How many problems does the 2008 HONDA Pilot have?

The 2008 HONDA Pilot currently has 130 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2008 HONDA Pilot?

The most common problems reported for the 2008 HONDA Pilot are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2008 HONDA Pilot problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2008 HONDA Pilot comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

2008 HONDA Pilot Problems

AIR BAGS

28 complaints

WAS IN A FRONT END ACCIDENT GOING 30 MPH AND NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE PERAON I TBONED ALL OF HIS DEPLOYED. NONE OF MINE WENT OFF.

Dec 07, 2018

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

2008 HONDA PILOT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER THE REPAIR WAS COMPLETED THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. PRIOR TO THE REPAIR IT WAS NOT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONSUMER TO PAY TO HAVE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED. THE CONSUMER DECLINED. *JS

Feb 27, 2018

THE LIGHT OF THE AIRBAG IS ON EVERY TIME THE MECHANIC CHECK AND HE SAY THE AIRBAG HAVE A DEFECT

Jan 17, 2018

TAKATA INFLATORS

Dec 12, 2017

AIRBAG LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AFTER HONDA LOOKED AT IT TWICE

Dec 12, 2017

+ 23 more complaints for this component

STRUCTURE

10 complaints

When in the service garage for a noise, our independent service mechanic confirmed that the body of the Pilot has rusted from the frame.

Jun 11, 2023

2008 Honda pilot Rear subframe on both sides rotted out! horrible design! Lots of Honda pilots with this issue!! you could've killed my family due to this!! This is a known issue now take care of your buyers!!!

Apr 27, 2022

THIS COMPLAINT IS IN REGARDS TO THE WELDED NUTS THAT HOLD THE LICENSE PLATE ON THE REAR CARGO DOOR ON MY 2008 HONDA PILOT. BOTH OF THE NUTS WERE WELDED ON A VERY THIN METAL FRAME INSIDE THE REAR CARGO DOOR AND FROM THE WEIGHT OF MY LICENSE PLATE FRAME AND FROM THE VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING OVER THE YEARS, THE NUTS COMPLETELY BROKE OFF WHERE THEY WERE WELDED. THERE IS NO OTHER WAY TO ATTACH THE REAR LICENSE PLATE TO THE REAR CARGO DOOR AND IN MOST STATES THAT'S A TRAFFIC VIOLATION. I CONTACTED HONDA CORPORATE WITH THIS ISSUE AND WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE WAS OUT OF FACTORY WARRANTY SO HONDA WAS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS ISSUE. MY 2008 HONDA PILOT HAS 80,000 MILES AND IS 11 YEARS OLD, THIS PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY WEAR AND TEAR OVER THE YEARS AND HONDA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL REPAIRS! IS THERE ANYONE ELSE THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO WITH THE SAME BODY STYLE AS MY 2008 HONDA PILOT, IF SO WE ALL NEED TO STAND UP AND DEMAND A RECALL CAMPAIGN. SO LET'S ALL TOGETHER DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS!

Aug 15, 2019

REAR DRIVER SIDE WINDOW DROPPED. IT SHOULD NOT FAIL IN THIS WAY THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY BUT IT COULD EASILY HAVE BEEN IN MOTION. I BELIEVE THIS IS A DEFECTIVE DESIGN OR PART. I HAD THE DEALER REPLACE AND INSTALL PART AT MY COST. QUICK WEB SEARCH SHOWED THIS HAPPENING TO MULTIPLE PEOPLE.

Aug 20, 2016

THE PAINT ON THE TRIM PANEL ABOVE THE BACK WINDOW IS FADED AND THE CLEAR COAT IS PEELING.

Sep 29, 2015

+ 5 more complaints for this component

POWER TRAIN

8 complaints

MY ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON AND WENT I CHECKED THE CODE P0741 STATED TORQUE CONVERTER STUCK OFF.

Oct 16, 2018

WHILE DRIVING MY 2008 HONDA PILOT AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MILES AN HOUR THERE WAS A TERRIBLE SHUDDER IN THE TRANSMISSION AND IT LASTED FOR ABOUT 3 SECONDS . AT THAT TIME I LOST POWER AND LUCKILY I WASN'T CROSSING OVER AN INTERSECTION , OR ELSE I MIGHT NOT BE HERE TO DOCUMENT THIS. THIS OCCURRENCE HAS HAPPENED PROBABLY 6 TIMES A WEEK. THERE ARE OTHER PEOPLE THAT ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES AS I AM . WHY IS HONDA OF AMERICA NOT DOING ANYTHING ABOUT THIS ISSUE, EVEN THOUGH IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR

Feb 05, 2015

HONDA CORPORATION IS AWARE OF A NON-CONFORMANCE ISSUE WITH THE HONDA PILOTS TRANSMISSION BUT HAS NOT PROVIDED A RECALL OR SOLUTION TO CONSUMERS. THE "TRANSMISSION" CAN FAIL BETWEEN 35K TO 157K MILES WHEN THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE MECHANICAL DEFECT WAS KNOWN IN 2000-2004 SECOND GEAR FAILURE AND AGAIN IN 2008 PRODUCTION TO BE LATER REDESIGN IN 2009 WITHOUT CONSUMER NOTIFICATION OF SUCH DEFECT. CONSUMERS HAVE FILED MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS AND HONDA HAS DONE NOTHING TO COMPENSATE BUYERS. WE THE UNDESIGNED EXPECT HONDA TO ADHERE TO THE "TOTAL REPAIR COST" ARE "REIMBURSE" THE CONSUMER FOR THEIR TRADE-IN LOST DUE TO TRANSMISSION DEFECT WHICH EVER TRANSPIRED AS A RESULT OF THE PRODUCT NON-CONFORMANCE ISSUE. *TR

Dec 29, 2013

THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A STOPLIGHT, WAITING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, THE DRIVER ACCELERATED INTO THE TURN, THEN LET OFF THE GAS TO COAST THRU THE TURN. AFTER COMPLETING THE TURN AND RE-APPLYING THE GAS PEDAL, IT WAS REALIZED THAT THERE WAS NO ACCELERATION. THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING NORMALLY AND THERE WERE NO OTHER SYMPTOMS OTHER THAN THAT THERE WAS NO POWER BEING SENT TO THE WHEELS. THERE WAS NO ADVANCED WARNING OF ANY KIND. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED ON A HIGH-SPEED SHOULDER LESS ROAD DURING RUSH HOUR. THE DRIVER AND HER FATHER WERE STUCK IN THE RIGHT-HAND LANE WITH CARS DRIVING BY AT 55 MPH IN THE LEFT-HAND LANE AND MANY CARS IN THE RIGHT-HAND LANE SWERVING INTO THE LEFT LANE JUST IN TIME TO MISS THE STOPPED CAR. IT TOOK 20 MINUTES BEFORE POLICE ARRIVED TO SLOW DOWN TRAFFIC SO THIS INCIDENT COULD POTENTIALLY HAVE ENDED WITH TRAFFIC INJURIES OR DEATHS. *TR

May 27, 2013

VEHICLE VIBRATION, FROM FAILED TORQUE CONVERTER. *TR

Apr 11, 2013

+ 3 more complaints for this component

SEATS

7 complaints

DRIVER SEAT, FRONT BOTTOM LEFT CORNER METAL BRACKET HOLDING SEAT IN PLACE BROKE. SEAT ACTS LIKE A "ROCKING" CHAIR CONSTANTLY. VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE AS YOU ARE ALWAYS SHIFTING IN YOUR SEAT.

