How many problems does the 2009 HONDA Pilot have?

The 2009 HONDA Pilot currently has 133 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 2009 HONDA Pilot?

The most common problems reported for the 2009 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 2009 HONDA Pilot problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2009 HONDA Pilot comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

2009 HONDA Pilot Problems

AIR BAGS

27 complaints

DTC code 12-51 passenger air bag is on OBD. have not gone to dealership. been on for several years.

Oct 01, 2024

I bought this car from Nalley Honda. After that I drove back to Birmingham. On my way airbag alarm pops up. Now they says I have to pay for this. But why should I pay for an safety issue as they should make sure its works fine.

Jun 05, 2024

STARTED NOTICING THAT SOMETIMES THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SAYS IT'S OFF ALTHOUGH SOMEONE IS SITTING THERE. NOW, THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON. I'VE ATTACHED A PHOTO.

Jan 02, 2019

THE AIR BAGS SHARDS OF METAL AT PASSENGERS IN VEHICLE WHEN IT WAS INVOLVED IN WRECK

Dec 12, 2017

Crash: 1

THE WARNING SIGN.... SIDE AIR BAG OFF... TURNS ON AUTOMATICALLY OR BLINKS VARIOUS TIMES....SO I STOP THE VEHICLE AND PUT IN PARK AND TURN OFF VEHICLE AND THE WARNING LIGHT FOR THE AIR BAG IS NO LONGER THERE. THE WARNING INDICATOR SHOWS IT TURNS OFF ON ITS OWN THE SIDE AIR BAGS

Dec 05, 2017

+ 22 more complaints for this component

ENGINE

24 complaints

My 2009 Honda Pilot has 188,793 miles, I barely drive the vehicle and it need Piston Rings. I'm aware that this is a common problem with the 2009 Honda Pilots. I do not have $3,000. to just give to these people when Honda knows there is a problem with this vehicle.

Sep 26, 2023

In September of 2021 my mechanic noticed low oil. oil consumption and poor mileage. We have to travel from New Mexico to Houston to see our grandchildren and sometimes we bring them back to our home. The risk is that we can get stranded in the middle of the desert. There have been reports of oil consumption see attached article: https://www.vehiclehistory.com/articles/honda-pilot-excessive-oil-consumption-recalls But when I called Honda customer service they dismiss it because my vin# does not show on their computers of recall of problems of such. I called the dealership and the same thing happened. I am an old timer that changes its oil and does the required maintenance regularly and on time. This should not happen to a very well-maintained vehicle! I hope you can help or at least direct me to someone that could help me. A very dissatisfied customer

Aug 25, 2022

The contact owns a 2009 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. Additionally, there was an odor of burning oil present inside the cabin of the vehicle. In addition, the contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced excessive oil consumption and no oil leaks were present. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not yet contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

May 04, 2022

A VALVE FELL INTO THE ENGINE AS I WAS DRIVING. I WAS ABLE TO PUT CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND COAST INTO SAFETY. IT WAS INOPERABLE AFTER THIS EVENT.

Aug 27, 2020

2009 HONDA PILOT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PISTON RING FAILURE. *LD *JS

Dec 30, 2019

+ 19 more complaints for this component

SUSPENSION

8 complaints

I WAS INFORMED BY DEALER THAT MY COMPLIANCE BUSHINGS WERE LEAKING AND NEEDED REPAIR. FOUND THERE'S WAS A BULLETIN PUT OUT BY HONDA, BUT I WAS NEVER CONTACTED. SPOKE TO A HONDA REP THAT SAID THEY ARE UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO INFORM OWNERS ABOUT BULLETINS. SINCE THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY THEY WANT ME TO PAY FOR THE COST OF REPLACEMENT.

Oct 10, 2019

AT 72,563 MILES I EXPERIENCED VIBRATION AND A GROWLING NOISE FROM THE RIGHT FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AT ALL SPEEDS. THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING WAS REPLACED TO FIX THE PROBLEM.

Apr 02, 2016

AUGUST 2015 I RECEIVED THE LETTER ABOUT DEFECTIVE COMPLIANCE BUSHINGS. I HAD MINE REPAIRED BY MY LOCAL HONDA DEALER. I IMMEDIATELY SENT IN MY REPAIR BILL AND REQUESTED INFORMATION. THAT WAS AUGUST 2015 AND I HAVE NOT HEARD ONE WORD BACK FROM HONDA AND WE ARE NOW IN DECEMBER. THERE ONCE WAS A TIME THAT HONDA QUALITY WAS AMAZING, BUT I SUPPOSE THAT EVEN HONDA BUYS INFERIOR PRODUCTS FROM CHINA AND TRIES TO PASS THEM OFF AS QUALITY LEAVING THE CONSUMER HOLDING THE BAG. REMEMBER WHEN THE CUSTOMER WAS ALWAYS RIGHT!! - R.I.P.

