2017 Honda Pilot: sudden loss of power

Filed Sep 21, 2026 · Engine · MO

2017 Honda Pilot 3.5 L V6 170,000 miles has mechanical "knock" noise corresponding to engine RPM at start, idle, and acceleration. Knock comes from engine block and can be heard from top and bottom of the engine bay, louder from underneath, clearly coming from the rear bank of cylinders. Possibly connecting rod bearing failure. General routine maintenance and oil changes have been completed consistently. If the connecting rod bearing were to fail while running, metal fragments would damage and seize the engine. If this would occur while driving, vehicle would unexpectedly lose engine power, crippling other systems like power steering, electrical, and possibly controlled braking. This could result in a serious or even fatal collision. Me and my children rely on this car for our transportation needs and no longer trust its reliability. I'll have the dealership inspect the engine components according the the 2023 recall campaign, even though my specific VIN, model, or year are not included.

Filed Sep 2, 2026 · Engine · GA

While driving car it lost power and was going only 35 mph then shut off completely while driving. Would not crank had car towed to Honda dealer and they said the engine was seized up. The car is at the Honda dealer now. No warning lights that I'm aware of. Honda dealer stated I would need a new motor.

Filed Jul 7, 2026 · Brakes, Steering · NC

On XXX, while my wife was driving our 2017 Honda Pilot Elite (VIN: [XXX]) southbound on [XXX], approaching the intersection with [XXX], the vehicle experienced a complete engine stall due to the Auto Idle Stop feature. The engine shut off at a stop but failed to automatically restart when she released the brake to proceed. All dashboard warning lights flashed, and the vehicle became inoperable in the middle of traffic, creating a significant traffic jam at a busy intersection. My wife was able to restart the vehicle manually by shifting to Park and pressing the engine start/stop button. This is part of a persistent safety defect with the Auto Idle Stop (Idle Stop-Start) system. The vehicle has stalled multiple times in traffic and on highways since new. Honda performed TSB 23-008 (PGM-FI Idle Stop software update/product update campaign) on XXX at Autopark Honda in Cary, NC, but the issue was not resolved. I also replaced the battery in November 2024 at the dealership's recommendation, but the no-restart/stall problem continues. I normally keep the Auto Idle Stop feature disabled for safety, but my wife forgot on this occasion. **Cause:** UNKNOWN (per Honda TSBs 23-008 and 23-009, the issue relates to excessive cylinder pressure and/or low cranking torque after Idle Stop engages; prior fixes have not resolved it). This defect creates a dangerous situation where the vehicle can unexpectedly lose power in traffic, increasing collision risk. I have reported this to the dealership multiple times and am seeking resolution under TSB 23-009 (warranty extension). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 26, 2026 · Engine · NH

While driving on the highway at approx 60mph my car completely lost power. I had no warning lights on the dashboard and the only warning I got was an alarm sound right as all the power to the vehicle cut off. I had to use my e-brake to help me stop and coast to the brake down lane. I couldn't get my car completely off the highway lane and had no way of getting out of the vehicle. I was towed off the highway and contacted my dealership. Prior to this the car was idling a little rough in the morning.

