general problems of the 2017 Honda Pilot - part 1

390 problems related to engine and engine cooling have been reported for the 2017 Honda Pilot. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2017 Honda Pilot based on all problems reported for the 2017 Pilot.

1 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/10/2026

Knocking noise from engine, oil light, blinking cel, no acceleration, vehicle stalled. Brought to mechanic, from noise he said it sounds like a rod knocking and advised to contact Honda because on known issues.

2 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/03/2026

The car had a piston rod failure and is available for inspection at the springfield Honda dealership. The car was traveling at 63 mph when the check engine light started flashing along with 6 system errors including the power steering. I had to make an emergency stop on the side of the road. The dealership has confirmed and recommended an engine replacement. They have a video recorded of the sound and error codes. The only person to have inspected the car is the dealership. We were told that it wouldnt be covered because our VIN didnt fall with in the affected vehicles for the piston rod recall. The car was driving normal and had no service lights on prior to the check engine light coming on during the incident.

3 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/01/2026

Internal engine damage was determined by a folsom Honda dealer in California. The damage is originating from the primary rod bearings; replacement of the short block is necessary. Folsom Honda also stated the vehicle will need cams and heads of the engine replace. Needless to say, this a major engine failure. The vehicle only has 140k miles mainly freeway. Dealer estimated it will cost from 11k to 15k to repair the problem. We aware of savannah messenger v. American Honda motor CO. Inc lawsuit. We need help from you guys on this…. . Please advice francisco talavera [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

4 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/01/2026

This vehicle is facing the common "rod knock" issue known with the 2016-2022 Honda Pilots diagnosis by Honda pending but symptoms present.

5 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 02/22/2026

The rods on my engine seized while I was driving on [xxx] in south dakota. The car came to rest on [xxx] . The vehicle died on the most-traveled road in brookings. Right off the exit ramp. We had to wait 20 minutes for a patrol officer to park behind us, and we then waited another 20 minutes for the tow truck to take us to a nearby parking lot. The problem was confirmed by an independent service center. There were no warning lamps or symptoms prior to the engine seizing. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

6 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 02/07/2026

Engine was making a loud grinding noise and when my fiance got home from work it completely died out and will not turn over.

7 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 02/05/2026

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 65 mph on the freeway, the vehicle stalled due to battery failure. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the battery was replaced. After restarting the vehicle, the contact heard an abnormal knocking sound consistent with a rod knock. Additionally, the trunk handle paint had chipped and was rusted. The local dealer was contacted and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.

8 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 02/01/2026

Component/system failed: engine – excessive oil consumption (piston rings / internal engine components). The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Description of the problem: the engine is experiencing excessive oil consumption. During a monitored oil consumption test, approximately 0. 9 quarts of oil were consumed over about 1,006 miles, which equals a consumption rate of approximately 1 quart per 1,118 miles. This rate is abnormally high and indicates an internal engine defect, likely related to piston rings and/or sealant failure. Safety risk: excessive oil consumption creates a significant safety risk. If the oil level drops too low between oil changes, it can lead to engine failure, sudden loss of power while driving, engine seizure, or stalling. This could place the driver and others at risk, especially at highway speeds or in traffic. There was no visible oil leak. The oil is being burned internally. Inspection / confirmation: the issue has been monitored through an oil consumption test. Dealer diagnosis indicates internal engine repair is required (piston and seal-related repair). Estimated repair cost is approximately $6,000. Warning lamps or prior symptoms: no external oil leak was present. Oil level dropped significantly between checks. (if applicable, add: “oil warning light did/did not illuminate. ” if unsure, write: unknown. ) manufacturer / other inspections: vehicle has been inspected by dealership service department. (if Honda corporate has been contacted, add that here. ) additional information: the repair cost is excessive for a defect involving internal engine components and appears to be a known oil consumption issue.

9 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 01/13/2026

My Honda Pilot has been diagnosed with engine failure by royalty auto in kingsland, GA despite having been cared for quite well. This failure occurred well before reaching the expected life of the vehicle, 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.

