2014 Honda Pilot: engine stalls while driving

Filed Jun 24, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · MI

Component Involved: Engine Lubrication / Cylinder Head / Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Spool Valve (Solenoid Assembly) and Electrical Charging System (Alternator). Vehicle Affected Example: Honda vehicles equipped with the 3.5L V6 (J35 Engine Series) with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), including the Honda Pilot. Description of the Safety Defect & Failure Mechanism: The rear (bank 1) variable valve timing spool valve assembly is mounted directly above the vehicle's alternator. Due to thermal cycling and material degradation, the molded rubber gasket on the upper portion of this spool valve assembly experiences premature compression set and fails, resulting in a pressurized engine oil leak. Because of the physical packaging and architecture of the J35 engine, the oil dripping from this failed gasket falls directly into the open housing of the alternator located immediately below it. The engine oil contaminates the alternator's internal brushes, slip rings, and diodes, leading to a catastrophic electrical short circuit and total failure of the charging system. Description of the Safety Risk: When the alternator fails due to oil contamination, the vehicle experiences an immediate drop in system voltage, resulting in a sudden and un-warned loss of electrical power while the vehicle is in motion. This triggers a cascade of safety hazards: Loss of Power Steering Assist: The sudden loss of electrical generation drops the vehicle into battery-reserve power, frequently causing the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) to shut down immediately, drastically increasing steering effort and the risk of a crash. Engine Stalling: Total depletion of the battery occurs rapidly without alternator output, leading to sudden engine stalling in active traffic without the ability to restart. Loss of Safety Systems: Reduced system voltage disables critical safety components, including Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), supplemental restraint systems (airbags).

Filed Jan 30, 2026 · Engine · NH

I own a 2014 Honda Pilot that experienced an engine misfire related to piston ring deterioration. An authorized Honda dealership diagnosed and documented qualifying engine misfire codes (P030X). After the misfire occurred, we stopped driving the vehicle due to safety concerns, including risk of loss of power or stalling. While the vehicle was not being driven, the battery failed and cleared diagnostic memory. Honda has acknowledged the prior diagnosis but refuses to perform the repair unless the vehicle is driven until the misfire occurs again and diagnostic codes are active at the time of service. Honda is requiring operation of a vehicle with a known intermittent engine defect to re-verify the condition. We believe this creates a safety risk by encouraging operation of a vehicle that may experience sudden misfire, loss of power, or stalling. We do not feel it is safe to drive the vehicle to intentionally reproduce the defect.

Filed Jan 15, 2026 · Engine, Lights · TN

2014 Honda pilot touring--ENGINE-is running through oil faster than it should. The spark plugs/coil packs have all been replaced now. Starting with 1 an 3.I was driving down the road and it started stalling out while I was in traffic about 8 mo.ago . The vehicle didn't want to go anywhere an when it would get some power to go it was slow an the engine was shaking so hard the whole time even at idle. So I pulled over, turned car off an then on trying to get it home since I wasn't far at all. Finally the check engine light came on as I pulled in the drive. Put a code reader on it to find out that plugs 1.and 3 were misfiring., Fixed that problem and 2 months later it did the same thing. Checked codes again and seen now we needed to replace the rest of the spark plugs and all coil packs. Which made it run normal again. Dates are unknown at this point. Best guess it started about between 6 months an a year ago. We have had problems every since though. The check engine light came on again an the car was shaking and idling up an down an the code was- low transmission fluid. Transmission fluid doesn't leak unless something's wrong. There was none leaking and when we checked the level it was perfect We just turned the car off for awhile an when we started it back it acted fine. Seems like it could be something with the computer possibly?? There is so many more problems with this 14 Pilot. This thing shakes really bad during take off an slowing down. Drivetrain-- there is something in the front end making noise like it's gonna break any moment. Could be CV joint, hub assembly or numerous things. Also sometimes I can smell gas fumes or a burning smell and it doesn't show that it's overheating. ELECTRICAL- the doors used to unlock all over when put in park. Now only the driver door unlocks. Also the daytime running lights warning comes up on the dash. It stays on there. The taillights stopped working, wasn't a fuse or anything. Its the wiring. Paint-gone above windshield.

Filed Sep 19, 2014 · Electrical, Transmission · 50 miles · FL

I purchased a brand new honda pilot-navi 2014 on july 3 2014. 1 week after the purchase there was a major water leak inside the new 2014 vehicle!.. Water was leaking inside from a big rain storm and I do have a video and pics to show you. The next day space coast honda was called where I purchased the new 2014 to get fixed. The service director said that I opened the moonroof which is not true!. He then told me leave the vehicle at the dealership for a technician to look where the water was coming from. The honda dealership offered me a loaner at there cost for the day. The same day the honda was taken there I was called around 5 pm to come pick up the new honda. The service director told me he replaced the windshield and headliner inside and took all the water out from the leaking rain storm!!.. I did not get a copy of the service record and was told I have 3 years or 36,000 miles warranty. 2 days later it was taken back for more repairs! The new 2014 was stalling out,engine hesitating,riding ruff,engine fan keeps running,drivers door light not working and pulling to the right!.. Again the service director tried to fix the problem and failed!.. I have called american honda motor corp in california and told them the problems!. They told me go in my honda pilot handbook and fill out the form for consumer affairs!.. This new honda has many issues and no 1 wants to help or take responsibility to give me a new 2014 honda or refund. August 28 2014 it was taken to space coast honda again for the water leak and stalling out!..

Filed Sep 19, 2014 · Engine · 672 miles · FL

My 2014 honda pilot ex-l has a multi major issues. Starting with a major water leak inside the passenger compartment. Vehicle stalling in the middle of a left hand turn during the rain. Hesitation in the motor when traveling at 45 MPH. This occurs all the time when driving. Lunging forward while the brake is engaged. Pulling to the right, the vehicle should be in alignment. This has been going on since the day of purchase. Whining in the power steering no matter which way you are turning. Lifters are tapping under the hood. The list goes on. Tried to have these issues addressed at the dealership and all I got was there is nothing wrong with the pilot. It runs the way it should. And now they will not even look at the vehicle as they told me to never bring it back to their dealership. I do not feel safe driving this pilot, I loved my 2012 pilot.