2017 Honda Pilot

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 414 reports of connecting rod bearing failures in the 3.5L V6 engine used in the following vehicles: Model Years (MY) 2018-2020 Acura TLX, MY2016-2020 Acura MDX, MY2016-2020 Honda Pilot, MY2018-2020 Honda Odyssey, and MY2017-2019 Honda Ridgeline.  The subject engine failures were analyzed as part of a Recall Query (RQ24013).  It was determined that these engine failures are outside the scope of Honda Recall 23V-751. Further, evidence gathered in conjunction with RQ24013 does not suggest this failure is caused by the same crankshaft manufacturing defect that is addressed by Honda in Recall 23V-751.  Based on analysis of data from RQ24013, NHTSA has closed that investigation. The significant number of reports of engine failure in vehicles outside the scope of RQ24013 presents a potential safety risk that warrants further investigation.  ODI is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to further evaluate the scope and severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related issues.  To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

On June 3, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE22005 after the agency received VOQs and several field reports concerning the Auto Idle Stop (AIS) feature on 2016-2019MY Honda Pilot vehicles. The complaints allege that the engine fails to restart on its own from a complete stop at a traffic light or road intersection with the AIS function engaged. The subject vehicles are equipped with a 3.5L engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission. On January 6, 2023, Honda released service bulletins 23-008 and 23-009. These service bulletins address the failure to restart issue in the 2016-2019MY Honda Pilot vehicles, as well as the 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2019-2022 Honda Passport, and 2020-2023 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. The repair outlined in the service bulletins is a two-stage countermeasure to remedy the issue. The first stage is a Programmed Fuel Injection (“PGM-FI”) software update. The second stage is only deployed if the software update fails to remedy the issue. The second stage, depending on the model and model year, consists of replacement of the starter assembly, starter relays, and a valve adjustment. Additionally, Honda extended the warranty coverage to 10 years with unlimited mileage for vehicles requiring the second stage component replacement. ODI continues to receive complaints of the AIS failure to restart, with many complainants alleging the campaign countermeasures had been completed.NHTSA has reviewed Honda's Information Request Letter responses involving warranty claims, lawsuits, and consumer complaints in addition to ODI's own data. This Engineering Analysis is being opened to further consider the potential safety defect, including gathering additional data regarding Honda’s service campaign efficacy. ODI is additionally expanding the scope to encompass all vehicles addressed in Honda’s service bulletins 23-008 and 23-009 as well as newer model year vehicles, which are substantially similar to the vehicles covered by the service campaign. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

On November 8, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ24013 to assess the scope of Honda recall 23V-751 after receiving complaints that alleged connecting rod bearing failures in vehicles that were not within the scope of recall 23V-751. In November 2023, Honda recalled 248,999 various Model Year (MY)2016–2020 Honda and Acura vehicles equipped with the 3.5L V6 engine. Honda recalled these vehicles due to a crankshaft manufacturing defect that caused premature connecting rod bearing wear and engine seizure. While the out-of-scope failures involved in these complaints appear to have a very similar failure mechanism as the recalled engines, a thorough analysis of all available data from Honda has not indicated that the same manufacturing defect exists in the out-of-scope engines as the engines recalled by 23V-751. Based on this analysis ODI has determined that Honda has properly defined the scope of recall 23V-751. Consequently, ODI will close this RQ investigation.  NHTSA will continue to investigate these complaints of engine failure as part of a new Preliminary Evaluation Investigation (PE25008). The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.

