2014 Honda Pilot Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2014 Honda Pilot, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine3324.3%
- Body & structure2014.7%
- Other / unspecified1611.8%
- Driver assistance107.4%
- Airbags96.6%
- Electrical96.6%
- Brakes96.6%
- Suspension75.1%
- Powertrain (other)75.1%
- Fuel system53.7%
- Steering42.9%
- Exterior lighting32.2%
- Seat belts32.2%
- Visibility10.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
LEAKS IN TWO OF 4 PIRELLI SCORPION VERDE TIRES WERE DIAGNOSED BY MECHANIC AS PLY DELAMINATIONS CAUSING MULTIPLE PINHOLE LEAKS AND INDICATING A NEED FOR IMMEDIATE REPLACEMENT. I FOUND MULTIPLE REPORTS OF DESTRUCTIVE DELAMINATIONS IN SERVICE ON THE NHSTA SITE, BUT NO RECALL. TIRES ARE 235/60 R18, DATE CODES 4217 AND 4717 TOTAL MILEAGE UNKNOWN (IN PLACE WHEN VEHICLE PURCHASED USED, PURPORTEDLY NEW BUT MORE THAN A YEAR OLD BY DATE CODE, LESS THAN 20,000 MILES THAT I KNOW OF, PLENTY OF TREAD LEFT.) HAVE LEAKED SLOWLY FOR A WHILE, ASSUMED IT WAS VALVE STEM SEALS, ASKED MECHANIC TO LOOK AT IT. TIRES ARE PRESENTLY INTACT, LEAK SLOWLY WHETHER PARKED OR DRIVING ON STREETS OR HIGHWAYS, WILL BE REPLACED ASAP, BUT ARE OBVIOUSLY DEFECTIVE.
BOTH FRONT TIRE RIMS ON MY 2014 HONDA PILOT HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO CRACKED RIMS. THE LEFT FRONT RIM HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. THE RIGHT FRONT IS NOW CRACKED. THIS CAR IS DRIVEN UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS. LEFT FRONT FIRST CRACK WAS IN 2017. LEFT FRONT SECOND CRACK 13 MONTHS LATER. RIGHT FRONT CRACKED RIM NOV 2018.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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)
ABS control module replacement
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Airbag system keeps coming on I have children it’s dangerous to have faulty airbags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V661000 (AIR BAGS). STEVE PADGETT'S DANVILLE HONDA (877-293-5660, LOCATED AT 4050 RIVERSIDE DR, DANVILLE, VA 24541) PERFORMED THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT PROVIDED.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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).
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.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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).
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE SHIMMIES, SHAKES, VIBRATES WHEN BRAKING AND PULLS TO THE LEFT. HAD 26,000 MILE ON VEHICLE. BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT COULD BE DUE TO BREAKING, CAR WASHES, AND WEATHER. ROSTERS WERE RESURFACED AT MY EXPENSE. NOW VEHICLE HAS 38,000 MILES ON IT WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. DEALERSHIP SAYS IT'S MY FAULT. ALL MILES ARE HIGHWAY AND VEHICLE IS GARAGED AT HOME AND DURING THE DAY AT THE OFFICE.
WHEN RAINING AT ABOUT 55 TO 60 MPH VEHICLE HYDROPLANES. I HAVE OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS THAT OWN THE SAME VEHICLE HAVING SAME PROBLEM.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
CENTER REAR SEAT BELT ENDED UP AROUND 3 YEAR OLDS NECK AND EVERYTIME HE MOVED IT GOT TIGHTER AND TIGHTER. THE SEAT BELT ANCHOR IS NOT EASY TO DETACH INCASE THIS HAPPENS.WE ENDED UP UNBUCKLING HIM AND TURNING HIS WHOLE BODY TO GET IT OFF HIS NECK. BOTH 2ND AND 3RD ROW SEATS USE THIS KIND OF ANCHOR.
WHEN THE 2ND ROW CENTER SEAT BELT, WHICH STORES ON THE CEILING, WAS RELEASED, IT SNAPPED UP AND STRUCK THE CHILD SITTING IN THE LEFT 2ND ROW SEAT IN A BOOSTER SEAT ON THE RIGHT UPPER CHEEK CAUSING AN ABRASION AND MANY TEARS. THE CHILD WAS SITTING AND STILL BELTED INTO THE BOOSTER SEAT. THE INJURY WASN'T SEVERE BUT COULD HAVE BEEN IF IT HAD STRUCK THE EYE OR CAUSED A LACERATION. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING AND MY SON SAW A CRACK APPEAR IN THE WINDSHIELD. NOTHING HAD STRUCK THE WINDSHIELD OR ANY THE ROAD WAS SMOOTH. THE CRACK CONTINUED TO GROW UNTIL IT WAS ALMOST ALL THE WAY DOWN THE WINDSHIELD. THE DEALER EXAMINED THE GLASS THE NEXT DAY AND COULD NOT FIND ANY MARKS OR PITS ON THE GLASS. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .