There are 50 owner-reported engine complaints for the 2017 Honda Pilotin NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
Over the past couple of months the the vehicle has been "throwing" misfiring cylinder errors, particularly cylinder 4 (P0304) and every once in a while cylinder 1 (P0301), and a catalytic converter bank 2 error (P0430). Last week, I filled up with premium fuel and added a catalytic cleaner. This eliminated the P0430 error and reduced the frequency of the P0304 error. Yesterday ([XXX]) we were driving from Casper, WY to Gillette, WY for a volleyball tournament. About 35 miles into the trip, we were travelling at a speed of 72 mph when the tires squealed, accompanied by metal clanging and extreme vibration in the engine; the car nearly came to a complete stop. I was able to maintain control of the vehicle and pull off to the side of the road. I looked down at the console display and noticed that the check engine light was blinking. I connected an OBDII scanner and observed a P0304 error. I then tried to pull forward slowly and the car barely moved and the engine clanging and vibration persisted. At that point I turned off the engine and called a tow truck; I also called my son to pick up my daughter and take her to her volleyball tournament. While waiting for the two truck, I attempted to start the car so I could run the OBDII scanner again. The car would not start. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle decelerated to 25 MPH unintendedly. While driving at a reduced speed, the vehicle was immediately driven to the local dealer who diagnosed that the camshaft had failed and needed to be replaced. The camshaft, camshaft thrust cover, and camshaft sensor were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that VIN was not eligible for the extended warranty coverage for the failure. The failure mileage was 94,000.
So our family of four, two adults and two kids driving down buford dr in GA on March 29 2026 apparently at 11am found ourselves in a dangerous situation. The oil light on our honda pilot came on and the vehicle shut off in the middle of a 3 lane extremely busy road. This is not safe and I am a experience automotive technician for more then 20 years of experience and have not yet found a rod bearing to go bad at 167k with full oil and no oil leaks this is unacceptable for honda to only recall only some year models knowing the used the same j32 in most of there vehicles
While driving on the interstate I was trying to pass a vehicle and the vehicle all systems but the brake system issue. Check engine, emissions, power steering, hill start assist, traction assist. The vehicle would not accelerate. When I got on the shoulder the engine was struggling to stay on and had a loud knocking sound. Had the vehicle towed to nearest exit and had someone come pick me up with a trailer to take back home 5 hours away. The engine knocking got louder if you press on the gas.
I was driving, and my engine died in the middle of Highway 40 about 5 miles outside of [XXX] . It was extremely dangerous, and Colorado State troopers and Colorado Division of Transportation workers had to stop traffic. The car could not be put into neutral, and towing to a safe location was very difficult and dangerous. The car has less than 76K, and there was absolutely no warning before the car died. No engine lights, no noise. Just died. I have read about rod bearing failures and believe my car is part of this problem. I have had frequent service, and my mechanic has said there was oil in the car, and the engine just seized. The mechanic believes it is a crankshaft rod bearing issue. I could have been hit and was traveling alone in an area that often does not have cell phone service available. This needs to be addressed, and engines should be recalled without delay. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
knocking noise from engine, oil light, blinking CEL, no acceleration, vehicle stalled. Brought to mechanic, from noise he said it sounds like a rod knocking and advised to contact Honda because on known issues.
The car had a piston rod failure and is available for inspection at the Springfield Honda dealership. The car was traveling at 63 mph when the check engine light started flashing along with 6 system errors including the power steering. I had to make an emergency stop on the side of the road. The dealership has confirmed and recommended an engine replacement. They have a video recorded of the sound and error codes. The only person to have inspected the car is the dealership. We were told that it wouldnt be covered because our VIN didnt fall with in the affected vehicles for the piston rod recall. The car was driving normal and had no service lights on prior to the check engine light coming on during the incident.
This vehicle is facing the common "rod knock" issue known with the 2016-2022 Honda Pilots Diagnosis by Honda pending but symptoms present
The rods on my engine seized while I was driving on [XXX] in South Dakota. The car came to rest on [XXX] . The vehicle died on the most-traveled road in Brookings. right off the exit ramp. We had to wait 20 minutes for a patrol officer to park behind us, and we then waited another 20 minutes for the tow truck to take us to a nearby parking lot. The problem was confirmed by an independent service center. There were no warning lamps or symptoms prior to the engine seizing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine was making a loud grinding noise and when my fiance got home from work it completely died out and will not turn over
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.
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.
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.
Subject: Engine Knocking Noise – 2017 Honda Pilot Hello, I’m reaching out because my 2017 Honda Pilot has recently developed a noticeable knocking noise coming from the engine area, especially during acceleration and low‑speed driving. I’m aware that some 2016 Honda Pilot models have experienced sudden engine seizure, stalling, or failure with little warning. I also learned that the 2016–2020 Acura MDX, which uses the same engine, was issued an engine‑related recall. This makes me particularly concerned that the noise may be an early sign of a serious issue. I’d appreciate having the vehicle evaluated as soon as possible. Please let me know your earliest available appointment and whether it’s safe to continue driving in the meantime. Thank you, Honda Pilot owner
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.
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.
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.
Emissions System Problem- UNKNOWN reason
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.
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.
Showing 1–20 of 50 complaints
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 25, 2026