Car has died twice when coming to a stop at red lights. seems to be related to the auto stop/start engine setup. Car turns itself off but cannot start right back up again. Every red light flashes but will not easily restart. hundreds of complaints regarding this on the federal safety agency website. the federal safety agency needs to investigate this, cars being stuck in traffic is a safety issue. since its affecting cars years off the line, it must be some component that is failing prematurely. All of these are extreme safety issues as the car is stuck in traffic, or at light and has to be completely shut off, wait and then restart. Last time took a good 3-4 minutes to get it started again.
2017 Honda Pilot electrical complaints
Page 4 of 10: complaints 71 to 100 of 266, newest first, as owners wrote them.
For the past two years, I have been taking my Honda pilot to a Honda dealership, complaining of the auto shut off feature. I will come to a stop at a stop sign or stop light. The car would do the auto shut off and when I lift my foot from the break for the car to start again, it won’t. The car will have its lights lit up, but I won’t be unable to turn the vehicle on. I will then have to turn the car off and then start it all over again. All while cars are honking and I’m in the middle of the road. Holler Honda never fixed this problem. I took in videos and photos and I explained it to them and they said they could not replicate the problem and therefore could not fix anything. I continued to drive the vehicle like that. In January 2023 a service bulletin was released where Honda described this exact issue that were happening amongst other 2017 Honda pilot. I took my car in and I said this is exactly what’s happening. My service advisor told me that he needed to do the software update first per the service bulletin. He said if it doesn’t work then to bring the car back and they will do the remainder of the repairs, such as replacing the starter and the assembly. I asked him if we could skip the software update since we’ve been having this issue for over two years and he said no. Six months later I am driving down the interstate and come to a complete stop and the entire car shuts off and never restarts again. I was stranded on the interstate for over four hours, waiting for a tow truck. I had to have the police come because it was at 6 PM and soon after got dark. It’s a huge safety issue especially considering that I have two kids. Something could’ve happened to me. I have the police report number and receipt for the tow truck ($281.00)
I had been driving for over an hour at 70 when I crossed into Pennsylvania and encountered crawl speed traffic. I exited the highway at exit 1. At the top of the ramp there is a traffic signal. I stopped at the red and the vehicle shut down. The light turned to green and the vehicle immediately in front of me proceeded into the intersection. I removed my foot from the brake and attempted to go. The engine auto stop-start kicked the engine but then the engine immediately cut off and the chimes went off. The car behind be stopped abruptly to avoid contact. Attempting to understand what occurred i looked at screen. The screen indicated to shift the vehicle into park. I did. The vehicle did nothing. Since there is no way to to start the engine without it, I was forced to turn the vehicle off using the On/Start/Off button. Hitting the button turned the car off, a second press would normally start the vehicle but it did not. I cycled the button 2 more times and the engine started. This system is flawed.
While Stopped at a stoplight the Auto Start/Stop feature stalled the engine. This has happened to us multiple times.
A few months ago, car started alarming randomly. Upon entering vehicle all lights on dashboard were going on and off, screen was going through each system followed by "problem" and repeated clicking heard in steering column and captured on video for 1 minute. This continued for several days but car drove okay. Alarming bouts came and went for a few days. I researched and found that it was probably the Keyless Access Control Unit based on other owners of similar years/models. Took to dealer and showed my video. After inspecting they came back saying that they called Honda and it was a different part (unknown) but described as more of the control computer for the car. They placed the part on order, but said that another customer had the part on order for over 4 months at that time with no ETA. Six weeks later, without an incident, the car started alarming again on a hot day. Dashboard lights lighting up, clicking in steering wheel, etc. I drove the car for a few errands just fine, until I went to pull out onto a US Hwy and the clicking began, lights flashed, and the car felt as if it stalled as I was entering the road. Suddenly, it couldn't go more than 2 or 3 MPH, although speedometer wasn't working. I was able to stop it and reverse back (2-3 MPH) into the driveway quickly just before oncoming traffic hit me. When the clicking and flashing stopped, the info screen went through every car system alphabetically and listed "Problem" afterwards. I couldn't get the car to drive normally after turning it on/off several times. I disconnected the battery and that stopped the problem. Two weeks later, dealer said part was in so I scheduled replacement. Dealer replaced "Keyless Access Control Unit" despite telling me 2 months beforehand that it was something different. Car has been problem free since replacement, but it has not been long. Additionally, my neighbor has Pilot of similar year, and has the same exact problem of alarming/clicking, etc.