Feb 28, 2019

BRACKET THAT HOLDS DRIVERS SEAT TO BASE MADE A POPPING SOUND TODAY WHEN APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, AND AFTER ACCELERATETING FROM THE STOP SIGN THE DRIVERS SEAT BEGAN TO RECLINE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION I DISCOVERED THAT THE I BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE SEAT TO THE BASE HAD SHEARED OFF. THIS BRACKET IS RIVETED TO THE SEAT ITSELF BUT SHEARED OFF ADJECENT TO WHERE IT IS RIVETED. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN, THE SEAR SHOULD NOT BREAK FROM DAILY USE! THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AS IT COULD BECOME POTENTIALLY FATAL.

Nov 23, 2018

2008 HONDA PILOT. I WAS GETTING INTO MY VEHICLE DRIVERS SEAT WHEN I HEARD A POP AND MY SEAT TILTED BACK. REMOVING THE FRONT DRIVERS SEAT CONTROL PANEL, I FOUND THAT A 'L' SHAPED BRACKET THAT ATTACHES THE SEAT TO THE FRAME ON THE FORWARD LEFT-SIDE OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT BROKE AT THE LARGE RIVETS.

Jul 17, 2017

THE L-BRACKET THAT SECURES THE FRONT DRIVERS SEAT TO THE SEAT FRAME BROKE - IT SHEARED AWAY FROM THE RIVETS THAT ATTACHED TO THE FRONT LEFT OF THE DRIVERS SEAT AND THE SEAT IS NOW LOOSE. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN AS THE SEAT ROCKS BACK AND FORTH WHEN TURNING AND ACCELERATING. A HONDA DEALER QUOTED A PRICE OF $3000 TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE SEAT FRAME. THIS SEEMS TO BE A FREQUENT ISSUE WITH OLDER HONDA PILOTS. SIMILAR NHTSA COMPLAINTS: ODI #10865696, 10862982, 10583568, 10550679, 10541789, 10466947, 10457492, 10455702, 10348948, 10372456, 10336280, 10442043.

Aug 01, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ENTERING THE VEHICLE AND ATTEMPTING TO SIT ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT, THE DRIVER SEAT TURNED COMPLETELY AROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,950.

Jul 21, 2015

+ 2 more complaints for this component

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

6 complaints

Failure of Honda Pilot OEM jack. On 11/04/24 I was jacking up the right rear wheel of my 2008 Honda Pilot when the OEM scissor jack I was using suddenly and loudly broke, allowing the wheel to come down violently. Note that I was jacking the vehicle on a firm, level surface, using the reinforced jacking point as instructed in the vehicle manual, and that the vehicle did NOT fall off of the jack; the jack simply broke. I removed the jack from under the vehicle and inspected and tested it. The threaded rod in the jack would no longer turn smoothly and when testing the jack, it would not lift any weight without falling back down. Summary: Failure of 2008 Honda Pilot jack Failure did put me at risk when jacked wheel suddenly fell. Jack has not been inspected or tested by dealer, etc, Jack failed without warning. Incident not reported to police, insurance, etc. Jack IS available for inspection.

Nov 06, 2024

WHILE DRIVING NORMALLY IN ANY CONDITION THE VEHICLE WITHOUT ANY WARNING WILL MAKE A BANG NOISE, SHUDDER AND BRAKE WITHOUT APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE VSA LIGHT COMES ON AND THE VEHICLE WILL NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY UNTIL AFTER THE CAR IS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES. THE VSA RECALL WAS not applicable to THE VEHICLE yet it CONTINUES TO HAVE THE SAME ISSUES. MY Mechanic advised me of a VSA code 25-1. I did a google search and found numerous accounts of this happening to people. My daughter was extremely emotionally impacted by this when it happened to her at freeway speeds. While the fix is replacement of an expensive component, there is no guarantee that it will eliminate the condition. I have been a loyal honda owner for over 40 years and find it unbelievable that the company has not taken ownership of this incredibly dangerous design flaw.

Nov 10, 2021

HEATER AND AC HAS WORKED JUST FINE SINCE I BOUGHT THE SUV. ALL OF A SUDDEN MY FRONT CABIN HAS STOP BLOWING HOT AIR WHEN HEATER IS ON. IT WORKS JUST FINE IN THE BACK CABIN. I HAVE BEEN LOOKING IN TO THIS AND CAME TO FIND OUT THIS HAS BEEN A ISSUE WITH EVERYONE I HAVE INQUIRED THAT HAS OWNED A HONDA PILOT AND REPORTS OF THIS ISSUE I AM HAVING .

Nov 04, 2020

MAJOR WATER ENTERING VEHICLE WHEN PARKED,CARPET TOTALLY SOAKED,STARTED TO SEE FLYING INSECTS IN CAR,CARPET IS NOW STARTING TO MOLD,THERE IS A TSB ON THIS PROBLEM AND I THINK THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL BECAUSE THIS INVOLVES EARLY 2000-2016. *TR

May 10, 2020

PILOT LOSES POWER UPON ACCELERATION AFTER SLOWING OR STOPING. IT APPEARS THAT IT IS GOING TO STALL WHEN PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL TO ACCELERATE ON SHARP LEFT TURNS (EXAMPLE: LEFT TURN AT LIGHT OR STOP SIGN). IT HAS ON RARE OCCASION HAD THE ISSUE WHEN TAKING OFF FROM A STOP AND GOING STRAIGHT OR TURNING RIGHT BUT MOSTLY WHEN LEFT TURNS ARE MADE. PILOT WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL HONDA DEALER AND THEY WERE ABLE TO EXPERIENCE THE ISSUE ONE TIME WHEN MAKING A LEFT HAND U-TURN BUT WERE UNABLE TO GATHER THE ERROR CODE OR IDENTIFY THE EXACT PROBLEM. BASICALLY WE WERE TOLD IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE SINCE THE CODE LIGHT ON DASH FLASHES AS POWER IS LOST TEMPORARILY AND IF YOU KEEP YOUR FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL, POWER WILL BE RESTORED AND ERROR CODE IS TURNED OFF (TAKES JUST A COUPLE SECONDS FOR THE WHOLE ISSUE TO TAKE PLACE). SPEEDS ARE LESS THEN 15MPH OR STOPED THEN TAKING OFF. HAVE HAD THE ISSUE TAKE PLACE APPROXIMATELY 20-30 TIMES OVER THE PAST COUPLE YEARS.

Oct 06, 2018

+ 1 more complaint for this component

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

6 complaints

WINCHESTER VA 22602 NOV 23 2018 7:38 PM . THE LOW BEAM HEAD LIGHTS WENT OUT IN THE DRIZZLE ON VERY DARK ROAD. I HAD TO KEEP HITTING THE HIGH BEAMS AND RUN ON THE DRIVING LIGHTS. WHILE HITTING THE HIGH BEAMS WHEN POSSIBLE.THIS SAME PROBLEM WAS RECALLED ON EARLIER MODELS OF HONDA PILOTS BUT IT DOES NOT COVER MINE AFTER GOING TO REPAIRPAL THIS IS A 9 MODEL YEAR PROBLEM.YOU CAN READ POST AFTER POST ON DIFFERENT SITES ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. THERE WAS A BURNING SMELL IN THE CAR AT THE TIME.

Dec 01, 2018

Fire: 1

TURN SIGNAL SWITCH TURNS ON HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS. *TR

Mar 22, 2015

LOW BEAM LIGHTS DO NOT WORK BUT HIGH BEAM DOES. REPLACED BULBS, CHECKED FUSE, CHECKED RELAY, AND LIGHTS STILL DO NOT WORK. *TR

Feb 28, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65MPH THE LOW BEAM LIGHTS SHUT OFF AND NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THE HIGH BEAM LIGHTS AND THE FOG LIGHTS HAVE TO BE USED WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 76,000.

Nov 26, 2012

3RD BRAKE LIGHT FAILED. UPON INSPECTION FOUND BULB TO BE BURNT OUT AND SOCKET PARTIALLY MELTED. REPLACED BULB WITH MANUFACTURERS RECOMMENDED BULB. IT APPEARS TO BE THE SAME BULB THAT ORIGINALLY BURNED OUT. I HAVE A CONCERN FOR A VEHICLE FIRE DUE TO THIS OVERHEATING. *TR

Sep 30, 2011

+ 1 more complaint for this component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

6 complaints

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V344000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Jul 13, 2016

MY HONDA OFTEN GETS THE ENGINE LIGHT TURN ON AND THEN A FEW DAYS LATER THE LIGHT IS OFF.. WHEN THE ENGINE LIGHT TURNS ON, I HAD TAKEN IT TO DEALER IN WHICH THEY UPDATE MICROSOFT BUT IT COMES BACK AGAIN. THE DEALER RUNS THE CAR INTO THE COMPUTER AND DOESN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH ENGINE OR NOTHING ELSE.. BUT THE LIGHT TURNS ON AND OFF OFTEN.. *TR

Oct 10, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER HAVING MAINTENANCE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE, SHE STARTED SMELLING BURNING OIL FUMES IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHITE SMOKE WAS EMITTED FROM THE EXHAUST PIPES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 132,000.

Mar 05, 2012

Fire: 1

RADIATOR CORE FAILURE IN 2008 HONDA PILOT EX-L. OEM RADIATOR FAILED DUE TO LEAK AT CRIMP BETWEEN PLASTIC CAP AND CORE. *TR

Feb 10, 2012

WHILE DRIVING ON A FREEWAY, A TRUCK KICKED UP A ROCK. THE ROCK BOUNCED BACK AND UNDER MY VEHICLE. I HEARD A POPPING NOISE. WHEN I PULLED INTO MY GARAGE A SHORT WHILE LATER, I HEARD A HISSING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE. THERE WAS A FLUID LEAKING. I HAD THE VEHICLE CHECKED OUT, AND THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM MY AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSER, WHICH NOW HAS A HOLE IN IT. *TR

Mar 09, 2010

+ 1 more complaint for this component

ENGINE

5 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND WAS PULLED OFF THE ROADWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VSA SENSOR AND YAW RATE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE NHTSA FOR ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.

Mar 24, 2021

THE PILOT HAVE EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION, THE FIRST FEW YEARS WHEN THE CAR WAS NEW I USED TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER FOR OIL CHANGES AND THE DEALER NEVER MENTIONED ANYTHING ABOUT OIL CONSUMPTION UNTIL I STARTED CHANGING THE OIL MYSELF WHEN I NOTICED THAT OVER THE COURSE OF 3 MONTHS BETWEEN OIL CHANGES I ONLY GET LESS THAN 50% OIL OUT THAN I PUT IN. I AM VERY STRICT ON OIL CHANGES AND STICK TO 3000 MILES OR 3 MONTHS (WHICHEVER COMES FIRST).

Jul 31, 2016

IN DECEMBER 2012 WHILE TRAVELING APPROX 70MPH ON A HIGHWAY, MY PILOT BEGAN BUCKING, AND FITTING BACK & FORTH. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY HAD TO DISASSEMBLE THE ENGINE, AND DETERMINED THE #5 PLUG HAD COME OFF, AND WAS RATTLING AROUND DAMAGING THE INSIDE OF THE ENGINE. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE ENGINE BLOCK, CYLINDERS, ETC AT A COST OF $9000. IT WAS ABOUT 2-3K OVER THE WARRANTY, AND PAST WARRANTY BY 2 MONTHS. HONDA PAID 90% OF THE BILL, AND I PAID 10%. TODAY... VERY SIMILAR EXPERIENCE, EXCEPT THIS TIME IT'S LEAKING A COFFEE LOOKING LIQUID. ASSUMING OIL MIXED WITH COOLANT... STILL WAITING TO HEAR FROM DEALERSHIP AS TO CAUSE OF LEAKING FLUID, AND APPEARANCE OF MIXED FLUID. *JS

