Honda Pilot brake failure problems

Filed Nov 9, 2026 · Engine · CA

On 11/08/2026, My daughter was driving our 2017 Honda Pilot at highway speeds on the freeway when the engine suffered a sudden, violent, and complete seizure. The vehicle experienced an immediate, dangerous loss of motive power while traveling in active traffic, presenting an extreme safety hazard to herself and surrounding motorists. First the engine was running rough, then the accelerator stoped working, then the battery and the oil lights came on, then she pulled over to the side and the brake stopped working (the brake pedal locked and wouldn’t let me press down anymore) then she put the car in park and put the emergency brake on, the the brake failure warning screen popped up, then when she tried to turn the car on and off the engine wouldn’t start and all the warning lights would flicker on the panel, and the engine rpm indicator would just shake around 0 RPM The vehicle was towed to a secure location and has been diagnosed with total internal engine failure. This catastrophic failure mirrors the exact parameters outlined in the active the federal safety agency Recall Query RQ24013 regarding premature connecting rod bearing wear on Honda 3.5L V6 engines. The 2017 model year was improperly excluded from the previous engine recall (Campaign 23V751000), despite suffering from the identical manufacturing defect. I am requesting that the federal safety agency expedite this investigation to force a mandatory safety recall before this defect causes severe crashes or injuries.

Filed Sep 30, 2026 · Brakes, Suspension · NY · crash

Vehicle: 2021 Honda Pilot the federal safety agency Recall: 26V‑365 Honda Recall: AOU Recall Status: Incomplete/Unrepaire I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious motor vehicle accident involving my 2021 Honda Pilot. At the time of the accident, my vehicle had an open and unrepaired safety recall, the federal safety agency Recall 26V‑365, Honda Recall AOU. I was driving my Honda Pilot downhill when the vehicle began gaining speed in a manner that felt abnormal and uncontrollable. I attempted to slow and stop the vehicle by applying the brakes, but I was unable to stop the vehicle. Despite my efforts to brake, the vehicle continued moving forward and I ultimately collided with another vehicle, resulting in a multi-vehicle accident involving approximately three to four vehicles. The collision was severe. The front of my Honda Pilot sustained extensive damage and the airbags deployed. The vehicle has not been repaired since the accident and remains in its post-collision condition. After the accident, I checked my VIN through the federal safety agency recall system and discovered that my vehicle has an incomplete safety recall, the federal safety agency Recall 26V‑365. The recall concerns corrosion at the rear subframe suspension mounting points, which may result in failure of rear suspension components and adversely affect vehicle handling and control. I am concerned that a mechanical or vehicle safety defect may have contributed to my inability to slow or stop the vehicle. I am not stating that the recall definitively caused the accident because the vehicle has not yet undergone an appropriate mechanical or engineering inspection. However, because my specific VIN has this unrepaired recall and I experienced an apparent loss of braking/control immediately before a serious multi-vehicle collision, I am requesting that the federal safety agency review this incident as a potential vehicle safety defect. I have photographs documenting the extensive p

Filed May 13, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · TX · crash · 1 injury

This car on April 2nd, 2026 did not stop. I had pulled into a parking lot. Parked in the same space I have parked in for the last 12/13? Years. Upon driving into the space .. I pressed my brakes down for the car to stop. It did not stop. The car kept going/rolling My husband the passenger told me to STOP. I heard him plainly say. I told him I am stopping. But the car would not stop. It kept going and rolling into a brick building at the end of the parking space. We braced ourselves. What else do you do when your car won’t stop I was probably goingb8 mph. Nothing fast. Not on the phone. 75 degree perfect weather in [XXX] I’ve had this car about five months. No problem at all until this incident never in my life had I ever had brakes to fail me. Well the brakes failed. Technology is built by men and programmed by men. I am a nine car Honda owner. This car has a brake technology problem. With all the technology, it should have stopped on its own. It didn’t. When brakes are applied technology should work. In this case technology failed. This car has a brake defect technology problem. Brakes were applied a car doesn’t have to have a recall on it for it not to have a technology problem. These cars are not perfect. Programmed and built by human hands. ImnsurevifvMr. Soichiro Honda sat down with me and did this problem with one of his cars.. he would surely say” I’m sorry that happened to you” I’m sorry you’re brakes did not work and they did not . American Honda needs to recognize accountability. I wish they would experience what I experienced. It would be a scary situation that is if you survived yrs, I’m sure if it happened to them. No car is perfect. This one sure isn’t. I no longer am an owner of this 2025 Honda Pilot. Death trap it’s gone to somebody else. My life is worth living Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 15, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · IL

The component that failed in both incidents was the vehicle’s wiring system, specifically wiring insulation that appears to be vulnerable to rodent damage. In the first incident, squirrels chewed through wiring connected to the fuel injector system, which triggered a check engine light and was repaired. In the second incident, squirrels again accessed the engine compartment and chewed through wiring affecting the braking system. This resulted in a sudden and unexpected loss of braking function. Yes, the damaged components should be available for inspection through the repair shop or service records, although I would need to confirm the exact location of the retained parts. Safety was significantly put at risk. During the second incident, the vehicle was occupied by multiple passengers, including minors. While approaching a red light, the driver attempted to brake and found that the brakes were not functioning properly. The driver had to shift the vehicle into park and use the emergency brake to stop, narrowly avoiding a serious collision. This created a high-risk, potentially life-threatening situation. The first incident was addressed by a mechanic after the check engine light appeared, confirming damage to the fuel injector-related wiring. The second incident was formally confirmed by a mechanic that the brake line was leaking from damage from, what they highly suspected and have seen in the past, a rodent . In the first incident, a check engine light appeared, prompting immediate attention. In the second incident, there were no warning lights, messages, or prior symptoms before the brake failure occurred.

