Engine
3.5L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 109 of 109 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 62 of 109 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Engine & cooling
24 complaint records1 fire report1 crash report
"In my 2015 pilot I have rod bearing connector that failed,The report says that the engine in all vehicles is the 3.5L V6 that was popular from 2016 through 2020. However , my engine is a 3.5L V6 as well, and it has the same issue. The car has 162K ...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Electrical system
13 complaint records1 fire report
"2015 HONDA PILOT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION FAILURE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE IGNITION FAILED TO MOVE WHEN INSERTING THE KEY. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. *JS..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Brakes
12 complaint records2 crash reports
"Steering is shaking when braking at high speed. Replaced pads and rotors multiple times but problem keeps coming back. Lots of complaints also about this issue so please help..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| RQ24013 opened Nov 2024 | closed Aug 2025 | Engine | Engine failure 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... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23V858000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | 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... | Normally free |
| 19V502000 | Air Bags | Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic... | Normally free |
| 19V378000 | Air Bags | Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2013 TSX Sport Wagon, and 2010-2012 ZDX and 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic... | Normally free |
| 18V661000 | Air Bags | Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014 Honda Insight and Acura TSX and TSX Wagon, 2014-2015 Honda Crosstour and Pilot vehicles nationwide, as well as certain 2014 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV... | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019323 2019-06-28 | Airbag | 222,662 | Issue: On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the airbag. |
| 2018523 2018-09-27 | Airbag | 263,289 | On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| A26-002 Feb 2026 | Engine | Service Bulletin - The piston ring function deteriorates due to ring low wear toughness and sticking from sludge. Oil adheres to the spark plug leading to carbon fouling and misfire. This can set DTCs P0301 No. 1 cylinder misfire detected, P0302 No. | |
| A25-060 Aug 2025 | Engine | Service Bulletin - The piston ring function deteriorates due to ring wear and sticking from sludge. Oil from the crankcase adheres to the spark plug leading to carbon fouling and misfire. This can set DTCs P0301 No. 1 cylinder misfire detected, P0302 No. | |
| ONL6Z6072025 Jul 2025 | Engine | Owner Notification Letter - the piston ring function can deteriorate due to ring low wear toughness and sticking from sludge. Oil adheres to the spark plug leading to carbon fouling and misfire. This can set DTCs P0301 No. 1 cylinder misfire detected, P0302 No. | |
| A25-060 Jul 2025 | Engine | Service Bulletin - The piston ring function deteriorates due to ring low wear toughness and sticking from sludge. Oil adheres to the spark plug leading to carbon fouling and misfire. This can set DTCs P0301 No. 1 cylinder misfire detected, P0302 No. | |
| A25-060 Jun 2025 | Engine | Service Bulletin - The piston ring function deteriorates due to ring low wear toughness and sticking from sludge. Oil adheres to the spark plug leading to carbon fouling and misfire. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| AEBM06172025901 Jun 2025 | Engine | Dealer Message - Piston ring effectiveness may be reduced due to excessive wear and oil sludge build-up, which can cause oil to adhere to the spark plug, potentially leading to carbon fouling and misfire triggering DTCs P0301 through P0304 and cause the MIL to come on. | |
| ATI&04082024901 Apr 2024 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2014-2017 Odysseys and 2014-2015 Pilots with a customer complaint of the vehicle Check Engine Light (CEL) on with one or more of the DTC(s) listed below (in Qualifiers) stored. | |
