2017 Honda Pilot

Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues

Engine is the leading concern among 926 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 2nd highest complaint count among 23 Pilot model years with reports.

Complaints by model year
  1. 926

Of the 2017 reports, 9 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 6 people were injured.

Primary concernEngine469 reports · 51% of complaints
Owner complaints926Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship4 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Engine469
  2. Electrical system265
  3. Other or unspecified135
  4. Fuel/propulsion system122
  5. Power train122
  6. Vehicle speed control31
  7. Service brakes27
  8. Forward collision avoidance22

Recalls and investigations

  1. Structure, frame and membersJun 4, 2026

    American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles that were sold in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. The rear subframe may corrode at the suspension mounting points, which can result in rear suspension component failure.

    Failure of rear suspension components, such as the rear control arm, can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

    Dealers will inspect the rear subframe and install a rear subframe reinforcement kit and, as necessary, repair or replace the rear subframe components, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in the fall of 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are AOU and AOT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning June 10, 2026.

    Campaign 26V365000 on NHTSA.gov

  2. Air bags, sensor, occupant classification, front passengerMay 21, 2026

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.

    Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.

    Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.

    Campaign 26V332000 on NHTSA.gov

  3. Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpDec 18, 2023

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

    Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.

    Campaign 23V858000 on NHTSA.gov

  4. Structure, body, hoodNov 29, 2021

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 Passport, 2016-2019 Pilot, and 2017-2020 Ridgeline vehicles. The hood latch striker may become damaged and separate from the hood, which can result in the hood opening while driving.

    A hood that opens while driving can obstruct the driver's view and increase the risk of a crash.

    Dealers will either repair the hood latch striker, or replace the hood if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is PBV.

    Campaign 21V932000 on NHTSA.gov

Representative owner complaints: engine

481 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Power train, Engine, Mar 21, 2026

    Internal engine damage was determined by a Folsom Honda Dealer in California. The damage is originating from the primary rod bearings; Replacement of the short block is necessary. Folsom Honda also stated the vehicle will need Cams and Heads of the engine replace. Needless to say, this a major engine failure. The vehicle only has 140K miles mainly freeway. Dealer estimated it will cost from 11K to 15K to repair the problem. We aware of Savannah Messenger V. American Honda Motor Co. Inc Lawsuit. We need help from you guys on this….. please advice Francisco Talavera [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

  2. Engine, Mar 12, 2026

    knocking noise from engine, oil light, blinking CEL, no acceleration, vehicle stalled. Brought to mechanic, from noise he said it sounds like a rod knocking and advised to contact Honda because on known issues.

  3. Engine, Mar 10, 2026

    The rods on my engine seized while I was driving on [XXX] in South Dakota. The car came to rest on [XXX] . The vehicle died on the most-traveled road in Brookings. right off the exit ramp. We had to wait 20 minutes for a patrol officer to park behind us, and we then waited another 20 minutes for the tow truck to take us to a nearby parking lot. The problem was confirmed by an independent service center. There were no warning lamps or symptoms prior to the engine seizing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

  4. Engine, Mar 5, 2026

    The car had a piston rod failure and is available for inspection at the Springfield Honda dealership. The car was traveling at 63 mph when the check engine light started flashing along with 6 system errors including the power steering. I had to make an emergency stop on the side of the road. The dealership has confirmed and recommended an engine replacement. They have a video recorded of the sound and error codes. The only person to have inspected the car is the dealership. We were told that it wouldnt be covered because our VIN didnt fall with in the affected vehicles for the piston rod recall. The car was driving normal and had no service lights on prior to the check engine light coming on during the incident.

  5. Engine, Feb 23, 2026

    My Pilot only had 46,942 miles when it failed due to a camshaft thrust cover surface roughness being out of spec causing excessive camshaft movement. This was confirmed by the mechanic at Honda that worked on my Pilot. The pilot was checked for the engine light concern and the technician reported the following: CONFIRMED DTC P0369 CMP SENSOR INTERMITTENT INTERRUPTION. FOUND CMP SENSOR TO HAVE WEAR FROM TIMING GEAR DUE TO CAMSHAFT MOVING SIDE TO SIDE. RECOMMEND REPLACING CAMSHAFT, SENSOR, THRUST PLATE, THRUST CAP, TIMING GEAR AND RELATED HARDWARE TO START. $3895.00 Also recommend replacement of timing belt with tensioner $516.00 There were not warning lamp before the failure. My engine just died and had to be towed to a dealership in Canada close to where I was residing. I felt my safety was at risk because my vehicle died in the middle of the highway and that could have lead to a crash. This is a know issue with 2016-2017 Pilots and Ridgeline. I know this from the service bulletin that was issued in January of 2018. However only certain vehicle were recalled for this exact issue. I contacted America Honda motor company and a Case #XXX was open. I asked to be reimbursed for repairs of $5200.00 Canadian to which they said no. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

