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.
Other or unspecified, Nov 1, 2025
Car goes idle/shuts off with the auto shut off feature but won't turn back on automatically.
Engine, Nov 1, 2025
My engine started ticking at 113k, had fuel injectors replaced, came back in shortly after, they said engine failed, replaced with used engine… that one starting making noises, they apparently didn’t replace those fuel injectors either, so replaced those. Now catalytic converter is failing at 145k.
Engine, Oct 30, 2025
While driving the engine started smoking and stopped working. Upon checking by a mechanic it was found that the engine had no oil and was shut. Regular maintenance had been performed on a timely manner and there had been to previous issues or any oil leaks.
Engine, Oct 20, 2025
My Honda which has 120,000 miles is experiencing rod bearing issues. Honda refuses to help cover costs. I know there is an ongoing investigation with this year and similar mileage issues with Honda pilots so I am submitting this as proof of another case this is happening.
Engine, Oct 18, 2025
My 2017 Honda Pilot has been diagnosed with engine failure by John Hinderer Honda Heath, OH despite having been cared for quite well. This failure occurred well before reaching the expected life of the vehicle at 106,515 miles, 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 as of yet. My Manufacturer Claim Number with Honda Corp is 15916252. 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.
Engine, Oct 13, 2025
Complete engine failure on our 2017 Honda Pilot EX-L on October 7, 2025. We purchased it new in 2017 and have maintained it per Honda recommendations, including oil changes. We have all of the records to support this. Based on research and the audio diagnosis from two separate mechanics (one being Honda), the failure was likely caused by a known connecting rod bearing issue that led to a recall of 249K Hondas in 2023. Please include this in the NHTSA ODI evaluation PE25008, which is considering expanding the scope of that recall based on 414 additional incidents after the recall. Incident Timeline & Diagnostic Summary October 7, 2025 (≈12:30 PM) -Took the vehicle to Anthony’s Auto for an audio diagnosis based on a knocking sound. --Technician reported: knocking sound was slower than the piston rate, indicating a likely --rod bearing failure, leading to an inevitable and complete engine failure. --Technician confirmed: Oil level was normal (at the proper level). -Anthony’s Auto cautioned not to drive on the freeway, stating the engine could fail at any time. -I drove the vehicle home; less than ¼ mile from our house, the engine seized (knock → failure). I put the car in neutral and drifted into our neighborhood. -Vehicle was towed by AAA to Marin Honda (appointment scheduled for October 8). October 8, 2025 (~5:10 PM) -Marin Honda contacted us with their initial diagnosis and options: --Honda acknowledged that they had changed the oil at their facility in June 2025, per the schedule and criteria as recommended by Honda. --Marin Honda confirmed the oil was at the proper level. Metal shavings were found in the engine oil during their inspection. --To fully diagnose the issue, they would need to take apart the entire engine. Teardown & reassembly “as-is” (i.e. no new engine) — $3,500 total. --Teardown + installation of a refurbished engine, where the hours/parts from teardown would be credited toward replacement. Quoted $9,000–$10,000 for the refurb engine.
Electrical system, Oct 11, 2025
I am reporting a recurring “Keyless Start System Problem” warning on my 2017 Honda Pilot. This is a known and widespread issue affecting 2016–2017 Honda Pilot models, as acknowledged by Honda in Service Bulletin 20-117, which identifies a defect in the push-button start/stop switch assembly. In my vehicle, the warning appears intermittently, and the engine sometimes fails to start or requires multiple attempts to engage the ignition. This is a serious reliability and safety concern, as the vehicle may not start when needed, potentially leaving drivers stranded or unable to respond in emergencies. Although Honda recognizes the defect in their service bulletin, they have not issued an official recall and refuse to repair or replace the part outside of warranty coverage. Many owners are being forced to pay out-of-pocket for a clearly documented manufacturer fault. I respectfully request that the NHTSA investigate this issue and consider requiring Honda to issue a recall or provide a no-cost remedy for all affected 2016–2017 Honda Pilot vehicles. Additional details: •Model: Honda Pilot •Year: 2017 •Issue: “Keyless Start System Problem” warning, intermittent failure to start
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 9, 2025
In August 2022, with approx. 92,000 miles, my 2017 Honda Pilot received fuel injector replacement and a PCM update under Honda TSB 20-100, performed by Schaumburg Honda. This Technical Service Bulletin is known to have downstream impacts on emissions systems if the root cause is not fully corrected. On August 13, 2025, at 134,045 miles, the vehicle triggered a P0430 code (“Bank 2 Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold”). Schaumburg Honda again replaced the injectors. Less than a month later, on September 8, 2025, at 135,101 miles, the vehicle triggered a second emissions code, P0420 (“Bank 1 Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold”). Schaumburg Honda informed me that both catalytic converters had now failed and quoted over $5,800 in replacement costs. This sequence of events strongly suggests a long-term emissions defect potentially caused by unresolved impacts from TSB 20-100. American Honda denied goodwill assistance based on mileage, despite the clear connection to prior manufacturer-directed service. I have purchased several vehicles from this dealer over the years and have maintained all service through authorized Honda service centers. This raises safety and environmental concerns due to the catalytic converter failure, and may indicate a systemic issue tied to the TSB.
Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 7, 2025
Multiple lights, for ACC, Lane Departure, Forward Collision Warning, and Lane Keeping Assistance system. None of the systems works. Safety of myself and others put at risk due to systems not working and preventing collision. The problem was confirmed by the dealer. Multipurpose camera not operating, required replacement of camera for systems to operate.
Engine, Oct 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving approximately 10-30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was unable to pull over to the side of the road. The contact pushed the vehicle to the side of the road with assistance. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to The Car Doctor, where it was diagnosed that the engine connecting rod bearing had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE25008 (Engine). The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Engine, Sep 30, 2025
- Emission systems problem despite changing fuel injectors twice -- Dealer found DTC P0420 . Performed 20-100 under warranty extension Dealer replaced the fuel injectors last year in 2024 when the emissions systems problem indicator light appeared and recently again on September 04 2025. The repairs were performed free of charge. - The indicator now appears again on and off in the last two weeks after September 15, 2025. - The indicator sometimes shows up immediately after starting the engine and sometimes turn on while driving.
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 29, 2025
Auto Start/Stop Issue. I finally experienced what some other members of my family have experienced with this car. My Honda Pilot stalled at a stop light in heavy traffic after the engine was turned off when I stopped at the light using the auto start/stop function. After I released the brake when the light turned green, the car did not start.
Engine, Sep 24, 2025
120k J35Y6 engine with good oil service and no major issues before. I heard a tapping/ticking noise emanating from the engine. So I brought the car to the local Honda service center for a diagnosis. Without opening the engine (i.e. purely based off sound) they claimed that the sound was "rod knock" caused by the crankshaft pin and the connecting rod bearing, and that the engine was effectively totaled. Upon doing some research I learned that that exact issue is the subject of an ongoing investigation so I decided to submit this report. My receipt and outline of that engine diagnosis is attached.
Engine, Sep 17, 2025
Vehicle Mileage - 87,200 In February I had the Fuel Pump recall completed after over a year of waiting for the parts to come to the Honda Dealer. I first noticed the recall being issued when I received my notice to renew my registration. Then, I received an official notice from Honda a few months later in the mail. I sent an online appointment form around that time and Bobbi at Honda told me that they did not have the parts and I should wait to check again in a few months as it was impossible for them to get the parts in. So I did - I periodically would call her directly in the service department to check and they still did not have it. FINALLY they got the parts in, and she let me know I could schedule to have the recall fixed. I came in about a week later in early February and had it fixed. Since then I've had issues with my emissions system light turning on randomly - usually whenever there was significant changes in the weather - very hot/much cooler. I just took it into the dealership on 8/4/25 because the light the last few days had stayed on. The dealership told me they needed to check the fuel pump for sure because when I explained the situation to them, it very well could be related to the recall being fixed. They informed me they ran several tests and discovered that I need to replace my catalytic converter. It is clear at this mileage on my Honda Pilot and the delays in having the fuel pump recall fixed caused the damage to the catalytic converter. I spent almost an entire year calling the dealership every few months to see if they had the parts in to fix the fuel pump recall, I was told that they did not have the parts in stock and that there was a significant backlog in getting the parts, that it was out of the dealership's hands and that they would let me know when the parts were in stock. After over a year of driving with a defective fuel pump that Honda knew was faulty without any advice received about potential secondary damage.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 16, 2025
Honda has a 2 TSBs for all Pilots on all VINs having a transmission juddering issue. They are making us pay out of pocket for a known issue on all 2017 VINs. I was quoted a minimum of $700 due to the labor involved. We, as customers, shouldn't have to pay for a known issue with all VINs of 2017 Honda Pilots. It caused issues with cruise control and keeping speed on the road especially uphill. Sometimes it will shift extremely hard. It happens at all speeds when partially on the accelerator. It has been reproduced at Honda dealerships but they will not fix it unless the vehicle produces a code. I fear driving this in the wintertime with the pulsating accelerations possibly causing me to slide. It is unknown if the manufacturer has looked at this actual park on this vehicle.But they do know about it on all 2017 Honda Pilots. There is no warning prior to failure and it appeared over a year ago.
Electrical system, Sep 11, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while searching on Carfax ,it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 85,000, and at the time of searching on Carfax, it was discovered that the mileage was 184,753.
Structure, Sep 8, 2025
Rear subframe damaged with no reason. Vehicle has been garaged and in moderate climate since it was purchased. Confirmed by dealer and insurance adjustor.
