2017 Honda Pilot Engine
Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.
Complaint Timeline
Chronological view of owner reports
Engine was making a loud grinding noise and when my fiance got home from work it completely died out and will not turn over
In June 2025, Honda sent a warranty extension reimbursement for the 2017 Honda Pilot for the torque converter-DTC P0741. Since the torque converter was defective, I replaced it on 5/7/21. I completed the reimbursement form Honda requested and included the invoice and proof of payment. On 9/30/25 Honda sent me an email stating that my reimbursement is being processed in 6-9 weeks. I have called several times and sent emails and they continue to tell me they will expedite my reimbursement. It has been over four months. My case # is: XXX. . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Car bought at 103,000 miles engine failed at 109,700 verified thru Honda Dearler with metal shavings in number six (6) cylinder. Started ... with check engine display and started missing.
My Pilot only had 46,942 miles when it failed due to a camshaft thrust cover surface roughness being out of spec causing excessive camshaft movement. This was confirmed by the mechanic at Honda that worked on my Pilot. The pilot was checked for the engine light concern and the technician reported the following: CONFIRMED DTC P0369 CMP SENSOR INTERMITTENT INTERRUPTION. FOUND CMP SENSOR TO HAVE WEAR FROM TIMING GEAR DUE TO CAMSHAFT MOVING SIDE TO SIDE. RECOMMEND REPLACING CAMSHAFT, SENSOR, THRUST PLATE, THRUST CAP, TIMING GEAR AND RELATED HARDWARE TO START. $3895.00 Also recommend replacement of timing belt with tensioner $516.00 There were not warning lamp before the failure. My engine just died and had to be towed to a dealership in Canada close to where I was residing. I felt my safety was at risk because my vehicle died in the middle of the highway and that could have lead to a crash. This is a know issue with 2016-2017 Pilots and Ridgeline. I know this from the service bulletin that was issued in January of 2018. However only certain vehicle were recalled for this exact issue. I contacted America Honda motor company and a Case #XXX was open. I asked to be reimbursed for repairs of $5200.00 Canadian to which they said no. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I am the original owner of a 2017 Honda Pilot and bought the car new. It has 142,549 miles and been well maintained and adult driven. The engine started making a knocking noise. I took the car to the Honda dealer and they told me the engine needs to be replaced. Needless to say, they told me it would cost around 10 thousand dollars and was not covered under warranty. I opened a case with Honda (Case # 15988404) and was denied by their review process. I bought a Honda because it has a reputation for being reliable and should run for well over 250,000 miles. I am also aware that Honda has had many issues with their 3.5L V6 engine and there have been recalls for bad bearings causing premature engine failure. They also have issued recalls for this engine up to the 2016 model year. In my research for this issues, I have seen a lot of other owners reporting engine failures for the same engine for model years prior to 2016 model years. I would like for this filing to be another example on record of their engine failing prematurely. I am also aware that there has been a lawsuit filed against Honda and their 3.5L V6 engine for additional years. I hope this lends additional support to all the other owners who are experiencing the same issue.
While driving my vehicle it begin making a rattling/clacking sound. The sound became more louder as we drove it home. The emissions system problems message appeared. We had a mechanic come to check it. He discovered the a rod bearing was damaged and we needed to replace a piston and other parts as well. We have been unable to drive it since due to safety issues.
