Honda Pilot premature wear problems

Filed Aug 26, 2026 · Suspension · DC

I purchased a brand new 2026 Honda Pilot Elite AWD in March of 2026. Since then, I've taken my vehicle in service 3 times, with the first time being 1 week of purchase after noticing loud noises, rumbling, shaking and clunking as I drove over speed bumps, potholes, etc. The first service, the Honda technicians weren't able to identify the issue. The second and third times I've taken the vehicle in for service, it was determined that the stabilizer link components were prematurely worn on both the driver and passenger sides of the vehicle. As a result, both parts were replaced through the Honda warranty but unfortunately, I am still experiencing significant issues with the overall handling and reduced stability, and the vehicle's quality and driver experience has decreased and has been significantly impacted and has caused major safety concerns.

Filed May 14, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 75,670 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle's rear brakes rub significantly to the point of prematurely wearing out the brake pads. Additionally, the instrument panel is failing and displaying all warning lights, and the side mirrors flicker while driving. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed to be the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V439000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) however, the VIN was not included in the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,670.

Filed Mar 22, 2026 · Transmission · RI

I contacted Honda America regarding a concern with my 2025 Pilot, which has just over 5,000 miles. The service light for the rear differential came on at the 5,000‑mile mark (I don't drive off-road, and my driving is 50/50 city/highway), even though the dealership indicated this service is not typically required until 10,000–15,000 miles. My goal was simple: confirm that there is no premature wear issue with the rear differential, and request that Honda cover the service if it is occurring earlier than expected. Instead, the experience was extremely disappointing. The representative repeatedly stated that he could not provide any technical information because he is a customer service agent. That raises an obvious question: if Honda’s own customer service cannot address technical concerns about a Honda vehicle, who exactly should a customer contact? He then informed me that he reached out to the dealership I use and spoke with the service manager, who said that “this could happen.” I already knew that from the dealer. Repeating the same vague statement does not add value, nor does it require involvement from a service manager or a manufacturer representative. It certainly does not address my actual concern about potential premature wear, nor does it justify the back‑and‑forth emails when no meaningful assistance was provided. To be clear, I am fully aware that dealerships profit from performing services—whether the vehicle truly needs them or not. That is precisely why I reached out to Honda America for clarification and support. Instead, I received no answers, no guidance, and no resolution. If additional information is needed, do not hesitate to contact me.

Filed Mar 9, 2025 · Engine · NH

I was told by my local Honda Dealer (Autofair Honda Manchester NH) that my very well maintained 2017 Honda Pilot, which I bought new, needed a new engine. After doing some research, I discovered that Honda has already recalled 249000 vehicles in the US with a 3.5 liter V6 engine that had manufacturing defects in the crankshaft that could cause connecting rod bearings to prematurely wear and seize leading to engine failure. the federal safety agency also said it was probing the severity of the issue to determine if the vehicles not included in the 2023 recall should be covered. My 2017 Pilot falls into the "investigation period" and has characteristics consistant with those addressed in the 2023 recall. Therefore, I wanted to add my information to your database. Thank you

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)

Filed Oct 10, 2024 · Engine · VA

1. While driving on the highway at approximately 70 MPH, the engine’s crankshaft and connecting rod bearings suffered premature wear, leading to a catastrophic engine seizure. The engine failed while the vehicle was in motion, leaving us in a highly dangerous situation. The odometer reading at failure was 60,764 miles. 2. This mechanical failure put my children’s lives and mine at significant risk. When the engine seized, the vehicle rapidly decelerated without warning, which could have easily resulted in a high-speed collision and potentially fatal consequences. By sheer luck, I was able to navigate across lanes of traffic and pull the car onto the shoulder without incident, narrowly avoiding a serious accident. 3. I authorized a full engine tear-down to pursue goodwill assistance from Honda of America, but despite the clear mechanical failure, my request was ultimately denied. The root cause of the failure was the shredding of the connecting rod and related rod bearing, which led directly to the engine seizing. Despite this, the vehicle is not covered under safety recall report 23V‑751, and Honda of America has refused to offer any goodwill assistance. 4. The vehicle was inspected and diagnosed by a certified Honda dealership, further confirming the severity of the issue. 5. There were no warnings, error messages, or any indication of mechanical problems prior to the engine seizing, leaving no opportunity to take preventive action before the failure occurred. This version highlights the severity of the mechanical failure, the danger to your family, and the steps you have taken to seek assistance, providing a stronger basis for requesting recourse.

Filed Apr 10, 2024 · Engine · WA

Meticulously maintained 2026 Honda Pilot with less than 90,000 miles experienced a catastrophic engine failure while driving on highway. Dealership diagnostic found code P0305 and commented, "the engine bearing failed resulting in a catastrophic failure. Cut open oil filter and found bearing material inside. Recommending a used or new engine." This same vehicle / year has a the federal safety agency Recall Number: 23V‑751- 2016 & 2018-2019 Pilot Conn Rod Inspect Recall- there is a manufacturing defect of the engine crankshaft, the connecting rod bearing can prematurely wear and seize. The issue is my vehicles VIN# is NOT included in the recall, event though the failure code and bearing material found in oil filter indicates a high degree of similar root cause as the recall. There are other public forums and social media platforms with owners of 2016 Honda Pilots that are describing exactly same experience- well maintained, engine failure that are NOT included on recall. I've already had around $600 of towing and diagnostic tests. This needs to be further investigated.

Filed Apr 23, 2019 · Brakes · WA

2013 honda pilot. Consumer writes in regards to warped rotors. *ld the consumer stated the vehicle was repaired by the manufacturer, but the failure recurred.

Filed Jan 2, 2019 · Brakes · 20,000 miles · VA

Rotors warped. This is a continuous problem regardless of how many times it is "fixed".

Filed Oct 10, 2017 · Brakes · 78,000 miles · AZ

Brake rotors warping again for third time, 80,000 miles. No hard braking. Mechanic tells me he sees this a lot with this make and model. Very severe steering wheel shaking and almost loss of control on highway when even slightly braking at 60+ MPH