2008 Honda Pilot
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 133 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 19th highest complaint count among 23 Pilot model years with reports.
Of the 2008 reports, 11 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 15 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Vehicle speed control, accelerator pedalOct 10, 2019
Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain Accelerator Pedal Assemblies part numbers 699-114 and 825-5029-1, sold as replacement parts for 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2004-2008 Acura TL and TSX, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2007-2011 Honda Element, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot and 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. The rotating portion of the accelerator pedal assembly may bind. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 124, "Accelerator Control Systems."
If the accelerator pedal binds, the engine may not quickly return to idle after the pedal is no longer pressed, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dorman will notify owners, and qualified service facilities will replace the affected accelerator pedal assemblies, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2019. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492, using option 5. Dorman's number for this recall is AS1019XXXX.
Campaign 19E068000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJun 27, 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are E5D and X5C.
Campaign 19V501000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleJun 27, 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are Q5A and Y58.
Campaign 19V499000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleMar 6, 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.
An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.
Campaign 19V182000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleApr 26, 2018
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Insight, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2012 Ridgeline vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 22, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are K1P, and M1O.
Campaign 18V268000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 10, 2017
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2011 Honda Element vehicles, 2005-2012 Acura RL vehicles, 2006-2012 Honda Ridgeline vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles and 2005-2008 Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2009 Acura RL and Honda Element vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot vehicles and 2006-2009 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2008 Acura RL, Honda Element and Honda Pilot vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles and 2006-2008 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall bagan March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KD9 and KE0.
Campaign 17V029000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleMay 23, 2016
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2011 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2011 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2008 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2008 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2008 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling model year 2002-2004 Odyssey and model year 2003-2004 Acura MDX, Honda Element, and Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA0, KA1, KA2, and KA3.
Campaign 16V344000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleMay 28, 2015
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2007 Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2006 Ridgeline, 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2003-2006 Acura MDX, and 2002-2003 Acura 3.2TL vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion and other factors, including manufacturing variability that, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238, select option 4. Note: Vehicles that have had their driver frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy prior to September 12, 2014 need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Vehicles that, on or after September 12, 2014, received a remedy for a prior driver frontal air bag inflator recall already received an inflator of a different design, and therefore are not included in this recall and do not require additional servicing. Note: This recall fully supersedes recalls 08V-593, 09V-259, 10V-041, 11V-260, 14V-351 and 15V-153. Honda's numbers for this recall are JQ9, JR0, JR1, JR2, JR3, JR4, JR5, JR6, JR7, and JR8.
Campaign 15V320000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, mechanical, carrier/rackFeb 5, 2008
HONDA IS RECALLING 2,032 HITCH STYLE BIKE RACKS SOLD AS AFTERMARKET FOR USE ON MY 2003-2007 AND SOME MY 2008 HONDA PILOT, RIDGELINE, AND ACURA MDX VEHICLES. A PINCH BOLT EXISTS BETWEEN THE BIKE ARM BRACKET AND THE UPRIGHT ASSEMBLY OF THE "HITCH" STYLE BICYCLE RACK.
WHEN MOVING THE BIKE ARM BRACKET TO ITS DOWN POSITION, THIS PINCH BOLT HAS THE POTENTIAL OF CAUSING SEVERE LACERATION OR AMPUTATION TO THE USER'S FINGERTIPS OR HAND.
OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT THULE AT 800-THULE91 (800-848-5391) TO OBTAIN A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS OR OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
Campaign 08E013000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
133 reports, newest first.
Seats, Jul 21, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ENTERING THE VEHICLE AND ATTEMPTING TO SIT ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT, THE DRIVER SEAT TURNED COMPLETELY AROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,950.
Air bags, May 20, 2015
I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM HONDA" IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL" IN THE MAIL ON MY FAULTY AIR BAG. LETTER SAID CALL MY LOCAL HONDA DEALER AND THEY WOULD REPAIR IT FOR FREE. CALLED OXNARD DCH DEALER ON 4/27/15 ABOUT MY HONDA PILOT 2008 REQUESTING IT TO BE REPAIRED,THEY SAID WE DO NOT HAVE THE REPLACEMENT PART BUT WILL ME BACK WHEN IT COMES IN, THAT WAS A MONTH AGO THEY HAVE YET TO CALL BACK. WHEN WILL THEYCALL BACK, WHEN WILL REPLACEMENT PARTS COME IN,AND HOW SOON WILL THEY REPAIR THIS PROBLEM?
