been performed on a timely manner and there had been to previous issues or any oil leaks.

My Honda which has 120,000 miles is experiencing rod bearing issues. Honda refuses to help cover costs. I know there is an ongoing investigation with this year and similar mileage issues with Honda Pilots so I am submitting this as proof of another case this is happening.

My 2017 Honda Pilot has been diagnosed with engine failure by john hinderer Honda heath, OH despite having been cared for quite well. This failure occurred well before reaching the expected life of the vehicle at 106,515 miles, yet outside the warranty window and having no symptoms before the sudden failure. After doing some research on Pilot owner online forums, as well as, the NHTSA website, it seems similar complaints have been well reported and a recall has been issued for some vehicles in the same year and model under NHTSA campaign number 23v75100. This relates to Honda manufacturer recall xg1 and Honda recall gg0. I have reported my claim to Honda but received no resolution as of yet. My manufacturer claim number with Honda corp is 15916252. The failures of my engine should be considered in the NHTSA campaign number 23v751000. Honda recall number xg1, Honda recall gg0. In addition, my claim should be considered as part of NHTSA action number: rq24013. This is a current investigation as to why the NHTSA campaign number 23v751000 was limited to 249k vehicles while so many cars continue to have the same issue but fall out of the scope of the recall.

Complete engine failure on our 2017 Honda Pilot ex-l on October 7, 2025. We purchased it new in 2017 and have maintained it per Honda recommendations, including oil changes. We have all of the records to support this. Based on research and the audio diagnosis from two separate mechanics (one being Honda), the failure was likely caused by a known connecting rod bearing issue that led to a recall of 249k Hondas in 2023. Please include this in the NHTSA odi evaluation pe25008, which is considering expanding the scope of that recall based on 414 additional incidents after the recall. Incident timeline & diagnostic summary October 7, 2025 (?12:30 pm) -took the vehicle to anthony’s auto for an audio diagnosis based on a knocking sound. --technician reported: knocking sound was slower than the piston rate, indicating a likely --rod bearing failure, leading to an inevitable and complete engine failure. --technician confirmed: oil level was normal (at the proper level). -anthony’s auto cautioned not to drive on the freeway, stating the engine could fail at any time. -I drove the vehicle home; less than ¼ mile from our house, the engine seized (knock ? failure). I put the car in neutral and drifted into our neighborhood. -vehicle was towed by aaa to marin Honda (appointment scheduled for October 8). October 8, 2025 (~5:10 pm) -marin Honda contacted us with their initial diagnosis and options: --Honda acknowledged that they had changed the oil at their facility in June 2025, per the schedule and criteria as recommended by Honda. --marin Honda confirmed the oil was at the proper level. Metal shavings were found in the engine oil during their inspection. --to fully diagnose the issue, they would need to take apart the entire engine. Teardown & reassembly “as-is” (I. E. No new engine) — $3,500 total. --teardown + installation of a refurbished engine, where the hours/parts from teardown would be credited toward replacement. Quoted $9,000–$10,000 for the refurb engine.

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving approximately 10-30 mph, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was unable to pull over to the side of the road. The contact pushed the vehicle to the side of the road with assistance. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the car doctor, where it was diagnosed that the engine connecting rod bearing had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA action number: pe25008 (engine). The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

- emission systems problem despite changing fuel injectors twice -- dealer found dtc p0420 . Performed 20-100 under warranty extension dealer replaced the fuel injectors last year in 2024 when the emissions systems problem indicator light appeared and recently again on September 04 2025. The repairs were performed free of charge. - the indicator now appears again on and off in the last two weeks after September 15, 2025. - the indicator sometimes shows up immediately after starting the engine and sometimes turn on while driving.

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.

120k j35y6 engine with good oil service and no major issues before. I heard a tapping/ticking noise emanating from the engine. So I brought the car to the local Honda service center for a diagnosis. Without opening the engine (I. E. Purely based off sound) they claimed that the sound was "rod knock" caused by the crankshaft pin and the connecting rod bearing, and that the engine was effectively totaled. Upon doing some research I learned that that exact issue is the subject of an ongoing investigation so I decided to submit this report. My receipt and outline of that engine diagnosis is attached.

Auto start/stop issue. I finally experienced what some other members of my family have experienced with this car. My Honda Pilot stalled at a stop light in heavy traffic after the engine was turned off when I stopped at the light using the auto start/stop function. After I released the brake when the light turned green, the car did not start.

Symptom: knocking noise coming from engine. Diagnosis: Honda dealer removed oil pan and found connecting rod bearing material. Removed all connecting rod bearings and found cylinder 1 bearing had excessive wear and found bearing was bent. Engine replacement recommended as bearing material may have went through the entire engine and could cause engine failure.

