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.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Aug 4, 2018
THE VEHICLE HAS STARTED JERKING WHILE ACCELERATING.
Seat belts, Jul 15, 2018
DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT DOESN'T EXTEND ENOUGH. I HAD TO BUY A SEAT BELT EXTENDER.
Power train, Electrical system, Jul 10, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HONDA PILOT. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD AND THE WINDOWS FUNCTIONED INDEPENDENTLY. THE DEALER (SERRA HONDA GRANDVILLE, 4260 KENOWA AVE SW, GRANDVILLE, MI) WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 13,000. *TT *TR
Seat belts, Jul 5, 2018
THE DRIVERS SEATBELT IS VERY SHORT AND DOESN'T ALLOW ANY MOVEMENT AT ALL TIMES.
Other or unspecified, Jun 28, 2018
WHILE DRIVING WITH THE FAMILY ON THE FREEWAYS IN ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA AND NEVADA AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 65-70 MPH, THE PILOT HOOD VIBRATES AND FLEXES INTENSELY. THE FLEXING MOVEMENT IS VERY UNSTABLE WHEN STRONG WINDS OR A SEMI IS PASSING. WE ARE WORRIED THIS STRESS AND FATIGUE ON THE LOCKING MECHANISM WILL BECOME COMPROMISED AND LET GO OF THE HOOD.
Electrical system, Jun 17, 2018
THIS IS THE 4TH TIME NOW THAT WE HAVE HAD TO BRING OUT PILOT IN TO BE SERVICED FOR THE SAME THING. WHEN WE TURN THE CAR ON, MULTIPLE ERRORS COME ON OUT OF NOWHERE. POWER STEERING, THE SPEEDOMETER AND MANY OTHER THINGS STOP WORKING. THEY RESET IT AND IT HAPPENS AGAIN. THEY HAVE CHANGED THE BATTERY AND DONE SOMETHING WITH THE ALTERNATOR BUT NEITHER OF THESE THINGS FIXED THE ACTUAL PROBLEM.
Vehicle speed control, May 30, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HONDA PILOT. WHILE DRIVING IN A PARKING GARAGE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY ON ITS OWN WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STOPPED AND RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWIN CITY MOTORS (10545 MEMORIAL BLVD, PORT ARTHUR, TX 77640), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND FILED CASE NUMBER: 08652108. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,150. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Other or unspecified, May 29, 2018
TRAVELLING ON A I-80 W ABOUT 60 MPH FROM NJ TO PA , FOR NO APPARENT REASON THE SUNROOF SHATTERED. CRACKED OPENING WAS ABOUT 1X3 FT IN OVAL SHAPE. NO OVERPASS OR OTHER VEHICLES ON THE FRONT AND ALSO NO ELEVATED ROCKY AREA ALONG THE HIGHWAY WHERE THIS HAPPENED. WE INITIALLY THOUGHT IT WAS SOME ROCK -BUT NO CHANCE WHATSOEVER FOR THAT. HONDA DEALER SAID THEY CAN LOOK AT IT , BUT MOST LIKELY INSURANCE WILL HAVE TO COVER IT.
Other or unspecified, May 17, 2018, crash
WHEN NEUTRAL BUTTON IS PRESSED ONCE AND IGNITION TURN OFF AND CAR EXITED BY DRIVER CAR REMAINS IN NEUTRAL. AUTO PARK FUNCTION DOES NOT PUT CAR INTO PARK. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN AT HILL COUNTRY HONDA CONFIRMED ''TIS AND STATES IT IS NORMAL. THIS NOT WHAT IS DESCRIBED IN THE OWNERS MANUAL NOR IN ONLINE VIDEOS. THIS MISINFORMATION RESULTED IN THE HONDA PILOT ROLLING OUT OF THE GARAGE AND COLLIDING IWITH ANOTHER CAR AFTER THE DRIVER HAD TURNED OFF IGNITION AND EXITED THE HONDA PILOT. THE PILOT HONDA PILOT SHOULD REMAIN IN NEUTRAL AFTER EXITING CAR ONLY WHEN CAR WASH MODE IS ACTIVATED ACCORDING TO THE MANUAL.