Air bags, Apr 30, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V153000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Engine and engine cooling, Air bags, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 17, 2015, crash
HONDA PILOT WAS STRUCK (TBONE) AT 65 MPH SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND DRIVER WAS KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS AND LEANED ON THE GAS. CAR WENT INTO FULL REV AND CRASHED INTO A WALL WHERE THE FRONT AIRBAG DEPLOYED. HOMELESS MAN WAS SLEEPING BEHIND THE WALL AND WAS STRUCK BY THE RUNAWAY HONDA PILOT. SHOULDN'T THE VEHICLE OF SHUT DOWN AFTER AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT? FUEL INERTIA OR CUT OFF DID NOT ENGAGE. *TR
Exterior lighting, Mar 22, 2015
TURN SIGNAL SWITCH TURNS ON HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS. *TR
Exterior lighting, Feb 28, 2015
LOW BEAM LIGHTS DO NOT WORK BUT HIGH BEAM DOES. REPLACED BULBS, CHECKED FUSE, CHECKED RELAY, AND LIGHTS STILL DO NOT WORK. *TR
Power train, Feb 5, 2015
WHILE DRIVING MY 2008 HONDA PILOT AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MILES AN HOUR THERE WAS A TERRIBLE SHUDDER IN THE TRANSMISSION AND IT LASTED FOR ABOUT 3 SECONDS . AT THAT TIME I LOST POWER AND LUCKILY I WASN'T CROSSING OVER AN INTERSECTION , OR ELSE I MIGHT NOT BE HERE TO DOCUMENT THIS. THIS OCCURRENCE HAS HAPPENED PROBABLY 6 TIMES A WEEK. THERE ARE OTHER PEOPLE THAT ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES AS I AM . WHY IS HONDA OF AMERICA NOT DOING ANYTHING ABOUT THIS ISSUE, EVEN THOUGH IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR
Structure, Engine, Jan 26, 2015, fire
MY WAS DRIVING THE UNIT FOR ABOUT TWO MINUTES FROM THE STARTING POINT. THEN, ALL THE LIGHTS OF THE DASHBOARD TURN ON. WHEN SHE TRIED TO MOVE THE VEHICLE TO THE EMERGENCY LANE, A BLACK SMOKE START TO GO INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND A ENGINE FIRE STARTED. RAPIDLY, SHE LEFT THE CAR TO A SAFE PLACE AND THE FIRE CONSUMED THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. THE CAR WAS DECLARED TOTAL LOSS BY THE INSURANCE. *TR
Child seat, Jan 8, 2015
MY NEWBORN / 3 MONTH OLD CAR SEAT GETS STUCK TO THE BASE AND REFUSE TO RELEASE EVEN IF WHEN I AM ENGAGING THE RELEASE LATCH. IT HAS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS BEFORE THIS INCIDENT. AFTER HEARING ABOUT THE GRACO RECALL WITH THE SAME ISSUE, I WAITED TO SEE IF IT WOULD HAPPEN AGAIN, AND SURE IT DID. THE THOUGHT OF ME LOSING MY BABY IN AN EMERGENCY DUE TO THE CARSEAT GETTING STUCK IS SCARY, PLEASE INVESTIGATE. MODEL TYPE WAS NOT LISTED IN YOUR MENU MODEL IC-130 BVE / COMFY CARRY ELITE PLUS/ GX1 (RELATED VEHICLE INFORMATION: MODEL YEAR=2008, MAKE=HONDA, MODEL=PILOT) *TR
Structure, Nov 6, 2014
WATER IS COLLECTING ON DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS FLOOR AFTER RAIN. DOESNT MATTER IF CAR IS IN MOTION OR STATIONARY. *TR
Wheels, Jul 15, 2014
I WAS DRIVING ON THE BRIDGE AND HIT SOMETHING METAL ON THE BRIDGE. *TR
Seats, Jun 17, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER HEATED SEAT BECAME EXTREMELLY HOT BEFORE BOTH STOP WORKING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Jun 8, 2014