When the vehicle has been shut off, there is an electrical system problem that attempts to re-start the vehicle. the alarm goes off, headlights turn on, the dashboard lights up. This cycles over and over unless you open the hood or a door to "fool" the system. If you don't do this, then often the headlights and dash light will remain on overnight and the battery is dead the next morning. This prblem has been occurring for two years, but the dealr has not diagnosed it becasue it is intermittand and doesn't throw a code.
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.
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while at a complete stop, the vehicle stalled due to a defect with the Auto STOP/START feature. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated during the failure. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions where a software update was performed, the starter motor, starter switch, fuel injector and valve adjuster were all replaced; however, the failure persisted and worsened over time. The manufacturer was contacted and filed a complaint. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
Vehicle sitting in driveway on hot day started alarm beeping, headlights and tail lights remained on and dashboard warning lights going on and off as if a poltergeist possesed. Car could not be locked. Depleted car battery resulting in new battery being required. New battery did not resolve problem Car drives without problems except some dashboard functions no longer visible Dealer states Smart Access Control Unit, part #38320-TG7-A32, is needed. Part is on backorder from Honda with changing dates of availability. Car is not safe to drive with children and subject to theft since it cannot be locked.
This vehicle keeps having a "Emissions System Problem" Then other times says "Transmission Temperature Too Hot" I bought and get this serviced at my local dealer. They don't know what the problem is and it goes away after I see them for a couple weeks but the problems come back. They say no problem. It's unnerving to drive a car with theses messages and I drive long distances.
Alarm spontaneously went off while in garage & several indicator lights lit up and repetitive clicking sounds heard. Honda dealership Johnson City, TN diagnosed problem as a faulty body control unit module. I was told I could drive the vehicle and afterward unhook the battery cable to keep the alarm from going off & draining the battery. I followed instructions but then it would not start and was then told the body control unit module is at fault. My understanding is that some features of safety are compromised with body control unit module malfunction so perhaps I should not have been given this advice?? When we first got vehicle, 2017 awd honda pilot w RES - the NAV system did not work. Supposedly they replaced it - still does not work. The RES quit approx 2019 - still not work. My wife was told it would cost 2-3,000$ to fix it - did not offer to file a claim on our warranty; we were told to hang an ipad back seat. On 6-19-2019 clock froze; 6-17-19 dash computer not work - Honda replaced display audio replace Navigation unit - warranty covered...9/29/21 starter & battery replaced at 37,394 miles we paid $1020.86 despite having a platinum warranty covering electrical. 10/4/22 at 46,779 miles fuel injectors replaced - warranty covered. 3/26/23 alarm spontaneously went off - Honda diagnosed as body control unit module as problem - "lucky if part arrives by 5/8/23 would cost us $725 to fix (even though we have platinum warranty). Once we reminded them to file warranty will cover but I have to pay for my own rental car (over $900 at this point). Interestingly 737,000 recalls for BCM in 2020. Honda says quote: Our goal is customer satisfaction, that is why we keep a large stock of body parts, mechanical & electrical parts on hand. We have one of the largest inventories in East Tennessee, Western N.C., SW Virginia. 6 times we've had this vehicle at Honda dealership for electrical issues. The SUV has been garaged, driven gingerly, has 51,000 miles on it.
Emission system problem , transmission system problem. Car frequently stops with these error messages and it stopped the acceleration during driving on a freeway. It could have caused a major accident if I had not pulled over safely.
