2017 Honda Pilot

Above average

Owners filed 938 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 4 times.

Avoid One of the Honda Pilot years to avoid: 3.5× the complaints of a typical Pilot year. Which Honda Pilot years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
38,000 milesMedian miles at failure

253 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.

Most common 2017 Honda Pilot problems

361 of the 938 complaints (38%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine349
020
Electrical System199
130
Power Train · transmission84
100
Unknown or Other81
100
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system68
100
Service Brakes · brakes20
100
Seat Belts14
000
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system14
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration13
202
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine11
000

2017 Honda Pilot engine problems

38% of all complaints

361 of the 938 complaints are about the engine. This is what owners describe:

  • stalls26% · 94
  • knocks, grinds or clunks16% · 59
  • sets off warning lights on the dash15% · 55
  • turns on the check engine light11% · 39
  • loses power7% · 26
  • drops into neutral6% · 20

Share of the 361 engine complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
61,000 mi
median of 60 reports
Peak year of filing
2022
105 engine complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
0 · 2 · 0
in these complaints
Recalls on the engine
None
“We just purchased last month a 2017 Honda Pilot Elite. We have had issues with the auto start/stop function. Once at a drive through and once at a stoplight. After letting off break, it failed to restart and had to put it in park and restart. This is a dangerous situation being stalled in the road at a busy intersection. I haven't got it in the shop yet, but planning it next week.”
Owner complaint, filed Oct 22, 2026
“The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 to 60 MPH, the emission warning light illuminated. The contact was concerned about the vehicle stalling while driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel injector, torque converter, and front and rear catalytic converters needed to be replaced.”
Owner complaint, filed Jul 16, 2026 at 127,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2017: 23 complaints, 1 about the engine'172018: 43 complaints, 1 about the engine'182019: 38 complaints, 4 about the engine'192020: 73 complaints, 19 about the engine'202021: 82 complaints, 35 about the engine'212022: 233 complaints, 105 about the engine'222023: 94 complaints, 26 about the engine'232024: 112 complaints, 43 about the engine'242025: 119 complaints, 63 about the engine'252026: 121 complaints, 64 about the engine'26Recall 21V932000 (door locks and latches)Recall 23V858000 (fuel system)Recall 26V332000 (airbags)Recall 26V365000 (suspension)NHTSA investigation PE25008NHTSA investigation EA25004NHTSA investigation RQ24013NHTSA investigation PE22005
All complaintsAbout the engineRecall (red: the engine)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2017 Pilot peaked in 2022, with 233 filed that year. No recall on file covers the engine, the subject of 38% of the complaints. In 2026 owners filed 121 so far.

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Suspension › Rear26V365000
Filed Jun 4, 2026965,561 vehiclesHonda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger26V332000
Filed May 21, 202698,892 vehiclesHonda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. 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.

Risk. Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.

Remedy. 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.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump23V858000
Filed Dec 18, 20232,490,460 vehiclesHonda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. 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.

Risk. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. 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.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch21V932000
Filed Nov 29, 2021724,826 vehiclesHonda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. 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.

Risk. A hood that opens while driving can obstruct the driver's view and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. 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.

All 4 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 4 name the 2017 Pilot.

Engine failurePreliminary evaluation PE25008Open
Opened Aug 20, 2025engine

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 414 reports of connecting rod bearing failures in the 3.5L V6 engine used in the following vehicles: Model Years (MY) 2018-2020 Acura TLX, MY2016-2020 Acura MDX, MY2016-2020 Honda Pilot, MY2018-2020 Honda Odyssey, and MY2017-2019 Honda Ridgeline. The subject engine failures were analyzed as part of a Recall Query (RQ24013). It was determined that these engine failures are outside the scope of Honda Recall 23V-751. Further, evidence gathered in conjunction with RQ24013 does not suggest this failure is caused by the same crankshaft …

No Restart After Auto Start/Stop EngagesEngineering analysis EA25004Open
Opened Mar 26, 2025engine

On June 3, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE22005 after the agency received VOQs and several field reports concerning the Auto Idle Stop (AIS) feature on 2016-2019MY Honda Pilot vehicles. The complaints allege that the engine fails to restart on its own from a complete stop at a traffic light or road intersection with the AIS function engaged. The subject vehicles are equipped with a 3.5L engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission. On January 6, 2023, Honda released service bulletins 23-008 and 23-009. These service bulletins address the failure to …

Engine failureRecall query RQ24013Closed
Opened Nov 8, 2024Closed Aug 20, 2025engine