10 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 01/09/2026

While driving my 2017 Honda Pilot elite, the vehicle has experienced four separate incidents of sudden and complete loss of power, including while traveling at highway speeds and during rush-hour traffic. The engine shuts off without warning, causing the vehicle to stop in traffic. In multiple incidents, the vehicle would not restart for several minutes. These incidents occurred on u. S. 19 and interstate 275 in heavy traffic, creating an immediate risk of collision. In one incident, the vehicle died while traveling at highway speeds. In another, it shut off at a red light and blocked traffic during rush hour. The vehicle has been taken to an authorized Honda dealership multiple times. Diagnostic testing initially found no issues. Later visits attributed the problem to the battery, despite the battery being recently replaced and the condition recurring after replacement. The symptoms exactly match Honda Pilot start/stop engine failure recalls affecting nearby model years. However, because my model year is not included, the dealership refused to repair the vehicle in accordance with the recall, even when I offered to pay for the repair. I believe this represents a safety-related defect involving sudden engine shutdown while driving. The vehicle is unreliable and unsafe to operate. Furthermore, given the repeated failure of this vehicle, the dealership’s inability to permanently repair the condition after multiple attempts, and the ongoing safety risk, I am concerned this matter may meet the criteria for a nonconformity under florida’s motor vehicle warranty enforcement act. I am hopeful Honda will resolve this matter cooperatively and without the need for further regulatory or legal action.

11 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 01/07/2026

Car bought at 103,000 miles engine failed at 109,700 verified thru Honda dearler with metal shavings in number six (6) cylinder. Started . . . With check engine display and started missing.

12 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 12/18/2025

My 2017 Honda Pilot (3. 5l v6) is experiencing severe, rhythmic engine knocking and loss of power. The vehicle has no active warning lights or check engine codes. I am aware of the active NHTSA investigation pe25008 regarding connecting rod bearing seizure in this model year. The engine failure creates a significant safety risk, including potential stalling at highway speeds and the risk of engine fire. I am requesting that this vehicle be included in any forthcoming recall for the 3. 5l v6 engine crankshaft/bearing defect.

13 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 12/13/2025

With no warning, the engine has completely stopped while I was driving. The engine will not turn over at all after that moment. All maintenance was maintained on the vehicle, including regular oil changes. There were no lights, signals, or even engine sounds leading into it stopping. It appears that there are others who have had the same issue with this engine.

14 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 12/09/2025

Was driving down highway i40 near nashville and the engine started making a noise. I was able to drive to my mothers house. My dad looked at it and stated it sounded like a rod knocking. So we went to take it to the dealer because after some research we found a recall for rod bearing failure. My vehicle was not on the recall list. We then proceeded to take the car to the dealer to check if there was a safety bulletin at the dealership when the engine locked up. My dad came to rescue us and towed the car back to his and my mom’s house.

15 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 11/26/2025

Emissions system problem- unknown reason.

16 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 11/23/2025

Dealership believes the conneting rod bearing failure. Engine seized and was towed to dealership. So was driving 35mph and lost all power and braking on a 2 lane road. He was able to direct the car off the road safely without further incident. Car was towed to the dealership and has been there since.

17 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 11/23/2025

Engine connecting rod bearing failure diagnosed at the dealership. At 30mph, engine lost power and clunking noise was heard, coasted into a parking lot and had the vehicle towed to the baierl Honda wexford PA dealership quoted total engine replacement at $9,978. 93 +labor, + tax.

18 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 11/17/2025

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? 2017 Honda Pilot (127k miles) has experienced complete engine failure. Independent mechanic and Honda service have both said an engine replacement is required. Vehicle is at Honda of katy and available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? a breakdown occurred while my young son was driving. Thankfully, he was not on the highway, but the situation was distressing and has shaken my confidence in the vehicle's safety and reliability. He had to push it out of an intersection into a gas station, posing a safety risk to him, his passengers, and other cars on the road. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? it was towed to our mechanic and then to Honda after his inspection found the problem to be consistent with the NHTSA recall 23v-751. Honda's inspection shows that the engine needs to be replaced. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? an engine light came on 11/17 while my son was driving (1 mile from home. ) once he arrived, we immediately took it to the shop, but the light disappeared between his stop at home and when we started it up again. The mechanic could find nothing wrong. He took a drive for a few miles and the light never came back on and no codes were found. The oil was then changed (as part of routine maintenance) and the breakdown happened after driving about 10 miles post-visit. After having it towed back to the mechanic when the engine failed, it was confirmed that the oil levels were still good, but metal was found in the newly replaced clean oil.

19 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 11/11/2025

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.

20 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 11/09/2025

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.

21 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 11/08/2025

I am the original owner of a 2017 Honda Pilot and bought the car new. It has 142,549 miles and been well maintained and adult driven. The engine started making a knocking noise. I took the car to the Honda dealer and they told me the engine needs to be replaced. Needless to say, they told me it would cost around 10 thousand dollars and was not covered under warranty. I opened a case with Honda (case # 15988404) and was denied by their review process. I bought a Honda because it has a reputation for being reliable and should run for well over 250,000 miles. I am also aware that Honda has had many issues with their 3. 5l v6 engine and there have been recalls for bad bearings causing premature engine failure. They also have issued recalls for this engine up to the 2016 model year. In my research for this issues, I have seen a lot of other owners reporting engine failures for the same engine for model years prior to 2016 model years. I would like for this filing to be another example on record of their engine failing prematurely. I am also aware that there has been a lawsuit filed against Honda and their 3. 5l v6 engine for additional years. I hope this lends additional support to all the other owners who are experiencing the same issue.