May 19, 2014

THE #5 SPARK PLUG EXPLODED AND A PIECE DROPPED INTO THE CYLINDER DAMAGING THE WALL AND PISTON. THE 4WD/TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON BEFORE THERE WERE ANY MECHANICAL FAILURES, I PULLED OVER AND TRIED TO "TURN OFF" THE 4WD/TRACTION, BUT IT IS AUTOMATIC AND SINCE SOME WHEELS WERE LOSING POWER IT WOULD JUST COME BACK ON. THEN THE CAR STARTED MAKING A LOUD NOISE, SO I ENDED UP HAVING IT TOWED. WHEN THE DEALER LOOKED AT THE CAR THEY FOUND THE #5 (ORIGINAL MANUFACTURER INSTALLED) SPARK PLUG HAD LITERALLY EXPLODED AND A PIECE DROPPED INTO THE CYLINDER, RUINING IT. THE WHOLE ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED, IT HAS BEEN A TIMELY AND COSTLY EXPERIENCE. EVEN THOUGH MY CAR HAD A 100K WARRANTY UNDER HONDA CARE THE ENGINE THEY REPLACED MINE WITH LASTED ONLY 2700 MILES AND NOW WE ARE BACK TO REPLACING THAT ONE, TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE. *TR

Apr 23, 2014

CATALYTIC CONVERTER BANKS 2-4 FAILED. *TR

Apr 11, 2013

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

5 complaints

WHEN YOU APPLY BRAKES ABOVE 30 MPH STEERING WHEEL SHAKES AND BRAKES PULSE.DTC 84-1 AND ABS SYSTEM TEST SAYS THAT THE VSC/ABS LOSES COMMUNICATION ABOVE 30 MPH WITH NO NUMBER CODE SHOWN.

Aug 30, 2020

I CAN BE DRIVING LIKE ON FREEWAY AND CAR RUNS GOOD BUT AS SOON AS I EITHER STOP OR GET READY TO TURN ON STREETS I GET A VSA LIGHT COMING ON AND CHECK ENGINE. I HAVE FOLLOWED WHAT THE MANUFACTURES MENTIONS IN BOOK TO TURN OF CAR AND THEN TURN BACK ON. THEN I GET SOMETIMES THE ENGINE LIGHT TO STAY ON OR IT DOES STAY ON. SO I HAVE NOTICED THIS HAPPENING OFTEN WHEN I GOT LESS THAN 50 CAR WITH LIKE SHAKE AND ENGINE WILL NOT ALLOW FOR CAR TO MOVE IN GEAR.

Nov 05, 2019

MY VSA WARNING LIGHT SUDDENLY CAME ON WHILE INFLATING MY TIRES PARKED IN MY GARAGE. I RAN A CODE SCAN ON IT AND NOTHING CAME UP.IF HONDA HAS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM WITH THEIR 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY, WHY DIDN'T THEY INCLUDE THE PILOT AS WELL, BOTH HAVE THE SAME CHASSIS.

Nov 19, 2018

HONDA PILOT 2008 BRAKES AUTOMATICALLY, FOR NO REASON, WHILE DRIVING. OCCURRED AT 35MPH ON RESIDENTIAL STREET, AGAIN AT 50MPH ON HIGHWAY. SUNNY DAYS, APPROXIMATELY 75 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. DRIVING STRAIGHT.

Sep 21, 2018

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL. WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM MY FAMILY CHRISTMAS PARTY, I TURNED A SMALL CORNER AT 15 MPH AND MY BREAKS LOCKED UP. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT GO OVER 20MPH NOW. IT HAPPENED 4 TIMES TO ME YESTERDAY. 4 TIMES. EACH TIME I WAS SHOVED FORWARD, AND LOST MOMENTARY CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE ALMOST HITTING A CURB. IT HAPPENED 3 MORE TIMES ON THE ROAD. EACH TIME WITH CARS NEAR ME. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE WHEN THERE ARE KIDS IN THE VEHICLE. I DO NOT HAVE A THOUSAND OR MORE TO PUT INTO MY CAR RIGHT NOW. NOR CAN I RISK MY LIFE FOR A VEHICLE THAT I LOVE.

Dec 26, 2015

STEERING

4 complaints

I was starting my car and the steering column started smoking and smelling burnt. It was able to start up but started up rough. Car then turned off and when tried to turn on it would no longer start up again or even when key turned to start position was unable to move the car out of park. This happened on 12/03/2021 but has yet to be inspected due to mechanic has not had time. The safety of myself, son, and grandson was at risk due to the potential of it catching fire if smoking and burnt smell along with unable to move car out of park and could have been in an unsafe location and could have caused an accident. There were no warnings of any kind prior to the failure with the car.

Dec 09, 2021

WHEEL VIBRATIONS AT 68-70 MPH. IT'S BETTER AT 73-76MPH AND COMES BACK AT 80MPH AND UP. THIS HAPPENS FROM THE DATE I PURCHASED THE CAR (OCTOBER 6TH 2008). TRIED TO FIX IT WITH DEALERS (BALANCING, ALIGNING) BUT DID NOT HELP. *TR

Feb 26, 2010

PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2008 PILOT EXL IN FEB. 2008 WITH ABOUT 3 ODOMETER MILES. ABOUT TWO MONTHS LATER A FAINT POPPING NOISE COULD BE HEAR FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE. AFTER SEVERAL TRIPS (MORE THAN 3) TO THE DEALER THEY COULD NOT PINPOINT LOCATION OF NOISE AND CAR WOULD NOT CONSISTENTLY MAKE SOUND. IN DEC. 2008 IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE POPPING SOUND WAS COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE DEALER ORDERED AND REPLACED THE PART FEB. 2009. AFTER REPLACING THE PART THE DEALER TEST DROVE IT AND COULD NOT HEAR THE NOISE ANYMORE. I PICKED UP MY CAR, HOWEVER, AFTER DRIVING IT STARTED TO MAKE THE NOISE AND I LISTENED CAREFULLY OVER THE DAYS AND THE POPPING NOISE WAS COMING RIGHT BACK. I AM NOT TOTALLY CONVINCED THAT THE DEALER ORDERED AND REPLACED THE PART. I AM CALLING HONDA MOTORS CORP. ON MON., MAR. 9, 2009, TO VOICE MY COMPLAINT THAT THE CAR IS DEFECTIVE AND POSES A HAZARD. I DO NOT WANT THE STEERING WHEEL TO COME APART WHILE I AM DRIVING. I NOTICED THAT THIS WEB PAGE POSTED A RECALL OF THE 2005 HONDA PILOT FOR STEERING COLUMN IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED. I THINK THE SAME SHOULD BE DONE FOR THE 2008 HONDA PILOT EXL IF THIS IS A NORMAL SOUND AS MY DEALER IS TELLING ME. *TR

