Honda Pilot steering lock-up problems

Filed Aug 29, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · WI

While driving on my way home from work (24 mile drive) I received on my dashboard faults that flashed briefly for my steering, lane keeping assistance, lane departure, forward collision, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and parking collision (warning lamps). My radio also had cut out at the same time. While that occurred my steering wheel jerked suddenly while going straight at speeds around 60mph. I brushed it off as a communication issue since it is known to occur on these vehicles, but the steering wheel jerking was new to me. Made it home turned the vehicle off (vehicle was off for 15 minutes). I started up the vehicle no warning lamps came on. But as soon as I got up to 40mph and a mile from my home the same issue occurred but more frequent, but less of the steering wheel jerking. I got where I needed to go and got back onto the road and reached 30 mph the warning lamps came on more a lot more frequently on my way home. As soon as reached my alleyway turning left, the steering wheel had a moment of locking up (about 5-10mph). This came as a shock for me. I backed up into my garage and had to turn the steering wheel left again and the same thing happened. I parked the while the vehicle was running I turned the steering wheel really fast, recreated the steering wheel locking momentarily a few times. I turned the vehicle off and tried to restart it but there was no power. Turns out that my battery had gone bad. I had no indication of a low voltage or battery issue. I replaced the battery and issue was resolved. For me and a situationally unaware driver and this issue occurs where the steering wheel jerked and/or an emergency evasive action was needed, this could cause an accident due to the sudden loss of steering. There was no indication of battery issues. No dealer or independent shops were involved. I am a mechanic myself.

Filed May 25, 2026 · Steering · OK

Steering locked up with all warning lights lite up. No control over vehicle. Yes this put all people in the vehicle at risk of death or injury. This happened at an intersection while making a turn-no other vehicles were at the intersection- if there had been or had this happened entering an interstate highway or turning onto a high speed road could have been hit from several directions. Not repeated. Must have been confirmed by dealer as they hooked up the computer with Honda Headquarters and said the starter was at fault. No prior symptoms. It is available for inspection. Killing the engine and restarting cleared the dash lights and was able to turn afterwards.

Filed Feb 24, 2026 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · IL

The vehicle previously experienced a steering wheel locking issue and was taken to the dealer for repair. The dealer stated the issue was repaired on December 11, 2024. On February 24, 2026, while driving on a public street, the vehicle hesitated or jerked slightly during acceleration and then appeared to operate normally. After a few minutes, multiple warning messages suddenly appeared on the dashboard, and the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn and effectively locked while I was driving. I immediately activated my hazard lights. I was unable to safely pull over because the steering wheel would not respond properly, which placed me and other drivers at risk. I had to continue driving slowly until I found a side road where I could safely stop. I turned the vehicle off. When restarting, the warning messages reappeared. After several minutes, the warning lights cleared, and the steering wheel was no longer locked but felt loose and unstable ("wobbly"). I cautiously resumed driving. After several minutes, the steering began to feel normal again. The following warnings were displayed: Hill Start Assist problem, Trailer Stability Assist problem, Hill Descent Control problem, Adaptive Cruise Control problem, Lane Keeping Assist problem, Collision Mitigation Braking System problem, Road Departure Mitigation problem, Low Speed Braking Control problem, Auto High-Beam problem, Electric Power Steering system problem – Steering Assist Not Available, and "Stop. Steering assist reduced. Stop driving when safe." The failed component appears to be the Electric Power Steering system and related driver-assistance systems. The vehicle is available for inspection. The problem was previously addressed by a dealer but has reoccurred. No prior warning lights were present before this incident. The failure occurred suddenly while driving.

Filed Nov 28, 2025 · Steering · MI

I began driving the vehicle and the steering locked up. An error message presented stating that there was an issue with the steering and to see the dealer. This is a severe safety issue. Kids were in the car and this could have lead to a severe accident. It has been inspected and confirmed by Fox Honda Grand Rapids. There were no indicators/warnings prior to the incident.

Filed Nov 14, 2025 · CA

Pilot stalled out while driving all the warning lights started flashing on dashboard the steering wheel locked . I turned vehicle off for a few minutes turned it back on and was able to drive it back home with hazards on took it to the dealership they can’t find anything wrong

Filed Apr 23, 2025 · Engine · GA

On three occasions, my car has not started as expected. Twice I was at busy intersections at a stop, and when I started to go, the car shut off and would not allow me to restart the engine. The third time I had not been driving and was in a parking lot, trying to start the car to leave and it also would not start. When this happens, the brake locks, the steering locks, but the lights are still on around the center console. The start stop button goes black and refuses to work on all three occasions. I have had to wait and try again and try again and try again before the car will restart and allow me to drive again. Then all of the panic alerts flash on the dash and cycle over and over and over telling me to see the dealer also saying there is a brake system problem. I do have a video of these, but my video is too large to attach here. This is very dangerous being stuck in an intersection with cars all around not being able to move. I took the car into the dealer today and they wanted to tell me that my battery was having interference or corrosion. The car is only one year old. They also said that the idle start stop was draining amperage from the battery perhaps keeping it from restarting if I were making short trips or in heavy traffic. Either way, this is a huge problem and safety concern on my part. I am paying for a brand new car that I feel is unsafe. They did not share with me that there is an active investigation about this very issue. I feel they were not very transparent with me. Down below, I will attach an image of what the dealer said about the issue when I visited them today.

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 Jan 10, 2025 · Steering · CA

My 2020 Honda Pilot steering wheel locks or sticks while driving, which terrifies me. After researching the problem online, I found that 2020 Honda vehicles have been recalled due to a manufacturing defect in the steering gearbox assembly. My vehicle is NOT on the list. Please advise. Thank you!

Filed Oct 18, 2024 · Steering · 28,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2023 Honda Pilot The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the contact attempted to accelerate however, the messages "Brake system, Brake Hold Failure, Apply Brake while Stopped, See Your Dealer, Electric power steering Failure, Steering Assistance Reduced - See Dealer, VSA, and brake failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle started to decelerate, and the steering wheel seized. The contact was able to bring the vehicle to a stop, and restarted the vehicle, and the steering wheel unlocked; however, the warning lights remained illuminated, and the vehicle accelerated slowly. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure; however, the system was reset, and the vehicle was returned to the contact. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 28,000.

Filed Aug 6, 2024 · Driver assistance · NY

During the last week, alerts would appear on my dash from the Collision Mitigation Braking System and Road Departure Mitigation System. These alerts will appear while driving at 30mph on a city street. When the alerts appear, the brakes are activated and the steering wheel locks up. The alerts immediately clear but it is very alarming to the driver and passengers. Yesterday while parallel parking, in the mist of reversing into the parking space, the systems triggered alerts along with a transmission alert. The system immediately put the vehicle into park and would not permit the change of gears. While halfway in the parking spot with the front of the vehicle sticking out into on coming traffic, I was forced to completely turn the vehicle off, wait about 3 minutes before turning it back on. This allowed me to complete parking the vehicle in the spot.