Filed May 11, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · NC

On Thursday May 7th, while driving the 2017 Honda Pilot Elite it lost power and all the dash lights started to come on. Once we limped it to our home, and the code information was obtained, it revealed number 3-cylinder misfire. After replacing all the spark plugs, I started the car to make sure all the codes were cleared and heard a "knocking noise". After further investigation noted the following, I found the following information via a Google search, is there a recall for 2017 Honda Pilot knocking noise. Found that the federal safety agency is doing a major investigation on the 2017 Honda Pilot for a connecting rod and knocking noise. Honda did a recall in 2023 for the year model 2016, 2018-2019. This is the same engine that was in the recall for doing the same thing. the federal safety agency is currently investigating a potential recall of 1.4 million Honda and Acura vehicles, including 2017 Honda Pilots, over engine failures linked to connecting rod bearing defects that can cause knocking, stalling, or complete engine failure. credit Autoblog+2. Scope of the Investigation Models affected: 2016–2020 Honda Pilot, 2017–2019 Honda Ridgeline, 2018–2020 Honda Odyssey, 2018–2020 Acura TLX and MDX Honda-Tech+1. Engine type: Honda’s 3.5‑liter J35Y V6, which has been under scrutiny for rod bearing wear leading to catastrophic engine damage Honda-Tech+1. Failure symptoms: Knocking noises, sudden stalling, loss of power, and in some cases, fires or crashes Autoblog+2. Reports: Over 400 incidents of engine failure, with at least four involving crashes or fires; Honda has logged more than 2,500 warranty claims for the iss The oil had been changed at the correct intervals, no oil is leaking from the car, the timing chain and water pump were replaced at 100,000 miles with no issues. No metallic shavings are noted on the oil dip stick, and it has 50% oil life remaining as of 05-09-2026. I have it scheduled for a diagnostic service with Flow Honda in Winston Salem, NC tomorrow, May 12th at 0800.

Filed Apr 2, 2026 · Engine · OR

Engine lost power. I put the gas pedal to the floor and it would barely go. Finally, after barely moving out of the intersection, the car lurched forward and I managed to drive it home. I was stuck in a very busy intersection with a car that would not go. All I wanted to do was get out of the intersection because it is a very busy street and I was afraid I was going to get hit. I noticed that there was a knocking sound when the RPM got above about 2000-2500. I took it to the dealer and they said that I had a bad piston rod and that I needed a new engine. There was a check engine light that came on, but it later went away.

Filed Apr 2, 2026 · Transmission · NC

Transmission issues began to occur shortly after purchase in 2017. The Honda dealership finally did a software update after several complaint. This temporarily fixed the issue. The car shifts low gears harshly and with hesitation. The transmission system failure/problem light came on and the car lost power. The car makes a squeaking noise between 23-30mph. Most recently we were traveling on an interstate at 75mph and had to slow down quickly (~55mph) once we began to accelerate the car went limp. This incident happened twice within a weeks time. This put the occupants in the car in danger because the car would not accelerate. It did finally begin to accelerate.

Filed Mar 31, 2026 · Fuel system · NC

While driving, the vehicle lost engine power on three separate occasions (3/6/26, 3/10/26, 3/20/26) and had to coast to a stop on the road. One of the codes that appeared was P0087; the Honda dealership replaced the fuel pump kit (part # 06161-RLV-305) due to the fuel rail pressure being too low, but the vehicle continued to stall upon replacement after being picked up from the dealership. When it was brought back to them, they could not find a problem or replicate the stalling. This is a safety risk because the car is stalling for an unknown reason and will not start back up for 10-15 minutes. This is a safety risk to the driver and others because stalling could cause an accident or fatalities if the driver is unable to safely pull over. Fuel pumps are a known problem in 2017 Pilots and this vehicle was not included in the recall (SB 24-010). I paid $1694 for the repair from the Honda dealership and the problem is still occurring. There were no warning lights prior to the failure. Honda should reimburse me for this cost, but they denied responsibility for the cost despite Service Bulletin 24-010. These vehicles are unsafe and should not be on the road at all.

Filed Mar 2, 2026 · Fuel system · MD

I own a 2017 Honda Pilot. The vehicle has been stalling and losing power while driving. The loss of power creates a serious safety risk, especially in traffic and at highway speeds, as the vehicle hesitates and struggles to accelerate. The High-Pressure Fuel Pump was replaced at my expense after the vehicle began stalling and losing power. Despite this repair, the problem has persisted. I am now being told by Honda that the Low-Pressure Fuel Pump also needs to be replaced. I have already paid for significant repairs, including replacement of the High-Pressure Fuel Pump, water pump, timing belt, and related components. My vehicle’s VIN is not included in any fuel pump recall, although similar vehicles appear to have had related recalls. I did receive a warranty extension for the torque converter, but I have received no notification or warranty support regarding the Low-Pressure Fuel Pump. The stalling and loss of power place me and other drivers at risk, particularly in intersections and during highway driving. The issue has been diagnosed by a Honda dealer/service center. The failed components are available for inspection upon request. No consistent warning lamps appeared prior to failure. I am concerned this may be a broader safety defect affecting vehicles outside the current recall population.