Dec 12, 2015

TOOK MY 2009 HONDA PILOT IN TO THE HONDA DEALER FOR MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE AND FRONT BRAKE PAD REPLACEMENT AND WAS TOLD THAT 1. FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHING & BRACKETS $750.00 + TAX THE BUSHINGS INSIDE THE BRACKET ARE CRACKING. JUST PURCHASED THE CAR FROM OURISMAN HONDA IN LAUREL, MD IN NOVEMBER 2011. DID NOT REPLACE DUE TO NOT BEING ABLE TO AFFORD THE COST. CONSIDERING REPLACEMENT IN 2/2015 DUE TO THE VIOLENT SHAKING THAT I EXPERIENCE WHEN BRAKING OR DRIVING OVER 60MPH. I SHOULD NOT HAVE HAD TO INCUR THIS EXPENSE ESPECIALLY SINCE HONDA WAS AWARE OF THIS MALFUNCTION. *TR

Feb 18, 2015

THE COMPLIANCE BUSHINGS ON MY PILOT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT HONDA IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE. THE OLD PART WAS REPLACED TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE BUSHINGS. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT HONDA IS AWARE OF THIS PRO KEMP AND MADE CHANGES. HOWEVER, THE CONSUMER BARES THE BURDEN OF REPLACING THE BUSHINGS. THIS DEFECT CAN LEAD TO A SAFETY IF DEFECTIVE AND NOT REPAIRED. *TR

Sep 30, 2014

+ 3 more complaints for this component

SEATS

7 complaints

I reclined the drivers seat to nap. After my nap the seat would not recline back into seating position. To get the seat to come forward I had to get out of my car and with one hand operate the knob and the other hand pulled the seat forward. The seat did not come fully upright and I had no support from the seat as I started to drive again. After driving for 10 min I found another place I could safely pull over. I once again got out of the car and pushing the knob in the direction that would bring the seat up with one had and pulling on the seat with the other hand finally got the seat in the full upright position. I finished my drive home and proceeded to call the dealership to schedule an appointment for the seat to be looked at. The dealership told me that the motor/drive system needed to be replaced as it was coming apart. The problem was that when they looked to see if a motor could be ordered a whole seat needed to be ordered. Now I have a seat that should I try to adjust the seat back I may never get it back into original position. I was quoted $1872.73 for a new seat and they would need the car for two days because the seat would need to go to the upholstery shop and that would be another $500 because the seat is leather.

Jul 16, 2021

THE DRIVER'S POWER SEAT HORIZONTAL POSITION TRACK JAMMED SO THAT THE SEAT COULD ONLY BE MOVED ABOUT 2 INCHES FORWARD/BACKWARD. THIS LOCKED THE DRIVER INTO A POSITION VERY CLOSE TO THE STEERING WHEEL AND UNABLE TO REACH AUTO CONTROLS, SEAT BELT WITHOUT SIGNIFICANT DIFFICULTY. HONDA DEALER SAID THEY'RE HAD A RASH OF THESE POWER SEAT JAM-UPS ON PILOTS. HAD TO REPLACE THE "LOWER SEAT TRACK ASSEMBLY" WHICH COST $1,340 WITH PARTS, LABOR AND TAX.

Nov 20, 2019

HEADRESTS (HEAD RESTRAINTS) IN ALL THE NEW CARS I HAVE SAT IN ARE EXTREMELY UNCOMFORTABLE. I AM A 5'10" WOMAN. THE HEAD RESTRAINTS PUSH MY HEAD AND NECK FORWARD. I WAS ADVISED TO RECLINE MY SEAT, BUT THIS IS NOT ERGONOMICALLY CORRECT FOR ME AND CAUSES ME HIP AND LOWER BACK PAIN. AFTER SPENDING YEARS AND MUCH MONEY GETTING MY SPINE IN GOOD ALIGNMENT I AM NOT ABOUT TO HAVE IT RUINED BY RIDING IN MY CAR. THE CAR INSURANCE COMPANIES MIGHT FEEL THAT THEY ARE COVERING THEIR **** BY HAVING THESE NEW RULES/RESTRICTIONS, BUT I HOPE THE HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANIES CATCH ON SOON THAT THEY WILL BE PAYING MANY MORE CLAIMS FOR CHIROPRACTIC AND OSTEOPATHIC ADJUSTMENTS, X-RAYS AND PHYSICAL THERAPY. THESE HEAD RESTRAINTS ARE RIDICULOUS AND UNCOMFORTABLE AND THEREFORE ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO REMOVE THE HEAD RESTRAINT ENTIRELY, OBVIOUSLY NEGATING AND POSSIBLE BENEFIT TO THE DRIVER OR THE CAR INSURANCE COMPANIES. *TR

Aug 26, 2014

2009 HONDA PILOT - ISSUE WITH POWER MOTOR ON DRIVER AND NOW PASSENGER SEAT. MOTOR GRINDS, SEAT DOES NOT MOVE WITH EASE, OCCASIONALLY SEAT FEELS LIKE IT'S MOVING ON THE RAILS (WHEN IT SHOULDN'T BE). HONDA STATES 'TECHNICIANS ARE WORKING ON IT'. PROBLEM WAS FIRST REPORTED OVER 18 MONTHS AGO, HONDA IS AWARE OF ISSUE. *TR

Sep 21, 2010

2009 HONDA PILOT FRONT SEATS ARE LOOSE IN THE TRACKS... REPORTED THIS ISSUE TO THE DEALER, WAS TOLD THEY COULD NOT FIX THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Apr 06, 2010

+ 2 more complaints for this component

STEERING

5 complaints

THE STEERING WHEEL ON MY 2009 HONDA PILOT VIBRATES EXCESSIVELY AT ANY SPEED OVER 50MPH. I HAVE COMPLETELY REPLACED THE BRAKE ROTOR AND PADS WITH BRAND NEW PARTS. IT IMPROVED SOMEWHAT, BUT DIDN'T ELIMINATE THE VIBRATION PROBLEM. MY ONLINE RESEARCH SHOWS THEY ARE MANY OTHERS WHO EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEMS ACROSS ALL MODEL YEARS. IT APPEARS TO BE A FUNDAMENTAL DESIGN/MANUFACTURING DEFECT. SOME PEOPLE CLAIMED TO HAVE THE VIBRATION PROBLEM FIXED BY REPLACING THE ENGINE MOUNT.