Mar 06, 2009

DRIVING AT SLOW SPEED IN PARKING LOT, WHILE MAKING A TURN TO THE RIGHT WITH STEERING WHEEL CLOSE TO FULL RIGHT TURN LOCK. KEYS ON KEY RING CAUGHT WITHIN RECESS IN THE BACK OF THE STEERING WHEEL (RECESS IS EXPOSED TO KEYS BECAUSE OF RIGHT TURN), AND LODGED AGAINST CASING THAT CONTAINS THE KEY ASSEMBLY, WITH THE RESULT OF THE STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY LOCKING IN THE RIGHT TURNED POSITION WHILE MOVING, CAUSING COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR WITHOUT ACCIDENT SINCE NO CAR WAS IN THE PARKING SPACES AT THAT TIME. WAS ONLY ABLE TO REMOVE JAMMED KEY/STEERING WHEEL CONDITION (AFTER STOPPING) WHEN HONDA KEY BROKE, RELEASING THE ELECTRONIC PORTION OF KEY FROM THE METAL PORTION, ALLOW THE WEDGING OF THE OTHER KEY TO RELEASE. COMBINATION OF KEYS ON KEY RING AND LOW SPEED FULL RIGHT TURN CAUSE THE DANGEROUS CONDITION. DANGEROUS CONDITION FOR OTHER MOTORIST WITH MANY KEYS (8) ON RELATIVELY SMALL KEY RING, ALLOWING SOME KEYS ON RING TO POINT TOWARDS STEERING WHEEL RATHER THAN DOWNWARDS. HONDA SHOULD EITHER PLUG THE RECESS IN STEERING WHEEL, OR PROVIDE SHIELDING TO PREVENT KEYS FROM CONTACTING BACK OF THE STEERING WHEEL. NOTE THAT THE IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS OCCURRED SINCE HAVING THIS VEHICLE FOR 1.5 YEARS. *TR

Feb 24, 2009

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

4 complaints

I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT AT WORK WHEN THE HONDA PILOT ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. I APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE.I WENT THRU A FENCE AND SLAMMED INTO ANOTHER CAR CAUSING DAMAGE.

Jan 09, 2020

Crash: 1

WHILE BACKING INTO THE DRIVEWAY, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED CAUSING THE CAR TO SLAM INTO THE CONCRETE PART OF THE ATTACHED GARAGE TOTALING THE SUV

Sep 03, 2019

Crash: 1

WHILE BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY VEHICLE SPED BACKWARDS WITH TREMENDOUS SPEED RAPIDLY CAUSING DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL - VEHICLE RACED ACROSS THE CITY STREET SLAMMING INTO TREE TOTALING THE VEHICLE - VEHICLE SPED UP AS DRIVER TOOK FOOT OFF BRAKE

Sep 27, 2016

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER SHIFTING THE VEHICLE INTO REVERSE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD WITHOUT MANUAL FORCE. THE CONTACT THEN CRASHED INTO A PARKING SIGN. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000.

Sep 05, 2013

Crash: 1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN DID NOT OPERATE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SPORADICALLY FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR, BUT CURRENTLY DOES NOT SOUND AT ALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 192,000.

Jul 23, 2019

THE KEY WILL NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. I WAS HAVING TROUBLE GETTING THE KEY TO GO INTO THE IGNITION ABOUT 2 DAYS AGO, NOW I CAN GET THE KEY IN, BUT IT WILL NOT TURN. I CAN TAKE THE KEY IN AND OUT, BUT CAN NOT GET IT TO TURN. THERE IS POWER TO THE VEHICLE WHEN THEY KEY IS INSERTED. THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK AND OFF WHEN THE ISSUE HAPPENS.

Jul 18, 2017

WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED ON STREET ATTEMPTED TO ROLL DOWN AND THEN UP REAR DRIVER SIDE WINDOW. IT STUCK IN THE DOWN POSITION WITH MOTOR MAKING NOISE BUT NO MOVEMENT. THIS COINCIDENTALLY HAPPENED RIGHT AFTER EXPIRATION OF FACTORY WARRANTY. UNABLE TO SECURE VEHICLE FROM ELEMENTS OR THEFT AS THIS OCCURRED AT 6:30 P.M. AND DEALERSHIPS SERVICE DEPARTMENTS CLOSE AT 7 PM AND TECHNICIANS FOR ALL 3 DEALERSHIPS WITHIN DRIVING DISTANCE NOT ON DUTY THAT LATE IN THE DAY.. UNABLE TO DRIVE WITH REAR WINDOW DOWN ON MORE THAN SIDE STREETS 25-35 MPH DUE TO LOUD WHOOPING IN VEHICLE WITH WINDOW DOWN. VIOLENT PRESSURE AND SOUND WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH AS IF HELICOPTER WAS IN THE VEHICLE. *TR

May 27, 2011

SERVICE BRAKES

2 complaints

the VSA and danger triangle lights are on

Oct 04, 2025

WENT TO A BURGER PLACE TO GRAB A BITE AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 5.5 TOTAL MILES, PULLED INTO A PARKING SLOT WITHOUT INCIDENT BUT UPON RETURN, I PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE, AND AS I STARTED TO VERY SLOWLY PULL OUT IN THE CROWDED LOT, THERE WAS THIS VERY LOUD SCREECHING SOUND, LIKE THE HAND BRAKE WAS ENGAGED. I STOPPED AND TRIED AGAIN, LISTENING MORE INTENTLY NOW, THE SOUND PERSISTED. AT THAT TIME SOMEONE RAN UP TO ME AND SAID I SHOULD DISENGAGE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, BUT IT WASN'T ON. I THEN ENGAGED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND RELEASED SAME FOR EFFECT, BUT THAT DID NOT HELP. I TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE, REMOVED THE KEY, AND LET IT SIT FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES, THEN TRIED AGAIN, BUT NO GOOD. FROM MY PARKED POSITION NOW, I TRIED GOING BACKWARDS, AND DISCOVERED THE SOUND HAD "STOPPED", EXCEPT THAT WHEN I MOVED FORWARD, IT WAS EVER SO LOUD. AT THIS WRITING, NOT SURE WHAT THE PROBLEM IS, WE'VE HAD THE VEHICLE FOR ABOUT A YEAR WITH NO ISSUES UNTIL NOW. *TR

May 26, 2014

SUSPENSION

2 complaints

Rear Subframe Body Mount Rust

Sep 18, 2025

Had vehicle in for state inspection and was told the rear crossmember where the rear wheel assembly bolts into was rusting and should be fixed immediately.