Visibility/wiper, Apr 30, 2018
MY SUNROON EXPLODED ON THE FREEWAY (INTERSTATE 575 GOING 65 MPH + )- I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR 6 MONTHS (BRAND NEW). NO ACCIDENT OCCURRED DUE TO IT - BUT WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND IT EXPLODED. 1/3 OF THE GLASS WENT INTO THE CAR AND 2/3'S OF THE GLASS FELL BEHIND AND SCRATCHED THE TOP OF MY CAR. TALKED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT MUST HAVE HAD AN CRACK ALREADY IN IT AND NOTICED SCRATCHES ON THE ROOF. IF THIS EVER GETS RECALLED - I WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBURSED. THE COST FOR REPAIR IS OVER $600
Power train, Apr 26, 2018
TRANSMISSION OVER HEATED AFTER SIDE GASKET FAILED AT 1224 MILES SINCE NEW. SINGLE OWNER, NEW VEHICLE. DEALER TIGHTENED GASKET, PUT FLUID IN IT. AND RETURNED VEHICLE TO OWNER.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 19, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ODOR OF FUEL COULD BE DETECTED INSIDE THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (WILDE HONDA, 1603 E MORELAND BLVD, WAUKESHA, WI 53186), BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,500.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Apr 9, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HONDA PILOT. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AND ATTEMPTING TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY ON ITS OWN WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STOPPED AND RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION AUTOMATICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (ATLANTIC HONDA, 1375 SUNRISE HWY, BAY SHORE, NY 11706 (631) 665-0005) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT NO FAILURE WAS FOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000.
Visibility/wiper, Mar 8, 2018
NEW PILOT ELITE JUST OVER 2 MONTHS OLD AND WITH ROUGHLY 3800 MILES ON IT HAD THE SUNROOF (NOT PANORAMIC MOONROOF) BLOW OUT ON A RURAL HIGHWAY WITH NO CARS OR OBJECTS IN SIGHT. NOTHING HIT THE CAR OR FLEW INTO VIEW PRIOR TO EXPLOSION. THIS OCCURRED 100 MILES FROM HOME AND ON A SUNDAY SO THE CAR HAD TO BE LIMPED HOME TO BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER THE FOLLOWING DAY. THE DEALER CLAIMED THEY TOOK PICTURES AND COMMUNICATED WITH AMERICAN HONDA OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SUNROOF BLEW OUT BECAUSE IT HAD BEEN WEAKENED BY ROCK CHIPS OVER TIME EVEN THOUGH WE HAD NEVER SEEN A SINGLE BLEMISH IN THE SUNROOF AND WE LOOK THROUGH IT REGULARLY BECAUSE WE HAVE SMALL CHILDREN AND LOOK AT THE AIRPLANES THROUGH THERE. WHEN I PICKED UP THE CAR AFTER I HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR THE REPAIR, THE SERVICE MANAGER SHOWED ME THE ALLEGED ROCK CHIPS IN THE PAINT ON THE ROOF.. THERE WERE WAY TOO MANY THERE FOR A 2 MONTH OLD CAR. WHEN I GOT HOME AND SHOWED MY WIFE THE 'ROCK CHIPS', I REALIZES THAT THERE WASN'T A SINGLE ROCK CHIP FORWARD OF THE SUNROOF AND IT DAWNED ON ME THAT THOSE WEREN'T ROCK CHIPS BUT GOUGES IN THE PAINT FROM SHATTER GLASS ALL OF WHICH WERE BEHIND THE SUNROOF.
Visibility/wiper, Mar 7, 2018
MY TAILGATE WINDOW EXPLODED WHILE PARKED PROBABLY DUE TO PRESSURE. YOU CAN CLEARLY SEE IT EXPLODED FROM THE INSIDE OUT. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL DEALER, HONDA OF CONCORD AS WELL AS HONDA OF AMERICA AND THEY REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE ISSUE.
Structure, Mar 2, 2018
AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, WHEN PASSING ANY ONCOMING LARGE VEHICLE, THE HOOD FLEXES, SHUDDERS & MOVES VIOLENTLY UP & DOWN AS IF IT IS ONLY HELD BY THE SECONDARY LATCH. WHEN PARKED, THERE IS NO PERCEPTIBLE PLAY OR LOOSENESS AT THE LATCH OR HINGE AREA. THE DEALERSHIPS HAVE BEEN NO HELP IN RESOLVING THIS PROBLEM.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Feb 27, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HONDA PILOT. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. ALSO, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED, BUT FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO KEEP THE VEHICLE ALIGNED WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SCOTT HONDA OF WEST CHESTER (706 AUTOPARK BLVD, WEST CHESTER, PA 19382, (610) 692-6000). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65.