We have a 2017 Honda Pilot touring with the 3. 5l v6, and it developed a tick when running, and it turned into a rod knock. Found out about the crank and rod recall, but realized our 2017 is not included. Tore the engine down to find the #6 rod bearing destroyed. I still have the bearing if it is requested. The vehicle left us stranded in the middle of the highway with kids on board. The rod bearing and crank have not been inspected by anyone but me, as I cannot afford to take it into a shop or dealer. There were no warning lights or other symptoms besides the tick that turned into a knock.

When the auto start-stop feature is on (which is automatically on unless manually turned off every time you start the car), at stop lights/signs, my car will auto stop and then when I let go of the break to accelerate, rather than my car auto starting, it will shut down completely. It does not have the power to restart on its own. This happens all the time. I try to remember every single time I start my car to turn off the auto feature, but at times I forget. And for those times that I forget, it likely is going to happen during that ride. Recently it even happened in a parking lot where I had turned my car off, gone into a store and came back, tried to start my car and it took multiple attempts for my car to start because it acted as if it did not have enough power to start.

Vehicle: 2017 Honda Pilot VIN: [xxx] mileage at failure: 111000 summary of issue: my 2017 Honda Pilot suffered a sudden engine failure diagnosed by a Honda dealer as internal damage due to a failed connecting rod bearing. This is the same failure mode documented in Honda TSB 23-097 / safety recall for other Pilot model years (2016, 2018–19), but my 2017 VIN was excluded. Circumstances of failure: while driving, I first noticed a loud knocking/tapping sound from the engine, followed by reduced power and rough running while getting on the freeway. Within a very short time, the vehicle became difficult to drive and stalled. It had to be taken to a Honda dealership. The technician confirmed a failed rod bearing causing internal engine damage. The failure occurred without warning lights or prior indications, and if it had happened at highway speed, it could have led to a sudden loss of power and increased crash risk. Details: dealer diagnosis: rod bearing failure requiring engine replacement. Repair estimate: over $13,000 (engine replacement + related service items). Vehicle has been maintained meticulously (full synthetic oil every 5–7k miles, at fluid every 20k miles, recommended timing belt service). Honda America declined goodwill assistance, citing lack of Honda-dealer service records, even though independent/self-service maintenance records are available. Safety concern: rod bearing failure is a serious safety defect that can cause sudden loss of engine power while driving, posing a crash risk to the driver, passengers, and others on the road. Context: in Nov 2024, NHTSA opened an investigation into expanding the recall to include additional model years (including the 2017 Pilot) after more than 170 similar failures were reported outside current VIN coverage. My vehicle appears to be another case of this same defect, not yet included in the recall. Request: please investigate and consider expanding the recall to include the 2017 Honda Pilot. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of informatio.

While driving on interstate 4 in orlando, engine suddenly seized and all components shut off. We were able to navigate to the shoulder, but vehicle was completely dead. We needed to use an auto transport to bring the vehicle back to clearwater area where dealership confirmed the engine completely seized with an inability to crank, even manually. Please find courtesy palm harbor Honda's findings attached to this report.

(1)my local Honda dealership (herson's Honda, rockville, MD), has diagnosed a knocking sound coming from my engine as a rod bearing failure, and they say I need a new engine. My 2017 Honda Pilot has only 56,755 on it, and I am aware my model car is now currently under NHTSA investigation as a part of the expanded probe of an earlier 2023 recall. It is available for inspection. (2)your agency has identified this as a widespread problem among my model year, which could lead to complete engine failure. This event would put me as the driver, and any passengers I may be carrying at very serious risk. Other drivers could be at risk of injury if the engine were to fail and I were to lose control of the car. (3)yes, I had the problem replicated by both my independent service center, and the herson's Honda dealership. I will upload the confirmation document in my report. (4)the car has not been inspected by a manufacturer to my knowledge (yet). Right now, the car is at the herson's Honda dealership. Technicians have told me it is unsafe to drive the vehicle. (5)no lights appeared on the dashboard. I first noticed a slight knocking noise about a month ago, and then heard it again after returning from vacation, prompting us to take it into the dealership. It was quickly diagnosed as a rod bearing failure. -- herson's let us know they would file a report with american Honda. Ricardo benitez (herson's) told us we were not the first to come in with this issue, and "would not be the last". Nevertheless, herson's Honda has informed us that this is not currently under extended warranty, nor is it the subject of any current recall. This has left me with an inoperable car, with an engine replacement cost that I must bear to the tune of nearly $25,000. I urge NHTSA to compel Honda to issue a recall, given the widespread issue Honda is dealing with for my model year.