On March 18th, 2023 at 6:30 PM I parked my car and waited for the curbside pick up at a cafe with my 3 girls 6 (my niece) 7, (daughter), and 11 (daughter) years old. The car started blinking all the lights started accelerating by themselves and turned off immediately. while I tried to turn it on it never started instead it blinked and displayed many messages, including transmission system problem, emission system problem, etc. I thought the battery died and called my husband to jump-start the car and it took 30 minutes to get driving with all these scary movements. my kids were traumatized by the experience and I thought thank god they were safe and the problem is solved. After almost a week once again on March 27th at I'm driving the kids to Karate and driving back at 5:45 PM all of sudden it started blinking, shanking, grinding noise, loud noise, and many messages, transmission system problems, emission system problems, etc. "D" drive started blinking. smoke came and I was still on the road not sure what to do. I thought I will be hit by the other cars behind me. luckily I was almost close to our street and it made a loud noise and I parked the car. it still blinked and smoked heavily and I turned off and got out of the car. It was a very scary movement of my life. I have 2 kids and I drive them every day for their day-2 day school/activities. I cannot believe I bought a new car in 2017 trusting the brand and it is already failed, my family. The car has to be towed to the dealership the dealer gave me a code P-2652. I want Honda to take care of their mechanical issues. I cannot get over the trauma I went through and I'm still shaking while I'm writing this. My 7 year old do not want to talk about the car which made me very sad. My girls loved the family car and now I'm in tears thinking about their safety. I want the federal safety agency to safeguard the consumers who go through these issues. HONDA PLEASE WAKE UP. My girls are ready to draft a letter to HONDA and the federal safety agency.
The autostop feature on the car fails to restart the engine. The car completely shuts down and all electrical is dead. This has happened multiple times over the course of many years. Often is takes multiple attempts to restart the vehicle while sitting in dangerous traffic situations (e.g. highway, nighttime with no lights). This is a significant safety issue. Honda has failed to fix the problem despite a new ignition switch and new battery. They don't seem to know how to fix it.
Went out to garage and started noticing headlights and running board lights were on, so assumed another household member had opened door to put something in the car which is not common. After this started occurring more often, asked and no one fessed up so started paying closer attention and even opening garage door just to check. After that, started noticing clicking sounds under the hood. Googling, saw online that others had similar issues. One day went to start car to head out and the car was dead. Called dealer and they said I must have left the car in accessory mode, but I wasn't so sure. AAA jumped the car with much effort. Next morning, car would not start again. This time, I remembered I had one of those jumper boxes and was able to start it, maybe because it was just one day difference. I know I was careful to make sure I fully stepped on brake to not leave it in accessory mode like dealer had said I probably did prior. Drove it around to charge the battery and went to store. When I came out, my car alarm was going off. When I got home, I left car out to see if alarm would go off and sure enough it did. I had also noticed that dashboard lights would flicker Honda symbol. This time didn't lock car and the alarm did not go off. Googled some more and luckily found on piloteers a post about replacing the control module around the driver side dash and considered myself lucky that my alarm was only going off when locked as others were saying they had to disable battery because would go off even when unlocked. Made an appt with Honda. I had a video of the car acting up in the garage and hoped that it would start in the morning. It did and showed Honda the video but of course they could not duplicate the issue but I told them I wanted the part replaced and hoped it worked b/c no way I could have unreliability continue. Said found a service bulletin with similar issue where they replaced 38320-TG7-A52 control unit so $850 later my issues are good
This appears to be a known problem with the Honda Pilot with the car auto start/stop feature. The power/engine cuts on and off when trying to start back up. The dealer replaced the battery but after around 6 months it has started again. Before the battery replacement, we had the issue happen on the freeway while driving. So, it wasn't just after the autostop but it happens more prevalently then. It happened at least 2 to 3 times on the freeway. After reading that some vehicles don't start back up, I am concerned that if this cuts out on the freeway and doesn't start back up, it could cause an accident on the freeway at high speeds. I urge you to push Honda to recall the vehicle to fix this issue before someone get hurt. The dealer tech doesn't know what to do to fix the problem. And, doesn't appear to be the battery as we had the new one checked again just to be sure.
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH and decelerating, the fuel saving feature malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to hesitate and almost stall. The contact was able to drive the vehicle off the road to turn off and restart the vehicle. After restarting the vehicle, the transmission erroneously shifted to neutral and failed to drive. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 24,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while making a stop, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The dealer was contacted, and the dealer confirmed being aware of the failure; however, there was no fix for the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 40,000.
