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.
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.
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.
Power train, Feb 5, 2026
I am submitting a safety complaint regarding a 2017 Honda Pilot experiencing a connecting rod bearing failure. Which has left my vehicle disabled. While driving on I-270 North, the vehicle suddenly made a loud “pop” noise and immediately lost power, creating a dangerous situation on a busy highway. Shortly afterward, the engine developed a very loud knocking noise, consistent with internal engine failure. The vehicle does not need to reproduce the concern, as multiple technicians were able to immediately hear the knocking upon inspection. The issue is constant and clearly present. There were no warning lights, no check engine light, and no prior indications of failure before the incident occurred. This sudden failure without warning presents a serious safety risk, especially at highway speeds. The vehicle has been regularly inspected and serviced, including services performed in dealership settings. The vehicle is currently available for inspection if needed. I am aware that similar model years have been affected by connecting rod bearing issues, and I believe this vehicle should be included or further investigated due to the sudden and dangerous nature of the failure.
Power train, Feb 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving between with the RPM between 2,000 and 2,500, the vehicle bucked. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a transmission triple flush was performed; however, the failure recurred within 1-2 months. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the transmission was serviced several times; however, the failure reoccurred. Transmission fluid was added to the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that another diagnostic test was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to TSB: 16-091 (Judder from the Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch); however, the model year was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
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.
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.
Engine, Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 22, 2026
Emissions System Problem- UNKNOWN reason
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.
Power train, Jan 13, 2026
I received a letter from Honda regarding a warranty extension on the torque converter of my 2017 Honda Pilot. When I took the vehicle into the dealership, their senior technician confirmed the mechanical issues happening with the vehicle are aligned with the description of the concerns outlined in the warranty extension. The only element of the extension condition that was not happening was a code popping up on the screen. When I asked what conditions would need to take place for the code to pop up, they stated the torque converter would seize up while driving and cause the vehicle to be a hazard to those in the vehicle. When I explained this to Honda, they continued to deny the repair since the code did not populate. I am asking the NHTSA to look into this matter as I assume the purpose of the warranty extension was to repair an issue that could cause serious injury to the inhabitants of the vehicle, and not to rely on an electronic error code to pop up. Thank You
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 6, 2026
Turned car on and it was making a very loud sound coming from what sounded like the engine. Very loud when accelerating or stepping on the gas. Driving at lower speed was also loud. Unknown if it was safe to drive. Took to mechanic and was told it was the high pressure fuel pump. There were no warning lights or warnings.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
Power train, Dec 3, 2025
I took my vehicle (2017 Honda pilot) to a Honda dealer in Selma, TX to have a pre-road trip checkup. They performed mileage related maintenance and assured me the vehicle was ready for my 2200 mile road trip. 600 miles into the trip, I stopped for gas. As I put the car in park, I received multiple errors on the driver's info panel. "1.Emissions system problem. 2.Transmission system problem. 3.Stop driving when safe. Transmission problem. See manual." Without any warning there was complete and sudden failure of the transmission. The car is available for inspection at a Honda dealer in Little Rock, AR where they ran diagnostics and found a list of problems. Apparently the Honda dealer in TX saw at least one of the errors and deleted it without informing me. If the transmission had failed while I was driving on the highway, average speeds of 70 mph, it could have caused a fatal accident. Right now the failed transmission has only been inspected by the Honda service dept in Little Rock, AR. There were no warnings from the vehicle to the driver prior to the complete and sudden failure whatsoever. After the failure the power train was locked in park. Drive, reverse, and neutral could not be engaged. I understand the mileage on the vehicle is high, but it is a grave safety concern when a major component of a vehicle can fail without reason or warning.
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.
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.
Forward collision avoidance, Lane departure, Nov 18, 2025
2017 Honda Pilot Errors: lane keeping assist problem LKAS adaptive cruise control problem ACC road departure mitigation system problem RDM collision mitigation system problem CMBS or Collision Mitigation Braking System
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 12, 2025
This car loses speed when passing while highway driving. Car decelerates and throws you into neutral throws dash errors of "blind spot" & "transmission problem". I was luck to be able to get over 2 lanes to break down lane without being hit from behind on several occasions. Car message to put in park and turn off. Car was in neutral and wound not go into park. I had to put emergency break on and power down car in neutral. Waited a few minutes then restarted and no errors on dash. Car back to normal. Car has major faults and you can't show the codes when you get to dealer because they are gone then they also want to charge you $175 diagnostic fee. Car also has issues with the stop light idle turning off feature and not turning back on for 5-10 minutes yet another way someone can hit you from behind. I am stuck with this unsafe car and Honda never has to recall anything. I am going tomorrow yet again to try and get the Service Bulletin 23-078 Warranty Extension for the torque converter covered to see if that will resolve issue.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 11, 2025
The Auto engine idle stop system just quits and stalls out at intersections. I have to put the car in park and restart the vehicle. Some times it takes a few minutes to get it moving. I’ve brought it to the dealership and they updated the software but it didn’t make any difference. It doesn’t happen all the time but it’s very frequent. I’ve started disabling it because it’s frightening when your call stalls and people are coming up behind you quickly at a green light. Today it’s entirely malfunctioning with a warning so I will have to take it back to the dealership again for them to tell me nothing is wrong. Honda should do a recall on this. I’ve searched the internet and I’m apparently one of many people having the same issues with this feature. Thanks so much.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the connecting rod bearings, resulting in damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 5, 2025
Auto-idle feature shut off vehicle at a stop and would not restart when light changed. Have to shut off vehicle and start like it was parked. Not safe in city traffic. Dealership said there is no issue with auto-idle feature