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: engine
45 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.
Power train, Engine, Feb 18, 2026
The check transmission light comes and goes. Ive had the transmission flushed with no issues. It pulls codes for the torque converter as its supposedly getting stuck per mechanic or is over heating and throwing the code. It does not drive rough and I believe it is a faulty code that needs to be addressed and updated and cleared. Ive had it cleared out once and it stayed off for a whole month. The light and blinking D doesn't come on all the time or in patterns so that also tells me it isn't a transmission issue or it would be on more frequently and consistently. To where when mine comes on and then I shut my car off for an hour it stays off for quite some time. This really needs to be addressed instead of causing car owners unnecessary costs for diagnostic purposes through a Honda dealer which costs 100.00 or more or even them putting in a complete new transmission.
Electrical system, Engine and engine cooling, Mar 12, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Suspension, Engine, Apr 18, 2023
Unusual amount of oil consumption. Faulty cylinder 3. Gaskets cause the oil to leak into the spark plugs causing the engine light to come on with loss of power. Changed cylinder 3 spark plug at least 10 times or more since purchasing the vehicle in 2021. Oil also drips onto the alternator, replaced it twice in 9 months. Wheels and steering wheel shake when hitting the brakes. Replaced brakes and rotors twice as well.
Engine, Apr 3, 2023
MIL comes on with DTCsP0301 through P0304 Car is available for inspection. Dealer confirmed along with independent service center. Service Bulletin 13-082
Engine, Nov 13, 2022
burning to much oil and engine light turn and just put 2 quarts and iwas looking at complaints anf few people have the same issue i really take care of my truck
Engine, Jul 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while at a stop light, the engine shuddered and the vehicle was unable to accelerate. The check engine, battery, traction control, and Variable Torque Management 4-WD system (VTM-4) warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed with piston and piston ring failure mentioned in Honda bulletin 13-082. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.
Engine, Jul 12, 2021
Excessive oil consumption which led to engine misfire while driving and trying to merge onto the freeway. This cause a significant loss of power and poor performance by the vehicle. Fortunately the roadway was not busy, but this issue could have caused an accident. Took the vehicle to local mechanic, Affordable Automotive (Chico, CA). They ran a diagnostic and it revealed a P0301 and P0175 code. They removed the spark plugs which showed excessive fouling and they replaced them. The specific cylinder effected was Cylinder 1. I have contacted Honda and filed a claim (Case #12234271). They opened a case and initially had good communication, but have since stopped responding and have not provided me with a conclusion. Honda initially responded on May 21, 2021.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Mar 25, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED JERKING AND HESITATING WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE SPARK PLUGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED ROUSH HONDA (100 W. SCHROCK RD, WESTERVILLE, OH 43081, (614) 882-1535) AND MADE THE DEALER AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V063000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Engine, Nov 23, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE JERKED WHILE SHIFTING GEARS. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE SPARK PLUGS WERE REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER DUE TO THE DISTANCE OF THE NEAREST DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND SUGGESTED THAT THE VEHICLE BE TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 137,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 25, 2020
AS I PROCEED TO ACCELERATE ONTO A HIGHWAY OR ROAD MY VEHICLE IS VERY HESITANT NO MATTER HOW FAR YOU PUSH DOWN ON THE GAS PEDAL IT WILL NOT GO AND THEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN IT LURCHES ACCELERATING THE SPEED VERY FAST AS IF IT'S TRYING TO CATCH UP. THIS HAS CAUSED ME TO ALMOST I HAVE THREE ACCIDENTS NOW. I HAVE TO BE VERY CAUTIOUS WHEN ENTERING AN INTERSECTION OR PULLING ONTO A FREEWAY AS MY VEHICLE DECLINES TO ACCELERATE AS IT NEEDS TO CAUSING PEOPLE TO RUN INTO ME ALMOST. IT IS A PRETTY SIGNIFICANT DELAY FOR THE VEHICLE TO CATCH UP ON ITS OWN AND COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS FOR ANYONE. I HAVE READ SEVERAL COLUMNS WHERE CUSTOMERS WITH HONDA PILOTS HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS SAME ORDEAL AND YET IT'S HARD TO TAKE TO A DEALERSHIP AND EXPLAIN WHAT'S GOING ON AND THEN GET IN THE CAR AND IT NOT HAPPEN RIGHT AWAY BUT MY CAR DOES IT ALMOST EVERY SINGLE TIME YOU TRY TO ACCELERATE ON TO ANY ROAD. THIS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BEFORE IT CAUSES A LIFE
Wheels, Service brakes, Engine, Aug 1, 2020
I RECENTLY BUY THIS CAR AND IT HAS 79000 MILES ON THE ODO METER AND WHEN I CHECK THE CARFAX MILES CAME OUT 186000 MILES IT MEANS THEY ROLLBACK THE ODOMETER AND I WANT TO REPORT A CLAIM BECAUSE IT IS REALLY A SAFETY CONCERN
Engine, Jan 17, 2019
VEHICLE HAS EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. ALSO HAD SPARK PLUG FAILURE.
