2005 Honda Pilot Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 43about this part
- Share
- 6%of 679 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 88,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 43 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2005 Honda Pilot, 6% of the 679 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 88,500 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Radiator failed causing the transmission fluid to mix with the coolant. My wife was stranded with my four children. We had the radiator changed and coolant and transmission fluid flushed. The transmission has not functioned properly since the problem happened.”
NHTSA complaint #10562967, filed 2014-02, 150,000 miles“Temperature gauge started to rise. I stopped the car and found the radiator had failed internally. The coolant was mixing with the atf. All the atf fittings to the radiator showed signs of rusting. In my opinion the radiator design and manufacturing are faulty.”
NHTSA complaint #10496020, filed 2013-01, 98,000 miles“Since I bought my 2005 Honda Pilot on 06/25/2007. Every time I would drive between 65 and 70 MPH my steering wheel would shake. I took my Pilot in today for inspection(06/06/2009)and here they tell me my motor mount engine needs repaired. Prior to this I had called them on several occasions and told them that my steering wheel shakes when I drive close to 65-70mph. I was told several times that it is just my alignment easy fix . …”
NHTSA complaint #10273003, filed 2009-06, 63,000 miles“High engine whining sound. With only 78,00 mi, dealer told me I needed new engine mounts. Upon checking the internet I've found many other cases where this happens and it's all around 80,000. Sure sounds like a design flaw.”
NHTSA complaint #10380176, filed 2011-02, 79,000 miles“My wife was driving to work when suddenly she heard like a whirring sound and the car just suddenly shut down. She pulled on the side and noticed fluid was leaking underneath the front side of engine. We have the vehicle towed to dealership. Talking to the agent, they told us that transmission fluid leaked into radiator and radiator coolant/trans fluid leaked into transmission. Cost of repairs: $1130 to flush out the fluids and 5000 to fix transmission. My problem is that we're upto date with the service check-up and upset that this was not prevented from happening.”
NHTSA complaint #10667880, filed 2014-12, 65,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10177599Jun 3, 2020These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no…
- 10177598Jun 3, 2020These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no…
- 10154154Jan 17, 2019This SKU is a Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for possible incorrect wiring. Incorrect VVT…
- 10040404Jul 21, 2011Honda: malfunction light comes on with trouble code stored. Software concern.
- 10016778Aug 16, 2005Engine oil leak(s) - dealer visit request.
- 10018015Jul 1, 2005Engine won't start at all; engine intermittently starts. Check immobilizer system status with the hds. Honda. Servicenews.
- 10018178Jun 16, 2005Engine oil leaks.
- 10016305May 16, 2005Engine-alternator/no or low output.
- 10016295May 16, 2005Engine-cranks won't start, immobilizer light flashes.
- 10015300Feb 16, 2005Dealer request visit for any adverse engine condition with the alternator (no or low output) that is the root cause.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 1% |
| 2021 | 5 | 1% |
| 2020 | 3 | 1% |
| 2019 | 10 | 1% |
| 2018 | 8 | 2% |
| 2017 | 13 | 1% |
| 2016 | 45 | 3% |
| 2015 | 2 | 2% |
| 2014 | 3 | 3% |
| 2013 | 5 | 2% |
| 2012 | 10 | 6% |
| 2011 | 5 | 2% |
| 2009 | 4 | 3% |
| 2008 | 7 | 5% |
| 2007 | 10 | 5% |
| 2006 | 10 | 4% |
| 2005 | 43 | 6% |
| 2004 | 28 | 5% |
| 2003 | 37 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2005 Honda Pilot
176 complaintsBrakes
134 complaintsAir bags
120 complaintsElectronic stability control
97 complaintsElectrical system
57 complaintsEngine
48 complaintsVehicle speed control
46 complaintsSuspension
38 complaintsSteering
37 complaintsExterior lighting
30 complaintsOther or unknown
29 complaintsBody and structure
23 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Honda Pilot
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology