2018 Honda Pilot complaints

I am filing this complaint because Honda has acknowledged a torque converter defect in Service Bulletin 23-078 (dated August 31, 2023), which applies to 2017–2019 Pilots and Ridgelines equipped with the 6-speed automatic transmission. The bulletin states that certain torque converters may have been manufactured outside proper specifications, causing cracks in the lock-up piston, pressure bleed-down, and eventual loss of clutch capacity. This failure is associated with diagnostic trouble code P0741 (“Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance / Stuck OFF”) and can result in shuddering, hesitation, loss of power during acceleration, or sudden and irregular transmission behavior — all of which create safety risks in traffic, merging, or highway conditions. My 2018 Honda Pilot meets all the published eligibility criteria: it is within 8 years of the original service date, has fewer than 150,000 miles, and has stored the DTC P0741. Despite this, both my dealership and Honda America have denied coverage, claiming my VIN “does not qualify.” While a goodwill request was filed on my behalf, I was informed that even if approved, I could still be expected to pay part of the repair. This denial is unacceptable given Honda’s recognition of the defect and effectively requires me to cover a repair of a faulty product that is necessary for safe operation of the vehicle. Because Honda has already issued a service bulletin acknowledging this defect and created a warranty extension for some ve

Driving to work on the freeway, all of a sudden acceleration stopped. Pulled over as warning lights came on due to transmission. Additionally, the check engine light appears randomly due to emission and also the “AWD” light comes on. Within a few days or even weeks it turns off. This has been on and off since we purchased the vehicle from CarMax.

[XXX] an Error Code "Emissions System Problem" came up. We brought to personal mechanic error code P0430 came up when they attached the code reader to the underside of the dashboard. Our mechanic told us we had to bring to Honda. Brought to Millenium Honda in NY, no code was in "system", they told us about recalls and fixed the recalls. We took the car on vacation and the light came on again while driving from NY to SC. Brought to Honda dealership to have looked at, code was off. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

My Honda Pilot 2018 is a modified vehicle with wheelchair ramp. It is in the recall list for Honda. Recall: swelling of fuel pump motor impeller, fuel pump may seize/stop working. Defective impeller may cause fuel pump inoperative, which could prevent engine from functioning. May cause a loss of motive power/stall while driving, increasing risk of crash or injury creating a safety hazard. -Replace the fuel pump motor. I contact the Honda dealer in San Jose, CA, but they were unable to perform Fuel Pump replacement due vehicle being modified. Tell me to find a dealer that specialize in accessible vehicle to removed cover on floor to access fuel pump then bring fuel pump to Honda for them to replace. DMV requires to perform recall to renew vehicle registration. I do not know which dealer I need to perform this recall.

I came to a stop at a red light on a busy street. Vehicle turned off due to autorignite feature. When light turned green it no longer would turn the engine on in order to go. All my lights turned on, I couldn't put the car in drive. I couldn't put in neutral, reverse or any feature. It wouldn't allow me to do anything but put the hazards on. It had happened to me 3 times since the same exact way. Only way to get it to go in drive is by turning the vehicle off completely, if it let's you. Then once it is off, starting it and going about your day. Codes do not register as I have taken to dealership before and they say it would note it but it doesn't and have refused to repair under the warranty. It also has an acceleration and deceleration issue that has been documented on my visits that has yet to be fixed as well and is a known problem but because it is is not the correct year and model it won't get fixed. I have had someone take video since then to show what happens on the other occasions as my proof since Honda Corporation themselves wouldn't doing anything either.

Leaking front shock, front differential, and transmission

Although I had the Honda taken in for the prior auto stop/start engine recall. The software fix has not solved the issue. While in traffic, even with the auto stop/start feature OFF, the engine will randomly turn off and it becomes a safety hazard as I’m blocking traffic scrambling to turn my engine back on, sometimes it is challenging to get the engine back on, and in the meantime cars are driving all around trying to get around me. This is ridiculous that Honda is doing the bare minimum to address what is clearly a huge liability for me as a driver and others in traffic.

Camshaft sensor failed. Car is not even 7 years old. I was told this issue is known in the Honda ridgelines. They say the camshaft has to much movement and damaging the sensor. Code P0369

The car is Less than 80,000 miles and all 6 fuel injectors are faulty and need replacing. As well as the fuel pump. Other Hondas have been recalled for the same issue but this make and model has not.

