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
926 reports, newest first.
Engine, Jul 22, 2022
I was at a stop light on a very busy roadway and when I let off the brake to start going, my engine wouldn’t start and completely shut down. I was using the engine idle option. I couldn’t do anything- my car just stalled. Some lights came on the dashboard. I tried to step on the brake to either change gears or shut the car off but it was like I pushing against a brick! The brake wouldn’t move. Eventually I was able to shut the car off completely. After a few minutes, I was able to turn the car on but it didn’t fully turn the engine on. After a few more minutes, I was able to turn the car like normal. I took my car to the Honda dealership near me but they couldn’t find any problems and said they hadn’t heard of this problem. I recommended that they Google it because I had seen a lot of complaints. I’m now nervous to drive my car!!
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 22, 2022
The auto idle stop function caused the vehicle to stop running, needing a full shutdown and restart. This happened on busy roadways, and it has happened two times with this vehicle, one time each in different years. I think the first time was in 2021 and the second was definitely in June 2022. We have had this vehicle into a dealership multiple times attempting to resolve the issue. Each time the battery has been replaced due to low voltage, and they were able to reproduce the issue at least once. The most recent time I was informed that Honda released a service bulletin recommending a change to engine compression that may be straining the battery when restarting the engine, but I am currently waiting on Honda to decide if they will cover the cost of this service before agreeing to it. We are currently operating the vehicle with the auto idle stop disabled. Other symptoms included the electrical system blinking off and on when restarting the engine after a stop. This was reproduceable after 3-4 consecutive stops in a short period of time, such as urban driving with traffic lights. This first appeared 3-6 months after a new battery is installed.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 19, 2022
Vehicle does not start back up after auto shut off activates. It is also stopping suddenly on the road
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 17, 2022
The Auto Start/Stop feature on my 2017 Honda Pilot has had issues for the last 2 year. It started with the engine occasionally "hesitating" to restart after I held the brake pedal down at a stop light. As it started to happen more frequently, I took it to my Honda dealer and they told me that they could not recreate the issue and thus could not diagnose and fix it. Within the last 6 months, the issue has become more and more frequent and severe to the point that I have been worried about the car not restarting and have been manually turning off the Auto Start/Stop feature when I drive the vehicle. It does seem to occur more frequently in hot weather when I running the A/C and there is more of load on the engine and system. On July 16, 2022, I forgot to turn off the Auto Start/Stop feature, and at the first stoplight that I stopped at, the feature turned on, shut off my engine and then failed to restart. I had to put the car in Park and then it took me a few moments to get the car to re-start. The vehicle was very slow to respond, as I was afraid of the car not restarting at all. After a couple of minutes the car did restart. I turned off the Auto Start/Stop feature and did not have any further issues on my drive home. After the failure to restart from the Auto feature, my dashboard told me to put the car in park and restart. I do not recall if any other warning lights appeared, as I was franticly trying to get car restarted in the middle of traffic and cars honking at me. Once the car restarted all warning lights disappeared. Upon returning home that day, I Googled the issue before making an appointment with my dealer again. I became aware of NTHSA's investigation into this issue. From my experience, Honda should recall these vehicles and fix the issue. Someone could have hit me from behind at speed, as it was a green light and not everyone is always fully paying attention, or has poor depth perception.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 16, 2022
The Idle-Stop system shuts off when the SUV is stopped for two or more seconds. There are times when I release the break pedal after several seconds or more and the car engine does Not restart on its owLast episode 7/2/22
Engine, Jul 15, 2022
This vehicle has the auto engine stop when sitting at a stop light. Occasionally when the engine is restarted after such a stop, it will shut down rather than restart. This is an intermittent problem, but it is dangerous when traffic is waiting for the engine to be restarted.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 11, 2022
Vehicle stalls in the middle of intersection while attempting to auto restart with the auto on/off feature. This has been happening since we boughe the vehicle new in 2017. Dealer said they could not simulate. Happens a few times a day.
Other or unspecified, Jul 10, 2022
The engine fails to restart on its own from a complete stop at a traffic light or road intersection with the Auto Start/Stop function engaged. This has happened on numerous occasions and sometimes will not even restart manually, causing other vehicles to have to go around and dodge the stalled vehicle in the middle of busy intersections. Honda mechanic can not reproduce the problem when in the shop, leading to no resolution. Problem continues even after having the battery completely replaced and cleaning the fuel injectors.
