2017 Honda PILOT: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
918 owner complaints analyzed
4 distinct recall campaigns
38,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2017 model year. Data snapshot: . 252 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 463 of 918 complaints (50.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Engine operation | 184 | 20.0% |
| Braking behavior | 179 | 19.5% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 148 | 16.1% |
| Transmission and shifting | 127 | 13.8% |
| Fuel system concerns | 53 | 5.8% |
| Steering behavior | 26 | 2.8% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Engine | 463 |
| Electrical System | 254 |
| Unknown Or Other | 134 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 120 |
| Power Train | 120 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 30 |
| Service Brakes | 26 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 17 |
Engine: 463; Electrical System: 254; Unknown Or Other: 134; Fuel/Propulsion System: 120; Power Train: 120; Vehicle Speed Control: 30; Service Brakes: 26; Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings: 17
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 77 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 81 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 44 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 16 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 28 |
| 150,000 and above | 6 |
Under 25,000: 77; 25,000 to 49,999: 81; 50,000 to 74,999: 44; 75,000 to 99,999: 16; 100,000 to 149,999: 28; 150,000 and above: 6
25,000 to 49,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (81). 666 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 23 |
| 2018 | 43 |
| 2019 | 38 |
| 2020 | 73 |
| 2021 | 82 |
| 2022 | 233 |
| 2023 | 94 |
| 2024 | 112 |
| 2025 | 119 |
| 2026 | 101 |
2017: 23; 2018: 43; 2019: 38; 2020: 73; 2021: 82; 2022: 233; 2023: 94; 2024: 112; 2025: 119; 2026: 101
Pattern summary
Engine leads the component reports. Engine operation appears in 184 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 179 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 148 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10969878 · 2017-04-01 (April 1, 2017)
I HAVE BOUGHT 2017 HONDA PILOT ON 11/28/2016 IN SC STATE. PROBLEM I HAVE FACED THAT CONTROLLER ARM CORROSION QUICKLY. I AM CONCERN ABOUT VEHICLE SAFETY. I CAN ALSO SEE RUST OUTSIDE ALLOW WHEELS. I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR AT DEALER BUT THEY DIDN'T IDENTIFIED THIS ISSUE. I WOULD LIKE TO CHECK ASAP AND RESOLVE IT. THANK YOU [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).?*JB
Owner-reported narrative. 4,300 miles reported. Look up ODI 10969878 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10981396 · 2017-04-29 (April 29, 2017)
VEHICLE SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL WHILE DRIVING. CARR IS AT DEALER. THEY ARE RESEARCHING PROBLEM.
Owner-reported narrative. 411 miles reported. Look up ODI 10981396 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10984769 · 2017-05-10 (May 10, 2017)
THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT IS TO CONFINING AND TIGHT THAT IT HINDERS THE MOVEMENT OF THE DRIVER SLOWING REACTION TIME. IT IS UNSAFE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT DOES NOT EXTEND OUT FAR ENOUGH FOR A SHORT HEAVY PERSON TO PULL THE SEAT BELT AROUND AND BUCKLE IT SO IT IS COMFORTABLE. THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT HAS NO ISSUE. A VISUAL INSPECTION COMPARING THE 2 SEAT BELTS SHOWS THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT DOES NOT COME OUT OF THE FLOOR AS FAR AS THE PASSENGER SIDE. THIS ISSUE RESULTS IN THE SEAT BELT BEING TO TIGHT AND RESTRICTING THE DRIVERS MOB…
Owner-reported narrative. 11 miles reported. Look up ODI 10984769 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10991014 · 2017-05-22 (May 22, 2017)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HONDA PILOT. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. ALSO, THE TRANSMISSION WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND A MESSAGE TO "STOP DRIVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEM" DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME AND WAS ABLE TO RESTART; HOWEVER, A MESSAGE DISPLAYING "EMISSION SYSTEM PROBLEM" APPEARED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS WAITING TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY …
Owner-reported narrative. 6,200 miles reported. Look up ODI 10991014 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11000662 · 2017-06-22 (June 22, 2017)
ON 6/11/17 WILE I WAS DRIVING I FELT MY CAR 'JERK' WHEN I WOULD PRESS ON THE GAS AND THE CAR WOULD SHIFT GEARS. MY DASHBOARD ALERTED ME THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM AND I WOULD NEED TO TAKE THIS CAR IN FOR SERVICE. [ATTACHMENT 1] MY VEHICLE ONLY HAD 2040 (ESTIMATED) MILES ON IT AND I'VE ONLY HAD IT FOR 2 MONTHS, HOW COULD THIS BE? WHILE ON THE WAY HOME, THAT SAME DAY, I WAS STOPPED A RED LIGHT WAITING FOR IT TO TURN GREEN FOR ME TO GO. ONCE THE LIGHT WAS GREEN I PRESSED ON THE GAS AND I GOT TO ACCELERATE FOR ABOUT 10 FEET AT THAT POINT THE CAR WA…
Owner-reported narrative. 2,084 miles reported. Look up ODI 11000662 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11010846 · 2017-07-26 (July 26, 2017)
THE TRANSMISSION UNEXPECTEDLY SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAPPENED IN MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AT 6:30 PM. MY SON WAS IN THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS DANGEROUS TO STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. ACCIDENT CAN OCCUR. NINE-SPEED AUTOMATIC FOR RANDOM DROPS INTO NEUTRAL.
