2012 Honda Pilot: sudden loss of power

Filed Nov 17, 2025 · Fuel system · CA

My 2012 Honda Pilot is experiencing the same engine defect that Honda acknowledged in later model years (2013–2015) and issued recalls/extended warranty coverage for. The defect involves the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system causing excessive oil consumption, spark plug fouling, cylinder misfire, rough idle, fuel odor, and drivability issues that create an unsafe driving condition. I brought the vehicle to a Honda dealership in 2023 due to rough idle and a strong fuel smell — symptoms consistent with Technical Service Bulletin 13-082 for misfire and piston ring failure in 2009–2013 Honda Pilots. The dealer did not repair the issue or disclose that this matched a known defect. The vehicle now exhibits severe engine performance issues that pose a safety risk, including hesitation, engine shuddering, loss of power during acceleration, and strong fuel odor that may indicate improper combustion. Honda has issued recalls and warranty extensions for the identical defect on 2013 and newer Honda Pilot models with the same 3.5L V6 VCM engine but refuses to repair or acknowledge the defect for my 2012 Pilot, even though it uses the same engine architecture and has the same symptoms. This discrepancy indicates a potential gap in recall coverage that leaves owners of 2012 Pilots with a known safety-related defect unprotected. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate why the 2012 Pilot was excluded, despite identical engine design and failure patterns.

Filed Dec 25, 2023 · Electrical, Transmission · VA

While driving the vehicle at around 45 MPH it suffered a complete loss of power for 3-5 seconds. The dashboard lights illuminated and then the vehicle restarted without having to restart via the ignition and all of the dash lights turned off. This has happened intermittently on two prior occasions. No electrical issues were evident, new battery and charging system appears to be functioning normally. The contact stated that the dealer found that the issue was a faulty positive battery terminal connector. It was replaced.

Filed Apr 18, 2023 · Engine, Suspension · WV

Unusual amount of oil consumption. Faulty cylinder 3. Gaskets cause the oil to leak into the spark plugs causing the engine light to come on with loss of power. Changed cylinder 3 spark plug at least 10 times or more since purchasing the vehicle in 2021. Oil also drips onto the alternator, replaced it twice in 9 months. Wheels and steering wheel shake when hitting the brakes. Replaced brakes and rotors twice as well.

Filed Jul 12, 2021 · Engine · CA

Excessive oil consumption which led to engine misfire while driving and trying to merge onto the freeway. This cause a significant loss of power and poor performance by the vehicle. Fortunately the roadway was not busy, but this issue could have caused an accident. Took the vehicle to local mechanic, Affordable Automotive (Chico, CA). They ran a diagnostic and it revealed a P0301 and P0175 code. They removed the spark plugs which showed excessive fouling and they replaced them. The specific cylinder effected was Cylinder 1. I have contacted Honda and filed a claim (Case #12234271). They opened a case and initially had good communication, but have since stopped responding and have not provided me with a conclusion. Honda initially responded on May 21, 2021.

Filed Jun 19, 2018 · Electrical, Engine · 105,000 miles · VA

The gasket on the spool valve on older honda pilots is known to fail. The failure results in oil leaking onto the alternator which fill cause the alternator to eventually fail resulting in a loss of power to the vehicle. This recently to my wife while driving on a busy highway. Oil leaking from the spool valve fouled the alternator resulting in the loss of power to the vehicle including to the power brakes and power steering. This engineering failure causes a hazardous situation. The vehicle had been recently serviced by honda for an oil change and the issue was not noticed. At minimal, honda should recommend replacement of the gasket as part of routine service after a period of time or certain mileage. A simple google search identified this issue with older model honda pilots.

Filed Feb 21, 2014 · Transmission · 15,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 honda pilot. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH and attempting to decelerate, the vehicle suddenly began to vibrate and lose power before responding normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but no diagnosis was determined. No repairs were performed. The contact was informed that the vibration was caused by the motor mounts, which the dealer advised was normal. The vehicle continued to experience the failure. The manufacturer was notified and no solution was offered. The failure mileage was 15,000.