2017 HONDA PILOT Engine Problems

While driving my vehicle it begin making a rattling/clacking sound. The sound became more louder as we drove it home. The emissions system problems message appeared. We had a mechanic come to check it. He discovered the a rod bearing was damaged and we needed to replace a piston and other parts as well. We have been unable to drive it since due to safety issues.

I am the original owner of a 2017 Honda Pilot and bought the car new. It has 142,549 miles and been well maintained and adult driven. The engine started making a knocking noise. I took the car to the Honda dealer and they told me the engine needs to be replaced. Needless to say, they told me it would cost around 10 thousand dollars and was not covered under warranty. I opened a case with Honda (Case # 15988404) and was denied by their review process. I bought a Honda because it has a reputation for being reliable and should run for well over 250,000 miles. I am also aware that Honda has had many issues with their 3.5L V6 engine and there have been recalls for bad bearings causing premature engine failure. They also have issued recalls for this engine up to the 2016 model year. In my research...

Component/System Failed: Engine – Excessive oil consumption (piston rings / internal engine components). The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Description of the Problem: The engine is experiencing excessive oil consumption. During a monitored oil consumption test, approximately 0.9 quarts of oil were consumed over about 1,006 miles, which equals a consumption rate of approximately 1 quart per 1,118 miles. This rate is abnormally high and indicates an internal engine defect, likely related to piston rings and/or sealant failure. Safety Risk: Excessive oil consumption creates a significant safety risk. If the oil level drops too low between oil changes, it can lead to engine failure, sudden loss of power while driving, engine seizure, or stalling. This could place the driver and others at risk, especially at highway speeds or in traffic. There was no visible oil leak. The oil is being burned internally. Inspection / Confirmation: The issue has...

Engine was making a loud grinding noise and when my fiance got home from work it completely died out and will not turn over

Car bought at 103,000 miles engine failed at 109,700 verified thru Honda Dearler with metal shavings in number six (6) cylinder. Started ... with check engine display and started missing.

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 65 MPH on the freeway, the vehicle stalled due to battery failure. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the battery was replaced. After restarting the vehicle, the contact heard an abnormal knocking sound consistent with a rod knock. Additionally, the trunk handle paint had chipped and was rusted. The local dealer was contacted and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.

In June 2025, Honda sent a warranty extension reimbursement for the 2017 Honda Pilot for the torque converter-DTC P0741. Since the torque converter was defective, I replaced it on 5/7/21. I completed the reimbursement form Honda requested and included the invoice and proof of payment. On 9/30/25 Honda sent me an email stating that my reimbursement is being processed in 6-9 weeks. I have called several times and sent emails and they continue to tell me they will expedite my reimbursement. It has been over four months. My case # is: XXX. . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

While driving my 2017 Honda Pilot Elite, the vehicle has experienced four separate incidents of sudden and complete loss of power, including while traveling at highway speeds and during rush-hour traffic. The engine shuts off without warning, causing the vehicle to stop in traffic. In multiple incidents, the vehicle would not restart for several minutes. These incidents occurred on U.S. 19 and Interstate 275 in heavy traffic, creating an immediate risk of collision. In one incident, the vehicle died while traveling at highway speeds. In another, it shut off at a red light and blocked traffic during rush hour. The vehicle has been taken to an authorized Honda dealership multiple times. Diagnostic testing initially found no issues. Later visits attributed the problem to the battery, despite the battery being recently replaced and the condition recurring after replacement. The symptoms exactly match Honda Pilot start/stop engine failure recalls affecting nearby model...

Was driving down highway I40 near Nashville and the engine started making a noise. I was able to drive to my Mothers house. My Dad looked at it and stated it sounded like a rod knocking. So we went to take it to the dealer because after some research we found a recall for rod bearing failure. My vehicle was not on the recall list. We then proceeded to take the car to the dealer to check if there was a safety bulletin at the dealership when the engine locked up. My Dad came to rescue us and towed the car back to his and my mom’s house.

