Most Common Honda Pilot Problems

The Honda Pilot is a very popular SUV that combines practicality with versatility. For a lot of people, it’s the sleeker alternative to a minivan that still has a roomy interior that fits everything a minivan would.

While the Honda Pilot is known for its reliability, it is important to note that there are some known issues that have been reported by drivers. If you are considering purchasing a new or used Honda Pilot, be sure to check out our list of common Honda Pilot problems.

Emissions System Problem Light

At the top of the list of Honda Pilot common problems is an issue related to the emissions system. Drivers are made aware of this Honda Pilot emissions system problem when a warning light in the shape of a tree is illuminated on the dash.

When this light appears, it can mean a couple different things, so it’s important to take your vehicle in to be inspected by an expert. Most often, this light is indicating that the fuel injectors need to be replaced. It’s also possible that the issue is related to the catalytic converter. Because there are a variety of different issues that could be causing the warning, and since they all have varying degrees of severity, be sure to take your vehicle to get checked as soon as possible.

Transmission Issues

Next up, we’ll discuss another commonly reported issue – Honda Pilot transmission problems. When it comes to transmission issues, they can vary greatly. Some drivers have reported jerking, stuttering, or an overall rough ride.

Another transmission issue that some drivers have noticed is the vehicle speeding up or slowing down unexpectedly. There have also been reports of the transmission failing completely, which leads to the transmission needing to be replaced. 

Brake Vibration Issues

Some drivers have reported issues with the brakes, specifically vibration when braking. In most cases, this issue stems from the rotors. Sometimes the front rotors can get warped, which causes the vibrating. To fix the issue, the rotors can sometimes be straightened out, but if the rotors are worn too thin, they will need to be replaced.

Sensor Problems

Another problem on the Honda Pilot issues list is related to the vehicle’s sensing system. This system is put in place as a safety measure to help protect drivers both in the vehicle and outside.

Some drivers have reported that sensors have malfunctioned and caused the vehicle to brake randomly. In some cases, this could be due to inclement weather. In other cases, the system just needs to be recalibrated. In all cases, though, it’s important to always be alert and aware while driving to prevent or correct the vehicle if this does happen.

Soy Wiring

The last, and arguably the strangest, issue on the most common Honda Pilot problems list is related to rats and wiring. In recent models, Honda chose to coat wiring in a soy-based material. This is both more environmentally friendly and cheaper than the previously-used plastic coating. However, there were some unintended consequences when drivers found that rats were chewing through the soy-based coating and subsequently chewing through the wiring. While this isn’t a widespread issue, it is worth noting.

So now that you’re aware of the most common Honda Pilot issues that drivers have reported, you can move forward with your purchase decision as an informed consumer. If you’ve got questions or are looking to get your Honda Pilot serviced, give us a call at (385) 217-5491.