Honda Pilot overheating problems

Filed Oct 29, 2026 · Transmission · IA

While driving my 2019 Honda Pilot at highway speeds 70 mph, the dashboard suddenly displayed a severe safety warning stating "Transmission Temp Too Hot." There was no prior warning, mechanical symptom, or heavy cargo towing to cause this. The sudden warning forced me to immediately navigate across multiple lanes of fast-moving traffic to pull onto the shoulder of the highway, creating an immediate and dangerous crash hazard. This is a severe mechanical failure that occurs without reason under standard driving conditions, heavily compromising vehicle reliability and occupant safety on the highway. The vehicle has been exclusively and regularly maintained at an authorized Honda dealership according to all factory recommendations. The sudden transmission overheating and subsequent safety hazard occurred despite flawless maintenance compliance, proving this is a severe manufacturing or chemical fluid defect and not a case of owner neglect.

Filed Oct 28, 2026 · Engine · FL

Connecting rod spun a bearing/ rod knock Verified le customer's concern regarding an abnormal engine knockır oise. Conducted a diagnostic inspection and confirmed pronounced metallic knocking noise originating from the ower engine assembly. Used a mechanic's stethoscope tr isolate the noise to the crankshaft/connecting rod area technician verified a catastrophic lower-end engine failure. Specifically, the diagnostic notes state: "Connecting rod spun a bearing / rod knock Verified" "Pronounced metallic knocking noise originating from the lower engine assembly" "Testing indicated that the knocking noise was most prominent at cylinder #2, consistent with excessive connecting rod bearing clearance and a spun connecting rod bearing." Furthermore, the computer scan sheet shows zero codes for low oil pressure, engine overheating, or vehicle neglect. The temporary misfire codes listed occurred solely because the technician intentionally disconnected individual ignition coils to isolate the mechanical knocking sound. This precise diagnosis—a spun connecting rod bearing at cylinder #2 due to improper clearance—is the textbook definition of the inherent manufacturing defect that triggered the major the federal safety agency Action regarding Honda 3.5L V6 engines. Because my vehicle was manufactured at the Lincoln, Alabama plant and has been maintained perfectly by Honda its entire life, this failure is undeniably due to a factory structural defect rather than normal wear and tear or owner oversight.

Filed Sep 30, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · CA

My 2016 honda pilot has 97,500 miles. The engine stop working and I have it replaced a used 3.5 engine. The transmission has transmission overheating problem and I took a picture on the dash board. I show it to the service advisor and they won't acknowledge about the overheating problem. Honda care customer service won't do anything regarding the engine and transmission problem.

Filed Sep 11, 2026 · Driver assistance · FL

All of the components associate with the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) on my 2021 Honda Passport failed at the same time. From what I have learned, they are all associated with the windshield-mounted camera (also called the monocular camera or lane assist camera) that controls safety features like the Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) and Lane Departure Warning, among others. The dashboard lights for all of these features remain illuminated, meaning that none of these safety features are working. The module/camera has a history with this vehicle of overheating and failing. My safety is at risk because all of these features are now disabled until the part is replaced. I took my vehicle to a local mechanic but not to a Honda dealership. I have been told that there is no recall issued, but that the problem is widespread throughout 3-4 years of this model of Honda Passports. To replace this part, I have been told costs consumers $1800-$2400, and can only be done at the dealership. There were no problems with the vehicle prior to the failure of the part. The vehicle is a 2011 model with 66,000 miles on it.

Filed Aug 18, 2026 · FL

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned and is it available for inspection upon request? The Air Conditioning (A/C) compressor seized completely, causing the A/C compressor clutch to overheat and melt. Yes, the vehicle and the failed components are available for inspection upon request.2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? A completely seized A/C compressor pulley creates a severe mechanical hazard while driving. Because the compressor is driven by the engine's serpentine belt, a locked pulley can cause the belt to melt, snap, or throw off entirely while the vehicle is in motion. If the belt fails, it results in an immediate loss of power steering assist, loss of alternator charging, and engine overheating. This creates an abrupt, catastrophic loss of vehicle control on the road, putting my family and other drivers at extreme risk. Furthermore, dealership staff dangerously misinformed us that the vehicle was "safe to drive" despite this critical failure.3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?Yes. The problem was officially diagnosed and confirmed by a local authorized Honda dealership service center (8/17/26).4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, the vehicle was inspected, and the failure was documented by an authorized Honda dealership representative. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? The primary symptom was a sudden failure of the air conditioning system to blow cold air (afternoon of 8/14/26).

Filed Jun 25, 2026 · Engine · OH

I took my car in for an oil change into the dealership on 5/22. I was told that the timing belt would need to be replaced once I hit 100K miles. Two weeks later, I noticed my car rattling, I scheduled an appointment for Monday (the earliest I could get it into the dealer), on Saturday, the car wouldn't accelerate past 64mph, as I was getting on the highway, I pressed the gas and got it to 70mph. The engine light kicked on and the car started talking to me that the car was overheating and that I needed to pull over for 10-15 minutes. I did so and when I tried to start it, nothing happened. I then jumped it, got it started and it wouldn't accelerate past 12mph. I turned it off and had it towed to Honda. There, the mechanic told me that the rod had broken in the engine. I asked if it was the timing belt and he said "No, unfortunately, there is nothing you could've done to prevent this". To answer your questions: What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?- The engine How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?- Yes, I was on the HWY with kids Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?- Dealer Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others?- I reached out to the manufacturer and was told they're not mechanics. It was towed to the Honda Dealership where I bought it. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?- No. I noticed the rattling, scheduled and appointment and two days later the engine light came on as I previously stated.

