2014 Honda Pilot Problems & Owner Complaints
Age-normalised, this year draws ~8.9 complaints per year on the road — ranking 11 of 12 Honda Pilot years we track (1 = most complaints per year).
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What owners report
Engine is the most-reported problem area on the 2014 Honda Pilot, cited in 31 of 116 filed complaints (27%).
Structure is next (20 complaints, 17%), followed by Wheels (16), Air Bags (9), Electrical System (9).
Across all complaints, 8 report a crash, 7 report injuries.
The most safety-critical cluster is Air Bags: 3 crash, 4 injury report(s).
Complaints by vehicle system
Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2014 Honda Pilot, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 116.
Engine 31 1 crash
“My wife pulled into a diagonal parking space and was ready to put the vehicle into park when the engine rpm increased dramatically and propelled us into a concrete wall. The front end and left front fender are damaged and the two seat belts locked. The airbag indicator light is on but the air bag did not deploy. Thankfully we suffered no injuries. I contacted American Honda who initially seemed interested. I provided much information and then did not hear back from them. After a month I contacted them again and was told there have been no recalls on our vehicle. I relayed that I am very concer…”
NHTSA complaint #11541929, 2023 · crash
“10/27/2023 replaced all spark plugs 12/16/2/24 Engine light and VTM-light and traction control light on, misfire in 1st cylinder, replaced spark plugs and ignition coil 1/9/25 Engine light and VTM-light and traction control light on, misfire in 3rd cylinder. These issues are consistent with many complaints on this year, make and model of Honda Pilot”
NHTSA complaint #11709829, 2026
“The contact owns a 2014 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was a loud pop coming from the engine department. The contact became aware of a severe drop in the oil level while driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that there was a misfire in cylinder #4, and that the engine needed to be rebuilt. The engine was rebuilt. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the engine sputtered with the check engine and several other warning lights illuminated. The failures persisted. The vehicle was…”
NHTSA complaint #11744773, 2025
Structure 20
“My paint is peeling. I never had a vehicle with the paint peeling like this. Its color is white. What can be done about this? I have bought touch up paint to help stop the peeling but that didnt do so well.”
NHTSA complaint #11676027, 2025
“Clear coat failing on roof and paint chipping bubbling away from body on tailgate without evidence of rust. Reported to dealer and was told to contact American Honda Corp directly.”
NHTSA complaint #11606391, 2024
“PAINT PEELING OFF AND BUBBLING ON HOOD. IT'S A MANUFACTURE DEFECT. HONDA WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE HOOD. I HAD THE ROOF (REPAINTED IN 2018)AND RIGHT PASSENGER DOOR PANEL (REPAINTED 2021) REPAINTED BECAUSE OF THE SAME PEELING PROBLEM SINCE IT'S ALL THE SAME ORIGINAL PAINT FROM WHEN WE BOUGHT IT NEW IN 2014.”
NHTSA complaint #11397646, 2021
Wheels 16
“LEAKS IN TWO OF 4 PIRELLI SCORPION VERDE TIRES WERE DIAGNOSED BY MECHANIC AS PLY DELAMINATIONS CAUSING MULTIPLE PINHOLE LEAKS AND INDICATING A NEED FOR IMMEDIATE REPLACEMENT. I FOUND MULTIPLE REPORTS OF DESTRUCTIVE DELAMINATIONS IN SERVICE ON THE NHSTA SITE, BUT NO RECALL. TIRES ARE 235/60 R18, DATE CODES 4217 AND 4717 TOTAL MILEAGE UNKNOWN (IN PLACE WHEN VEHICLE PURCHASED USED, PURPORTEDLY NEW BUT MORE THAN A YEAR OLD BY DATE CODE, LESS THAN 20,000 MILES THAT I KNOW OF, PLENTY OF TREAD LEFT.) HAVE LEAKED SLOWLY FOR A WHILE, ASSUMED IT WAS VALVE STEM SEALS, ASKED MECHANIC TO LOOK AT IT. TIRES…”
NHTSA complaint #11351315, 2020
“BOTH FRONT TIRE RIMS ON MY 2014 HONDA PILOT HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO CRACKED RIMS. THE LEFT FRONT RIM HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. THE RIGHT FRONT IS NOW CRACKED. THIS CAR IS DRIVEN UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS. LEFT FRONT FIRST CRACK WAS IN 2017. LEFT FRONT SECOND CRACK 13 MONTHS LATER. RIGHT FRONT CRACKED RIM NOV 2018.”
