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Honda Pilot ball joint problems

48 of the 9,455 owner complaints about the Honda Pilot describe ball joint or control arm failure, most of them for the 2012 model year.

owner complaints
48
worst model year
2012
typical repair cost reported
$1,100
typical mileage
75,000
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2025
    1
  • 2022
    1
  • 2021
    2
  • 2020
    2
  • 2019
    2
  • 2018
    1
  • 2017
    3
  • 2016
    6
  • 2015
    4
  • 2014
    1
  • 2013
    1
  • 2012
    6
  • 2011
    1
  • 2010
    3
  • 2009
    4
  • 2006
    1
  • 2005
    3
  • 2004
    3
  • 2003
    3

What owners say

Filed Oct 26, 2026 · Body, Suspension · IL

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V365000 (Structure, Suspension). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that a fee was required for the rear passenger-side lower control arm replacement because the lower control arm bolt could not be loosened to complete the recall repair. The contact declined to pay the fee. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was filed, and the contact received an email confirming that the lower control arm replacement cost was at the owner's expense. The contact stated that the manufacturer failed to provide the recall repair free of charge.

Filed Oct 26, 2026 · Steering · GA

We purchased a 2022 Honda Pilot Sport brand new. In 2024, it began shaking while slowing down. Hennessy Honda blamed worn tires. We replaced all four by 2025; the shaking briefly improved but returned. Hennessy then diagnosed bad control arms. On [XXX] at approximately 97,000 miles, an independent mechanic instantly identified a broken steering rack. He demonstrated that both front wheels had excessive play and could move independently when manually checked. He warned that this could cause loss of steering control or a catastrophic accident and told us to stop driving immediately. He considered the failure abnormal for the vehicle’s age/mileage and indicative of a defective component. Authorized dealer Ed Voyles Honda confirmed excessive internal play and a clacking noise inside the steering rack. It also identified an axle/half-shaft concern. Repairs are estimated at $5,274.54. Both an independent mechanic and authorized Honda dealer confirmed the problem. The vehicle remains unrepaired to this day. American Honda opened a case and received the diagnostic findings, but no corporate representative has physically inspected the vehicle. Police and insurance representatives have not inspected it because no collision occurred. The first symptom was shaking while decelerating in 2024. Collision-avoidance and driver-assistance sensor warnings began to appear at the beginning of 2026 while the problem was occurring. No warning specifically identified the steering rack before the independent inspection. This unstable steering system severely endangered our family of seven and other motorists, especially at highway speeds. We unknowingly continued driving after two incorrect diagnoses. We have now been without our only vehicle for more than 1.5 months, with no loaner offered. There needs to be a resolution for us and an official public recall for 2022 Honda Pilot steering racks in addition to the recall for 2023-2024 Pilot vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552

Filed Sep 26, 2026 · Suspension · MA

In order to complete the safety recall on the rear subframe, the control arms, which are seized to the frame, need to be removed. Honda will cover the cost of these parts but not the labor associated with replacing them. The labor was quoted as $900. I’m unable to see the specific components covered under the recall, but reading the general description, I don’t understand how I’m responsible for any cost to complete the recall. I’ve spoken with the dealer and filed a complaint with Honda Care and have been repeatedly denied.

Filed Sep 20, 2026 · Suspension · ME

I have an unresolved rear sub frame recall. The dealer looked at the problem. Said to fix it that control arms need to be replaced. Along with any other parts to fix recall. They submitted to Honda for goodwill claim to cover control arms. Honda approved it, and dealer told by Honda don’t know when parts be in. That was about six weeks ago. Still no updates from Honda to dealer on fixing it or parts being in.

Filed Aug 20, 2026 · Suspension · CT

Clunking that happens at low speeds, sounds like control arm, but this is not the rear. It’s the front.

Filed Jul 17, 2026 · Suspension · NY

Hondal recall S/B 26-031 subframe This vehicle is 10 years old and was purchased / driven entirely in the northeast / NY - where the vehicle is most susceptible to underlying rust and corrosion issues and potential failure of suspension components. Vehicle was delivered to authorized Honda dealer / service center for scheduled inspection and required repairs on July 17. However, Honda service could not complete and remedy this safety recall on my vehicle due to unavailability of parts. Specifically, the subrame requires repair/reinforcement, but the bolts are seized and removing them will cause damage to the control arm bushing. Dealer advised they are unable to obtain control arm parts from Honda due to back order. I was advised my vehicle is not the only one they have where unavailbility of repair parts is resulting in inability to complete the safety recall.

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 Mar 21, 2026 · Engine · CO

Engine tie rod bearing is worn on cylinder 3, engine is knocking. 119kmi.

Filed Jan 15, 2026 · Lights, Suspension · TN

LIGHTING--DTR warning light stays on an they don't work but then I was pulled over 1 morning on the way to work because the both taillights stopped working. Checked everything no idea what it could be but the wiring. Because if you piggy back off a hot wire they will work. SUSPENSION-- there is a constant popping noise coming from the front, it's either ball joints, stabilizer bar, or could be the torsion bars. It has new struts so that's not it. ELECTRICAL-- check parking sensor stays on the dash as well DTR. Now this vehicle used to unlock all doors when put in park but now only unlocks the driver side. There seriously needs to be responsibility taken for all these complaints from people who spend their hard earned money on Honda. Do better please. I know about the recall that went up to the 2013 but I guarantee Honda used same paint that's flaking off and several other parts from the 2013 to make the 14. Honda, just do the next right thing an if you do Id bet you that when you need help an don't have any recourse something good will happen for you to help you through. Just be a person, put yourself in our shoes. You see all these complaints about the same things concerning vehicles bought from you, you should want to take care of your customers to keep them coming back.

Filed Dec 18, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · RI

I have had two major problems with this car. At approximately 84,000 miles, the engine started making a very loud noise, regardless of speed. It was first diagnosed by an independent service center as a control arm bearing failure. I contacted Honda Corporate and was told that it had to be diagnosed by a Honda dealer/service center. It was then diagnosed as a failure of the control arm bearing by a Honda dealer/service center. I was told the engine had to be replaced. Honda Corporate offered a 50-50 split, leaving me with a bill of $8480. This is completely unfair and unjust for me to have to pay this for a manufacturer's defect. In the second incident shortly thereafter, I was on the highway in traffic when the automatic stop-start function failed, and the car stopped and did not re-start. I had cars backed up behind me, and it was a very unsafe situation. After turning the car off completely, I managed to restart it, and got off the highway. The problem continued afterwards, and I had to turn off the function manually in order to drive the car at all.

Related recalls

SuspensionReported December 16, 2010 · 10,823 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 honda accord v6 and model year 2011 honda pilot vehicles. The bolts that attach the lower left and right front damper bracket to the front suspension and the spindle nuts on the pilot may not have been properly tightened which may result in loss of steering. The spindle nuts for the axle on the accord v6 may not have been tightened properly which may result in excessive noise and/or loss of steering.
Risk
Loss of steering increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealer will inspect and replace any loose front damper bracket bolts or spindle nuts on the pilot if necessary. Dealer will inspect and replace the spindle nuts on the accord v6 if necessary. The safety recall began december 23, 2010. Owners may contact honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009.

Recall number 10V640000 · Recall details

Questions about the Honda Pilot ball joint

Which Honda Pilot years have ball joint or control arm failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2012 (6 complaints), 2016 (6 complaints) and 2009 (4 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix ball joint or control arm failure on the Honda Pilot?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,100 (median of 12 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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