  6. Engine, Feb 22, 2026

    I am the original owner of a 2017 Honda Pilot and bought the car new. It has 142,549 miles and been well maintained and adult driven. The engine started making a knocking noise. I took the car to the Honda dealer and they told me the engine needs to be replaced. Needless to say, they told me it would cost around 10 thousand dollars and was not covered under warranty. I opened a case with Honda (Case # 15988404) and was denied by their review process. I bought a Honda because it has a reputation for being reliable and should run for well over 250,000 miles. I am also aware that Honda has had many issues with their 3.5L V6 engine and there have been recalls for bad bearings causing premature engine failure. They also have issued recalls for this engine up to the 2016 model year. In my research for this issues, I have seen a lot of other owners reporting engine failures for the same engine for model years prior to 2016 model years. I would like for this filing to be another example on record of their engine failing prematurely. I am also aware that there has been a lawsuit filed against Honda and their 3.5L V6 engine for additional years. I hope this lends additional support to all the other owners who are experiencing the same issue.

  7. Engine, Feb 22, 2026

    While driving my vehicle it begin making a rattling/clacking sound. The sound became more louder as we drove it home. The emissions system problems message appeared. We had a mechanic come to check it. He discovered the a rod bearing was damaged and we needed to replace a piston and other parts as well. We have been unable to drive it since due to safety issues.

  8. Engine, Feb 13, 2026

    Component/System Failed: Engine – Excessive oil consumption (piston rings / internal engine components). The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Description of the Problem: The engine is experiencing excessive oil consumption. During a monitored oil consumption test, approximately 0.9 quarts of oil were consumed over about 1,006 miles, which equals a consumption rate of approximately 1 quart per 1,118 miles. This rate is abnormally high and indicates an internal engine defect, likely related to piston rings and/or sealant failure. Safety Risk: Excessive oil consumption creates a significant safety risk. If the oil level drops too low between oil changes, it can lead to engine failure, sudden loss of power while driving, engine seizure, or stalling. This could place the driver and others at risk, especially at highway speeds or in traffic. There was no visible oil leak. The oil is being burned internally. Inspection / Confirmation: The issue has been monitored through an oil consumption test. Dealer diagnosis indicates internal engine repair is required (piston and seal-related repair). Estimated repair cost is approximately $6,000. Warning Lamps or Prior Symptoms: No external oil leak was present. Oil level dropped significantly between checks. (If applicable, add: “Oil warning light did/did not illuminate.” If unsure, write: UNKNOWN.) Manufacturer / Other Inspections: Vehicle has been inspected by dealership service department. (If Honda corporate has been contacted, add that here.) Additional Information: The repair cost is excessive for a defect involving internal engine components and appears to be a known oil consumption issue.

  9. Engine, Feb 11, 2026

    Engine was making a loud grinding noise and when my fiance got home from work it completely died out and will not turn over

  10. Engine, Feb 6, 2026

    In June 2025, Honda sent a warranty extension reimbursement for the 2017 Honda Pilot for the torque converter-DTC P0741. Since the torque converter was defective, I replaced it on 5/7/21. I completed the reimbursement form Honda requested and included the invoice and proof of payment. On 9/30/25 Honda sent me an email stating that my reimbursement is being processed in 6-9 weeks. I have called several times and sent emails and they continue to tell me they will expedite my reimbursement. It has been over four months. My case # is: XXX. . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

  11. Electrical system, Engine, Feb 6, 2026

    The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 65 MPH on the freeway, the vehicle stalled due to battery failure. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the battery was replaced. After restarting the vehicle, the contact heard an abnormal knocking sound consistent with a rod knock. Additionally, the trunk handle paint had chipped and was rusted. The local dealer was contacted and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.

  12. Engine, Feb 6, 2026

    Car bought at 103,000 miles engine failed at 109,700 verified thru Honda Dearler with metal shavings in number six (6) cylinder. Started ... with check engine display and started missing.

