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.
Of the 2017 reports, 9 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 6 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
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
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
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
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
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that there was an abnormal smoke odor coming from the vehicle, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the following day, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 13, 2025, fire
Teenage daughter was driving in rush hour traffic and the car seemed at have stalled out. She pulled over on the shoulder and manually turned off the car. When she tried re-starting it, it would not start. Electrical came on, but no power to the engine. Something then seemed to have overheated because when fire department was called, they extinguished something that had melted the plastic covering underneath the car. Fire department called due to smoke. No flames seen. We believe the smoke was from the melted plastic under car from something (a fluid) that was leaking. Insurance was called, car was towed to a Honda repair shop and then towed to a local Honda dealership. They say engine seized and is locked up and will not re-start. Other noted repair needed they say is torque converter. No other problems with this vehicle in the past. One of the best cars we have owned. No warnings prior to this happening on the highway. Disappointed that Honda did not have a cause and origin expert determine what happened to the car.
Engine, Aug 12, 2025
While driving on Interstate 4 in Orlando, engine suddenly seized and all components shut off. We were able to navigate to the shoulder, but vehicle was completely dead. We needed to use an auto transport to bring the vehicle back to Clearwater area where dealership confirmed the engine completely seized with an inability to crank, even manually. Please find Courtesy Palm Harbor Honda's findings attached to this report.
Power train, Engine, Aug 4, 2025
Unresponsive and delayed acceleration when pressing the accelerator at highway speed. There is no reaction once the accelerator is pressed, engine does not increase rpm and no increase in speed for 1-2 seconds. This lag in any acceleration has caused multiple dangerous situations and needs to be investigated.
Engine, Aug 4, 2025
Auto idle stop system has left this vehicle stranded at intersections on multiple occasions. The auto idle stop is not reliable and has been a continuous problem for years. The only way to not have a problem is to manually disable the feature each time I start the car. There is no way to permanently disable and this feature is causing hazardous conditions. My car has been almost hit multiple times due to being stranded at an intersection when the light changes.
Engine, Jul 18, 2025
The engine fails to restart on its own after a complete stop at a traffic light or intersection with the auto idle mode on.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 17, 2025
I feel the engine is failing
Engine, Jul 9, 2025
I believe my vehicle is impacted by the Honda/Acura related to recall 23V751000(Engine Damage from Connecting Rod Bearing Wear A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving). Ticking noise in engine. 2017 Honda Pilot 40,028 miles on it. Dealership has advised that this is not part of the VIN recall, the connecting rod bearing is spun and I now need to replace the engine.
Engine, Jun 18, 2025
The engine developed bottom end knock. We brought it into the Honda dealership and they opened the engine from the oilpan to conduct an inspection. The dealership confirmed that the crankshaft bearings have scoring and the engine short block or whole engine needs to be replaced. This is the same issue that is being investigated under NHTSA Action Number: RQ24013. There is a recall for this exact same issue for Honda Pilots model years 2016, 2018, 2019, but ours is a 2017 -- the active recall is Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-751. The dealership contacted Honda, who is only willing to issue a courtesy discount, so that the cost to fix is $8,000 to $9,000. The car only has 115,000 miles and has been regularly serviced by the dealership for oil changes and all other recommended repairs and service when due, so this is likely a defect with the crankshaft. The dealership that conducted the examination is Muller Honda at 550 Skokie Valley Rd, Highland Park, IL 60035
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the contact heard a chirping sound coming from the engine. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road and waited for tow assistance. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 96,400.
Engine, Jun 10, 2025
Connecting rod bearing failure at 118,000 miles. Followed all recommended Honda service schedules at authorized Honda dealerships. Need to replace crankshaft, main bearings, #2 cylinder connecting rod and connecting rod bearings and all related gaskets, o-rings, seals, etc. Could have been major safety issue if I was driving when the engine failed. Vehicle is at a Honda dealership and Honda corporate told me, sorry, but out of warranty. Worse customer service experience in my lifetime. No vehicle regardless of manufacturer and regular servicing should require this type of repair, ever at this mileage. There is a manufacturing defect since model years on both sides of the 2017 model are currently involved with engine recalls per the information below. Quite the coincidence that my Pilot experienced the exact same failure. No warning lights became illuminated. Engine and engine cooling: Engine: Hard parts internal/mechanical Recall date 2023-11-12 Recall no. 23V751000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.
