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Honda Pilot fuel smell problems

39 of the 9,458 owner complaints about the Honda Pilot describe gas smell in the cabin, most of them for the 2016 model year.

owner complaints
39
worst model year
2016
typical mileage
56,000
Is there a fix? There are 7 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2025
    3
  • 2020
    2
  • 2019
    4
  • 2018
    1
  • 2017
    2
  • 2016
    13
  • 2015
    1
  • 2014
    2
  • 2013
    1
  • 2012
    2
  • 2011
    1
  • 2010
    1
  • 2009
    1
  • 2004
    2
  • 2003
    3

What owners say

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · NY

Having strong raw gas smell when the driver pressing the break to stop from running

Filed Oct 13, 2026 · Engine · IL

The motor is misfiring on cylinder 5 due to faulty engine components. The vehicle is available for inspection on request. My safety and children’s are at risk as the cabin fills up with raw fuel fumes and makes you feel dizzy. It is also a huge safety risk that I have a failed motor and not one sensor or computer component came up to warn on the dashboard(aka engine light). The problem was brought to two different Honda dealers and the second one confirmed all this is true and faulty due to the manufacturers. No it hasn’t been inspected because we can’t get corporate to take us seriously or call us back in the right department. There were no warning lights on and it first appeared since the injectors were replaced.

Filed Apr 16, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · 167,320 miles · WY

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH on the interstate, the vehicle started shuddering. The vehicle was pulled over safely to the side of the road. The AWD, Hill Descent Assist, power steering, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact checked the manual and continued to drive. While driving days later, there was an abnormal fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The contact continued driving approximately 20 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The failure was associated with the fuel pressure pump. The lower fuel pressure pump was previously replaced. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 167,320.

Filed Feb 10, 2026 · Fuel system · 78,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2019 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while having an oil change, the technician informed the contact that there was an abnormal gasoline odor inside the engine oil. The contact stated that there had been a failure since the fuel pump was replaced under recall. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the dealer stated that the issue was normal. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,000.

Filed Jan 15, 2026 · Engine, Lights · TN

2014 Honda pilot touring--ENGINE-is running through oil faster than it should. The spark plugs/coil packs have all been replaced now. Starting with 1 an 3.I was driving down the road and it started stalling out while I was in traffic about 8 mo.ago . The vehicle didn't want to go anywhere an when it would get some power to go it was slow an the engine was shaking so hard the whole time even at idle. So I pulled over, turned car off an then on trying to get it home since I wasn't far at all. Finally the check engine light came on as I pulled in the drive. Put a code reader on it to find out that plugs 1.and 3 were misfiring., Fixed that problem and 2 months later it did the same thing. Checked codes again and seen now we needed to replace the rest of the spark plugs and all coil packs. Which made it run normal again. Dates are unknown at this point. Best guess it started about between 6 months an a year ago. We have had problems every since though. The check engine light came on again an the car was shaking and idling up an down an the code was- low transmission fluid. Transmission fluid doesn't leak unless something's wrong. There was none leaking and when we checked the level it was perfect We just turned the car off for awhile an when we started it back it acted fine. Seems like it could be something with the computer possibly?? There is so many more problems with this 14 Pilot. This thing shakes really bad during take off an slowing down. Drivetrain-- there is something in the front end making noise like it's gonna break any moment. Could be CV joint, hub assembly or numerous things. Also sometimes I can smell gas fumes or a burning smell and it doesn't show that it's overheating. ELECTRICAL- the doors used to unlock all over when put in park. Now only the driver door unlocks. Also the daytime running lights warning comes up on the dash. It stays on there. The taillights stopped working, wasn't a fuse or anything. Its the wiring. Paint-gone above windshield.

Filed Nov 17, 2025 · Fuel system · CA

My 2012 Honda Pilot is experiencing the same engine defect that Honda acknowledged in later model years (2013–2015) and issued recalls/extended warranty coverage for. The defect involves the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system causing excessive oil consumption, spark plug fouling, cylinder misfire, rough idle, fuel odor, and drivability issues that create an unsafe driving condition. I brought the vehicle to a Honda dealership in 2023 due to rough idle and a strong fuel smell — symptoms consistent with Technical Service Bulletin 13-082 for misfire and piston ring failure in 2009–2013 Honda Pilots. The dealer did not repair the issue or disclose that this matched a known defect. The vehicle now exhibits severe engine performance issues that pose a safety risk, including hesitation, engine shuddering, loss of power during acceleration, and strong fuel odor that may indicate improper combustion. Honda has issued recalls and warranty extensions for the identical defect on 2013 and newer Honda Pilot models with the same 3.5L V6 VCM engine but refuses to repair or acknowledge the defect for my 2012 Pilot, even though it uses the same engine architecture and has the same symptoms. This discrepancy indicates a potential gap in recall coverage that leaves owners of 2012 Pilots with a known safety-related defect unprotected. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate why the 2012 Pilot was excluded, despite identical engine design and failure patterns.

Filed May 28, 2025 · Driver assistance, Fuel system · 18,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2025 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to detect the odor. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH with the cruise control activated, the Forward Collision Avoidance feature independently activated, causing the vehicle to abruptly decelerate. During the failure, the message "Reduce Speed" was displayed, but no other vehicles or objects were nearby. The cause of the failure has not yet been determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 18,000.

Filed May 1, 2025 · Fuel system · 25,000 miles · OH

The contact's son owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that her son smelled a gasoline odor in the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the odor was very strong and that her son had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the fuel pump gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the vehicle had not been taken to another mechanic or dealer. The contact researched online and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that her daughter-in-law had asked the dealer if the vehicle was covered under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and the contact was advised that the VIN was not included. The contact notified the manufacturer of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

Filed Mar 18, 2025 · Fuel system · NY

My 2017 pilot 6speeds gave a really bas gas smell then my it started to sound like an exhaust leak but after going my regular mechanic it was confirmed that my high pressure fuel pump was bad. I cant afford the cost and labor so now im hoping my car would also come included with the fuel pump warranty. I keep up with regular maintenance and currently only has 72k miles on it. Plss get it resolved as i see alot of ppl on honda pioneers threads talking about the same exact issue.

Filed Nov 13, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · NC

- Had initially reported this problem to dealer at ~1590 miles on the vehicle. After ~2,200 miles gasoline smell is still there and severe. - The smell is obnoxious to driver if driving with Windows rolled up and is a safety concern. - Issue is more pronounced, severe when driving at the beginning of the day after overnight parking. - Took it to same dealer twice, they did diagnosis and informed it’s because of the plastic stuck to the exhaust which is the cause. They want to wait out till it’s fully burnt and the smell should go away. - Have raised a case with the manufacturer too and they’re looking.

Related recalls

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and capReported November 27, 2024 · 205,760 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Passport and 2023-2025 Pilot vehicles. The fuel filler neck tube and fuel filler pipe may separate, allowing fuel to leak.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and repair the fuel filler neck tube and pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's number for this recall is OKM.

Recall number 24V900000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported December 18, 2023 · 2,490,460 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of the federal safety agency recall numbers 21V‑215 and 20V‑314.

Recall number 23V858000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported March 25, 2021 · 624,552 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V‑314.

Recall number 21V215000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storageReported March 30, 2017 · 136 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016 Honda Pilot 2WD and AWD vehicles. The affected vehicles have fuel tanks that may leak.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's number for this recall is KE8.

Recall number 17V219000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assemblyReported June 9, 2016 · 39 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2015 Acura MDX 2WD and MDX 4WD vehicles, 2016 Acura MDX 4WD vehicles, 2015-2016 Honda Odyssey vehicles, and 2016 Honda Pilot 2WD and 4WD vehicles. The affected vehicles have fuel tanks that were manufactured with insufficient welds which may separate and allow fuel to leak out.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tanks, free of charge. Owners may contact Honda/Acura customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. The recall began on July 29, 2016. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA9 (Honda vehicles) and KB0 (Acura vehicles).

Recall number 16V417000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assemblyReported February 17, 2012 · 8,709 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda is recalling certain model year 2012 pilot and acura mdx vehicles. The vent shut float (vsf) valve case in the fuel tank assembly does not meet the design specifications.
Risk
As a result, fuel may leak from the tank, increasing the risk of fire.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners and dealers will inspect the vsf assembly date and, if necessary, replace the fuel tank assembly, free of charge. The safety recall began on march 13, 2012. Owners may contact honda customer service at 1‑800‑999‑1009.

Recall number 12V063000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assemblyReported November 18, 2004 · 61 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain sport utility vehicles, some fuel tanks were improperly manufactured.
Risk
In a crash, the fuel tank could be damaged and leak fuel. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers replaced the fuel tank. All owners were notified by telephone on november 10, 2004.

Recall number 04V541000 · Recall details

Questions about the Honda Pilot fuel smell

Which Honda Pilot years have gas smell in the cabin problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2016 (13 complaints), 2019 (4 complaints) and 2003 (3 complaints).

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