RoadVitals

2015 Honda Pilot Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
108
Latest Jul 29, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
16
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
8

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2015 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

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.

24
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

On July 3, 2026 the check engine light, check VSA warning and check emissions warning indicators all illuminated simultaneously and the vehicle began to misfire and sputter which triggered an immediate slow down of traffic behind me. My local Honda dealership acknowledged a known defect with 2013 - 2015 Pilots in which the piston rings deteriorate leading to cylinder misfires. After system diagnostics they confirmed the spark plugs were damaged due to the piston rings defect causing engine misfires, rough idling, and slow minimal acceleration. This situation absolutely placed me, my family and others on the roadway at immediate risk due to the sudden nature of the engine malfunction. While there were no police report or insurance claims the Honda dealer did inspect and perform diagnostics on the vehicle. However American Honda declined any responsibility and refused to repair the vehicle even though this is a known issue with Honda. Prior to this date there were no warning or indication that the vehicle had any issues.

NHTSA ID 11753531 · filed Jul 29, 2026

While driving in traffic the vehicle suddenly began to sputter and lose power with check engine light flashing on the dash board. I was able to pull over and limp the car the one mile to my home on side streets. I parked the vehicle and called for a tow truck to tow the vehicle to my local dealership that I purchased the car from brand new. This is the third time this failure has occurred. The first occurrence was in October of 2023, the second was in November of 2024. The first two repairs were made at a local independent repair shop in the city of Orange ca. the first occurrence was cylinder 1 and the repair shop indicated that this is a common occurrence in this make and model. The report was a replacement of the spark plug and coil pack as oil was found to be in spark plug chamber. The second occurrence was similar but on a different spark plug (I believe number 2 or 3). This occurrence was diagnosed by the dealer and required a replacement of piston rings and major engine repair and oil in spark plug number 2 I believe. In July of 2025 American Honda sent me a notice in the mail of a known defect affecting this vehicle and offered a repair for this exact problem within an extended warranty of 10 years or 150,000 miles whichever is first. This was my first reciept of such information from Honda. The extended warranty however was sent to me after the 10 year warranty was already expired as I has purchased the vehicle new in October of 2014. American Honda then had fine print at the bottom of the notice extending the extension to Jan. 31st 2026. 15 days later my vehicle experienced the acknowledged problem for the 3rd time. In July of 2025 I contacted my dealership and advised them of the letter I had received and asked for an inspection and or repair of the problem listed. The service advisor spoke with his service manager, and they refused to inspect and or repair the vehicle due to no warning light or symptoms occurring at that time.

NHTSA ID 11723907 · filed Mar 12, 2026
All 24 reports naming engine

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID 11686383 · filed Sep 10, 2025

Honda pilot stalled 3 times today while driving...once on the highway and vehicle did not want to start.

NHTSA ID 11567333 · filed Jan 23, 2024
All 13 reports naming electrical

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Steering is shaking when braking at high speed. Replaced pads and rotors multiple times but problem keeps coming back. Lots of complaints also about this issue so please help

NHTSA ID 11657680 · filed Apr 30, 2025

This Honda Pilot has a very low brake pedal , I describe it as a soft pedal. You have to depress the pedal almost to the floor let up and press it again to get fairly decent stopping power, still not the best. This increases stopping distance and in an emergency it takes time to double pump the brakes. There are complaints on the internet about this issue by other owners. Here are some examples, https://hondatech.com/forums/tsb_recall/tsbs/honda/pilot/2015 .There are reports/complaints to NHTSA, RECORD_ID: 1248839 , NHTSA Item Number: 10128555, NHTSA Item Number: 10128537 ,NHTSA Item Number: 10128536, I have been to a repair shop who bled the brakes 2 times it gets minimally better for a short time. I feel there is an issue with the brakes on this Honda