Component/System Failed: Engine – Excessive oil consumption (piston rings / internal engine components). The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Description of the Problem: The engine is experiencing excessive oil consumption. During a monitored oil consumption test, approximately 0.9 quarts of oil were consumed over about 1,006 miles, which equals a consumption rate of approximately 1 quart per 1,118 miles. This rate is abnormally high and indicates an internal engine defect, likely related to piston rings and/or sealant failure. Safety Risk: Excessive oil consumption creates a significant safety risk. If the oil level drops too low between oil changes, it can lead to engine failure, sudden loss of power while driving, engine seizure, or stalling. This could place the driver and others at risk, especially at highway speeds or in traffic. There was no visible oil leak. The oil is being burned internally. Inspection / Confirmation: The issue has been monitored through an oil consumption test. Dealer diagnosis indicates internal engine repair is required (piston and seal-related repair). Estimated repair cost is approximately $6,000. Warning Lamps or Prior Symptoms: No external oil leak was present. Oil level dropped significantly between checks. (If applicable, add: “Oil warning light did/did not illuminate.” If unsure, write: UNKNOWN.) Manufacturer / Other Inspections: Vehicle has been inspected by dealership service department. (If Honda corporate has been contacted, add that here.) Additional Information: The repair cost is excessive for a defect involving internal engine components and appears to be a known oil consumption issue.
Was driving down highway I40 near Nashville and the engine started making a noise. I was able to drive to my Mothers house. My Dad looked at it and stated it sounded like a rod knocking. So we went to take it to the dealer because after some research we found a recall for rod bearing failure. My vehicle was not on the recall list. We then proceeded to take the car to the dealer to check if there was a safety bulletin at the dealership when the engine locked up. My Dad came to rescue us and towed the car back to his and my mom’s house.
My Honda Pilot has been diagnosed with engine failure by Royalty Auto in Kingsland, GA despite having been cared for quite well. This failure occurred well before reaching the expected life of the vehicle, yet outside the warranty window and having NO symptoms before the sudden failure. After doing some research on Pilot owner online forums, as well as, the NHTSA website, it seems similar complaints have been well reported and a recall has been issued for some vehicles in the same year and model under NHTSA campaign number 23V75100. This relates to Honda manufacturer recall XG1 and Honda recall GG0.
I am writing to formally document a mechanical failure that occurred while I was driving on a major freeway. While traveling at highway speed, I suddenly heard loud, abnormal knocking and banging noises originating from the engine. Almost immediately, the vehicle lost power and became difficult to control while maintaining speed with surrounding traffic. Within moments, dashboard warning indicators illuminated, and engine performance rapidly deteriorated. Due to concerns for safety and to prevent further damage, I safely maneuvered the vehicle out of traffic and shut the engine off as soon as possible. After stopping, the engine was able to restart; however, it continued to produce concerning mechanical noises. The vehicle was no longer safely operable and required towing. Following inspection by two separate repair facilities, including a Honda dealership, both independently concluded that the engine had experienced a rod bearing failure. At the time of the incident, the vehicle had approximately 176,000 miles. Despite the mileage, the vehicle has been well maintained, including completion of the full 100,000-mile service and tune-up. This failure occurred without warning and created a hazardous situation due to the sudden loss of power while traveling at freeway speeds. I am concerned because Honda Pilot model years 2016, 2018, and 2019 have had recalls involving rod bearing failures. Given the circumstances and the nature of this failure, I believe Honda should consider replacing the engine as a gesture of good faith. I purchased a Honda based on the company’s reputation for long-lasting and reliable engines. Please let me know if any additional information or documentation is required.
With no warning, the engine has completely stopped while I was driving. The engine will not turn over at all after that moment. All maintenance was maintained on the vehicle, including regular oil changes. There were no lights, signals, or even engine sounds leading into it stopping. It appears that there are others who have had the same issue with this engine.
My 2017 Honda Pilot (3.5L V6) is experiencing severe, rhythmic engine knocking and loss of power. The vehicle has no active warning lights or check engine codes. I am aware of the active NHTSA investigation PE25008 regarding connecting rod bearing seizure in this model year. The engine failure creates a significant safety risk, including potential stalling at highway speeds and the risk of engine fire. I am requesting that this vehicle be included in any forthcoming recall for the 3.5L V6 engine crankshaft/bearing defect.
