2019 Honda Pilot: hesitation when accelerating

Filed Jun 12, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · CT

Vehicle: 2019 Honda Pilot VIN: [XXX] My 2019 Honda Pilot is experiencing an "Emissions System Problem" accompanied by Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P219A (Air-Fuel Ratio Imbalance). This defect causes engine hesitation, rough idling, and a severe risk of sudden loss of motive power or engine stalling while driving at highway speeds, presenting a significant safety hazard to myself and other motorists. American Honda is fully aware of this manufacturing defect. They issued Service Bulletins 20-100 and 21-010 extending the warranty to 10 years/150,000 miles for this exact code and symptom on 2017–2019 Honda Pilots due to defective fuel injectors and faulty PCM software. However, Honda has arbitrarily excluded my specific VIN from this extension (case number Case # XXX). Honda Corporate has officially denied assistance, forcing me to drive a vehicle with a known fuel system defect that threatens sudden vehicle failure in traffic. I request that the federal safety agency investigate Honda’s arbitrary exclusion of affected VINs for this acknowledged safety defect. Thank you INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 15, 2026 · Fuel system · OH

An “Emissions System Problem” warning message appeared intermittently on the dashboard while driving. The warning light would sometimes turn off after restarting the vehicle, but the issue persisted in the vehicle’s stored diagnostic system. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, where a diagnostic scan confirmed a P0430 code (catalyst system efficiency below threshold). The dealer identified the likely cause as failing fuel injectors and recommended replacement of the injector system. The issue was confirmed by the dealership and is reproducible through stored fault codes, even when the warning light is not actively displayed. This condition may impact engine performance, fuel mixture, and emissions system operation. In certain situations, this could lead to reduced engine performance or hesitation, which may affect the ability to safely accelerate or merge into traffic. The vehicle has been regularly maintained according to manufacturer recommendations. There were no significant warning signs prior to the initial dashboard alert other than the intermittent warning message. The failed components (fuel injectors) should be available for inspection upon request through the servicing dealership.

Filed Apr 1, 2026 · Transmission · CA

Transmission shudder/stutter during acceleration, most noticeable between 25-45 mph under light to moderate throttle. Issue began at approximately 10,000 miles and has persisted to the current mileage of approximately 65,000 miles. The vehicle has been taken to the Honda dealer on multiple occasions for this issue. The dealer has performed two separate transmission fluid flushes, which temporarily reduce the symptoms but do not resolve the defect. The dealer has now recommended a triple transmission flush at a cost of approximately $1,000, which the dealer acknowledged is a suboptimal solution. The dealer stated their hands are tied because no recall has been issued for the 2019 model year. This is the same transmission shudder defect that led to recalls and Technical Service Bulletins for the 2016, 2017, and 2018 Honda Pilot models. The 9-speed ZF automatic transmission (9HP) in the 2019 Pilot is the same or substantially similar unit. The defect creates a safety concern during acceleration, particularly when merging onto highways or accelerating through intersections, as the vehicle hesitates and stutters instead of delivering smooth, predictable power delivery.

Filed Mar 28, 2026 · Fuel system · OH

Noise underwood sounds like valve spring, dealer says high pressure fuel pump. Emissions system problem trouble code on dash. Rough start, vehicle sluggish sometimes, hesitates. Noise gets louder upon acceleration.

Filed Feb 7, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · CA

The vehicle experiences a persistent stutter/hesitation while driving, which is especially pronounced during acceleration from a stop or at low to moderate speeds. This condition occurs consistently during normal operation and is not a one-time or intermittent event. The hesitation creates a safety concern when accelerating from intersections, merging into traffic, or maintaining smooth vehicle speed. The vehicle feels as though power delivery is interrupted or unstable during acceleration. Multiple warning lights are present. Dealer diagnostics confirmed permanent communication-related fault codes, including CAN bus communication errors and camera/radar-related safety system failures. These fault codes return after clearing and coincide with the drivability hesitation. During inspection, a transmission fluid service was discussed; however, no transmission-specific fault codes were identified. The drivability hesitation has continued alongside the documented electronic and communication-related faults. The issue has been inspected and documented by a dealership. No crash, fire, or injury has occurred, but the condition remains unresolved and continues to affect drivability and safety-related systems.

Filed Aug 8, 2025 · Fuel system · VA

We took our honda pilot to our local dealership (Nelson Honda 2500 Greensboro Rd Martinsville Va. 24112) for a recall on the fuel pump motor on 4/16/2025. We noticed when driving the vehicle that it had some hesitation when going up hills. The problem persisted so we finally made an appointment to have it rechecked on 7/30/2025. They advised nothing wrong recommended transmission fluid changed. We went to our local repair shop and had them to look at it and much to our surprise the fuel pump had not been touched. We have pictures and you can tell it hasn't been touch in a long while. When we called the dealership they told us that it was completed and that we should not file a compliant because they are a small dealership. I know that I'm one person but this car is my main transportation and I should be able to trust that when a recall is done that they actually do the work. Any help or assistance that you can give would be greatly appreciated.

Filed Jun 20, 2025 · Driver assistance, Engine · CA

Had veh fixed for fuel injection issues in 2023 paid 1500 repair complained to handa America and they paid it.. car was still under warranty.. Recall fuel injection in Feb 2025 after honda buena park fixed it had same hesitation issues between 30 50 mph after just 2 weeks after repair. Took it back had to pay 250 for dialysis no answer.. wanted 3000 to attempt to fix it but no guarantees.. Took car to local auto parts store hooked car to analysis problem and it says ECM is issue. Now why is a local auto parts store able to find problem for free but honda wants 3000 to guess. Honda america was no help. This is now the 3rd issues with fuel system only have 77000 miles on this car.

Filed Jan 21, 2025 · Fuel system · FL

The contact owns a 2019 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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the pedal vibrated, the engine revved up, and then suddenly emit a lower vibrating noise as if the RPMs had dropped. The main communication screen displayed several safety features like the crash avoidance and the back-over prevention camera were malfunctioning intermittently. The warning of low brake fluid was illuminated despite brake fluid level been at the normal range. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available even though the remedy stated that due to a limited supply of parts, the manufacturer was prioritizing the repair of vehicles experiencing failures, such as difficulty starting, engine hesitation while driving, or an illuminated check engine light. The contact spoke with a second dealer, AutoNation Honda Hollywood (2400 N State Rd 7, Hollywood, FL 33021); who confirmed the same information. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Jan 7, 2025 · Fuel system · 54,000 miles · CO

The contact owns a 2019 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 hesitating while driving. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Dec 18, 2024 · Transmission · IA

acceleration hesitation. Car seems to hesitate when accelerating for a few seconds and then all the sudden will accelerate quickly.

Filed Nov 20, 2024 · Fuel system · 12,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2019 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 unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the vehicle failed to immediately start-up on several occasions. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 12,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Nov 13, 2024 · Fuel system · MA

My car has the following recall #23V‑858. I am aware that Honda has issues with sourcing the replacement part. I called when receiving the first notification in Feb 2024 and was told this. I checked again when receiving the 2nd notification in May 2024 and was told the same, difficulty sourcing the required part. I recently have started to notice issues with the car which point to this problem, hesitation and uneven fuel supply. I contacted the local Honda Dealer, Ron Bouchards Honda Store, Lancaster, MA and after escalating the issue with customer service they scheduled an appointment to address the issue. When scheduling they informed me that they would charge $180 service fee. The reason I escalated this issue was that it is not a service issue but a recall issue. Can the federal safety agency help in addressing this issue? It makes no sense that a recall must be paid for by a consumer when the problem exists for the owner. Thank you for you assistance. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)