There are 50 owner-reported engine complaints for the 2019 Honda Pilotin NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
Car was being drive on the Indiana road and rolled Down window and smelled something burning. Then all of a sudden the transmission fail light came on and the car started to power down and we pulled over. The engine was on fire.
When my Pilot is stopped and the engine idles off, you should be able to take your foot off the brake and it start back up. My engine continuously shuts down completely when I take my foot off of the gas and multiple alert lights on the dash come on. About 70% of the time, I can shut the car off completely, breathe a second and then press the ignition button and the car will restart. Now, increasingly it stalls completely and will not crank for several minutes. I have had this happen more than once at busy intersections and once while stopped in traffic on an interstate. I had to put my hazard lights on so cars would go around me. I have taken it to the Honda dealer a couple of times just for this and they say there is nothing showing to be fixed and there is nothing they can do to fix it. They only told me to remember to press the button to turn the feature off. Yes, I know that’s possible but I’m a busy mom and I often forget. What is the point of having the feature if it continuously stalls out? I have searched this problem on the internet and I’ve seen other Pilot owners have had the same problem. Any help you can offer would be appreciated.
While traveling at highway speeds, we experienced a check engine lights with loss of power. After carefully pulling off of the highway, we stopped at a gas station where the engine ultimately stalled. Upon attempting restart, the engine cranked twice and then stopped. Trying to start the engine again. All we heard was a click this time around and the engine is now fully seized. Thank goodness we were able to pull off the highway and the issue happened in a way that my family and I were safe.
I am submitting this complaint to report a catastrophic engine failure in my 2019 Honda Pilot Elite that is consistent with the defect described in NHTSA Safety Recall 23V-751, and to request that my vehicle be included in the recall or that the scope of the recall be expanded. My vehicle, manufactured in July 2018, experienced a sudden onset of engine knocking accompanied by a flashing check engine light and a P0301 (cylinder 1 misfire) diagnostic code while driving at highway speeds. After safely returning home and attempting reasonable repairs, I brought the vehicle to a Honda dealership for inspection. The technician determined that: •The cylinder #1 connecting rod bearing had spun •There was extensive internal engine damage •Metal shavings were present in the oil pan •The engine required replacement of the short block assembly The total cost of repair was 9,784.94. This failure mode is identical to the defect described in Recall 23V-751, which attributes rod bearing failure to manufacturing issues with the crankshaft. Despite this, my VIN is not currently included in the recall. Key concerns: •My vehicle falls within the same production timeframe as affected vehicles •The failure mode is identical to the recalled defect •The failure occurred under normal driving conditions •The vehicle was properly maintained and not abused This raises serious concerns that the defect extends beyond the currently defined recall population.I respectfully request that NHTSA: 1.Investigate this incident as part of the ongoing review of Honda 3.5L V6 engine failures 2.Determine whether Recall 23V-751 should be expanded to include additional vehicles 3.Consider my vehicle for inclusion in the recall due to identical failure characteristics This issue represents a significant safety concern, as sudden engine failure at highway speeds could lead to loss of control or increased risk of collision. Supporting documentation is attached.
The vehicle was had a lower engine knock. When I took the vehicle in I was informed that there is an open recall for Honda Pilots for engine knocking and failure but my vin number was not included. Because of the knocking I was informed that I needed to replace the engine. The vehicle is approximately 2400 miles over the 100k power train warranty. The engine has been serviced regularly and has had all PM completed. The vehicle is currently in the repair shop waiting for a replacement engine to come in. Since Honda doesn't have rebuilt engines the shop is waiting on a used engine to arrive that has approximately 77k miles on it. Because the engine is still waiting to be replaced I do not have a repair bill yet.
At 144,500 miles, the connecting rod broke and destroyed the engine. The connecting rod broke while driving on the highway at highway speeds. Honda has confirmed the connecting rod was the cause and will need a new engine to get the vehicle working again. I was having intermittent check engine lights and Honda could not find anything wrong with the vehicle prior to the failure. There are currently recalls on 2019 Honda Pilots for this issue, but does not cover my specific vehicle. This is a known issue in Honda Pilots
My engine has been diagnosed as having connecting rod bearing knock, which is indicative of failing connecting rod bearings. I'm submitting this complaint as further evidence for the NHTSA investigation that Honda's Honda Pilot Connecting Rod Bearing Safety Recall had an insufficient of covered vehicles. My vehicle has a fully complete oil change history documented by its CarFax report when I purchased it and I have the receipts for the subsequent required oil changes under my ownership. At the time of purchase and as of today, my VIN is not part of Honda's recall, yet I have experienced connecting rod bearing failure, as have many others. I am now faced with paying 1000 in diagnostic fees to a dealership to just to see whether Honda will offer any help or not, and, if not, pay them another 1000 to reassemble my engine. Instead, I will be having my trusted Honda mechanic either replace the bearings or the short block of my engine at my own expense. My vehicle was diagnosed by a Honda/Acura-only repair shop. When I have the work done, I'm happy to request to keep the original bearings so they can be examined should that be necessary. The vehicle has only been inspected by my repair shop. I haven't involved insurance. There are no warning lights on. So far, my safety is not at risk, but I have two children, and this is our family vehicle. Should the engine fail, it's likely that wold cause an accident and injury or death. I originally had the vehicle diagnosed because I could hear the noise myself and it was not a normal noise. I will have an estimate for repair available in the next few days.