Dec 31, 2015

THE VEHICLE VIBRATES VERY VIOLENTLY WHEN GOING OVER 60 MPH. NEW TIRES, BALANCED AND THEN ROAD FORCE BALANCED AND SAME RESULTS. STARTING HAPPENING MAYBE AFTER 15K. *TR

Jun 16, 2014

DIFFICULTY IN STEERING 2009 HONDA PILOT IN PARKING LOT. LESS THAN 40K MILEAGE. *TR

Jan 18, 2011

2009 HONDA PILOT / GREAT DIFFICULTY IN TURNING STEERING WHEEL / AFTER 12 MONTHS RETURNED TO DEALER. I WAS TOLD THAT I HAD A "CRACKED" STEERING COLUMN AND IT WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. 6 MONTHS LATER AGAIN STEERING MORE DIFFICULT STEERING - RETURNED TO DEALER / THIS TIME THEY REPLACED "POWER STEERING PUMP" - CAR NO LONGER COVERED ON WARRANTY - LODGED A COMPLAINT WITH AMERICAN HONDA AND THEY ARE "REVIEWING" MY COMPLAINT. *TR

Aug 31, 2010

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL WINDING COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE DEALER MADE REPAIRS TO THE STEERING COLUMN YET THE FAILURE PERSISTED. ON A LATER DATE WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RECALL THE DETAILS OF THE CRASH. ONE PASSENGER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 30,000.

Aug 03, 2010

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

SEAT BELTS

4 complaints

My driver's side seat belt is constantly releasing as I'm driving.

Mar 27, 2023

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA PILOT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT INDEPENDENTLY UNLATCHED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE PERSISTED FOR THE PAST SIX MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,000.

Jan 06, 2020

DRIVER SEAT - SEAT BELT NYLON THREAD IS SPLITTING

Oct 07, 2019

THE DRIVER SIDE SAFETY BELT LATCH COMES UNDONE WHILE DRIVING. WHEN YOU BUCKLE THE LATCH, IT SEEMS THAT IT IS LOCKED. BUT YOU PULL ON IT OR TAKE A CORNER AT REGULAR SPEED, THE LATCH COMES UNDONE.

Mar 12, 2018

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

4 complaints

WE HAVE LEARNED FROM OTHER Honda Pilot OWNERS AS WELL FROM THE DEALER THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS A VERY, VERY, VERY, VERY COMMON ISSUE. IT WILL COST OVER $6,000 TO FIX. THAT IS CORRECT, OVER $ 6,000 !!!!!!!! WE HOPE THE US GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE ACTION. WE DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO FIX THIS PROBLEM THAT HONDA IS WELL AWARE OF FOR YEARS NOW. PLEASE HELP US COMMON FOLK THANK YOU

Dec 20, 2022

VARIABLE CYLINDER MANAGEMENT (VCM) EXCESS OIL CONSUMPTION, WHICH HAS PROMPT TO AN ENGINE LIGHT "P3497 CYLINDER DEACTIVATION SYSTEM BANK 2" I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER, AND I AM WAITING FOR A RESOLUTION/S. THE CAR IS A THE DEALERSHIP AS I AM WRITING THIS... I WILL KEEP YOU UPDATED AS I KNOW MORE. THANKS.

Dec 17, 2016

EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. 170K MILES ON THIS VEHICLE. NOTICED APPROXIMATELY 30K MILES AGO THAT I NEEDED TO ADD OIL BETWEEN OIL CHANGES, WHICH I ALWAYS GET EVERY 3500-4000 MILES. USUALLY TAKES LESS THAN 1 QUART. MOST RECENTLY, TOOK 2+ QUARTS. HONDA ADVISES THIS IS NOT UNUSUAL AND NO REPAIR IS NECESSARY - JUST CONTINUE TO ADD OIL AS NEEDED. SEEMS ABSURD.

Apr 11, 2016

PULLED 2009 PILOT INTO MY SLOPPING DRIVEWAY I PUT THE CAR INTO PARK AND ENGINE RUNNING. NOTING REAR CAMERA WAS DISENGAGED. MY HUSBAD AND INFANT IN HIS ARMS WERE 5 FEET AWAY FROM THE REAR SUV. ONCE THE REVERSE LIGHT CAME OFF HE WENT WALKED BEHIND THE TO FRONT OF PASSENGER DOOR. I OPENED THE DOOR OF THE CAR AND SPOKE TO MY HUSBAND WHO WAS STANDING INFRONT OF DRIVER SIDE DOOR. I OPENED DRIVER SIDE DOOR AND WE SPOKE BRIEFLY WHILE DOOR WAS OPEN AND CAR INPAR ENGINE ON. I LEANED INTO THE CENTER CONSOLE TO GRAB COFFE AND I FELT THE CAR ROLLING BACKWARDS DOWN THE DRIVEWAY AND INTO THE ROAD CAUSING ME TO BE TRAPPED BETWEEN DOOR AND THE DRIVER SIDE FRAME. IT DRAGGED ME INTO THE STREET. I HELD ON TO THE STEERING FEARING I WAS GOING TO BE RUN OVER. THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR GOT CAUGHT ON THE A METAL FENCE SLOWING THE CAR DOWN WHERE I COULD FINALLY STAND UP AND RIP KEYS OUT WHILE ENGINE STILL ENGAGED RUNNING. *TR