On November 8, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ24013 to assess the scope of Honda recall 23V-751 after receiving complaints that alleged connecting rod bearing failures in vehicles that were not within the scope of recall 23V-751. In November 2023, Honda recalled 248,999 various Model Year (MY)2016–2020 Honda and Acura vehicles equipped with the 3.5L V6 engine. Honda recalled these vehicles due to a crankshaft manufacturing defect that caused premature connecting rod bearing wear and engine seizure. While the out-of-scope failures involved in these …

No Restart After Auto Start/Stop EngagesPreliminary evaluation PE22005Closed
Opened Jun 3, 2022Closed Mar 26, 2025engine

On June 3, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE22005 after the agency received VOQs and several field reports concerning the Auto Idle Stop (AIS) feature on 2016-2019MY Honda Pilot vehicles. The complaints allege that the engine fails to restart on its own from a complete stop at a traffic light or road intersection with the AIS function engaged. The subject vehicles are equipped with a 3.5L engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission. On January 6, 2023, Honda released service bulletins 23-008 and 23-009. These service bulletins address the failure to …

Technical service bulletins

181 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2017 Pilot. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

engine 43electrical system 28transmission 25fuel system 23equipment 17seats 16visibility 9equipment adaptive/mobility 8
ONL6T603102023-2Warranty extensionMar 10, 2023engine

Warranty Extension - Warranty Extension reimbursement form for engine idle stop repairs made before the warranty extension notice date.

ONL6T603102023-4Warranty extensionMar 10, 2023engine

Warranty Extension - Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and the idle stop feature engages, the vehicle may not automatically restart.

A23-009Warranty extensionJan 6, 2023electrical system

Service Bulletin - Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and engaging idle stop, the vehicle may not restart automatically due to excessive cylinder pressure and/or low cranking torque. Typically, the customer can immediately restart the vehicle by selecting Park and pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button. NOTE: If 23-008 Product Update: PGM-FI …

ONLN9403292021Warranty extensionMar 29, 2021equipment adaptive/mobility

"Owner Notification Letter - On some 2017-19 Pilot, 2017-19 Ridgeline, and 2018-19 Odyssey models, the malfunction indicator light (MIL) may come on if one or more of the following diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are stored: - P0420 (rear bank catalyst system efficiency below threshold [bank 1]) - P0430 (front bank catalyst system efficiency below threshold …

A23-009Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJul 7, 2025engine

Service Bulletin - Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and engaging idle stop, the vehicle may not restart automatically due to excessive cylinder pressure and/or low cranking torque. Typically, the customer can immediately restart the vehicle by selecting Park and pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button.

A23-078Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 21, 2025engine

Service Bulletin - Torque converters may not have been manufactured to proper specifications. As a result, the torque converter lock-up clutch cannot provide adequate holding force due to pressure bleeding down through a crack in the lock-up piston. The reduced lock-up clutch capacity results in the transmission indicator flashing “D” and set DTC P0741 …

AEBM04182025901OtherApr 18, 2025engine

Dealer Message - Torque converters may not have been manufactured to proper specifications. As a result, the torque converter lock-up clutch cannot provide adequate holding force due to pressure bleeding down through a crack in the lock-up piston. The reduced lock-up clutch capacity results in the MIL not illuminating. “D” flashes and “Transmission …

A23-078Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 18, 2025engine

Service Bulletin - Torque converters may not have been manufactured to proper specifications. As a result, the lock-up clutch cannot provide adequate holding force due to pressure bleeding down through a crack in the lock-up piston. The reduced lock-up clutch capacity results in the transmission indicator flashing “D” and set the DTC P0741 Torque Converter …

A16-013Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 4, 2024engine

Service Bulletin - Drivers may experience a chirping sound coming from the engine area with the engine warmed up due to the high pressure fuel pump is making a chirp.

A24-085Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJul 20, 2024engine

Service Bulletin - MIL flashes and vehicle will not accelerate, low power. After cycling the ignition, the symptom does not return with no stored DTCs. This issue is more common in regions with cold weather (specifically near or below freezing temperatures). Usually after a long drive (around 2 hours) and accelerating while cornering.

Showing the newest 6 of 43 bulletins about the engine, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA 5-star safety ratings
Version testedOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
2017 Honda Pilot SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★16.4%
2017 Honda Pilot SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★17.5%

New Car Assessment Program results for this model year. Ratings compare cars of similar size and weight only.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Oct 28, 2026WA

My 2017 honda pilot suddenly experienced engine failure. While drive the check engine light came on and could hear engine noise. Towed vehicle to a repair shop where they found bearing material in the oil filter. This vehicle has been well maintained, with regular oil changes.

