Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Honda Pilot - part 1

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while his son was driving 35-40 mph, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The driver was able to pull into a parking lot. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 23v751000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that no assistance could be provided because the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.

See all problems of the 2016 Honda Pilot 🔎.

I came to a stop at a red light on a busy street. Vehicle turned off due to autorignite feature. When light turned green it no longer would turn the engine on in order to go. All my lights turned on, I couldn't put the car in drive. I couldn't put in neutral, reverse or any feature. It wouldn't allow me to do anything but put the hazards on. It had happened to me 3 times since the same exact way. Only way to get it to go in drive is by turning the vehicle off completely, if it let's you. Then once it is off, starting it and going about your day. Codes do not register as I have taken to dealership before and they say it would note it but it doesn't and have refused to repair under the warranty. It also has an acceleration and deceleration issue that has been documented on my visits that has yet to be fixed as well and is a known problem but because it is is not the correct year and model it won't get fixed. I have had someone take video since then to show what happens on the other occasions as my proof since Honda corporation themselves wouldn't doing anything either.

See all problems of the 2018 Honda Pilot 🔎.

While stopped at red light the auto off feature engaged and the car stalled out when restarting. This has happened multiple times since buying the vehicle.

See all problems of the 2020 Honda Pilot 🔎.

As the vehicle is stopped in traffic and is about the proceed, the vehicle automatically shifts into park and the emission warning light comes on. The vehicle is unable to be put back into drive unless the vehicle is turned off and then restarted creating a dangerous condition while you are stuck in middle of the roadway.

See all problems of the 2019 Honda Pilot 🔎.

While driving, the engine suddenly seized without warning. The vehicle lost power and could not be restarted, creating a hazardous situation. There were no warning lamps or messages before the failure. The issue has been confirmed by the dealership service center, which diagnosed a seized engine. They indicated that the next step would be a complete engine teardown to determine the cause, at significant cost. The component (engine) is available for inspection. To my knowledge, this problem has not been previously addressed or repaired, and it appears consistent with rod bearing failures currently under NHTSA investigation for this engine family.

My vehicle has run 79k miles. The Honda Pilot started giving knocking noise from the engine on 30-Aug-2025. I somehow brought the vehicle back to my home. Today I took it to a service center which is next to my home. They looked at the vehicle noise and mentioned that the rod bearing for the Honda is damaged and the engine needs to be replaced. When I looked online, there was a safety recall for rod bearing for 2016 Honda Pilot. But when I called Honda corporate, they mentioned that my VIN number is not eligible for recall and I need to replace the rod bearing myself. I will end up spending $10000 for replacing the rod bearing. This seems to be a common issue with 2016 Honda Pilot and Honda is refusing to acknowledge that this is an issue with their manufacturing. This is a very big safety issue as the vehicle can stall when going on the high way causing accidents.

Stopped at an intersection at approximately 2:40pm on August 28, 2025. The auto -stop/start stopped the engine and it would not restart.

This vehicle shut down while driving. Initially it would not restart. When it did restart all the indicator lights were on in the dash. I got to a safe location and I shut it off. I opened and closed the driver's door. When I turned it back on it was back to normal. I had it towed to the dealer because I was concerned about driving it. They found nothing wrong. I am concerned about driving this vehicle anywhere. I feel it will happen again. It's just a matter of time.

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving and coming to a complete stop at a stop light, the vehicle inadvertently stalled but was able to restart. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with 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 133,000.

Engine developed noises while driving and seized up. Prior to engine seizure, auto start/stop was having issues where it would not restart after stopping at a light or stop sign. Rear unibody rusting really badly due to cheap quality metal?.

The engine shuts off while driving and the car shifts the transmission to park or neutral.

The contact owns a 2003 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to shift into gear properly, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,118.

See all problems of the 2003 Honda Pilot 🔎.

While driving approximately 65 mph on the [xxx], near terre haute, indiana, the engine very suddenly started making a very loud noise without any warning and immediately thereafter every system failed. The check engine light and several other warning lights appeared on the dashboard; the car steering became very stiff, making it very difficult (and dangerous) to control the car and get it safely to the shoulder; and the engine noise became louder (like spoons in a blender). The car unexpectedly lost forward motion causing cars and semi-trucks around us to take evasive action to avoid hitting us. All of this happened without warning and in a matter of a few seconds and we were very lucky to avoid a very severe accident. We had the car towed by hawks towing (in glenview, IL) to loyola service (our preferred, trusted automotive service provider). The technicians at loyola service diagnosed the car with a complete engine failure and in need of a complete engine replacement. The estimated cost of the repairs is $21,254. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The engine seized while driving on the highway bringing the vehicle to a complete stop. There is currently a recall on 2016 Honda Pilot engines involving premature connecting rod bearing wear. The mechanic that has been servicing this vehicle for the last 9 years stated this is exactly what happened to my vehicle and should be covered under the recall. Honda stated that my VIN number was not included in the recall and repairs are my responsibility. The issue here is the engine seizing for a known issue while driving on the highway could have been disastrous. Luckily no accident occurred as a result but Honda should be liable for this.