| ATI&03212024905 Mar 2024 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2014-2017 Odysseys and 2014-2015 Pilots with a customer complaint of the vehicle Check Engine Light (CEL) on with one or more of the DTC(s) listed below (in Qualifiers) stored. | |
| ATI&03192024902 Mar 2024 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2014-2017 Odysseys and 2014-2015 Pilots with a customer complaint of the vehicle Check Engine Light (CEL) on with one or more of the DTC(s) listed below (in Qualifiers) stored. | |
| ATI&02282024908 Feb 2024 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2014-2017 Odysseys and 2014-2015 Pilots with a customer complaint of the vehicle Check Engine Light (CEL) on with one or more of the DTC(s) listed below (in Qualifiers) stored. | |
| ATI&02092024901 Feb 2024 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2014-2017 Odysseys and 2014-2015 Pilots with a customer complaint of the vehicle Check Engine Light (CEL) on with one or more of the DTC(s) listed below (in Qualifiers) stored. | |
| ATI&01182024901 Jan 2024 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2014-2017 Odysseys and 2014-2015 Pilots with a customer complaint of the vehicle Check Engine Light (CEL) on with one or more of the DTC(s) listed below (in Qualifiers) stored. | |
| ATI&01022024903 Jan 2024 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2014-2017 Odysseys and 2014-2015 Pilots with a customer complaint of the vehicle Check Engine Light (CEL) on with one or more of the DTC(s) listed below (in Qualifiers) stored. | |
| ATI&07282023901 Jul 2023 | Electrical System | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2014-2017 Odysseys and 2014-2015 Pilots with a customer complaint of the vehicle Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with one or more of the DTC(s) listed below (in Qualifiers) stored. | |
| ATI&07142023902 Jul 2023 | Electrical System | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2014-2017 Odysseys and 2014-2015 Pilots with a customer complaint of the vehicle Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with one or more of the DTC(s) listed below (in Qualifiers) stored. | |
| A07-030 Jan 2021 | Equipment | "Service Bulletin - There are several A/C leak detection tools available. -Refrigerant Gas Leak Detector -Ultrasonic Leak Detector -Leak Dye" | |
| APP05122020 May 2020 | Equipment | Dealer Message - The May episode of Tech2Tech is now posted. We've got some valuable information for you, so check it out! This month we're featuring "Replacing That Leaky Front Rocker Arm Oil Control Valve." | |
| A20-016 Mar 2020 | Air Bags | Service Bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement front passenger's airbag inflator only. | |
| A20-023 Mar 2020 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Service Bulletin - The front rocker arm oil control valve is leaking. | |
| AAW10212019 Oct 2019 | Visibility | Dealer Message - On August 29, 2019, American Honda launched five revised and one new Warranty Extension paint bulletins. Please review the following summary of requirements within these bulletins and share with the appropriate staff to ensure proper claim submission. | |
| A19-055 Aug 2019 | Structure | Service Bulletin - This warranty extension only applies to 2013 Odyssey and 2013-15 Pilot vehicles painted NH-578 Taffeta White. The exterior paint on the roof and/or tailgate may peel off. | |
| A19-057 Aug 2019 | Structure | Service Bulletin - This warranty extension only applies to 2013-14 Odyssey and 2013-16 Pilot vehicles that are painted NH-603P White Diamond Pearl. The exterior paint on the roof and/or tailgate may peel off. | |
| 19-003-1 Aug 2019 | Air Bags | Warranty Extension: Customer Support Program For Front Passenger's Airbag Inflator for 2010-12 Accord and Other Listed Years and Models (Expires September 30, 2028) | |
| ONL6R308082019_1 Aug 2019 | Structure | Owner Notification Letter - On some 2013-14 Odyssey and 2013-16 Pilot models, the exterior paint on the roof and tailgate may peel off. | |
| ONL6R308082019_2 Aug 2019 | Structure | Owner Notification Letter - On some 2013 Odyssey and 2013-15 Pilot models, the exterior paint on the roof and tailgate may peel off. | |
| AAW08072019 Aug 2019 | Structure | Dealer Message - In the last few weeks, American Honda has issued several paint warranty extension service bulletins on the Pilot, Odyssey, HR-V and Fit models due to paint defects under S/B# 19-055, 19-056, 19 057, 19-058 and 19-064. | |