NHTSA complaint #11154021, 2018
“SINCE PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE WE HAVE HAD NUMEROUS RIMS CRACK ALONG THE WELDS. WE ARE AT OUR THIRD THAT WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED NOW. THE FIRST WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER AT NO COST TO US, THE SECOND WE HAD TO PAY (DEALER COST) FOR THE RIM AND WERE TOLD IF IT HAPPENED AGAIN IT WOULD NO LONGER BE THEIR PROBLEM. I DRIVE IN NORMAL CONDITIONS, TO AND FROM MY KIDS SCHOOL(ROUND TRIP ON PAVED CITY STREETS 2 MILES) AND TO WORK (AGAIN ROUND TRIP ON CITY STREETS MAX 18 MILES). THE VEHICLE HAS NOT HIT ANY CURBS OR MAJOR POT HOLES ON ANY OF THESE OCCURRENCES. TODAY WHEN LEAVING FOR THE DAY WE HAD OUR TIRE…”
NHTSA complaint #11128359, 2018
Unknown Or Other 15 2 crash
“WE HAVE 2014 HONDA PILOT THAT HAD 68,072 MILES ON IT. MY WIFE BELIEVED THAT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FOR THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED PARK IN OUR DRIVEWAY. ACCORDING TO THE HONDA OWNER'S MANUEL THERE IS A SAFETY FEATURE THAT PREVENTS THE IGNITION KEY FROM BEING REMOVED UNLESS THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK. THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACK INTO A TREE CAUSING OVER $3,000.00 IN PROPERTY DAMAGE. THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED IN THE PAST WITH THE HONDA PILOT (2003-2004) AND THE HONDA ODYSSEY (2003-2004) AND THE ACURA MDX (2003-2006) WHICH WERE THE SUBJECT OF A RECALL BY HONDA. PLEASE SEE NHTSA ACTION NUMB…”
NHTSA complaint #11404202, 2020 · crash
“I HAD PUT MY CAR IN PARK, IT WAS STILL RUNNING, I REACHED IN AND TURNED THE KEY OFF AND THE CAR IMMEDIATELY STARTED TO ROLL. I ATTEMPTED TO GET IN THE CAR TO BRAKE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DO THIS AND THEN WAS THROWN AWAY FROM THE VVEHICLE, HITTING MY HEAD ON MY ROCK DRIVEWAY. THERE WAS A SLIGHT INCLINE WHERE I PARKED BUT WHEN IT STARTED TO ROLL IT REACHED A STEEPER INCLINE AND ROLLED DOWN MY DRIVEWAY AND HIT A TREE WHICH CAUSED THE DAMAGE. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP---WHERE THEY FOUND NO REASON FOR THE RUNNAWAY ISSUE?? I THEN CALLED HONDA AND WAS TREATED BADLY, BUT THEY CONFESSE…”
NHTSA complaint #10717522, 2014 · crash
“Im not sure if this is the correct complaint form. Paint is peeling, lowering the cars value. Just started within the last month. On top of my roof in front of where my sunroof is.”
NHTSA complaint #11590260, 2024
Air Bags 9 3 crash 4 injury
“WE HAD A HUGE BUCK DEER RUN INTO THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE PASSENGERS SIDE AIR BAG DID DEPLOY. THIS IS NOTED IN THE POLICE REPORT AND AT THE AUTO BODY SHOP WHERE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION WHEN THE DEER HIT US. THE ESTIMATE TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY IS $9,000.00.”
NHTSA complaint #10935042, 2016 · crash · 3 injury(ies)
“NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIRBAG UPON HEAD-ON COLLISION. FITCHBURG MASS.POLICE CRASH REPORT # 16-1706-AC. DRIVER CAME INTO MY LANE OF TRAFFIC AND STRUCK FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE.”