I have a 2020 Honda Pilot (VIN [xxx] ) and have experienced rpm fluctuations when trying to maintain speed. I'm concerned these issues may be related to odi investigation pe25008 and further use of my vehicle without having it inspected may result in a crash, fire and/or complete engine failure. The engine has not operated smoothly for months, and my mechanic has not been able to figure out why. It feels like the engine is struggling to maintain a steady rpm, leading to bouncing or surging in power. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The fuel pump was issued a recall that I had replaced, but due to it not operating properly it caused my high pressure fuel pump in the engine to malfunction as well. This has been conveniently left out of the recall for fuel pump and the dealership wouldn't agree to look into it further.

When stopped at a stop light the auto idle stop turned the car off. When we tried to go at the green light the car wouldn't move. The transmission shifted to neutral and was stuck. We couldn't put the car in park, we couldn't turn the car off, we couldn't put it in gear. We considered calling the police for help since we were stuck in an intersection. The car eventually turned off and we tried pushing all the buttons to do something it finally allowed us to turn the car 100% off and restart it. Then we could go.

See all problems of the 2021 Honda Pilot 🔎.

Camshaft sensor failed. Car is not even 7 years old. I was told this issue is known in the Honda ridgelines. They say the camshaft has to much movement and damaging the sensor. Code p0369.

Engine auto off at an intersection. Would not restart. Burned up starter. Towed to Honda dealership. Rod bearing spun causing catastrophic damage to engine. Honda care extended warranty is covering at least part of the cost to replace either the shortblock, or possibly replace entire engine. No decision on which just yet.

At a stop light and the car shifted to neutral and lost power, had to restart car. This happened twice, once on a busy road and we were almost rear-ended. Took the car to dealership they said the only thing they could find was that it needed a new battery. Changed battery and has not happened since. They said that likely the battery did not have enough power to power the auto stop/start feature so when I stopped the car lost power. I had no indication that the battery was low and never had a car with a low battery lose power in the middle of traffic. I feel like this is bad design and a potential safety hazard.

See all problems of the 2022 Honda Pilot 🔎.

Car staring jerking and engine seized up while I was driving.

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.

See all problems of the 2017 Honda Pilot 🔎.

The contact owns a 2019 Honda Pilot. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for an oil change. The contact stated that after leaving the dealer, the vehicle started making an abnormal knocking sound. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that there was a failure in cylinder #1, and the lower engine block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted for assistance with the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.

Although I had the Honda taken in for the prior auto stop/start engine recall. The software fix has not solved the issue. While in traffic, even with the auto stop/start feature off, the engine will randomly turn off and it becomes a safety hazard as I’m blocking traffic scrambling to turn my engine back on, sometimes it is challenging to get the engine back on, and in the meantime cars are driving all around trying to get around me. This is ridiculous that Honda is doing the bare minimum to address what is clearly a huge liability for me as a driver and others in traffic.

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the engine made knocking sounds. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle was shaking while idling. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who discovered metal shavings in the engine oil and that the connecting rods had failed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA action number: pe25008 (engine). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

The bearings went out on cylinder number 5. The engine is torn down at the present time at the dealership. There was no warning. It is our understanding that other 3. 5 l engines have had this happen. Our vehicle just wasn’t included in this recall. I think the recall needs expanded.

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.

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle violently shook, vibrated, decelerated, and stalled. The vehicle was later restarted and driven to the local auto zone to be diagnosed. The diagnostic test revealed failures with the ecm and ecu, and the camshaft sensor failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 109,000.

Engine rod defective . . Car completely stopped working on highway . Had towed to dealer for $300 and dealer said 8. 9k to replace engine. Lots of Honda owners complaints about the same issue we were forced to sell car to cox auto at a loss as we did not have the money to fix check car fax. As we had perfect maintenance all done at dealership.

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at 65 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact noticed an unusual knocking sound and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to a nearby parking lot. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall which had a similar failure description, however the contact's VIN was not associated with the unknown recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN unavailable.

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.

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact heard an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact continued driving to the destination, parked the vehicle, and checked under the hood. The contact checked the oil level, which was normal. The vehicle was towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that a connecting rod had failed and damaged the engine. The contact was advised by the dealer that the engine oil level was very low. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 23v751000 (engine and engine cooling); however, neither the VIN nor the model year was included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

The engine on my 2016 Honda Pilot needs to be replaced. It started to have a rattle, and my local mechanic diagnosed it as an issue with the connecting rod bearing. Honda issued a recall for this type of failure mode for Honda Pilots built in may and June of 2016, but mine was built in September of 2016. Honda says the recall does not cover my vehicle, even though the failure mode is similar. I performed all standard maintenance on this vehicle, yet it failed well short of its expected life.

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.