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2019 Honda Pilot: engine knocking or ticking

30 of the 929 complaints about the 2019 Honda Pilot describe engine knocking or ticking.

owner complaints
30
of this car's complaints
3%
typical mileage
70,000
recalls
2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls and 29 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Engine knocking or ticking by model year

What owners say

Filed Oct 23, 2026 · Engine · ID

Vehicle developed a rod knock. Confirmed by a certified automotive technician. The noise is most prevalent between 2200 rpm and up. Upon further research have found that this engine and vehicle are under investigation for my exact issue. The vehicle needs a new engine. In the process now acquiring a new engine to install into vehicle. No check engine light at this time. This is a safety risk and if the engine fails my family will be stranded or it could cause an accident. Have spoken with the local honda dealers service manager. He did confirm that this issue is prevalent in these models and that Honda is refusing to cover it at this point.

Filed Oct 2, 2026 · Engine · CA

The federal safety agency action # pe25008 2019 honda pilot awd experiencing loud ticking noises from egine bay 3,ooo mile oil changes at dealer since bought new ruling out neglegt valves recently adjustedand timing componentsreplaced at 60,ooo miles including leaking idler arm

Filed Sep 4, 2026 · Engine · WI

Rod bearing failure, diagnosed by Honda Service. At a stop light, vehicle starting making very loud noises (video proof). I pulled over right away and had it towed to not risk an accident or more damage. Honda(same place that the vehicle was purchased at did most preventive maintenance) diagnosis: "Engine Major Miscellaneous | rod bearing failure. removed timing covers and confirmed t belt is intact and holding tension. was able to start motor momentarily and confirmed rod bearing noise. replace motor with used engine" I asked Honda Coporation for a goodwill claim and help and the claim was denied. I appealed this decision. I am asking Honda to consider whether the actual cause of my engine failure could be consistent with the type of internal engine concerns that have been documented on comparable vehicles, and to give my case the attention that such a serious failure warrants. In particular, I asked that Honda: - Reviews the complete authorized-dealer diagnosis, technician notes, repair estimate, and any teardown findings. - Determines and document the specific failed bearing and the suspected root cause of the failure. Review the oil condition, lubrication findings, crankshaft condition, and any other evidence that may explain why the rod bearing failed. -Preserves the failed components and diagnostic records while this request is being reconsidered. -Considers full or substantial goodwill assistance toward repair or engine replacement, including parts coverage, labor assistance, towing or a fair cost-sharing arrangement. This was not an expected maintenance expense, a neglected oil change, or a routine wear item. It was a sudden, serious internal engine failure. I did what Honda asks owners to do: I maintained the vehicle, completed scheduled preventive maintenance, and took well care of it. I HAVE (and provided Honda) proof of ALL PREVENTIVE maintenance completed as recommended, including a costly timing belt change. *NO warnings, lights or signs prior to t

Filed Jul 22, 2026 · Driver assistance, Engine · FL

* Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) – Southeastern Honda: Shortly after purchase, the CMBS repeatedly slammed on emergency brakes without cause, incorrectly flagging adjacent or oncoming vehicles as collision threats. I presented video and photo evidence to Southeastern Honda. The Service Manager dismissed the hazard, telling me I "just have to learn how to drive the car with these driver assist features." Fearing an accident, I was forced to permanently disable the system. * Starter Failure / Battery Issues – Space Coast Honda: The vehicle went through four batteries and repeatedly failed to restart when Auto Idle Stop engaged, stranding my wife and children in parking lots and active traffic. I brought the car in multiple times insisting the starter was the issue, but Space Coast Honda refused to replace it because no codes were present and my VIN wasn't attached to a recall. Once out of warranty, I replaced the starter out-of-pocket, which permanently resolved the issue. Teardown of the original starter revealed extensive heat damage, burned insulation, and charred components. * Current Engine Concern – Space Coast Honda: The engine now exhibits rod bearing failure symptoms aligned with Recall 23V‑751, including knocking and metallic debris in the oil and filter. I brought the vehicle and photo evidence to Space Coast Honda. One staff member claimed metal in the oil was "normal," while another disagreed. I left the car for evaluation, but two days later learned no inspection was done; they claimed Honda would deny it based on VIN exclusion and quoted $13,500 for a used engine. When I insisted they present my case to Honda anyway, they abruptly raised the inspection fee to $800—despite having completed zero diagnostics over two days.

Filed Jul 16, 2026 · Engine · FL

Connecting rod bearing noise in engine Engine has been serviced regularly Afraid engine will lock up while driving

Filed Jun 29, 2026 · Engine · NM

Crankshaft problem. Loud metallic knocking in engine.