Idlestop issues
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently drifted into another lane. The contact also stated that while driving, the vehicle stopped independently. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed accelerate as needed. The collision mitigation system, the ACC, and LKAS warning lights, the road mitigation warning light and the brake warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed and produced codes: by001c-swlka and u0104, indicating “A Loss of Communication with the Body Control Module) however, the contact was not provided a clear diagnostic result of what parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
Was stopped at a very busy intersection today (2/12) and the vehicle's auto start/stop turned the vehicle off. When the light turned green, I attempted to apply gas and the engine stalled out. Was unable to restart the car again after many retries. I was very concerned that another vehicle would hit me since we were at a very busy intersection. All the electronic warnings on the dash appeared to flicker on and off when trying to restart. Eventually had to have the vehicle towed to the Honda dealer since the vehicle could not be jump started or restart on it's own.
Car turns off at stop after auto shutoff will not restart
The engine fails to restart on its own from a complete stop at a traffic light or road intersection with the Auto Start/Stop function engaged. //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// This is an extremely dangerous vehicle malfunction and needs to be addressed as soon as possible before someone is killed. /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// While driving on the freeway or highway, traffic comes to a complete stop, the engine idle feature stops the engine, and upon restart, the vehicle stalls. This leaves my wife and kids stalled, sometimes on the freeway for up to a minute until my wife can get the car restarted. During that minute, she's at risk of being hit by other motorists traveling at freeway speeds. ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// I brought our Honda Pilot to the dealership, and they could not diagnose and fix the issue. The Dealshp also claimed they were unaware of any issues with the Auto Start/Stop feature. /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Scott Robinson Honda 20340 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503 /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// I recently purchased a new battery to resolve the issue myself, and the issues continue with the new battery. ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Engine Idle Shutoff engaged while at stoplight, however, upon removing foot from brake and attempting to move along with the greenlight signal the vehicle failed to restart. This is the second occurrence with this vehicle since 2018. Engine failed to restart for several minutes while dangerously blocking moving traffic on a busy city street.
For the past couple of weeks, I have seen an quick error message (flashes and then disappears) and my Pilot has hesitated upon restarting after the auto engine idle stop has engaged at a stop sign. This was a longer hesitation (almost a failure to start) than the typical hesitation I feel when this feature engages. Yesterday, an error message stayed on the information screen, warning me that the auto idle stop feature was not working. This morning the error message was not there on startup. When I was at an intersection, my Pilot failed to restart after the auto idle stop feature engaged. It took a couple of attempts (pushing the start button) before the vehicle restarted and I could resume driving. This is a safety hazard for both me and other drivers. I have not yet taken the vehicle to the dealer for inspection.
The alarm has gone off 30 times from 7am this morning to 2pm. I also have a picture of the dashboard lights. About a month ago I took it to the Honda Dealership and they charged me for a bunch of other things and gave it back for it to do it again the same day. Honda said it's a control unit they need to replace but I have to pay?
My 2017 Pilot Elite has been suffering repeated issues with stalling out / engine not turning back on due to some sort of issue with the stop/start function (which will automatically turn the vehicle off when the break has been suppressed for more than 3 seconds). This is extremely dangerous and has put myself, my family, and others on the road in harm's way on multiple occasions. It appears that both the federal safety agency and Honda are both well aware of this issue, but for some reason are not moving forward with formal resolution despite the severity.
Several times while at a full stop, the idle stop feature has failed when I have taken my foot off the brake and tried to accelerate. The error message tells me to put vehicle in park then press start. That does not immediately work. So far, I have gotten the vehicle to start within 1-2 minutes but this is a safety problem for me and other drivers on the road. I have not taken this to Honda but will be doing that in the next few days.
Keyless Start System Problem indicator illuminated in driver information display. Error notification is displayed intermittently. Stays on for several drive cycles and then goes off for a bit only to come back on again. So far the car seems to start ok, not sure if this issue may eventually cause car to no longer start. This issues has been going on for a few months and will stay illuminated for weeks then suddenly turn off. Scheduled an appointment with local Honda dealership but the indicator was not showing the day of the appointment so we cancelled as do not want to pay for the repair. This is a Honda issue and they should repair regardless of the indicator being illuminated or not.
My Pilot is suffering the auto stop/start fault that many others have reported online. The vehicle will sometimes fail to restart from the stopped state, forcing us to manually turn off, and restart the engine. As of this morning, the vehicle permanently reports an "Auto Engine Idle Stop System Problem" error.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2017 Honda Pilot?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history