2014 Honda Pilot

Component Involved: Engine Lubrication / Cylinder Head / Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Spool Valve (Solenoid Assembly) and Electrical Charging System (Alternator). Vehicle Affected Example: Honda vehicles equipped with the 3.5L V6 (J35 Engine Series) with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), including the Honda Pilot. Description of the Safety Defect & Failure Mechanism: The rear (bank 1) variable valve timing spool valve assembly is mounted directly above the vehicle's alternator. Due to thermal cycling and material degradation, the molded rubber gasket on the upper portion of this spool valve assembly experiences premature compression set and fails, resulting in a pressurized engine oil leak. Because of the physical packaging and architecture of the J35 engine, the oil dripping from this failed gasket falls directly into the open housing of the alternator located immediately below it. The engine oil contaminates the alternator's internal brushes, slip rings, and diodes, leading to a catastrophic electrical short circuit and total failure of the charging system. Description of the Safety Risk: When the alternator fails due to oil contamination, the vehicle experiences an immediate drop in system voltage, resulting in a sudden and un-warned loss of electrical power while the vehicle is in motion. This triggers a cascade of safety hazards: Loss of Power Steering Assist: The sudden loss of electrical generation drops the vehicle into battery-reserve power, frequently causing the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) to shut down immediately, drastically increasing steering effort and the risk of a crash. Engine Stalling: Total depletion of the battery occurs rapidly without alternator output, leading to sudden engine stalling in active traffic without the ability to restart. Loss of Safety Systems: Reduced system voltage disables critical safety components, including Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), supplemental restraint systems (airbags).

NHTSA ID

11746124

Incident

May 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2014 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was a loud pop coming from the engine department. The contact became aware of a severe drop in the oil level while driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that there was a misfire in cylinder #4, and that the engine needed to be rebuilt. The engine was rebuilt. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the engine sputtered with the check engine and several other warning lights illuminated. The failures persisted. The vehicle was towed to another dealer, Friendly Honda of Fayetteville (534 E Genesee St, Fayetteville, NY 13066); and was diagnosed with piston rings failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the spark plugs, and alternator were also replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer opened a case regarding the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 142,000.

NHTSA ID

11744773

Incident

Nov 17, 2025

Mileage

142,000 mi

Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 2014 Honda Pilot. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 176,362. The vehicle became disabled two weeks after purchase, and was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was discovered that the mileage was 176,629. The mileage was verified by a Carfax Report.

NHTSA ID

11724652

Incident

Mar 2, 2026

Mileage

176,629 mi

I own a 2014 Honda Pilot that experienced an engine misfire related to piston ring deterioration. An authorized Honda dealership diagnosed and documented qualifying engine misfire codes (P030X). After the misfire occurred, we stopped driving the vehicle due to safety concerns, including risk of loss of power or stalling. While the vehicle was not being driven, the battery failed and cleared diagnostic memory. Honda has acknowledged the prior diagnosis but refuses to perform the repair unless the vehicle is driven until the misfire occurs again and diagnostic codes are active at the time of service. Honda is requiring operation of a vehicle with a known intermittent engine defect to re-verify the condition. We believe this creates a safety risk by encouraging operation of a vehicle that may experience sudden misfire, loss of power, or stalling. We do not feel it is safe to drive the vehicle to intentionally reproduce the defect.

NHTSA ID

11714451

Incident

Dec 31, 1969

LIGHTING--DTR warning light stays on an they don't work but then I was pulled over 1 morning on the way to work because the both taillights stopped working. Checked everything no idea what it could be but the wiring. Because if you piggy back off a hot wire they will work. SUSPENSION-- there is a constant popping noise coming from the front, it's either ball joints, stabilizer bar, or could be the torsion bars. It has new struts so that's not it. ELECTRICAL-- check parking sensor stays on the dash as well DTR. Now this vehicle used to unlock all doors when put in park but now only unlocks the driver side. There seriously needs to be responsibility taken for all these complaints from people who spend their hard earned money on Honda. Do better please. I know about the recall that went up to the 2013 but I guarantee Honda used same paint that's flaking off and several other parts from the 2013 to make the 14. Honda, just do the next right thing an if you do Id bet you that when you need help an don't have any recourse something good will happen for you to help you through. Just be a person, put yourself in our shoes. You see all these complaints about the same things concerning vehicles bought from you, you should want to take care of your customers to keep them coming back.

