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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 133

Of the 2008 reports, 11 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 15 people were injured and 1 person died.

Primary concernAir bags32 reports · 24% of complaints
Owner complaints133Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship9 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Air bags32
  2. Structure16
  3. Power train11
  4. Engine10
  5. Electrical system9
  6. Exterior lighting9
  7. Seats8
  8. Steering8

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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.

  1. Power train, Apr 11, 2013

    VEHICLE VIBRATION, FROM FAILED TORQUE CONVERTER. *TR

  2. Exterior lighting, Nov 26, 2012

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65MPH THE LOW BEAM LIGHTS SHUT OFF AND NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THE HIGH BEAM LIGHTS AND THE FOG LIGHTS HAVE TO BE USED WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 76,000.

  3. Interior lighting, Oct 15, 2012

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR COURTESY MAP LIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPLACED A FUSE UNDER THE DASHBOARD AREA HOWEVER, THE MALFUNCTION CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THERE WAS A SHORT CIRCUIT WITHIN THE MAP LIGHT HOUSING WIRING AND ALSO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE DEFECT WAS COMMON. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

  4. Engine and engine cooling, Oct 10, 2012

    MY HONDA OFTEN GETS THE ENGINE LIGHT TURN ON AND THEN A FEW DAYS LATER THE LIGHT IS OFF.. WHEN THE ENGINE LIGHT TURNS ON, I HAD TAKEN IT TO DEALER IN WHICH THEY UPDATE MICROSOFT BUT IT COMES BACK AGAIN. THE DEALER RUNS THE CAR INTO THE COMPUTER AND DOESN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH ENGINE OR NOTHING ELSE.. BUT THE LIGHT TURNS ON AND OFF OFTEN.. *TR

  5. Steering, Suspension, Tires, Aug 8, 2012

    THE STEERING SHAKE WAS REPORTED TO THE DEALER DIRECTLY AFTER SALE. THE DEALER TOLD ME THEY DIDN'T NOTICE ANYTHING WRONG AND I SHOULD NOT BE GOING OVER 65 AS THAT IS THE SPEED LIMIT.THEY FINALLY FORCE BALANCED THE TIRES AND ADJUSTED THE ALIGNMENT, 50% BETTER. WHEN THEY SAID THEY WERE THROUGH AND IT MIGHT BE A FLAT SPOT ON A TIRE I REPORTED THIS TO HONDA MOTOR CARS OF AMERICA CASE # [XXX]. I HAD A SEPARATE DEALER CHECK IT OUT AND THEY AGREE IT IS THERE BUT HAD NO SOLUTION. THEY SAID ALL THE SAFETY EQUIPMENT IS IN PLACE AND IT MAY BE A BENT RIM, BAD TIRE OR JUST THE VEHICLE ITSELF. I WAS CALLED BY THE DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT IT TO BRING IT TO AN AFFILIATE HONDA DEALER. THEY FORCE BALANCED AGAIN AND ADJUSTED THE ALIGNMENT. IT WAS A BIT BETTER BUT AGAIN STILL SHAKES. THEY THEN SWAPPED TIRES AND RIMS WITH AN IDENTICAL 2007 PILOT WITH NEW GOODYEAR INTEGRITY TIRES (RECOMMENDED AS THE TIRE THAT CAME ON THE VEHICLE)THERE WAS NOT DIFFERENCE. THE 2007 WHEN TAKEN FOR A TEST RIDE WAS WORSE THAN MY VEHICLE AND SOMEONE WILL BY THAT THINKING IT IS JUST AN ALIGNMENT AND HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. LOOKING ON LINE THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH PILOTS, ACURA RDX AND MDX VEHICLES OF ALL YEARS WHEN USED FOR HIGHWAY DRIVING. HOW DOES A COMPANY CONTINUE TO MAKE A FAULTY VEHICLE AND DISMISS HUNDREDS OF CLAIMS? THERE WAS YET ANOTHER PILOT OWNER IN THE SHOP THAT DAY WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. AWFULLY BIG COINCIDENCE! *TR

  6. Power train, Jun 14, 2012

    MY 2008 PILOT SHUDDERS IN THE SPEED RANGE OF ABOUT 35-40 MPH, WITH LIGHT PRESSURE ON THE GAS PEDAL. *JB

  7. Engine and engine cooling, Mar 5, 2012, fire

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER HAVING MAINTENANCE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE, SHE STARTED SMELLING BURNING OIL FUMES IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHITE SMOKE WAS EMITTED FROM THE EXHAUST PIPES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 132,000.