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.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 7, 2017
EXCESSIVE OIL USAGE - FOULING PLUGS - REDUCED GAS MILEAGE - VCM FAULT DTC 3400 TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB #11-033)
Engine, Jun 5, 2016
39000 MILES AND EGR VALVE MALFUNCTION. JUST BOUGHT THIS 2012 HONDA PILOT. THE DEALER COVERED REPAIR AS I JUST BOUGHT IT. IS THIS GOING TO BE A REOCCURRING PROBLEM? THE DEALER ONLY REPLACED THE EGR VALVE AND DID NOT CLEAN CARBON BUILD UP. FROM WHAT I HAVE READ THEY SHOULD HAVE.
Power train, Wheels, Engine, Apr 4, 2016
VEHICLE DEVELOPED A VIBRATION AROUND 45000 MILES IN REAR AND THOUGHT TIRES NEEDED REBALANCING. THAT DIDN'T HELP AND AFTER VIBRATING ON A 1600 MILE TRIP HAD DEALER REPLACE TIRES WITH ORIGINAL BRAND AND SIZE AFTER DISCUSSING PROBLEM WITH THEM. $1000 LATER I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO DEALER AND COMPLAINED ABOUT VIBRATION. THEY REBALANCED TIRES ON HI TECH BALANCER. 275 MILES ON NEW TIRES AND STILL VIBRATION IS THERE. WENT BACK TODAY BECAUSE OF VIBRATION AND THEY DID SOFTWARE UPDATE AND REPLACED RIGHT REAR TIRE. SERVICE MANAGER AND THEN GENERAL BOTH RODE WITH ME I VEHICLE AND THEY AGREED THE VIBRATION IS STILL APPARENT. THEY THINK IT'S INHERENT WITH THE HONDA PILOT. IT OBVIOUSLY IS NOT SOMETHING THAT IS NORMAL. WHO WHAT'S TO DRIVE A CAR VIBRATING ALL THE TIME.