May 18, 2013

Crash: 1

POWER TRAIN

4 complaints

SHUDDERING AT 40 AND 60 MPH

Mar 24, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION COOLER PIECE FRACTURED INTERNALLY, WHICH CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION FLUID TO LEAK INTO THE RADIATOR WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER REPLACED THE RADIATOR AND REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000. UPDATED 12/01/15*LJ

Oct 20, 2015

TORQUE CONVERTER SHUDDER OR VIBRATION BETWEEN 35-40 MPH. *TR

Aug 24, 2014

DISCOVERED MASSIVE WEEPING OF TRANSMISSION FLUID FROM THE CASE AFTER 3700 MILES. AUTOMOBILE WAS PURCHASED NEW WITH 9 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. *TR

Dec 31, 2008

TIRES

3 complaints

MICHELIN LTX MS 245/65R17. 61,000 MILE, 4 MONTHS TO 5 YEARS AFTER INSTALLED. FOUND SMALL CRACKS ON TREAD AND SIDEWALL BECAUSE OF DRY ROT. AND TIRES LOST PRESSURE QUICKLY. REMAINED 4/32" TREAD, BUT FEAR TO POTENTIAL DANGER. I'M IN OHIO, THE RUBBER SUPPOSE NOT TO DRY ROT SO QUICKLY. I CALLED MICHELIN CUSTOMER CARE, THEY SAID TIRES PASSED 60K WARRANTY. I MENTIONED THEM THAT THIS PROBLEM IS NOT RELATED TO MILLAGE, BUT TIME. I BELIEVE THAT THE PROBLEM IS MATERIAL THAT DRY ROTS TOO QUICKLY.

May 24, 2015

WE WERE TOLD DURING A ROUTINE ROTATE AND BALANCE SERVICE THAT THE TIRES HAD CRACKS IN THE SIDEWALL AND TREAD AREA. WE HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL TIMES SUDDEN AIR PRESSURE LOSS DURING EXTREME WEATHER TEMPERATURE SWINGS. WE HAVE HAD THE TIRES CHECKED FOR PUNCTURES AND THE ALLOY RIMS CHECKED FOR POSSIBLE HOLES OR DEFECTS. I THEN APPROACHED THE DEALERSHIP AND (A MICHELIN RETAILER). BOTH ESTABLISHMENTS INDICATED THEY DID NOT HANDLE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT WARRANTY ISSUES. I CONTACTED MICHELIN WHO REFERRED ME TO NTB WHICH CONFIRMED THE TIRE ISSUE. AFTER TWO CALLS TO MICHELIN I WAS ABLE TO FINALLY GOT THEM TO GIVE ME A 60% GOOD WILL CREDIT ON REPLACEMENT TIRES. THE TIRES HAD ONLY BEEN ON THE VEHICLE FOR TWO YEARS AND FOUR MONTHS. THEY HAD AT LEAST 50-60% TREAD LIFE REMAINING. MICHELIN WAS MORE INTERESTED IN MAKING EXCUSES THAN TRYING TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) *TT

Sep 17, 2011

TPMS DAMAGE. *TR

Apr 08, 2011

STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES

3 complaints

COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE STOPPED OR AT LOW SPEEDS (TRYING TO PULL INTO A PARKING SPACE) AND FRONT END/STEERING COLUMN SHAKING WHILE BREAKING AT 60 MPH. I WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE REP AT THE HONDA DEALERSHIP THAT I LOST MY POWER STEERING BECAUSE THERE WAS A LEAK FROM ERODED SEAL, CAUSING POWER STEERING FLUID TO LEAK INTO THE BOOTS ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. FOR THIS REASON, THERE WAS NEVER ANY LEAKAGE ONTO THE GROUND TO EVER INDICATE THAT THERE WAS A LEAK. ADDITIONALLY, A WARNING LIGHT NEVER CAME ON IN MY DASHBOARD TO ALERT ME OF THE ISSUE. AS A RESULT OF THE LEAK, I WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE MY ENTIRE POWER STEERING RACK BECAUSE IT WAS NOT SOMETHING COVERED UNDER MY HONDA POWER TRAIN WARRANTY. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT I NEEDED NEW BRAKES AND ROTORS FOR THE SHAKING ISSUE, BUT AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE, I FOUND THAT THIS HAS BEEN A FREQUENTLY REPORTED ISSUE IN HONDA PILOTS AND MAY ACTUALLY STEM BACK TO THE POWER STEERING ISSUE. YESTERDAY, I RECEIVED ANOTHER CALL ADVISING ME THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP ALSO NEEDED REPLACED DUE TO SUSPECTED DAMAGE THAT INCURRED DUE TO IT BEING DRY FROM THE LEAK. *TR

Mar 25, 2015

AT SPEED WHEN BRAKING THE LEFT WHEEL BEGINS TO VIBRATE TO AN UNCOMFORTABLE LEVEL. IT HAS BEEN GETTING MORE PRONOUNCE SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE A YEAR AGO. *TR

