Honda Pilot battery drain problems

Filed Oct 17, 2026 · Electrical · NY

Refer to [XXX]. My honda pilot started having electrical issues where the car alarm would go off randomly, radio would play at volumes randomly, dashboard lights would flicker on and off, interior lights would turn on, headlights would turn on. This resulted in multiple drained batteries and left the car inoperable until it could be jump started. This is a safety issue because if we drove somewhere without cell reception, could be stranded with a dead battery. Not to mention, it disturbed our neighbors when this occurred in the middle of the night. This is a known issue with various Honda vehicles from this timeframe. It is know as a problem with the "Remote Access Control Module," aka the "Keyless Access Control Unit," located behind the glovebox. Even though it is a known issue, Honda was unwilling to repair it at their own cost. We paid $903.22 to get it fixed. References: [XXX], [XXX], [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 24, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · CA

commonly experiences battery drain, the radio is making Popping or crackling sounds from speakers

Filed Aug 9, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · FL

I came to a complete stop at a red light. The car went into neutral and shut off completely. In order to restart the car, I had to put it in park to completely restart it in traffic. This same thing has now happened multiple times and each time it does, it comes shortly before the battery fails and will not start the car at all. I have been through 3 AGM Platinum batteries in the past year. Something is draining the battery. The starter, alternator and auxiliary battery have each been tested in the course of taking the vehicle to 3 different auto mechanics before going to the Honda dealership. All of them said these components tested fine (and they were tested under load). Honda acted like they didn't know about this being a common problem and suggested we replace the starter as an experimental remedy. We asked the Honda dealership for the software update fix and were told we already had the 23-008 update. However, after more research realize that it also needs a 23-009 and 23-010 update as well which was not offered. Honda's failure to take responsibility on this known chronic problem is disappointing at best and likely negligent/reckless.

Filed Jul 22, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · NJ

Vehicle stalls when the car shuts off from the auto engine idle shut off feature. The concern was allegedly resolved twice with an update but the issue persists. My battery died in December 2025, when asked if it was a result of the recall causing repeated start failures, the dealership denied. Recently my vehicle shut off from the auto engine idle stop feature and completely died, I had to push to start my vehicle several times to start it back up and this was after replacing my battery 7 months ago. A heavy duty battery was purchase to meet my vehicle needs.

Filed Jun 26, 2026 · Electrical · NJ

This is the major safety issue while driving with my family on a highway. Keyless control unit is failing when car stops. While on a highway, all the lights on the dashboard start flickering, alarm went off brake system got locked. I need to pull over, stop the car and restart the car again. The flickering dashboard problem persisted the whole day and alarm went off intermittently till it drained the battery. Problem is reproducible.

Filed Feb 15, 2026 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · FL

The forward facing camera on the windshield is failing and warning lights on the dashboard keep going off making the ADAS system inoperative. This is also draining the battery. I am told that only Honda has the capability to troubleshoot and repair / replace this camera.

Filed Oct 17, 2025 · Electrical, Transmission · IL

My battery died while the vehicle was parked. I needed to physically move the vehicle but could not because the electronic button shifter would not allow me to put the transmission in Neutral. The only way to move it out of Park is a lengthy process requiring tools, engine component removals and a manual shifting of the linkage using a long wrench. My solution, was I had to leave the vehicle unattended, call a friend, get tools and replace the battery while blocking traffic. Safety concerns were that the vehicle was blocking traffic at a business and no documentation by Honda of how to fix or even shift the vehicle into Neutral. Now consider if someone has to try and manually tow the vehicle while in Park! I replaced the battery myself, but this is a well documented issue with electronic shifters, that will never make a dealership or service departments records or statistics! There was no warning of the failure, or battery light illuminating. Previous vehicle inspections at the dealership gave no indication that the battery was failing.

Filed Oct 1, 2025 · Driver assistance, Electrical · VA

I am reporting a safety defect in my 2020 Honda Pilot EX-L ~86,300 miles. The rearview camera and electrical/infotainment system intermittently fail, showing static, disconnecting Bluetooth, and sometimes leaving the camera blank. This creates a serious safety risk when reversing, driving in tight spaces, or transporting my children. These issues began within the first year of ownership (2020–2021) and continued after Recall 23-047, during which cables were replaced and the system later rewired in August 2023. Despite these repairs, the defects persist. The dealership Pohanka Honda Fredericksburg confirmed the faults multiple times but now refuses to repair, quoting over $3,000. The vehicle has also experienced three dead batteries since 2020, leaving me stranded multiple times, including once during out-of-state travel. There were no warning lights for the battery failures, but infotainment and camera issues were noticeable immediately. The vehicle has been out of service for approximately three cumulative months, impairing reliability and my ability to perform daily work and family responsibilities. These defects have significantly impaired the use, value, and safety of the vehicle, especially given my responsibilities as a single mother, caregiver to a blind parent, and emergency department practitioner. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealer and reviewed by Honda corporate. I am seeking a proper remedy for a federally mandated safety feature (rear camera, FMVSS 111). The vehicle and affected components are available for inspection upon request. This complaint documents ongoing safety risks, repeated battery failures, and unresolved recall-related defects that began under warranty. Honda’s failure to properly repair these defects continues to create unsafe driving conditions and a serious risk of injury to myself, my passengers, and the public.

Filed Aug 12, 2025 · Electrical · NJ

Electrical System – Body Control Module The BCM in my 2017 Honda Pilot fails intermittently, causing the alarm to activate randomly, warning lights to flicker, and battery drain. The issue occurs without warning, even while parked or driving, creating distraction and reducing confidence in the vehicle’s safety. Numerous other owners have reported identical issues online and with the federal safety agency, indicating a systemic defect. Honda should issue a recall to address this problem.

Filed Jul 8, 2025 · Electrical · MO

My battery was being drained until dead by a faulty keyless control module. I paid to have the battery replaced after my son and I got stranded 1.5 hours from home. All the lights on the dash went off and nearly every error code displayed as well. Currently at Honda dealership getting the module replaced at a mere $840 after I paid $370 for battery installation when my car "broke down". Now to see I am not the only Honda customer with this issue in this model of vehicle. The car started displaying all the error codes about a week before it began just completely draining the battery that was on 6/23. Battery replaced that day and by Saturday 6/28 was unable to start my car due to battery being completely dead. Had to jump my car and take to dealership on sunday 6/29. So was late to work and have been without my vehicle for over a week while they were trouble shooting the issue.