Seat belts, Feb 10, 2018
THE DRIVER SEAT SEATBELT IS TOO SHORT TO COMFORTABLY BUCKLE WHILE WEARING WINTER CLOTHING, OR FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH A LARGER STOMACH. IN ADDITION IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO LEAN FORWARD WHILE STOPPED TO LOOK AROUND OBSTACLES WHEN PULLING OUT OF A LOCATION WITH LIMITED VISIBILITY. THIS LEAVES NO CHOICE BUT TO USE AN AFTERMARKET EXTENDER OR JUST NOT BUCKLE UP. IT IS SIGNIFICANTLY SHORTER THAN THE PASSENGER SIDE OR ANY OTHER VEHICLE I'VE BEEN IN. THIS IS A CONFIRMED ISSUE WITH MANY OTHER OWNERS PER ONLINE FORUMS.
Steering, Feb 9, 2018
THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT (STEERING WHEEL AND EXCLAMATION POINT) COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. SLIGHT WOBBLE IN STEERING WHEEL WHEN IT HAPPENS. TOOK IT TO DEALER BUT THEY CAN NOT DUPLICATE NOR FIND ANY ERROR CODES. CONCERNED FOR SAFETY IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH STEERING.
Seat belts, Feb 6, 2018
THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT IS WAY TO SHORT FOR A NORMAL HUMAN BEING. I'M AVERAGE HEIGHT AND WEIGHT BUT WHEN I ATTEMPT TO PUT THE SEAT BELT AROUND ME IT BARELY FITS. ONCE I MANAGE TO GET IT LOCKED THERE'S NO SLACK.IN CASE OF ACCIDENT THE SEAT BELT WILL CAUSE INJURIES. THIS VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE RECALLED IMMEDIATELY
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 1, 2018
THE CAPLESS FUEL FILLER NECK HAS A DESIGN FLAW THAT ALLOWS WATER TO GET BEHIND THE OUTERMOST FLAP. IN COLDER CLIMATES, THIS WATER CAN FREEZE BETWEEN THE FLAPS, PREVENTING THE FUEL FLAP FROM OPENING, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO GET A GAS PUMP IN TO REFUEL THE VEHICLE. THE ONLY SOLUTIONS ARE TO WAIT FOR IT TO GET ABOVE FREEZING (IF YOU HAVE THAT LUXURY WHILE WAITING TO REFUEL), MANUALLY APPLYING A HEAT SOURCE (KIND OF DANGEROUS WITH GAS), OR TRYING TO MANUALLY CHIP AWAY AT THE ICE WITHOUT BREAKING ANYTHING.
Power train, Jan 29, 2018
THE TRANSMISSION IN MY 2017 HONDA PILOT, A 9 SPEED, IS NOT SWITCHING GEARS SMOOTHLY. AT FIRST, I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY EXPLAINED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A TRANSMISSION COMPUTER UPDATE. IT WAS FINE FOR APPROXIMATELY 3 DAYS AND IS BACK TO BANGING GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS CONSISTENT IN BOTH COLD AND WARM WEATHER. THIS WAS AGGRAVATED IN TRAFFIC CONDITIONS.
Structure, Jan 25, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HONDA PILOT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE CONTACT NOTICED MOLD IN THE REAR SEATS AND IN THE FOLDS OF THE DOORS. HONDA OF KIRKLAND DEALER LOCATED AT 12420 NE 85TH ST, KIRKLAND, WA 98033 DIAGNOSED THAT WATER ENTERED INTO THE VEHICLE THROUGH A SEALANT GAP OF THE FIREWALL BEHIND THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE BY THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,500. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Seat belts, Jan 22, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT WAS TOO SHORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT MADE IT DIFFICULT FOR THE CONTACT TO MOVE THE SEAT TO OPTIMAL POSITION AND BECOMES TOO TIGHT WHEN HE MOVED THE SEAT FORWARD. LINDSAY HONDA (5959 SCARBOROUGH BLVD, COLUMBUS, OH 43232, (614) 864-5250) ADVISED THE CONTACT TO PURCHASE AN EXTENDER SINCE THERE WAS NO REMEDY FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 22, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HONDA PILOT. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO FILL UP THE FUEL TANK, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT ICE WAS LODGED IN BETWEEN THE FIRST AND SECOND FUEL NOZZLES. THE CONTACT HAD TO CHIP AWAY THE ICE TO FILL UP THE TANK. THE DEALER (BOCH HONDA, 279 PROVIDENCE HWY, NORWOOD, MA 02062) WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT HONDA WAS WORKING ON SOMETHING IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS REGARDING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, BUT COULD NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 800. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.