When honda service perfomed the recall repair on 12/12/2024. We notice that there is something wrong with the vehicle and we immediately report to Honda service and return the vehicle the following day for further diagnosis but the Honda service failed to resolved the issue until now. We spend out of pocket payment for their recommended repair @ parts replacement . With hopefull promises to resolved the issue but this resulted to more repairs and no guarantee in resolving the issue. And this delay of resolving the issue causing much more concern on our safety onto what will happened as this issue was not resolved

Auto idle system is faulty. I repeatedly experience a failure when this system is not turned off. It causes my engine to shut off when I step on the gas - or (mostly) it causes my car to almost shut off (the dashboard shuts off and flashes back on when I step on gas at a stop sign or other stops, also when I’m driving and accelerate there is a lag of nothing like the car almost turns off followed by a big jerk or jolt when it turns back on again. I’ve asked Honda dealer in town about this and they said it’s just the transmission and could get it replaced but now I see (via a class action suit I read about) that this is a big problem and it’s not just my personal issue with the car. I’m concerned someone will get hurt if these problems are not recalled and fixed by Honda.

Transmission hesitates upon acceleration from a stop, intermittently. Yes, available for inspection upon request. When pulling out into traffic it will roll out and then no response...catastrophic results if taking a left turn or pulling on to highway. The transmission will then jerk abruptly when more gas is added while you are trying desperately to get going. No, they deny it every time...at one point they reset the block learn saying it was the way we were driving. Inspected by dealership. CEL comes on with various warning messages and tech confirmed customer concern and scanned for codes. Codes were misfires on 4,5,6...and random. changed injectors etc. under extended warranty... The hesitation from stop has occured many times

I did mentioned this recall when I got my car I am having issues with acceleration, fuel pump . Car takes a bit long to take offline

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the transmission warning light illuminated while driving above 70 MPH on the highway. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the warranty was extended but was declined due to the vehicle having a Salvage Title and a Rebuilt Title. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the issue had prevented her from renewing the vehicle registration in the State of California. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

On [XXX] we left Charleston, SC for Pittsburgh, PA. In Columbia, SC a maintenance light came on "Transmission System Problem". Soon after, another light read "Transmission Hot." I stopped at the next Exit where Precision Tune- 7000 Garner Ferry Rd, Columbia, SC was located. The shop determined the transmission overheated. I paid $1,105 to have the transmission fluid flushed (3x) and the Honda computer reset. The vehicle had 43K miles. The SUV ran fine for 1800 miles. About 100 miles on our return trip to Charleston at 10:00pm on [XXX] a light read "Transmission System Problem." On July 01, Precision Tune Columbia told me to take the SUV to Precision Tune Summerville. On July 03 I dropped off the vehicle. I spent $517.45 on a rental vehicle. On July 17 my SUV was returned. Precision kept my vehicle without servicing it until the 30 day warranty ran out. I contacted Honda Corporate and informed them there were multiple online forums of other 2018 Honda Pilot 6cyl owners reporting similar transmission issues noting the torque converter. A few months later the "Transmission System Problem" light came on again. Since July, 2024 I have only driven the SUV 5K miles and not out of Charleston. In June, 2025 I received a product recall advisory that the torque converter was a known issue with the model. On July 8, 2025 I dropped the SUV at Stokes Honda. I received a call that the transmission fluid is bad. Precision sent over the Carfax report. It has been a year and my vehicle with 50

My wife was in an accident where she struck a vehicle crossing an intersection in front of her. She believed she was traveling at between 25-30 mph. Following the accident, the Honda Pilot dash indicated a problem with the airbag. My wife suffered bruising across her chest and her hips from the belt. After extensive repairs, documents attached, the dash continued to display a fault with the airbag system that was subsequently addressed by a local Honda dealership.

The car unexpectedly sent out emissions failure systems warning Effecting the ability to accelerate without a pause in a forward movement. I had my mechanic diagnose the warning lights which indicate a connector rod issue. This diagnosis aligns with all of the symptoms. My mechanic warned me the engine could stop at any time. We will have the repair done this month. Honda put out a recall and stop production for this issue in March of 2024 but my car does not show up in the recall when I inquired to Honda about the issues I was experiencing. They basically said there is nothing for me to do.