Emissions System Problem- UNKNOWN reason

My Honda Pilot has been diagnosed with engine failure by Royalty Auto in Kingsland, GA despite having been cared for quite well. This failure occurred well before reaching the expected life of the vehicle, yet outside the warranty window and having NO symptoms before the sudden failure. After doing some research on Pilot owner online forums, as well as, the NHTSA website, it seems similar complaints have been well reported and a recall has been issued for some vehicles in the same year and model under NHTSA campaign number 23V75100. This relates to Honda manufacturer recall XG1 and Honda recall GG0.

I am writing to formally document a mechanical failure that occurred while I was driving on a major freeway. While traveling at highway speed, I suddenly heard loud, abnormal knocking and banging noises originating from the engine. Almost immediately, the vehicle lost power and became difficult to control while maintaining speed with surrounding traffic. Within moments, dashboard warning indicators illuminated, and engine performance rapidly deteriorated. Due to concerns for safety and to prevent further damage, I safely maneuvered the vehicle out of traffic and shut the engine off as soon as possible. After stopping, the engine was able to restart; however, it continued to produce concerning mechanical noises. The vehicle was no longer safely operable and required towing. Following inspection by two separate repair facilities, including a Honda dealership, both independently concluded that the engine had experienced a rod bearing failure. At the time of the incident, the vehicle had...

My 2017 Honda Pilot (3.5L V6) is experiencing severe, rhythmic engine knocking and loss of power. The vehicle has no active warning lights or check engine codes. I am aware of the active NHTSA investigation PE25008 regarding connecting rod bearing seizure in this model year. The engine failure creates a significant safety risk, including potential stalling at highway speeds and the risk of engine fire. I am requesting that this vehicle be included in any forthcoming recall for the 3.5L V6 engine crankshaft/bearing defect.

With no warning, the engine has completely stopped while I was driving. The engine will not turn over at all after that moment. All maintenance was maintained on the vehicle, including regular oil changes. There were no lights, signals, or even engine sounds leading into it stopping. It appears that there are others who have had the same issue with this engine.

Vehicle: 2017 Honda Pilot VIN: [XXX] Mileage at incident: ~137,800 miles Description of the problem: My 2017 Honda Pilot has experienced repeated engine misfire issues involving cylinder 5 following a major engine repair performed by an authorized Honda dealership. On September 22, 2025, Honda of Kenosha, WI performed a camshaft and camshaft thrust cover repair on my vehicle at a cost of approximately $4,080. The dealership documented in the repair order that the camshaft thrust cover was not torqued to specification and that the engine misfired immediately after the repair. On December 5, 2025, approximately 44 days later, the vehicle was returned to the same dealership due to slow cold starts and warning lights. During the initial diagnostic at drop-off, the dealer documented a stored P0305 trouble code indicating a cylinder 5 misfire, which is the same cylinder involved after the prior camshaft/thrust cover repair. The dealership recommended and performed...

Transmission locked up and had to be replaced April 8 of 2025. I was blessed it did not lock up while I was driving, but did as soon as I pulled in my driveway. While driving that evening I had some issue with it not downshifting. When stopped in driveway could not restart the car. Had to have a special tow truck take it to the repair shop. I never got a warning light regarding the transmission needing to be checked. I had issues prior to the lock up, engine revving, gearshifting too late. Obvious transmissions issue. As I never got a warning light no code would show to have it repaired. I took it to the honda dealer for repair. After the replacement with another 9 cyclinder transmission the autoshut off is problematics causing me to stall out when stopping at lights and intersections. I had a previous experience...

dealership believes the conneting rod bearing failure. Engine seized and was towed to dealership. So was driving 35mph and lost all power and braking on a 2 lane road. He was able to direct the car off the road safely without further incident. Car was towed to the dealership and has been there since.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? 2017 Honda Pilot (127K miles) has experienced complete engine failure. Independent mechanic and Honda service have both said an engine replacement is required. Vehicle is at Honda of Katy and available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? A breakdown occurred while my young son was driving. Thankfully, he was not on the highway, but the situation was distressing and has shaken my confidence in the vehicle's safety and reliability. He had to push it out of an intersection into a gas station, posing a safety risk to him, his passengers, and other cars on the road. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? It was towed to our mechanic and then to Honda after his inspection found the problem...

Engine connecting rod bearing failure diagnosed at the dealership. At 30mph, engine lost power and clunking noise was heard, coasted into a parking lot and had the vehicle towed to the Baierl Honda Wexford PA Dealership quoted total engine replacement at $9,978.93 +labor, + tax.