NHTSA complaint #10822274, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“"TAKATA RECALL" UNFORTUNATELY, BEFORE THE RECALL BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE PASSENGER SIDE EXPLODED LEAVING A BURN ON THE PASSENGERS LEG. THE DRIVERS SIDE BAG ALSO EXPLODED AFTER DEPLOYMENT LEAVING A BURN ON THUMB OF RIGHT HAND OF DRIVER. THE DEPLOYMENT WAS DUE TO ACCIDENT INVOLVING A DEER ON A STATE HIGHWAY.”
NHTSA complaint #11161146, 2018 · crash
Electrical System 9 2 crash 1 injury
“ON APRIL 17, 2016 AT 3.30 PM WHILE FORWARD PARKING MY VEHICLE, I EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATION, RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE IMPACTING THE WALL IN FRONT OF MY PARKING SPOT. THE WALL WAS APX. 20 FT FROM THE CAR AT THE TIME OF THIS INCIDENT. I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE DURING THE LATER STAGES OF THE PARKING MANEUVER AND SPEED WAS MINIMAL <5 KM/H). BEFORE COMING TO A STANDSTILL, THE ENGINE SPRUNG TO MAXIMUM RPM WITHOUT ME EVER TOUCHING THE ACCELERATOR. I DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO CONTROL IT AND THE BRAKES WERE ALSO INEFFECTIVE. UPON IMPACT THE DRIVER FRONT AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND THE HORN START…”
NHTSA complaint #10860782, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“WE HAVE 2014 HONDA PILOT THAT HAD 68,072 MILES ON IT. MY WIFE BELIEVED THAT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FOR THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED PARK IN OUR DRIVEWAY. ACCORDING TO THE HONDA OWNER'S MANUEL THERE IS A SAFETY FEATURE THAT PREVENTS THE IGNITION KEY FROM BEING REMOVED UNLESS THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK. THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACK INTO A TREE CAUSING OVER $3,000.00 IN PROPERTY DAMAGE. THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED IN THE PAST WITH THE HONDA PILOT (2003-2004) AND THE HONDA ODYSSEY (2003-2004) AND THE ACURA MDX (2003-2006) WHICH WERE THE SUBJECT OF A RECALL BY HONDA. PLEASE SEE NHTSA ACTION NUMB…”
NHTSA complaint #11404202, 2020 · crash
“Component Involved: Engine Lubrication / Cylinder Head / Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Spool Valve (Solenoid Assembly) and Electrical Charging System (Alternator). Vehicle Affected Example: Honda vehicles equipped with the 3.5L V6 (J35 Engine Series) with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), including the Honda Pilot. Description of the Safety Defect & Failure Mechanism: The rear (bank 1) variable valve timing spool valve assembly is mounted directly above the vehicle's alternator. Due to thermal cycling and material degradation, the molded rubber gasket on the upper portion of this spool valve a…”
NHTSA complaint #11746124, 2026
Service Brakes 9
“A little over 100K miles in my Honda and the ABS module has gone out. This part is over $2200 from Honda and on backorder. This is a known issue from Honda and yet, no recall. This unit is incredibly expensive and without fixing it, the safety of my family is as risk.”
NHTSA complaint #11535148, 2023
“The ABS, brake, and traction control lights come on when the slightest bump in the road is hit. I am being told by the Honda dealership technician that the issue is a $2000.00 sensor that must be replaced but however is on back order. I am told that this very sensor controls the steering, traction, and brakes. I am told that the brakes can disengage or not engage at any time.”
