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.
2013 Honda Pilot engine complaints
Page 2 of 4: complaints 11 to 40 of 85, newest first, as owners wrote them.
While on the highway with our family of 5 all the check engine light, VCM-4 along with traction control light came on. The car began to slow down and would not accelerate when the gas pedal was pushed. The Vehicle has been towed to Honda who apparently knew that this happens in this year, make and model vehicle because they had offered an extended warranty coverage on this issue which has since expired and no longer covered for us. Why wasn't this a recall? This is a major engine issue that costs thousands of dollars to fix.
I am writing this complaint since Honda has so many issues with their vehicles and it has boiled down to my 2013 Honda Pilot which has an engine check light issue related to P0301 – Bank 1 Piston Ring Issue. There was a class action suit on the same and noted in their Service Bulletin 13-082. However, the attorneys of both parties Honda and the plaintiffs reached some kind of deal even with the National highway safety board (Federal Agency) and many vehicles of 2013 were left out of the extension of warranty or repair of this issue, even though a Certified Dealer of Honda checked my 2013 Honda and confirmed it was the same issue. The deal done by these parties have not reached many owners of Honda Pilots for this issue. This is a disgrace to Honda and would encourage all car owner’s past, present and future to buy other cars other than those made by Honda. They have not yet resolved my issue even after all these months of trying. Even lawyers involved these in past cases have refused to help or talk on the matter. What are they hiding or what deals made w Honda, plaintiff, and the Highway Safety Board? I am an original believer of buying Toyotas, however I got a recommendation from family members and friends to get the Honda pilot who have similar vehicles of both Hondas and Toyotas, even though I was very reluctant to buy a Honda due to the horrific stories I have heard about Honda vehicles and experience w Honda personnel. So, I got a Honda pilot 2013 and my terrible recent experience w the car issues and the customer service a Honda corporate proved the terrible stories I had heard to come true. I had contacted Honda to resolve my issue on case which was due to a Honda know issue on the Piston ring issue also confirmed by the Honda Mall of GA Dealership on 11/2/22. The behavior of the case manager, Mr. Kantar Kennedy was atrocious and disgusting. They have closed the case 3 times. Not Resolved. NHTB and Honda are not resolving this issue.
The contact owns a 2013 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle started to stall with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact coasted the vehicle off the highway and the vehicle was towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with a premature engine piston wear which was linked to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 13V382000 (Engine) however, the vehicle was not included in the recall. The contact was given an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.
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.
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.
The car stalled on highway while I was driving it . The check engine light went on randomly and it just stopped . Had it towed to our local gas / service station and they replaced #2 cylinder spark plug . They told us it should be seen by a mechanic bc they thought engine was bad. We took it to mechanic , ( took over 10 days to get it in ) and they said the #2 spark plug that had just been replaced was saturated in oil bc the oil was getting past piston rings . This car has only 86k miles on it .
the engine rod failed and blew apart. Car is still running but could just stop at anytime and caused an accident.
Since purchasing new in 2013, experienced ongoing issues with VCM. Noticable vibration/shudder at all speeds except during heavy acceleration. Taken to dealer mant times. They are able to reproduce but state no fix available. It's how the car was made. In addition to vibration, engine makes a chirping noise when accelerating through vibration. I believe they are related although neither have been able to be fixed. No warning lights illuminate. I purchased this car for the 4wd as I live in snow/ice climate. However, excessive vibration/shudder makes driving in these conditions (any conditions) unsafe due to constant need to fluctuate acceleration/ deceleration to help minimize vibration/shudder to regain sense of control. If you maintain speed while vibrating on snow/ice you feel like you are losing control. This vibration HAS to have a long-term effect on engine/car integrity. It's strong enough that some day I imagine I'll come to a stop and at that very moment, every screw will have come loose/undone from years of vibrating and I'll be left sitting in the seat holding just the steering wheel with the car in parts all around me.
The car is from 2013 doesn’t have a lot miles and the transmission already starting present rallying noises when backing up. I did take to a mechanic and stated that have residue but they not sure if is that or something else..
June 20, 2021 This is my third Honda Pilot. I owned a 2004, 2008 and now a 2013 Honda Pilot since September 23, 2019. And YES, both 2004 and 2008 vehicles had recalls, transmission and engine problems. Fast forward to today, my Pilot wasn't being driven on a daily basis due to COVID-19 Pandemic from March 23, 2020 to present (Teleworking from home). However, while driving my vehicle heading home on June 11, 2021, the VSA Indicator, Malfunction Indicator Lamp and the VTM-4 System Indicator lights lit up on the instruction panel. I took my vehicle to Pohanka Honda in Capitol Heights, Maryland on Saturday, June 12, 2021 but they told me that it would cost approximately $160.00 to run Diagnostic test for the lights and that they were booked for the day and to come back on Monday morning, June 14, 2021. Instead, on Monday afternoon, I took my vehicle to an independent mechanic who informed me that the oil is burning and spilling onto the engine and the engine light came on while they were test driving the car. The independent mechanic recommends that the engine and all six spark plugs be replaced. The independent mechanic also told me to researched the issues. And upon further investigation on the federal safety agency website, I found that the issues are linked to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 13V382000 (ENGINE). However, my VIN number is not under Recall. Even though there are approximately 258 total complaints for the 2013 Honda Pilots and of those, 59 were engine complaints, I am shocked that Honda has not addressed this issue as of June 2021. That is just totally unacceptable and I am so over Hondas period. I will be contacting Honda of America for assistance with this repair. Thanks.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 honda pilot. The contact stated that upon start of her vehicle, the emission, check engine and vehicle stability warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who informed her that oil had spilled all over the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact then towed the vehicle to gary yeomans honda (752 n tomoka farms rd, daytona beach, fl 32124) where they confirmed that the piston rings had failed leading to the oil leak. The mechanic also informed her that the engine needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to the federal safety agency campaign number: 13v382000 (engine) however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
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!
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**
Check fuel cap message comes on sometimes even after I tighten the fuel cap. Sometimes the message stops on its own. Don't know why. Check engine light comes on sometimes and goes off on its own. Don't know why. I noticed these alerts when the car is moving or sitting at an idle. City driving with very little highway driving. I checked honda website today for a list of recalls on my VIN, but the website said that there were not open recalls on my vehicle. I wonder about the airbags in the vehicle.
The engine is making an idling noise only when the car starts in the morning. Takes time for car to increase speed
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 $3k to do this procedure which honda recommends and then I lost it. I realized I was being played and I took it to independent mechanic which brought this to my attention. I have been trying to contact american honda over the phone and they do not answer any calls. The number rings 3 times then plays some music and then ends the call. I also sent them an email which caused mr mario representing american honda, to call me. I missed his call and I called him back multiple times but he is never in the office. Case reference: # 11373382
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 honda pilot. The contact stated the vehicle burned a quart of oil every 20 miles. The contact stated that the vehicle fails to accelerate of 20 MPH, smoke was seen coming from the engine compart, as wheel as the power brake assist fails. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle to basney honda (3820 grape rd, mishawaka, in 46545) where the vehicle was diagnosed with a piston ring failure. The vehicle has not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 161,000.
I changed tire ,bushing stabilizer,wheel balance alignment, changed the tie rod and cv axle but the car still shaking between the speed of 60mph-70mph..I don't remember when my honda pilot 2013 misfired then they fixed it but my timing belt everything was making sound , I spent to my mechanic friend coz the dealer charge me a price of 950$ to do timing belt service.
Misfired 2nd cylinder, excessive carbon and oil fouling on spark plug. Ignition coil needs replaced quickly.
The car is making these horrible noises. The dealership claims everything was find when they sold it to us. We took it back a few days later for them to fix it and they claimed to fix it but never did. We have taken it to multiple mechanics and they can not figure out what it is after have it at least 3 or 4 days. It's like a vibration/grinding noise. The alignment is fine but it still pulls and the steering wheel is off. It always makes a grinding noise and the vibration and grinding starts when you are driving and it hits a constant speed even when you dont use the cruise control.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 honda pilot. The contact stated that the check engine indicator remained illuminated after flashing numerous times. Bmw of murrieta (41430 auto mall pkwy, murrieta, ca 92562, (951) 200-5491) did not mention if the vehicle was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 13v382000 (engine and engine cooling). The contact felt that the vehicle exhibited the same failure listed in the recall campaign. The contact also stated that the engine constantly had a reduction in power when needing to accelerate. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 honda pilot. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine and vtm-4 indicators illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
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.
The engine is burning excessive amounts of oil. 1 quart every 1,000 miles
Wife had to pull over on her way back from dropping my daughter off at dance due to check engine light coming on and front of car shaking noticeably. Car was not driveable due to safety and concern of further damaging engine and had to be towed to mechanic, who diagnosed the issue and recommended the car be taken to dealer as it's a known issue under service bulletin 13-082. Dealer replaced piston rings and spark plugs 1-4 at no charge. However, I had to pay for tow and initial diagnosis from my non-honda dealer mechanic. Suffice to say we're not happy this is happening as we're still paying the car off and would not have bought out the lease last year had we known of this issue, which was known by honda before we bought out the lease.