Suspension
Filed Oct 26, 2026IL

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V365000 (Structure, Suspension). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that a fee was required for the rear passenger-side lower control arm replacement because the lower control arm bolt could not be loosened to complete the recall repair. The contact declined to pay the fee. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was filed, and the contact received an email confirming that the lower control arm replacement cost was at the owner's expense. The contact stated that the manufacturer failed to provide the recall repair free of charge.

Engine
Filed Oct 22, 2026IN

We just purchased last month a 2017 Honda Pilot Elite. We have had issues with the auto start/stop function. Once at a drive through and once at a stoplight. After letting off break, it failed to restart and had to put it in park and restart. This is a dangerous situation being stalled in the road at a busy intersection. I haven't got it in the shop yet, but planning it next week.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 20, 2026HI

This is has the same issues as the other fuel pump recalls for Honda pilots but it says my vin is not covered. My pilot is experiencing all of the same exact same issues in the recall

Engine
Filed Oct 14, 2026TX

The ''Low Oil Pressure'' light came on with limited driving function. It's been verified by an independent automotive repair that it has a rod knock that's similar to the rod bearing failures from the 2016 Honda Pilots that warranted a recall.

Engine
Filed Oct 11, 2026TX

Vehicle just stopped working. It won’t turn on. Engine stopped working without any notice of a problem.

Engine
Filed Oct 11, 2026WA

On [XXX] at approximately [XXX] with my car being at 136,390 miles I was at a stoplight and my engine idle engaged, but when I took my foot off the break, it would not reengage. It shifted to neutral. It took me several tries to get my car to start back up. This is the second time this has happened to me since owning this vehicle. I purchased it brand new and 2017 from the Honda dealership in Richland Washington. After the first time it happened, there was a bulletin that went out for a software update. I took this in and had it done. Obviously that did nothing. This is not only very frustrating but very dangerous. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine
Filed Oct 9, 2026RI

P0369 Camshaft sensor, plate, pulley etc broken and need to be replaced Sep 30 2026

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 4, 2026CA

The vehicle is not starting after coming to a complete stop with the auto start stop feature at a red light or stop sign. After releasing the brake pedal, the engine does not start up again, which leads me to having to turn off the car and turn it back on manually, which could take up to a minute. The Honda dealer has already updated the vehicle replaced the starter and adjusted the valves two months ago and the issue is still persisting.

Engine
Filed Sep 29, 2026CA

My car starting making ticking noises. The engine oikd light briefly came on while I was driving with my family. It started to get worse so I took it to my mechanic. They discovered that it was a rod bearing failure.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 29, 2026FL

While driving with ACC active, I engaged LKAS. After approximately 30-40 seconds, ACC and LKAS disengaged and all sensor warning lights illuminated and sensors as well as ACC and LKAS would no longer work. Warning lights and error messages on instrument cluster continue to show since this happened. Vehicle starts and runs normally otherwise. Battery tested and is healthy. OBD II shows no codes. New windshield was installed in July 2026 by Safelite.

Engine
Filed Sep 27, 2026NC

Was traveling in moderately heavy highway traffic at 65 mph (actual speed limit) and vehicle suddenly started slowing down and hesitating. The narrow shoulder made it unsafe to stop but was able to continue at 45 mph or so and pulled off at first exit. There were numerous trouble lights on the dash. Car towed to Honda dealership and they found trouble code P0369. They found front camshaft sensor to be ground down in the center, as it had been damaged by the cam sprocket. The camshaft had excessive end play causing the cam to walk. New camshaft, thrust cover, sprocket, and related gaskets required. There were no symptoms for the issue before it happened. Honda has a 'Technical Line Summary Article' that says issue is caused by thrust cover manufacturing problem, specifically "we’ve found that the camshaft thrust cover surface roughness is out of spec."

Engine
Filed Sep 25, 2026GA

While driving car it made some noise from engine area and only would drive about 35 mph. The car then shut off and had to coast off highway into parking lot. Luckily it didn't stop in middle of 4 lane highway. Car would not crank and had it towed to Honda dealer. Upon inspection from Walker Jones Honda dealer the following diagnosis. Verified motor locked up. Dropped the oil pan and inspected. Found bearing material in the oil caused by bearing slippage. Pictures were taken. There was no warnings or lights when this event occurred. The car has been taken care of and regular oil changes made through the Honda dealership. We are having to pay to get the engine replaced. The car has 103,965 miles on it.