Filed Jun 10, 2026 · Engine · AL

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine stalls out and shuts the car down. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? While driving down the road, if the engine shuts off, myself, passengers, and other vehicles could cause a fatal crash. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Not yet Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? I have brought this in several times to try and fix this issue. The fuel pump has been replaced and the auto idle recall has been take care of. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? The check engine light comes on occasionally when it happens; sometimes when it does not. Other details: Several times now my car has randomly shut off especially when driving down the road. I wasn't sure what happened, but I finally figured out a way to replicate it. Basically if you drive it after about an hour of non-stop driving / engine being turned on, the engine overheats causing the car to stall out and eventually turn off. I timed this at 10:15AM to 11:25AM and my suspicions were correct. At 11:25AM, the car stalled and shut off while I was parked in my driveway.

Filed Jun 3, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · CA

On May 23, 2026 I was driving family and friends around San Francisco, CA in my 2017 Honda Pilot (48K miles). We were driving up multiple steep hills, up to a 20% grade in some places with a full car of 7 people. The car handled it well. However, as we neared my home 25 miles away, the car started shaking and the check engine light started flashing. We searched online and the advice was to pull over immediately to prevent the car from overheating and causing permanent, expensive damage. We eventually made it home, shaken, and didn't touch the car for a couple days to let it rest. I learned that there is a warranty extension "Warranty Extension TSB 20-100" for what seems like this exact problem concerning the fuel injectors. The spark plugs have been replaced in the last year, which eliminates that as a potential issue. The next week, I took the car to Honda San Carlos where it's been maintained most of its life. I informed them of the symptoms and that the car is eligible for this warranty extension. They tested it and found nothing. I told them that testing it in the shop or driving it around a few minutes on flat ground with one person is not going to replicate the driving conditions we encountered but they didn't seem to care and I had to pay $250 anyway. I took this to another dealership and the guy said it sounded exactly like an Warranty Extension TSB 20-100 issue. They tested it and also could not find anything. I called Honda Corporate and they will also do nothing. This is clearly a safety issue as this problem will happen again at some point. I have a family and young children and do not want to be stuck on the freeway as a road hazard to ourselves and other drivers. Honda has clearly identified this as a problem yet they won't authorize the repair. They are waiting for this to happen again before they'll fix it, and who knows if this ticking time bomb will occur in a safe place or a dangerous one.

Filed May 22, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

In May 2026, the Emission Warning Light unexpectedly illuminated on my 2016 Honda Pilot. I immediately sought an inspection, and repairs were completed on 5/9/2026. Failed Component: The fuel injection system failed. Specifically, the injectors for cylinders #4 and #5. The replaced parts [are / are not] available for inspection. Safety Risk: This defect caused the engine to run dangerously rich, dumping raw fuel into the exhaust. This poses two severe safety hazards: 1) Sudden loss of motive power, hesitation, or stalling while driving in traffic, drastically increasing crash risk. 2) Extreme overheating of the catalytic converter, creating a significant under-vehicle fire hazard. Confirmation & Symptoms: The issue was confirmed by a professional service center. They pulled diagnostic code P0430 (Front Bank Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 2). Following Honda’s Service Bulletin 20-100, the technician performed a software update and a cylinder A/F test. Cylinders #4 and #5 failed the test (running rich), requiring immediate injector replacement to make the vehicle safe to drive. Inspection by Others & Manufacturer Awareness: The vehicle was inspected by the repairing facility. Honda is fully aware of this widespread defect, as evidenced by SB 20-100 and a related warranty extension. However, Honda chose to handle this severe defect via a limited warranty extension rather than a mandatory safety recall. My extended warranty expired in October 2025. When this known safety hazard manifested in May 2026, I was forced to pay for the repair entirely out of pocket. I urge the federal safety agency to investigate this known stalling and fire hazard and compel Honda to issue a formal safety recall so consumers are not left at risk.

Filed Mar 4, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · OR

My vehicle suffered a catastrophic failure of the exhaust and engine systems directly caused by the defective fuel injection system identified in Service Bulletin 20-100. Despite providing evidence that the failure was initiated by these defective injectors, Honda has only provided a partial, unexplained reimbursement and refuses to acknowledge the extensive "downstream" damages. Diagnostic Evidence: At the time of service, the vehicle stored the exact diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) specified in the bulletin: Fuel/Misfire Codes: P0302, P0303, P0305, P219A Catalytic Efficiency Codes: P0420, P0430 Repairs & Financial Impact: The fueling imbalance and extreme heat caused by the faulty injectors led to: Replacement of both Catalytic Converters (directly cited as a potential result of injector failure in SB 20-100). Cylinder Head Gasket Replacement & Head Resurfacing (caused by excessive thermal stress and localized overheating from the lean/rich conditions). Fuel Injector Replacement. Dispute Details: Inadequate Reimbursement: After months of persistent hounding, American Honda issued a payment of $736. No explanation was provided, but this amount likely only covers the injectors, ignoring the thousands of dollars in consequential damage. Admission of Defect: By issuing this partial payment, Honda has formally acknowledged that my VIN was affected by the manufacturing defect described in the bulletin. Lack of Transparency: Honda has failed to provide any technical justification for how the catalytic converter and head gasket failures—which occurred simultaneously with the specific codes in the bulletin—could be considered unrelated to the admitted injector defect. Request for Action: I am requesting an investigation into Honda's failure to cover the full scope of damages caused by this known manufacturing defect. The partial payment is an admission of fault regarding the injectors, and the resulting engine and exhaust damage is a direct, documented consequence of that