Filed Jun 9, 2026 · Engine · NY

Please find the details regarding the sudden, dangerous failure of my vehicle below. The itemized findings are pulled directly from the dealership’s multi-point inspection and diagnostic report. When was the first time (approximate date) you noticed the issue? The issue culminated in an immediate, hazardous crisis on XXX when the vehicle completely shut down while in operation and refused to restart. How often does the issue happen within a time frame (e.g., once a month)? This is a permanent, catastrophic mechanical failure. The engine is completely inoperable and the vehicle is entirely undriveable. What is the name & title of the person(s) assisting you at the dealer? I am being assisted by Victoria Dalessandro at Honda City Long Island in [XXX]. What is the reason/explanation provided by the dealer, as to what caused this issue? Following a formal engine teardown, the dealership confirmed a severe internal failure: a lower engine knock originating from the front connecting rod bearing. This internal component defect completely seized the powertrain, causing the vehicle to shut down and rendering the engine unrepairable. What repairs/services have been completed (if any)? Only the initial teardown and diagnostic inspection have been completed. No repairs will be authorized until American Honda Motor Company, Inc. assumes corporate financial responsibility for this premature powertrain failure. What repairs/services have been suggested? The dealership has stated that a complete engine replacement is required, suggesting a used engine swap ($7,609.92). In conjunction with this catastrophic failure, they have itemized necessary peripheral parts and critical safety wear, including new spark plugs, a replacement drive belt, failed lower control arms ($1,704.28), leaking front struts, degraded stabilizer links, and fluid exchanges. costs estimated for the repair (if any?) The exact total remaining unapproved in the dealership-$10K INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C

Filed May 28, 2026 · Engine · 70,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2019 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while the contact's father was driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's father noticed an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with failed rod bearings and a failed engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Filed May 27, 2026 · Engine · NV

My engine has been diagnosed as having connecting rod bearing knock, which is indicative of failing connecting rod bearings. Two independent mechanics have told me I need a new engine. I'm submitting this complaint as further evidence for the federal safety agency investigation that Honda's Honda Pilot Connecting Rod Bearing Safety Recall had an insufficient of covered vehicles. At the time of purchase and as of today, my VIN is not part of Honda's recall, yet I have experienced connecting rod bearing failure, as have many others. There are several warning Lights including but not limited to ABS, lane assist, trailer assist. So far, my safety is not at risk, but I have a 2 year old grandchild that I drive around multiple times a week. I can’t afford this repair and feel as though I cannot drive this vehicle so I only drive it when absolutely necessary. The vehicle has 82,000 miles on it. Should the engine fail, it's likely that would cause an accident and injury or death. I originally had the vehicle diagnosed because I could hear the noise myself and it was not a normal noise.

Filed Apr 29, 2026 · Transmission · KS

The engine is making the same clunking sound that is associated with the known connecting rod bearing issue detailed in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V751000.

Filed Apr 27, 2026 · Fuel system · 84,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2019 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. The accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the ticking sound was persistent. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with fuel pump failure. The contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

Filed Apr 26, 2026 · Engine · OK

While driving on the highway, the vehicle experienced sudden engine failure at highway speeds, putting the safety of our son and others drivers at risk. The engine completely lost power. The diagnosing dealership confirmed failure of a connecting rod and bearings and internal engine damage with metal present throughout the engine, requiring full engine replacement at an estimated cost of over $17,000. The car is still at the South Pointe Honda dealership in Tulsa, OK. The diagnostic was also confirmed by a Honda certified mechanic at another independent shop. No others have inspected the vehicle. This appears consistent with reported issues involving connecting rod bearing failures in Honda V6 engines of similar model years. The failure occurred prematurely and without warning, raising concerns about reliability and potential safety risks if loss of power occurs during operation. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of a problem prior to failure. The vehicle has been properly maintained and was not subject to abnormal use. I am submitting this complaint due to the severity of the failure, the high repair cost, and concern that similar failures may pose a safety risk to other drivers.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanicalReported November 13, 2023 · 248,999 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.
Risk
A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 28, 2024. 2016-2017 Acura MDX owner letters were mailed November 1, 2024. 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed in mid-December 2024. Honda began mailing owner notification letters as of March 18, 2024. 2015-2016 Acura owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-December 2024, 2018 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed the end of March/early April 2024, 2019 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-May 2024, 2020 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-June 2024, and 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed January 27, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XG1 and GG0.

Recall number 23V751000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleysReported April 12, 2019 · 93,946 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Acura MDX and Honda Pilot vehicles and 2019 Acura RLX, RLX Sport Hybrid, TLX and Honda Odyssey and Ridgeline vehicles. The timing belt teeth may separate from the belt.
Risk
Teeth separation from the timing belt may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace any affected timing belt free of charge. Vehicles receiving a replacement timing belt will also have the engine inspected and any damaged components will be replaced for free. The recall began June 7, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's number for this recall is L4M. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Acura's number for this recall is Z4L.

Recall number 19V298000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2019 Honda Pilot knocking

Is engine knocking or ticking a common problem on the 2019 Honda Pilot?

30 of 929 owner complaints about the 2019 Honda Pilot (3%) mention engine knocking or ticking. The model year with the most reports is 2016.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2019 Honda Pilot?

There are 2 recalls and 29 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2019 Honda Pilot

Backup camera 103Stalling 96Start-stop 70Collision warning 66Fuel pump 61Adaptive cruise 59Lane assist 54Check engine light 53Won't start 49Screen failure 38Headlights 36Hesitation 32Engine failure 27Jerking 24Warning lights 21Loss of power 15Misfire 13Shudder 11Battery drain 10Won't shift 10Phantom braking 7Sudden acceleration 6Transmission failure 6Harsh shifting 5

All model years of the Honda Pilot

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