2012 Honda Pilot
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 171 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 15th highest complaint count among 23 Pilot model years with reports.
Of the 2012 reports, 17 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 19 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJun 27, 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic GX NGV, 2012-2015 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2014 Fit EV, 2010-2014 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot 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 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 F5F and Q5E.
Campaign 19V502000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleMay 16, 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2013 TSX Sport Wagon, and 2010-2012 ZDX and 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, 2012-2014 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2013 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The front passenger air bag inflator may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly deploy the passenger frontal air bag in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator installation and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are M4O, P4R, T4Q, and W4P.
Campaign 19V378000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleSep 27, 2018
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014 Honda Insight and Acura TSX and TSX Wagon, 2014-2015 Honda Crosstour and Pilot vehicles nationwide, as well as certain 2014 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, California, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan) and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Honda is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Acura TSX, TSX Wagon and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Insight, Fit and Pilot vehicles, 2011-2012 Honda Accord and 2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the 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. Lastly, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot, 2011-2013 TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord and 2010-2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles 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 air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher 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 air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are M2J and S2K.
Campaign 18V661000 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 9, 2018
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX, ZDX, Honda Accord Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot vehicles, 2011-13 Acura TSX Sportswagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord,, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles and 2013 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles ever registered in the states of 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, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2012 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Accord Crosstour, Fit and Pilot, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V, and 2010 Acura ZDX and Honda Insight vehicles ever registered in the states of 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." Unless included in Zones A or B above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid, CR-V, Fit, and Pilot vehicles ever registered in the states of 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 or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher 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 air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 16, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are B0K and L0J.
Campaign 18V042000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleAug 31, 2017
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2008-2012 Accord, 2010-2012 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2012 Fit and Pilot, 2010-2012 Insight, and 2009-2012 Acura TSX vehicles that received replacement passenger frontal air bag inflators. One dealership may have incorrectly installed the replacement air bag inflators.
In the event of a crash, an incorrectly installed passenger frontal air bag inflator may deploy the air bag improperly, increasing the risk of injury.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are O07, Y0A, N06, G05, M04, Y01, and O09.
Campaign 17V545000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 10, 2017
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Acura TSX, 2011-2012 Acura TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Acura ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2012 Honda Accord Crosstour and Honda Insight, 2009-2012 Honda Fit, 2009-2012 Pilot, 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2012 Honda FCX Clarity and 2006-2011 Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid, Civic NGV 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 2009 Acura TSX, Honda Fit and Pilot, 2008-2009 Honda Accord, 2006-2009 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, and 2007-2009 Honda CR-V 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 B" above, Honda is recalling certain 2008 Honda Accord, 2006-2008 Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV and 2007-2008 Honda CR-V 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 side air bag inflator, free of charge. The manufacturer has mailed an interim notification, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KE1 and KE2.
Campaign 17V030000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsJan 18, 2013
Honda is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 Pilot and 2011-2013 Odyssey passenger vehicles manufactured from March 13, 2008, through December 21, 2012. One or more rivets that attach the airbag module to the airbag cover may be missing.
The absence of more than one rivet could alter the performance of the driver's airbag during deployment. This could potentially increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda dealer. The dealer will inspect the driver's airbag module and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 14, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 13V016000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assemblyFeb 17, 2012
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 PILOT AND ACURA MDX VEHICLES. THE VENT SHUT FLOAT (VSF) VALVE CASE IN THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY DOES NOT MEET THE DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS.
AS A RESULT, FUEL MAY LEAK FROM THE TANK, INCREASING THE RISK OF FIRE.
HONDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VSF ASSEMBLY DATE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 13, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 12V063000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
22 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 12, 2026, fire
On April 9, 2026, my daughter came in from school and parked her Honda Pilot at about 5:10PM. At about 7:03PM, my wife and I were sitting outside and heard a loud POP, it sounded like a car backfiring. I went to investigate and saw a little smoke and a small orange glowing piece of something on the ground under the vehicle towards the front of the vehicle. I grab a fire extinguisher from my work truck and went towards the vehicle. The car was locked and I saw flames under the hood standing by the driver door looking down where the windshield wipers are. I used the extinguisher till it was empty and the flames kept getting worse. I just walked away and my wife was already calling 911. No one was hurt no damage to any exposures. My daughter did not indicate that anything was wrong with the vehicle. No lights on, no smells, everything ran fine. It had 154,000 miles on it. I do have RING video footage of the event. I did file a claim with my insurance and sent them the video footage.
Electrical system, Jan 5, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Honda Pilot. The contact then discovered a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 67,450. The contact stated that at the time of retrieving a Carfax report, it was discovered that the mileage was 140,000.
Electrical system, Nov 24, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Honda Pilot. After contacting the seller on Facebook Market Place the contact purchased the vehicle and later discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the odometer mileage reading was 94,397. After obtaining a Vehicle Carfax, the mileage listed for the vehicle was 204,943.
Electrical system, Apr 17, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact has never owned or purchased these vehicles. The vehicles never purchased in any type of sale. The contact stated that the state of New York has asked for additional paper for the vehicle's registration. The vehicle was not a private sale or dealer sale but illegitimately obtained. The contact has received a letter from state of New Jersey 182,007 sold to fidelity 182,008 actual fidelity transferred with no odometer dis transferred [XXX] with no odometer disclosure. The contact is a [XXX] the tittles and odometer Fidelity Auto grp out of Wisconsin Marie Knight in Ohio they are signing title in her name for her company. The contact stated she has never sold these vehicle milage is rolled back. The contact has tried to contact the city of New York and have been flagged as fraud the city stated they are providing titles. The contact has requested copies and has not received anything through the freedom of information. New Jersey 182,007 sold to fidelity 182,008 actual fidelity transferred with no odometer dis transferred [XXX] with no odometer disclosure. 2012Honda Pilot VIN: [XXX]Recall data refreshed on Apr 16,2025 0 Unrepaired Recalls associated with this VIN What if my car isn't recalled now? Could it be recalled later? Yes. Whether a manufacturer independently conducts a safety recall or NHTSA orders one, the manufacturer must file a public report describing the safety-related defect or noncompliance. Manufacturers are also required to notify owners by mail within 60 days of notifying NHTSA of a recall decision. Look for this distinct label to distinguish critical safety recall information from other marketing material. Montana 211,026 with 211,510 actual with no odometer disclosure 2014TOYOTA Camry VIN: [XXX] Recall data refreshed on Apr 17,2025 0 Unrepaired Recalls associated with this VIN What if my car isn't recalled now? Could it be recalled later? Yes. Whether a manufacturer independently conducts a safety recall or NHTSA orders one, the manufacturer must file a public report describing the safety-related defect or noncompliance. Manufacturers are also required to notify owners by mail within 60 days of notifying NHTSA of a recall decision. Look for this distinct label to distinguish critical safety recall information from other marketing material. 203,574 bought actual Fidelity Group 205,374 transferred to her with 203,514 it was sold to [XXX] 109,000. 2013Acura MDX VIN: [XXX] Recall data refreshed on Apr 16,2025 0 Unrepaired Recalls associated with this VIN What if my car isn't recalled now? Could it be recalled later? Yes. Whether a manufacturer independently conducts a safety recall or NHTSA orders one, the manufacturer must file a public report describing the safety-related defect or noncompliance. Manufacturers are also required to notify owners by mail within 60 days of notifying NHTSA of a recall decision. Look for this distinct label to distinguish critical safety recall information from other marketing material. New Jersey 201,019 transferred 253,000 actual fidelity transfer to with no odometer sold from The contact to [XXX] no odometer disclosure. 2012Honda Pilot VIN: [XXX] Recall data refreshed on Apr 16,2025 0 Unrepaired Recalls associated with this VIN What if my car isn't recalled now? Could it be recalled later? Yes. Whether a manufacturer independently conducts a safety recall or NHTSA orders one, the manufacturer must file a public report describing the safety-related defect or noncompliance. Manufacturers are also required to notify owners by mail within 60 days of notifying NHTSA of a recall decision. Look for this distinct label to distinguish critical safety recall information from other marketing material. Montana 263,614 transfer 263,615 actual fidelity sold it with no odometer disclosure sold to [XXX] with 100,000. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Apr 15, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 112,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 240,000.