  8. Engine and engine cooling, Feb 10, 2012

    RADIATOR CORE FAILURE IN 2008 HONDA PILOT EX-L. OEM RADIATOR FAILED DUE TO LEAK AT CRIMP BETWEEN PLASTIC CAP AND CORE. *TR

  9. Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 23, 2012

    CLIMATE CONTROL DISPLAY LIGHTS ARE OUT. WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT I HAVE TO TAKE MY EYES OFF THE ROAD TO TURN MY INTERIOR LIGHTS ON, THEN TAKE MY EYES OFF THE ROAD AGAIN TO FIND THE APPROPRIATE BUTTON TO ADJUST HE HEAT OR AIR. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS CONSTANTLY TAKING MY EYES OF THE ROAD, PLUS HAVE TO TAKE MY HANDS OFF THE STEERING WHEEL MULTIPLE TIMES TO TURN THE INTERIOR LIGHT ON & OFF TO ADJUST THE CLIMATE CONTROLS. *TR

  10. Exterior lighting, Sep 30, 2011

    3RD BRAKE LIGHT FAILED. UPON INSPECTION FOUND BULB TO BE BURNT OUT AND SOCKET PARTIALLY MELTED. REPLACED BULB WITH MANUFACTURERS RECOMMENDED BULB. IT APPEARS TO BE THE SAME BULB THAT ORIGINALLY BURNED OUT. I HAVE A CONCERN FOR A VEHICLE FIRE DUE TO THIS OVERHEATING. *TR

  11. Electrical system, May 27, 2011

    WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED ON STREET ATTEMPTED TO ROLL DOWN AND THEN UP REAR DRIVER SIDE WINDOW. IT STUCK IN THE DOWN POSITION WITH MOTOR MAKING NOISE BUT NO MOVEMENT. THIS COINCIDENTALLY HAPPENED RIGHT AFTER EXPIRATION OF FACTORY WARRANTY. UNABLE TO SECURE VEHICLE FROM ELEMENTS OR THEFT AS THIS OCCURRED AT 6:30 P.M. AND DEALERSHIPS SERVICE DEPARTMENTS CLOSE AT 7 PM AND TECHNICIANS FOR ALL 3 DEALERSHIPS WITHIN DRIVING DISTANCE NOT ON DUTY THAT LATE IN THE DAY.. UNABLE TO DRIVE WITH REAR WINDOW DOWN ON MORE THAN SIDE STREETS 25-35 MPH DUE TO LOUD WHOOPING IN VEHICLE WITH WINDOW DOWN. VIOLENT PRESSURE AND SOUND WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH AS IF HELICOPTER WAS IN THE VEHICLE. *TR

  12. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 7, 2011

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA PILOT. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH AND APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT HE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE; THEREFORE, THEY ONLY CHANGED THE BRAKE FLUID. THE DEALER ALSO INFORMED HIM THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,400. UPDATE 05/06/11

  13. Air bags, Dec 28, 2010

    AIRBAG LIGHT KEEP ON AFTER THE CAR START UP. 2008 HONDA PILOT. NO ACCIDENT INVOLVED. HONDA SAID A CONTROL MODULE NEED TO BE REPLACED. *TR

  14. Visibility, Oct 13, 2010

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA PILOT. SHE ENTERED THE VEHICLE AFTER A RAINY DAY AND NOTICED THE CARPET ON THE DRIVERS AND PASSENGER SIDE WAS WET. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THERE WAS A LEAK COMING FROM THE WINDSHIELD AND IT WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE HAS SINCE RECURRED TWICE. AFTER EACH OCCURRENCE THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 60,000. UPDATED 01/13/11*LJ UPDATED 02/07/11

  15. Power train, Sep 29, 2010, crash

    2008 HONDA PILOT. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HIS WIFE PARKED THE VEHICLE AT THE TOP OF THE DRIVEWAY. SHE PUT THE GEAR IN PARK AND REMOVED THE KEY. THE VEHICLE THEN ROLLED DOWN THE DRIVEWAY BACKWARDS INTO THE NEIGHBORS DRIVEWAY. THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER THE VEHICLE STOPPED, IT WAS STILL IN PARK. *JB