NHTSA complaint #11534260, 2023
“THIS CAR HAS A SERIOUS SHAKING ISSUE WHEN BRAKING. THIS IS WELL DOCUMENTED AND HONDA HAS NOT RELEASED ANY RECALLS FOR THIS. THIS CAR HAS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE WITH CONSUMING TOO MUCH OIL. MY CAR CONSUMES WAY TOO MUCH OIL WHICH ALSO CAUSES ISSUES WITH THE VARIABLE CYLINDER MANAGEMENT”
NHTSA complaint #11022673, 2017
Power Train 7
“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 tha…”
NHTSA complaint #11711134, 2025
“My 2014 Honda Pilot has intermittent engine misfires (DTCs P0301–P0304) caused by piston ring failure. The defect leads to rough running, sudden loss of power, and unsafe driving conditions. On October 24, 2024, Crown Motors Honda in Holland, MI confirmed piston ring failure on cylinders 1–3, with oil wash and fouled spark plugs. The vehicle had to be towed when my wife was driving due to loss of power. This vehicle is driven daily by my two high-school sons, often with my youngest as a passenger. The misfire and power loss create dangerous situations when merging, accelerating, or driving in…”
NHTSA complaint #11685705, 2024
“WHEN ACCELERATING OR DECELERATING FROM 40 MPH TO 60 MPH THE TRANSMISSION MAKES A HORRIBLE RUMBLING SOUND AND IT FEELS LIKE THE CAR WAS FORCED INTO A LOWER GEAR. THIS SEEMS RELATED TO THE 'ECO' MODE AND ONLY STARTED AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD 30,000 MILES ON IT. THE DEALERSHIP CALLED AMERICAN HONDA'S HEADQUARTERS BECAUSE THEY AGREED WITH THE COMPLAINT BUT WAS TOLD THIS IS 'NORMAL'. I CAN'T SELL THE CAR IN THIS CONDITION EVEN TO THE DEALERSHIP SO I'M STUCK UNLESS I PAY FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION.”
NHTSA complaint #11048847, 2017
Suspension 7
“LIGHTING--DTR warning light stays on an they don't work but then I was pulled over 1 morning on the way to work because the both taillights stopped working. Checked everything no idea what it could be but the wiring. Because if you piggy back off a hot wire they will work. SUSPENSION-- there is a constant popping noise coming from the front, it's either ball joints, stabilizer bar, or could be the torsion bars. It has new struts so that's not it. ELECTRICAL-- check parking sensor stays on the dash as well DTR. Now this vehicle used to unlock all doors when put in park but now only unlocks…”
NHTSA complaint #11711149, 2025
“Rear suspension subframe is rusted out and is not safe to drive by state inspection standards. The vehicle is not under a recall and dealer estimates about $200 to put on lift and inspect it. I am the owner of said vehicle and have had my own automobile repair shop for over 35 years, and am currently an official state safety inspection station. The local dealer says they need to inspect the vehicle and that I will be charged for it. I feel that since this is a defect in the vehicle and that it is a safety item that they should inspect it at no charge. I further believe that it will be rec…”
NHTSA complaint #11638755, 2025
“The ABS, brake, and traction control lights come on when the slightest bump in the road is hit. I am being told by the Honda dealership technician that the issue is a $2000.00 sensor that must be replaced but however is on back order. I am told that this very sensor controls the steering, traction, and brakes. I am told that the brakes can disengage or not engage at any time.”
NHTSA complaint #11534260, 2023
Fuel/Propulsion System 5 1 crash
“THIS CAR WAS WHAT IS DISCRIBED AS "RUN AWAY VEHICLE" THE CAR WAS IN PARK, AS THE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF IT STARTED ROLLING, TOOK OUT A TREE WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE DAMAGE. I WAS THROWN FROM THE VEHICLE SO IT PROCEEDED DOWN THE DRIVEWAY WITHOUT A PERSON IN THE CAR. *JS”
NHTSA complaint #10662110, 2012 · crash
“Component Involved: Engine Lubrication / Cylinder Head / Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Spool Valve (Solenoid Assembly) and Electrical Charging System (Alternator). Vehicle Affected Example: Honda vehicles equipped with the 3.5L V6 (J35 Engine Series) with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), including the Honda Pilot. Description of the Safety Defect & Failure Mechanism: The rear (bank 1) variable valve timing spool valve assembly is mounted directly above the vehicle's alternator. Due to thermal cycling and material degradation, the molded rubber gasket on the upper portion of this spool valve a…”
NHTSA complaint #11746124, 2026
“My 2014 Honda Pilot has intermittent engine misfires (DTCs P0301–P0304) caused by piston ring failure. The defect leads to rough running, sudden loss of power, and unsafe driving conditions. On October 24, 2024, Crown Motors Honda in Holland, MI confirmed piston ring failure on cylinders 1–3, with oil wash and fouled spark plugs. The vehicle had to be towed when my wife was driving due to loss of power. This vehicle is driven daily by my two high-school sons, often with my youngest as a passenger. The misfire and power loss create dangerous situations when merging, accelerating, or driving in…”
NHTSA complaint #11685705, 2024
Steering 4
“VEHICLE SHIMMIES, SHAKES, VIBRATES WHEN BRAKING AND PULLS TO THE LEFT. HAD 26,000 MILE ON VEHICLE. BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT COULD BE DUE TO BREAKING, CAR WASHES, AND WEATHER. ROSTERS WERE RESURFACED AT MY EXPENSE. NOW VEHICLE HAS 38,000 MILES ON IT WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. DEALERSHIP SAYS IT'S MY FAULT. ALL MILES ARE HIGHWAY AND VEHICLE IS GARAGED AT HOME AND DURING THE DAY AT THE OFFICE.”
