2018 Honda Pilot
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 440 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 8th highest complaint count among 23 Pilot model years with reports.
Of the 2018 reports, 9 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 11 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
Engine and engine cooling, engine, hard parts internal/mechanicalNov 13, 2023
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.
A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 28, 2024. 2016-2017 Acura MDX owner letters were mailed November 1, 2024. 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed in mid-December 2024. Honda began mailing owner notification letters as of March 18, 2024. 2015-2016 Acura owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-December 2024, 2018 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed the end of March/early April 2024, 2019 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-May 2024, 2020 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-June 2024, and 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed January 27, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XG1 and GG0.
Campaign 23V751000 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
Engine and engine cooling, engine, gasoline, belts and associated pulleysApr 12, 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Acura MDX and Honda Pilot vehicles and 2019 Acura RLX, RLX Sport Hybrid, TLX and Honda Odyssey and Ridgeline vehicles. The timing belt teeth may separate from the belt.
Teeth separation from the timing belt may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace any affected timing belt free of charge. Vehicles receiving a replacement timing belt will also have the engine inspected and any damaged components will be replaced for free. The recall began June 7, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is L4M. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is Z4L.
Campaign 19V298000 on NHTSA.gov
SeatsApr 5, 2018
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018 Honda Pilot and Ridgeline vehicles and 2018 Acura MDX vehicles. The front driver and passenger powered seats in the Honda vehicles and the driver powered seats in the Acura vehicles may have been assembled with improperly manufactured rivets. In the event of a crash, the rivets can break causing the seats not to be secured to the floor. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems," and 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
In the event of a crash, if the seat does not remain secured to the floor, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver seat frame assembly in Acura MDX vehicles, and replace the driver and front passenger seat slide rail frames in Honda Pilot and Ridgeline vehicles, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall is D0S, and T0T.
Campaign 18V221000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
440 reports, newest first.
Engine, Apr 17, 2024
This vehicle is subject to NHTSA Recall Number 23V-858. Four months after the recall announcement, our local Honda dealer does not have parts to perform the recall service nor has an ETA when they will have parts.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 6, 2024
I have been to two Honda dealerships the last two months. Manufacturer has failed to remedy this safety recall in a timely manner.
Other or unspecified, Apr 5, 2024
Torque Converter - DTC P0741. I received 'Transmission System Problem' warning message. Took to the dealer and was told that it is Torque Converter issue. However, my VIN is not included in the extended warranty of 8 years or 150,000 miles. This is the same 2018 Honda Pilot and should be included in the warranty.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Mar 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at 40-45 MPH, the vehicle lost power and regained motive power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Pilot. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System and Gasoline) however the parts to repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair as the recall notice was received several months ago. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The contact stated when driving the vehicle, it stuttered and stalled. The automatic car start was inoperable. The check engine and the all wheel drive warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and stated a misfire code existed and that parts were not available. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer who performed a diagnostic as well, but stated the valve system needed to be flushed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000. VIN tool confirms part not available.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 20, 2024
for months Honda dealer has not yet resolved the two recalls indicating parts and instructions from Honda are not availalbe. Thus, the dealer is unable to resolve the recalls. This has been going on for months and is unacceptable. When the NHTSA issues a recall, why can't consumers get their recalls fixed ?