On 7/5/2016, I set out to drive my parents to an appointment. I am their full-time caregiver. My father has dementia & rheumatoid arthritis and my mother has alzheimer's. My 9 yr old golden retriever was also in the car. When I tried starting the car, it didn't want to turn over. But after a few tries, it started. No indicator lights came on, so I figured it was a fluke. I pulled out of the driveway, began driving (neighborhood - 25mph speed lim) and shortly began hearing knocking noises. After less than a quarter of a mile (crossing suburban main road 35mph speed lim), the car would not respond to the gas pedal. I turned off the air conditioner and rolled down the windows, and I promptly turned around and headed back home. It continued to knock and failed to accelerate above 20 MPH. Still, no indicator lights came on. I also checked the temperature gauge and oil gauges and they were also giving normal readings. We failed to make it the quarter-mile back home. Shortly after I turned the corner one street away from our house, there was a sudden explosion in the engine right in front of me in the driver's seat and the front of the car was engulfed in flames. Less than a split second before the explosion, the check oil and check engine lights came on. It didn't even give me enough time to get my finger on the key before it set ablaze. My father can't walk well and uses a scooter. Both my parents are diminished mentally and could not unlock their doors which did not unlock automatically. If I hadn't rolled down the windows, & if this had happened on the main road instead of our neighborhood where people came to help, I could not have gotten everyone out in time. Insurance co told me there was a recall on engine piston we were never notified of - #13v382000. Neither dealership-heritage honda westminster md-nor local service provider shockley honda knew about it either.
Engine/piston/ring issue. Rings not aligned properly in one of pistons ( factory/assembly error) resulted in oil leaking and thrown on engine , caused 2 spark plugs to fail, this caused engine light to come on and then the vsa and vtm-4 came on and the eco light stopped working...we were travelling 70 miles an hour on highway. We were really afraid when the vtm-4 light came on! We had to pull off road, for fear of ruining the 4-wheel drive system, we didn't know what was happening.. We couldn't get the lights to go off, finally vtm-4 light went off and on the other lights stayed on...it was confusing.... Because the lights were false indicators due to being connected to the engine light. This malfunction caused the vsa and vtm-4 and eco light to come on falsely. Creating panic while travelling 70 miles an hour on interstate. Creating the false impresssion that the 4-wheel drive system had been activated while travelling at a speed of 70 miles an hour. Suggestion:.... Engine light should be separate from other warning system lights..this incident occured approximately 300 miles from our home on a sunday ..we took automobile to dealer monday a.m. And had repair of piston/ring gaskets etc it was determined the other warning lights were false indicators.. .
When my pilot goes into eco mode there is considerable vibration that can be felt in the steering wheel, gas pedal, interior door panel if your leg is resting against it, also there is enough reverb in the cab that at times it can irritate your inner ear. Its the worst around 45 to 65 but can be felt at most speeds. It doesn't matter whether its city or highway its present whenever eco is on at cruising speed. I took my pilot to the dealer I purchased it from to give them the opportunity to trouble shoot the issue. Initially I thought it was the transmission but they said it was the engine going into eco mode and that it was normal. I have never had a vehicles engine produce the amount of vibration that this one does and to be told its normal to me is unacceptable. I have since read many threads and complaints about this same issue on the internet. This needs to be addressed with honda and they need to provide a solution. We bought this vehicle in the summer of 2015, have owned it less that a year and this issue makes it a very undesirable vehicle to own and if honda doesn't provide a solution for this we will most likely get rid of this vehicle and never buy another honda again nor recommend this manufacturer.
I purchased my 2013 honda certified pre-owned in august 2015. Test drive was short and felt no issues. Felt the shudder on a highway drive the next day. Now I question if the salesperson knew this would be noticed and deliberately made the test ride short to avoid this being noticed. I even asked her about the vibration issue from reports I had read about before the purchase. I was told this was not an valid issue and that she had owned a pilot and never felt anything. The car was brought back and a software update was done as well as fluid change in trans within the first month. It still had the shudder. After driving for a few weeks to give it a chance to prove itself and it not me "looking" for a problem I called and spoke with the service manager to report this and inform him I would coming back when my schedule allowed. It is getting more frequent and it does not seem to matter whether in eco mode or not. The shudder usually happens around 38-42 MPH. But will begin anytime the vehicle cruises in any speed range continually. At higher speeds I can feel my skin shake like one of those fat burning shaking belts from years past. (just so you know I am of average build without excessive body skin.) brought the car back a second time. That was today feb. 3, 2016. Went for ride with the service manager. Told him it seems to be getting worse. His conclusion was that this "shudder" was a "characteristic" of my $28,000 purchase. My 1999 suburban that I traded in had a better ride. Very disappointed with honda. I am going to another dealer to get a second opinion.
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