2014 Honda Pilot Owner Complaints

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

The contact owns a 2014 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from the passenger’s side wheel. Additionally, the transmission failed to shift into gear as needed while moving the gear shifter. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had progressed. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not identified. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: PE25008 (Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.

NHTSA ID

11683379

Incident

Jan 15, 2019

Mileage

27,000 mi

My paint is peeling. I never had a vehicle with the paint peeling like this. Its color is white. What can be done about this? I have bought touch up paint to help stop the peeling but that didnt do so well.

NHTSA ID

11676027

Incident

Jul 24, 2025

Oil blow by in cylinders 1, 2 and 3 do to rings and cylinder deactivation. Oil fouling plugs and causing misfire at 129,000 miles on the pilot and 25,000 miles on the plugs. Issue caused lack of power while driving.

NHTSA ID

11651063

Incident

Mar 14, 2025

Rear suspension subframe is rusted out and is not safe to drive by state inspection standards. The vehicle is not under a recall and dealer estimates about $200 to put on lift and inspect it. I am the owner of said vehicle and have had my own automobile repair shop for over 35 years, and am currently an official state safety inspection station. The local dealer says they need to inspect the vehicle and that I will be charged for it. I feel that since this is a defect in the vehicle and that it is a safety item that they should inspect it at no charge. I further believe that it will be recalled in the near future and will either repair it here and hope for reimbursement or get a new vehicle and hold on to this and see what happens.

NHTSA ID

11638755

Incident

Jan 24, 2025

On [XXX], the Pilot auto-braked without cause while driving on the highway in Maryland. All dash lights were illuminated so [XXX] pulled over. The car seemed to be functioning including the brake system (which was one of the lights illuminated during this occurrence) so the lights on the dash were assumed to be a computer glitch as was the auto-brake that caused the lights to illuminate in the first place. At this time, the center dash did not indicate low oil. [XXX] attempted to make an appointment with DARCARS while she was in town but being a holiday weekend, no appointments were available. [XXX] scheduled the next available appointment at CMA Valley (July 5, 2023). While parking the car on [XXX] the center dash indicated low oil, however, this was perceived as a glitch due to the fact that it only occurred while parking and not when the car was started or while driving. The same occurrence was experienced [XXX] but no days in between. Therefore, it is still seen as a computer glitch. These two instances are what led to the events on [XXX]. When she was halfway home with her two children and the car began to become unresponsive, she pulled off of the highway and added oil herself in an attempt to get her children home and have the car inspected (appointment scheduled for July 5, 2023). She was unable to get the oil cap off herself in order to add the oil and had to ask for assistance. The gentleman who provided said assistance dropped the oil cap. Mrs. Palumbo properly added the oil with a funnel and no oil was spilled. A new oil cap was purchased and properly replaced by an AutoZone employee before continuing on to Virginia and documentation of receipts and time-stamped texting conversations regarding the cap being replaced can be provided. Upon the appointment on July 5, 2023 it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced due to not having enough oil which was unknown due to the glitch INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11623947

Incident

Jun 28, 2023

2014 Honda pilot Misfire repeatedly happening. Changed spark plugs and coils 3 times continues to happen. I have had the above problem 3 times (check engine light flashing, VTM-4, traction lights all on. Check engine light started flashing, engine was revving weird. This is an ongoing issue that I am having to spend money on over and over. I have found on [XXX] that others have been dealing with the same situation. A recall needs to happen to fix this problem. I have been stuck on the highway with no fix out of the situation. Tired of having to take my car in for the same ongoing issue. Spending time and money that I don't have, P0303, P0305 codes that appear. They get fixed temporarily, then the same issue occurs. When driving long distances it becomes worse. Please HELP! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11614345

Incident

Aug 11, 2024

Clear coat failing on roof and paint chipping bubbling away from body on tailgate without evidence of rust. Reported to dealer and was told to contact American Honda Corp directly.

NHTSA ID

11606391

Incident

May 6, 2024

Im not sure if this is the correct complaint form. Paint is peeling, lowering the cars value. Just started within the last month. On top of my roof in front of where my sunroof is.

NHTSA ID

11590260

Incident

Apr 2, 2024

ABS control module replacement

NHTSA ID

11585880

Incident

Jan 1, 2024

ABS and Vehicle Stability System Indicator lights remain on. OBD code is 66-13 Pressure Sensor (Inside of VSA Modulator control unit) circuit malfunction. The Honda dealership wants $2600 to fix this ($2100 part + $500) labor. They say this part is back ordered. They say I can still drive the vehicle but it will be like driving an old vehicle (no ABS, etc). Researching on the internet show many people with Honda Pilots have this issue (with various error codes). In my opinon, this is a fragile module that causes all sorts of braking and stability issues.

