The contact owns a 2018 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH on the interstate, the vehicle started shuddering. The vehicle was pulled over safely to the side of the road. The AWD, Hill Descent Assist, power steering, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact checked the manual and continued to drive. While driving days later, there was an abnormal fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The contact continued driving approximately 20 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The failure was associated with the fuel pressure pump. The lower fuel pressure pump was previously replaced. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 167,320.
2018 Honda Pilot engine complaints
Page 2 of 7: complaints 11 to 40 of 163, newest first, as owners wrote them.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly decelerated to 40 MPH and failed to properly accelerate. The check engine warning light was illuminated and there was a knocking sound coming from the engine. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, and the vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was towed to the residence and a mechanic, and the dealer inspected the vehicle and determined that there was a rod knock coming from connecting rod bearing wear which was referenced in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 116,744.
Engine failure due to connecting rod bearing manufacturing defect (the federal safety agency PE25008). Component: engine; available for inspection upon request (replaced; documentation available). WARNING SYMPTOMS: At 94,000 miles during routine maintenance while under warranty, I reported engine knocking to the dealer. The advisor dismissed it as "normal valve noise" and did not document the complaint. Knocking progressively worsened over thousands of miles. FAILURE: At 100,750 miles the engine required immediate replacement. Dealer diagnosed rod bearing failure; bearing was worn and failing. Engine was replaced before catastrophic seizure. I had just returned from a family trip — seizure at highway speed would have caused loss of power, power steering, and braking assistance, creating serious crash risk. CONFIRMED: Dealer diagnosed and performed engine replacement. Honda provided partial goodwill coverage but refused to disclose the percentage or provide written documentation. When I formally requested full coverage for this defect under federal investigation, Honda stated the case was closed and refused to put the decision in writing. Honda recall 23V‑751 addresses this defect but excluded this vehicle despite identical failure. Vehicle was maintained per Honda Maintenance Minder at dealerships.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle failed to accelerate, and the RPM became elevated. The vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where a partial diagnosis was performed, and it was determined that there was a catastrophic failure in cylinder #3. The dealer informed the contact that the failure was associated with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, a case was opened, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
This 2018 Honda Pilot has been taken to mechanic after a number of check engine and other dash lights came on while trying to accelerate to merge with freeway traffic. Mechanic pulled a P0369 code and I paid for replacement of the cam shaft sensor. Problems continued shortly after work and mechanic conducted further inspections and determined the sensor had been worn by a walking camshaft. There are hundreds of these same complaints posted on the web by angry customers dating back over 5 years yet no recall. The car will unexpectedly lose power at any time and shudder and will not accelerate with difficulty steering when all the engine lights start flashing. With luck, you can pull over to side of road. Repair is over $3500 after spending a lot of money already replacing the camshaft sensor which didn't fix the problem.
While driving, the vehicle just stopped. Tried to navigate to get to side of the road, but ended up stuck in the middle of the lane, in the middle of the road. My pilot also has some sort of lock, so I could not put it in neutral to be pushed out of oncoming traffic. Tried to jump start but the battery was fine. Road side assistance took 3 hours to come and tow us. Once at a dealership, diagnostics was run, starter was checked. But turns out the engine had ceased. The vehicle had randomly not started back up when the eco shut the car off when the brakes were pushed down, but this was extreme! Very dangerous! I regularly change my oil, only use synthetic oil and have my car serviced, fluids topped off. I have been on the wait list for the fuel recall, but Honda on Gilbert, in Gilbert, AZ does not answer calls, call back, or offer rentals for recalls. But this situation was scary and unacceptable. There is other recalls for the 2018 Honda Pilot for engines ceasing up. This is poor workmanship for Honda. Yes, this has been confirmed. My vehicle is currently had Honda Superstition Springs in Mesa, AZ, because I did not trust to go back to Honda Gilbert to timely correct the issues or communicate. Yes, You can inspect the vehicle. Engine ceasing while driving put my self and others at risk. No warnings.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that when the vehicle was cold-started, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The knocking sound was constant. The contact stated that the vehicle nearly stalled recently, and the check engine warning light was flashing. The vehicle was no longer able to accelerate above 35 MPH. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the connecting rods needed to be replaced, and the engine was inspected for internal damage. The contact stated that the independent mechanic checked the oil and observed that the oil was black and the oil level was low. The contact recently had an oil change prior to taking the vehicle to the independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact called a local dealer and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE. Driving normally - no warning - vehicle shut down - dash warning lights went on after shut down. Fortunately, vehicle was through the intersection and on a side street - or this would have been a fatal accident. Towed to Honda Dealership - told engine needs to be replaced. Vehicle just out of warranty @ 106,000 miles. Have all paperwork on maintenance of vehicle - oil changes every 5,000 miles, etc. No indication prior to failure - not in accident - so no inspection by insurance/police.