Electrical system, Dec 23, 2024
Check engine light came on followed by shaking of the vehicle. The code was checked indicating a cylinder 1 misfire. This has been an ongoing issue of cylinders misfiring. The spark plugs and coils have been replaced multiple times and the issue is still persisting.
Electrical system, Engine and engine cooling, Mar 12, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Power train, Electrical system, Dec 25, 2023
While driving the vehicle at around 45 MPH it suffered a complete loss of power for 3-5 seconds. The dashboard lights illuminated and then the vehicle restarted without having to restart via the ignition and all of the dash lights turned off. This has happened intermittently on two prior occasions. No electrical issues were evident, new battery and charging system appears to be functioning normally. The contact stated that the dealer found that the issue was a faulty positive battery terminal connector. It was replaced.
Electrical system, Nov 7, 2022
Back up camera stop working. Apparently alot of honda pilot owners complain that the camera stops working.
Electrical system, Sep 20, 2022, fire
The car started smoking, I was able to pullover and get out. The fire department came and removed the hood because it was too hot and appeares to be on fire. They disabled the battery. Car was towed to mechanic and inspected for cause. It was discovered that the alternator melted and the wire harness was burnt and plastic components melted. Car has been totalled.
Electrical system, Aug 14, 2019
YESTERDAY (AUGUST 13TH) I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET ABOUT 45 MPH AND MY 2012 HONDA PILOT'S DASHBOARD WENT COMPLETELY DARK AND THE SPEED WENT FROM APPROX 45 MPH TO ZERO IN A MATTER OF SECONDS . I WAS IN THE FAR LEFT LANE AT THE TIME WITH CARS ZIPPING BY ME AT MUCH FASTER SPEEDS AND I HAD TO "COAST " TO THE RIGHT HAND SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES I DIDN'T KNOW IF I WAS GOING TO BE ABLE TO STOP THE CAR BUT IT DID COME TO A STOP. NOTE: THE RADIO STILL PLAYED . I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION SWITCH , TURNED IT IMMEDIATELY BACK ON AND THE CAR STARTED . I DROVE ON US INTERSTATE 85 FOR 20 MORE MINUTES DIRECTLY TO THE HONDA PLACE THAT SERVICES OUR VEHICLE .THEY HAVE INDICATED THAT NO CODES HAVE SHOWED ANYTHING SO FAR AND HAVE KEPT THE CAR OVERNIGHT TO SEE IF THEY CAN REPLICATE THE INCIDENT . MY CONCERN OBVIOUSLY IS THAT THEY WILL FIND NOTHING AND I WILL BE BACK ON THE ROAD NERVOUS THAT IT CAN HAPPEN AGAIN. AFTER READING MANY SITES ON THE INTERNET REGARDING THIS SAME PROBLEM WITH MANY MODEL YEARS OF HONDA PILOT , EVEN BRAND NEW ONES , IT MAKES ME WONDER IF HONDA HAS REALLY LOOKED INTO THIS . OUR FAMILY HAS OWNED MANY HONDAS FOR MANY YEARS WITHOUT EVER ENCOUNTERING ANYTHING LIKE THIS . I DON'T WANT TO GO PICK MY CAR UP TODAY AND HEAR " COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG " . I DRIVE GRANDCHILDREN IN THIS CAR ! THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM AND FROM THE BLOGS ON THE INTERNET IT SEEMS HONDA NEEDS TO SERIOUSLY FIND THE PROBLEM BEFORE PEOPLE DIE . I PLEAD WITH THE POWERS TO BE TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS PROBLEM BEFORE DEATHS OCCUR. NOTE: SO FAR THE TECHNICIANS AT OUR HONDA DEALERSHIP ACT CLUELESS ABOUT THIS AND OTHERS ONLINE HAVE TAKEN THEIR CARS BACK TIME AND TIME AGAIN WITH NO REAL SOLOUTION. YOU HAVE A GREAT PRODUCT ...NOW STAND BEHIND IT, PLEASE.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 19, 2018