Aug 26, 2025

TIRES

2 complaints

Hello, I have a set of 4 Bridgestone Dueler LX tires that have been cracking for the past 8 months and now appear to be separating in between the treads. I’ve had America’s Tire Company look at them within the past 6 months and they always seem to state that it’s normal, but the cracks seem to be getting bigger and bigger. The wheels vibrate some, even after several re-balancing attempts. The tires were purchased on [XXX] and I don’t feel safe driving on these tires anymore to the point that I really hesitate driving on the freeway now for that they might fail/explode. I will be submitting a call/claim directly with Bridgestone at 800-847-3272 tomorrow as well. The tire size is P235/70R 16. There has been no incident yet, so I will use today's date. Of the photos uploaded, IMG's 3506 and 3507 were recently placed in the rear and IMG 3508 are in the back. Here are the DOT #'s in no particular order: [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Jun 18, 2024

Driving 2008 Honda Pilot with Firestone WeatherGrip P235/70R16 at 70mph on the interstate, the rear driver tire failed causing almost instant and complete deflation. The tires have been maintained properly, to include rotation and proper inflation. The tires have less than 10k miles (65k mile warranty) and are one year old. Based on my knowledge, experience and evidence (attached photo), this failure was not caused by common road hazards, misapplication or abuse. Rather, the failure is a result of material failure of the tire.

May 16, 2023

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

2 complaints

Left headlight went out in July 2023 while traveling in Oklahoma. I had it replaced at a NAPA shop in Kansas shortly after. The headlight went out again while home in Charleston, SC in November 2023. I had it replaced again. 2 weeks later around roughly November 15th 2023 the light went out again.

Nov 20, 2023

CLIMATE CONTROL DISPLAY LIGHTS ARE OUT. WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT I HAVE TO TAKE MY EYES OFF THE ROAD TO TURN MY INTERIOR LIGHTS ON, THEN TAKE MY EYES OFF THE ROAD AGAIN TO FIND THE APPROPRIATE BUTTON TO ADJUST HE HEAT OR AIR. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS CONSTANTLY TAKING MY EYES OF THE ROAD, PLUS HAVE TO TAKE MY HANDS OFF THE STEERING WHEEL MULTIPLE TIMES TO TURN THE INTERIOR LIGHT ON & OFF TO ADJUST THE CLIMATE CONTROLS. *TR

Jan 23, 2012

WHEELS

2 complaints

PURCHASED A HONDA PILOT EQUIPPED WITH KUHMO KR21 TIRES. WHILE ON A ROAD TRIP WITH THE FAMILY, ABOUT 400 MILES INTO THE DRIVE HEARD A THUMP SOUND I WENT TO A LOCAL LANE TO EXIT AND THEN THE TIRE LITERALLY EXPLODES AND SEPARATES ON THE HIGHWAY. WE DID TWO SPINS AND CRASHED INTO THE GUARD RAIL THANKFULLY INSTEAD OF INTO THE DITCH. WE WERE ON I10 HEADING EAST BOUND FEW MILES INTO LOUISANA.

Jul 14, 2020

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

I WAS DRIVING ON THE BRIDGE AND HIT SOMETHING METAL ON THE BRIDGE. *TR

Jul 15, 2014

VISIBILITY

2 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA PILOT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED AND FRACTURED. THE GLASS CAUSED MINOR INJURIES ON THE ARM, BUT MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT NECESSARY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,500.

May 25, 2016

Injuries: 1

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA PILOT. SHE ENTERED THE VEHICLE AFTER A RAINY DAY AND NOTICED THE CARPET ON THE DRIVERS AND PASSENGER SIDE WAS WET. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THERE WAS A LEAK COMING FROM THE WINDSHIELD AND IT WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE HAS SINCE RECURRED TWICE. AFTER EACH OCCURRENCE THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 60,000. UPDATED 01/13/11*LJ UPDATED 02/07/11

Oct 13, 2010

STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

UNKNOWN

May 09, 2023

SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

Passanger seatbelt will not retract. Took to dealership and was told there would be a $150 inspection fee before they would even look at it. Because it is a safety item no third parties are permitted to sell them. Understand that the part eventually wears out, but the dealership gouging coustomers is excessive. Right to repair should extend to seatbelts.

May 01, 2023

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

My car accelerated on its own and when I applied the brakes, they didn’t work. I hit a tree on my property and damaged my property and my car.

Jan 25, 2023

Crash: 1

STEERING,SUSPENSION,ENGINE

1 complaint

STATE INSPECTION FAILD, check engine light, bank 1 Catalytic Converter Internal Failure and bank 2 Catalytic converter Internal Failure, passenger side axle to be leaking, power steering pump to be leaking, power steering reservoir tank to be leaking, front and rear brake pad

May 25, 2022

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED HE SHIFTED GEARS TO NEUTRAL AND CONTINUED TO DEPRESS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE FORCEFUL UNTIL THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THE CONTACT STATED HE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CALLED BIANCHI HONDA (8430 PEACH ST, ERIE, PA 16509, (814) 868-9678) AND THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 179,942.

Apr 15, 2021

STEERING,AIR BAGS,ENGINE

1 complaint

NEW CAR, PROBLEMS JUST UNCOVERED.

Sep 09, 2020

SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, THE REAR OF THE CAR STARTED SWAYING SLIGHTLY. SEVERAL PASSING MOTORISTS MOTIONED ME TO PULL OVER. UPON INSPECTION, WE NOTICED THE REAR CHASSIS ON BOTH SIDES HAD PULLED AWAY FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE REAR WHEELS TO TILT IN FROM THE TOP AND OUT FROM THE BOTTOM.

Aug 20, 2019

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

DRIVING 10-30 MPH BRAKES ENGAGED WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. VEHICLE SHUTTERED AS BRAKES ENGAGED. AFTER BRAKE ENGAGED VSA WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. TURNED THE VEHICLES OFF AND VSA WARNING LIGHT WENT OFF. CONTINUED TO DRIVE AND THE SAME SERIES OF EVENTS OCCURRED AGAIN. IN DRIVING THE VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES OVER TWO DAYS THIS EVENT HAS OCCURRED 6 TIMES. NOTE: THIS ISSUE APPEARS TO BE SIMILAR TO COMPLAINTS IN PRIOR YEAR PILOTS.

Nov 25, 2017

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

1 complaint

REAR WIPER PROB - COULD NOT TURN OFF ,LAST RESORT PULLED FUSE FOR WIPER, FUSE ALSO CONTROLED PASSENGER AIR BAG., WHY ARE THEY ON SAME FUSE? PROB. WITH WIPER COULD ELIMINATE AIRBAG.