Filed Feb 13, 2026 · Engine · CA

Component/System Failed: Engine – Excessive oil consumption (piston rings / internal engine components). The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Description of the Problem: The engine is experiencing excessive oil consumption. During a monitored oil consumption test, approximately 0.9 quarts of oil were consumed over about 1,006 miles, which equals a consumption rate of approximately 1 quart per 1,118 miles. This rate is abnormally high and indicates an internal engine defect, likely related to piston rings and/or sealant failure. Safety Risk: Excessive oil consumption creates a significant safety risk. If the oil level drops too low between oil changes, it can lead to engine failure, sudden loss of power while driving, engine seizure, or stalling. This could place the driver and others at risk, especially at highway speeds or in traffic. There was no visible oil leak. The oil is being burned internally. Inspection / Confirmation: The issue has been monitored through an oil consumption test. Dealer diagnosis indicates internal engine repair is required (piston and seal-related repair). Estimated repair cost is approximately $6,000. Warning Lamps or Prior Symptoms: No external oil leak was present. Oil level dropped significantly between checks. (If applicable, add: “Oil warning light did/did not illuminate.” If unsure, write: UNKNOWN.) Manufacturer / Other Inspections: Vehicle has been inspected by dealership service department. (If Honda corporate has been contacted, add that here.) Additional Information: The repair cost is excessive for a defect involving internal engine components and appears to be a known oil consumption issue.

Filed Feb 5, 2026 · Transmission · MD

I am submitting a safety complaint regarding a 2017 Honda Pilot experiencing a connecting rod bearing failure. Which has left my vehicle disabled. While driving on I-270 North, the vehicle suddenly made a loud “pop” noise and immediately lost power, creating a dangerous situation on a busy highway. Shortly afterward, the engine developed a very loud knocking noise, consistent with internal engine failure. The vehicle does not need to reproduce the concern, as multiple technicians were able to immediately hear the knocking upon inspection. The issue is constant and clearly present. There were no warning lights, no check engine light, and no prior indications of failure before the incident occurred. This sudden failure without warning presents a serious safety risk, especially at highway speeds. The vehicle has been regularly inspected and serviced, including services performed in dealership settings. The vehicle is currently available for inspection if needed. I am aware that similar model years have been affected by connecting rod bearing issues, and I believe this vehicle should be included or further investigated due to the sudden and dangerous nature of the failure.

Filed Feb 2, 2026 · Acceleration, Electrical · FL

While driving my 2017 Honda Pilot Elite, the vehicle has experienced four separate incidents of sudden and complete loss of power, including while traveling at highway speeds and during rush-hour traffic. The engine shuts off without warning, causing the vehicle to stop in traffic. In multiple incidents, the vehicle would not restart for several minutes. These incidents occurred on U.S. 19 and Interstate 275 in heavy traffic, creating an immediate risk of collision. In one incident, the vehicle died while traveling at highway speeds. In another, it shut off at a red light and blocked traffic during rush hour. The vehicle has been taken to an authorized Honda dealership multiple times. Diagnostic testing initially found no issues. Later visits attributed the problem to the battery, despite the battery being recently replaced and the condition recurring after replacement. The symptoms exactly match Honda Pilot start/stop engine failure recalls affecting nearby model years. However, because my model year is not included, the dealership refused to repair the vehicle in accordance with the recall, even when I offered to pay for the repair. I believe this represents a safety-related defect involving sudden engine shutdown while driving. The vehicle is unreliable and unsafe to operate. Furthermore, given the repeated failure of this vehicle, the dealership’s inability to permanently repair the condition after multiple attempts, and the ongoing safety risk, I am concerned this matter may meet the criteria for a nonconformity under Florida’s Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act. I am hopeful Honda will resolve this matter cooperatively and without the need for further regulatory or legal action.