NHTSA complaint #10809857, 2015
“WHEN RAINING AT ABOUT 55 TO 60 MPH VEHICLE HYDROPLANES. I HAVE OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS THAT OWN THE SAME VEHICLE HAVING SAME PROBLEM.”
NHTSA complaint #10785204, 2015
“ISSUES: 1 - STEERING CONSTANTLY VIBRATES AT SPEEDS ABOVE 45MPH. SMOOTH ROADS HIGHER VIBRATIONS. THIS VIBRATION INCREASES TO EXTENT THAT YOU FEEL THAT YOU ARE LOOSING CONTROL OF THE CAR AT SPEED ABOVE 70MPH AND YOU CAN SEE THE STEERING VIBRATING. SO EFFECTIVELY, YOU CANT DRIVE YOU CAR BEYOND 70MPH. 2 - TRANSMISSION SHUTTERS AT CRUISING SPEED ABOVE 35MPH AND SEARCHES FOR GEARS WHILE GOING DOWN HILL. 3 - SUDDEN BURNING SMELLS IN THE CABIN TO AN EXTENT OF AIR BECOMING TOXIC INSIDE CABIN. HONDA REPLACED MULTIPLE PARTS BUT NO RESULT AND PROBLEM HAS BECOME WORSE. FINALLY HONDA DOES NOT WANT TO…”
NHTSA complaint #10748000, 2014
Vehicle Speed Control 4 1 crash 1 injury
“ON APRIL 17, 2016 AT 3.30 PM WHILE FORWARD PARKING MY VEHICLE, I EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATION, RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE IMPACTING THE WALL IN FRONT OF MY PARKING SPOT. THE WALL WAS APX. 20 FT FROM THE CAR AT THE TIME OF THIS INCIDENT. I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE DURING THE LATER STAGES OF THE PARKING MANEUVER AND SPEED WAS MINIMAL <5 KM/H). BEFORE COMING TO A STANDSTILL, THE ENGINE SPRUNG TO MAXIMUM RPM WITHOUT ME EVER TOUCHING THE ACCELERATOR. I DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO CONTROL IT AND THE BRAKES WERE ALSO INEFFECTIVE. UPON IMPACT THE DRIVER FRONT AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND THE HORN START…”
NHTSA complaint #10860782, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“Check engine and VSA light on. Vehicle jerks and shakes/ rough when slowing down. Diagnosis Misfire in cylinder two- foul plug ( that was just replaced), burning up oil rapidly. Piston rings are defective on a car with 75000 k miles. The repair is $5k after I just spent $2k on plugs, coils, replaced again, alternator. Undsafe and feels like car will crash. This was recall on 2013 and class action suit. Not on 2014 after they knew about issue!! Wreckless”
NHTSA complaint #11462885, 2022
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HONDA PILOT. WHILE AT A STOP, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE CONTACT'S DRIVING STYLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE RECURRED RANDOMLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10991175, 2014
Engine And Engine Cooling 3 1 crash 1 injury
“ON APRIL 17, 2016 AT 3.30 PM WHILE FORWARD PARKING MY VEHICLE, I EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATION, RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE IMPACTING THE WALL IN FRONT OF MY PARKING SPOT. THE WALL WAS APX. 20 FT FROM THE CAR AT THE TIME OF THIS INCIDENT. I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE DURING THE LATER STAGES OF THE PARKING MANEUVER AND SPEED WAS MINIMAL <5 KM/H). BEFORE COMING TO A STANDSTILL, THE ENGINE SPRUNG TO MAXIMUM RPM WITHOUT ME EVER TOUCHING THE ACCELERATOR. I DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO CONTROL IT AND THE BRAKES WERE ALSO INEFFECTIVE. UPON IMPACT THE DRIVER FRONT AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND THE HORN START…”
NHTSA complaint #10860782, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“The contact owns a 2014 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was a loud pop coming from the engine department. The contact became aware of a severe drop in the oil level while driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that there was a misfire in cylinder #4, and that the engine needed to be rebuilt. The engine was rebuilt. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the engine sputtered with the check engine and several other warning lights illuminated. The failures persisted. The vehicle was…”