On October 3, 2025, our 2018 Honda Pilot was being driven a short distance locally when all ability for acceleration was lost. Fortunately the driver was able to navigate off the road safely. The auto shop that checked the engine determined that it had seized up. The oil was properly maintained and the auto shop believed it had to do with a connecting rod bearing issue. The vehicle odometer is only 101,375 and had been in great working condition. This was a sudden occurrence with the only symptom being a slight rattling that started about 3 weeks prior. We don't have a need to drive this vehicle much (once or twice a week for very short distances), so I scheduled an appointment for the rattling sound to be looked at by my auto shop, but the engine seized a few days before the appointment date.
I came to a stop at a red light on a busy street. Vehicle turned off due to autorignite feature. When light turned green it no longer would turn the engine on in order to go. All my lights turned on, I couldn't put the car in drive. I couldn't put in neutral, reverse or any feature. It wouldn't allow me to do anything but put the hazards on. It had happened to me 3 times since the same exact way. Only way to get it to go in drive is by turning the vehicle off completely, if it let's you. Then once it is off, starting it and going about your day. Codes do not register as I have taken to dealership before and they say it would note it but it doesn't and have refused to repair under the warranty. It also has an acceleration and deceleration issue that has been documented on my visits that has yet to be fixed as well and is a known problem but because it is is not the correct year and model it won't get fixed. I have had someone take video since then to show what happens on the other occasions as my proof since Honda Corporation themselves wouldn't doing anything either.
Although I had the Honda taken in for the prior auto stop/start engine recall. The software fix has not solved the issue. While in traffic, even with the auto stop/start feature OFF, the engine will randomly turn off and it becomes a safety hazard as I’m blocking traffic scrambling to turn my engine back on, sometimes it is challenging to get the engine back on, and in the meantime cars are driving all around trying to get around me. This is ridiculous that Honda is doing the bare minimum to address what is clearly a huge liability for me as a driver and others in traffic.
Camshaft sensor failed. Car is not even 7 years old. I was told this issue is known in the Honda ridgelines. They say the camshaft has to much movement and damaging the sensor. Code P0369
when honda service perfomed the recall repair on 12/12/2024. We notice that there is something wrong with the vehicle and we immediately report to Honda service and return the vehicle the following day for further diagnosis but the Honda service failed to resolved the issue until now. We spend out of pocket payment for their recommended repair @ parts replacement . With hopefull promises to resolved the issue but this resulted to more repairs and no guarantee in resolving the issue. And this delay of resolving the issue causing much more concern on our safety onto what will happened as this issue was not resolved
Auto idle system is faulty. I repeatedly experience a failure when this system is not turned off. It causes my engine to shut off when I step on the gas - or (mostly) it causes my car to almost shut off (the dashboard shuts off and flashes back on when I step on gas at a stop sign or other stops, also when I’m driving and accelerate there is a lag of nothing like the car almost turns off followed by a big jerk or jolt when it turns back on again. I’ve asked Honda dealer in town about this and they said it’s just the transmission and could get it replaced but now I see (via a class action suit I read about) that this is a big problem and it’s not just my personal issue with the car. I’m concerned someone will get hurt if these problems are not recalled and fixed by Honda.
