2017 Honda Pilot Suspension Problems

I am writing to request that the NHTSA investigate a potential safety and repair adequacy issue regarding our 2017 Honda Pilot Elite. On June 29, 2026, we brought the vehicle to an authorized Honda dealership for a Rear Subframe Safety Recall. At drop-off, I specifically reported an ongoing grinding and rattling noise coming from the rear of the vehicle and requested an investigation. The Honda repair order documents this as "Concern rattle heard coming from the rear" but states they were "Unable to duplicate concern." The dealership also documented performing a multi-point inspection. The odometer was recorded at 87,508 miles in and 87,509 miles out. The abnormal noise continued after the recall repair. Due to ongoing safety concerns after driving the vehicle a considerable distance, we sought a second opinion from an independent repair facility on August 17, 2026. The technician there discovered and documented that the left rear upper control-arm bolt was incorrect and too short, and that the required washer and nut were entirely missing. Photographs were taken to document this condition. The technician advised us that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. It remains at the facility waiting for the correct hardware to be installed, followed by an alignment. We are deeply concerned that this critical suspension hardware issue was not identified by the authorized Honda dealer during the recall service, the multi-point inspection, or the targeted investigation of our rear suspension noise complaint. We request that the NHTSA investigate whether this condition is related to the recall repair, and whether the recall repair and subsequent safety inspection were performed adequately. Thank you very much.

NHTSA ID

11758068

Incident

Jun 29, 2026

when trying to accelerate car is yanking very bad seems like it is a very bad shutter or something with the transmission there is also a very bad squeak when you drive under the car

NHTSA ID

11757503

Incident

Aug 14, 2026

Around 52,000 miles, my front lower control arms started cracking. Around 57,000 miles, my front left strut assembly failed and started leaking oil. Based on a review of other complaints, these are known issues.

NHTSA ID

11670800

Incident

Jun 30, 2025

The vehicle was sold to us with pre-existing major damage to the control arms, bearings and a brake rotor. We heard a metal on metal scraping noise when turning left and immediately took it to a certified Honda dealer who then provided us details of the extent of the damage. The damage to the brake rotor could have caused brake failure and damage to the control arm could have caused on accident. I can't imagine the guilt I'd feel if my [XXX] wife and my [XXX] son got into an accident. This vehicle is their daily driver. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11652723

Incident

Mar 12, 2025

The front struts has started leaking. I was searching about this issue and realized it is a very common problem that Pilots have. Even the car maintenance person also indicated that this was a common problem in2017 Honda Pilot. I am raising a complaint hence. Honda needs to fix this design flaw

NHTSA ID

11628483

Incident

Dec 2, 2024

Passenger Side Front Strut assembly failing. Known issue with this series vehicle (2016-2022).

NHTSA ID

11570387

Incident

Feb 6, 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that there was an abnormal squeaking sound coming from the front of the vehicle while driving. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer who was unable to identify the cause but confirmed the sound. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the vehicle was purchased to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the struts were severely rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 39,236.

NHTSA ID

11419637

Incident

Mar 25, 2021

Mileage

39,236 mi

I HAVE BOUGHT 2017 HONDA PILOT ON 11/28/2016 IN SC STATE. PROBLEM I HAVE FACED THAT CONTROLLER ARM CORROSION QUICKLY. I AM CONCERN ABOUT VEHICLE SAFETY. I CAN ALSO SEE RUST OUTSIDE ALLOW WHEELS. I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR AT DEALER BUT THEY DIDN'T IDENTIFIED THIS ISSUE. I WOULD LIKE TO CHECK ASAP AND RESOLVE IT. THANK YOU [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).?*JB

NHTSA ID

10969878

Incident

Feb 15, 2017

Mileage

4,300 mi