Seats, Mar 18, 2024
I bought the car three days prior to this event. On February 14, 2024, I reached into the third row to lower the seats and I pulled the black strap toward me like it says to do in the manual and the seat came down so hard it crushed my hand between the seat and the side of the car and broke my 5th metacarpal in 3 places. I had to have surgery 6 days later and had hardware put in my hand. Even the emergency room doctor said there is something wrong with my seat. This story is similar to the boy that got crushed in the third row seat and died. Why is this seat like this? I realize if this was a child it would be all over the news but I am an adult and our lives matter much less to the media.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 7, 2024
The car since purchased was juddering between rpms, eventually the emissions and check engine light came on and prompted us to take to dealership. The dealership said this was part of a recall and both problems would be fixed at no cost and we would get an extended warranty on the parts and labor. That sounds great. The problem though is the pilot has been in the shop since January 29th! We have been given 4 different Eta's of when the part would come in and they all keep passing by! No end in sight.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while his partner was driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer and was diagnosed with a defective starter; however, the failure persisted after the starter was replaced. Upon further investigation, the contact was informed that the engine had failed due to a damaged connecting rod bearing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was offered a payment plan to help with the cost of a new engine. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) which was linked to the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
Power train, Mar 3, 2024
I own a 2018 Honda Pilot (VIN number ending in [XXX] ) which was purchased from Perfection Honda on July 14, 2018. I am the only owner of the car and have taken the car to the dealer for all required maintenance services at the recommended time intervals. The car began stuttering after a stop on [XXX]. I took the car immediately to Perfection Honda and they stated that the issue was the front engine mount despite my concerns about the transmission. They replaced the front engine mount and flushed the transmission fluid and returned the car to me on [XXX]. The car had the same issue on [XXX] and I had to return the car to the dealer. Approximately one week later they stated that there was no issue and returned the car to me. On [XXX] the car had the same issue and had to be towed to the dealer. This time they stated it was the fuel pump, which had been recalled. They replaced the fuel pump and returned the car to me on [XXX]. On [XXX] the car had the same issue of stuttering upon acceleration from a stop and had to be towed again to the dealer. On [XXX] the service personnel called to inform me that a new transmission was needed. When the car first began experiencing the issue, I had had the car for five years and three months, three years of which had restricted driving due to the COVID shutdown in 2020 and in three months during 2021 when I was out of the country for travel. The car now has 57,380 miles. The issue began when the car had 54,079 miles. While there was fortunately no accident, the stalling after a stop and continued stuttering of the transmission is a significant safety issue. Each time I had my two children in the car with me and had to pull to the side of the road to avoid being rear ended. While other 2018 Honda Pilots have active transmission and engine recalls, my specific vehicle is not covered by those TSBs. Honda has stated that there are no active recalls on my vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Mar 3, 2024
Shortly after 60k warranty expired, check engine light came on. We went to dealer right away and were told the torque converter needed to be replaced to prevent permanent damage. The repair was quoted at over $2000.00. We left the car with service and contacted Honda corporate. They paid half, but still left us with bill over $1000.00. I have heard of this issue with other 2018 Pilots. We had the repair done and have not had any other problems, but we were told that, if this became a recall in the future, we could get our money back. There needs to be a recall done for torque converters on 2018 Pilots. Thank you.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Pilot. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 21, 2024
My Honda Pilot started making a rattling noise and at first I thought it was a shield coming loose. I checked for any loose shields but could not find one. After about a week the noise became increasingly louder and seem to increase with acceleration. So I took it into the dealership and they said that it was the fuel pump and there was a recall on them but no parts available. I took the car home and parked it for fear it would stall on the road and cause a wreck. After a couple of weeks and no part, I called Honda and asked them if I could get a part since my car was not drivable. They wouldn't give me a direct answer, but after a week a part came in for the recall. When the dealership replaced the recall part they said that the real problem was the high pressure fuel pump and it could of given me the same problem as the recall part. After checking NHTSA, I seen where similar Honda models with the same engine were having the same problem. It seems to me that the high pressure pump should be the one recalled.
Engine, Feb 18, 2024
Emission system problem warning sign come and go
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the side of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that a high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the failure was not related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.
Other or unspecified, Jan 20, 2024
Honda contacted me to say parts are available to complete recall. Plymouth Honda stared no parts are available. Email is either not accurate or dealer doesn't have accurate information. Please work with Honda to contact customer base with accurate information.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 18, 2024
incident March 5th, 2023 speed approx. 30 M/hr when my MID lit up "PUT IN PARK" my Pilot slowed down on his own gas and brake pedal were frozen I heard some scraping and crunching noises and steering wheel was hard to move and engine shut off. That afternoon (Sunday) I made an appointment with Arrowhead Honda, 8380 W. Bell Rd., Peoria, AZ 85382 to bring the car in. AAA towed the car to the Honda Dealer. After 45 Min. Techn. Divac Aodisho advised me they could not find anything. And I drove my vehicle home. This sounds familiar with the recall I found from NHTSA today. I made an appointment to have the fuel pump impeller checked on 01/19/24 but just now I was called and told the parts will not be available until March 2024 appointment is cancelled. So now I'm driving a vehicle that is not 100%. A 2nd similar problem happened [XXX] and a Diagnosis was preformed on my Pilot for $ 160.00 with again no problem found. Would you drive a car that is not 100% ? I don't have a choice and I was told by the Techn. Mr. Grant today "well you have been driving it for 5 Years" that is not very comforting. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Jan 18, 2024
When attempting to start the car's engine by pressing the start/stop button, it takes several times of pushing the button to start the engine and the dashboard displays a keyless start system error. There is a tech service bulletin for 2016 and 2017 models of the same car providing an extended warranty for customers to get free start/stop switch replacement. I took my car to a dealer and and they reproduced the problem. I was told it was not covered under the warranty. Why did Honda provide warranty and free replacement for previous model years but not for 2018 model that had the same problem? Please advise.