THE GASKET ON THE SPOOL VALVE ON OLDER HONDA PILOTS IS KNOWN TO FAIL. THE FAILURE RESULTS IN OIL LEAKING ONTO THE ALTERNATOR WHICH FILL CAUSE THE ALTERNATOR TO EVENTUALLY FAIL RESULTING IN A LOSS OF POWER TO THE VEHICLE. THIS RECENTLY TO MY WIFE WHILE DRIVING ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. OIL LEAKING FROM THE SPOOL VALVE FOULED THE ALTERNATOR RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF POWER TO THE VEHICLE INCLUDING TO THE POWER BRAKES AND POWER STEERING. THIS ENGINEERING FAILURE CAUSES A HAZARDOUS SITUATION. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN RECENTLY SERVICED BY HONDA FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND THE ISSUE WAS NOT NOTICED. AT MINIMAL, HONDA SHOULD RECOMMEND REPLACEMENT OF THE GASKET AS PART OF ROUTINE SERVICE AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME OR CERTAIN MILEAGE. A SIMPLE GOOGLE SEARCH IDENTIFIED THIS ISSUE WITH OLDER MODEL HONDA PILOTS.
Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Sep 30, 2016
WHEN BACKING UP USING THE BACKUP CAMERA THE CAMERA DISPLAY WILL SOMETIMES GO BLACK ON THE SCREEN. I HAVE ALMOST ON TWO OCCASIONS ALMOST HIT SOMEONE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING LOT. THIS IS A INTERMITTENT PROBLEM THAT COMES AND GOES. I FEEL IT'S A SAFETY ISSUES TO HAVE YOUR VISION SUDDENLY CUT OUT WITH NO WARNING.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Aug 4, 2014
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
Electrical system, May 13, 2014
THE KEYS FOR THE 2012 HONDA PILOT ARE VERY CHEAPLY MADE. OUR VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN DECEMBER 2011. AFTER TWO YEARS OF NORMAL DRIVING, THE PLASTIC KEY FOB PART OF THE KEY STARTED TO CRACK AND EVENTUALLY BROKE IN HALF. THE KEY IS NOW USELESS. REPLACEMENT KEYS ARE $200 AT THE DEALER WHICH REQUIRES AN HOUR APPOINTMENT TO PROGRAM A NEW KEY. KEYS SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE, NOT TWO YEARS. *TR
Electrical system, Service brakes, Feb 19, 2014
POWER WENT DOWN, ALL DOORS NOT OPERATIVE, TRUNK ALSO NON OPERATIVE, COULD TRAP PASSENGER AND DRIVER AND CAUSE DEATH. ALL WINDOWS ARE NOT OPERATIVE, ALL DOORS ARE NON OPERATIVE, TRUNK IS NOT OPERATIVE. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 19, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY FOB WOULD NOT FUNCTION WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCESS ANY OF THE DOORS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,200.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Sep 10, 2013
FROM A DEAD STOP OR SLOW ROLL, THE ENGINE FAILS TO RESPOND IMMEDIATELY TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THERE IS A SLIGHT DELAY FROM THE PRESSING OF THE ACCELERATOR TO THE ENGINE RESPONDING, CREATING A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN TRYING TO CLEAR INTERSECTIONS, TURNING ON TO A HIGHWAY, TURNING FROM A BLIND CURVE AND MANY OTHER SITUATIONS. I HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL NEAR CRASHES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A COMPUTER UPDATE BUT THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED, LEAVING THE VEHICLE IN AN UNSAFE CONDITION.