Driving down the highway started having the check engine light start flashing and a loud clunking noise started in engine. Pulled over and shut off vehicle and tried restarting and it wouldn't. Tried again about 1 hr later and same noise came back. Stuck on side of highway for est 3 hrs. Had it towed to local Honda dealer (70 miles away) and it has a connecting rod/bearing failure and the engine is shot. No indication of the problem until the check engine light starting flashing. Car ran fine. This happened on 7/24/25 and has been at dealership since then because it cannot be driven.

Unresponsive and delayed acceleration when pressing the accelerator at highway speed. There is no reaction once the accelerator is pressed, engine does not increase rpm and no increase in speed for 1-2 seconds. This lag in any acceleration has caused multiple dangerous situations and needs to be investigated.

I feel the engine is failing.

I believe my vehicle is impacted by the Honda/Acura related to recall 23v751000(engine damage from connecting rod bearing wear a damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving). Ticking noise in engine. 2017 Honda Pilot 40,028 miles on it. Dealership has advised that this is not part of the VIN recall, the connecting rod bearing is spun and I now need to replace the engine.

The engine developed bottom end knock. We brought it into the Honda dealership and they opened the engine from the oilpan to conduct an inspection. The dealership confirmed that the crankshaft bearings have scoring and the engine short block or whole engine needs to be replaced. This is the same issue that is being investigated under NHTSA action number: rq24013. There is a recall for this exact same issue for Honda Pilots model years 2016, 2018, 2019, but ours is a 2017 -- the active recall is part 573 safety recall report 23v-751. The dealership contacted Honda, who is only willing to issue a courtesy discount, so that the cost to fix is $8,000 to $9,000. The car only has 115,000 miles and has been regularly serviced by the dealership for oil changes and all other recommended repairs and service when due, so this is likely a defect with the crankshaft. The dealership that conducted the examination is muller Honda at 550 skokie valley rd, highland park, IL 60035.

The engine fails to restart on its own after a complete stop at a traffic light or intersection with the auto idle mode on.

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.

Connecting rod bearing failure at 118,000 miles. Followed all recommended Honda service schedules at authorized Honda dealerships. Need to replace crankshaft, main bearings, #2 cylinder connecting rod and connecting rod bearings and all related gaskets, o-rings, seals, etc. Could have been major safety issue if I was driving when the engine failed. Vehicle is at a Honda dealership and Honda corporate told me, sorry, but out of warranty. Worse customer service experience in my lifetime. No vehicle regardless of manufacturer and regular servicing should require this type of repair, ever at this mileage. There is a manufacturing defect since model years on both sides of the 2017 model are currently involved with engine recalls per the information below. Quite the coincidence that my Pilot experienced the exact same failure. No warning lights became illuminated. Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanical recall date 2023-11-12 recall no. 23v751000 Honda (american Honda motor CO. ) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura tlx, 2016-2020 Acura mdx, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 ridgeline, and 2018-2019 odyssey vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.

There was a knocking noise from the engine. I took it in for repairs and I was told that it is due to an abnormally worn rod bearing. I looked into this problem and found that there is an open investigation for the Honda Pilot 3. 5l v-6 and abnormally worn rod bearings leading to possible engine failure. I mentioned this to the Honda dealership and he informed me that it does apply to my vehicle because there is not a recall on my vehicle. The gentleman in the service department is now denying that he said that the rods are worn, but now he’s stating the rods are bent. I have the text message from yesterday where he was explaining what’s wrong with my vehicle and that the rods are abnormally worn. The Honda dealership in enterprise, al is the dealership that I’m working with. They informed me today that they are working on getting my engine replaced with an engine from a junkyard from a totaled vehicle. This doesn’t seem ok due to the issue at hand with the problems with the 3. 5 l v-6 engines and my concern is that it will have the same problems. I’ve read that Honda Pilot owners are having these same issues even though there isn’t a recall on their vehicles either. I’m very concerned and I’m not sure what can be done about this. I would appreciate any assistance or advice. Thank you for your time.

Honda’s auto idle stop (ais) system fails to restart the engine from a complete stop at traffic lights, road intersection or when stopped in traffic when the auto start/stop function is engaged. This has required the driver to shift the transmission to park to allow the engine to restart, once this did not work requiring a jump start in the middle of a busy intersection. Honda service has stated that a battery replacement was need, which was done, but a new battery has had no effect on the auto start/stop issue. The engine continues to struggle to restart when the ais system is engaged. The vehicle headlights can be seen flickering when the engine struggles to restart. This is an extremely dangerous defect that puts the occupants of the vehicle in repeatedly dangerous situations. For example when ais is engaged and making a turn into oncoming traffic, the vehicle will be stuck and inoperable in on coming traffic’s lane. This issue continues to persist with no resolution or solution from the manufacturer.