Aug 09, 2013

AT 60 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES, AS IF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM IS ENGAGED, JUST WITH A SLIGHT TAP OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VIBRATION IS AT A CONSISTENT RATE, AND DOES NOT SLOW WHEN THE VEHICLE SLOWS. THERE IS NO SCRAPING, OR ANY OTHER SOUND COMING FROM THE WHEELS, AND IT IS EASILY DEMONSTRATED. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, WHILE SLOWING DOWN SLOWLY, THE VIBRATION CATCHES YOU OFF GUARD AS YOU THINK YOU MAY BE DRIVING OVER A RUMBLE STRIP, AND ATTEMPT TO MAKE A CORRECTION IN YOUR DRIVING - ONLY TO REALIZE THAT ITS THE VEHICLE THAT IS HAVING THE ISSUE. THE ISSUE STARTED APPEARING AROUND 32K MILES, AND NOW HAS 39K MILES ON IT, AND HAS ONLY BEEN DRIVEN AROUND TOWN. IT HAS NEVER BEEN ON A LONG RANGE TRIP DUE TO THIS ISSUE. *TR

Jul 01, 2013

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

3 complaints

THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I ADJUSTED THE FUEL CAP BUT IT KEPT COMING ON...SO I TOOK IT IN TO LEARN THAT I HAD LITTLE, IF ANY OIL. I HAD THE OIL CHANGED AT THE HONDA DEALER LESS THAN 2 MONTHS PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING! NO INDICATOR LIGHTS CAME ON TO SAY THAT THE OIL WAS LOW. I DID RESEARCH ONLINE AND NOTED THAT SIMILAR HONDA OWNERS WERE HAVING THIS PROBLEM. THE OIL IS LEAKING AT AN EXCESSIVE RATE. SO I GOT THE OIL REPLACED. NOW, 2 MONTHS LATER, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS BACK ON DUE TO LOW OIL LEVELS, WHICH WERE JUST REPLACED. THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE OIL STAYING IN THE VEHICLE, AND THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS WITH THIS ISSUE! *TR

Mar 19, 2015

THE CHANGE OIL INDICATOR NEVER CAME ON AND MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON SO I IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT TO AN AUTOZONE TO HAVE THE CODE CHECKED. IT WAS A CODE P3497. THAT WAS A SATURDAY, I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER ON MONDAY. THEY WERE ABOUT TO LET ME DRIVE AWAY WITH NO OIL BECAUSE THE CODE WAS CLEARED. I INSISTED THEY CHECK INTO IT DUE TO ALL THE COMPLAINTS ONLINE WITH SAME PROBLEM AND IT BEING THE COMPUTER LETTING TO CAR USE ALL THE OIL QUICKLY. IT TURNS OUT I HAD NO OIL, AND I HAD JUST CHANGED THE OIL PROFESSIONALLY AND USED THE BEST SYNTHETIC IN MY CAR. WHICH SHOULD LAST LONGER. VERY DANGEROUS. ENGINE COULD OF LOCKED UP ON A HIGH SPEED ROAD WITH MY THREE KIDS AND WE COULD BE KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURED. PLEASE RECALL THE COMPUTER PROBLEM AND PARTS. *TR

Dec 08, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND NOTICED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE KEY FAILED TO TURN IN THE IGNITION ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

Jun 30, 2014

SERVICE BRAKES

3 complaints

SINCE OWNING MY 2009 HONDA PILOT NEW, I HAVE REPLACED THE ROTORS THREE TIMES AND HAD THEM CUT MANY TIMES DUE TO WARPING. THERE MUST BE A DEFECTIVE ISSUE HERE. *TR

Dec 05, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, HE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN IT ABNORMALLY TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS REPLACED. AFTER THE REPAIR THE FAILURE CONTINUED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS. THE TECHNICIANS STATED THAT THE CALIPERS, MASTER CYLINDER, AND ABS SYSTEM WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE SYSTEM WAS CONTAMINATED DUE TO THE TYPE OF BRAKE FLUID THAT THE CONTACT ADDED TO THE VEHICLE. AFTER OBTAINING A THIRD DIAGNOSIS FROM A DIFFERENT DEALER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT ONLY THE ABS SYSTEM WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,010.

Oct 16, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE ABNORMALLY. AFTER THE CONTACT REMOVED HIS FOOT FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE SHAKING STOPPED. THE FAILURE RECURRED CONSISTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR REPAIR SHOP FOR INSPECTION. THE CONTACT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE BY REPLACING THE TWO FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE ROTORS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 54,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000.

Jul 05, 2012

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 complaints

WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, A SLIGHT TURN TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE SHUT THE CRUISE CONTROL OFF (NO DASHBOARD LIGHT INDICATOR, AS IF YOU SHUT IT OFF). TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL BACK REACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL (DASH LIGHT BACK ON), THOUGH NOT ENGAGED, AS IF YOU HIT THE BRAKES. THE PROBLEM GOT PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER TIME; THE 'DEAD' SPOT IN THE CRUISE CONTROL EVENTUALLY DISABLED THE CONTROL FROM COMING ON AT ALL. THE DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THIS 2 YEAR, 11 MONTH OLD CAR FOR $377.00. THE DEFECTIVE PART IS A 'CABLE REEL ASSEMBLY' THAT SHORTED OUT, ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP. I CONSIDERED IT A SAFETY HAZARD; THEY DID NOT. *TR

Mar 26, 2012

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED, IT CRASHED INTO A PLATE GLASS WINDOW. THERE WERE NO INJURIES BUT A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTROL MODULE WAS REPLACE. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE UNINTENTIONALLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 88,000.

May 05, 2010

Crash: 1

2009 HONDA PILOT HAS A PROBLEM WITH ACCELERATING. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE. THE CONSUMER STATED A FEW DAYS LATER, THE INCIDENT HAPPENED AGAIN, THIS TIME LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER OF A SERVICE BULLETIN THAT DESCRIBED THE EXACT PROBLEM SHE EXPERIENCED. THE CONSUMER QUICKLY REALIZED THAT THE GAS PEDAL DIDN'T ENGAGE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE FRONT FENDER SUSTAINED SCRATCHES FROM HITTING A BARREL AS SHE TRIED TO EXIT THE HIGHWAY TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. *JB

May 27, 2009

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

3 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 50 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE WITHIN SEVERAL MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED FOR THE FAILURE NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AS WELL AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100.

Feb 25, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA PILOT. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, IT EXHIBITED A NO-START CONDITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT THE TECHNICIAN COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. TWO DAYS LATER WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN LOSING POWER. SHE WAS ABLE TO SAFELY COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP, IN WHICH THE CONVERTERS AND INJECTORS WERE REPLACED AT HER EXPENSE. THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER, AND A TECHNICIAN CONCLUDED THAT THE ENGINE HAD TO BE INTERNALLY INSPECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, AND SHE WAS AWAITING A RESPONSE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 3,500. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,461.

Nov 20, 2009

I BOUGHT A NEW 2009 HONDA PILOT TWO MONTH AGO. I HAVE DRIVEN 1350 MILES ON IT. I COULD NOT START MY VEHICLE AFTER A WEEK SITTING IN MY GARAGE. I HAVE TO JUMP OR CHARGE THE BATTERY IN ORDER TO GET IT STARTED . THIS HAD HAPPENED FOUR TIMES SINCE I BOUGHT IT. *TR

Aug 25, 2009

STRUCTURE

2 complaints

I PURCHASED MY PILOT 4 YEARS AGO, IT WAS OWNED BY ONE PERSON PRIOR TO ME. ABOUT 6 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE IT STARTED SEEING RUSTING BY MY TAILGATE HANDLE AND NOW ITS THE SIZE OF A BASEBALL ON BOTH SIDES. I SEE THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THIS BUT WAS TOLD I DO NOT FALL UNDER THIS DUE TO THE TIME LINE. VERY UPSET THAT I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR IT TO BE REPAIRED WHEN ITS A KNOWN ISSUE THROUGH HONDA! VERY FRUSTRATING BUYING A CAR AND SEEING THE ISSUES AND NO ONE CAN HELP. I CLEARLY GOT THE LEMON PILOT, WITHIN THE FIRST 6 MONTHS OF PURCHASING MY PILOT, I NEEDED NEW EXHAUST CATS AND ALL AND THEN A NEW MOTOR DUE TO OIL ISSUES AND A FUEL PUMP, THE LIST GOES ON.. WHEN WILL HONDA TAKE CARE OF THE ISSUES THAT THEY KNOW ARE PROBLEMS!

Feb 15, 2019

TAILGATE WOULD NOT STAY OPEN AND WHEN COMING DOWN WOULD NOT STOP EVEN IF YOU WERE LEANING IN TO RETRIEVE SOMETHING. THE REAR HATCH STRUTS FAILED AND THERE IS NO SAFETY MECHANISM TO PREVENT THE TAILGATE FROM CLOSING WHEN THE STRUTS FAIL. *TR

Sep 06, 2012

VISIBILITY

2 complaints

THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR IS DEFECTIVE AND WILL NOT STAY FLUSH WITH THE ROOF; IT IMMEDIATELY DROPS DOWN ABOUT AN INCH AND A HALF WHICH OBSTRUCTS YOUR VIEW OF THE ROAD. I AM 5'8'', AND I CANNOT SEE DIRECTLY TO THE ROAD DUE TO THIS ISSUE. I ALMOST GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE IT DROPPED DOWN FURTHER WHEN I HIT A SPEED BUMP. WHEN LOOKING FOR REPLACEMENT PARTS ONLINE, I CAM ACROSS HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS FROM PEOPLE WHO OWN PILOTS AND CR-VS THAT HAVE THE SAME ISSUE, AND AFTER PAYING FOR BRAND NEW REPLACEMENTS AND WARRANTY REPLACEMENTS, THOSE SAME REPLACEMENTS BECAME DEFECTIVE AS WELL CLOSE TO TWO MONTHS LATER. SOME PEOPLE HAVE GOTTEN INTO ACCIDENTS THAT CAUSED LAW SUITS. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THIS ITEM RECALLED AND PERMANENTLY FIXED. I HAVE A SMALL CHILD AND AM NOW FEARFUL OF GETTING INTO AN ACCIDENT. *TR

Mar 12, 2015

THE WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP OR PUMPS FAILURE TO OPERATE AS DESIGNED BY HONDA ON 2009 HONDA PILOT; HONDA HAS NO DIRECTIONS FOR CUSTOMERS OR FIXES OTHER THAN THEIR INVESTIGATING. SAFETY OF VISION IS THE ISSUE AND THE LACK OF HONDA TO GIVE ATTENTION TO THIS ISSUE IS A MAJOR CONCERN. *TR

