10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
8 / 0
Average Mileage:
24,855 miles

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problem #33

Sep 242023

Pilot

  • miles
While driving at freeway speeds of 80 mph, and while passing a vehicle, Engine wants to temporarily slow (like it's dropped a cylinder or two), and the car will NOT speed up. Then engine warning light starts to blink, Emissions Problem light starts to blink, then car downshifts several gears and slows dramatically - or will rev at 4500-5000 rpm. ON THE INTERSTATE! DRAMATICALLY UNSAFE. I've reported this to my dealer, Penske Honda in Carmel, IN - and they can't resolve any issue or see a stupid "error code". This has happened three times in past 3 years. IT"S TERBBYLY UNSAFE. Car goes from 80 to 60 and engine and transmission go on the blank.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

problem #32

Dec 082022

Pilot

  • miles
1) Engine failure - Several times our 2016 Touring has stalled at a stoplight. It takes time to start back up. I have to turn on hazard light, and it is getting worse every occurrence. This has happened since I bought new, and when it happens, all of the lights come up on the dash. There is a investigation in the state of California, but nothing in Ohio yet. 2) I just had to replace my drive shaft that goes from from to back on center bottom of the car. They said the rear is failing, and that may be part of the problem with sluggish acceleration. 3) Transmission: Sluggish acceleration is this ZF 9 speed (outsourced) by Honda issue. I will be accelerating on the freeway, and all of the sudden, it would down shift to like second gear, causing me to slow down suddenly. Dangerous if cars are behind in rush hour. I also had 4 incidents where I could have lost my life because I could not accelerate (the gear would not engage). Dealer informed me that all of the updates are uploaded, and it should be okay. But it's not okay when you are carrying your children, spouse, or co-workers. I have informed the dealer many times that this car is not safe. I personally ran a business as Tier 1 supplier to Honda and visited many Honda factories. Nothing ever got done. It will be too late before they can help us. All of the data and information is at Honda Marysville (Ohio) dealership. All of my services (including oil change) are done there.

- Dublin, OH, USA

problem #31

Aug 102022

Pilot

  • miles
5 times we have experienced P2135 code. 4 times this year, causing the dash warning lights to flash numerous warnings and the vehicle goes into immediate limp mode. Unable to accelerate normally and unable to drive faster than 30-35 mph on the freeway causing us to drive on the shoulder until we are able to safely exit the freeway. This has occurred while on a hill going up to an intersection not allowing me to accelerate to get through intersection safely. Unable to recreate the situation at the dealership, they see the code but unable the diagnose the root cause. We had the throttle body replaced at our expense per dealership recommendation. It reoccured again within 200 hundred miles. Dealership has had it for 2 days and they are unable to reproduce or diagnose the problem.

- Grand Rapids, MI, USA

problem #30

Oct 052021

Pilot

  • miles
Several times, while driving on the freeway, I've taken my foot off the accelerator to naturally slow (rather than brake) for traffic in front of me. When I put my foot back onto the accelerator to speed back up, the car actually decelerates before catching with a "clink" noise and then finally accelerates. This has only happened to me while driving at higher speeds (65 mph) on the freeway and is quite a safety issue as those behind me wouldn't necessarily know my car was suddenly decelerating. It is extremely scary when this occurs and has me scared to drive in any middle lanes, in the event I need to get over to an emergency lane suddenly. My car has been to the dealership three times now and they cannot find the root of the problem.

- Rocklin, CA, USA

problem #29

Sep 212021

Pilot

  • miles
My wife was driving the kids to school, stopped at a busy intersection. The engine idle-stop feature stopped the engine, and when my wife hit the gas, the car wouldn't restart. It required several attempts. This happens sporadically with the car, and it's happened on numerous occasions. Others have reported the same problem on Honda Pilot forums (https://www.piloteers.org/threads/2016-wont-start-after-idle-stop.158131/). The battery was replaced a couple of years ago after the first several times this happened, but both the battery and alternator test healthy. There is clearly a design flaw with this stop/start feature. My wife was left stranded for a few minutes at a busy intersection, with fast-moving cars, with my kids in the car.

