2015 Honda Pilot: misfire or rough idle

Filed Jul 29, 2026 · Engine · NC

On July 3, 2026 the check engine light, check VSA warning and check emissions warning indicators all illuminated simultaneously and the vehicle began to misfire and sputter which triggered an immediate slow down of traffic behind me. My local Honda dealership acknowledged a known defect with 2013 - 2015 Pilots in which the piston rings deteriorate leading to cylinder misfires. After system diagnostics they confirmed the spark plugs were damaged due to the piston rings defect causing engine misfires, rough idling, and slow minimal acceleration. This situation absolutely placed me, my family and others on the roadway at immediate risk due to the sudden nature of the engine malfunction. While there were no police report or insurance claims the Honda dealer did inspect and perform diagnostics on the vehicle. However American Honda declined any responsibility and refused to repair the vehicle even though this is a known issue with Honda. Prior to this date there were no warning or indication that the vehicle had any issues.

Filed May 11, 2026 · Transmission · GA

1. The engine assembly failed — Piston 1 suffered catastrophic failure due to VCM-related piston ring wear and oil sludge buildup, generating DTCs P0301–P0304 (engine misfire, cylinders 1–4). Vehicle is completely non-operational. Failed engine is available for inspection in Mableton, GA 30126. 2. Progressive engine misfire created risk of sudden power loss and loss of vehicle control at highway speeds. Complete engine failure in April 2026 left the vehicle fully immobile, posing an immediate collision risk to the driver and surrounding motorists. 3. Yes. In October 2025, I brought the vehicle to AutoNation Honda on Thornton Road, Georgia, presenting symptoms consistent with Honda Service Bulletin 25-060. The dealership examined the vehicle but took no action and offered no warranty coverage, despite SB 25-060 being fully active at that time. 4. Yes. AutoNation Honda (authorized Honda dealer) inspected the vehicle in October 2025 while Service Bulletin 25-060 was fully active. No repair was performed and Honda has denied all warranty claims. No police or insurance inspection has occurred. Vehicle remains unrepaired and available for the federal safety agency inspection. 5. Yes. The Check Engine Light illuminated with DTCs P0301–P0304 prior to failure, along with engine misfire, rough idle, and reduced performance. These symptoms were present at the October 2025 dealer visit. No corrective action was taken. The engine progressed to catastrophic Piston 1 failure in April 2026.

Filed Mar 2, 2026 · Engine · 120,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2015 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the error message instructed the driver to pull over immediately. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with piston ring failures. In addition, DTC: P0301 (Misfire in Cylinder #1) was displayed. The contact was informed that the piston rings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Filed Feb 26, 2026 · Engine · MA · crash

I bought my 2015 Pilot in 2024 and since then my local mechanic has told me I am burning oil and I have had to replace several spark plugs. I have had error codes like P0304 come up in conjunction with the replacements. I now have a total engine failure. I looked online after my failure and saw the VCM Warranty Extension, but I was never notified about it. I saw where the codes could come up as "misfires" but might actually be the engine failing. Component failure - engine Safety Risk - I was driving when it died. if i had not come to a complete stop i would have hit a snow covered rocky hill. Inspections - awaiting insurance inspector, engine failure confirmed by mechanic. Warnning - no lights were on when it happened.

Filed Jan 19, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · NJ

Hello my car has had an ongoing issue that was recalled for the 2009 to 2013 year Honda pilots regarding oil consumption. My car constantly has issues with misfiring due to oil on the spark plugs. This started happening around 90000 miles on my vehicle. After several expensive repairs including having the heads on my engine rebuilt, having the coils replaced and having the cylinder 1 spark plug replaced at least 4 times. My mechanic pointed me to the VCS system in the car which many have complained about causing this issue. When the vehicle exhibits these symptoms it has caused me to lose speed instantly on the highway and the vehicle begins to shake.

Filed Nov 3, 2021 · Acceleration, Engine · TX

Engine would not accelerate/misfiring on highway nearly causing an accident certified mechanic replaced timing tensioner, timing belt and water pump also replaced variable timing tensioner, coil packs, spark plugs. Issue still persist with engine light coming on blinking clearing constantly also anti traction light. There are several other similar complaints is there a recall in process????

Filed Jan 15, 2021 · Engine · 78,000 miles · CT

My check engine light came on and my mechanic informed me that cylinder 2 was misfiring. Mechanic mentioned that this was a problem with this style of pilot and he recommended taking it to a honda dealer. There was a warranty extension for 2009-2013 pilots to cover this problem so I don't understand why this extension wouldn't cover 2015 pilots since they are the same generation vehicle. I reached out via phone and email to at leat 4 honda indivduals and never heard back. Sounds like they dont want to call or email back since they know this is a problem. Local honda representative said honda would cover 70% but they should really cover 100% since its a know problem with this generation of vehicle.

Filed Jan 9, 2020 · Engine, Transmission · 85,000 miles · CA

3rd time in 12 months that the check engine light begins flashing and the car begins to lose acceleration power and vibrates excessively. Recent issue happened while driving off of the freeway and at a stop light. The previous 2 occurrences it is determined to be an engine misfire. The last time oil spotted in spark plug indicating that the piston ring is faulty.