2025 Honda Pilot: engine stalls while driving

Filed Mar 18, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · RI

On 3/16/26 I attempted to accelerate and the vehicle experienced severe "bucking" and gear hunting hesitation before losing all drive power and stalling. Following the stall, the engine would not crank or "catch" despite multiple attempts. State Police arrived as I was in an unsafe location (blind on-ramp to highway) they called their tow trucks deeming it hazardous to wait as Honda Roadside Assistance would not arrive for an estimated 60-90 minutes. It was brought to the local dealership. After an hour from incident to inspection at the local Honda dealership, the vehicle powered on normally of which no codes showed and the vehicle started with no issues. The manufacturer and dealer state they cannot replicate the problem and found no historical or pending diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). Despite the lack of codes, these symptoms are a direct match for NHSTA Recall Campaign 25V‑031 (Honda Recall AL0) which was officially announced to address Torque Control Failures caused by the FI-ECU software. According to Honda’s safety report, improper programming in the fuel injection unit causes the engine to stall during "sudden changes in throttle opening"—which is exactly what I experienced. As of now, my VIN has not been identified on the current recall list. This loss of power during acceleration creates an immediate safety risk of rear-end collisions and leaves the driver stranded in active traffic.

Filed Nov 14, 2025 · CA

Pilot stalled out while driving all the warning lights started flashing on dashboard the steering wheel locked . I turned vehicle off for a few minutes turned it back on and was able to drive it back home with hazards on took it to the dealership they can’t find anything wrong

Filed Sep 8, 2025 · Engine · PA

This vehicle shut down while driving. Initially it would not restart. When it did restart all the indicator lights were on in the dash. I got to a safe location and I shut it off. I opened and closed the driver's door. When I turned it back on it was back to normal. I had it towed to the dealer because I was concerned about driving it. They found nothing wrong. I am concerned about driving this vehicle anywhere. I feel it will happen again. It's just a matter of time.

Filed May 7, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · VA

The message "emission system problem, power may be reduced, see your dealer" indicates a potential issue with your vehicle's emission control system, which may also be causing a reduction in engine power. I was told by the Honda Service Center, that i shouldn't drive it until it is serviced because the car might stall or engine damage may occur. The car only has 86 miles, I have had it less than a week. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Yes. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I was told the car might stall Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? It has been reported Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? See attachment.

Filed Mar 1, 2025 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · SD

Subject: Safety Complaint Regarding Adaptive Cruise Control Malfunction – 2025 Honda Pilot Office of Defects Investigation, I am filing a formal complaint regarding a recurring safety issue with my 2025 Honda Pilot, which I purchased in September 2024. The vehicle’s Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system frequently and unexpectedly turns off while driving on the highway, creating a serious road safety hazard. This issue has been happening intermittently since I bought the vehicle, and despite bringing it to Honda’s attention, they have not acknowledged or addressed the problem. The sudden deactivation of the ACC system can cause unexpected speed changes, forcing the driver to react quickly and potentially leading to hazardous driving conditions. Given the increasing reliance on driver-assist technologies, such malfunctions pose a risk to both the driver and other motorists on the road. I have reported this issue to my local Honda dealership, but they have not provided a permanent resolution. I am concerned that other Honda Pilot owners may be experiencing the same problem, which could indicate a widespread defect. Therefore, I urge the federal safety agency to investigate this matter thoroughly and take appropriate action, including issuing a recall if necessary, to prevent potential accidents. Please confirm receipt of this complaint and inform me of any next steps. I am available to provide further details or documentation as needed. I appreciate your prompt attention to this critical safety concern. I also attached photos of the said issue. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 13, 2024 · Driver assistance · SC

While driving on an open road, two lanes traveling the same direction the collision mitigation system was activated. The only thing I can think is that it was due to a bicycle that was traveling the same direction at a slower speed than I was driving but I had plenty of room to go around and was not even close to hitting them. The brakes were activated which was not only scary but dangerous. Had a car been behind me there is a strong chance I would have been rear-ended because nobody in their right mind would expect me to hit my brakes in this situation. This prompted me to look at the manual where I saw Honda has a list of reasons the emergency braking could activate despite "little chance of collision". The list is extensive with many reasons the system could activate incorrectly causing an accident, not preventing one. The unexpected braking itself is terrifying but how difficult Honda makes it to "opt out" of the system that obviously has many flaws is even more concerning. I tried to turn off this system only to find out that it is a multi step process that can only be done when stopped so if you forget to turn it off you are stuck using it even if you don't trust the system. Every other safety setting can be turned off while driving except this one. Why make it so difficult for the driver to choose to have complete control of their car, especially when their system is admittedly flawed. In addition, the emergency braking system is the only safety feature that resets every time you shut off the car. So every single time you start the engine you have to go through multiple steps to choose to have control of your own vehicle. It seems the system that is the most flawed is the only one Honda is trying to force drivers to use. This is not safe for my family or those driving around me. I called Honda and they told me there is nothing that can be done to disable it and have the setting hold even after turning off the car like all the other safety setting.