NHTSA ID 11501687 · filed Jan 13, 2023
All 12 reports naming brakes

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

1. The engine assembly failed — Piston 1 suffered catastrophic failure due to VCM-related piston ring wear and oil sludge buildup, generating DTCs P0301–P0304 (engine misfire, cylinders 1–4). Vehicle is completely non-operational. Failed engine is available for inspection in Mableton, GA 30126. 2. Progressive engine misfire created risk of sudden power loss and loss of vehicle control at highway speeds. Complete engine failure in April 2026 left the vehicle fully immobile, posing an immediate collision risk to the driver and surrounding motorists. 3. Yes. In October 2025, I brought the vehicle to AutoNation Honda on Thornton Road, Georgia, presenting symptoms consistent with Honda Service Bulletin 25-060. The dealership examined the vehicle but took no action and offered no warranty coverage, despite SB 25-060 being fully active at that time. 4. Yes. AutoNation Honda (authorized Honda dealer) inspected the vehicle in October 2025 while Service Bulletin 25-060 was fully active. No repair was performed and Honda has denied all warranty claims. No police or insurance inspection has occurred. Vehicle remains unrepaired and available for NHTSA inspection. 5. Yes. The Check Engine Light illuminated with DTCs P0301–P0304 prior to failure, along with engine misfire, rough idle, and reduced performance. These symptoms were present at the October 2025 dealer visit. No corrective action was taken. The engine progressed to catastrophic Piston 1 failure in April 2026.

NHTSA ID 11737134 · filed May 11, 2026

Hello my car has had an ongoing issue that was recalled for the 2009 to 2013 year Honda pilots regarding oil consumption. My car constantly has issues with misfiring due to oil on the spark plugs. This started happening around 90000 miles on my vehicle. After several expensive repairs including having the heads on my engine rebuilt, having the coils replaced and having the cylinder 1 spark plug replaced at least 4 times. My mechanic pointed me to the VCS system in the car which many have complained about causing this issue. When the vehicle exhibits these symptoms it has caused me to lose speed instantly on the highway and the vehicle begins to shake.

NHTSA ID 11502565 · filed Jan 19, 2023
All 11 reports naming powertrain (other)

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My whole steering wheel detached while driving

NHTSA ID 11680062 · filed Aug 12, 2025

Airbag lift would come on intermittently. Upon dealership inspection it was learned that it could be a possible issue with the passenger side airbag and instructed to not drive vehicle. Airbag was ordered and took over six weeks to receive and repair. Dealership said airbags are not covered by any recall or warranty. Is, should, this be correct?

NHTSA ID 11641485 · filed Feb 8, 2025
All 11 reports naming airbags

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My Honda Pilot PAINT started coming off, paint peling off. Location: roof above windshield passenger side. My vehicle is garage kept at all times. Hand and automatic washed regularly. Please advise on how to proceed with repairs. Thank you in advance

NHTSA ID 11581270 · filed Apr 5, 2024

the suv paint has started peeling and while driving the flakes fly off . 3 day while driving on i-90 interstate in chicago area and a big piece (2feet x 6-8 inches wide)of paint flake flew and landed on a car behind me on its windshield and luckily that driver was able to stop the car without incident . (anything serious could have also happened) Honda is a premium car which charges much more than equivalent brands and yet the car paint starts flaking in under 8 years and also polluting the atmosphere.

NHTSA ID 11512339 · filed Mar 17, 2023
All 9 reports naming body & structure

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2015 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, a sudden booming noise was heard, and the driver noticed that the sunroof had exploded causing the fractured glass to enter the cabin of the vehicle. No injuries were reported. The cause of the failure was not determined. A police report was later taken regarding the failure. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID 11450223 · filed Feb 3, 2022