NHTSA complaint #11744773, 2025
“MY 2014 HONDA PILOT EX-L HAS A MULTI MAJOR ISSUES. STARTING WITH A MAJOR WATER LEAK INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. VEHICLE STALLING IN THE MIDDLE OF A LEFT HAND TURN DURING THE RAIN. HESITATION IN THE MOTOR WHEN TRAVELING AT 45 MPH. THIS OCCURS ALL THE TIME WHEN DRIVING. LUNGING FORWARD WHILE THE BRAKE IS ENGAGED. PULLING TO THE RIGHT, THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE IN ALIGNMENT. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE THE DAY OF PURCHASE. WHINING IN THE POWER STEERING NO MATTER WHICH WAY YOU ARE TURNING. LIFTERS ARE TAPPING UNDER THE HOOD. THE LIST GOES ON. TRIED TO HAVE THESE ISSUES ADDRESSED AT THE DEALERSH…”
NHTSA complaint #10637675, 2014
Exterior Lighting 3
“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 tha…”
NHTSA complaint #11711134, 2025
“LIGHTING--DTR warning light stays on an they don't work but then I was pulled over 1 morning on the way to work because the both taillights stopped working. Checked everything no idea what it could be but the wiring. Because if you piggy back off a hot wire they will work. SUSPENSION-- there is a constant popping noise coming from the front, it's either ball joints, stabilizer bar, or could be the torsion bars. It has new struts so that's not it. ELECTRICAL-- check parking sensor stays on the dash as well DTR. Now this vehicle used to unlock all doors when put in park but now only unlocks…”
NHTSA complaint #11711149, 2025
“1. Our 2014 Honda Pilot EXL with only 70,000 miles on it needs a complete engine replacement. The cause was determined to be driving with low oil. The oil life gauge read 50% and we had an oil change only 3 months earlier. No check engine light or low oil light came on, so we had no way of knowing the oil was low unless someone qualified had done a manual inspection which ordinary drivers don't/can't do. In our view the warning lights and/or oil life gauge all failed to warn us of any issue of this nature, therefore letting it get to the point whereby the car needs a complete engine replacemen…”
NHTSA complaint #11478245, 2022
Forward Collision Avoidance 3
“On [XXX], the Pilot auto-braked without cause while driving on the highway in Maryland. All dash lights were illuminated so [XXX] pulled over. The car seemed to be functioning including the brake system (which was one of the lights illuminated during this occurrence) so the lights on the dash were assumed to be a computer glitch as was the auto-brake that caused the lights to illuminate in the first place. At this time, the center dash did not indicate low oil. [XXX] attempted to make an appointment with DARCARS while she was in town but being a holiday weekend, no appointments were availa…”
NHTSA complaint #11623947, 2023
“A little over 100K miles in my Honda and the ABS module has gone out. This part is over $2200 from Honda and on backorder. This is a known issue from Honda and yet, no recall. This unit is incredibly expensive and without fixing it, the safety of my family is as risk.”
NHTSA complaint #11535148, 2023
Seat Belts 3 2 injury
“CENTER REAR SEAT BELT ENDED UP AROUND 3 YEAR OLDS NECK AND EVERYTIME HE MOVED IT GOT TIGHTER AND TIGHTER. THE SEAT BELT ANCHOR IS NOT EASY TO DETACH INCASE THIS HAPPENS.WE ENDED UP UNBUCKLING HIM AND TURNING HIS WHOLE BODY TO GET IT OFF HIS NECK. BOTH 2ND AND 3RD ROW SEATS USE THIS KIND OF ANCHOR.”