Power train, Engine, Apr 16, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO FIND A FAILURE. THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND OIL WERE CHANGED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10. UPDATED 6/3/15*CN UPDATED 06/09/15*JB
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Apr 14, 2015
PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED FROM A FRANCHISE DEALER AND AM THE SECOND OWNER. THE ENGINE HESITATES AT LOW SPEEDS (APPROX. 10 MPH) WHEN ACCELERATING. THIS BECOMES APPARENT WHEN ATTEMPTING ACCELERATE FROM A STOP LIGHT, ACCELERATING FROM A TURN, MERGING ONTO A FREEWAY, CHANGING LANES, ETC. IT DOES HAPPEN PERIODICALLY AND I AM UNABLE TO REPRODUCE THE ISSUE ON-DEMAND, BUT IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN DAILY WHENEVER THE CAR FEELS LIKE IT. I AM SURPRISED THERE IS NO RECALL ISSUED FOR THIS, AS I HAVE ALREADY HAD A COUPLE OF NEAR MISSING WHEN TRYING TO MERGE ONTO THE FREEWAY WITH STEADY FLOWING TRAFFIC AND WHEN CROSSING AN INTERSECTION FROM ONE SIDE OF THE STREET TO THE OTHER. I HAVE YET TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AS IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THERE DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE A SOLUTION TO THIS ISSUE, SO I WANT TO UNDERSTAND WHAT MY OPTIONS ARE. I'LL BE REACHING OUT TO AMERICAN HONDA SOON. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Nov 17, 2014
PROBLEM: WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE, THERE IS A RESISTANCE/HESITATION THAT IS FELT IN THE GAS PEDAL AND THE ENGINE HAS TROUBLE INCREASING RPM'S. THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT ISSUE. CASE I: WHILE IN A PARKING LOT, TRYING TO PICK UP A LITTLE SPEED. GAS PEDAL HAS RESISTANCE AND ENGINE WON'T PICK UP SPEED. I KEEP MY FOOT STEADY ON THE ACCELERATOR AND THEN PILOT PICKS UP SPEED IN A UNEXPECTED RUSH. HIGH LEVEL OF DANGER DUE TO PEOPLE PRESENT IN THE AREA; AS THERE WAS AN UNEXPECTED AMOUNT OF SPEED. CASE II: ROAD TYPE: THREE LANE ROAD IN EACH DIRECTION OF TRAFFIC. WHILE IN THE LEGAL U-TURN LANE, I OBSERVE THAT THERE IS ENOUGH DISTANCE TO MAKE A U-TURN. FROM A STOP I TRY TO PICK UP SPEED (I WAS AIMING FOR 5K RPM'S, I KNOW HOW FAR TO PRESS THE GAS PEDAL TO GET THAT RESPONSE). A GREAT RESISTANCE AND LACK OF RESPONSE FROM THE GAS PEDAL WAS FELT. THERE WAS MINIMAL ACCELERATION HAPPENING AND THEN AFTER ABOUT 6 TO 8 SECONDS, THE ENGINE WAS ABLE TO GET TO 6K RPM'S. AS THE CARS APPROACHED FASTER I ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED. AS THERE HAVE BEEN MORE CASES, THESE ARE TO TWO MOST DANGEROUS ONES. *NOTE: THE RESISTANCE/HESITATION OF THE GAS PEDAL HAPPENS UNDER ANY TEMPERATURE IN THE CABIN. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Aug 4, 2014
MY 2012 HONDA PILOT EX-L HAS HAD ISSUES WITH VIBRATION WHEN DRIVING AT CONSISTENT SPEEDS BETWEEN 40-50 AND 60-70 (I.E. NOT ACCELERATING). LOCAL DEALER INITIALLY TRIED TO UPDATE CONTROL SOFTWARE WITH NO IMPACT, THEN REPLACED THE TORQUE CONVERTER UNDER WARRANTY, ALSO WITH NO IMPACT. HONDA SERVICE MANAGER NOW SAYS THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE VARIABLE CYLINDER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM THAT IS DESIGNED TO INCREASE FUEL ECONOMY - AND THE ONLY WAY TO CORRECT THIS IS TO DRIVE WITH THE OVERDRIVE TURNED OFF (THEREBY SIGNIFICANTLY LOWERING FUEL ECONOMY). THE VIBRATION CAN BE BEST DESCRIBED AS A SORT OF "STUTTERING" THAT TYPICALLY OCCURS DURING HIGHWAY DRIVING WHILE MOVING AT A CONSISTENT SPEED, ALMOST AS IF IT WERE MISFIRING AND GOES AWAY ONCE THE ACCELERATOR IS PUSHED HARDER, ONLY TO RETURN ONCE CONSISTENT SPEEDS ARE AGAIN REACHED. THE ISSUE HAS BEEN NON-STOP SINCE PURCHASE IN JANUARY 2012, AND THE VEHICLE NOW HAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000 MILES. HAD HONDA INITIALLY EXPLAINED THE ISSUE I WOULD HAVE APPLIED FOR THE NORTH CAROLINA LEMON LAW PROGRAM, BUT INSTEAD THEY WERE LESS THAN UP FRONT ABOUT A KNOWN ISSUE. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Service brakes, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 5, 2014
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND VTM4 LIGHT COME ON AFTER OVER AN HOUR OF DRIVING. SOMETIMES THE WHOLE INSIDE OF THE CAR SMELLS HAS WHILE DRIVING AND THE FUEL CONSUMPTION IS NOT EFFICIENT. IN ADDITION WHEN THE CAR SITS IN THE GARAGE FOR A FEW DAYS, MAYBE 2-3, AND I START DRIVING, THE WHEELS MAKE SOME DEEP BRUSHING NOISE. THIS GETS WORST WHEN I BRAKE. SOMETIMES IT SMELLS LIKE SOMETHING IS BURNING UNDER THE HOOD OR AROUND THE ENGINE. *TR
Engine, May 13, 2014
SUV VIBRATES ABNORMALLY AT 30-45 MPH. CAN FEEL IT IN THE SEAT OF YOUR PANTS, FLOOR AND CENTER COUNSEL. HAD A WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND WHEEL BALANCING DONE, NO HELP. WAS TOLD IT IS NORMAL, NOTHING COULD BE DONE. THIS PROBLEM IS VERY DISTRACTING AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Power train, Engine, Feb 9, 2014
I HAVE A 2012 HONDA PILOT- I PURCHASED USED WITH 9K MILES. I HAVE PUT APPROXIMATELY 5K MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY NOTICED AN ENGINE VIBRATION SIMILAR TO BEING IN THE WRONG GEAR IN A MANUAL TRANSMISSION. I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE HONDA DEALERSHIP AND ASKED THEM TO CHECK THE TRANSMISSION- AS I INITIALLY THOUGHT THAT IT WAS A "HUNTING" ISSUE WITH THE TRANSMISSION- THE DEALER INDICATED THAT IT WAS NORMAL. THE MORE I DRIVE THE VEHICLE, THE MORE IT APPEARS TO BE RELATED TO THE ENGINE AND NOT THE TRANSMISSION. THE VIBRATION IS VERY ANNOYING AND NOT NORMAL. HONDA NEEDS TO STEP-UP AND TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM. TOO MANY ISSUES OUT THERE WITH OTHERS WITH SAME COMPLAINTS. IF HONDA DOES NOT CORRECT SOON IT WILL TELL ME A LOT ABOUT THE QUALITY STATUS OF THEIR BRAND. THIS IS MY 4TH HONDA AND WILL CERTAINLY BE MY LAST THAT IF HONDA FAILS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. LET'S SEE IT HONDA- CLOCK IS TICKING... *TR
Engine, Jan 10, 2014
MY VEHICLE VIBRATES WHEN I AM DRIVING. IT DOES NOT BEHAVE THIS WAY ALL THE TIME. HOWEVER, WHEN THE VEHICLE VIBRATES, IT SEEMS AS THOUGH IT WANTS TO SHUT OFF. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FREQUENTLY SINCE I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE. IT USUALLY HAPPENS WHEN I SLOW DOWN TO MAKE A TURN OR WHILE I AM CRUISING AT HIGHWAY SPEED. WHEN THIS HAPPEN, THE ECO LIGHT ON MY DASH GOES ON AND ON... THE VIBRATION SEEMS LIKE I AM DRIVING A MANUAL TRANSMISSION VEHICLE, AND FAILED TO SHIFT TO THE APPROPRIATE GEAR. I AM NOT SURE IF IT IS THE VCM IN MY VEHICLE BEING FAULTY. I HAVE TAKEN MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS AND THEY MECHANIC TELLS ME IT IS NORMAL. THIS IS NOT NORMAL. I AM AFRAID MY VEHICLE MAY STALL IN TRAFFIC AND CAUSE ACCIDENT. THE OTHER ISSUE I AM HAVING IS I OCCASIONALLY SMELL A STRONG GASOLINE FUMES IN MY VEHICLE CABIN WHEN I AM DRIVING. IT SEEMS THE GASOLINE FUME IS ENTERING MY VEHICLE FROM THE ENGINE. CAN'T TELL WHERE IT IS COMING FROM. PERHAPS THROUGH THE AC VENT. *TR