NHTSA ID

11711149

Incident

Sep 3, 2025

2014 Honda pilot touring--ENGINE-is running through oil faster than it should. The spark plugs/coil packs have all been replaced now. Starting with 1 an 3.I was driving down the road and it started stalling out while I was in traffic about 8 mo.ago . The vehicle didn't want to go anywhere an when it would get some power to go it was slow an the engine was shaking so hard the whole time even at idle. So I pulled over, turned car off an then on trying to get it home since I wasn't far at all. Finally the check engine light came on as I pulled in the drive. Put a code reader on it to find out that plugs 1.and 3 were misfiring., Fixed that problem and 2 months later it did the same thing. Checked codes again and seen now we needed to replace the rest of the spark plugs and all coil packs. Which made it run normal again. Dates are unknown at this point. Best guess it started about between 6 months an a year ago. We have had problems every since though. The check engine light came on again an the car was shaking and idling up an down an the code was- low transmission fluid. Transmission fluid doesn't leak unless something's wrong. There was none leaking and when we checked the level it was perfect We just turned the car off for awhile an when we started it back it acted fine. Seems like it could be something with the computer possibly?? There is so many more problems with this 14 Pilot. This thing shakes really bad during take off an slowing down. Drivetrain-- there is something in the front end making noise like it's gonna break any moment. Could be CV joint, hub assembly or numerous things. Also sometimes I can smell gas fumes or a burning smell and it doesn't show that it's overheating. ELECTRICAL- the doors used to unlock all over when put in park. Now only the driver door unlocks. Also the daytime running lights warning comes up on the dash. It stays on there. The taillights stopped working, wasn't a fuse or anything. Its the wiring. Paint-gone above windshield.

NHTSA ID

11711134

Incident

May 14, 2025

10/27/2023 replaced all spark plugs 12/16/2/24 Engine light and VTM-light and traction control light on, misfire in 1st cylinder, replaced spark plugs and ignition coil 1/9/25 Engine light and VTM-light and traction control light on, misfire in 3rd cylinder. These issues are consistent with many complaints on this year, make and model of Honda Pilot

NHTSA ID

11709829

Incident

Jan 8, 2026

My 2014 Honda Pilot has intermittent engine misfires (DTCs P0301–P0304) caused by piston ring failure. The defect leads to rough running, sudden loss of power, and unsafe driving conditions. On October 24, 2024, Crown Motors Honda in Holland, MI confirmed piston ring failure on cylinders 1–3, with oil wash and fouled spark plugs. The vehicle had to be towed when my wife was driving due to loss of power. This vehicle is driven daily by my two high-school sons, often with my youngest as a passenger. The misfire and power loss create dangerous situations when merging, accelerating, or driving in traffic. Honda has refused to perform warranty repair unless the check engine light (MIL) is currently illuminated, even though their own Technical Service Bulletin 25-060 explains that stored codes and spark plug inspection are sufficient for diagnosis. Waiting for the CEL to reappear puts my children at risk of sudden failure. The defect has been confirmed by a Honda dealer, and is consistent with known issues covered by Honda warranty extensions and the Soto v. American Honda settlement. The problem is reproducible, poses an ongoing safety hazard, and remains unresolved.

NHTSA ID

11685705

Incident

Oct 24, 2024

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. 2 cylinder misfire detected, P0303 No. 3 cylinder misfire detected, P0304 No. 4 cylinder misfire detected, and cause the MIL to come on.

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. 2 cylinder misfire detected, P0303 No. 3 cylinder misfire detected, P0304 No. 4 cylinder misfire detected, and cause the MIL to come on.

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. 2 cylinder misfire detected, P0303 No. 3 cylinder misfire detected, P0304 No. 4 cylinder misfire detected, and cause the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) to come on.

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. 2 cylinder misfire detected, P0303 No. 3 cylinder misfire detected, P0304 No. 4 cylinder misfire detected, and cause the MIL to come on.

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.

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.