On [XXX] we left Charleston, SC for Pittsburgh, PA. In Columbia, SC a maintenance light came on "Transmission System Problem". Soon after, another light read "Transmission Hot." I stopped at the next Exit where Precision Tune- 7000 Garner Ferry Rd, Columbia, SC was located. The shop determined the transmission overheated. I paid $1,105 to have the transmission fluid flushed (3x) and the Honda computer reset. The vehicle had 43K miles. The SUV ran fine for 1800 miles. About 100 miles on our return trip to Charleston at 10:00pm on [XXX] a light read "Transmission System Problem." On July 01, Precision Tune Columbia told me to take the SUV to Precision Tune Summerville. On July 03 I dropped off the vehicle. I spent $517.45 on a rental vehicle. On July 17 my SUV was returned. Precision kept my vehicle without servicing it until the 30 day warranty ran out. I contacted Honda Corporate and informed them there were multiple online forums of other 2018 Honda Pilot 6cyl owners reporting similar transmission issues noting the torque converter. A few months later the "Transmission System Problem" light came on again. Since July, 2024 I have only driven the SUV 5K miles and not out of Charleston. In June, 2025 I received a product recall advisory that the torque converter was a known issue with the model. On July 8, 2025 I dropped the SUV at Stokes Honda. I received a call that the transmission fluid is bad. Precision sent over the Carfax report. It has been a year and my vehicle with 50,750 miles is inoperable and no one will take responsibility. I have only purchased Hondas for 22 years. We have a small trip scheduled July 11-17 and I have had to rent another vehicle, costing another $500. I would like my SUV repaired by Honda under warranty extension as the issue is a known problem with this year, make, and model. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The car unexpectedly sent out emissions failure systems warning Effecting the ability to accelerate without a pause in a forward movement. I had my mechanic diagnose the warning lights which indicate a connector rod issue. This diagnosis aligns with all of the symptoms. My mechanic warned me the engine could stop at any time. We will have the repair done this month. Honda put out a recall and stop production for this issue in March of 2024 but my car does not show up in the recall when I inquired to Honda about the issues I was experiencing. They basically said there is nothing for me to do.
My timing belt tensioner is making a ticking noise and while taking it to a mechanic he says it should be taken to the dealership and be replaced as well as the timing belt. I believe my vehicle should be included in the recall opened in 2019 for the timing belt inspection safety recall.
About once a week now, the pilot fails to restart after the idle stop engages. I have a brand new battery installed and still have the same issue. Honda has applied all the remedies but I still have the same issue. I panic every time it does start because often times I’m in the middle of the 50mph road with hazards on. I’ve always been able to start it after putting the car in park, shutting al the way down and then restarting.
Unfortunately, due to the extended delay in this repair, my vehicle has experienced significant mechanical problems, which I believe are directly related to the faulty fuel pump.Fuel Injector Contamination, Catalytic Converter Stress, Transmission Performance Issues
• Several months ago my 2018 Honda Pilot with 80K miles started to have an engine "flutter" at 2500 to 3000 RPM • Serviced the vehicle several times and dealership couldn't find the issue • A few weeks ago the engine light started flashing and the engine started knocking • Had the car towed to a Holman Honda in Denver, who said the the motor is shot and needs to be replaced at $23,000 • The issue was rod bearing knock, which is usually associated with maintenance issue or improper oil • Honda has a recall on certain VINs but not on our VIN, plus all Acura MDX vehicles between 2016 and 2020 have the same engine and are recalled. • This could have been a sever safety risk because the engine could have seized during use or blown the engine • This appears to be a known Honda issue, but Honda is being selective on the recalls for the VINs
When we operate the car and stop at a red light or stop sign, but mostly at red lights on occasion and frequently, it will not restart automatically. Even attempts to restart the car do not always work on the first try and sometimes take multiple attempts before it eventually will restart. Create a road hazard as the car is unable to operate on a right of way with a green light for prolonged period The problem is this issue is not duplicatable and is very infrequent approximately three times in the past year. I'm taking it in for extended warranty, but the dealer cannot duplicate the problem.