  16. Visibility, Structure, Seats, Apr 28, 2010

    2008 HONDA PILOT. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY HONDA THAT THERE IS A LABEL INSIDE THE SEATS THAT SAYS DO NOT CUT.*DT THE DOOR PANEL WAS BROKEN AND THE SEATS WERE COMING APART. THE SEATS WERE CHANGED FROM CLOTH TO LEATHER AND THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW WOULD NOT ROLL DOWN. *JB

  17. Electrical system, Structure, Electronic stability control (ESC), Mar 11, 2010

    THE ELECTRIC CORDS IN MY CAR HAS BEEN BITTEN BY RODENTS FOR 5-6 TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR. EVERY TIME MY CAR COULD BE STARTED OR THE WARNING LIGHTS ARE ON. MY CAR IS PARKED IN OPEN PARKING LOT. BUT THIS KIND OF PROBLEMS JUST HAPPENED TO MY CAR, NOT MY NEIGHBORS'. AND IT ALSO HAPPENED TO MY FRIENDS WHO HAVE THE SAME MODEL. I BELIEVE THERE ARE DESIGNING PROBLEMS WHICH ARE VERY DANGEROUS. *TR

  18. Engine and engine cooling, Mar 9, 2010

    WHILE DRIVING ON A FREEWAY, A TRUCK KICKED UP A ROCK. THE ROCK BOUNCED BACK AND UNDER MY VEHICLE. I HEARD A POPPING NOISE. WHEN I PULLED INTO MY GARAGE A SHORT WHILE LATER, I HEARD A HISSING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE. THERE WAS A FLUID LEAKING. I HAD THE VEHICLE CHECKED OUT, AND THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM MY AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSER, WHICH NOW HAS A HOLE IN IT. *TR

  19. Air bags, Mar 5, 2010, crash

    I WAS TURNING RIGHT OFF OF AN ACCESS ROAD AND WAS BEHIND A GMC YUKON. THE YUKON BEGAN TO MOVE SO I BEGAN TO ACCELERATE WHILE MAKING SURE THE WAY WAS STILL CLEAR. THE YUKON STOPPED VERY SUDDENLY AND I HIT THE REAR OF THE YUKON. IT APPEARS MY BUMPER WENT UNDER THE YUKON BUMPER AND I SUSTAINED MAJOR DAMAGE TO MY 2008 HONDA PILOT. MY AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND I WAS TOLD BY THE WRECKER DRIVER THAT THIS WAS BECAUSE THE SENSOR IN THE BUMPER WAS NOT ACTIVATED. MY HAND WAS BROKEN AND I RECEIVED SOME INJURY TO MY NECK AND CHEST. IT APPEARS THAT EITHER THE AIR BAG FAILED OR THERE SHOULD BE A BETTER WAY TO ACTIVATE THE AIR BAG. I CAN SUBMIT PICTURE IF DESIRED. *TR

  20. Steering, Feb 26, 2010

    WHEEL VIBRATIONS AT 68-70 MPH. IT'S BETTER AT 73-76MPH AND COMES BACK AT 80MPH AND UP. THIS HAPPENS FROM THE DATE I PURCHASED THE CAR (OCTOBER 6TH 2008). TRIED TO FIX IT WITH DEALERS (BALANCING, ALIGNING) BUT DID NOT HELP. *TR

  21. Power train, Feb 19, 2010

    UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, MY 2008 HONDA PILOT ROLLS UNHINDERED DOWN HILL WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS IN PARK. TO DATE, THE FOREGOING HAS ONLY OCCURRED ON SNOW COVERED SURFACES. I POSSESS VIDEO FOOTAGE OF THE VEHICLE DOING SO. MOREOVER, A REPRESENTATIVE OF AMERICAN HONDA INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND EXPERIENCED THE SAME OCCURRENCE. DESPITE THE FOREGOING, THE REPRESENTATIVE ADVISED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY VEHICLE. RATHER, HE INFORMED ME THAT THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE'S DIFFERENTIAL WAS THE REASON THE VEHICLE WAS ROLLING UNHINDERED WHILE IN PARK. *TR