HAD MY PILOT IN PARK WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND I COULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK. I HAD TO PUSH ON THE RELEASE BUTTON ON TOP OF THE STEERING COLUMN TO GO INTO DRIVE. IT WON'T RESET AND MY HORN DOESN'T WORK. *TR
Structure, May 29, 2014
THIS OCCURRED THREE TIMES. WE HAVE FOUND THE HOOD TO BE IN OPEN POSITION (AJAR). ITS LIKE SOMEONE PULLED THE LEVEL AND THE HOOD OPENS, BUT THE SECONDARILY LATCH KEEPS IT FROM FLYING OPEN WHILE UNDERWAY. I WILL JUST REACH IN AND PULL THE SECONDARY LATCH TO OPEN THE HOOD AND CLOSE IT. I AM JUST AFRAID THAT THE HOOD WILL FLY OPEN ONE DAY WHILE WE ARE DRIVING, BUT THE SECONDARY LATCH IS DOING IT'S JOB. *TR
Structure, May 29, 2014
THE DOOR STOP CHECK WHICH SHOULD KEEP THE DOOR FROM CLOSING ON THE DRIVER'S LEGS AS ONE ENTERS OR EXITS THE VEHICLE FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. IT ACTUALLY WAS NOT WORKING WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR IN JANUARY OF 2014 WITH 59,900 MILES. THE DOOR WOULD NOT STAY OPEN WHEN PARKED ON THE SLIGHTEST OF INCLINES, AND A STIFF BREEZE WOULD BLOW IT SHUT. THE DOOR CLOSED ON MY LEFT LEG SEVERAL TIMES; I WAS NOT INJURED, OTHER THAN A NICE OUCH. IF THE DOOR CLOSES ON AN ELDERLY PERSON, THE INJURY COULD BE MORE SERIOUS. I REPLACED THE PART, # 72380-S84-A01 ON 29 MAY, 2014 AT THE HONDA STORE IN BOARDMAN, OHIO. COST WAS 46.00 SERVICE AND 21.10 FOR THE PART. I CAN SEND THE FAILED PART TO YOUR OFFICES IF SO DESIRED. THIS WOULD SEEM TO BE A SAFETY FAILURE AS THE DOOR SHOULD REMAIN OPEN WHEN ONE IS ATTEMPTING TO ENTER AND EXIT THE CAR. A FAILURE AT 60,000 MILES ALSO SEEMS PREMATURE. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Service brakes, May 26, 2014
WENT TO A BURGER PLACE TO GRAB A BITE AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 5.5 TOTAL MILES, PULLED INTO A PARKING SLOT WITHOUT INCIDENT BUT UPON RETURN, I PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE, AND AS I STARTED TO VERY SLOWLY PULL OUT IN THE CROWDED LOT, THERE WAS THIS VERY LOUD SCREECHING SOUND, LIKE THE HAND BRAKE WAS ENGAGED. I STOPPED AND TRIED AGAIN, LISTENING MORE INTENTLY NOW, THE SOUND PERSISTED. AT THAT TIME SOMEONE RAN UP TO ME AND SAID I SHOULD DISENGAGE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, BUT IT WASN'T ON. I THEN ENGAGED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND RELEASED SAME FOR EFFECT, BUT THAT DID NOT HELP. I TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE, REMOVED THE KEY, AND LET IT SIT FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES, THEN TRIED AGAIN, BUT NO GOOD. FROM MY PARKED POSITION NOW, I TRIED GOING BACKWARDS, AND DISCOVERED THE SOUND HAD "STOPPED", EXCEPT THAT WHEN I MOVED FORWARD, IT WAS EVER SO LOUD. AT THIS WRITING, NOT SURE WHAT THE PROBLEM IS, WE'VE HAD THE VEHICLE FOR ABOUT A YEAR WITH NO ISSUES UNTIL NOW. *TR
Engine, May 19, 2014
