NHTSA Complaint #11632721 — 2020 HONDA PILOT

Honda Pilot AWD EX-L 2020 Engine Failure Incident Report October 5, 2024 Check Engine light went on 294 IL Tollway while traveling in left lane. Began to feel a slowing of the vehicle and just a wrong feeling, proceeded to move towards right lane in busy traffic and ~0.5 to 0.75 miles later check engine light started flashing as we proceeded to exit. Planned to make it to rest area or tollbooth but felt it was too far away; check engine light flashing, pulled over to shoulder short of the tollbooth. Shut down all extraneous items (radio, A/C) and pushed the ignition button to turn off vehicle. Could hear some clanking sounds (which we have later researched and found audio/video of mechanics speaking about oil pump failure and loud clanking sounds, which was exactly what we heard).Vehicle didn’t seem to respond (not shutting off), pushed button again and now several red light warnings popped up in succession, these are the ones I recall seeing: (Oil pressure low and Low oil), I believe there were others, but they were cycling fast and didn’t put them to memory, but clearly the codes had been unleashed. Pushed button again and engine shut down. Opened hood and checked oil and did see oil on the dipstick (though level was not clear, seemed to have oil on upper and lower part of reading area, but not in the middle); Called dealer and agreed sounded like an oil pump failure, which in theory could mean there is still plenty of oil in the engine and moving to a safe location. Attempted to start engine again and it struggled and didn’t really start, had a clanking sound again, so hit the button to shut it off for good; and called for tow. Diagnosed with engine failure, quoted replacement $16k, negotiated after documentation and provided good will from Honda with deductible out of pocket $4917.75. Upon posting of investigation now approaching Honda Corporate for reimbursement request.