| A19-055 Jun 2019 | Structure | Service Bulletin - The exterior paint on the roof and/or tailgate may peel off. American Honda is extending the warranty on the paint of the affected vehicles to 7 years from the original date of purchase with no mileage limit. | |
| A19-057 Jun 2019 | Structure | Service Bulletin - The exterior paint on the roof and/or tailgate may peel off. American Honda is extending the warranty on the paint of the affected vehicles to 7 years from the original date of purchase with no mileage limit. | |
| ABOM06012019 Jun 2019 | Structure | Dealer Message - Today, June 1, 2019, American Honda is announcing a warranty extension for certain 2011-14 Odyssey and 2013-16 Pilot vehicles with either Taffeta White or White Diamond Pearl paint to address customer concerns with peeling paint. | |
| A13050F Apr 2019 | Electrical System | ServiceNews Article - Here's something you really ought to know about: When you play a DVD with 5.1 surround sound (Dolby Digital), you'll hear the dialogue coming from just the front speakers. You won't hear it coming from any of the rear speakers. | |
| A19-002 Jan 2019 | Air Bags | Service bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement front passenger's airbag inflator only. | |
| A18070 Aug 2018 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Service bulletin - Emission certification labels that were replaced on a small number of vehicles may have been replaced with a label listing incorrect information. | |
| ABOM08092018901 Aug 2018 | Equipment | Dealer message - Today, American Honda is notifying dealers of a voluntary noncompliance recall for a small number of Honda vehicles due to an error on the replacement (service part) underhood emissions labels. American Honda previously notified CARB and the EPA for this action. | |
| APaS05072018902 May 2018 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Dealer message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is investigating certain 2014-2016 Odysseys & 2014-2015 Pilots with a customer complaint of engine oil leak. | |
| ATS180205 Feb 2018 | Electrical System | Tech line summary article - We?re currently looking at an issue that when connected to Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® using an iPhone with iOS 11, there?s no phonebook showing up on the On Demand Multi-Use Display? (ODMD). | |
| ATS171105 Nov 2017 | Electrical System | Techline summary article - We?re currently looking at an issue that when connected to Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® using an iPhone with iOS 11, Pandora doesn?t work on the On Demand Multi-Use Display? (ODMD). | |
| ATS171103 Nov 2017 | Electrical System | Techline summary article - We?re currently looking at an issue that when connected to Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® using an iPhone with iOS 11, there?s no phonebook showing up on the On Demand Multi-Use Display? (ODMD). | |
| A15060D Aug 2017 | Steering | Service news article - To prevent damage during shipping, leather-wrapped steering wheels come with a protective plastic covering. | |
| ATS160712 Jun 2017 | Steering | Tech line summary article - Are you feeling a vibration in the steering wheel while braking? We're aware of this issue and are currently looking for a solution. In the meantime, turning or replacing the front brake discs may offer a temporary fix. | |
| ATS160715 Feb 2017 | Engine And Engine Cooling | TECHLINE SUMMARY ARTICLE - IF THE ENGINE IS OVERHEATING AND THERES ENGINE OIL MIXED IN THE COOLANT RESERVOIR, CHANCES ARE THE CYLINDER HEAD MAY BE CRACKED. A CRACK MAY FORM UNDER THE FRONT AND/OR REAR CAMSHAFT AT THE JOURNALS AND IS A RARE OCCURRENCE. | |
| ATS160712 Feb 2017 | Service Brakes | TECHLINE SUMMARY ARTICLE - ARE YOU FEELING A VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE BRAKING? WERE AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AND ARE CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR A SOLUTION. | |
| ATS160712 Oct 2016 | Service Brakes | "TECHLINE SUMMARY ARTICLE - ARE YOU FEELING A VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE BRAKING? WERE AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AND ARE CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR A SOLUTION. IN THE MEANTIME, TURNING OR REPLACING THE FRONT BRAKE DISCS MAY OFFER A TEMPORARY FIX." | |