Engine, May 16, 2025
There was a knocking noise from the engine. I took it in for repairs and I was told that it is due to an abnormally worn rod bearing. I looked into this problem and found that there is an open investigation for the Honda Pilot 3.5L V-6 and abnormally worn rod bearings leading to possible engine failure. I mentioned this to the Honda dealership and he informed me that it does apply to my vehicle because there is not a recall on my vehicle. The gentleman in the service department is now denying that he said that the rods are worn, but now he’s stating the rods are bent. I have the text message from yesterday where he was explaining what’s wrong with my vehicle and that the rods are abnormally worn. The Honda dealership in Enterprise, AL is the dealership that I’m working with. They informed me today that they are working on getting my engine replaced with an engine from a junkyard from a totaled vehicle. This doesn’t seem ok due to the issue at hand with the problems with the 3.5 L V-6 engines and my concern is that it will have the same problems. I’ve read that Honda Pilot owners are having these same issues even though there isn’t a recall on their vehicles either. I’m very concerned and I’m not sure what can be done about this. I would appreciate any assistance or advice. Thank you for your time
Engine, May 8, 2025
Engine failure due to connecting rod bearings wearing prematurely.
Engine, May 5, 2025
I owned the referenced 2017 Honda Pilot vehicle. I was having transmission issues, which there were recalls for. I went to an authorized dealer to have the recall addressed. 6-8 months later same issue or I thought. Honda Dealer told me that the car was no longer in warranty, now I had to pay. What tripe! 6 months later engine blows up. Took car to a non-Honda repair shop. They tell me that there was an issue with the crankshaft and that the rod bearing went through the engine block. NICE. I pay for a used Honda engine over $8,000, NICE! I pick up the car now they tell me the transmission is shot. I take the car back to another Honda dealer complaining about a blown engine and previous trips to the other Honda dealer about transmission issues. Now after a new engine, which this dealer tells me there were no bulletins or recalls, that they'll push back on Honda about the transmission. They get Honda to pay for roughly 60% of a new transmission. Which cost's me another $3,600. Fantastic! I spend almost $12,000 on, at that time a 6 year old vehicle with just 80,000 miles, that I purchased used, in 2019 with just over 13,000 miles. I decided not to push my luck and sold the car to a dealer in 2023. I AM CONTACTING THE REPAIR SHOP THAT REPLACED THE ENGINE FOR A COPY OF THE INVOICE. Now, after almost 2-years, I find out Honda had issued recalls for the same issue I paid for. Do I have any recourse? Can the NHSTA assist with this issue? Anything you can offer would be greatly appreciated.
Engine, May 2, 2025
Honda’s Auto Idle Stop (AIS) system fails to restart the engine from a complete stop at traffic lights, road intersection or when stopped in traffic when the Auto Start/Stop function is engaged. This has required the driver to shift the transmission to park to allow the engine to restart, once this did not work requiring a jump start in the middle of a busy intersection. Honda service has stated that a battery replacement was need, which was done, but a new battery has had no effect on the auto start/stop issue. The engine continues to struggle to restart when the AIS system is engaged. The vehicle headlights can be seen flickering when the engine struggles to restart. This is an extremely dangerous defect that puts the occupants of the vehicle in repeatedly dangerous situations. For example when AIS is engaged and making a turn into oncoming traffic, the vehicle will be stuck and inoperable in on coming traffic’s lane. This issue continues to persist with no resolution or solution from the manufacturer.
Engine, Apr 16, 2025
On [XXX] I was driving my 2017 Honda Pilot [XXX], 11 miles south of Mammoth Lakes, CA. about [XXX]. Suddenly, simultaneously, my Pilot’s engine light began to blink, the entire instrument panel lit up, and my steering wheel began to lock up as the vehicle was losing power. I was able to get the vehicle onto the shoulder without hitting the guardrail that was inches from where I stopped. Smoke began to pour out from under the hood, and liquid began to empty out from underneath. We needed to get towed to our vacation destination spot, which was 12 miles from where we broke down. Since this happened on the weekend, needed to get towed again on Monday April 14 to the Honda dealer in Bishop, 44 miles from where we were staying. The service manager took photos. There is a GIANT hole in the engine, none of which was caused by anything I’d come in contact with on the road. To American Honda Corp. I have some questions for you: Why isn’t the 2017 Pilot part of the recall? Why did you include 2016 and 2018 but not 2017? Do you expect me to have any more trust in your product, or think I will be recommending to friends and others that you make a safe, reliable vehicle? Can you begin to imagine the stress, anxiety and not to mention INSANE AMOUNT OF $ it will be costing me for a NEW ENGINE? NOT TO MENTION THE MONEY I’VE ALREADY SUNK INTO PAYING FOR THE VEHICLE AND IT’S REQUIRED MAINTENANCE? Did you also know that I have 80,000 miles on the Pilot’s current odometer? Do you know that I have never been in an accident or have had a speeding ticket? Do you care to know that I DID EVERY SERVICE REQUIRED, ON TIME, and ALWAYS AT THE HONDA DEALER NEAR MY HOUSE BECAUSE I AM ABOUT FOLLOWING RULES AND RECOMMENDATIONS PUT FORTH BY YOU, FOR THE MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY OF MY HONDA PILOT? Do you realize how LUCKY AND GRATEFUL my husband and I are that, because of conditions and traffic the afternoon this happened we are lucky to be alive? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at approximately 75 MPH, the check engine light was flashing. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the steering wheel was almost seized. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal the vehicle did not slow down. The contact coasted off the highway. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to start. The contact towed the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
