Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Honda Pilot - part 2

On July 3, 2026 the check engine light, check vsa warning and check emissions warning indicators all illuminated simultaneously and the vehicle began to misfire and sputter which triggered an immediate slow down of traffic behind me. My local Honda dealership acknowledged a known defect with 2013 - 2015 Pilots in which the piston rings deteriorate leading to cylinder misfires. After system diagnostics they confirmed the spark plugs were damaged due to the piston rings defect causing engine misfires, rough idling, and slow minimal acceleration. This situation absolutely placed me, my family and others on the roadway at immediate risk due to the sudden nature of the engine malfunction. While there were no police report or insurance claims the Honda dealer did inspect and perform diagnostics on the vehicle. However american Honda declined any responsibility and refused to repair the vehicle even though this is a known issue with Honda. Prior to this date there were no warning or indication that the vehicle had any issues.

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The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 mph, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light flashed continuously. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the noise emanated from the middle of the engine. The dealer advised that there might be a loose wrist pin where the piston meets the connecting rod, or a systemic oil delivery problem, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that failure was associated with NHTSA campaign number: 23v751000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,000.

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The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who examined the engine and discovered metal shavings inside the oil pan and there was engine rod bearing damage. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed of NHTSA action number: pe25008 (engine). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the NHTSA action number. The failure mileage was 46,500.

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My son was driving the car and the engine started knocking and engine shut off.

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The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 to 60 mph, the emission warning light illuminated. The contact was concerned about the vehicle stalling while driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel injector, torque converter, and front and rear catalytic converters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was contacted and offered goodwill assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

Driving home from church Sunday June 28th downslope of a small hill smelled hot metal; wasn't sure if the odor was from us, the large truck that just passed us or environmental; sudden "pop" was heard accompanied by a "jerk" in the vehicle; loss of steering and brakes; dash was lit and showed rpm/mph/etc then battery light came on smoke billowing from engine followed quickly by complete fire from enginge; all 4 passengers eventually got out; police and fire dispatched; complete loss; traumatic to say the least; only light previous was service soon as oil life was at 15%; believe to be a known issue with 2017 Pilots rods bend and break but now warning (researched after the fire).

The 3. 5l v6 engine in this vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic internal mechanical failure due to premature connecting rod bearing wear. The engine stalling occurred abruptly while actively driving, which created an immediate safety risk as the vehicle lost propulsion, power steering assistance, and power braking assistance. This forced a dangerous emergency maneuver to navigate through moving traffic to get to the side of the road. Prior to the engine failure, there were no persistent dashboard warning lights or clear messages indicating an imminent mechanical failure. The first distinct symptom was a brief, sudden metallic knocking sound from the engine bay immediately before the vehicle lost all power and stalled. An authorized dealership has since inspected the vehicle and dropped the oil pan, physically confirming a massive accumulation of metal shavings and bearing debris inside the block. The dealership verified that the complete destruction of the engine block is identical in nature, symptom, and cause to the manufacturing defects described in NHTSA recall campaign 23v-751. However, this vehicle's specific VIN was excluded from that original recall parameter. This catastrophic failure directly corresponds to the ongoing office of defects investigation probe pe25008 regarding extensive v6 engine rod bearing failures. The failed engine block remains fully intact at the service center and is available for regulatory inspection upon request.

On June 25, 2026 my 2025 Honda Pilot elite (47,503 miles) upon ignition had every warning light in the system illuminate sequentially without any prior incident. I had never experienced any indication of malfunction, including warning lights or messages. The emissions system problem light remained illuminated on the dashboard and, after review of the owner's manual instructions to avoid heavy acceleration and high speed, I had the vehicle towed by aaa on a flatbed truck 75 miles to my home. The incident occurred during the evening and the next morning I drove the vehicle to herb chambers Honda of seekonk, the dealer who has performed every service on the vehicle, including recalls. Of note is that the service team at the Honda dealer, specifically malainne costa, has been exceptional in addressing this issue. American Honda was consulted to determine the best plan for resolution. I understand that american Honda is trying to work through necessary adjustments with the new 2025 model year. One month after the incident, my vehicle remains at the dealer. I learned that the two cylinder heads in the engine block on my vehicle need to be replaced and those parts are still on backorder. Another engine component system may require replacement due to calcium buildup on the intake valves. I was assured that my driving habits were not a factor in this incident. My concern is that this incident occurred at a time when I was in a safe location and was able to await the arrival of aaa without worry about my personal safety. I bought the brand new vehicle in November, 2024 and it is obvious that I drive a significant amount of miles per year. I worry about the safety risk of other drivers having a similar experience in a less than optimal location especially since there was no indication of a problem prior to this critical incident. I share this incident in the spirit of exploring whether this is a systemwide problem that may result in a safety recall by Honda.