NHTSA ID

11558506

Incident

Oct 1, 2023

Last week I turned on my 2014 Pilot and saw the check engine and VTM-4 dash lights on. When I checked the cause I received error code P0303 - Piston #3 Misfire. Upon researching this error I discovered this issue was addressed by Honda for model years through 2013 because of a class action lawsuit. However models 2014-2015 have the same components and should be addressed/fixed by Honda. I’m lucky to have been in my driveway when I had the misfire, it could have cause an accident had I been on the road. Honda needs to issue a recall for 2014-2015 Pilots.

NHTSA ID

11552451

Incident

Oct 22, 2023

I have a 2014 Honda Pilot, and while driving on the road, the car started to violently shake, and the engine turned off. The inspection from dealer indicated code P0303- Misfire cylinder due to fouled #3 spark plug caused by worn piston rings. The spark plug was found to be melted. Honda quoted $4000 to fix the issue, and the concern is that the 2014 model could have also been included in the 2013 and earlier models. It appears that Honda has requested dealers to send in reports if this particular issue has been identified. Even though the dealership was aware of the diagnosis, they have not offered to cover the repairs for this known issue on previous models of Pilots. Instead, they are offering to buy back our vehicle. After further research, there has been a lawsuit "Honda Engine Misfire" with this same issue with Honda Pilot for year 2013 and prior. I want to know if my 2014 used 2013 parts, and therefore resulted to the manufacturer defect on my vehicle. The dealer has offered to buy back the car immediately and has not addressed our concerns with the vehicle having a faulty mfg part. Honda has not responded back to the issue and the issue has not been resolved. My concern is if this issue is not fixed that the engine may further malfunction causing more damage to the car.

NHTSA ID

11545889

Incident

Sep 19, 2023

My wife pulled into a diagonal parking space and was ready to put the vehicle into park when the engine rpm increased dramatically and propelled us into a concrete wall. The front end and left front fender are damaged and the two seat belts locked. The airbag indicator light is on but the air bag did not deploy. Thankfully we suffered no injuries. I contacted American Honda who initially seemed interested. I provided much information and then did not hear back from them. After a month I contacted them again and was told there have been no recalls on our vehicle. I relayed that I am very concerned with what may have caused the acceleration and will be very uncomfortable driving the vehicle after repairs are complete. I was told they will send a factory authorized representative to do an unattended acceleration safety inspection at the collision center where the repairs will be made. While sitting in the waiting room at the collision center I spoke to another person who also owns a Honda Pilot. She told me she also experienced engine acceleration while driving her Honda Pilot. I am not sure if I will feel safe again driving the Honda Pilot even if it goes through a successful safety inspection.

NHTSA ID

11541929

Incident

Jul 13, 2023

A little over 100K miles in my Honda and the ABS module has gone out. This part is over $2200 from Honda and on backorder. This is a known issue from Honda and yet, no recall. This unit is incredibly expensive and without fixing it, the safety of my family is as risk.

NHTSA ID

11535148

Incident

Apr 1, 2023

The ABS, brake, and traction control lights come on when the slightest bump in the road is hit. I am being told by the Honda dealership technician that the issue is a $2000.00 sensor that must be replaced but however is on back order. I am told that this very sensor controls the steering, traction, and brakes. I am told that the brakes can disengage or not engage at any time.

NHTSA ID

11534260

Incident

Jun 4, 2023

On May 14 2023 I was driving my 2014 Honda Pilot when the Check Engine, VMT-4, and Stability Control dashboard lights all came on. I took my car to the local Honda dealer who said the #2 spark plug was fouled causing engine misfiring. I was also told I was low on oil. I have not seen any stains underneath the car but I was told the oil was leaking out past the piston rings and out the exhaust. I was also told by the dealer that 3 of the piston rings need replacing. And the cost is $5,000. The Honda service representative said there was no recall on this issue. But I found out later that the 2009 to 2013 Honda Pilots had a similar issue that was corrected by Honda at their cost. So why is there no recall for 2014 Honda Pilots ?? I am not rough on my car when I drive. So why should I have to pay $5,000 to fix a problem that Honda had in the 2009 to 2013 Pilots and apparently have not corrected for the 2014 Pilots ???? A quick internet search reveals other 2014 Pilot owners with similar if not the identical problem that I have.

NHTSA ID

11522370

Incident

May 14, 2023

Airbag system keeps coming on I have children it’s dangerous to have faulty airbags

NHTSA ID

11512603

Incident

Dec 9, 2022