NHTSA Complaint #11693118 — 2017 HONDA PILOT

Complete engine failure on our 2017 Honda Pilot EX-L on October 7, 2025. We purchased it new in 2017 and have maintained it per Honda recommendations, including oil changes. We have all of the records to support this. Based on research and the audio diagnosis from two separate mechanics (one being Honda), the failure was likely caused by a known connecting rod bearing issue that led to a recall of 249K Hondas in 2023. Please include this in the NHTSA ODI evaluation PE25008, which is considering expanding the scope of that recall based on 414 additional incidents after the recall. Incident Timeline & Diagnostic Summary October 7, 2025 (≈12:30 PM) -Took the vehicle to Anthony’s Auto for an audio diagnosis based on a knocking sound. --Technician reported: knocking sound was slower than the piston rate, indicating a likely --rod bearing failure, leading to an inevitable and complete engine failure. --Technician confirmed: Oil level was normal (at the proper level). -Anthony’s Auto cautioned not to drive on the freeway, stating the engine could fail at any time. -I drove the vehicle home; less than ¼ mile from our house, the engine seized (knock → failure). I put the car in neutral and drifted into our neighborhood. -Vehicle was towed by AAA to Marin Honda (appointment scheduled for October 8). October 8, 2025 (~5:10 PM) -Marin Honda contacted us with their initial diagnosis and options: --Honda acknowledged that they had changed the oil at their facility in June 2025, per the schedule and criteria as recommended by Honda. --Marin Honda confirmed the oil was at the proper level. Metal shavings were found in the engine oil during their inspection. --To fully diagnose the issue, they would need to take apart the entire engine. Teardown & reassembly “as-is” (i.e. no new engine) — $3,500 total. --Teardown + installation of a refurbished engine, where the hours/parts from teardown would be credited toward replacement. Quoted $9,000–$10,000 for the refurb engine.