Engine
Filed Sep 25, 2026AR

Random complete engine failure while driving due to connecting rod bearings. Mechanic diagnosed and shows damage. Car will not start or run at all.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 24, 2026MN

Started the car Check engine lights and all the other lights came on: tire pressure, ABS,ACC, break, emergency break, collision mitigation system problem, road departure mitigation,VSA. Turned off the car, the lights and check engine lights went away and a few days later while driving car did that again and then it engine decline in speed and died on highway.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control
Filed Sep 21, 202670,264 milesOH

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway and restarted the vehicle as a temporary fix. The message "Emission System Failure" was displayed. An appointment was scheduled with the local dealer to inspect the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 70,264.

Engine
Filed Sep 21, 2026MO

2017 Honda Pilot 3.5 L V6 170,000 miles has mechanical "knock" noise corresponding to engine RPM at start, idle, and acceleration. Knock comes from engine block and can be heard from top and bottom of the engine bay, louder from underneath, clearly coming from the rear bank of cylinders. Possibly connecting rod bearing failure. General routine maintenance and oil changes have been completed consistently. If the connecting rod bearing were to fail while running, metal fragments would damage and seize the engine. If this would occur while driving, vehicle would unexpectedly lose engine power, crippling other systems like power steering, electrical, and possibly controlled braking. This could result in a serious or even fatal collision. Me and my children rely on this car for our transportation needs and no longer trust its reliability. I'll have the dealership inspect the engine components according the the 2023 recall campaign, even though my specific VIN, model, or year are not included.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 18, 2026KS

This follows the hood repair recall done in 2022. This repair wasn’t done correctly

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 12, 2026TX

I recently purchased this car from a Nissan dealership a week after we purchased it the emissions system problem light came on took it back they replaced a catalytic converter it was ok for a couple weeks and all of a sudden it showed up again my vin doesn’t show any open recalls but I have a feeling this is a part of the recall that affects the certain years of affected vehicles

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 11, 2026PA

I own a 2017 Honda Pilot equipped with the 9-speed automatic transmission. I am reporting what I believe may be transmission/torque-converter failure and a potential safety concern. The vehicle began experiencing shuddering, jerking, and hesitation. There is significant RPM fluctuation and harsh shifting. The problem occurs on highway speeds, accelerating or shifting lanes, 40–60 mph. During these episodes, the acceleration stalls and is accident prone. 8 months ago, I brought the vehicle to an authorized Honda dealer because of these symptoms, they couldn't get the code. 3 months ago, I went again for same issues, the dealer diagnosed a damaged air-intake hose and I paid for replacement. However, immediately driving off the lot, the original symptoms continued after the repair. I returned the vehicle to the Honda dealership because the problem persisted. The dealership has now diagnosed transmission failure and has estimated the repair at approximately $10,000. American Honda has offered approximately 60% goodwill assistance toward the repair, leaving me responsible for approximately $4,000. I am concerned because there are numerous reports involving transmission and torque-converter problems in 2017 Honda Pilots. Honda has issued technical service information concerning transmission and torque-converter conditions in this model year, including information involving the 9-speed automatic transmission. I am also aware of other NHTSA complaints involving premature 9-speed tran

Engine
Filed Sep 5, 2026FL

The car is having issues with the idle stop. It started taking longer to restart after a stop and now it turns completely off. It happened today in a traffic light in a big intersection.

Engine
Filed Sep 4, 2026HI

The engine started throwing emissions codes and running rough about 6 mo ago but it was very sporadic and always cleared on their own. However on 8/23 my husband was driving it, all the lights started coming on and it froze up and died while he was driving it. We had taken it to the shop where they confirmed that the whole engine was dead that its a known problem with these years pilots and would require a new engine.

Engine
Filed Sep 2, 2026GA

While driving car it lost power and was going only 35 mph then shut off completely while driving. Would not crank had car towed to Honda dealer and they said the engine was seized up. The car is at the Honda dealer now. No warning lights that I'm aware of. Honda dealer stated I would need a new motor.

