2017 Honda Pilot: key fob or push-button start problems

Filed Oct 11, 2025 · Electrical · TX

I am reporting a recurring “Keyless Start System Problem” warning on my 2017 Honda Pilot. This is a known and widespread issue affecting 2016–2017 Honda Pilot models, as acknowledged by Honda in Service Bulletin 20-117, which identifies a defect in the push-button start/stop switch assembly. In my vehicle, the warning appears intermittently, and the engine sometimes fails to start or requires multiple attempts to engage the ignition. This is a serious reliability and safety concern, as the vehicle may not start when needed, potentially leaving drivers stranded or unable to respond in emergencies. Although Honda recognizes the defect in their service bulletin, they have not issued an official recall and refuse to repair or replace the part outside of warranty coverage. Many owners are being forced to pay out-of-pocket for a clearly documented manufacturer fault. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency investigate this issue and consider requiring Honda to issue a recall or provide a no-cost remedy for all affected 2016–2017 Honda Pilot vehicles. Additional details: •Model: Honda Pilot •Year: 2017 •Issue: “Keyless Start System Problem” warning, intermittent failure to start

Filed Jul 18, 2025 · Electrical · MA

After fixing a few of the recalls, the alarm on my 2017 Honda Pilot would start going off at random times. After several attempted fixes - replacing the key fob batteries, replacing the car battery - the issue has persisted and we noticed a clicking noise coming from the dash. Essentially the car would attempt to turn on without anyone near it. There are no warning messages present. Thus far, it has not replicated while driving. We have just taken the issue to the Honda dealer and they have come back with a $1400 charge to replace the Smart Power Control Module. In researching the issue, I've seen a number of owners have this issue with 2016-2018 Pilots and even seen some complaints in your database.

Filed Sep 8, 2023 · Electrical, Fuel system · TX

I own a 2017 honda pilot ex-l. I keep up with all my maintenance and vehicle mainly has highway miles. Emissions systems problem light has been going on and off for about a month now. Honda did extend the warranty to cover this issue to 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. My light came on when my mileage was around 171,000 miles so it is not covered under the warranty. Last night (9/7/2023), keyless start system problem light comes on. I have changed the battery in both key fobs. The vehicle does not hesitate to start. I called honda customer service only to be told that my vehicle's VIN is not covered under service bulletin 20-117. If honda is aware that these problems exist, the owners of these vehicles should not have to pay for these issues to be repaired. I have driven a civic and accord before and the pilot has been my worst experience ever.

Filed Aug 30, 2023 · CA

For over eight weeks, the vehicles alarm randomly goes off until it is disabled with key FOB. There is no indication of when it will alarm. It has happened during regular business hour and in the middle of the night, with no pattern in time of occurrence. This is a nuisance and disturbance to the public, as the alarm is very loud. Took the vehicle to the dealership for a diagnosis. Dealership diagnosed vehicle with a malfunctioning Keyless Access Control Unit. The part was on back order for eight weeks but it was delivered sooner than expected to the dealership. Diagnosis cost $195 and repair cost $659.59 for a total of $854.59.

Filed Jun 5, 2023 · Electrical · FL

Beginning in February 2023, around 2AM, my car alarm would sound. Upon inspection, the vehicle dashboard was lit up and clicking relay sounds could be heard from the dashboard. In essence, the car was trying to "start" itself. When the attempted start reached a certain level, the car would recognize the absence of a key fob, and thus, the alarm would sound. To remedy this, I had to leave my key fob in the car - which did not prevent the attempted starts, but at least prevented the alarm from sounding. In the morning the battery was dead from the headlights and interior lights flashing all night. Additionally this was a safety issue as I had to leave keys in an unlocked car. The dealership cannot reproduce the problem, as it happens in the middle of the night (particularly when it is raining or very humid outside). I have found SEVERAL Honda forums with dozens of other Pilot owners who are experiencing the same problem. Dealerships have tried several remedies, all at the customer's expense, including battery replacements, START/STOP switch replacements, etc. The only thing that fixes the problem is replacement of the Control Unit-Smart Power ( 38320-TG7-A32 for my year/make). This part is $400 and labor at my dealership was estimated at $700-800. The part is on backorder. I can only assume it is because there are so many of us Pilot owners trying to get our hands on a working unit. The part is not part of a recall or warranty extension, and frankly, it should be. It is preposterous that so many customers have the same faulty part in 2016-2018 models and that Honda is not covering the cost of these repairs. In the mean time, I have had to disengage my hood sensor to prevent the alarm from sounding, which is a safety issue if the car is stolen. And periodically the battery drains out because the problem persists, lighting up the dashboard while the Smart Power unit tries to start the car all by itself.

