9.3

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$100
Average Mileage:
64,650 miles
Total Complaints:
3 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (2 reports)
  2. engine disassembled to replace numerous gaskets and hardware (1 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Honda dealer.

problem #3

Oct 232018

Pilot EX 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 102,879 miles

Luckily no wreck, and we were close to home near a shopping center. Engine completely misfired, seized up, not sure what to call it except complete shutdown due to fouling of cylinders. This problem was not covered per se but enough problems reported that Honda knew about it and ultimately covered the issue, although we did pay approx $950 out of pocket on a repair that would likely have cost several thousand dollars more.

- John S., Roswell, GA, US

problem #2

Sep 062013

Pilot EX-L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 37,995 miles

Had the engine light, vma, & vta, lights go on in my car. Took it to the dealer. They told me it all 6 spark plugs were fouled, & I needed to replace all of them, flush the engine, & update the code on my engine. They told me it was probably from getting bad gas, & it would cost around $800 to fix! I refused the service (had to pay for the diagnostic service, rip off) because there was NO WAY I was paying that, when I know spark plugs don't cost that much, & that they're "bad gas", was a bunch of crock since the car only had 38,000 miles on it. My husband called the dealer from home to find out exactly what "Honda" spark plugs they use. They told us. And asked how many miles on the car. We told them. Their response was, oh you don't need spark plugs for another 100,000 miles on it. My husbands response, "That's not what you just told my wife earlier today."

Found on this site(THANK YOU WHOEVER POSTED IT) that it's the "ECO" engine that does this to foul the plugs #1. #2 (AGAIN, THANK YOU WHOEVER POSTED IT) that HONDA has recently admitted to this problem. That being said it's and "unofficial" recall. Honda motor's called me to see how my service was. Well, I gave a bad review (being honest, because they were trying to scam me) & noted the issue to them. The dealer called that weekend, had a lovely(being sarcastic) talk with my husband. Thank God, my husband knows about engines. This would fall under your EMISSIONS WARRANTY! THAT IS COVERED!!!! I am thankful to say my car goes in this week, the dealer is changing all spark plugs, giving me a loaner car, AND REIMBURSTING me on my diagnostic charge. What the dealership was trying to do was bilk me for $800, & then turn around and report the problem to HONDA, thus (since unofficial recall) getting "refunded" on the work they did to my car. Similar to politicians who "double dip". I think I will bring my car to Auto Zone, before since they do give free diagnostic. I would advise people to do so before bringing any car to the dealership. And always get a print out of what the diagnostic is(thankfully I did from the dealer.) Can't go back on their word when it's in writing!!!

- pgnj, Edison, NJ, US

problem #1

May 052013

Pilot EXL V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 53,000 miles

This is my THIRD time bringing my Pilot in two years. Seems like any time I spend a significant amount of time on the highway (by significant, I mean more than an hour), a whole mess of warning lights come on in my truck, including the check engine light. In each of our last two vacations, we have spent part of a day in a dealership trying to get what ever has been wrong, fixed. The first trip, at a dealership in Vermont while on vacation, the problem was a fouled sparkplug. It was fixed for free, and with half the day ruined, we were on our way (but thankful it was covered, and repaired quickly, and truck washed...yay Burlington VT Honda!!!!!). The second time, again after a trip on the highway, all the lights are on yet again. This time, head to my own dealer in Saratoga, NY and am told my truck is nearly out of oil. We're charged $140 (for an oil change and a hook up to their computer), and we're on our way again. Nothing free, including some sort of reason behind this happening again (we are extremely vigilant with our oil changes)....and no car wash (NEVER buying from here again). Third time, on a 17 hr. trip South, all lights are on yet again. Seven A.M. on a Sunday morning. Pulled off in Fredericksburg VA , and miracles of miracles, there's a Honda dealership, and their service dept. is open!!!! Once again, a fouled sparkplug is to blame. Advised that the shortblock needs to be changed. This dealership said that this problem will continue to happen....lights will continue to come on, till block is changed. Finish our almost ruined vacation, and head to our own dealership when we get home. They won't do a darned thing till lights come on AGAIN. Which, if I kept this truck, would of course be on our next vacation. Not ruining vacation number three by keeping this truck. Trading it in before the kids are upset in the back, and the hubby and I are stressed beyond belief. I LOVE this truck, but am unwilling to deal with the issues....and seriously disgusted with my dealership. Just don't feel safe going anywhere further than 20 miles from the house at this point.

Update from Aug 4, 2013: Update....I have an answer (of sorts). The spark plugs continue to foul due to the "eco" feature of the truck.. Bear with me here...don't know much about cars...but, when the eco light comes on in the truck, it's running at it's most fuel efficient...on 4 cylinders, instead of six. While these two plugs are not firing, they're becoming gunked up with oil. Eventually, they foul out. The problem will continue and continue. Once you replace one plug, the next will become gunked up and will foul, causing all kinds of lights to come on on the dash, and another trip to the dealer. Will never buy a honda again.

- melissasny, Gansevoort, NY, US