Engine
Filed Sep 1, 2026HI

It first started having an engine light on that came back to emmission errors. It was intermittent though and didnt cause mucj issues. The shop said if it kept up to take it somewhere for that . Then on XXX all the engine lights, brakes everything just came on and seized up and it stopped working completley. Trying to restart just dies once you try to drive it. This should have been recalled with the other engine years. The shop is saying it needs a brand new engine.. Please advise. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control
Filed Aug 26, 2026MS

The front camera has been identified as having a malfunction and needing repair. It causes all of the Honda sensors to show error lights. Adaptive Cruise, LKAS system, Lane Departure, and breaking lights all are lit up as errors. The vehicle's built-in safety protocols do not work due to the malfunctioning camera. This problem has been verified by the Honda Dealership. There were no warning signs prior to the malfunction. This is a $1,700 repair. It is caused by a faulty part on the vehicle. A quick Google search shows that this is a KNOWN fault, and that there is a pending Class Action Lawsuit against Honda for this very issue and cost of repair. This desperately needs to be addressed in a recall ASAP.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 23, 2026TX

Vehicle stalled twice within a week. All lights on dash showed up. P0087 code. Honda dealer confirmed low fuel pressure pump needed to be replaced. It was happened on 8/13 and again on 8/22/26. Lucky, I was exiting the fwy. Almost lost control of steering wheel.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 22, 2026OR

I stopped at a stoplight and when the light turned green I pressed the gas and my car wouldn’t start. It took a few attempts at pressing the start button and putting car in park and my foot on the brake to get it to restart. Afterwards I noticed sometimes an orange light on dash for the Auto Idle Stop System Indicator. It did this once before earlier this year and I thought maybe I just didn’t push the brake hard enough when I stopped. I didn’t know what was going on.

Engine
Filed Aug 20, 2026TX

The connecting rod on my 2017 Honda Pilot is coming apart and metal is present in the oil. The engine began knocking and progressively got louder. The sound was coming from the bottom of the engine around cylinder 1. We shut the car off and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer service center confirmed that the connecting rod on cylinder 1 was coming apart and found metal in the oil and filter. The vehicle has not been inspected by any other parties. There was a warning lamp that came on saying there was a fuel emission problem. That lamp has come on intermittently since we had recall service done on the transmission 6 weeks ago (June 2026). We did have that looked at, but were told they could not reproduce the issue. A check engine lamp also appeared just after the noise first appeared. I included the dealer repair center diagnosis and estimate of repair. I also included documentation that their records for our maintenance are incorrect. We took immaculate care of that vehicle from the day we purchased it.

Suspension
Filed Aug 19, 2026LA

I am writing to request that the NHTSA investigate a potential safety and repair adequacy issue regarding our 2017 Honda Pilot Elite. On June 29, 2026, we brought the vehicle to an authorized Honda dealership for a Rear Subframe Safety Recall. At drop-off, I specifically reported an ongoing grinding and rattling noise coming from the rear of the vehicle and requested an investigation. The Honda repair order documents this as "Concern rattle heard coming from the rear" but states they were "Unable to duplicate concern." The dealership also documented performing a multi-point inspection. The odometer was recorded at 87,508 miles in and 87,509 miles out. The abnormal noise continued after the recall repair. Due to ongoing safety concerns after driving the vehicle a considerable distance, we sought a second opinion from an independent repair facility on August 17, 2026. The technician there discovered and documented that the left rear upper control-arm bolt was incorrect and too short, and that the required washer and nut were entirely missing. Photographs were taken to document this condition. The technician advised us that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. It remains at the facility waiting for the correct hardware to be installed, followed by an alignment. We are deeply concerned that this critical suspension hardware issue was not identified by the authorized Honda dealer during the recall service, the multi-point inspection, or the targeted investigation of our rear suspensio

Engine
Filed Aug 17, 2026NC

When trying to accelerate car is yanking very bad seems like it is a very bad shutter or something with the transmission there is also a very bad squeak when you drive under the car

Electrical System
Filed Aug 9, 2026TX

Component/system that failed: The audio/infotainment system (radio), rear DVD entertainment system, and backup camera all fail together while driving. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Description of the problem: While driving, the radio works normally for approximately 10-30 minutes, then begins developing static that gradually worsens until the audio cuts out completely. At the same time, the rear-seat DVD entertainment system stops functioning, and the backup camera also fails. This appears consistent with a known defect in the MOST (Media Oriented Systems Transport) bus and FAKRA connectors that Honda has already acknowledged and recalled on 2019-2022 Pilot, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2018-2023 Odyssey models (NHTSA Campaign 23V431), but my 2017 Pilot Elite with the same Navigation/rear entertainment head unit is not covered by that recall despite the identical failure pattern. How safety was put at risk: Loss of the backup camera while driving/reversing removes a safety feature I rely on to see behind the vehicle, increasing risk of a collision when backing up, especially around pedestrians or in tight parking situations. This mirrors exactly the safety concern Honda cited in its own recall notice for later model years — that loss of MOST communication causes rearview camera failure.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 9, 2026TX

