2013 Honda Pilot: excessive oil consumption

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 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 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 Mar 25, 2020 · Brakes, Engine · 161,000 miles · IN · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 honda pilot. The contact stated the vehicle burned a quart of oil every 20 miles. The contact stated that the vehicle fails to accelerate of 20 MPH, smoke was seen coming from the engine compart, as wheel as the power brake assist fails. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle to basney honda (3820 grape rd, mishawaka, in 46545) where the vehicle was diagnosed with a piston ring failure. The vehicle has not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 161,000.

Filed Nov 25, 2017 · Engine · OR

The engine is burning excessive amounts of oil. 1 quart every 1,000 miles