Engine, Jan 13, 2024
On [XXX] as I was driving northbound on the [XXX] in California going the speed limit there was a sudden loud crash coming from the engine block. After the loud crash, there was a dramatic drop in engine power causing the car to drastically lose speed. Noticing something wrong with the situation and all the service lights displayed on the dash I quickly got off the freeway and pulled off into a parking lot of industrial buildings. Then called a tow to take the car to the Ocean Honda dealership in Ventura CA. The dealership stated that it was a factory issue that they would resolve with Honda. Giving me a loaner they sent me on my way. On [XXX] Ocean Honda contacted me stating that Honda has not approved the work order and that I either have to pay $13,000 for a new engine or tow my vehicle out. And have until EOD of [XXX] to decide. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 12, 2024
Dear Sir/Madam, My Vehicle stalls and stutters suddenly when driving. It does not accelerate the way it should. Engine light is on. I called Honda Customer Service and even though it says "Fuel Pump recall" on my vehicle they say they don't know when parts are going to be available. Their responses were very evasive. They said it was a placeholder and were not willing to help me. They don't have any concrete responses to my questions. I asked them when will the fuel pump parts be available for dealers to fix the recall and they asked me to check back in February. I got a letter in December stating that after Jan 2nd they will help with this issue. Now they are saying Feb. My vehicle maybe unsafe to drive and if the engine seizes or is ruined because of the delay in fixing this recall, I would be at a total loss. Please help me. Thanks so much! [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Dec 26, 2023
Transmission is jumping between first and second gear randomly.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 4, 2023
I noticed when driving between 10-30 miles per hour the pilot will stall in between 2 rpm and 3 rpm jumping up and back down, shortly after I received an emission problem alert and the car started driving very strange pulling forward then losing power. Noticed that this is a common problem in Pilots and it is very concerning.
Power train, Nov 25, 2023
The transmission does not transmit consistent power to the wheels to ensure the car moves forward at consistent speed. This intermittent transmission of power to the tires causes a safety concern when driving, especially during a rainfall with stop and go traffic or when joining roads. The car is unresponsive or very slow to respond when moving forward from a stop position. Any attempt to force the car to move results in a lunge or aggressive acceleration which usually causes the tires to screech. The unnatural acceleration results in forward motion not consistent with the flow of traffic. This issue is further compounded when there is rainfall with a little slop. Any forward motion results in the tires screeching forcing the driver to take his/her foot off the accelerator. This results in a stop and go situation which is confusing to other drivers especially when joining a road.
Engine, Nov 25, 2023
While driving at interstate speeds, without any warning that there was an issue, engine began to run very rough and all warning indicators on the display were active, car slowed and had to pull off onto the road shoulder, very lucky the traffic was lite and was already in the right traffic lane, was able to pull onto the road shoulder quickly. Under heavy traffic and a multiple lane interstate, this type failure would probably resulted in a serious accident involving other cars and personal injury. Engine would restart but was running very rough, all system warning indicators were active on the display. Drove 1/2 mile to safe location at the next exit, parked the vehicle and called Honda for a tow to our local dealership. They indicated the problem was excessive wear to the camshaft. Parts were ordered and repairs are in progress. Drivetrain was still under an extended warranty.
Other or unspecified, Nov 22, 2023
Engine stalls from a stop to accelerating It has happened several times and nearly caused an accident at an intersection The transmission shifts rough The mechanic can’t find the problem but it’s been ongoing since I purchased the vehicle new