NHTSA complaint #11361198, 2020 · 1 injury(ies)
“WHEN THE 2ND ROW CENTER SEAT BELT, WHICH STORES ON THE CEILING, WAS RELEASED, IT SNAPPED UP AND STRUCK THE CHILD SITTING IN THE LEFT 2ND ROW SEAT IN A BOOSTER SEAT ON THE RIGHT UPPER CHEEK CAUSING AN ABRASION AND MANY TEARS. THE CHILD WAS SITTING AND STILL BELTED INTO THE BOOSTER SEAT. THE INJURY WASN'T SEVERE BUT COULD HAVE BEEN IF IT HAD STRUCK THE EYE OR CAUSED A LACERATION. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10694254, 2015 · 1 injury(ies)
“RANDOMLY, WHILE DRIVING THE FASTEN SEATBELT ICON ILLUMINATES. ALL OCCUPANTS OF THE CAR WERE RESTRAINED AND NO OBJECTS WERE PLACED ON THE SEATS. THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG "OFF" INDICATOR LIGHT ALSO ACTIVATED. WHEN THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. SO NO FURTHER INVESTIGATION WAS DONE. IT IS UNDETERMINED IF THIS WOULD AFFECT THE FUNCTIONALITY OF THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10638191, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 2
“CHECK ENGINE AND VSA/VTM-4 LIGHTS APPEARED ON DASH. TOOK TO HONDA DEALER AND CODE RETURNED ISSUE WITH A MISFIRE IN CYLINDER #3 DUE TO A PISTON RING FAILURE. KNOWN ISSUE 2009-2013 HONDA PILOTS THAT RESULTED IN CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. HONDA REPAIRED THOSE VEHICLES AT NO COST AND EXTENDED ENGINE WARRANTY. HONDA NOT WILLING TO DO THE SAME FOR A KNOWN ISSUE IN A 2014 VERSION.”
NHTSA complaint #11122936, 2018
“I MADE MY 3RD VISIT TO ANOTHER HONDA LOCATION ON 10/27/2017 AFTER HAVING ISSUES WITH THE VSA LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT RANDOMLY FLASHING ON AND OFF IN MY 2014 HONDA PILOT. THE FIRST TIME I'D TAKEN IT IN, (ROUGHLY 08/2017), I WAS TOLD IT WAS AN 'INTERMITTENT FAILURE' WHICH THEY WERE REQUIRED TO ADVISE ME ACCORDING TO HONDA'S 'WORKFLOW' THAT MUST BE FOLLOWED BEFORE ADDITIONAL TROUBLESHOOTING IS PERFORMED. I WAS TOLD TO LEAVE AND CONTINUE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. SHORTLY FOLLOWING, I EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUE. I VISITED ANOTHER LOCATION (09/2017) AND WAS TOLD THAT THE SOFTWARE WAS OUTDATED AND CA…”
NHTSA complaint #11041718, 2017
Lane Departure 1
“The ABS, brake, and traction control lights come on when the slightest bump in the road is hit. I am being told by the Honda dealership technician that the issue is a $2000.00 sensor that must be replaced but however is on back order. I am told that this very sensor controls the steering, traction, and brakes. I am told that the brakes can disengage or not engage at any time.”
NHTSA complaint #11534260, 2023
Visibility/Wiper 1
“I WAS DRIVING AND MY SON SAW A CRACK APPEAR IN THE WINDSHIELD. NOTHING HAD STRUCK THE WINDSHIELD OR ANY THE ROAD WAS SMOOTH. THE CRACK CONTINUED TO GROW UNTIL IT WAS ALMOST ALL THE WAY DOWN THE WINDSHIELD. THE DEALER EXAMINED THE GLASS THE NEXT DAY AND COULD NOT FIND ANY MARKS OR PITS ON THE GLASS. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10706076, 2015
How we read this (methodology)
How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2014 Honda Pilot draws about 8.9 complaints per year on the road, ranking 11 of 12 among the Honda Pilot model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).
Before you buy this Honda Pilot
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Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.