While traveling on highway a loud bang occurred, car jerked and started decelerating almost causing on accident. Car came to rest in middle of highway exit. Car was towed to Honda dealership where it was found to have a broken crankshaft rod bearing. No warning signs or symptoms had come prior to. New engine is required and confirmed by dealership.

This car loses speed when passing while highway driving. Car decelerates and throws you into neutral throws dash errors of "blind spot" & "transmission problem". I was luck to be able to get over 2 lanes to break down lane without being hit from behind on several occasions. Car message to put in park and turn off. Car was in neutral and wound not go into park. I had to put emergency break on and power down car in neutral. Waited a few minutes then restarted and no errors on dash. Car back to normal. Car has major faults and you can't show the codes when you get to dealer because they are gone then they also want to charge you $175 diagnostic fee. Car also has issues with the stop light idle turning off feature and not turning back on for 5-10 minutes yet another way someone can hit...

The Auto engine idle stop system just quits and stalls out at intersections. I have to put the car in park and restart the vehicle. Some times it takes a few minutes to get it moving. I’ve brought it to the dealership and they updated the software but it didn’t make any difference. It doesn’t happen all the time but it’s very frequent. I’ve started disabling it because it’s frightening when your call stalls and people are coming up behind you quickly at a green light. Today it’s entirely malfunctioning with a warning so I will have to take it back to the dealership again for them to tell me nothing is wrong. Honda should do a recall on this. I’ve searched the internet and I’m apparently one of many people having the same issues with this feature. Thanks so much.

Auto-idle feature shut off vehicle at a stop and would not restart when light changed. Have to shut off vehicle and start like it was parked. Not safe in city traffic. Dealership said there is no issue with auto-idle feature

My engine started ticking at 113k, had fuel injectors replaced, came back in shortly after, they said engine failed, replaced with used engine… that one starting making noises, they apparently didn’t replace those fuel injectors either, so replaced those. Now catalytic converter is failing at 145k.

While driving the engine started smoking and stopped working. Upon checking by a mechanic it was found that the engine had no oil and was shut. Regular maintenance had been performed on a timely manner and there had been to previous issues or any oil leaks.

My Honda which has 120,000 miles is experiencing rod bearing issues. Honda refuses to help cover costs. I know there is an ongoing investigation with this year and similar mileage issues with Honda pilots so I am submitting this as proof of another case this is happening.

My 2017 Honda Pilot has been diagnosed with engine failure by John Hinderer Honda Heath, OH despite having been cared for quite well. This failure occurred well before reaching the expected life of the vehicle at 106,515 miles, yet outside the warranty window and having NO symptoms before the sudden failure. After doing some research on Pilot owner online forums, as well as, the NHTSA website, it seems similar complaints have been well reported and a recall has been issued for some vehicles in the same year and model under NHTSA campaign number 23V75100. This relates to Honda manufacturer recall XG1 and Honda recall GG0. I have reported my claim to Honda but received no resolution as of yet. My Manufacturer Claim Number with Honda Corp is 15916252. The failures of my engine should be considered in the NHTSA Campaign number 23V751000. Honda recall number XG1, Honda recall GG0. In...

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...

In August 2022, with approx. 92,000 miles, my 2017 Honda Pilot received fuel injector replacement and a PCM update under Honda TSB 20-100, performed by Schaumburg Honda. This Technical Service Bulletin is known to have downstream impacts on emissions systems if the root cause is not fully corrected. On August 13, 2025, at 134,045 miles, the vehicle triggered a P0430 code (“Bank 2 Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold”). Schaumburg Honda again replaced the injectors. Less than a month later, on September 8, 2025, at 135,101 miles, the vehicle triggered a second emissions code, P0420 (“Bank 1 Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold”). Schaumburg Honda informed me that both catalytic converters had now failed and quoted over $5,800 in replacement costs. This sequence of events strongly suggests a long-term emissions defect potentially caused by unresolved impacts from TSB 20-100. American Honda denied goodwill assistance based on mileage, despite the clear connection to prior manufacturer-directed...