  13. Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Feb 2, 2026

    While driving my 2017 Honda Pilot Elite, the vehicle has experienced four separate incidents of sudden and complete loss of power, including while traveling at highway speeds and during rush-hour traffic. The engine shuts off without warning, causing the vehicle to stop in traffic. In multiple incidents, the vehicle would not restart for several minutes. These incidents occurred on U.S. 19 and Interstate 275 in heavy traffic, creating an immediate risk of collision. In one incident, the vehicle died while traveling at highway speeds. In another, it shut off at a red light and blocked traffic during rush hour. The vehicle has been taken to an authorized Honda dealership multiple times. Diagnostic testing initially found no issues. Later visits attributed the problem to the battery, despite the battery being recently replaced and the condition recurring after replacement. The symptoms exactly match Honda Pilot start/stop engine failure recalls affecting nearby model years. However, because my model year is not included, the dealership refused to repair the vehicle in accordance with the recall, even when I offered to pay for the repair. I believe this represents a safety-related defect involving sudden engine shutdown while driving. The vehicle is unreliable and unsafe to operate. Furthermore, given the repeated failure of this vehicle, the dealership’s inability to permanently repair the condition after multiple attempts, and the ongoing safety risk, I am concerned this matter may meet the criteria for a nonconformity under Florida’s Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act. I am hopeful Honda will resolve this matter cooperatively and without the need for further regulatory or legal action.

  14. Engine, Jan 31, 2026

    Was driving down highway I40 near Nashville and the engine started making a noise. I was able to drive to my Mothers house. My Dad looked at it and stated it sounded like a rod knocking. So we went to take it to the dealer because after some research we found a recall for rod bearing failure. My vehicle was not on the recall list. We then proceeded to take the car to the dealer to check if there was a safety bulletin at the dealership when the engine locked up. My Dad came to rescue us and towed the car back to his and my mom’s house.

  15. Engine, Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 22, 2026

    Emissions System Problem- UNKNOWN reason

  16. Engine, Jan 16, 2026

    My Honda Pilot has been diagnosed with engine failure by Royalty Auto in Kingsland, GA despite having been cared for quite well. This failure occurred well before reaching the expected life of the vehicle, yet outside the warranty window and having NO symptoms before the sudden failure. After doing some research on Pilot owner online forums, as well as, the NHTSA website, it seems similar complaints have been well reported and a recall has been issued for some vehicles in the same year and model under NHTSA campaign number 23V75100. This relates to Honda manufacturer recall XG1 and Honda recall GG0.

  17. Engine, Dec 23, 2025

    I am writing to formally document a mechanical failure that occurred while I was driving on a major freeway. While traveling at highway speed, I suddenly heard loud, abnormal knocking and banging noises originating from the engine. Almost immediately, the vehicle lost power and became difficult to control while maintaining speed with surrounding traffic. Within moments, dashboard warning indicators illuminated, and engine performance rapidly deteriorated. Due to concerns for safety and to prevent further damage, I safely maneuvered the vehicle out of traffic and shut the engine off as soon as possible. After stopping, the engine was able to restart; however, it continued to produce concerning mechanical noises. The vehicle was no longer safely operable and required towing. Following inspection by two separate repair facilities, including a Honda dealership, both independently concluded that the engine had experienced a rod bearing failure. At the time of the incident, the vehicle had approximately 176,000 miles. Despite the mileage, the vehicle has been well maintained, including completion of the full 100,000-mile service and tune-up. This failure occurred without warning and created a hazardous situation due to the sudden loss of power while traveling at freeway speeds. I am concerned because Honda Pilot model years 2016, 2018, and 2019 have had recalls involving rod bearing failures. Given the circumstances and the nature of this failure, I believe Honda should consider replacing the engine as a gesture of good faith. I purchased a Honda based on the company’s reputation for long-lasting and reliable engines. Please let me know if any additional information or documentation is required.

  18. Engine, Dec 20, 2025

    With no warning, the engine has completely stopped while I was driving. The engine will not turn over at all after that moment. All maintenance was maintained on the vehicle, including regular oil changes. There were no lights, signals, or even engine sounds leading into it stopping. It appears that there are others who have had the same issue with this engine.

  19. Engine, Dec 20, 2025

    My 2017 Honda Pilot (3.5L V6) is experiencing severe, rhythmic engine knocking and loss of power. The vehicle has no active warning lights or check engine codes. I am aware of the active NHTSA investigation PE25008 regarding connecting rod bearing seizure in this model year. The engine failure creates a significant safety risk, including potential stalling at highway speeds and the risk of engine fire. I am requesting that this vehicle be included in any forthcoming recall for the 3.5L V6 engine crankshaft/bearing defect.