Engine, Jul 9, 2022
I was at a stop sign. Auto engine shut off on car kicked in and automatically turned the engine off. When I released the brake to proceed driving, the car stalled and automatically went into accessory mode and nearly caused the person behind me to hit me. This is the 2nd time it’s happened in the last month. I had to put car in park, keep attempting to get vehicle to start again (finally was successful) and then proceeded to drive home.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 9, 2022
When auto idle is engaged, the car SHOULD start when the brake is released after stopping. We noticed problems when we released the brake. The radio and A/C shut down and quickly come back on again. So release brake, radio and A/C shut down and then radio and A/C come back. Reported to Jeff Wyler Honda and I believe I have a video. As of yesterday, the engine fails to restart on its own from a complete stop at a traffic light or road intersection with the Auto Start/Stop function engaged. You have to put your foot on the brake, shift to park and restart. This occurred twice in two days. Once at a traffic light and once after a traffic jam on the highway. It is scary especially the first time it occurs. It has the potential of leaving the vehicle in a stopped position in dangerous locations if it can’t be restarted, I.e. the highway. I’ve read that a jump is sometimes required.
Back over prevention, Electrical system, Jul 9, 2022
Instrument Cluster goes blank, audio unit goes black, back up camera & sensors not working at times. My audio unit was replaced on 5/10/21, after experiencing these system for several months. The new Display audio 39540-TG7-A42RM worked approximately 2 weeks before symptoms started appearing again, with the most severe popping sound that occurred 7/07/22. Display was sluggish for about a week, then a loud startling popping sound came from inside the dash while driving on the highway yesterday, followed by a crack under the right navigation vent trim. The display turned black, tried to reboot, & was very sluggish, and slow to respond. Then the engine transmission jumped, while this is all going on. I was on the highway, and thought I was going to crash, due to my vehicle losing function. The vehicle “jumped” like the transmission was slipping, so much so, that I thought my car was going to lose control. I had to turn around to head home fearing I could lose control of my vehicle, as the navigation display would freeze at times. Today, the display will boot up slowly, with just the lower left corner only, then slowly returning to normal. This happens when I start my car each time, and sometimes while I am driving. I have also noticed that the transmission will slip out of park to neutral at times, when I push the button to Park, then rolls forward. I’ve been to Kunes Country Honda numerous times, of which they say there is no fix. I currently have an appointment for 7/12/22 that I made last week before it actually popped so bad, because it was sluggish, and before that, I could tell it was a huge issue because now it is sluggish every time I start my vehicle. My understanding is that Honda will only replace this unit with the same, defective unit. This is an unacceptable alternative. I still have an extended warranty on my car for 9,000 miles. I am currently thinking its the module now.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the Auto START/STOP feature failed to restart after the vehicle was stopped. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified but no additional assistance was provided. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Action Number: PE22005 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The approximate failure mileage was 128,000. The VIN was not available.
Other or unspecified, Jul 7, 2022
auto stop/start feature. we have to insure to turn it off when we drive to avoid it not working properly...stops completely and we have restart the car manually and it sometimes seems it doesn't want to restart. if it does work, power to other systems, radio, all blink off then on. we don't trust this feature and thought it was battery issue but shop tested battery and no issues with it. we have been lucky when this has happened, with only one car behind us when it failed to restart in the city at night. my wife was scared. i had to talk her out of the situation on my phone, the other car was patient. this could cause an accident. this has been happening since 2018 and we only avoid by shutting the feature off. honda needs to reimburse us for this worthless and dangerous feature. they also should allow us to turn it off since it is a safety issue
Vehicle speed control, Jul 6, 2022
Vehicle stutters and shakes violently when accelerating. And there's noise from the transmission.