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Pilot. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V858000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) and 21V932000 (STRUCTURE, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES). The contact stated that the vehicle was at the dealer, pending the repairs. The dealer informed the contact that all 6 fuel injectors had failed and needed to be replaced. However, while diagnosing the vehicle, the diagnostic tool failed to retrieve any fault codes. The dealer refused to replace the fuel injectors. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 72,100. Parts distribution disconnect.

My timing belt tensioner is making a ticking noise and while taking it to a mechanic he says it should be taken to the dealership and be replaced as well as the timing belt. I believe my vehicle should be included in the recall opened in 2019 for the timing belt inspection safety recall.

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 98,423 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was over 230,000.

About once a week now, the pilot fails to restart after the idle stop engages. I have a brand new battery installed and still have the same issue. Honda has applied all the remedies but I still have the same issue. I panic every time it does start because often times I’m in the middle of the 50mph road with hazards on. I’ve always been able to start it after putting the car in park, shutting al the way down and then restarting.

There is a popping noise when turning and hitting bumps and a slight clicking noise when driving. I am very unsure as to where the issue is coming from (CB axle, steering rack, ball joints, bushings, some say welds or loose bolts). I see many people online talking about this issue online. It needs to be addressed

Unfortunately, due to the extended delay in this repair, my vehicle has experienced significant mechanical problems, which I believe are directly related to the faulty fuel pump.Fuel Injector Contamination, Catalytic Converter Stress, Transmission Performance Issues

The "start/stop" function has always been an issue and also the response to acceleration. Luckily the start/stop failed at the mailbox in front of our home. The car shut off just like at a light but instead of picking back up upon acceleration, it completely died. We have had it shutter and slowly pick up in an intersection before but we have learned to really over exert the acceleration to complensate. We have had the fuel pump recalled but i dont think it fixed our problem. Luckily nobody has been hurt yet, but this is my wife and eight year old daugthers car. We have had multiple warning lamps "fixed" in the past, but there are currently no indicators on the dash.

• Several months ago my 2018 Honda Pilot with 80K miles started to have an engine "flutter" at 2500 to 3000 RPM • Serviced the vehicle several times and dealership couldn't find the issue • A few weeks ago the engine light started flashing and the engine started knocking • Had the car towed to a Holman Honda in Denver, who said the the motor is shot and needs to be replaced at $23,000 • The issue was rod bearing knock, which is usually associated with maintenance issue or improper oil • Honda has a recall on certain VINs but not on our VIN, plus all Acura MDX vehicles between 2016 and 2020 have the same engine and are recalled. • This could have been a sever safety risk because the engine could have seized during use or blown the engine • This appears to be a known Honda issue, but Honda is being selective on the recalls for the VINs

When we operate the car and stop at a red light or stop sign, but mostly at red lights on occasion and frequently, it will not restart automatically. Even attempts to restart the car do not always work on the first try and sometimes take multiple attempts before it eventually will restart. Create a road hazard as the car is unable to operate on a right of way with a green light for prolonged period The problem is this issue is not duplicatable and is very infrequent approximately three times in the past year. I'm taking it in for extended warranty, but the dealer cannot duplicate the problem.

There seal on the doors doesn’t hold up all the wind comes howling inside the car it’s so loud

The driver side sun visor quit staying up after just 1 year. It’s dangerous always stuck hanging halfway down.

Auto restart failed. Vehicle failed to move forward at a red light. Dash instructed to place vehicle on park then press the engine start-stop button hence restarting in the middle of the road presenting a safety hazard, cars behind me almost tail ending mine. People were honking and I couldn’t move fast enough. Why is the Honda dealer saying they will charge $222 to inspect to see if it’s a starter issue? Just fix the problem. I already had the system reset due to recall. This is a prevalent problem, shouldn’t it be inclusive to a recall. Also putting the customers at risk knowing its an issue is a huge problem. Please advise and help resolve this safety issue.

Start stop system would not restart vehicle. Came to a stop at a stoplight. Engine stopped with system engaged. Let go of brake to creep up in traffic and the engine did not restart. Warning on Dash told me to place vehicle in park and restart. It took a couple of tries to restart . The vehicle eventually did restart.

On at least four separate occasions the idle engine stop has failed to restart when the vehicle was stopped at an intersection. The car not only does not restart but it also won’t respond for some time to attempts to turn the car off (in park mode and brake applied) so that it can be restarted. We must try to remember to disengage the idle engine stop at each use of car to avoid this issue as there is no way to do that permanently without installing an aftermarket product.

See attached document for complaint.

