2013 Honda Pilot: misfire or rough idle

Filed Jun 29, 2026 · Engine · MD

Recalls without notification; 1) Engine- recurring problem piston seal leak - continual replacement of coils & spark plugs. Engine light on VTM-4, traction bar symbol on, engine missing. [XXX] 2025: [XXX] ][XXX] Oil change 7 days later wrench & engine light gone [XXX] * 2 days later it came on again. I let it sit for a 1½ days, and the sway light went off. 5-29-25. Glendale Service Center Chase checked - engine light on Misfire of #2 cylinder again. [XXX]. HONDA DEALER Brown Stafford Honda Body Shop Mike Gerdes. 410‑553‑8661 712 Crain Hwy N Glen Burnie, MD 21061 Diagnostic fee. $185 ..Total $220.33 Diagnosis: One day repair Piston rings $6987.70 tax & shop fee $51. 51 Sway bar. $ 418.58 Power steering 1511.37 Flush. $178.29 Estimate Total = $9147.45 (not done) 3-11-25. Glendale Service Center Chase checked - engine light on Misfire of #2 cylinder again. *Glendale Service David/ Chase Replacing all 6 plugs and 1 coil Plugs $25 each = $125 10-2-24 Honda - trying to cut off Engine light on, VTM, Swerve lines Dash panel by music dim Once trouble starting Cell phone charger - losing charge on phone while charging Engine - slow, missing, Noise, smell, dash radio light dimmed, phone charger weak, Radio needs code often, switches from cell phone Blue tooth to radio, sway bar noise. 4-23-24 Safford Brown Honda dealer Glen Burnie. Md. Mike Gerdes. 8:30 DONE open at 7:30. $185 diagnostic Service fee $51.51? Replaced O² sensor and spark plug #2 410‑553‑8661 Total paid $753.95 😡 not replaced! (local mechanic checked) Phil. - service, John Kim in charge Dan 4-21-24 Engine light, VTM-4, traction bars came on AFTER repair 4-16-24 Strange rasping sounds from blower. Destiny Auto Sales 3/07/22. Again. $220 2/8/22 Coil & spark plug $220 2) White Paint peeling 2021 7-2-21 White paint peeling around Sunroof. Rain storm. Soaked inside of car. Repair white paint on roof. Mold inside car INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C

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 May 2, 2024 · Engine · 86,680 miles · KS

The contact owns a 2013 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the check engine warning light, the traction control warning light, and an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that oil was seeping through the piston rings and was leaking onto the spark plugs. Additionally, the dealer diagnosed that cylinder #1 was misfiring. The dealer determined that the piston rings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 13V382000 (Engine) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 86,680.

Filed Aug 1, 2023 · Engine · MN

Having a VCM system problem on vehicle, tighten gas cap, check engine light, vtm-4 light, misfire in 3. Took to Buerkle Buick after reading about class action lawsuit. They were absolutely no help. Said without a code could not help. Bought new gas cap and replaced purge valve, changed oil. Good for a bit then car went into limp mode. Took to a local mechanic, he adjusted valves, ran great but would not come out of limp mode. Replaced VCM Solenoid, still in limp mode. It is sad that this is a known problem but because they settled they don't have to recall these vehicle in the mean time we all get screwed.

Filed Jul 24, 2023 · Engine · 97,000 miles · OR

The contact owns a 2013 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle experienced rough idling. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that there was no recall associated with the VIN and the warranty had expired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 13V382000 (Engine) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.

Filed Nov 4, 2022 · Engine · 81,250 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2013 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at 65 MPH, the check engine warning light, the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) warning light, and the traction control warning light illuminated. The message "Emission Check" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the cylinder #1 was misfiring due to oil leaking onto the spark plugs. The dealer diagnosed that the piston rings were beginning to fail; however, the spark plugs were replaced as a temporary repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 13V382000 (Engine) as the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 81,250.

Filed Oct 14, 2022 · Engine, Fuel system · WA

During my commute home from work my vehicle began shaking as if it was going to stall. The orange check engine light began to flash. I used my scanner and it read the code P0303. I took it to a mechanic the following day and they stated the engine is burning excessive oil and misfiring due to Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management system. The oil is soaking the rear three spark plugs from continuously turning on/off while driving causing the engine cylinders to misfire. They stated it is not safe to drive due to possible shut off, power loss, acceleration loss, and damage to the other car systems. I have regular maintenance done to the vehicle but due to the VCM system it will continue to have the same issues. I paid a lot of money for a “reliable” car but the mechanic is saying I need a new motor.

Filed Jan 21, 2021 · Engine · 155,000 miles · AZ

While driving vehicle obd shows code p0304. Vehicle had poor acceleration while misfiring. Took vehicle into honda dealership and they state a re-ring of four cylinders needed. This is consistent with the "soto class action settlement" in the "honda misfire case" that resulted in a service bulletin and extension to the warranty. Dealership states although this vehicle meets the model and year criteria for this problem, the VIN shows it was built in a factory that does not qualify for the remedy to be paid for by honda. Dealership agrees it is the same problem and same maintenance action required as the other vehicles that are covered by the class action law suit. Honda america refuses to remedy the problem. This is a safety issue that honda refuses to take care of even though it is well known from other same model/year vehicles. Please help!

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 Jun 28, 2020 · Engine, Seats · 90,000 miles · FL

The car has engine check light and traction lights are on. Mechanic diagnosed the codes to match a recall which my VIN is excluded even thought I am facing the same exact issue. Piston misfiring and the engine can lock at any time causing an accident. Codes give to me by mechanic that said that honda should address this issue: dtc - p0301 and p0304. Bulletin -13-082. Dtc 83-11 and dtc - 83-12. Dealership never mentioned this to me I had to go to independent mechanic. Info: summary: "the piston rings on certain cylinders may rotate and align which can lead to spark plug fouling. This can set dtcs p0301 through p0304 and cause the mil to come on" this issue came up two times. First the dealership asked me to service all car parts which I did to get the engine light fixed - cost me $1000. Then the second time the check engine light came on they told me they cleaned the pistons and I should be good. The third time I brought the car back to them all in about three weeks, they said oh... You need $3k to do this procedure which honda recommends and then I lost it. I realized I was being played and I took it to independent mechanic which brought this to my attention. I have been trying to contact american honda over the phone and they do not answer any calls. The number rings 3 times then plays some music and then ends the call. I also sent them an email which caused mr mario representing american honda, to call me. I missed his call and I called him back multiple times but he is never in the office. Case reference: # 11373382

Filed Nov 19, 2019 · Engine, Steering · LA

I changed tire ,bushing stabilizer,wheel balance alignment, changed the tie rod and cv axle but the car still shaking between the speed of 60mph-70mph..I don't remember when my honda pilot 2013 misfired then they fixed it but my timing belt everything was making sound , I spent to my mechanic friend coz the dealer charge me a price of 950$ to do timing belt service.

Filed Nov 17, 2019 · Engine · 85,600 miles · PA

Misfired 2nd cylinder, excessive carbon and oil fouling on spark plug. Ignition coil needs replaced quickly.