On June 3, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE22005 after the agency received VOQs and several field reports concerning the Auto Idle Stop (AIS) feature on 2016-2019MY Honda Pilot vehicles. The complaints allege that the engine fails to restart on its own from a complete stop at a traffic light or road intersection with the AIS function engaged. The subject vehicles are equipped with a 3.5L engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission. On January 6, 2023, Honda released service bulletins 23-008 and 23-009. These service bulletins address the failure to restart issue in the 2016-2019MY Honda Pilot vehicles, as well as the 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2019-2022 Honda Passport, and 2020-2023 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. The repair outlined in the service bulletins is a two-stage countermeasure to remedy the issue. The first stage is a Programmed Fuel Injection (“PGM-FI”) software update. The second stage is only deployed if the software update fails to remedy the issue. The second stage, depending on the model and model year, consists of replacement of the starter assembly, starter relays, and a valve adjustment. Additionally, Honda extended the warranty coverage to 10 years with unlimited mileage for vehicles requiring the second stage component replacement. ODI continues to receive complaints of the AIS failure to restart, with many complainants alleging the campaign countermeasures had been completed.NHTSA has reviewed Honda's Information Request Letter responses involving warranty claims, lawsuits, and consumer complaints in addition to ODI's own data. This Preliminary Evaluation is being upgraded to an Engineering Analysis, EA25004, to further consider the potential safety defect, including gathering additional data regarding Honda’s service campaign efficacy. ODI is additionally expanding the scope for the Engineering Analysis to encompass all vehicles addressed in Honda’s service bulletins 23-008 and 23-009 as well as newer model year vehicles, which are substantially similar to the vehicles covered by the service campaigns. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Component/system that failed: The audio/infotainment system (radio), rear DVD entertainment system, and backup camera all fail together while driving. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Description of the problem: While driving, the radio works normally for approximately 10-30 minutes, then begins developing static that gradually worsens until the audio cuts out completely. At the same time, the rear-seat DVD entertainment system stops functioning, and the backup camera also fails. This appears consistent with a known defect in the MOST (Media Oriented Systems Transport) bus and FAKRA connectors that Honda has already acknowledged and recalled on 2019-2022 Pilot, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2018-2023 Odyssey models (NHTSA Campaign 23V431), but my 2017 Pilot Elite with the same Navigation/rear entertainment head unit is not covered by that recall despite the identical failure pattern. How safety was put at risk: Loss of the backup camera while driving/reversing removes a safety feature I rely on to see behind the vehicle, increasing risk of a collision when backing up, especially around pedestrians or in tight parking situations. This mirrors exactly the safety concern Honda cited in its own recall notice for later model years — that loss of MOST communication causes rearview camera failure.

NHTSA ID

11755780

Incident

Apr 1, 2026

Component/system that failed: The audio/infotainment system (radio), rear DVD entertainment system, and backup camera all fail together while driving. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Description of the problem: While driving, the radio works normally for approximately 10-30 minutes, then begins developing static that gradually worsens until the audio cuts out completely. At the same time, the rear-seat DVD entertainment system stops functioning, and the backup camera also fails. This appears consistent with a known defect in the MOST (Media Oriented Systems Transport) bus and FAKRA connectors that Honda has already acknowledged and recalled on 2019-2022 Pilot, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2018-2023 Odyssey models (NHTSA Campaign 23V431), but my 2017 Pilot Elite with the same Navigation/rear entertainment head unit is not covered by that recall despite the identical failure pattern. How safety was put at risk: Loss of the backup camera while driving/reversing removes a safety feature I rely on to see behind the vehicle, increasing risk of a collision when backing up, especially around pedestrians or in tight parking situations. This mirrors exactly the safety concern Honda cited in its own recall notice for later model years — that loss of MOST communication causes rearview camera failure.

NHTSA ID

11755779

Incident

Apr 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the engine made a knocking sound while being started and while driving. The knocking sound became louder while driving to the residence. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the timing belt, timing belt tensioner, idler pulley, and water pump, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was determined that the connecting rod bearing had failed and the short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Action Number: PE25008 (Engine). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 56,908.