  20. Engine, Dec 16, 2025

    Vehicle: 2017 Honda Pilot VIN: [XXX] Mileage at incident: ~137,800 miles Description of the problem: My 2017 Honda Pilot has experienced repeated engine misfire issues involving cylinder 5 following a major engine repair performed by an authorized Honda dealership. On September 22, 2025, Honda of Kenosha, WI performed a camshaft and camshaft thrust cover repair on my vehicle at a cost of approximately $4,080. The dealership documented in the repair order that the camshaft thrust cover was not torqued to specification and that the engine misfired immediately after the repair. On December 5, 2025, approximately 44 days later, the vehicle was returned to the same dealership due to slow cold starts and warning lights. During the initial diagnostic at drop-off, the dealer documented a stored P0305 trouble code indicating a cylinder 5 misfire, which is the same cylinder involved after the prior camshaft/thrust cover repair. The dealership recommended and performed a battery replacement after a load test showed low reserve capacity. After replacement, the technician later confirmed that the battery was not the cause of the cylinder 5 misfire. The diagnostic codes were cleared, and the issue was described as intermittent. During the same visit, the dealer documented a tear in the lower portion of the engine air intake flex tube and evidence of a small rodent nest under the engine cover. However, the dealer also documented that no hoses, wiring, connectors, or sensors showed signs of damage. The dealer stated that the intake tear could cause random lean conditions and misfires, but this does not explain the cylinder-specific P0305 misfire that was present at drop-off. The misfire issue is intermittent and most noticeable on cold start. The condition has caused sluggish engine response and concern about potential stalling or loss of power, which could pose a safety risk during driving, especially in traffic or intersections. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

  21. Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Dec 14, 2025

    Transmission locked up and had to be replaced April 8 of 2025. I was blessed it did not lock up while I was driving, but did as soon as I pulled in my driveway. While driving that evening I had some issue with it not downshifting. When stopped in driveway could not restart the car. Had to have a special tow truck take it to the repair shop. I never got a warning light regarding the transmission needing to be checked. I had issues prior to the lock up, engine revving, gearshifting too late. Obvious transmissions issue. As I never got a warning light no code would show to have it repaired. I took it to the honda dealer for repair. After the replacement with another 9 cyclinder transmission the autoshut off is problematics causing me to stall out when stopping at lights and intersections. I had a previous experience with the 1999 honda odyessy and had 3 transmissions replaced. I am concerned about my safety as I could only replace it with another Honda 9 cylinder transmission.

  22. Engine, Dec 11, 2025

    dealership believes the conneting rod bearing failure. Engine seized and was towed to dealership. So was driving 35mph and lost all power and braking on a 2 lane road. He was able to direct the car off the road safely without further incident. Car was towed to the dealership and has been there since.

  23. Engine, Dec 5, 2025

    What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? 2017 Honda Pilot (127K miles) has experienced complete engine failure. Independent mechanic and Honda service have both said an engine replacement is required. Vehicle is at Honda of Katy and available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? A breakdown occurred while my young son was driving. Thankfully, he was not on the highway, but the situation was distressing and has shaken my confidence in the vehicle's safety and reliability. He had to push it out of an intersection into a gas station, posing a safety risk to him, his passengers, and other cars on the road. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? It was towed to our mechanic and then to Honda after his inspection found the problem to be consistent with the NHTSA recall 23V-751. Honda's inspection shows that the engine needs to be replaced. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? An engine light came on 11/17 while my son was driving (1 mile from home.) Once he arrived, we immediately took it to the shop, but the light disappeared between his stop at home and when we started it up again. The mechanic could find nothing wrong. He took a drive for a few miles and the light never came back on and no codes were found. The oil was then changed (as part of routine maintenance) and the breakdown happened after driving about 10 miles post-visit. After having it towed back to the mechanic when the engine failed, it was confirmed that the oil levels were still good, but metal was found in the newly replaced clean oil.

  24. Engine, Nov 24, 2025

    Engine connecting rod bearing failure diagnosed at the dealership. At 30mph, engine lost power and clunking noise was heard, coasted into a parking lot and had the vehicle towed to the Baierl Honda Wexford PA Dealership quoted total engine replacement at $9,978.93 +labor, + tax.

  25. Engine, Nov 19, 2025

    While traveling on highway a loud bang occurred, car jerked and started decelerating almost causing on accident. Car came to rest in middle of highway exit. Car was towed to Honda dealership where it was found to have a broken crankshaft rod bearing. No warning signs or symptoms had come prior to. New engine is required and confirmed by dealership.