The car shut down on its own, the only way to started was with a jumpers, doesn't turn on screen nor dash,, Also the ac fan relay stays on and doesn't shut down making the car to over heat

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, an abnormal popping sound was heard coming from the top of the vehicle. Shortly afterwards, the contact attempted to open the sunroof and became aware that the glass had shattered without impact. In addition, the contact stated that the sunroof glass was tinted and was held together by the tint film. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 16,990.

My Honda Pilot’s Sunroof exploded and sounded like a gunshot. Today March 30 while I was driving to pick up an order at Walmart around 7:50 pm. It wasn’t too windy, no cars were in front of me and suddenly I heard a big loud noise followed by wind blowing, my first thought was that I had a tire that popped but then when I checked the pressure on them and everything was fine after I got into the Walmart parking lot and parked. I was able to see the big hole in my sunroof. I do not understand how my sunroof suddenly shattered like that especially when it’s not that old now going on 7 years old and which is not my first Honda Pilot. My latest one was the first model: a 2003 Honda Pilot that last me for 14 years and never had any problems whatsoever with the sunroof.

EVAP Error Code for the capless gas cap error. you have to super careful when filling your car up with gas. Honda needs to fix this defective capless gas tank system. It is too fragile and requires an immense amount of work to repair for a regular old Joe.

Crank shaft rod bearing, engine needs to be replaced due to internal damage. Honda has recalled other VINs for 2018 Honda Pilot, but not mine. I am having the same problem as another recall already issued, and Honda is refusing to pay for engine replacement.

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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Received error when driving that stated "Transmission System Problem." - Took into a service shop and the code P0741 was confirmed as the error. - Took to Honda Service repair, they confirmed the issue with the Torque Converter that needed to be replaced - Proceeded with the repairs at Honda (replacement of torque converter and replacement of 2 studs on catalytic converter that broke during their replacement of torque converter) - Informed there is a Warranty Extension for my Year/Make/Model on this torque converter as it has a known issue, however my VIN is not currently included in the Warranty Extension. My vehicle is in great condition with low mileage (approx 85K miles at time of repair), so I believe given the circumstances my VIN should be included in the Warranty Extension that currently exists for other VINs in my same Year/Make/Model as there was clearly a defect/issue with my torque converter as well. Link to existing warranty extension: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I have had a recall that the dealer has renegged on helping me with. About a couple of years ago we scheduled appointments, we missed work, showed up at the appointments for our two cars, only to be told that the parts are on back order. We keep getting the same response over and over. The last time I called a couple of weeks ago, the service department hung up on me. I called back and asked to have the Service Manager call me. He did not return my call. I have left message for the general manager, and he has NOT returned my calls. I need my recall remedied. My vehicle sometimes hesitates to start and has acceleration issues.

The car was placed in park, and somehow it rolled backwards into a gas station post causing serious damage. The very badly designed 9 speed transmission is designed to shift into park when the door is opened this is a safety feature that failed! My child could have been in there! It could have rolled back into the file pump! DANGEROUS! I have heard of others complaining this happened to them too. I have video evidence but I need to obtain it from the gas station it happened at.

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH during traffic, the vehicle hesitated, jerked, and suddenly accelerated. Multiple unknown warning lights illuminated. As a result, the vehicle rear-ended a U-Haul trailer that was in front, then crashed into a wall and from the impact into the trailer where it came to a stop. None of the air bags deployed. The contact suffered injuries to the head when she impacted the steering wheel, the right leg near the hip, and the right arm. The contact was taken to the hospital by an ambulance. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic but was diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the sensors on the vehicle malfunctioned weeks before the crash. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where unknown repairs were completed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The insurance company was contacted and pending results. The failure mileage was 26,000.

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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that several attempts were needed to start the vehicle daily and that there was a loss of miles per gallon of fuel. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 69,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 50 MPH, there was an abnormal metal-on-metal sound in the lower engine. The driver pulled over safely. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Action Number: RQ24013 (Engine). The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who discovered metal shavings in the oil pan. The contact called the local dealer, who recommended an engine replacement because there was metal in the engine. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and confirmed there were no associated recalls on the VIN for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

In March of 2018, a recall came out for the electric motor and and mounting bracket on the driver side seat adjustment. We purchased this Pilot new in September of 2018. The seat motor has quit working, but we cannot find the recall anywhere. It seams to me like we should be able to get it recalled and get the motor and bracket replaced!!

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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

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 repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

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 repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.