- Westwood, MA, USA

problem #28

Oct 212020

Pilot

  • 48,900 miles
Since buying this vehicle the transmission and computer module have already been replaced once due to similar problem. While my son was driving around a corner on a city block so turning left at 15 miles per hour the transmission suffered a failure and error message and accelerated forcing him off the road. Dealer has denied any assistance.

- Santa Rosa, CA, USA

problem #27

Oct 082019

Pilot

  • 60,000 miles
Honda Pilot AWD 2016 has RPM variation / hesitation during normal driving from rev range 1500 to 2500rpm. It is a continual hesitation or spluttering of revs. If accelerarting extremely hard it is not as evident but is always there. Appeared out of nowhere, car has no other issues, serviced professionally as needed/scheduled. Horrible comfort/ safety issue - needs to be addressed has 75K miles, has been occurring for last 10K doesnt seem to do it under no load (neutral) but always under normal driving. Eco mode on or off doesnt matter - no difference

- Willoughby Hills, OH, USA

problem #26

Sep 012017

Pilot

  • 70,000 miles
Purchased a 2016 Pilot ex-L certified used with 8K. While pressing the brakes, they would go pretty far down before engaging. If I let up on the pedal and press again, they immediately grab like they are supposed. I have taken the vehicle in several times, brakes bled and flushed, still the same. I was informed that Honda says the distance of brake pedal pressing down is 2" is normal. I also had issues with the screen going out, and the driver side vent wouldn't stay up, and the A/C wasn't cooling property. Also the system wont connect to my phone randomly. I now had a problem with the transmission. Makes a rattling noise while driving/coasting at any speed. Have taken it in and was told it was the bumper and hood noise. After paying for that, I still have the noise. The rpms jumps from under 2 to just above two, then down again. When the rpms do this the noise happens and also the econo mode turns off to white, then green again. Now it feels like when this happens the transmission feels as iff it is trying to go into gear, slipping. Now when driving and trying to pass, it seems to slip. It is definitely a safety issue! come on Honda please fix the issues.

- La Pine, OR, USA

problem #25

Aug 082018

Pilot

  • 40,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing power while driving at 75 mph, and depressing the accelerator pedal. The rpms dropped to 35 mph and the engine revved. The contact also stated that when the accelerator pedal was released, the vehicle would significantly drop in speed. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was restarted and it resumed to normal. The contact mentioned when the failure occurred the first time, all warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Honda of superstition springs, 6229 E auto park dr, mesa, AZ 85206, and was diagnosed but could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

- Mesa, AZ, USA

problem #24

Jan 012019

Pilot 6-cyl

  • 20,000 miles
There is jerking when accelerating my vehicle. This takes place typically while driving between 20 and 60 mph. This seemingly transmission problem is very worrying for my 2016 Honda Pilot. I started noticing it at around 20K miles. At the current time, my mileage is at 50K. I worry what will happen down the years. I am almost thinking of disposing the car. A manufacturer like Honda needs to own this problem and help its customers with a fix.

- Lewisville, TX, USA

problem #23

Jul 072020

Pilot 6-cyl

  • miles
I went to the Honda dealership in fredericksburg because I had a sign on my car saying emissions system problem and all wheels drive system problem. Once I got to the Honda dealer they said the fuel injectors failed and you need new ones. I was shocked because I just bought this car 3 years ago partially new with little miles on it. To get the fuel injectors replaced the dealership is asking me $1500. That is insane because its clearly not my fault this car never got into a accident and I maintained it top notch.I went online again adn did my research on this matter come to know there are over thousands of complaints. How is that possible that this is never been recalled. I will not pay for something that is a manufacturer problem. I am a single mom with four kids it is not safe for me to drive like this.

- Fredericksburg, VA, USA

problem #22

May 132020

Pilot 6-cyl

  • 75,900 miles
The car threw multiple errors including emission system, power steering, vehicle stability, trailer stability, hill assist, and road departure mitigation. Result was key safety features, including autonomous braking, road departure mitigation, power steering, and lane keeping were rendered inoperable. The engine power was reduced while in motion at 50 mph. The errors came on shortly after ignition was engaged.