  22. Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Feb 18, 2010

    2008 HONDA PILOT EX FUEL EMISSIONS LIGHT CAME ON WITHOUT REASON. *TR

  23. Power train, Structure, Dec 26, 2009

    I OWN AN 2008 HONDA PILOT (AUTOMATIC) AND WOULD LIKE AN INVESTIGATION OF THIS VEHICLE'S INABILITY TO HOLD IN GEAR ON AN INCLINE. THE PILOT WILL ROLL BACKWARDS WHEN IN DRIVE WITHOUT STOPPING ON AN UPHILL INCLINE, AND WILL ROLL FORWARD WHEN IN REVERSE ON A DOWNHILL INCLINE. I LIVE NEAR SAN FRANCISCO AND DRIVING IN THAT AREA IS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE IN AN AUTOMATIC THAT WILL NOT HOLD ITS GEAR. IT IS WORSE THAN A MANUAL TRANSMISSION BECAUSE YOU CAN'T CONTROL THE GEAR ENGAGEMENT WITH A CLUTCH. I AM FORCED TO DRIVE WITH MY LEFT FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND RIGHT ON THE ACCELERATOR IN ORDER TO AVOID ROLLING BACKWARDS INTO FOLLOWING VEHICLES OR CROSS TRAFFIC. I BELIEVE THIS IS A DEFECT WITH NOT JUST MY VEHICLE BUT WITH ALL HONDA PILOTS PRIOR TO 2009, AS HONDA ADVERTISED THE 2009 MODEL WITH A NEW 'ANTI-ROLLBACK' FEATURE. THE 2008 MODEL IS LACKING THIS FEATURE, BUT I HAVE DRIVEN OTHER AUTOMATICS OF ALL OTHER TYPES AND SIZES AND NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM. IN MY RESEARCH, IT SEEMS THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH SOMETHING CALLED A 'TORQUE CONVERTER' THAT COULD POSSIBLY BE RETROFITTED OR MODIFIED TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO THE HONDA DEALER IN MY AREA BUT WITH NO SATISFACTION. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS ISSUE. AFTER ONE DAY IN S/F, STUCK ON AN UPHILL SLOPE IN GRIDLOCKED TRAFFIC, I COMPLETELY BURNED OUT MY BRAKES AND NEARLY STRUCK CARS BEHIND ME ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. PLEASE INVESTIGATE AND RECOMMEND A METHOD OF RECOURSE AS I CAN NOT SEEM TO GET HONDA TO PAY ANY ATTENTION TO MY CONCERN. THANK-YOU. *TR

  24. Steering, Mar 6, 2009

    PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2008 PILOT EXL IN FEB. 2008 WITH ABOUT 3 ODOMETER MILES. ABOUT TWO MONTHS LATER A FAINT POPPING NOISE COULD BE HEAR FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE. AFTER SEVERAL TRIPS (MORE THAN 3) TO THE DEALER THEY COULD NOT PINPOINT LOCATION OF NOISE AND CAR WOULD NOT CONSISTENTLY MAKE SOUND. IN DEC. 2008 IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE POPPING SOUND WAS COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE DEALER ORDERED AND REPLACED THE PART FEB. 2009. AFTER REPLACING THE PART THE DEALER TEST DROVE IT AND COULD NOT HEAR THE NOISE ANYMORE. I PICKED UP MY CAR, HOWEVER, AFTER DRIVING IT STARTED TO MAKE THE NOISE AND I LISTENED CAREFULLY OVER THE DAYS AND THE POPPING NOISE WAS COMING RIGHT BACK. I AM NOT TOTALLY CONVINCED THAT THE DEALER ORDERED AND REPLACED THE PART. I AM CALLING HONDA MOTORS CORP. ON MON., MAR. 9, 2009, TO VOICE MY COMPLAINT THAT THE CAR IS DEFECTIVE AND POSES A HAZARD. I DO NOT WANT THE STEERING WHEEL TO COME APART WHILE I AM DRIVING. I NOTICED THAT THIS WEB PAGE POSTED A RECALL OF THE 2005 HONDA PILOT FOR STEERING COLUMN IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED. I THINK THE SAME SHOULD BE DONE FOR THE 2008 HONDA PILOT EXL IF THIS IS A NORMAL SOUND AS MY DEALER IS TELLING ME. *TR

  25. Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Feb 26, 2009

    01) VEHICLE SKIDDING UNDER SLIGHTEST WATER AND/OR INCLINE ON ROAD EVEN THOUGH HAS ONLY 20,500 MILES 02) SOUND FROM THAT REAR OF VEHICLE (DEALER DESCRIBES THAT AS SLASHING GAS IN TANK OR BRAKING SOUND). *TR