2021 Honda Pilot Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 112about this part
- Share
- 25%of 450 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 30,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 112 complaints about the engine of the 2021 Honda Pilot, 25% of the 450 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 30,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While stopped at red light or stop sign the car goes into engine auto off mode when the brake is pressed. When then trying to go, the car is turning off or going to neutral. This causes vehicles behind me to stop suddenly and can cause an accident. The only way to then go is to turn the vehicle off, and restart, then put back in drive. This is happening very frequently and again is a safety hazard for me and others.”
NHTSA complaint #11773163, filed 2026-10“My push start is not starting the car. Then while driving the car will shut off on parkway, at a light and won't start. This has been going on since I purchased the vehicle 9/23 I have warranty and th auto dealership keep acting like they fixed it yet the haven't. This is the most dangerous issue. We can die getting hit from behind or the car can catch fire keep pushing start button and not turning on”
NHTSA complaint #11642404, filed 2025-02“I am having an issue with the start stop function on my 2021 Honda Pilot. When active, the start stop struggles to restart after it is engaged at a stop light. There have been two instances in the last two weeks where the vehicle did not restart on its own and needed to be restarted manually. Spoke to the dealer service team and they indicated there were no known recalls and it would be out of pocket for me to diagnose and repair.”
NHTSA complaint #11740001, filed 2026-05“when auto-idle engaged and car is stopped, it will not restart the car's engine. My safety was at risk because the event took place while I was in traffic with my family. The problem has not been reproduced. It is a problem known by Honda for many years. The vehicle has not been inspected. Unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #11597943, filed 2024-07“Our pilot is experiencing similar issues found online with catastrophic engine failure due to a misfire caused by a knocking rod. Honda so far has not responded to our claim despite it being a known issue around the same time ours was manufactured.”
NHTSA complaint #11763937, filed 2026-09Related service bulletins
- 11020578Jul 7, 2025Service 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…
- 11005272Jul 20, 2024Service 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…
- 11002716Jun 19, 2024Service 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…
- 11000142May 1, 2024Service NewsDue to On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) regulation change starting with 2019 vehicles, American Honda’s Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) On-Board…
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 2021 Honda Pilot
136 complaintsForward collision avoidance
98 complaintsOther or unknown
85 complaintsLane departure
44 complaintsAir bags
32 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
31 complaintsBrakes
28 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
25 complaintsFuel system
23 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
19 complaintsTires
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 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