Auto restart failed. Vehicle failed to move forward at a red light. Dash instructed to place vehicle on park then press the engine start-stop button hence restarting in the middle of the road presenting a safety hazard, cars behind me almost tail ending mine. People were honking and I couldn’t move fast enough. Why is the Honda dealer saying they will charge $222 to inspect to see if it’s a starter issue? Just fix the problem. I already had the system reset due to recall. This is a prevalent problem, shouldn’t it be inclusive to a recall. Also putting the customers at risk knowing its an issue is a huge problem. Please advise and help resolve this safety issue.
Start stop system would not restart vehicle. Came to a stop at a stoplight. Engine stopped with system engaged. Let go of brake to creep up in traffic and the engine did not restart. Warning on Dash told me to place vehicle in park and restart. It took a couple of tries to restart . The vehicle eventually did restart.
Crank shaft rod bearing, engine needs to be replaced due to internal damage. Honda has recalled other VINs for 2018 Honda Pilot, but not mine. I am having the same problem as another recall already issued, and Honda is refusing to pay for engine replacement.
I have had a recall that the dealer has renegged on helping me with. About a couple of years ago we scheduled appointments, we missed work, showed up at the appointments for our two cars, only to be told that the parts are on back order. We keep getting the same response over and over. The last time I called a couple of weeks ago, the service department hung up on me. I called back and asked to have the Service Manager call me. He did not return my call. I have left message for the general manager, and he has NOT returned my calls. I need my recall remedied. My vehicle sometimes hesitates to start and has acceleration issues.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 50 MPH, there was an abnormal metal-on-metal sound in the lower engine. The driver pulled over safely. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Action Number: RQ24013 (Engine). The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who discovered metal shavings in the oil pan. The contact called the local dealer, who recommended an engine replacement because there was metal in the engine. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and confirmed there were no associated recalls on the VIN for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the engine warning light Illuminated. The contact stated that there was a knocking sound coming from the engine while parking the vehicle at work. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 170,000.
I was driving on the highway, and the sensor stating the transmission is too hot popped up on the dashboard. This is an issue I have brought to Honda's attention on a few other occasions over the past three years, as this light has shown up before, but only when the outside temperatures had exceeded 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and I was driving at speeds of 55mph or more. I'd been told that since there was no active re-call, there was nothing they could do each time I reached out to Honda. Shortly after the light showed on the dashboard, I lost the ability to accelerate. I was pushing the gas pedal down, the RPM's were increasing, but my speed was decreasing. At that point, I decided it was best to exit at the upcoming Oasis, and before I could start to merge right, I heard a loud "pop" noise from presumably from the engine. Flames began to shoot out from under the hood on the driver-side. I merged over to the shoulder as quickly and safely as I could, grabbed my purse and exited the vehicle immediately. I then called 911, and while I was on the phone with dispatch, more loud "pops" occurred, growing the flames, until the car was completely engulfed in fire and black smoke. After a few minutes, the state police, EMT and South Holland FD arrived. The firefighters put the fire out, and the car was completely destroyed, resulting in a total loss of the vehicle.
Removed and replaced connecting rod bearings after engine knock noted and confirmed at Honda dealership during unrelated maintenance work. The mechanic noted wear and scoring on the connecting rod bearings and the engine knock went away after replacement. This could've resulted in catastrophic engine failure and loss of control while driving if unaddressed. This VIN was not covered under the federal safety agency recall 23V‑751 related to connecting rod bearing failure but was in the same year / model groups. Request that the recall be widened to include a bigger range of vehicles.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Pilot. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing engine hesitation while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the transmission fluid and the coolant were flushed. The contact was charged a service fee; however, the failure recurred while driving. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH on the third lane of an interstate with her children in the car seats in the rear seats, the vehicle made an abnormal clunking sound. The vehicle decelerated to 35 MPH abruptly, causing the driver's and passengers' seat belts to retract. The contact immediately depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH, nearly causing a crash. The contact activated the hazard lights and drove to her husband's shop. The contact's husband cleared the diagnostic trouble codes, and the vehicle accelerated as needed while driving; however, the vehicle shuddered, made abnormal sounds, the engine had a misfire, and the vehicle stalled while driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the message "Emission System Problem" was displayed. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was in the process of taking the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
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