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Vehicle flashing warning signs for multiple system functions including battery and mechanical, forcing driver to pull over, unable to put vehicle in neutral to tow. Took vehicle to Honda dealership in phoenix, az dealership unable to recreate issue. Stated it was cleared as a certified used Honda. Continued to have reoccurring issues, less than 2 months later vehicle engine completely seized. Honda refused to take responsibility for engine failure despite documented recurring issues with this make and model.

While driving at night, the 2016 Pilot, it started making a loud rattling noise then just died in the middle of the road and failed to start. There were no service or check engine lights on at the time of failure or at any point prior to the failure. We were stranded in the middle of the road at risk of getting hit by other cars. The electronic transmission would not go into neutral and we had no way of even pushing the car to the safety of shoulder. We had to tow the vehicle. The tow driver also had a very difficult time of getting the car into neutral, necessary to tow it. Having the vehicle towed to a local mechanic, they reported it being very difficult to start and when it did, it had a sever engine skip with a loud rattling noise which is indicative of a connecting rod/bearing failure. The car has 140000 miles at time of failure. We had all required maintenance performed as they were scheduled. Approximately 95% was performed by Honda dealers. In fact we had a Honda dealer perform an oil change and inspection a week before the engine failure. We have had some local shops perform several required oil changes and the timing belt / plug service. We have all receipts. We contacted Honda dealership who quoted $18,225 for an engine replacement. We contacted Honda customer support who refused to offer any assistance, goodwill or other forms of reimbursement.

Engine auto off/ on when stopped for signal light. Routinely, when stopped at a light, the engine will fail to turn back on and the car will go off but will not turn itself completely off. This leads to a delay for the engine clicks into neutral and in order to restart, I must turn the vehicle completely off and then restart. This issue occurs when I release the brake to begin my acceleration after the light turns green. And the vehicle stalls so that the traffic behind me which was prepared to move forward is stuck. The amount of time it takes to get the vehicle turned completely off and back on generally takes much of the light change time.

Honda part #80872-sn7-003 failed at 3years and 40,000 miles which Honda will not cover under warranty. This is a simple o-ring for the ac line which has a life span of 10-15 years. Apparently this has been common on 2023-2025 Pilots and passports and thus should be a recall issue.

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2025 Honda Pilot suffered severe engine misfires while driving due to total intake valve carbon blockages at 31,000 miles. The dealer and Honda tech line admitted they do not know why it happened and cannot find the cause.

While driving my 2016 Honda Pilot (VIN: [xxx], approximately 125k miles) on the freeway at 65 mph, the engine seized and the vehicle would no longer accelerate. The check engine light began flashing, the oil pressure light came on, and the vehicle began making loud grinding noises. After pulling over safely, the vehicle was no longer drivable and required towing. Upon inspection by northampton car care (6115 root road, spring, TX), it was determined that the engine failure is consistent with the connecting rod bearing failure and crankshaft defect described in NHTSA recall 23v-751. My VIN does not currently appear in the recall database; however, given that my vehicle experienced the exact failure mode described in the recall, I am requesting this complaint be considered under both recall 23v-751 and NHTSA investigation rq24-013. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Engine failure , has been confirmed by a shop. It is available for inspection upon request. No previous problems or warning lights. Stalled and put myself and my children at risk of serious injury.

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Connecting rod bearing noise in engine engine has been serviced regularly afraid engine will lock up while driving.

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The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-40 mph, there was a loud bang coming from the engine compartment, followed by a clunking sound. The contact stated that the engine started running rough and the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated prior to the failure. The check engine warning light illuminated after the failure, with unknown messages displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was coasted into a nearby parking lot and manually pushed into a parking space. The vehicle was towed from the parking lot to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with complete engine failure. The vehicle was then towed to a Honda dealer for further inspection. The dealer disassembled the engine and informed the contact that the engine had thrown a connecting rod. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The contact was informed that the manufacturer would do a follow-up with the dealer; however, no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 105,800.

Was driving vehicle and experienced complete loss of engine power. No warning signs until after the failure. Vehicle was immediately pulled over and limped into a parking lot where it was shut off and then towed to mechanics shop. Upon further inspection, mechanic stated a complete engine failure as it "threw a rod". He stated engine had a complete failure and needs to be replaced.

While driving, there was a loud noise came from the engine. I immediately pulled over onto the shoulder as I was unable to continue driving. Every time I accelerated, the car with jerk forward and posed an extreme danger for both the the passengers and others on the road. There were numerous error messages appearing on my dashboard, and the loud noise persisted. The local dealer found that there was an issue with the engine and needs engine replacement. I contacted manufacturer Honda and they not willing to help me as my 6. 3 year vehicle is out of 5 year warranty.