22 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 11/08/2025

While driving my vehicle it begin making a rattling/clacking sound. The sound became more louder as we drove it home. The emissions system problems message appeared. We had a mechanic come to check it. He discovered the a rod bearing was damaged and we needed to replace a piston and other parts as well. We have been unable to drive it since due to safety issues.

23 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 10/31/2025

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the connecting rod bearings, resulting in damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 23v751000 (engine and engine cooling), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 100,000.

24 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 10/30/2025

Auto-idle feature shut off vehicle at a stop and would not restart when light changed. Have to shut off vehicle and start like it was parked. Not safe in city traffic. Dealership said there is no issue with auto-idle feature.

25 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 10/28/2025

While traveling on highway a loud bang occurred, car jerked and started decelerating almost causing on accident. Car came to rest in middle of highway exit. Car was towed to Honda dealership where it was found to have a broken crankshaft rod bearing. No warning signs or symptoms had come prior to. New engine is required and confirmed by dealership.

26 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 10/27/2025

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.

27 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 10/16/2025

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.

28 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 10/16/2025

I am writing to formally document a mechanical failure that occurred while I was driving on a major freeway. While traveling at highway speed, I suddenly heard loud, abnormal knocking and banging noises originating from the engine. Almost immediately, the vehicle lost power and became difficult to control while maintaining speed with surrounding traffic. Within moments, dashboard warning indicators illuminated, and engine performance rapidly deteriorated. Due to concerns for safety and to prevent further damage, I safely maneuvered the vehicle out of traffic and shut the engine off as soon as possible. After stopping, the engine was able to restart; however, it continued to produce concerning mechanical noises. The vehicle was no longer safely operable and required towing. Following inspection by two separate repair facilities, including a Honda dealership, both independently concluded that the engine had experienced a rod bearing failure. At the time of the incident, the vehicle had approximately 176,000 miles. Despite the mileage, the vehicle has been well maintained, including completion of the full 100,000-mile service and tune-up. This failure occurred without warning and created a hazardous situation due to the sudden loss of power while traveling at freeway speeds. I am concerned because Honda Pilot model years 2016, 2018, and 2019 have had recalls involving rod bearing failures. Given the circumstances and the nature of this failure, I believe Honda should consider replacing the engine as a gesture of good faith. I purchased a Honda based on the company’s reputation for long-lasting and reliable engines. Please let me know if any additional information or documentation is required.

29 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 10/10/2025

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.

30 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 10/07/2025

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.

31 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 09/24/2025

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.

32 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 09/22/2025

Vehicle: 2017 Honda Pilot VIN: [xxx] mileage at incident: ~137,800 miles description of the problem: my 2017 Honda Pilot has experienced repeated engine misfire issues involving cylinder 5 following a major engine repair performed by an authorized Honda dealership. On September 22, 2025, Honda of kenosha, WI performed a camshaft and camshaft thrust cover repair on my vehicle at a cost of approximately $4,080. The dealership documented in the repair order that the camshaft thrust cover was not torqued to specification and that the engine misfired immediately after the repair. On December 5, 2025, approximately 44 days later, the vehicle was returned to the same dealership due to slow cold starts and warning lights. During the initial diagnostic at drop-off, the dealer documented a stored p0305 trouble code indicating a cylinder 5 misfire, which is the same cylinder involved after the prior camshaft/thrust cover repair. The dealership recommended and performed a battery replacement after a load test showed low reserve capacity. After replacement, the technician later confirmed that the battery was not the cause of the cylinder 5 misfire. The diagnostic codes were cleared, and the issue was described as intermittent. During the same visit, the dealer documented a tear in the lower portion of the engine air intake flex tube and evidence of a small rodent nest under the engine cover. However, the dealer also documented that no hoses, wiring, connectors, or sensors showed signs of damage. The dealer stated that the intake tear could cause random lean conditions and misfires, but this does not explain the cylinder-specific p0305 misfire that was present at drop-off. The misfire issue is intermittent and most noticeable on cold start. The condition has caused sluggish engine response and concern about potential stalling or loss of power, which could pose a safety risk during driving, especially in traffic or intersections. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

33 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 09/15/2025

- 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.

34 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 09/08/2025

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.

35 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 08/21/2025

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.



Pilot Service Bulletins
Pilot Safety Recalls
Pilot Defect Investigations