Filed Oct 5, 2025 · Brakes, Driver assistance · MI · crash

When I started my 2022 Honda Pilot Special Edition (VIN: [XXX] ) in a parking lot, the vehicle immediately behaved abnormally. As I attempted to turn into a space, the car unexpectedly accelerated and moved in an unintended direction. Despite pressing the brake pedal firmly, neither the standard brakes nor the automatic braking system responded. Shifting into Park did not stop the vehicle, and the transmission did not engage to hold the car. The vehicle continued moving through the parking lot, striking property and other vehicles. The entire event felt like a loss of braking and control, with both the brake system and gear selector failing to function as intended. This was a sudden and dangerous incident that could have caused serious injury. The Honda dealer has confirmed there are no open recalls or campaigns for my VIN, but the event aligns with reports of unintended acceleration and brake failure in other 2022 Honda Pilot vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 31, 2025 · Brakes · NC · crash

* The brakes failed on the car resulting in an at fault accident. The recalled was issued 3 weeks after the accident. * safety is put at risk as this resulted in a car accident because the car would not stop. It endangered the occupants of the Honda and the vehicle that was hit. *No as the recall was issued a little late, insurance had already handled the claim. * No Honda refuses to go to the car to inspect, the car is not able to be moved to the dealership *No warning messages *

Filed Jul 6, 2025 · Brakes, Steering · CA

I purchased a brand-new 2025 Honda Pilot Elite, and within the first 1,000 miles of driving, I began noticing multiple concerning noises and performance issues: Steering Noise: At low speeds, particularly while turning, the steering system emits a subtle but persistent creaking noise/noises from the steering wheel area. The creaking is especially noticeable when making slow turns in parking lots or driveways. It appears to worsen in warmer temperatures and is consistent regardless of road condition. I brought the issue to the dealership's attention, and they kept the vehicle for approximately three weeks. They replaced the clock spring and airbag, claiming the noise was resolved. However, the creaking noise returned shortly after I resumed driving the vehicle. Brake Popping: There is also a popping/clicking noise coming from the front left brake area, especially when braking or shifting between drive and reverse. The dealership lubricated the brake hardware but did not resolve the issue. Despite Honda service attempts, the noises persist. Numerous other 2023–2025 Honda Pilot owners have reported similar symptoms online, many citing steering rack/pinion defects or unresolved brake component issues. These defects appear widespread and unresolved by standard dealership repairs. Safety Concern: While the issues may currently present as mechanical noises, I am deeply concerned that they may signal underlying defects in critical safety systems—such as steering control and braking performance. Unaddressed, these could potentially lead to steering failure, brake failure, or loss of control, especially during low-speed maneuvers where driver response time may be compromised due to mechanical unpredictability. Request for Investigation: I respectfully request that the federal safety agency investigate these issues, as they appear to be affecting a growing number of new Honda Pilot vehicles across the 2023 to 2025 model years, the dealership do not know what to do.

Filed Jun 26, 2025 · Brakes · VA

Break pedal goes to the floor

Filed Apr 4, 2025 · Brakes, Steering · TX

The vehicle was sold to us with pre-existing major damage to the control arms, bearings and a brake rotor. We heard a metal on metal scraping noise when turning left and immediately took it to a certified Honda dealer who then provided us details of the extent of the damage. The damage to the brake rotor could have caused brake failure and damage to the control arm could have caused on accident. I can't imagine the guilt I'd feel if my [XXX] wife and my [XXX] son got into an accident. This vehicle is their daily driver. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 23, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · 139,817 miles · IN

To whom it may concern, My name is [XXX] . I hope this message finds you well. I am writing this message with a heavy heart, to advise of our story that is ending with a tragic experience. On [XXX] my wife, [XXX] , and I, walked in a Honda dealership. We drove away confident about our new vehicle, a 2016 Honda Pilot. It was highly recommended by the salesman. Since then, we have maintained the vehicles services. Sadly, on Saturday, [XXX], the vehicle malfunctioned and engine stalled on the highway. The steering wheel locked, the vehicle would not accelerate, and the brakes failed. I managed to pull over, but we were terrified and stranded for over forty minutes. The vehicle was towed home, and we contacted the dealership, who agreed to inspect it. It was taken to the service center in early December and has remained there since. The certified Honda mechanics' diagnostic report confirms issues consistent with online Honda recalls. As this is our only vehicle, this situation has created significant hardship for our family. Our dream of owning a Honda has unfortunately turned into a nightmare. Honda corporate has denied our request for any and all assistance. We would be most grateful for any assistance you can provide. CAMPAIGN DESCRIPTION:2016 & 2018-2019 Pilot Conn Rod Inspect Recall RECALL DATE:11/08/2023 SUMMARY: American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain 2016 and 2018-2019 model year Pilot vehicles. Due to a manufacturing defect of the engine crankshaft, the connecting rod bearing can prematurely wear and seize. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)