Component/system that failed: The audio/infotainment system (radio), rear DVD entertainment system, and backup camera all fail together while driving. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Description of the problem: While driving, the radio works normally for approximately 10-30 minutes, then begins developing static that gradually worsens until the audio cuts out completely. At the same time, the rear-seat DVD entertainment system stops functioning, and the backup camera also fails. This appears consistent with a known defect in the MOST (Media Oriented Systems Transport) bus and FAKRA connectors that Honda has already acknowledged and recalled on 2019-2022 Pilot, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2018-2023 Odyssey models (NHTSA Campaign 23V431), but my 2017 Pilot Elite with the same Navigation/rear entertainment head unit is not covered by that recall despite the identical failure pattern. How safety was put at risk: Loss of the backup camera while driving/reversing removes a safety feature I rely on to see behind the vehicle, increasing risk of a collision when backing up, especially around pedestrians or in tight parking situations. This mirrors exactly the safety concern Honda cited in its own recall notice for later model years — that loss of MOST communication causes rearview camera failure.

Engine
Filed Aug 7, 202656,908 milesIL

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the engine made a knocking sound while being started and while driving. The knocking sound became louder while driving to the residence. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the timing belt, timing belt tensioner, idler pulley, and water pump, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was determined that the connecting rod bearing had failed and the short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Action Number: PE25008 (Engine). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 56,908.

Engine
Filed Aug 6, 2026WI

2026-08-06 ~7:50AM check engine light came on/flashed while entering freeway, car generally ran as normal though felt as if cylinder was not firing (two weeks prior had regular maintanance and all spark plugs were replaced, assumed this was related to that). Dropped daughter off at camp turned off vehicle. 2026-08-06 ~8:05AM restarted vehicle, check engine light did not come on. Engine ran as normal, proceeded to drive towards dealership. 2026-08-06 ~8:25AM entered freeway, check engine light and many other warnings came on (rolling display of errors), engine limited to low RPMs and ~30MPH. 2026-08-06 ~8:30AM called honda dealership to let them know I was coming in. 2026-08-06 ~8:40AM Service manager utilized OBD port which provided initial code of misfire on cylinder 5. 2026-08-06 Dealership subsequently determined the engine had "spun a rod bearing". Honda recommended service "Replace Short Block"

Electrical System
Filed Jul 21, 2026CA

The back up camera every so often will be blank. Other times the dashboard warning lights will go on effecting the cruise control, lane assistance, and break assistance. According to the Honda dealership it is the back up camera that is causing all of these problems because there are some parts that are defective because of heat and weather. There are thousands of complaints by Honda owners claiming to have the same issue. The solution is a part that costs over $2000 with a high chance of the part needing repair in a few years. Honda knows about this issue for cars 2015-current. There is a current class action lawsuit as well. We just want it fixed without further issues.

Engine
Filed Jul 20, 202692,000 milesPA

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while idling at a red light and then attempting to accelerate, the vehicle failed to respond, and the vehicle shut unexpectedly. The contact was assisted with pushing the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed it with connecting rod bearing failure. The mechanic informed the contact that it was a known issue and that there was a previous recall for the issue. Upon research, the contact became aware of NHTSA ID Number: PE25008 (Engine). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who confirmed the failure and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer located a used engine, but the vehicle was not repaired because the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The manufacturer was informed of the issue and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 19, 2026AZ

Lane keeping assist problem light on, collision mitigation system problem light on, road departure mitigation system problem light on, adaptive cruise control problem light on. brake sy stem light on. The vehicle’s multiple camera has failed and it is a common occurrence with this vehicle. Honda has not recalled this and is charging customers upwards of $2500 to replace the camera behind the windshield and recalibrate it. This isn’t an issue based on miles there have been incidents with it happening as early as 30,000 miles. I bought my vehicle used and about 113,000 this started happening

Engine
Filed Jul 16, 2026127,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 to 60 MPH, the emission warning light illuminated. The contact was concerned about the vehicle stalling while driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel injector, torque converter, and front and rear catalytic converters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was contacted and offered goodwill assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 13, 2026IL

Digital speedometer stop working. It won’t display. It has happened before, and it’s happening again. This is dangerous to my driving as I have no idea how fast I’m driving when there is no display of my speed. I read from Honda Pilot community there are many others Honda Pilot owners have this same issue. This should be safety recall as it’s driving safety issue. Thank you for looking into my concerns.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 7, 2026NC