Crankshaft problem. Loud metallic knocking in engine.

I am submitting this complaint regarding a fuel injector failure and emissions system malfunction in my 2019 Honda Pilot. At the time of the failure, the vehicle had approximately 94,693 miles and had been routinely maintained. On [xxx], while traveling from ohio to pennsylvania with my family, the vehicle displayed an "emission system problem" warning and illuminated the check engine light. The vehicle was diagnosed by faulkner Honda in harrisburg, pennsylvania. The dealership found dtc p0430 (catalyst system efficiency below threshold) and performed an air/fuel ratio test. According to the dealership, four of the six cylinders were running rich due to excessive fuel delivery. The dealership recommended replacement of the fuel injectors, and all six fuel injectors were replaced. The injector repair cost approximately $1,100. The dealership advised that possible causes included internal fuel injector failure or carbon buildup but could not provide a definitive explanation for the failure. Neither the dealership nor Honda could explain why my vehicle was excluded from Honda's fuel injector warranty extension despite exhibiting the same symptoms and requiring the same repair associated with that program. I was advised that the warranty extension applies only to certain vins produced during specific manufacturing periods and facilities. However, my vehicle experienced the same failure pattern, including a rich-running condition, emissions-system warning, catalyst-efficiency diagnostic code, and replacement of the fuel injectors. While researching the issue, I reviewed NHTSA complaints involving 2019 Honda Pilot vehicles. Numerous complaints describe similar fuel injector failures, emissions-system warnings, catalyst-efficiency codes, and injector replacements. Based on the number of similar complaints, the affected vehicle population may extend beyond the VIN range currently covered by Honda's warranty extension. I request that NHTSA review whether additi information redacted pursuant to the freedom of infor.

Summary of issue the vehicle developed an engine/emission warning light and failed mechanically without any crash or impact. The car drove fine until about one week ago. I have driven the vehicle normally and performed regular maintenance. Events and observations a warning light appeared indicating engine and emission problems. I took the vehicle to two separate mechanics: mechanic a diagnosed engine damage and catalytic converter issues. Mechanic b diagnosed engine damage and a possible fuel pump problem. I am not a mechanic and cannot independently interpret technical findings, but both inspections indicate serious engine-related failures. The vehicle has approximately 80,000 miles and was purchased for more than $20,000 less than two years ago. No collisions, impacts, or abuse occurred that could explain the failure. I believe this is a potential manufacturing defect. I contacted a Honda dealer about the problem; they stated it is not a manufacturing defect and declined to accept responsibility for repair. I believe the dealer is avoiding responsibility. Requested action I request NHTSA open an investigation (or add my report to any existing investigation) into this vehicle’s engine and related components to determine whether a safety defect or noncompliance exists. I request guidance on next steps and that this complaint be considered in any recall evaluation.

There is a loud metallic knocking sound coming from my engine. I have lack of acceleration power, and the check engine light came on. You are more than welcome to come inspect the car. My safety was placed at risk as my engine can blow up, and/or I lose acceleration while driving and cause an accident. The sound is continuous and will be until the rod bearing is fixed so it’s easily reproducible. Yes it’s been looked at by a mechanic.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? the engine stalls out and shuts the car down. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? while driving down the road, if the engine shuts off, myself, passengers, and other vehicles could cause a fatal crash. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? not yet has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? I have brought this in several times to try and fix this issue. The fuel pump has been replaced and the auto idle recall has been take care of. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? the check engine light comes on occasionally when it happens; sometimes when it does not. Other details: several times now my car has randomly shut off especially when driving down the road. I wasn't sure what happened, but I finally figured out a way to replicate it. Basically if you drive it after about an hour of non-stop driving / engine being turned on, the engine overheats causing the car to stall out and eventually turn off. I timed this at 10:15am to 11:25am and my suspicions were correct. At 11:25am, the car stalled and shut off while I was parked in my driveway.

While operating with the auto shut off enabled, vehicle stalled. Warning lights came on directing the driver to put into park. Vehicle would not turn off/on, could not take out of park. At the time, vehicle was in bumper to bumper traffic in a construction zone causing a very dangerous situation for the driver. Vehicle was towed and 10 minutes after the incident, the vehicle could be restarted. This is the second time this has happened in the last 9 months. Unfortunately the first was not reported. This is completely unacceptable. Honda knows this is an issue and refuses to address it.

See all problems of the 2021 Honda Pilot 🔎.