Engine, Mar 28, 2025
Honda error code P0369 upon engine start, vehicle goes into safe mode to prevent engine damage
Engine, Mar 19, 2025
I noticed an oil leak in December before a holiday break. After noticing this leak I took the car to the mechanic. Upon inspection, the mechanic discovered the leak originated from the head gasket on the rear head. Initial thoughts were to replace the head gasket. Upon further inspection - completely removing the entire engine - they discovered significant damage they had not seen before. They note the bolts in the head simply spin uncontrolled, they cannot be removed, and the entire engine is rendered useless. This issue was a complete shock to us. 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. I have reported my claim to Honda but received no resolution with no planned resolution. My Manufacturer Claim Number with Honda Corp is XXXX. The failures of my engine should be considered in the NHTSA Campaign number 23V751000. Honda recall number XG1, Honda recall GG0. In addition, my claim should be considered as part of NHTSA Action Number: RQ24013. This is a current investigation as to why the NHTSA Campaign Number 23V751000 was limited to 249K vehicles while so many cars continue to have the same issue but fall out of the scope of the recall. I have a video taken at the repair shop if you would like to view this as well. I can't attach it below. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Mar 14, 2025
The contact stated that the 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while the vehicle parked, the contact attempted to start the vehicle, there was a rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that a certified mechanic nearby inspected the vehicle and advised the contact to no longer drive the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the rod bearing had fractured causing the engine to fail and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 113,178.
Engine, Mar 9, 2025
I was told by my local Honda Dealer (Autofair Honda Manchester NH) that my very well maintained 2017 Honda Pilot, which I bought new, needed a new engine. After doing some research, I discovered that Honda has already recalled 249000 vehicles in the US with a 3.5 liter V6 engine that had manufacturing defects in the crankshaft that could cause connecting rod bearings to prematurely wear and seize leading to engine failure. NHTSA also said it was probing the severity of the issue to determine if the vehicles not included in the 2023 recall should be covered. My 2017 Pilot falls into the "investigation period" and has characteristics consistant with those addressed in the 2023 recall. Therefore, I wanted to add my information to your database. Thank you
Engine, Feb 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, and the engine was misfiring with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the camshaft had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000.
Engine, Feb 12, 2025
The stop/start feature will randomly not restart after a stop at a stop sign in traffic. The defect is totally random so it cannot be replicated by the dealer. I have struggled with this problem for years and have not had a crisis because I usually shut off the stop start feature to avoid this system failure. There are no warning lights or symptoms that indicate a failure is eminent. On February 9, 2025 as my wife and I were driving home from the airport at 2:30 AM on a below zero temperature day in the middle of desolate countryside, my Pilot would not restart after I stopped at a stop sign. I had forgotten to turn off the stop start feature. There was no other traffic on the road to help and no houses or other warm places to find refuge so I hoped that I could figure out who I could call to rescue us before we froze to death. I allowed the Pilot to set for a while and after the fourth try, the vehicle again started. I took the Pilot to the local Honda dealer and they indicated that although the battery passed a regular battery check, when an extreme battery load was placed on the battery it failed the battery test. I asked about the stop start issues reported to the NHTSA but they would only talk about my need for a new battery. I think Honda dealers are attempting to deflect this design issue by blaming the issue on the batteries and are selling batteries instead of fixing this issue. I tried to explain that this is a chronic issue that was present when my battery was new but they deflected that argument and continued to press the sale of a new battery.
Engine, Feb 11, 2025
Hi NHSTA! My mechanic has diagnosed the 2017 Honda Pilot engine problem as a rod knock. Currently, the vehicle is undrivable. The mechanic was surprised that the engine was NOT covered under the 2016-2020 Honda Pilot recall. Relevant links: [XXX] [XXX] I also contacted Honda to report the issue, but they offered no further help. Besides contacting a consumer protection attorney, what other options do I have? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jan 31, 2025
The engine shut off when I when I went from a stopped position and attempted to accelerate. All power was lost to the vehicle, the engine died, the dashboard lost power and the radio turned off. The auto-stop feature also causes the engine to briefly cut out and the check engine light to illuminate on the dashboard. I replaced the year old battery, but the car still does this with a brand new battery.