On XXX, while my wife was driving our 2017 Honda Pilot Elite (VIN: [XXX]) southbound on [XXX], approaching the intersection with [XXX], the vehicle experienced a complete engine stall due to the Auto Idle Stop feature. The engine shut off at a stop but failed to automatically restart when she released the brake to proceed. All dashboard warning lights flashed, and the vehicle became inoperable in the middle of traffic, creating a significant traffic jam at a busy intersection. My wife was able to restart the vehicle manually by shifting to Park and pressing the engine start/stop button. This is part of a persistent safety defect with the Auto Idle Stop (Idle Stop-Start) system. The vehicle has stalled multiple times in traffic and on highways since new. Honda performed TSB 23-008 (PGM-FI Idle Stop software update/product update campaign) on XXX at Autopark Honda in Cary, NC, but the issue was not resolved. I also replaced the battery in November 2024 at the dealership's recommendation, but the no-restart/stall problem continues. I normally keep the Auto Idle Stop feature disabled for safety, but my wife forgot on this occasion. **Cause:** UNKNOWN (per Honda TSBs 23-008 and 23-009, the issue relates to excessive cylinder pressure and/or low cranking torque after Idle Stop engages; prior fixes have not resolved it). This defect creates a dangerous situation where the vehicle can unexpectedly lose power in traffic, increasing collision risk. I have reported this to the dealershi

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jul 6, 2026FL

DRIVING HOME FROM CHURCH SUNDAY JUNE 28TH DOWNSLOPE OF A SMALL HILL SMELLED HOT METAL; WASN'T SURE IF THE ODOR WAS FROM US, THE LARGE TRUCK THAT JUST PASSED US OR ENVIRONMENTAL; SUDDEN "POP" WAS HEARD ACCOMPANIED BY A "JERK" IN THE VEHICLE; LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKES; DASH WAS LIT AND SHOWED RPM/MPH/ETC THEN BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON SMOKE BILLOWING FROM ENGINE FOLLOWED QUICKLY BY COMPLETE FIRE FROM ENGINGE; ALL 4 PASSENGERS EVENTUALLY GOT OUT; POLICE AND FIRE DISPATCHED; COMPLETE LOSS; TRAUMATIC TO SAY THE LEAST; ONLY LIGHT PREVIOUS WAS SERVICE SOON AS OIL LIFE WAS AT 15%; BELIEVE TO BE A KNOWN ISSUE WITH 2017 PILOTS RODS BEND AND BREAK BUT NOW WARNING (RESEARCHED AFTER THE FIRE)

Power Train
Filed Jul 1, 2026NC

My connecting rod bearing wore are ruined my engine. this is addressed in 23v-751 for 2016, 2018, and 2019 Honda Pilots, but not 2017 for some reason. could you please see why this year is not included on the recall.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 1, 2026CA

My speedometer display keeps going blank in the instrument cluster. I will be driving and it would go blank, and stay blank in extented periods of time. This is a car not driven much due to this reason. The milage is still 70k. The speedometer gage goes blank and does not turn on.

Engine
Filed Jun 29, 2026FL

My son was driving the car and the engine started knocking and engine shut off.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 24, 2026MA

Since purchasing this vehicle new, the Auto Idle Stop (AIS) system on my 2017 Honda Pilot has intermittently failed during the engine restart sequence after the vehicle comes to a complete stop. When the AIS system shuts the engine off and I release the brake to resume driving, the vehicle intermittently fails to restart properly or does not restart at all, preventing the vehicle from moving as expected. In some instances, warning messages, including a collision mitigation message, has appeared on the dashboard before the car restarts. This condition has occurred repeatedly over several years and has happened at intersections, while stopped in traffic, and while stopped on highways. The inability of the vehicle to restart and move creates a safety risk because the vehicle may remain disabled in active traffic when acceleration is needed. The issue was reported to the selling and servicing Honda dealership (Cambridge, Honda in Cambridge MA) multiple times over several years. In August 2025, the vehicle received Honda's prescribed repair under Service Bulletins 23-008 and 23-009, including replacement of the starter assembly, starter relay, and battery. Despite these repairs, the same condition returned less than one year later and has occurred at least seven additional times. The vehicle stalls and sometimes displays the collision mitigation/crash warning message before restarting. In June 2026, the vehicle was inspected again by the dealership. Technicians were unable to repr