Owner-reported narrative. 286 miles reported. Look up ODI 11010846 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11012196 · 2017-08-01 (August 1, 2017)
BRAND NEW HONDA PILOT 2017, LESS THAN 4 WEEKS OLD, EX-L, NAVIGATION. 2ND ROW SEAT, PASSENGER SIDE, WINDOW SHATTERED, NORMAL DRIVING CONDITION IN HIGHWAY. NO ROCK OR METAL THAT CRACKED IN. HONDA DEALER (OR) HONDA CORPORATION IS MENTIONING THAT THEY WILL NOT COVER THIS UNDER LIMITED WARRANTY. WAS PRETTY SCARY TO BE INSIDE THE VEHICLE WHEN THIS BURST. VEHICLE WAS ON HIGHWAY, AROUND 55 MILES / HOUR. NOT OPERATING THE WINDOWS.
Owner-reported narrative. 1,900 miles reported. Look up ODI 11012196 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11020498 · 2017-08-30 (August 30, 2017)
ON AT LEAST TWO OCCASIONS, I ACCIDENTALLY PUSHED THE ENGINE START BUTTON WHILE MY CAR WAS IN MOTION. ON ONE OF THESE OCCASIONS I WAS TRYING TO HIT MY EMERGENCY FLASHERS BUT INSTEAD, PUSHED THE ENGINE START/STOP BUTTON. IN DOING SO THE CAR CUT OFF WHILE I WAS IN ACTIVE TRAFFIC. IN ONCOMING TRAFFIC, IT TOOK ME SEVERAL SECONDS TO GET THE CAR RESTARTED. THAT WAS ABSOLUTELY SCARY. ANOTHER INCIDENT WITH MY NEW PILOT IS THE ENGINE IDLE FEATURE. THIS IS THE FEATURE THAT WHILE HOLDING DOWN THE BRAKES, ALLOWS THE CAR TO TURN OFF/REMAIN IDLE TO SAVE…
Owner-reported narrative. 3,300 miles reported. Look up ODI 11020498 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
4 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
21V932000 · Latches/Locks/Linkages:Hood:Latch | Structure:Body:Hood
Reported: 2021-11-29 (November 29, 2021)
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 Passport, 2016-2019 Pilot, and 2017-2020 Ridgeline vehicles. The hood latch striker may become damaged and separate from the hood, which can result in the hood opening while driving.
Consequence: A hood that opens while driving can obstruct the driver's view and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will either repair the hood latch striker, or replace the hood if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is PBV.
NHTSA campaign record ↗23V858000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump
Reported: 2023-12-18 (December 18, 2023)
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.
Consequence: 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 NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
NHTSA campaign record ↗26V332000 · Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger
Reported: 2026-05-21 (May 21, 2026)
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
Consequence: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
NHTSA campaign record ↗26V365000 · Suspension:Rear | Structure:Frame And Members
Reported: 2026-06-04 (June 4, 2026)
American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles that were sold in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. The rear subframe may corrode at the suspension mounting points, which can result in rear suspension component failure.
Consequence: Failure of rear suspension components, such as the rear control arm, can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear subframe and install a rear subframe reinforcement kit and, as necessary, repair or replace the rear subframe components, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in the fall of 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are AOU and AOT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning June 10, 2026.
NHTSA campaign record ↗