- Jefferson, GA, USA

problem #21

Oct 022019

Pilot

  • 38,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at 30 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle hesitated in response. The contact stated that at speeds over 50 mph, the failure was not experienced. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated and persisted for a day but the issue seemed to resolve itself. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed nor repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 38,000.

- Hollywood, FL, USA

problem #20

Oct 252019

Pilot

  • 31,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact took the vehicle to bob lanphere beaverton Honda (10760 sw canyon rd, beaverton, or 97005) for scheduled maintenance. Two weeks later, the vehicle accelerated spontaneously while driving approximately 45 mph. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and they wanted to charge for diagnostic testing. The contact also stated that the failure occurred at least ten times since the vehicle was serviced initially. The failure had not occurred prior to being serviced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 31,000.

- Hillsboro, OR, USA

problem #19

Oct 242019

Pilot

  • 44,000 miles
On October 24, 2019 at approximately 10:00 am cst. Engine completely lost power while driving at approximately 65 mph on interstate I-80. Was in the left lane passing vehicle in right lane. Another vehicle was ahead of mine. Tapped the brakes to slow a bit as vehicle in front was merging right after passing. Hit the gas pedal and all power to the engine was lost for about 1.5 - 2 seconds. Tachometer dropped to 0. took my foot off the gas and then re-engaged. Power to engine came back on and was able to resume normal vehicle operations. Auto engine on/off feature was disabled. Regular cruise control was on, had been set but wasn't currently engaged. Parking sensors were on. Lane departure was off. Forward collision warning on. No other issues for the rest of the 1300 mile (round) trip. We have had this vehicle for about 1 year and this is the second time this has happened. First time was not reported or documented. If engine/power hadn't been restored, there could have been a serious accident. This cannot be normal vehicle operation. Please look into this Honda and NHTSA.

- Lincoln, NE, USA

problem #18

Sep 262019

Pilot

  • 32,500 miles
When going down a straigt hill going around 15mph my RPM's go up to 5 and 6. if I press the gas they go up higher. I usually have to pull over when this happens so it the RPM's stop climbing higher. This also happens somethimes when going on a backroad going around 20-25mph but the RPM's only go between 2-3. it seems like the gears are not shifting.

- California, KY, USA

problem #17

Jun 142019

Pilot

  • 20,000 miles
2016 Honda Pilot sudden rough acceleration while pulling up to the driveway. This happened after accelerator was released before the approach. Fortunately the brakes were applied on time before crashing into the property.

- Miami Springs, FL, USA

problem #16

Apr 052019

Pilot

  • 0 miles
Error display: Keyless start system problem vehicle was stationary, after started. In motion, while driving error displayed and mp/H change without accelerating to even over 100 mp/H when if fact driving about 60 mp/H.

- Antioch, CA, USA

problem #15

Apr 282019

Pilot

  • 44,700 miles
Driving back from a trip and was trying to exit the highway and when I engaged the gas pedal the car would not accelerate. It happened so fast that I thought I did something wrong. Once I got back on the highway I drove about 100 miles and was in a construction zone. I did not have cruise control engaged and was traveling between 55-60 mph. At one time I let off the gas pedal and when I pressed the gas pedal to accelerate the car would not respond. My speed dropped from 55 mph to 25 mph which I was constantly pressing the gas pedal. I was almost hit from the rear and all of a sudden the car started accelerating due to continually pressing the gas pedal. This specific incident lasted about 10 seconds. My car is at the Honda dealership which they cannot figure out the issue since no error code was generated. I've contacted Honda customer service and they are advising to take the car to another dealership for a second opinion.

- Yorktown, VA, USA

problem #14

Jan 042019

Pilot

  • 83,000 miles
Takata recall my Honda Pilot only 83000 miles. Transmission problem and emmission problem both lights came on at the same time. I was driving to work when I felt the car not wanting to accelerate, I immediately turned into a lot and I am waiting here ever since because the car isn't moving forward.

- Saint Charles, IL, USA

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