Engine
Filed Jun 23, 2026CA

All of a sudden, the car began to make a ticking noise (it sounded like a playing card was in the spoke of a bicycle). I brought the car home and took it to the Honda dealership in Poway, CA. They diagnosed the car with pitting in the rod bearings in cylinder 4. They told us that this can cause engine failure (do not drive the car) and that the engine needed to be replaced. There were no error messages or warning lights. This could have been extremely dangerous for those around us had the engine failed while my daughter and I were driving, or if the car had stopped suddenly. The three options given were to replace the engine with one with 20,000+ more miles than the original engine, replace the short block and associated gaskets with a new one, or $2500 (as-is) for the car. We replaced the short block and associated gaskets at a cost of approximately $ 8,500. As my husband was doing his research, he found that there had been a recall for the 2016 and 2018-2020 Honda Pilots for the same issue. Please be aware that this has happened to our car too, and it is very dangerous and expensive to repair. Honda should be held responsible for ensuring that all Pilot engines are safe and that the defective rods are replaced free of charge to owners under a recall.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 19, 2026LA

I have been frequently getting the message on my dash "Keyless Start System Problem" This message appears when starting or stopping the vehicle and while driving. The message does not stay on the dash it eventually disappears.

Power Train
Filed Jun 7, 2026WI

We have a 2017 Honda Pilot EXL. It had approximately 163,000 when the engine seized.

Engine
Filed Jun 6, 2026FL

There is a loud metallic knocking sound coming from my engine. I have lack of acceleration power, and the check engine light came on. You are more than welcome to come inspect the car. My safety was placed at risk as my engine can blow up, and/or I lose acceleration while driving and cause an accident. The sound is continuous and will be until the Rod Bearing is fixed so it’s easily reproducible. Yes it’s been looked at by a mechanic.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 4, 2026FL

My 2017 Honda Pilot Touring has experienced ongoing electrical and battery-related issues for several years and has been in and out of authorized Honda dealerships numerous times. The vehicle has been serviced repeatedly at both Fowler Honda in [XXX], and Pensacola Honda in [XXX]. Due to the inability to diagnose the problem, the issue was escalated by Pensacola Honda to American Honda’s technical line. After extensive diagnostics over two days, the technicians informed me that Honda engineers are aware of an issue but currently do not have a solution, although they are working on one. On XXX, while turning left from [XXX] onto [XXX], I had sufficient time to complete the turn and pressed the accelerator to proceed. However, the accelerator became completely unresponsive and the vehicle would not accelerate. My vehicle was left partially in the intersection while an oncoming vehicle approached. The other driver could have easily struck the driver’s side of my vehicle, creating the risk of a serious or fatal accident. Fortunately, a collision was avoided, but this incident demonstrated a significant safety hazard. In addition to this loss of acceleration, the vehicle has experienced recurring starting problems and electrical malfunctions. Pensacola Honda found that the battery tests normally when removed from the vehicle, but does not function properly when installed. Despite numerous repair attempts and escalation to American Honda, the problem remains unresolved. I believe t

Complaints 1-50 of 938, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2016
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202627100Routine
2025216400Above average
2024117610Routine
2023148510Routine
2022172500Routine
20214521020Above average
20204931150Above average
20199271360Above average
2018442720Above average
2017 — this page938450Above average
20161,7248100Above average
2015109410Routine
2014116300Routine
2013272640Above average
2012172930Routine
20112931150Above average
20101111010Routine
2009134940Routine
2008133931Fatalities reported
2007211951Fatalities reported
20062681070Above average
20056791582Fatalities reported
200454413140Above average
200372014111Fatalities reported

Compare every Pilot year →

2017 Honda Pilot: questions buyers ask

Is the 2017 Honda Pilot a good car?

Going by the federal record, it is one of the Pilot years to avoid: owners filed 938 complaints, 3.5 times as many as a typical Pilot year. The most common complaint is about the engine (38%). In NHTSA crash tests it scored 5 stars overall.

What is the most common problem with the 2017 Honda Pilot?

The engine: 361 of the 938 complaints (38%) are about it. Owners most often say it stalls (26%), knocks, grinds or clunks (16%) and sets off warning lights on the dash (15%). The typical report comes at 61,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2017 Honda Pilot have?

4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Jun 4, 2026. The largest, 23V858000, covered 2,490,460 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2017 Honda Pilot problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 38,000 miles. For the engine the midpoint is 61,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2017 Honda Pilot?

Yes, 4 times. The latest, PE25008 ("Engine failure"), was opened Aug 20, 2025 and is still open. 2 investigations are open.

Are there service bulletins for the 2017 Honda Pilot?

The manufacturer filed 181 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (43), the electrical system (28) and the transmission (25). They include a warranty extension, ONL6T603102023-2, filed Mar 10, 2023. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jun 4, 2026. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.