Feb 07, 2017

AIR BAGS,WHEELS

1 complaint

ON JUNE 2015 I BOUGHT MY VEHICLE FROM BRANDON HONDA DEALER. IN DECEMBER 2015 MY VEHICLE STARTED TO GIVE ME SOME PROBLEMS, ALIGNMENT, TIRES, ENGINE, INSTABILITY WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING IN THE HIGHWAY. THE DEALER EXPECTED ME TO PAY OVER 1,000 DOLLARS FOR THE REPAIRS, HOWEVER THEY DID FIXED THEM AT NO COST. NOW JUNE 2016, ONE YEAR AFTER PURCHASE MY CAR STILL HAVING MAJOR PROBLEMS, TIRES, INSTABILITY WHEN DRIVING AND ALIGNMENT ISSUES. WHEN I TOOK MY VEHICLE FOR OIL SERVICE ON JUNE 2016 I EXPRESSED THAT MY VEHICLE WAS PULLING TO LEFT SO THEY RECOMMENDED AN ALIGNMENT I AGREED, AFTER 5 HOURS WAITING AND ME DRIVING AWAY THE PULLING TO THE LEFT WAS NOT FIXED AT ALL I WENT BACK TO THE DEALER AND DEMANDED THEM TO FIXED IT, THEY STATED THAT BECAUSE MY TIRES NEEDED TO BE CHANGED THAT'S WHY IT WAS NOT FIXED, MIND YOU THAT I ALREADY PAID OVER $100 DOLLARS AND THEY TOLD ME THIS AFTER THE FACT. NOW I RECEIVED A RECALL AND THEY HAVE NOT CONTACTED ME BACK TO EVEN MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. HOW CAN A KNOWN DEALERSHIP PROMISED YOU THAT THE CAR IS RELIABLE AND INSPECTED BY A CERTIFY MECHANIC AND THAT IT WILL LAST FOR AT LEAST 5 YEARS AND HERE I AM ONLY 1 YEAR FROM THE TIME I BOUGHT MY VEHICLE AND I AM HAVING CAR ISSUES THAT CAN CAUSED ME AND MY KIDS LIFE BECAUSE THIS VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. I HAVE EXPRESS THIS TO BRANDON HONDA AND THEY HAVE NOT DO ANYTHING. CAN SOMEONE PLEASE HELP?

Jul 21, 2016

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

HONDA PILOT WAS STRUCK (TBONE) AT 65 MPH SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND DRIVER WAS KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS AND LEANED ON THE GAS. CAR WENT INTO FULL REV AND CRASHED INTO A WALL WHERE THE FRONT AIRBAG DEPLOYED. HOMELESS MAN WAS SLEEPING BEHIND THE WALL AND WAS STRUCK BY THE RUNAWAY HONDA PILOT. SHOULDN'T THE VEHICLE OF SHUT DOWN AFTER AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT? FUEL INERTIA OR CUT OFF DID NOT ENGAGE. *TR

Apr 17, 2015

Crash: 1

Injuries: 6

STRUCTURE,ENGINE

1 complaint

MY WAS DRIVING THE UNIT FOR ABOUT TWO MINUTES FROM THE STARTING POINT. THEN, ALL THE LIGHTS OF THE DASHBOARD TURN ON. WHEN SHE TRIED TO MOVE THE VEHICLE TO THE EMERGENCY LANE, A BLACK SMOKE START TO GO INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND A ENGINE FIRE STARTED. RAPIDLY, SHE LEFT THE CAR TO A SAFE PLACE AND THE FIRE CONSUMED THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. THE CAR WAS DECLARED TOTAL LOSS BY THE INSURANCE. *TR

Jan 26, 2015

Fire: 1

CHILD SEAT

1 complaint

MY NEWBORN / 3 MONTH OLD CAR SEAT GETS STUCK TO THE BASE AND REFUSE TO RELEASE EVEN IF WHEN I AM ENGAGING THE RELEASE LATCH. IT HAS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS BEFORE THIS INCIDENT. AFTER HEARING ABOUT THE GRACO RECALL WITH THE SAME ISSUE, I WAITED TO SEE IF IT WOULD HAPPEN AGAIN, AND SURE IT DID. THE THOUGHT OF ME LOSING MY BABY IN AN EMERGENCY DUE TO THE CARSEAT GETTING STUCK IS SCARY, PLEASE INVESTIGATE. MODEL TYPE WAS NOT LISTED IN YOUR MENU MODEL IC-130 BVE / COMFY CARRY ELITE PLUS/ GX1 (RELATED VEHICLE INFORMATION: MODEL YEAR=2008, MAKE=HONDA, MODEL=PILOT) *TR

Jan 08, 2015

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

HAD MY PILOT IN PARK WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND I COULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK. I HAD TO PUSH ON THE RELEASE BUTTON ON TOP OF THE STEERING COLUMN TO GO INTO DRIVE. IT WON'T RESET AND MY HORN DOESN'T WORK. *TR

Jun 08, 2014

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED FOLLOWED BY A BRIEF DELAYED RESPONSE. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING IN RAINY WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000. UPDATED 03/05/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. UPDATED 03/11/14

Dec 12, 2013

INTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR COURTESY MAP LIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPLACED A FUSE UNDER THE DASHBOARD AREA HOWEVER, THE MALFUNCTION CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THERE WAS A SHORT CIRCUIT WITHIN THE MAP LIGHT HOUSING WIRING AND ALSO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE DEFECT WAS COMMON. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

Oct 15, 2012

STEERING,SUSPENSION,TIRES

1 complaint

THE STEERING SHAKE WAS REPORTED TO THE DEALER DIRECTLY AFTER SALE. THE DEALER TOLD ME THEY DIDN'T NOTICE ANYTHING WRONG AND I SHOULD NOT BE GOING OVER 65 AS THAT IS THE SPEED LIMIT.THEY FINALLY FORCE BALANCED THE TIRES AND ADJUSTED THE ALIGNMENT, 50% BETTER. WHEN THEY SAID THEY WERE THROUGH AND IT MIGHT BE A FLAT SPOT ON A TIRE I REPORTED THIS TO HONDA MOTOR CARS OF AMERICA CASE # [XXX]. I HAD A SEPARATE DEALER CHECK IT OUT AND THEY AGREE IT IS THERE BUT HAD NO SOLUTION. THEY SAID ALL THE SAFETY EQUIPMENT IS IN PLACE AND IT MAY BE A BENT RIM, BAD TIRE OR JUST THE VEHICLE ITSELF. I WAS CALLED BY THE DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT IT TO BRING IT TO AN AFFILIATE HONDA DEALER. THEY FORCE BALANCED AGAIN AND ADJUSTED THE ALIGNMENT. IT WAS A BIT BETTER BUT AGAIN STILL SHAKES. THEY THEN SWAPPED TIRES AND RIMS WITH AN IDENTICAL 2007 PILOT WITH NEW GOODYEAR INTEGRITY TIRES (RECOMMENDED AS THE TIRE THAT CAME ON THE VEHICLE)THERE WAS NOT DIFFERENCE. THE 2007 WHEN TAKEN FOR A TEST RIDE WAS WORSE THAN MY VEHICLE AND SOMEONE WILL BY THAT THINKING IT IS JUST AN ALIGNMENT AND HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. LOOKING ON LINE THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH PILOTS, ACURA RDX AND MDX VEHICLES OF ALL YEARS WHEN USED FOR HIGHWAY DRIVING. HOW DOES A COMPANY CONTINUE TO MAKE A FAULTY VEHICLE AND DISMISS HUNDREDS OF CLAIMS? THERE WAS YET ANOTHER PILOT OWNER IN THE SHOP THAT DAY WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. AWFULLY BIG COINCIDENCE! *TR