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving approximately 10-30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was unable to pull over to the side of the road. The contact pushed the vehicle to the side of the road with assistance. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to The Car Doctor, where it was diagnosed that the engine connecting rod bearing had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE25008 (Engine). The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

- Emission systems problem despite changing fuel injectors twice -- Dealer found DTC P0420 . Performed 20-100 under warranty extension Dealer replaced the fuel injectors last year in 2024 when the emissions systems problem indicator light appeared and recently again on September 04 2025. The repairs were performed free of charge. - The indicator now appears again on and off in the last two weeks after September 15, 2025. - The indicator sometimes shows up immediately after starting the engine and sometimes turn on while driving.

Auto Start/Stop Issue. I finally experienced what some other members of my family have experienced with this car. My Honda Pilot stalled at a stop light in heavy traffic after the engine was turned off when I stopped at the light using the auto start/stop function. After I released the brake when the light turned green, the car did not start.

120k J35Y6 engine with good oil service and no major issues before. I heard a tapping/ticking noise emanating from the engine. So I brought the car to the local Honda service center for a diagnosis. Without opening the engine (i.e. purely based off sound) they claimed that the sound was "rod knock" caused by the crankshaft pin and the connecting rod bearing, and that the engine was effectively totaled. Upon doing some research I learned that that exact issue is the subject of an ongoing investigation so I decided to submit this report. My receipt and outline of that engine diagnosis is attached.

Vehicle Mileage - 87,200 In February I had the Fuel Pump recall completed after over a year of waiting for the parts to come to the Honda Dealer. I first noticed the recall being issued when I received my notice to renew my registration. Then, I received an official notice from Honda a few months later in the mail. I sent an online appointment form around that time and Bobbi at Honda told me that they did not have the parts and I should wait to check again in a few months as it was impossible for them to get the parts in. So I did - I periodically would call her directly in the service department to check and they still did not have it. FINALLY they got the parts in, and she let me know I could schedule to have the recall fixed. I came in about a...

Possible rod bearing, leading to engine failure.

My engine randomly loses power and makes grinding noises. The vehicle is very well taken care of and serviced regularly.

When the auto start-stop feature is on (which is automatically on unless manually turned off every time you start the car), at stop lights/signs, my car will auto stop and then when I let go of the break to accelerate, rather than my car auto starting, it will shut down completely. It does not have the power to restart on its own. This happens all the time. I try to remember every single time I start my car to turn off the auto feature, but at times I forget. And for those times that I forget, it likely is going to happen during that ride. Recently it even happened in a parking lot where I had turned my car off, gone into a store and came back, tried to start my car and it took multiple attempts for my car to start because it acted as if it did not...

Vehicle: 2017 Honda Pilot VIN: [XXX] Mileage at failure: 111000 Summary of Issue: My 2017 Honda Pilot suffered a sudden engine failure diagnosed by a Honda dealer as internal damage due to a failed connecting rod bearing. This is the same failure mode documented in Honda TSB 23-097 / Safety Recall for other Pilot model years (2016, 2018–19), but my 2017 VIN was excluded. Circumstances of Failure: While driving, I first noticed a loud knocking/tapping sound from the engine, followed by reduced power and rough running while getting on the freeway. Within a very short time, the vehicle became difficult to drive and stalled. It had to be taken to a Honda dealership. The technician confirmed a failed rod bearing causing internal engine damage. The failure occurred without warning lights or prior indications, and if it had happened at highway speed, it could have led to a sudden loss of...

On April 30, 2024, while sitting at a traffic light waiting to turn, my Honda Pilot experienced a catastrophic engine failure. The driver heard a loud knocking sound and the engine failed. The driver was left to navigate to a safe area through traffic. The vehicle was towed to a nearby auto mechanic for evaluation. It was determined that a connecting rod had penetrated the engine block and that engine would not be salvageable. The vehicle was towed again to another auto mechanic, where the engine was removed and replaced with a used engine of the same make and model with other required support equipment (timing belt, water pump, miscellaneous belts and hardware) at a cost of $8656.00 Given the passage of approximately 15 months since the engine was replaced, the catastrophically failed engine is no longer available to be inspected. Thankfully the vehicle was stationary when the failure occurred...