SINCE DECEMBER OF 2016 THE CENTER CONSOLE (HEATING/COOLING SETTINGS, STEREO, VOLUME CONTROLS) HAVE FLASHED, FADED, OR SHUT OFF COMPLETELY WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A DRIVING DISTRACTION AND HAZARD TO THE OPERATOR(S) OF THIS VEHICLE. SINCE THE PURCHASE IN NOVEMBER OF 2014, I DRIVE 10,000 MILES OVER A 10 WEEK PERIOD SEVERAL TIMES A YEAR. WHEN THE ISSUE OCCURRED I IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED THE DEALER, WHO RESPONDED THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY (3 YEARS/36,000 MILES) AND WOULD BE A COSTLY OUT OF POCKET REPAIR TO ME. I HAD ALREADY REPLACED THE WIPER MOTORS WITHIN TWO YEARS OUT OF POCKET. I SOUGHT OUT SECOND OPINIONS FROM OTHER HONDA DEALERS AND SERVICE PROVIDERS WHO ALSO GAVE A SIMILAR QUOTE. I RESEARCHED OTHER ONLINE CHATS OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS BY OTHER HONDA OWNERS. TO THIS DAY I'M STILL HAVING FURTHER ISSUES WITH THE CENTER CONSOLE SYSTEM (AIR CONDITIONING CONTROLS FLUCTUATE, THE STEREO/BLUETOOTH VOLUME FLUCTUATES FROM LOUD TO SOFT, AND I MUST MANUALLY ADJUST THE TEMPERATURE SETTINGS BLINDLY. I LOVE MY 2015 PILOT BUT FEEL THAT THIS MATTER SHOULD BE RESOLVED BY THE DEALERSHIP. CAN YOU HELP ME RESOLVE THIS BLINDING DEFECT IN AN OTHERWISE WONDERFUL VEHICLE?

NHTSA ID 11337299 · filed Jul 3, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2015 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that upon pulling into the gas station and parking the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound, and the contact also noticed a grinding sound coming from the underbody of the vehicle. The contact stated that the grinding sound persisted and became louder while reversing out of the parking spot. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to Mavis Tires the following day. The vehicle was inspected and diagnosed with sway bar, suspension, and strut failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 270,000.

NHTSA ID 11743154 · filed Jun 10, 2026

My whole steering wheel detached while driving

NHTSA ID 11680062 · filed Aug 12, 2025

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.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The catalytic converter system on my vehicle is failing prematurely due to the vehicle’s built-in fuel management and energy-saving computer settings. These settings cause excess fuel to be burned and pushed into the catalytic converter, damaging the unit. In addition, this flaw is causing oil to be pushed out of the car, creating both a mechanical hazard and an environmental concern. This is not the result of poor maintenance or misuse — it is a hazard caused by a design flaw in the system itself.

NHTSA ID 11689299 · filed Sep 23, 2025

My Honda was leaking gas, I normally park in my garage and the whole house smelled gas very dangerous being I have kids living in the house.. I had it repaired cost me $1500. This is very dangerous

NHTSA ID 11619739 · filed Oct 14, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

problem

NHTSA ID 11509009 · filed Feb 24, 2023

ENGINE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE/MISFIRING ON HIGHWAY NEARLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT CERTIFIED MECHANIC REPLACED TIMING TENSIONER, TIMING BELT AND WATER PUMP ALSO REPLACED VARIABLE TIMING TENSIONER, COIL PACKS, SPARK PLUGS. ISSUE STILL PERSIST WITH ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON BLINKING CLEARING CONSTANTLY ALSO ANTI TRACTION LIGHT. THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS IS THERE A RECALL IN PROCESS????

NHTSA ID 11439210 · filed Nov 3, 2021

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.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2015 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, he became aware that the headlights failed to provide adequate illumination. After a visual inspection of the headlights, the contact observed that both headlight covers were foggy. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the headlight assembly, requiring that the headlight assemblies be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID 11592476 · filed Jun 4, 2024