Filed Jun 17, 2022 · Electrical · NC

Keyless start system problem error message even after replacing key fob battery

Filed Jun 9, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · OH

Hello, I was driving down the road and my collision mitigation light quickly flashed on and then went off with no objects in front of me or bad weather or rain. Also, my vehicle felt like it tapped the brakes and the steering wheel slightly jerked a little. It was maybe a half second long and then went back to normal. I kept driving and the vehicle did it once again and then 2 more times. The last time I was pulling up to a light when it did it. I should have pulled over first but I decided to turn the vehicle off and turn it back on to maybe reset the computer. Also, I know the car does this anyway when I have my auto start/stop button on. I usually turn it off when I drive. I've had the vehicle since 2018 with no issues before so I was pretty confident it would immediately start. When I tried to turn the vehicle back on, it had completely lost all power and wouldn't start or give me any sign of power. The scary thing was that I was in rush hour traffic with my young kids in the car and I couldn't put my caution lights on or put the car in gear to push it to the side of the road. Again, I should have pulled over first, but there was no logical reason the vehicle wouldn't start. I put the hood up but nobody behind me could see the hood up. I'm stuck in the middle lane of traffic and had to get out of the car to signal traffic to go around me. I checked my key fob batteries and the vehicle battery connectors and everything was fine. I kept trying to use the key fob to unlock the doors every minute or so to see if I could get any kind of power, as well as try to start the vehicle again. After about 7 minutes or so I regained power and was able to drive home, which was about a half mile away. A message on my dash screen displayed "Anti theft System" "This system has lost power. Push and hold the power button for more than 2 seconds to enable the system". I did this and cleared it. I think the Anti Theft System turning on when it shouldn't is the real issue.

Filed Jun 9, 2022 · Engine · VA

I would like to formally report an issue with my 2017 Honda Pilot Touring's auto stop/start feature. I have had several scary incidents where my Honda would not restart at an intersection or on the highway due to high traffic and needed to stop. This is very scary and it is not easy to restart with the fear of getting rear ended by vehicles approaching. With the push button start feature it can be very difficult under stress to re-start your vehicle when the auto stop/start features stalls and needs to be restarted. My wife refuses to drive my car and the inability to permanently turn off the feature creates risk if you don't manually turn it off after starting the vehicle each time.

Filed May 16, 2022 · Electrical, Lights · MD

When parked, the car anti-theft alarms will honk loudly waking up everyone noisily; the headlights will be turn on & keep running (even if it is manually turned off); the dashboard lights will be flickering; relays clicking; and sometimes the car will turn itself on. The noise & lights can't be turned off from the keyfob. The only way to silence it is to disconnect the battery and leave the car unlocked which is not safe when parked in the street or anywhere.

Filed Oct 13, 2021 · Locks · OH · 1 injury

I have had this happen 2 times now! My small child has been locked inside my car with the keys inside the car. Sheriffs had to show up and break into my hot car to rescue my baby. Both times the following situation happened. I strapped my young child into her car seat in the rear passenger seats. I set my purse, with my keyless entry key fob in it, on the front seat. (No one touched the lock from inside). I shut the rear door after strapping my child in. I went to open my drivers door (again, keys in the front seat) and all the doors were locked. It was a terrifying situation. It was hot and I had to call the police to help me out. After 25 minutes we were able to unlock the car. My child was crying the entire time. When we got her out she was drenched in sweat, her hair, clothes, and seat.

Filed Sep 9, 2021 · OH

When I turn on the car, an error pops up saying KEYLESS START SYSTEM PROBLEM. I already changed the battery in the key fob and that didn’t solve anything. I’ve restarted the car several times and the error continues to pop up.

Filed Dec 23, 2020 · Electrical · 47,000 miles · KY

Keyless start system problem error appearing on dashboard. Vehicle has 47,000 miles on it. Electrical is going haywire in that lights intermittently turn on, all error lights flash on dash and dash tries to boot through various ignition states (accessory mode, idle, etc). Car alarm will randomly go off, and it takes several minutes to disengage alarm because key fob not working correctly when alarm is engaged. Had to disconnect car battery to make it stop. Key fob batteries were replaced 6 months ago so not that. Dealership said that they needed to order a part and that honda was aware of this issue and would pay for about 90% of the cost of parts and labor, so the manufacturer is aware that this is an issue. Dealership spent roughly 2 hours running diagnostics on it. Happens randomly (3 times over the course of 4 weeks) when vehicle is parked in garage, and key fobs are sitting out, face up, not being pressed in any manner that might accidentally engage a button.