2014 Honda Pilot Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 31about this part
- Share
- 27%of 116 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 27,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 31 complaints about the engine of the 2014 Honda Pilot, 27% of the 116 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 27,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The head gasket on my 2014 Honda Pilot blew with only 23,000 miles on the vehicle. No warning lights appeared and I am worried about a safety issue despite the repairs being covered under warranty. I got the vehicle brand new and service records are maintained and up to date.”
NHTSA complaint #10903879, filed 2016-09, 23,000 miles“When the variable cylinder management kicks in at 2000 RPM the engine vibrates. It does this constantly when the eco green light comes on. Very distracting and annoying. Also is a problem in my sisters 2013 pilots. Dealer knew it was a problem but would not disclose until after I purchased the car.”
NHTSA complaint #10556767, filed 2013-12, 50 miles“When cruising in my 2014 Honda Pilot ex-l at about 60 MPH on relatively flat terrain, there is a low frequency vibration and rumble. I believe this is due to the vcm feature of the engine. It is possible this could get worse and cause some engine damage.”
NHTSA complaint #10567514, filed 2014-03, 250 miles“The problem started when my Pilot reached 15k miles. When driving I can feel the engine vibrate when accelerate around 35 -45 RPM speed. I did some researches online and a lot of people having the similar problem ( when eco/vcm kicks in car vibrates) it has something to do with the transition from 3 cylinders to 6 cylinders. I hope that Honda do something about this. I don't feel safe when the vibration kicks in when driving; felt like the engine would explode kinda scary feeling. Also if too much vibration, it would reduce the life the engine. Please help us on this issues.”
NHTSA complaint #10870482, filed 2016-05, 15,000 miles“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, filed 2018-08, 68,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11028516Feb 1, 2026Service Bulletin - The piston ring function deteriorates due to ring low wear toughness and sticking from sludge. Oil adheres to the spark plug leading to carbon fouling and…
- 11022767Aug 29, 2025Service Bulletin - The piston ring function deteriorates due to ring wear and sticking from sludge. Oil from the crankcase adheres to the spark plug leading to carbon fouling and…
- 11021759Jul 29, 2025Owner Notification Letter - the piston ring function can deteriorate due to ring low wear toughness and sticking from sludge. Oil adheres to the spark plug leading to carbon…
- 11020824Jul 18, 2025Service Bulletin - The piston ring function deteriorates due to ring low wear toughness and sticking from sludge. Oil adheres to the spark plug leading to carbon fouling and…
- 11020087Jun 17, 2025Dealer Message - Piston ring effectiveness may be reduced due to excessive wear and oil sludge build-up, which can cause oil to adhere to the spark plug, potentially leading to…
- 11020084Jun 17, 2025Service Bulletin - The piston ring function deteriorates due to ring low wear toughness and sticking from sludge. Oil adheres to the spark plug leading to carbon fouling and…
- 10142617May 7, 2018Dealer message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is investigating certain 2014-2016 Odysseys & 2014-2015 Pilots with a customer complaint of engine oil leak. To fully…
- 10087402Oct 19, 2016"techline summary article - if the engine is overheating and theres engine oil mixed in the coolant reservoir, chances are the cylinder head may be cracked. A crack may form…
- 10084442Jul 12, 2016"techline summary article - if the engine is overheating and theres engine oil mixed in the coolant reservoir, chances are the cylinder head may be cracked. A crack may form…
- 10084330Jun 28, 2016Service news article - while driving under steady cruise (between 30 and 65 mph) or light acceleration, does the engine intermittently rattle or runs rough with the mil blinking?…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 4% |
| 2025 | 33 | 15% |
| 2024 | 11 | 9% |
| 2023 | 13 | 9% |
| 2022 | 36 | 21% |
| 2021 | 112 | 25% |
| 2020 | 101 | 21% |
| 2019 | 240 | 26% |
| 2018 | 157 | 36% |
| 2017 | 476 | 51% |
| 2016 | 778 | 45% |
| 2015 | 22 | 20% |
| 2014 | 31 | 27% |
| 2013 | 79 | 29% |
| 2012 | 35 | 20% |
| 2011 | 31 | 11% |
| 2010 | 28 | 25% |
| 2009 | 35 | 26% |
| 2008 | 10 | 8% |
| 2007 | 14 | 7% |
| 2006 | 22 | 8% |
| 2005 | 48 | 7% |
| 2004 | 22 | 4% |
| 2003 | 25 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2014 Honda Pilot
20 complaintsWheels
16 complaintsOther or unknown
15 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2014 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