2017 Honda Pilot Problems
Compared with other Honda Pilot years
More complaints than typical for this model
68/100 1.5× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.5× that of a typical Honda Pilot year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 104 of its 936 complaints were filed by the end of 2019.
- Most reported problem: Engine failure, including rod bearing issues (374 complaints, median 55,200 mi).
- 4 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2014, 2015
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 936filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 38,000miles, 253 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 23 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl FWD · 20 city / 27 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2017 Honda Pilot (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often report the automatic idle-stop system failing to restart the engine at stops, along with separate reports of engine failures (including rod bearing issues) that often show up well above 75,000 miles. Fuel injector and emission-system warning lights, transmission shudder on acceleration, and keyless-start/electrical glitches are also described by multiple owners.
- Engine
Idle-stop system fails to restart engine
- 339 complaints (36%)
- median 38,000 mi at 3.8 yrs old (65 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $971 (median of 12 quotes)
- filed 2017–2026
Owners describe the engine shutting off at a stop as designed by the auto idle-stop feature, but then failing to restart when the brake is released. Many say they have to shift into park, wait, and press the start button, sometimes repeatedly, before the vehicle moves again. Dealers in several cases could not duplicate the issue or offered no permanent fix. Reported across a wide mileage range, from under 25,000 miles to around 80,000 miles, with no clear pattern tied to weather in the sample.
What to check: Test the vehicle at several stops with idle-stop enabled to see if the engine restarts promptly, and ask the dealer whether any idle-stop related service bulletin or software update has been applied.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The auto idle feature in my car my car off completely and then won't allow it restart immediately. It causes a stall at lights. It often takes trying to start the car for several minutes before it will turn back on. This has happened several times. It can never be fixed by the dealer. They don't know how to replicate the issue in the shop.”
NHTSA complaint #11311010, filed 2020-02, 55,200 miles“Honda Pilot elite does not auto re-start condition after going into an auto idle stop. I tried to re-start the vehicle by placing the gear into the park position and pressing the start button. This leaves me stranded at a stop lights and signs and imposes risk to self and others.”
NHTSA complaint #11319867, filed 2020-03, 27,366 miles - Engine
Engine failure, including rod bearing issues
- 374 complaints (40%)
- median 55,200 mi at 4.5 yrs old (83 state mileage)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $3,747 (median of 28 quotes)
- filed 2017–2026
Owners describe knocking or tapping sounds from the engine, loss of power, or stalling that dealers or independent mechanics diagnosed as connecting rod bearing failure or other internal engine damage requiring engine replacement. Several contacts mention awareness of an NHTSA investigation into this type of failure. Most reports in the sample occurred above roughly 75,000 miles, with several past 100,000 miles.
What to check: Listen for engine knocking or tapping sounds, especially at idle or low speed, and ask whether an oil consumption or bearing inspection has been performed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound was coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 99,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11628373, filed 2024-12, 99,000 miles“The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while her husband was driving approximately 5-10 MPH, the vehicle stalled at an intersection. The contact stated that while driving, the engine seized. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11501681, filed 2023-01, 96,000 miles - Fuel system
Fuel injector/emission warning light
- 133 complaints (14%)
- median 48,500 mi at 4.0 yrs old (44 state mileage)
- owner-quoted repair $2,000 (median of 14 quotes)
- filed 2017–2026
Owners report the check engine or emission system light coming on, sometimes paired with rough running, hesitation, or reduced power, and codes such as P0430 or P2652. In several cases dealers diagnosed fuel injector contamination and quoted repairs in the thousands of dollars. Reported mostly between about 35,000 and 67,000 miles in the sample, generally well within the first several years of ownership.
What to check: Ask whether the fuel pump recall (23V858000) has been completed and check for any stored emission-related trouble codes with a scan tool.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I take my 3 year old, 60k mile Honda Pilot in for emissions system problem light. I am presented with the following fault codes: 19-072 mil comes on with DTC p0430 or DTC p0430 with p030x, p219a, p219b (with software update) - include all parts from bulletin I need a full fuel injector replacement at the cost of $2,000. This is clearly an issue with the 2016-2018 Pilot, but Honda has issued no recalls. Fuel injectors failing at 20-70k miles?!”
NHTSA complaint #11306147, filed 2020-01, 55,000 miles“Check engine light came on at 43,000 miles. Then every other light on dash came on while driving. Error code for fuel injectors and Honda dealer charging 2,000 to replace injectors. Wife will not drive the Pilot now due to injector issues. Vehicle is only 3 years old! Known issue with my model year Pilot and Honda is silent on recall. Dealer can't even fix the issue due to not having the parts (back ordered)!”
NHTSA complaint #11377721, filed 2020-12, 43,000 miles - Electrical system
Keyless start system and electrical warnings
- 70 complaints (7%)
- median 43,500 mi at 4.0 yrs old (16 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $983 (median of 6 quotes)
- filed 2018–2026
Owners describe a 'keyless start system problem' warning appearing intermittently, sometimes along with the walk-away auto-lock feature no longer working, random alarm activation, or multiple dashboard warning lights cycling on and off. Dealers in some cases could not resolve the issue. Reported mostly between about 40,000 and 63,000 miles in the sample.