NHTSA ID

11755483

Incident

Jan 15, 2026

Mileage

56,908 mi

2026-08-06 ~7:50AM check engine light came on/flashed while entering freeway, car generally ran as normal though felt as if cylinder was not firing (two weeks prior had regular maintanance and all spark plugs were replaced, assumed this was related to that). Dropped daughter off at camp turned off vehicle. 2026-08-06 ~8:05AM restarted vehicle, check engine light did not come on. Engine ran as normal, proceeded to drive towards dealership. 2026-08-06 ~8:25AM entered freeway, check engine light and many other warnings came on (rolling display of errors), engine limited to low RPMs and ~30MPH. 2026-08-06 ~8:30AM called honda dealership to let them know I was coming in. 2026-08-06 ~8:40AM Service manager utilized OBD port which provided initial code of misfire on cylinder 5. 2026-08-06 Dealership subsequently determined the engine had "spun a rod bearing". Honda recommended service "Replace Short Block"

NHTSA ID

11755334

Incident

Aug 6, 2026

The back up camera every so often will be blank. Other times the dashboard warning lights will go on effecting the cruise control, lane assistance, and break assistance. According to the Honda dealership it is the back up camera that is causing all of these problems because there are some parts that are defective because of heat and weather. There are thousands of complaints by Honda owners claiming to have the same issue. The solution is a part that costs over $2000 with a high chance of the part needing repair in a few years. Honda knows about this issue for cars 2015-current. There is a current class action lawsuit as well. We just want it fixed without further issues.

NHTSA ID

11751774

Incident

Jan 9, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while idling at a red light and then attempting to accelerate, the vehicle failed to respond, and the vehicle shut unexpectedly. The contact was assisted with pushing the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed it with connecting rod bearing failure. The mechanic informed the contact that it was a known issue and that there was a previous recall for the issue. Upon research, the contact became aware of NHTSA ID Number: PE25008 (Engine). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who confirmed the failure and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer located a used engine, but the vehicle was not repaired because the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The manufacturer was informed of the issue and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

NHTSA ID

11751525

Incident

Jul 20, 2026

Mileage

92,000 mi

Lane keeping assist problem light on, collision mitigation system problem light on, road departure mitigation system problem light on, adaptive cruise control problem light on. brake sy stem light on. The vehicle’s multiple camera has failed and it is a common occurrence with this vehicle. Honda has not recalled this and is charging customers upwards of $2500 to replace the camera behind the windshield and recalibrate it. This isn’t an issue based on miles there have been incidents with it happening as early as 30,000 miles. I bought my vehicle used and about 113,000 this started happening

NHTSA ID

11751382

Incident

Jul 15, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 to 60 MPH, the emission warning light illuminated. The contact was concerned about the vehicle stalling while driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel injector, torque converter, and front and rear catalytic converters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was contacted and offered goodwill assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

NHTSA ID

11750790

Incident

Jun 29, 2026

Mileage

127,000 mi

Service Bulletin - Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and engaging idle stop, the vehicle may not restart automatically due to excessive cylinder pressure and/or low cranking torque. Typically, the customer can immediately restart the vehicle by selecting Park and pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button.

Service Bulletin - Torque converters may not have been manufactured to proper specifications. As a result, the torque converter lock-up clutch cannot provide adequate holding force due to pressure bleeding down through a crack in the lock-up piston. The reduced lock-up clutch capacity results in the transmission indicator flashing “D” and set DTC P0741 Torque Converter Clutch Performance or Stuck OFF.

Service Bulletin - Torque converters may not have been manufactured to proper specifications. As a result, the lock-up clutch cannot provide adequate holding force due to pressure bleeding down through a crack in the lock-up piston. The reduced lock-up clutch capacity results in the transmission indicator flashing “D” and set the DTC P0741 Torque Converter Clutch Performance or Stuck OFF.

Dealer Message - Torque converters may not have been manufactured to proper specifications. As a result, the torque converter lock-up clutch cannot provide adequate holding force due to pressure bleeding down through a crack in the lock-up piston. The reduced lock-up clutch capacity results in the MIL not illuminating. “D” flashes and “Transmission Overheat” message appears setting DTC P0741 Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance or Stuck OFF.

Service Bulletin - The AWD warning light is on potentially due to water intrusion into the rear differential pump motor connector area that corrodes the terminals.

Service Bulletin - Drivers may experience a chirping sound coming from the engine area with the engine warmed up due to the high pressure fuel pump is making a chirp.