IN DECEMBER 2012 WHILE TRAVELING APPROX 70MPH ON A HIGHWAY, MY PILOT BEGAN BUCKING, AND FITTING BACK & FORTH. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY HAD TO DISASSEMBLE THE ENGINE, AND DETERMINED THE #5 PLUG HAD COME OFF, AND WAS RATTLING AROUND DAMAGING THE INSIDE OF THE ENGINE. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE ENGINE BLOCK, CYLINDERS, ETC AT A COST OF $9000. IT WAS ABOUT 2-3K OVER THE WARRANTY, AND PAST WARRANTY BY 2 MONTHS. HONDA PAID 90% OF THE BILL, AND I PAID 10%. TODAY... VERY SIMILAR EXPERIENCE, EXCEPT THIS TIME IT'S LEAKING A COFFEE LOOKING LIQUID. ASSUMING OIL MIXED WITH COOLANT... STILL WAITING TO HEAR FROM DEALERSHIP AS TO CAUSE OF LEAKING FLUID, AND APPEARANCE OF MIXED FLUID. *JS
Engine, Apr 23, 2014
THE #5 SPARK PLUG EXPLODED AND A PIECE DROPPED INTO THE CYLINDER DAMAGING THE WALL AND PISTON. THE 4WD/TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON BEFORE THERE WERE ANY MECHANICAL FAILURES, I PULLED OVER AND TRIED TO "TURN OFF" THE 4WD/TRACTION, BUT IT IS AUTOMATIC AND SINCE SOME WHEELS WERE LOSING POWER IT WOULD JUST COME BACK ON. THEN THE CAR STARTED MAKING A LOUD NOISE, SO I ENDED UP HAVING IT TOWED. WHEN THE DEALER LOOKED AT THE CAR THEY FOUND THE #5 (ORIGINAL MANUFACTURER INSTALLED) SPARK PLUG HAD LITERALLY EXPLODED AND A PIECE DROPPED INTO THE CYLINDER, RUINING IT. THE WHOLE ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED, IT HAS BEEN A TIMELY AND COSTLY EXPERIENCE. EVEN THOUGH MY CAR HAD A 100K WARRANTY UNDER HONDA CARE THE ENGINE THEY REPLACED MINE WITH LASTED ONLY 2700 MILES AND NOW WE ARE BACK TO REPLACING THAT ONE, TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE. *TR
Structure, Mar 25, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, A RATTLING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT PANEL THEN BECAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND FLEW ACROSS THE HIGHWAY. THE CONTACT WAS ALE TO RETRIEVE THE PANEL AND UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT WAS RIPPED FROM THE PANEL BY THE REAR BUMPER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR DIAGNOSED FOR REPAIR. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000.
Structure, Mar 24, 2014
REAR TAILGATE LATCH MECHANISM FELL OUT OF MOUNT. 2 OF 3 SCREWS WERE FOUND COMPLETELY LOOSE AFTER PARTIAL REMOVAL OF REAR TAILGATE INTERIOR TRIM. ISSUE HAPPENED IN STORE PARKING LOT LOADING GROCERIES; TAILGATE WOULD NOT LATCH SHUT AND DROVE HOME AT SLOW SPEED WITH ALL DOME LIGHTS ON (HONDA DOES NOT GIVE A POSITION SWITCH OPTION FOR ON*DOOR*OFF AS I HAVE SEEN IN MANY OTHER VEHICLES OWNED). DUE TO SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE OF HAVING UNLATCHED TAILGATE OPTED TO EFFECT IMMEDIATE REPAIR UPON RETURN TO HOME ADDRESS. I HAVE REINSTALLED ALL 3 SCREWS AND USED BLUE LOCTITE THREAD LOCK AS IT APPEARS NO THREAD LOCK WAS PREVIOUSLY USED. I AM A MECHANICAL ENGINEER AND WAS CONCERNED THAT A) VERY SMALL DIAMETER SCREWS RELATIVE TO SIZE OF ITEM BEING SECURED AND B) NO LOCKING MECHANISM TO HOLD TORQUE ON THE SCREWS. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS OF VARIOUS HONDA MODELS WITH SIMILAR ISSUE ON INTERNET AT HONDA OWNER DISCUSSION BOARDS. THERE ARE EVEN STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS WITH PHOTOS HOW TO FIX POSTED ON A HONDA OWNERS DISCUSSION BOARD; YET WHEN I CHECK HONDA'S OFFICIAL TSB LIST - THERE IS NOT EVEN 1 TSB FOR THE TAILGATE LATCH LOOSE ISSUE; SO IT IS LIKELY MANY OWNERS (AS MYSELF) HAVE OPTED TO TAKE THE DIY APPROACH FOR THE SOLUTION. MY PROFESSIONAL OPINION IS THIS IS POORLY DESIGNED SINCE THE ATTACHMENT MECHANISM (3 SCREWS) TO HOLD THE LATCH BODY TO THE TAILGATE PANEL COULD BECOME LOOSE FROM NOMINAL IN-CITY DAILY DRIVING (PROOF THAT THE TORQUE ON THE FASTENERS IS NOT HOLDING UNDER NORMAL USE). *TR
Power train, Dec 29, 2013
HONDA CORPORATION IS AWARE OF A NON-CONFORMANCE ISSUE WITH THE HONDA PILOTS TRANSMISSION BUT HAS NOT PROVIDED A RECALL OR SOLUTION TO CONSUMERS. THE "TRANSMISSION" CAN FAIL BETWEEN 35K TO 157K MILES WHEN THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE MECHANICAL DEFECT WAS KNOWN IN 2000-2004 SECOND GEAR FAILURE AND AGAIN IN 2008 PRODUCTION TO BE LATER REDESIGN IN 2009 WITHOUT CONSUMER NOTIFICATION OF SUCH DEFECT. CONSUMERS HAVE FILED MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS AND HONDA HAS DONE NOTHING TO COMPENSATE BUYERS. WE THE UNDESIGNED EXPECT HONDA TO ADHERE TO THE "TOTAL REPAIR COST" ARE "REIMBURSE" THE CONSUMER FOR THEIR TRADE-IN LOST DUE TO TRANSMISSION DEFECT WHICH EVER TRANSPIRED AS A RESULT OF THE PRODUCT NON-CONFORMANCE ISSUE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Dec 12, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED FOLLOWED BY A BRIEF DELAYED RESPONSE. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING IN RAINY WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000. UPDATED 03/05/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. UPDATED 03/11/14
Vehicle speed control, Sep 5, 2013, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER SHIFTING THE VEHICLE INTO REVERSE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD WITHOUT MANUAL FORCE. THE CONTACT THEN CRASHED INTO A PARKING SIGN. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000.
Power train, May 27, 2013
THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A STOPLIGHT, WAITING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, THE DRIVER ACCELERATED INTO THE TURN, THEN LET OFF THE GAS TO COAST THRU THE TURN. AFTER COMPLETING THE TURN AND RE-APPLYING THE GAS PEDAL, IT WAS REALIZED THAT THERE WAS NO ACCELERATION. THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING NORMALLY AND THERE WERE NO OTHER SYMPTOMS OTHER THAN THAT THERE WAS NO POWER BEING SENT TO THE WHEELS. THERE WAS NO ADVANCED WARNING OF ANY KIND. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED ON A HIGH-SPEED SHOULDER LESS ROAD DURING RUSH HOUR. THE DRIVER AND HER FATHER WERE STUCK IN THE RIGHT-HAND LANE WITH CARS DRIVING BY AT 55 MPH IN THE LEFT-HAND LANE AND MANY CARS IN THE RIGHT-HAND LANE SWERVING INTO THE LEFT LANE JUST IN TIME TO MISS THE STOPPED CAR. IT TOOK 20 MINUTES BEFORE POLICE ARRIVED TO SLOW DOWN TRAFFIC SO THIS INCIDENT COULD POTENTIALLY HAVE ENDED WITH TRAFFIC INJURIES OR DEATHS. *TR
Engine, Apr 11, 2013
CATALYTIC CONVERTER BANKS 2-4 FAILED. *TR