Forward collision avoidance, Jul 5, 2022
Automatic braking engaged with no apparent obstacle/reason
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 2, 2022
--AUTO ENGINE IDLE STOP SYSTEM. Yes, available for inspection upon request. --SAFETY CONCERN- Engine stalls in the middle of traffic... causing other traffic behind car to become angry and try and pass the STALLED car. As they attempt to pass, they endanger other traffic. Usually happens during heavy traffic, breakdown then needs driver to restart car completely in mid traffic and missing or heavy delay of green light which could itself potentially cause an accident. --The STALL happens constantly 1 once a month, but not able to reproduce every time car is stopped... therefore can not be repeated upon inspection. Happens at the worst time, during traffic stops. --Complaint was made during oil change, but dealer found no problem. No warning lights prior to stall. Problem has happened and reoccured for almost two years.
Engine, Jun 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary at a traffic light, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the battery to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the battery had been replaced three times within four years. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 29, 2022
The auto start/stop system on the Honda Pilot is failing at intersections causing the car to stall out and be stuck in traffic. Dealer and Honda does not have remedy for this issue. This is a known problem that is well documented by other owners. This is now happening about three times per week and I am worried that it will cause a major traffic accident and or death if I get stuck in the middle of an intersection.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 28, 2022
When breaking at a stop. Entire car shuts off instead of just the engine. Turns off and have to restart car while in traffic. Has occurred 4-5 times so far.
Engine, Jun 28, 2022
It took my Pilot into the Honda dealership because the car repeatedly stalled at when the auto engine idle is engaged and I let off the brake, putting mine and my families in serious danger. Honda originally said they couldn't duplicate the issue or figure out why it was happening and sent me on my way. When it happened again, I took it back to Honda and was told it was the battery. I was hopeful that this was going to solve the problem, but it has not. It continues to stall intermittently if I forget to manually turn off the feature after starting the car. After searching the internet, I found that this is a common problem and that Honda is not doing anything to permanently solve the issue. Please investigate this before someone is killed!
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 27, 2022
I moved into the left lane to merge onto another road. I had to come to a stop because a car had was stopped ahead of me. After that car moved, I lifted my foot from the brake and pushed the gas to make my left hand turn. The car didn’t move. A light flashed on the car that said something like “to start engine push brake and push start” I looked down at the gear shifter and noticed it was on N. I tried to hit “drive.” The car flashed the sign again. I put the car in park. I tried to put the car back in drive. The car would not change gears. I put on my hazard lights, turned off the car, and restarted it. The car transitioned from park to drive. There have been many instances where I’m merging onto a roadway or slowing down to turn left where the car hesitates. I will be braking. I lift my foot from the brake to press the gas pedal and nothing happens. The car moves because it’s going downhill, but the gas pedal is not causing the car to move. When the car does finally move, it moves with a huge lurch. There have been times that I'm unable to move my car with the gas pedal while crossing traffic. It's terrifying and Honda says that they are unaware of the problem and unable to replicate it.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 26, 2022
Issue: engine sometimes does not start after engine idle stop activates On several occasions while stopped at traffic lights the engine failed to start requiring the driver to turn the vehicle off then back on. This occurs after the engine idle stop actives. When the engine stops electrical components, such as the radio, momentarily lose power. The dealership was not able to reproduce the issue. Members of my household have encountered this issue several times a week over a 2 month period. This is a safety issue as the car does not reliably start in traffic.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 25, 2022
The auto start and stop engine feature leaves the car stalled and unable to restart until multiple attempts. We have been stuck in the middle of a highway multiple times with hazards on trying to restart
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 24, 2022
When exiting the interstate and stopped at stop sign, vehicle shut off due to auto stop/start feature. When I released the break to go, the vehicle did not start and completely shut down. The vehicle had to be placed in park, break pressed and ignition button pressed again. It took a little bit but it did start again. After this incident, this has also happened about 10 more times stop lights around town. It has always started again but it takes a minute to restart and multiple steps are needed for it to be restarted. Traffic has been backed up while I attempt to restart the vehicle.
Engine, Jun 23, 2022
The engine with shuts off normally when I come to a stop when I have the system engaged. The problems begin when I take my foot off the break expecting the engine to start up again. What happens consistently (though not all the time) is that when I take my foot off the brake, the engine shuts off, shifts itself into Park, and I have trouble getting the engine to start up again. When I disengage the system, which I do practically every time I drive the car now, everything works fine. The dealer din't find anything when they ran a diagnostic, so I'm at a loss.