Symptom: Knocking noise coming from engine. Diagnosis: Honda dealer removed oil pan and found connecting rod bearing material. Removed all connecting rod bearings and found cylinder 1 bearing had excessive wear and found bearing was bent. Engine replacement recommended as bearing material may have went through the entire engine and could cause engine failure.

(1)My local Honda Dealership (Herson's Honda, Rockville, MD), has diagnosed a knocking sound coming from my engine as a rod bearing failure, and they say I need a new engine. My 2017 Honda Pilot has only 56,755 on it, and I am aware my model car is now currently under NHTSA investigation as a part of the expanded probe of an earlier 2023 recall. It is available for inspection. (2)Your agency has identified this as a widespread problem among my model year, which could lead to complete engine failure. This event would put me as the driver, and any passengers I may be carrying at very serious risk. Other drivers could be at risk of injury if the engine were to fail and I were to lose control of the car. (3)Yes, I had the problem replicated by both my independent service center, and the Herson's Honda Dealership. I will...

The Engine completely died and refused to start in the middle of a busy road. We had to call 911 and have a police car stop and re-reroute traffic to ensure that the stalled car didn't cause an accident. We thad the car towed to the dealer and they were able to confirm that the Engine was dead and needed to be replaced. We filed a ticket with Honda (Case #15428329) to have them cover the cost of the repair and they refused. We have since replaced the Engine and the car is back in service. Since they refused to pay, we didn't have much of a choice at the time so we paid out of pocket.

We have a 2017 Honda Pilot Touring with the 3.5L V6, and it developed a tick when running, and it turned into a rod knock. Found out about the crank and rod recall, but realized our 2017 is not included. Tore the engine down to find the #6 rod bearing destroyed. I still have the bearing if it is requested. The vehicle left us stranded in the middle of the highway with kids on board. The rod bearing and crank have not been inspected by anyone but me, as I cannot afford to take it into a shop or dealer. There were no warning lights or other symptoms besides the tick that turned into a knock.

Driving down the highway started having the check engine light start flashing and a loud clunking noise started in engine. Pulled over and shut off vehicle and tried restarting and it wouldn't. Tried again about 1 hr later and same noise came back. Stuck on side of highway for est 3 hrs. Had it towed to local Honda dealer (70 miles away) and it has a connecting rod/bearing failure and the engine is shot. No indication of the problem until the check engine light starting flashing. Car ran fine. This happened on 7/24/25 and has been at dealership since then because it cannot be driven.

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that there was an abnormal smoke odor coming from the vehicle, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the following day, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

Teenage daughter was driving in rush hour traffic and the car seemed at have stalled out. She pulled over on the shoulder and manually turned off the car. When she tried re-starting it, it would not start. Electrical came on, but no power to the engine. Something then seemed to have overheated because when fire department was called, they extinguished something that had melted the plastic covering underneath the car. Fire department called due to smoke. No flames seen. We believe the smoke was from the melted plastic under car from something (a fluid) that was leaking. Insurance was called, car was towed to a Honda repair shop and then towed to a local Honda dealership. They say engine seized and is locked up and will not re-start. Other noted repair needed they say is torque converter. No other problems with this vehicle in the past. One of the best...

While driving on Interstate 4 in Orlando, engine suddenly seized and all components shut off. We were able to navigate to the shoulder, but vehicle was completely dead. We needed to use an auto transport to bring the vehicle back to Clearwater area where dealership confirmed the engine completely seized with an inability to crank, even manually. Please find Courtesy Palm Harbor Honda's findings attached to this report.

Auto idle stop system has left this vehicle stranded at intersections on multiple occasions. The auto idle stop is not reliable and has been a continuous problem for years. The only way to not have a problem is to manually disable the feature each time I start the car. There is no way to permanently disable and this feature is causing hazardous conditions. My car has been almost hit multiple times due to being stranded at an intersection when the light changes.

Unresponsive and delayed acceleration when pressing the accelerator at highway speed. There is no reaction once the accelerator is pressed, engine does not increase rpm and no increase in speed for 1-2 seconds. This lag in any acceleration has caused multiple dangerous situations and needs to be investigated.

The engine fails to restart on its own after a complete stop at a traffic light or intersection with the auto idle mode on.