Engine, Sep 8, 2025
Possible rod bearing, leading to engine failure.
Engine, Sep 4, 2025
Vehicle: 2017 Honda Pilot VIN: [XXX] Mileage at failure: 111000 Summary of Issue: My 2017 Honda Pilot suffered a sudden engine failure diagnosed by a Honda dealer as internal damage due to a failed connecting rod bearing. This is the same failure mode documented in Honda TSB 23-097 / Safety Recall for other Pilot model years (2016, 2018–19), but my 2017 VIN was excluded. Circumstances of Failure: While driving, I first noticed a loud knocking/tapping sound from the engine, followed by reduced power and rough running while getting on the freeway. Within a very short time, the vehicle became difficult to drive and stalled. It had to be taken to a Honda dealership. The technician confirmed a failed rod bearing causing internal engine damage. The failure occurred without warning lights or prior indications, and if it had happened at highway speed, it could have led to a sudden loss of power and increased crash risk. Details: Dealer diagnosis: rod bearing failure requiring engine replacement. Repair estimate: over $13,000 (engine replacement + related service items). Vehicle has been maintained meticulously (full synthetic oil every 5–7K miles, AT fluid every 20K miles, recommended timing belt service). Honda America declined goodwill assistance, citing lack of Honda-dealer service records, even though independent/self-service maintenance records are available. Safety Concern: Rod bearing failure is a serious safety defect that can cause sudden loss of engine power while driving, posing a crash risk to the driver, passengers, and others on the road. Context: In Nov 2024, NHTSA opened an investigation into expanding the recall to include additional model years (including the 2017 Pilot) after more than 170 similar failures were reported outside current VIN coverage. My vehicle appears to be another case of this same defect, not yet included in the recall. Request: Please investigate and consider expanding the recall to include the 2017 Honda Pilot. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Sep 4, 2025
When the auto start-stop feature is on (which is automatically on unless manually turned off every time you start the car), at stop lights/signs, my car will auto stop and then when I let go of the break to accelerate, rather than my car auto starting, it will shut down completely. It does not have the power to restart on its own. This happens all the time. I try to remember every single time I start my car to turn off the auto feature, but at times I forget. And for those times that I forget, it likely is going to happen during that ride. Recently it even happened in a parking lot where I had turned my car off, gone into a store and came back, tried to start my car and it took multiple attempts for my car to start because it acted as if it did not have enough power to start.
Engine, Sep 4, 2025
My engine randomly loses power and makes grinding noises. The vehicle is very well taken care of and serviced regularly.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 3, 2025
I drive a 2017 Honda Pilot Touring 9-speed and I’ve been dealing with some frustrating issues for last 3 years. The car has sudden loss of power, jerking, harsh shifting, and acceleration problems. I’ve done all the dealer-recommended maintenance (timing belt + water pump, spark plugs, valve adjustment, fuel injector cleaning, regular oil and transmission fluid changes), but the problem still hasn’t gone away. I feel unsafe to drive the car on freeway due to sudden loss of power and then sudden acceleration. Sometimes it feels like the gears don’t shift when they should, I am not a mechanic and not sure if it’s an engine issue or a transmission issue. I checked for recalls but didn’t find any. First I thought it has to do with driving on ECO mode but it seems like it does not matter which mode I drive. It still gives me the same issue.
Power train, Sep 2, 2025
Transmission and torque converter blew at 77k miles.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 28, 2025
so i have a Honda pilot and have been seeing a light saying that my collision mitigation system is broke so i took it in for a diagnostic which i was charged for which is fine and normal i guess but they told me that the system was broken possibly from just driving through construction zones and this causes phantom braking so i have to get it fixed but they want to charge me for the repairs which from my perspective the customer i shouldn't have to pay for a defect like that that can cause injurie or much worse
Engine, Aug 28, 2025
On April 30, 2024, while sitting at a traffic light waiting to turn, my Honda Pilot experienced a catastrophic engine failure. The driver heard a loud knocking sound and the engine failed. The driver was left to navigate to a safe area through traffic. The vehicle was towed to a nearby auto mechanic for evaluation. It was determined that a connecting rod had penetrated the engine block and that engine would not be salvageable. The vehicle was towed again to another auto mechanic, where the engine was removed and replaced with a used engine of the same make and model with other required support equipment (timing belt, water pump, miscellaneous belts and hardware) at a cost of $8656.00 Given the passage of approximately 15 months since the engine was replaced, the catastrophically failed engine is no longer available to be inspected. Thankfully the vehicle was stationary when the failure occurred or the driver may have been at greater risk. He did need to walk through a busy intersection to get to safety. The engine failure and replacement was performed and documented by an independent service center. The failed engine was not inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance carrier’s representatives. Only observed by the two independent service centers. There were no warning lamps, or no messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. This issue appears to be related to NHTSA investigation: PE25008