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

I took my car in for an oil change into the dealership on 5/22. I was told that the timing belt would need to be replaced once I hit 100k miles. Two weeks later, I noticed my car rattling, I scheduled an appointment for Monday (the earliest I could get it into the dealer), on Saturday, the car wouldn't accelerate past 64mph, as I was getting on the highway, I pressed the gas and got it to 70mph. The engine light kicked on and the car started talking to me that the car was overheating and that I needed to pull over for 10-15 minutes. I did so and when I tried to start it, nothing happened. I then jumped it, got it started and it wouldn't accelerate past 12mph. I turned it off and had it towed to Honda. There, the mechanic told me that the rod had broken in the engine. I asked if it was the timing belt and he said "no, unfortunately, there is nothing you could've done to prevent this". To answer your questions: what component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?- the engine how was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?- yes, I was on the hwy with kids has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?- dealer has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others?- I reached out to the manufacturer and was told they're not mechanics. It was towed to the Honda dealership where I bought it. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?- no. I noticed the rattling, scheduled and appointment and two days later the engine light came on as I previously stated.

All of a sudden, the car began to make a ticking noise (it sounded like a playing card was in the spoke of a bicycle). I brought the car home and took it to the Honda dealership in poway, CA. They diagnosed the car with pitting in the rod bearings in cylinder 4. They told us that this can cause engine failure (do not drive the car) and that the engine needed to be replaced. There were no error messages or warning lights. This could have been extremely dangerous for those around us had the engine failed while my daughter and I were driving, or if the car had stopped suddenly. The three options given were to replace the engine with one with 20,000+ more miles than the original engine, replace the short block and associated gaskets with a new one, or $2500 (as-is) for the car. We replaced the short block and associated gaskets at a cost of approximately $ 8,500. As my husband was doing his research, he found that there had been a recall for the 2016 and 2018-2020 Honda Pilots for the same issue. Please be aware that this has happened to our car too, and it is very dangerous and expensive to repair. Honda should be held responsible for ensuring that all Pilot engines are safe and that the defective rods are replaced free of charge to owners under a recall.

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that on multiple occasions, while driving at an undisclosed speed, a knocking noise was heard coming from the engine, and the vehicle lost motive power with multiple warning lights illuminated, including the check engine, emissions system, and power steering warning lights. The contact stated that the vehicle could typically be restarted after approximately one hour; however, the failure persisted. The contact also stated that on several occasions, the vehicle had to be towed to the contact's home. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 181,563.

When at a complete stop, engine will stop running but ac and radio stay on (sometimes radio dies). I have to toggle between park or drive or neutral to get car to even power completely off, open door to kill electronics, and restart. This has happened in stop and go traffic and at stop lights. This week my car shifted into neutral while stopped at a light and I had to figure out how to power car off and restart, no idea what the magic combo ended up to be as I had a line of cars behind me trying to just get my car to go again.

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with failures of 4 of the 6 fuel injectors. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.

Engine idle at stop light or start & stop at traffic stop light doesn't work. It does stop completely; however, it didn't start after releasing the brake. You have to put the vehicle back in the parking gear, put the brake to restart the engine. This has happened three times in the last week.

Vehicles auto stop/start turned the engine off while at a stop light. When I accelerated on the gas my car would not go. It said to take it was in neutral so it went into neutral on its own. The entire car appeared to have turned all the way off at this point and I was able to restart and drive.

I am having an issue with the start stop function on my 2021 Honda Pilot. When active, the start stop struggles to restart after it is engaged at a stop light. There have been two instances in the last two weeks where the vehicle did not restart on its own and needed to be restarted manually. Spoke to the dealer service team and they indicated there were no known recalls and it would be out of pocket for me to diagnose and repair.

The engine seized up and car will not start. Luckily, I was trying to start the car in my driveway when this happened, but it would have been dangerous had it happened while I was driving. All of the warning lamps and messages started when the issue begin. The vehicle was inspected and the problem has been reproduced by a service center and a Honda dealer. I have attached the invoice from the service center. After their diagnosis, I had the car towed to ourisman Honda in bethesda, MD because I was hoping to start the recall process with them, however they will not do it because, stangely, my VIN # is not included. There is a known recall for this issue (#23v-751) and the recall lists my exact car (2016 Honda Pilot) however, for some reason my VIN # is not showing as being included in the recall. The car is experiencing the exact issue that this recall covers, but the Honda dealer will not cover it because my specific VIN # isn't listed. This would be a significant expense that I am not able to cover out of pocket, and I have now been without my car for over a week. I am not sure why only certain VIN #'s are eligible when there are obviously many other 2016 Honda Pilots experiencing the issue.