Vehicle: 2017 Honda Pilot VIN: [XXX] Mileage at incident: ~137,800 miles Description of the problem: My 2017 Honda Pilot has experienced repeated engine misfire issues involving cylinder 5 following a major engine repair performed by an authorized Honda dealership. On September 22, 2025, Honda of Kenosha, WI performed a camshaft and camshaft thrust cover repair on my vehicle at a cost of approximately $4,080. The dealership documented in the repair order that the camshaft thrust cover was not torqued to specification and that the engine misfired immediately after the repair. On December 5, 2025, approximately 44 days later, the vehicle was returned to the same dealership due to slow cold starts and warning lights. During the initial diagnostic at drop-off, the dealer documented a stored P0305 trouble code indicating a cylinder 5 misfire, which is the same cylinder involved after the prior camshaft/thrust cover repair. The dealership recommended and performed a battery replacement after a load test showed low reserve capacity. After replacement, the technician later confirmed that the battery was not the cause of the cylinder 5 misfire. The diagnostic codes were cleared, and the issue was described as intermittent. During the same visit, the dealer documented a tear in the lower portion of the engine air intake flex tube and evidence of a small rodent nest under the engine cover. However, the dealer also documented that no hoses, wiring, connectors, or sensors showed signs of damage. The dealer stated that the intake tear could cause random lean conditions and misfires, but this does not explain the cylinder-specific P0305 misfire that was present at drop-off. The misfire issue is intermittent and most noticeable on cold start. The condition has caused sluggish engine response and concern about potential stalling or loss of power, which could pose a safety risk during driving, especially in traffic or intersections. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
While driving on Interstate 4 in Orlando, engine suddenly seized and all components shut off. We were able to navigate to the shoulder, but vehicle was completely dead. We needed to use an auto transport to bring the vehicle back to Clearwater area where dealership confirmed the engine completely seized with an inability to crank, even manually. Please find Courtesy Palm Harbor Honda's findings attached to this report.
The stop/start feature will randomly not restart after a stop at a stop sign in traffic. The defect is totally random so it cannot be replicated by the dealer. I have struggled with this problem for years and have not had a crisis because I usually shut off the stop start feature to avoid this system failure. There are no warning lights or symptoms that indicate a failure is eminent. On February 9, 2025 as my wife and I were driving home from the airport at 2:30 AM on a below zero temperature day in the middle of desolate countryside, my Pilot would not restart after I stopped at a stop sign. I had forgotten to turn off the stop start feature. There was no other traffic on the road to help and no houses or other warm places to find refuge so I hoped that I could figure out who I could call to rescue us before we froze to death. I allowed the Pilot to set for a while and after the fourth try, the vehicle again started. I took the Pilot to the local Honda dealer and they indicated that although the battery passed a regular battery check, when an extreme battery load was placed on the battery it failed the battery test. I asked about the stop start issues reported to the NHTSA but they would only talk about my need for a new battery. I think Honda dealers are attempting to deflect this design issue by blaming the issue on the batteries and are selling batteries instead of fixing this issue. I tried to explain that this is a chronic issue that was present when my battery was new but they deflected that argument and continued to press the sale of a new battery.
Engine connecting rod bearing failure diagnosed at the dealership. At 30mph, engine lost power and clunking noise was heard, coasted into a parking lot and had the vehicle towed to the Baierl Honda Wexford PA Dealership quoted total engine replacement at $9,978.93 +labor, + tax.
While traveling on highway a loud bang occurred, car jerked and started decelerating almost causing on accident. Car came to rest in middle of highway exit. Car was towed to Honda dealership where it was found to have a broken crankshaft rod bearing. No warning signs or symptoms had come prior to. New engine is required and confirmed by dealership.
dealership believes the conneting rod bearing failure. Engine seized and was towed to dealership. So was driving 35mph and lost all power and braking on a 2 lane road. He was able to direct the car off the road safely without further incident. Car was towed to the dealership and has been there since.
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at approximately 75 MPH, the check engine light was flashing. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the steering wheel was almost seized. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal the vehicle did not slow down. The contact coasted off the highway. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to start. The contact towed the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
Hi NHSTA! My mechanic has diagnosed the 2017 Honda Pilot engine problem as a rod knock. Currently, the vehicle is undrivable. The mechanic was surprised that the engine was NOT covered under the 2016-2020 Honda Pilot recall. Relevant links: [XXX] [XXX] I also contacted Honda to report the issue, but they offered no further help. Besides contacting a consumer protection attorney, what other options do I have? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
While driving the engine started smoking and stopped working. Upon checking by a mechanic it was found that the engine had no oil and was shut. Regular maintenance had been performed on a timely manner and there had been to previous issues or any oil leaks.
My Honda which has 120,000 miles is experiencing rod bearing issues. Honda refuses to help cover costs. I know there is an ongoing investigation with this year and similar mileage issues with Honda pilots so I am submitting this as proof of another case this is happening.
My 2017 Honda Pilot has been diagnosed with engine failure by John Hinderer Honda Heath, OH despite having been cared for quite well. This failure occurred well before reaching the expected life of the vehicle at 106,515 miles, yet outside the warranty window and having NO symptoms before the sudden failure. After doing some research on Pilot owner online forums, as well as, the NHTSA website, it seems similar complaints have been well reported and a recall has been issued for some vehicles in the same year and model under NHTSA campaign number 23V75100. This relates to Honda manufacturer recall XG1 and Honda recall GG0. I have reported my claim to Honda but received no resolution as of yet. My Manufacturer Claim Number with Honda Corp is 15916252. The failures of my engine should be considered in the NHTSA Campaign number 23V751000. Honda recall number XG1, Honda recall GG0. In addition, my claim should be considered as part of NHTSA Action Number: RQ24013. This is a current investigation as to why the NHTSA Campaign Number 23V751000 was limited to 249K vehicles while so many cars continue to have the same issue but fall out of the scope of the recall.
Complete engine failure on our 2017 Honda Pilot EX-L on October 7, 2025. We purchased it new in 2017 and have maintained it per Honda recommendations, including oil changes. We have all of the records to support this. Based on research and the audio diagnosis from two separate mechanics (one being Honda), the failure was likely caused by a known connecting rod bearing issue that led to a recall of 249K Hondas in 2023. Please include this in the NHTSA ODI evaluation PE25008, which is considering expanding the scope of that recall based on 414 additional incidents after the recall. Incident Timeline & Diagnostic Summary October 7, 2025 (≈12:30 PM) -Took the vehicle to Anthony’s Auto for an audio diagnosis based on a knocking sound. --Technician reported: knocking sound was slower than the piston rate, indicating a likely --rod bearing failure, leading to an inevitable and complete engine failure. --Technician confirmed: Oil level was normal (at the proper level). -Anthony’s Auto cautioned not to drive on the freeway, stating the engine could fail at any time. -I drove the vehicle home; less than ¼ mile from our house, the engine seized (knock → failure). I put the car in neutral and drifted into our neighborhood. -Vehicle was towed by AAA to Marin Honda (appointment scheduled for October 8). October 8, 2025 (~5:10 PM) -Marin Honda contacted us with their initial diagnosis and options: --Honda acknowledged that they had changed the oil at their facility in June 2025, per the schedule and criteria as recommended by Honda. --Marin Honda confirmed the oil was at the proper level. Metal shavings were found in the engine oil during their inspection. --To fully diagnose the issue, they would need to take apart the entire engine. Teardown & reassembly “as-is” (i.e. no new engine) — $3,500 total. --Teardown + installation of a refurbished engine, where the hours/parts from teardown would be credited toward replacement. Quoted $9,000–$10,000 for the refurb engine.
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the connecting rod bearings, resulting in damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 100,000.
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The 2017 Honda Pilot has 229 Engine complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.