On April 12, 2025 I was driving my 2017 Honda Pilot northbound on hwy 395, 11 miles south of mammoth lakes, CA. About 5pm. Suddenly, simultaneously, my Pilot’s engine light began to blink, the entire instrument panel lit up, and my steering wheel began to lock up as the vehicle was losing power. I was able to get the vehicle onto the shoulder without hitting the guardrail that was inches from where I stopped. Smoke began to pour out from under the hood, and liquid began to empty out from underneath. We needed to get towed to our vacation destination spot, which was 12 miles from where we broke down. Since this happened on the weekend, needed to get towed again on Monday April 14 to the Honda dealer in bishop, 44 miles from where we were staying. The service manager took photos. There is a giant hole in the engine, none of which was caused by anything I’d come in contact with on the road. To american Honda corp. I have some questions for you: why isn’t the 2017 Pilot part of the recall? why did you include 2016 and 2018 but not 2017? do you expect me to have any more trust in your product, or think I will be recommending to friends and others that you make a safe, reliable vehicle? can you begin to imagine the stress, anxiety and not to mention insane amount of $ it will be costing me for a new engine? not to mention the money I’ve already sunk into paying for the vehicle and it’s required maintenance? did you also know that I have 80,000 miles on the Pilot’s current odometer? do you know that I have never been in an accident or have had a speeding ticket? do you care to know that I did every service required, on time, and always at the Honda dealer near my house because I am about following rules and recommendations put forth by you, for the maintenance and safety of my Honda Pilot? do you realize how lucky and grateful my husband and I are that, because of conditions and traffic the afternoon this happened we are lucky to be alive?.

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at approximately 75 mph, the check engine light was flashing. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the steering wheel was almost seized. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal the vehicle did not slow down. The contact coasted off the highway. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to start. The contact towed the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that there was an abnormal smoke odor coming from the vehicle and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the following day, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

Possible rod bearing, leading to engine failure.

The contact stated that the 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while the vehicle parked, the contact attempted to start the vehicle, there was a rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that a certified mechanic nearby inspected the vehicle and advised the contact to no longer drive the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the rod bearing had fractured causing the engine to fail and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 113,178.

The engine completely died and refused to start in the middle of a busy road. We had to call 911 and have a police car stop and re-reroute traffic to ensure that the stalled car didn't cause an accident. We thad the car towed to the dealer and they were able to confirm that the engine was dead and needed to be replaced. We filed a ticket with Honda (case #15428329) to have them cover the cost of the repair and they refused. We have since replaced the engine and the car is back in service. Since they refused to pay, we didn't have much of a choice at the time so we paid out of pocket.

Honda error code p0369 upon engine start, vehicle goes into safe mode to prevent engine damage.

I was told by my local Honda dealer (autofair Honda manchester nh) that my very well maintained 2017 Honda Pilot, which I bought new, needed a new engine. After doing some research, I discovered that Honda has already recalled 249000 vehicles in the us with a 3. 5 liter v6 engine that had manufacturing defects in the crankshaft that could cause connecting rod bearings to prematurely wear and seize leading to engine failure. Nhtsa also said it was probing the severity of the issue to determine if the vehicles not included in the 2023 recall should be covered. My 2017 Pilot falls into the "investigation period" and has characteristics consistant with those addressed in the 2023 recall. Therefore, I wanted to add my information to your database. Thank you.

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, and the engine was misfiring with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the camshaft had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000.

The stop/start feature will randomly not restart after a stop at a stop sign in traffic. The defect is totally random so it cannot be replicated by the dealer. I have struggled with this problem for years and have not had a crisis because I usually shut off the stop start feature to avoid this system failure. There are no warning lights or symptoms that indicate a failure is eminent. On February 9, 2025 as my wife and I were driving home from the airport at 2:30 am on a below zero temperature day in the middle of desolate countryside, my Pilot would not restart after I stopped at a stop sign. I had forgotten to turn off the stop start feature. There was no other traffic on the road to help and no houses or other warm places to find refuge so I hoped that I could figure out who I could call to rescue us before we froze to death. I allowed the Pilot to set for a while and after the fourth try, the vehicle again started. I took the Pilot to the local Honda dealer and they indicated that although the battery passed a regular battery check, when an extreme battery load was placed on the battery it failed the battery test. I asked about the stop start issues reported to the NHTSA but they would only talk about my need for a new battery. I think Honda dealers are attempting to deflect this design issue by blaming the issue on the batteries and are selling batteries instead of fixing this issue. I tried to explain that this is a chronic issue that was present when my battery was new but they deflected that argument and continued to press the sale of a new battery.