2013 Honda Pilot: engine failure

Filed Oct 28, 2026 · Engine · VA

I am submitting this formal written complaint concerning Honda's refusal to reimburse me for a piston-ring-related engine failure in my 2013 Honda Pilot. I purchased the vehicle used from a Honda dealership in August 2016. In August 2026, at approximately 155,000 miles, the original engine failed. The authorized Honda dealership confirmed that the failure was related to the piston-ring problem. I contacted Honda corporate and was denied coverage because the warranty had expired. As a result, I paid approximately $3,500 for a used replacement engine and installation ($1000 for engine and $2500 labor – 25 hours @ $100/per hour). I requested a written explanation of Honda's decision. The representative refused to provide a letter or email, stating that I could call and reference my case number instead. I am requesting that Honda reconsider its decision and provide a substantive written response addressing the diagnosis, the applicable service bulletins and warranty extensions, and the reason reimbursement was denied. Technical Service Bulletin 13-082 issued in 2012 and newer TSB 25-060 issued 06/17/2025 extending warranty to 1/31/2026 due to this issue. This was not long enough for the customer’s affected after this date, so I am asking for reconsideration from Honda. The original extended warranty due to the TSB was up to 150,000 miles and 10 years from date of purchase. My issue began exactly 10 years after my date of purchase and at 155,000 miles, just outside of the extended warranty limits. Since it was extended once, I feel there may be a need to extend once again for the people who do not drive their vehicles enough to reach the 150k mile limitation within the 10 year period. Please associate this letter with my existing customer-relations case: Honda case number: 16674657- denied by Honda due to being outside of the extended warranty parameters in TSB 25-060

Filed Aug 25, 2026 · Engine · VA

Diagnosed by CMA Honda dealership - need piston ring replacement due to the ongoing issue and Service Bulletin SB-10099310-9340. This was under 8 year warranty from date of purchase, but this just started happening at 155k miles and in 2026. I purchased this in 2016. Although it is out of the extended warranty timeframe, it is still an ongoing issue with these models and should be covered. Cost estimated for repair is $5700 and a new engine isn't an option since they all of the same issues.

Filed Jan 10, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · OH

Repeatedly there has been a cylinder 1 misfire causing the check engine light to activate. The vehicle starts to shake and idling is rough. It has happened repeatedly over the past 3-4 years. In 2025 it happened in August, October and December despite repeated maintenance. Error codes that have popped up due to the issue primarily include cylinder 1 misfires a known and documented issue related to the faulty VCM system. The problem has repeatedly been identified by multiple mechanics. I use my vehicle primarily to transport my children to and from school. We have all been in the car during these misfires endangering their safety. At many of the times when the misfires have happened my children have been in the car and any engine failure while operating the vehicle puts them in danger. My children are ADHD/autistic and during the times the vehicle has broken down while driving it has caused them extreme distress. The vehicle is available for inspection at any time. I have reached out to Honda repeatedly to have the issue resolved however despite repeated promises the vehicle would be fixed due to recalls and extended warranties Honda officials have repeatedly made erroneous claims and insist my vehicle's vin needs to be approved for any repairs. This is a well documented known issue for this make and model due to the faulty VCM system causing oil to get into the cylinders leading to the misfires and piston ring wear and corroded spark plugs. All I am requesting is for Honda to make the necessary repairs so my vehicle is safe to transport my children. I have kept up with the maintenance of the vehicle. The problems we have experienced are directly caused by the known VCM/MIL failures. Also we have consistently had codes come up for the ABS as well. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act Honda is responsible for making the repairs.

Filed Nov 22, 2020 · Engine · 131,000 miles · NY

My check engine light came on and my mechanic informed me that the code was covered under a warranty extension by honda. I took my vehicle to the dealer, they agreed and replace 4 of the 6 misfiring pistons. They recommended I replace the other 2 pistons at my cost. I did not. The dealer said there was nothing wrong with them and that's why they weren't replacing them. I later found out that they also replaced scored bearings. Upon picking up my vehicle, I took it to my mechanic to fix a bushing that the dealer recommended be replaced. My vehicle was also making a tinging noise I want looked at. It was not making this noise prior to being repaired at dealer. My mechanic fixed the bushing and suggested I take it back to the dealer as the issue was a direct result of the burning oil which was a result of the bad pistons. It was then that the dealer told me about the scored bearings. They said they went to their rep because there was damage. I needed a new engine. (apparently this was known when I picked up my car the first time). The rep for the dealership informed them that because my oil changes were done at a private mechanic and not at the dealership, no good will would be given and I would be responsible for replacing the engine at my own cost, as well as the wrecked catalytic converter, also a result of the burned oil from the bad pistons. The dealer suggested I contact american honda. I did so and after several phone calls the dealer was informed by american honda that the decision was up to the rep. The dealer reached out to the rep again and again rep refused to fix the problem. I now have a vehicle which I still have 2.5 years of payments (I've owned it for 2.5 years) that cannot not be driven. Honda should fix this as the problem is a result of the the damage cause by their faulty pistons! **note: date below is approximate**

Filed May 4, 2018 · Engine, Transmission · 113,000 miles · NC

Engine mil illuminated. Code p3400 indicated through obd. No low oil pressure indication prior to mil, could lead to engine failure. Replaced both front and rear rocker arm oil switches.

Filed Nov 18, 2013 · Engine, Fuel system · MT

Letter from constituent regarding honda's 2013 pilot recall (the federal safety agency recall 13v‑382/campaign#jb5/service bulletin #13-075); he has been unable to correct the problem from american honda motor co. Or university motors; requesting assistance from the federal safety agency. *smd the consumer stated he would like to have the long block and short block replaced. He stated he talked to three different automotive mechanics, and it was in their opinion that replacing only the short block of the engine was not a trustworthy fix. The short block repair performed under non-factory conditions, which could lead to contamination of the engine, that would cause serious issues and engine failure in the future. The consumer stated the dealer would not return his calls. Also, the consumer was not getting the proper gas mileage as advertised. The vehicle was rated between 16 and 17 mpg, and he was getting 13 mpg. The vehicle rolled backward on a slight incline, while in drive, there was a vibration/shudder coming through the vehicle, when maintaining a constant speed.

Filed Jun 25, 2013 · Engine · 5,700 miles · AZ

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 honda pilot touring. The contact stated that while driving downhill at 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check vehicle stability assist warning light was illuminated and after the failure occurred, the check emission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who stated that the engine had seized and installed a new engine, before even opening the hood. The failure was reported to the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 5,700. The current mileage was 6,000. Updated 08/06/13*lj updated 08/5/2013