| ATS160712 Jul 2016 | Wheels | TECHLINE SUMMARY ARTICLE - ARE YOU FEELING A VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE BRAKING? WERE AWARE OF THIS CONCERN AND ARE CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR A SOLUTION. | |
| ATS160715 Jul 2016 | Engine | "TECHLINE SUMMARY ARTICLE - IF THE ENGINE IS OVERHEATING AND THERES ENGINE OIL MIXED IN THE COOLANT RESERVOIR, CHANCES ARE THE CYLINDER HEAD MAY BE CRACKED. A CRACK MAY FORM UNDER THE FRONT AND/OR REAR CAMSHAFT AT THE JOURNALS AND IS A RARE OCCURRENCE. | |
| A16060H Jun 2016 | Engine | SERVICE NEWS ARTICLE - WHILE DRIVING UNDER STEADY CRUISE (BETWEEN 30 AND 65 MPH) OR LIGHT ACCELERATION, DOES THE ENGINE INTERMITTENTLY RATTLE OR RUNS ROUGH WITH THE MIL BLINKING? | |
| APAS05172016-901 May 2016 | Seats | DEALER MESSAGE - AHM IS INVESTIGATING CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS OF THE SEAT BOTTOM HEATER NOT WORKING. PLEASE SEND SPECIFIC PARTS TO AHM PRIOR TO ATTEMPTING A REPAIR OF ANY KIND. | |
| DEN-K3Q5J-06 May 2016 | Air Bags | THIS COMMUNICATION IS INFORMING HONDA OF A DELAMINATION ISSUES WITHIN AN I.C. PRODUCED BY NXP AND ASSEMBLED INTO AIRBAG SENSOR SUPPLIED BY DENSO INTERNATIONAL AMERICA, INC. | |
| RFP 14-16 Mar 2016 | Steering | SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE. | |
| A-PAS-03292016-9 Mar 2016 | Steering | DEALER MESSAGE - AMERICAN HONDA (AHM) IS INVESTIGATING CERTAIN 2014-2016 ODYSSEYS & 2014-2015 PILOTS WITH CUSTOMER COMPLAINT OF VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE BRAKING. | |
| DLR-03-29-2016 Mar 2016 | Equipment | Background American Honda (AHM) is investigating certain 2016 Pilots with a customer complaint of front bearing noise coming from the front while driving. The noise can be described as howling or moaning. | |
| HONDA RFP 14-16 Feb 2016 | Steering | SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE. | |
| A-PAS-02162016-9 Feb 2016 | Steering | DEALER MESSAGE - AMERICAN HONDA (AHM) IS INVESTIGATING CERTAIN 2014-2016 ODYSSEYS & 2014-2015 PILOTS WITH CUSTOMER COMPLAINT OF VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE BRAKING. | |
| Odyssey and Pilo Feb 2016 | Suspension | American Honda (AHM) is investigating certain 2014-2016 Odysseys & 2014-2015 Pilots with customer complaint of vibration in the steering wheel while braking. | |
| DLR-02-16-2016 Feb 2016 | Steering | Background American Honda (AHM) is investigating certain 2014-2016 Odysseys & 2014-2015 Pilots with customer complaint of vibration in the steering wheel while braking. | |
| A14-078 Dec 2015 | Power Train | "SERVICE BULLETIN - UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, THERE IS EXCESSIVE VIBRATION BETWEEN 30 AND 65 MPH. FOR 2WD AND 4WD VEHICLES, THE CALIBRATION VCM OPERATION COMBINED WITH THE ACTION OF THE LOCK UP TORQUE CONVERTER CREATES EXCESSIVE VIBRATION. | |
| DLR MSG - HONDA Jun 2015 | Suspension | "DEALER MESSAGE - TODAY, JUNE 30, 2015, AMERICAN HONDA IS ANNOUNCING A WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR SOME 2009-14PILOT VEHICLES DUE TO NOISY OR LEAKING FRONT SUSPENSION REAR LOWER ARM (COMPLIANCE) BUSHINGS. | |
| DLR-05-05-15 May 2015 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | INVESTIGATION OF CERTAIN 2015 PILOTS BY AMERICAN HONDA DUE TO THE DOOR HANDLES STICKING DURING OPERATION *CN | |
| DLR MSG - RFV - Apr 2015 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | Dealer message - American Honda (AHM) is investigating certain 2015 Pilots with a customer reporting one or more door handles sticking during operation. | |
| Service Bulletin Apr 2015 | Power Train | Service bulletin - Under certain driving conditions, there is excessive vibration between 30 and 65 mph. For 2WD and 4WD vehicles, the calibration VCM operation combined with the action of the lock up torque converter creates excessive vibration. | |
| DLR MSG - RFI - Apr 2015 | Visibility | Dealer message - American Honda (AHM) is investigating certain 2009-2015 Pilots with a customer reporting a window run channel deformation. The deformation can cause a squeak, rattle or wind noise and cause the window not to auto close or reverse completely. |
Showing 60 of 69 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 4 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Honda Pilot →