What to check: Check that the keyless entry and start system, including walk-away auto-lock, functions normally and ask if any electrical warning lights have recurred.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Warning light keyless start system problem. The system error warning light comes on and off. No other issues noted. I've been reading many blogs and reviews on this issue. My concern is that my car will stop while idle. I want to make sure the proper agency is alerted to this issue in support of a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11352328, filed 2020-08, 55,000 miles“Keyless start system problem - seems to be a common occurs on Honda Pilot. Got the error around 60k miles. 90% of the time it comes on. My car no longer locks on its own when I walk away.”
NHTSA complaint #11398184, filed 2021-02, 63,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission shudder or judder on acceleration
- 47 complaints (5%)
- median 44,262 mi at 3.2 yrs old (18 state mileage)
- owner-quoted repair $5,374 (median of 9 quotes)
- filed 2017–2026
Owners describe a shuddering or jerking sensation, particularly while shifting gears or accelerating in the 30-50 mph range. Some mention this is tied to transmission fluid overheating, and dealers have performed fluid flushes or software updates. Reported from about 33,500 to 86,000 miles in the sample.
What to check: Test drive with attention to shifting between 30-50 mph and ask whether a transmission fluid service or torque converter related bulletin has been performed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Took my vehicle to lithia Honda of salem oregon with under bumper to bumper and powertrain warranty with transmission jerking(service manager: brent called me advised that software he will take care off but flushing trans. Fluid as per mnfg> known TSB is not and we need to pay.”
NHTSA complaint #11308334, filed 2020-02, 33,500 miles“Honda knows that there is a problem with the transmission that causes the fluid to overheat. The overheating issue leads to a 'judder' in the transmission. The car accelerates in a very jerky way especially between 30 and 50. This is a big safety issue if you are trying to pass someone. As soon as the vehicle reaches 80,000 miles Honda will no longer cover the so-called 'repair' which is to flush the burnt transmission oil multiple times. This costs almost $400. …”
NHTSA complaint #11354137, filed 2020-09, 86,000 miles
Buying note. This model year shows a notable mix of idle-stop restart complaints, engine issues that often surface after higher mileage, and recurring fuel-system warning lights, so a pre-purchase inspection focused on engine health, idle-stop behavior, and any outstanding recalls or service bulletins is worthwhile.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 936 consumer complaints for the 2017 Honda Pilot. 253 of the complaints include a mileage, and 62% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 38,000 miles. Of all complaints, 9 involved a crash, 5 a fire, 6 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 181 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 Honda Pilot model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 68 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine476 51%
- Electrical system266 28%
- Fuel system142 15%
- Other or unknown138 15%
- Transmission and drivetrain122 13%
- Vehicle speed control31 3.3%
- Brakes27 2.9%
- Forward collision avoidance23 2.5%
- Body and structure15 1.6%
Also reported: Lane departure (14), Seat belts (14), Engine cooling (13), Exterior lighting (10), Electronic stability control (8), Steering (8), Suspension (8), Latches, locks and linkages (5), Air bags (3), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (3), Seats (3), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “Check engine light for emissions system problem. Code p219a came up. They ended up having to replaced the fuel injectors at 25,400 miles. Our warranty is up in march. I called Honda to see if they would still fix the issue after the warranty is up. They advised that any issues would be an out of pocket expense. They are aware it is a known issue with 2016-2018 pilots.”
NHTSA complaint #11363119, filed 2020-10, 25,400 milesElectrical system: “Few minutes after my wife got home the car alarm began beeping and there was a fire coming from the engine of the car. We called 911 and the fire kept getting bigger. Once the fire department arrived and put out the fire we saw a huge damage on the car. We don't know how the fire could have started while the engine was off . We are concerned about the safety of this company's car.”
NHTSA complaint #11400062, filed 2021-03, 25,000 milesFuel system: “I got a warning on my dashboard says emissions system problem my vehicle has only 58k miles on it. I checked the recall but is not there. I chat one of the agent renee' told me to file complaint if I want. Is my vehicle still under warranty for this issue? Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #11404443, filed 2021-03, 58,000 milesOther or unknown: “Idle stop system sensor fail.. When can stops the engine shuts off but I did not came back on!! A lot of lights came on with instructions while I was at a busy light.. Went to the dealer and it was close to $1,000 for the repair.. They said its a known issue.. Please do a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11337102, filed 2020-07, 40,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
62% of the 253 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 19,280 and 63,500 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2017 Honda Pilot. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pilot · SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 16.4% risk |
| Pilot · SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 17.5% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2017 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2016: same overall rating; 2018: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2017 Honda Pilot version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pilot AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 9-speed automatic | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Pilot AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Pilot FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 9-speed automatic | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Pilot FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 19 | 27 | 22 | $3,050 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 26V365000Jun 4, 2026Suspension › RearCovers: Honda Pilot 2016–2022, Acura MDX 2014–2020, Honda Ridgeline 2017–2023 +1 more
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…
- 26V332000May 21, 2026Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passengerCovers: Honda Pilot 2017–2022, Acura MDX 2017–2020, 2022–2026, Honda Odyssey 2018–2026 +14 more
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…
- 23V858000Dec 18, 2023Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pumpCovers: Honda Pilot 2015–2021, Accord 2013–2023, CR-V 2013–2023 +17 more
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…
- 21V932000Nov 29, 2021Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › LatchCovers: Honda Pilot 2016–2019, Ridgeline 2017–2020, Passport 2019
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.
Recall details for the 2017 Honda Pilot → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- RQ24013Engine failureClosed · Nov 8, 2024
- PE22005No Restart After Auto Start/Stop EngagesClosed · Jun 3, 2022
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 181 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11020578Jul 7, 2025Engine. Service Bulletin - Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and engaging idle stop, the vehicle may not restart automatically due to excessive cylinder pressure and/or low cranking…
- 11019241May 21, 2025Engine. Service Bulletin - Torque converters may not have been manufactured to proper specifications. As a result, the torque converter lock-up clutch cannot provide adequate holding force due to pressure…
- 11017326Apr 18, 2025Engine. Service Bulletin - Torque converters may not have been manufactured to proper specifications. As a result, the lock-up clutch cannot provide adequate holding force due to pressure bleeding down…
- 11017320Apr 18, 2025Engine. Dealer Message - Torque converters may not have been manufactured to proper specifications. As a result, the torque converter lock-up clutch cannot provide adequate holding force due to pressure…
- 11011045Nov 22, 2024Body and structure. Service Bulletin - The AWD warning light is on potentially due to water intrusion into the rear differential pump motor connector area that corrodes the terminals.
- 11007647Sep 4, 2024Engine. Service Bulletin - Drivers may experience a chirping sound coming from the engine area with the engine warmed up due to the high pressure fuel pump is making a chirp.
- 11005272Jul 20, 2024Engine. Service Bulletin - MIL flashes and vehicle will not accelerate, low power. After cycling the ignition, the symptom does not return with no stored DTCs. This issue is more common in regions with cold…
- 11002716Jun 19, 2024Engine. Service Bulletin - The MIL flashes and vehicle will not accelerate, low power. After cycling the ignition, the symptom does not return with no stored DTCs. This issue is more common in regions with…
- 11002701Jun 19, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Service Bulletin - The A/C does not blow cold air, and the lower corner of the condenser around the receiver/dryer cap is stained due to a poor O-ring compression against the receiver/dryer barrel…
- 10253299Apr 8, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2019-2023 Passports, 2016-2022 Pilots, & 2017-2023 Ridgelines with a customer complaint of the front passengerâs…
Other model years of the Honda Pilot
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 27 | 12,000 | 1 | 5 | 22 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 216 | 8,218 | 4 | 5 | 22 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 116 | 35,000 | 6 | 5 | 22 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 146 | 18,000 | 5 | 5 | 22 | 53 · Typical | Too new |
| 2022 | 169 | 36,000 | 5 | 5 | 23 | 41 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 450 | 32,000 | 10 | 5 | 23 | 90 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 492 | 4,000 | 11 | 5 | 23 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2019 | 920 | 22,000 | 13 | 5 | 23 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2018 | 440 | 47,500 | 7 | 5 | 23 | 46 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 936 | 38,000 | 4 | 5 | 23 | 68 · More | Stable |
| 2016 | 1,720 | 50,000 | 8 | 5 | 23 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2015 | 109 | 46,000 | 4 | 4 | 20 | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2014 | 116 | 34,258 | 3 | 4 | 20 | 1 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2013 | 271 | 28,000 | 6 | 4 | 20 | 58 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 172 | 36,000 | 9 | 4 | 20 | 45 · Typical | Stable |
| 2011 | 293 | 46,375 | 11 | 4 | 19 | 62 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 111 | 59,940 | 10 | — | 19 | 5 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 134 | 70,400 | 9 | — | 19 | 23 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 133 | 87,000 | 7 | — | 18 | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2007 | 211 | 82,177 | 7 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2006 | 268 | 100,000 | 8 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2005 | 679 | 102,000 | 13 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 544 | 104,000 | 12 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 720 | 117,000 | 13 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Honda Pilot model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Honda Pilot?
Owners of this model year most often report the automatic idle-stop system failing to restart the engine at stops, along with separate reports of engine failures (including rod bearing issues) that often show up well above 75,000 miles. The issues reported most often: Idle-stop system fails to restart engine; Engine failure, including rod bearing issues; Fuel injector/emission warning light.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2017 Honda Pilot have?
NHTSA recorded 936 consumer complaints for the 2017 Honda Pilot as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2017 Honda Pilot is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 476 complaints (51% of the total), followed by electrical system with 266.
Has the 2017 Honda Pilot been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2017 Honda Pilot do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2017 Honda Pilot 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Honda Pilot get?
The EPA rates the 2017 Honda Pilot (Pilot FWD, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 23 mpg combined, 20 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,900 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2017 Honda Pilot reported?
Among the 253 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 38,000 miles and the middle half falls between 19,280 and 63,500 miles; 62% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.