Electrical system, Dec 21, 2012
I PURCHASED A HONDA PILOT 2012 EX-L 4WD IN NOV 2011. SINCE DAY ONE I NOTICED THAT THERE HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE'S A/C SYSTEM. SPECIFICALLY, I HEAR A LOUD HUMMING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHEN THE A/C COMPRESSOR TURNS ON. THE NOISE IS VERY ANNOYING AND WAS DISMISSED BY THE DEALER AS "NORMAL" WITHOUT DIAGNOSTIC WORKS. HAVING OWNED MANY OTHER VEHICLES OVER THE YEARS, MY EXPERIENCE TELLS ME THAT THE NOISE DEFINITELY CANNOT BE CHARACTERIZED AS "NORMAL". AFTER ONLINE RESEARCH, IT SEEMS THAT HONDA IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND HAD PROMISED A SOLUTION SINCE LAST YEAR. TO DATE, OTHER PILOT OWNERS AND I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION FROM CORPORATE HONDA REGARDING THE FIX ON THE ISSUE. I'M HOPING THAT MORE POTENTIAL BUYERS ARE AT LEAST AWARE OF THIS ISSUE WHEN THEY COMPARE VEHICLES AND THAT HONDA HEARS OUR COLLECTIVE CONCERNS AND TAKE RESPONSIBLE ACTIONS. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 1, 2012, fire
MY WIFE PULLED THE VEHICLE INTO OUR DRIVEWAY AND EXITED THE CAR JUST A SHE NOTICED WHITE SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. SHE CALLED ME OUT OF THE HOUSE TO LOOK AND I SAW THERE WAS A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I TRIED TO PUT IT OUT WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER BUT IT SPREAD TOO FAST. THE END RESULT IS THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS BURNT WITH NOT MUCH LEFT. I AM ASSUMING IT WAS SOMETHING ELECTRICAL DUE TO THE NATURE OF THE INITIAL SMOKE AND THE LOCATION OF THE FIRE ORIGINS. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 7, 2012
THIS IS FIRST SUMMER FOR MY BRAND NEW HONDA PILOT 2012 LX CAR AND I NOTICE WHEN AC IN ON AND CAR IS NOT MOVING THERE IS SOME KIND OF MOANING VERY LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER FROM WHERE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE. I WAS INFORMED THAT HONDA MOTORS IS AWARE ABOUT THIS ISSUE IN 2012 PILOT. I AM VERY SURPRISE AND UPSET THAT DESPITE HONDA MOTOR IS AWARE ABOUT THIS ISSUE, TILL THE DATE HONDA MOTORS DID NOT SOLVE THIS PROBLEM. THE NOISE COMING IS VERY LOUD WHEN AC IS ON AND WHEN CAR IS NOT MOVING. THIS NOISE IS VERY ANNOYING. I AM HAVING MIGRAINE ALMOST EVERY DAY BECAUSE OF THIS VERY LOAD MOANING NOISE COMING FROM THE CAR. I ALREADY CONTACTED HONDA BUT THEY DID NOT SOLVE THIS PROBLEM AS OF YET OR THERE IS NO RECALL. IT IS ALMOST BEEN ONE YEAR HONDA PILOT 2012 MODEL CAME OUT. PLEASE HELP URGENTLY. THANKS *TR
Electrical system, Apr 9, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HEARD A GRINDING NOISE WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE GRINDING NOISE WAS DUE TO THE STARTER ENGAGING. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO REPAIR FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 600. UPDATED 05/11/12 *BF UPDATED 05/21/12