SINCE DECEMBER OF 2016 THE CENTER CONSOLE (HEATING/COOLING SETTINGS, STEREO, VOLUME CONTROLS) HAVE FLASHED, FADED, OR SHUT OFF COMPLETELY WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A DRIVING DISTRACTION AND HAZARD TO THE OPERATOR(S) OF THIS VEHICLE. SINCE THE PURCHASE IN NOVEMBER OF 2014, I DRIVE 10,000 MILES OVER A 10 WEEK PERIOD SEVERAL TIMES A YEAR. WHEN THE ISSUE OCCURRED I IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED THE DEALER, WHO RESPONDED THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY (3 YEARS/36,000 MILES) AND WOULD BE A COSTLY OUT OF POCKET REPAIR TO ME. I HAD ALREADY REPLACED THE WIPER MOTORS WITHIN TWO YEARS OUT OF POCKET. I SOUGHT OUT SECOND OPINIONS FROM OTHER HONDA DEALERS AND SERVICE PROVIDERS WHO ALSO GAVE A SIMILAR QUOTE. I RESEARCHED OTHER ONLINE CHATS OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS BY OTHER HONDA OWNERS. TO THIS DAY I'M STILL HAVING FURTHER ISSUES WITH THE CENTER CONSOLE SYSTEM (AIR CONDITIONING CONTROLS FLUCTUATE, THE STEREO/BLUETOOTH VOLUME FLUCTUATES FROM LOUD TO SOFT, AND I MUST MANUALLY ADJUST THE TEMPERATURE SETTINGS BLINDLY. I LOVE MY 2015 PILOT BUT FEEL THAT THIS MATTER SHOULD BE RESOLVED BY THE DEALERSHIP. CAN YOU HELP ME RESOLVE THIS BLINDING DEFECT IN AN OTHERWISE WONDERFUL VEHICLE?

NHTSA ID 11337299 · filed Jul 3, 2020

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My whole steering wheel detached while driving

NHTSA ID 11680062 · filed Aug 12, 2025

THE STEERING WHEEL IS NOT STRAIGHT AND SEEMS LOSS WHEN TURNING

NHTSA ID 11395353 · filed Feb 9, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2015 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while changing the passenger’s side front wheel, the factory jack sold originally with the vehicle failed to lift the vehicle high enough to allow the contact to remove the wheel. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.

NHTSA ID 11541199 · filed Aug 28, 2023

The contact owns a 2015 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while changing a flat tire on the driver's side front, the OEM jack was placed under the hard point located under the frame behind the driver's side front tire. The contact stated that the jack had a slot on the top of the jack and he matched the slot to the hard point. The contact stated that the vehicle was on a flat concrete driveway. After the vehicle was jacked up and he removed the flat tire, the base of the jack began to bend and the vehicle began to lean. The jack was leaning and could no longer support the weight of the vehicle and collapsed. The rotor was resting on the driveway. The vehicle was finally lifted using a heavy-duty floor jack and the tire was replaced. The contact had called a local dealer who confirmed that the jack was the OEM jack for the vehicle. The contact stated that he purchased a heavier scissor jack with a wider base. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 178,000.

NHTSA ID 11487807 · filed Oct 4, 2022

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

problem

NHTSA ID 11509009 · filed Feb 24, 2023

I HAVE NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT OTHER THAN BEING REAR ENDED AND IT WAS NOT MAJOR. MY AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD NOT GO OUT. MY SEAT BELT ALARMS WOULD NO LONGER WORK AND MY LOCKS WOULD NOT WORK AUTOMATICALLY. MY AIR BAG MODULE(SRS UNIT) NEEDED REPLACED. IT EFFECTED MY AIRBAGS, SEAT BELTS AND MY POWER LOCKS. THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT KNOW THAT THE LOCKS COULD EVEN BE EFFECTED BUT AS SOON AS IS WAS REPLACED THE LOCKS WORKED AS THEY DID PRIOR TO THE MALFUNCTION. I HAVE HAD A COUPLE MECHANICS TELL ME THAT THE MODULE SHOULD NOT EVER GO BAD UNLESS I HAVE BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ID 11405388 · filed Mar 29, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE SEATS BECOME UNCOMFORTABLE AFTER DRIVING FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES CAUSING HIP AND LEG PAIN. WE PLAN TO DRIVE THE CAR ON LONG TRIPS, HOWEVER, THIS CAR IS NOT SUITED FOR DISTANCE DRIVING DUE TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SEATS.

NHTSA ID 10981447 · filed Apr 29, 2017

THE SEATS ARE MISERABLY UNCOMFORTABLE -- THE HEADREST TILTS FAR TOO FORWARD AND CANNOT BE ADJUSTED.

NHTSA ID 10854628 · filed Apr 10, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

My vehicle started shimmying at 55 MPH up to 70 MPH. My repair show told me that two of the tire walls are flattening out and it's dangerous to drive.

NHTSA ID 11667690 · filed Jun 18, 2025

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

Data on this page last refreshed .