While idling and driving into a parking garage, a new metallic knocking noise was audible from the engine. When I pulled up to the parking garage, I lowered my window to have the code scanned to enter the garage. The noise was present at that time, nothing previous to my commute to work this day. The noise was not audible while driving due to road/wind noise, music and conversation in the car. Driving down the garage ramp and into the parking area with the window still down, the noise was more pronounced (perhaps from the surrounding concrete walls). I eventually parked the vehicle after taking a video clip and sought help via phone and email from my work office. In this specific incident, safety was potentially at risk if the condition had worsened to the point of engine failure or other severe condition while driving on the roads. I was lucky in this instance. On 01/06/2026, video clip was sent to Honda dealer where purchased. I was instructed to not drive it and have the vehicle towed. Due to distance and expense to tow it close to home where purchased, it was towed to a local Honda dealer. Today they called and said internal components have failed and the engine needs to be replaced. On 01/07/2026 I've further engaged my local Honda dealer where purchased. This includes transferring it to them. At this time, the vehicle would be available for inspection upon request. No check engine light or other warnings of any sort were present. No invoice for diagnostics/repairs is available as of yet for upload as this is event is still in progress. There is only a video clip to hear the audible sound coming from inside the engine.
Engine failure: one of the engine rods blew through the longblock and seized the engine while driving on the highway. The car is regularly serviced from the dealership, well maintained, has low mileage, and is relatively new (2019). There is no recalls for the car, but this seems related to the ongoing investigation with Honda and Acura cars that have had engine failures.
My car is a 2019 pilot and with 105k miles, engine has the rod bearing knock problem currently being investigated by nhtsa.
When my engine starts cold, there is a bad clanking noise. The noise goes away once the engine warms up.
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the Emissions system warning light was illuminated for forty-five minutes prior to the vehicle stalling. The vehicle was driven a short distance before it stalled again. The contact noticed an abnormal sound. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road and turned off. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was unofficially diagnosed with internal engine failure. The contact was advised to tow the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was unofficially diagnosed with internal engine failure. The contact was advised that the engine needed to be dismantled for a complete diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the case would not be escalated until the complete diagnostic test was performed. The failure mileage was approximately 114,300.
The Fuel Pump was issued a recall that i had replaced, but due to it not operating properly it caused my high pressure fuel pump in the engine to malfunction as well. This has been conveniently left out of the recall for fuel pump and the dealership wouldn't agree to look into it further.
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Pilot. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for an oil change. The contact stated that after leaving the dealer, the vehicle started making an abnormal knocking sound. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that there was a failure in cylinder #1, and the lower engine block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted for assistance with the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.
2019 Pilot 3.5 liter V6 ~82000 miles has developed a nasty rod knock, failure is imminent. I am aware of the current probe that includes this year/make/model.
Transmission failure. Began with noticeable reduction in acceleration, then issues getting into reverse. Warning lights then went on - transmission system problem, blind spot info system problem, emission system problem. On 6/19/25 we had the fuel pump motor recall addressed. The transmission failure was on 7/18/25.
Had veh fixed for fuel injection issues in 2023 paid 1500 repair complained to handa America and they paid it.. car was still under warranty.. Recall fuel injection in Feb 2025 after honda buena park fixed it had same hesitation issues between 30 50 mph after just 2 weeks after repair. Took it back had to pay 250 for dialysis no answer.. wanted 3000 to attempt to fix it but no guarantees.. Took car to local auto parts store hooked car to analysis problem and it says ECM is issue. Now why is a local auto parts store able to find problem for free but honda wants 3000 to guess. Honda america was no help. This is now the 3rd issues with fuel system only have 77000 miles on this car.
vehicle needs a new engine has spun a bearing internally and sent metal throughout the motor has to be replaced This is a vehicle with 75,000 miles and loan just payed off. My son was driving car earlier and reported it lurching in the highway
Connecting rod bearing, engine is knocking. Honda TSB 24-001 doesn't include my VIN right now.
My vehicle has stalled twice since purchased a little over year ago. When stopped at a stop light the auto start/stop function failed to re-engage. I had to put the car back in park and restart the vehicle both times before I could drive forward. There were no warning lights either time this has happened.
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 26, 2026