Aug 08, 2012

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA PILOT. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH AND APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT HE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE; THEREFORE, THEY ONLY CHANGED THE BRAKE FLUID. THE DEALER ALSO INFORMED HIM THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,400. UPDATE 05/06/11

Jan 07, 2011

VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE,SEATS

1 complaint

2008 HONDA PILOT. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY HONDA THAT THERE IS A LABEL INSIDE THE SEATS THAT SAYS DO NOT CUT.*DT THE DOOR PANEL WAS BROKEN AND THE SEATS WERE COMING APART. THE SEATS WERE CHANGED FROM CLOTH TO LEATHER AND THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW WOULD NOT ROLL DOWN. *JB

Apr 28, 2010

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

THE ELECTRIC CORDS IN MY CAR HAS BEEN BITTEN BY RODENTS FOR 5-6 TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR. EVERY TIME MY CAR COULD BE STARTED OR THE WARNING LIGHTS ARE ON. MY CAR IS PARKED IN OPEN PARKING LOT. BUT THIS KIND OF PROBLEMS JUST HAPPENED TO MY CAR, NOT MY NEIGHBORS'. AND IT ALSO HAPPENED TO MY FRIENDS WHO HAVE THE SAME MODEL. I BELIEVE THERE ARE DESIGNING PROBLEMS WHICH ARE VERY DANGEROUS. *TR

Mar 11, 2010

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

2008 HONDA PILOT EX FUEL EMISSIONS LIGHT CAME ON WITHOUT REASON. *TR

Feb 18, 2010

POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

I OWN AN 2008 HONDA PILOT (AUTOMATIC) AND WOULD LIKE AN INVESTIGATION OF THIS VEHICLE'S INABILITY TO HOLD IN GEAR ON AN INCLINE. THE PILOT WILL ROLL BACKWARDS WHEN IN DRIVE WITHOUT STOPPING ON AN UPHILL INCLINE, AND WILL ROLL FORWARD WHEN IN REVERSE ON A DOWNHILL INCLINE. I LIVE NEAR SAN FRANCISCO AND DRIVING IN THAT AREA IS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE IN AN AUTOMATIC THAT WILL NOT HOLD ITS GEAR. IT IS WORSE THAN A MANUAL TRANSMISSION BECAUSE YOU CAN'T CONTROL THE GEAR ENGAGEMENT WITH A CLUTCH. I AM FORCED TO DRIVE WITH MY LEFT FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND RIGHT ON THE ACCELERATOR IN ORDER TO AVOID ROLLING BACKWARDS INTO FOLLOWING VEHICLES OR CROSS TRAFFIC. I BELIEVE THIS IS A DEFECT WITH NOT JUST MY VEHICLE BUT WITH ALL HONDA PILOTS PRIOR TO 2009, AS HONDA ADVERTISED THE 2009 MODEL WITH A NEW 'ANTI-ROLLBACK' FEATURE. THE 2008 MODEL IS LACKING THIS FEATURE, BUT I HAVE DRIVEN OTHER AUTOMATICS OF ALL OTHER TYPES AND SIZES AND NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM. IN MY RESEARCH, IT SEEMS THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH SOMETHING CALLED A 'TORQUE CONVERTER' THAT COULD POSSIBLY BE RETROFITTED OR MODIFIED TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO THE HONDA DEALER IN MY AREA BUT WITH NO SATISFACTION. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS ISSUE. AFTER ONE DAY IN S/F, STUCK ON AN UPHILL SLOPE IN GRIDLOCKED TRAFFIC, I COMPLETELY BURNED OUT MY BRAKES AND NEARLY STRUCK CARS BEHIND ME ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. PLEASE INVESTIGATE AND RECOMMEND A METHOD OF RECOURSE AS I CAN NOT SEEM TO GET HONDA TO PAY ANY ATTENTION TO MY CONCERN. THANK-YOU. *TR

Dec 26, 2009

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

01) VEHICLE SKIDDING UNDER SLIGHTEST WATER AND/OR INCLINE ON ROAD EVEN THOUGH HAS ONLY 20,500 MILES 02) SOUND FROM THAT REAR OF VEHICLE (DEALER DESCRIBES THAT AS SLASHING GAS IN TANK OR BRAKING SOUND). *TR

Feb 26, 2009

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

1 complaint

WE HAVE BOUGHT TWO HONDA PILOTS AND ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH OUR NEW ONE. FUEL EVAP. SYSTEM, KEEPS HAVING PROBLEMS SENDING CODES TO THE COMPUTERS. COULD LEAD TO A DANGEROUS INCIDENT. PROBLEM RECURS ALOT, ESP AFTER YOU FUEL UP YOUR TANK OR IS 2/3 FULL. HONDA COULD NOT FIND ANY THING WRONG THE FIRST TIME, NOW WE'LL SEE WHAT THEY SAY THIS SECOND TIME ON OUR BRAND NEW ONE. *TR

Jun 30, 2008

VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

2008 HONDA PILOT WITH DESIGN QUIRKS. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE WAS MISSING TWO VALVE CAPS, REAR MUD FLAPS WERE INSTALLED AFTER PURCHASE AT HER EXPENSE, RADIO/CD/DVD NOT MP3 CAPABLE, ROOF RAILS ARE INCOMPLETE. *KB THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THERE WAS A WIND NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE SUNROOF WAS TILTED OPEN, THERE WAS AN ANNOYING SOUND.

Jun 02, 2008

EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY

1 complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA PILOT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE PROJECTOR STYLE HEADLAMPS CAUSED POOR VISIBILITY IN RURAL AREAS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS MET FMVSS AND WERE DESIGNED IN THAT FASHION. THE CONTACT FILED A FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND HAS COPIES OF ALL WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE THAT WAS SENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,000. UPDATED 03/10/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS AN ARTIFICIAL LINE ON THE WINDSHIELD THAT CONSTANTLY MOVED WITH THE VEHICLE.

Jan 10, 2008

2008 HONDA Pilot Problems & Complaints

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