Oct 06, 2010

STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES

2 complaints

WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED AT ALMOST ANY SPED VEHICLE SHAKES VIOLENTLY. TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICE WAS ADVISED BY DEALER THAT THE BUSHING ON A SUSPENSION COMPONENT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AS IT HAS CRACKED. I DID A BIT OF RESEARCH AND WAS TOLD THAT HONDA WAS AWARE OF THE INITIAL FLAW ON THE DESIGN AND REDESIGNED IT FOR THE REPLACEMENT PART. CONSUMERS SHOULD NOT BEAR THE COST OF THE REPLACEMENT PART AS IT IS A MANUFACTURES DEFECT. THIS IS CAUSING THE BRAKES AND ROTOR TO WEAR OUT FASTER. *TR

Dec 06, 2014

SHAKING AND VIBRATING OF THE STEERING WHEEL RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO ROTORS. HONDA IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE HOWEVER THEY HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING ABOUT THIS. HERE ARE MORE COMPLAINTS BY OWNERS WITH THE EXACT SAME ISSUE: HTTP://TOWNHALL-TALK.EDMUNDS.COM/DIRECT/VIEW/.F186D71/36 #40 OF 46 STEERING WHEEL SHIMMIE BY WILIAGBY JAN 22, 2013 (1:47 PM) I HAVE A 2010 PILOT PURCHASED NEW AND HAVE LESS THAN 23000 MILES. THE STEERING WHEEL HAS BEEN SHAKING FOR A WHILE. IT HAS BEEN MORE PRONOUNCE AS TIME GONE ON. SO I WENT TO THE DEALER TODAY AND WAS EXPLAINED IT WAS THE ROTOR BEING WARPED. IT WAS EXPLAINED THE MANUFACTURER WENT TO A SOFTER MATERIAL TO ELIMINATE SQUEAKING BRAKE SOUNDS WITH A HARDER MATERIAL. SO I TOLD THE SERVICER THAT THIS WILL BE A CHRONIC PROBLEM SINCE ALL THE ROTORS WILL WARP EVEN IF I REPLACE THEM OR HAVE THE CURRENT ROTORS TURNED. HE SAID WARRANTY EXPIRES AT 12,000 MILES FOR BRAKE PROBLEMS AND IT WAS MY CHOICE. WOW! I ASK THEM TO STILL CHECK IT AND WHEN THE SERVICE INVOICE WAS PRINTED THE WRITING WAS PERFORM A COMPLIMENTARY VEHICLE INSPECTION INCLUDING INSPECTING THE TIRE PRESSURE AND SETTING IT TO FACTORY SPECIFICATION. NOTHING WRITTEN ABOUT THE STEERING WHEEL SHIMMIE. SO I POINTED IT OUT AND THE SERVICER SAID IT WAS INSIDE THE FREE INSPECTION. THEY KNOW ITS A PROBLEM AND THERE IS A DELIBERATE EFFORT TO HIDE IT. I AM NOT SATISFY WITH THE ANSWER OR SERVICE. THE TECHNICIAN HEARD THE PROBLEM, BUT THIS TIME THEY DUG DEEPER AND AGREED THAT THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE POWER STEERING RACK. THEY REPLACED IT AND MY PILOT IS LIKE NEW! HOPEFULLY HONDA WILL STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT BETTER IN THE FUTURE -- I HAD TO GO THROUGH MUCH FRUSTRATION TO GET MY PROBLEM FIXED. HE GIVES ME A COPY OF THE SERVICE BULLETIN... PROBABLY CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM : "FRONT SUSPENSION REAR LOWER ARM BUSHING BRACKET IS FAULTY". *TR

Jul 27, 2013

SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN

2 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN SHAKING VIOLENTLY AND BECAME UNSTABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO WAS NOT ABLE TO REPLICATE OR DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO STALL WITHOUT WARNING AND WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT TWO SPARK PLUGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND UPDATED THE PCM COMPUTER SOFTWARE IN THE VEHICLE. THE AUTHORIZED DEALER ALSO DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS HAD BEEN LEAKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

May 19, 2014

WHEN TO DEALER'S SHOP LAST WEEK AND WAS TOLD THAT THE COMPLIANCE BUSHING WAS LEAKING AND TORN. I RESEARCH THE INTERNET AND NOTED THAT IT IS COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS VEHICLE. I'M PAYING A STEEP MONEY TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. IS THERE ANY INVESTIGATION GOING ON FOR THIS PROBLEM? *TR

Jul 28, 2013

EQUIPMENT

2 complaints

MY 2009 HONDA PILOT TOURING HAD A FRONT RIGHT TIRE SIDEWALL BLOW CAUSING ME TO CHANGE THE TIRE. I AM 55 YEARS OLD AND HAVE CHANGED NUMEROUS TIRES OVER THE YEARS. I LOCATED THE JACK, SPARE TIRE, LOOSENED THE LUG NUTS AND JACKED THE SUV ON THE PASSENGER JACK POINT. AFTER REMOVING THE FLAT TIRE, THE CAR TILTED FORWARD AND FELL OFF THE JACK. THIS WAS A RELATIVELY LEVEL ROAD. REPEATED THIS AFTER SETTING THE PARKING BRAKE AND CHOCKING THE REAR WHEELS AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN. THIRD TIME, SET THE JACK AT AN ANGLE AND AT THE POINT WHERE THE SUV WAS HIGH ENOUGH TO PUT THE SPARE TIRE ON, IT HAPPENED AGAIN. FINALLY PUT A 1-2 INCH FLAT ROCK UNDER THE JACK AND WAS FINALLY ABLE TO KEEP IT GET THE SUV HIGH ENOUGH AND STABLE ENOUGH TO PUT THE SPARE ON. NOTE THAT THE BASE OF THE JACK IS APPROXIMATELY 3 INCHES SQUARE AND THE JACK GOES TO THE MAXIMUM HEIGHT IT CAN TO BE ABLE TO JACK THE SUV. THIS IS THE SAME JACK THAT IS IN ALL OTHER HONDAS. LUCKILY NOONE WAS HURT EXCEPT FOR THE CAR - BENT ROTOR, WHEEL BEARING ALIGNMENT AND ROCKER PANEL PIERCED BY THE JACK. CONTACTED HONDA, GOT A CASE NUMBER, AFTER THE HONDA DEALER HAD PERFORMED REPAIRS CONTACTED THEM. TWO WEEKS LATER SPOKE WITH THE CASE OFFICER AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT THIS IS A WARRANTY ISSUE AND THAT THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND NOT COVERED FOR ANY DAMAGE. THE DEALER SHOULD HAVE INSPECTED THE JACK (NEITHER THE DEALER NOR I KNEW OF THIS) AND EVEN IF THE JACK WAS DEFECTIVE, AS THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY NOTHING WOULD BE COVERED. I INDICATED THAT THIS WAS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NOT A WARRANTY ONE. THEY INDICATED THAT IF SOMEONE HAD BEEN INJURED, AN ATTORNEY WOULD KNOW WHO TO CONTACT AT HONDA BUT AS AN OWNER, IT IS UP TO THEM WHETHER OR NOT TO HONOR ANY RECALLS OR SAFETY ISSUES. EVEN THE DEALER WAS AMAZED AT THIS! THE JACK IS NOT DESIGNED FOR THIS HEAVY AND TALL OF A VEHICLE, AND HONDA SHOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT BEFORE THE SUV LANDS ON SOMEONE'S HAND, FOOT OR LEG. *KB

Aug 16, 2011

2009 HONDA PILOT HAS A BRAKE SYSTEM PROBLEM. THE CAR CAN'T BE STOP FAST ENOUGH, IT NEEDS A VERY LONG DISTANCE AFTER HITTING THE BRAKE TO STOP. THIS IS A BRAND NEW CAR. I INFORMED HONDA DEALER OF MARTIN MAIN LINE HONDA IN PA OF THE PROBLEM, THE TECHNICIANS TOLD ME THAT ALL PILOT BEHAVES THE SAME, SO IT IS NOT A PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THIS IS THE ONLY CAR I NEED TO HAVE A SUCH LONGER DISTANCE FOR A STOP. IT IS NOT NORMAL. IF ALL PILOT ARE SAME, THIS COULD MEAN AN INVESTIGATION IS NEEDED FOR 2009 PILOT. MY CAR IS HAS ABOUT 8,600 MILES NOW. THIS IS THE PROBLEM I NOTICED AT THE VERY BEGINNING WHEN I PURCHASED IT. SINCE MOST OF TIME I DRIVE LOCALLY, THE PROBLEM IS AS WORSE AS DRIVING IN A FREEWAY. *TR

Apr 30, 2010

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

2009 Honda Pilot VIN [XXX] Mileage 128,000 Issue: Transmission shuddering, a KNOWN and ACKNOWLEDGED PROBLEM Why is there not been a recall for this problem? I have spoken with other Pilot owners and all have experience this problem. The dealership gave me about 3 reasons, all out of pocket costs. I am on fixed income, this is a problem for me. HONDA knows there is a problem and yet the US government has not enforced any recall, WHY !! Help us. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Oct 09, 2025

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE

1 complaint

See attached document for complaint

Apr 11, 2024

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

check engine light manufacturer control

Jun 22, 2022

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2009 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 45 MPH, the brake pedal failed to operate as needed upon depression as his wife crashed a vehicle that stopped at the light. The airbags deployed upon impact. The driver of the other vehicle was taken to a local hospital by ambulance; her injuries were unknown. The contact took his wife to the hospital after the accident where she was treated for neck and back pain. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard where it remained in their possession. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be diagnosed and remained in the possession of the independent mechanic. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Feb 24, 2022

Crash: 1

Injuries: 2

SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

1 complaint

ON JULY 29, 2020 I PURCHASED A VEHICLE FROM CROWN NISSAN OF GREENVILLE. THEY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A SAFETY INSPECTION AND THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE AND ALL THAT NEEDED WAS A NEW AC COMPRESSOR THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE AT THEIR EXPENSE. THEY WERE NOT TRANSPARENT ABOUT OTHER PROBLEMS THAT SURFACED WITHIN THE FIRST QUARTER TANK OF GAS OF OWNING THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKES WERE NOT INSTALLED CORRECTLY AND WAS CAUSING ERRORS WHICH IS A SAFETY CONCERN. BOTH LOW CONTROL ARMS AND STRUTS WERE COMPLETELY WORN AND NOT SAFE FOR VEHICLE OPERATION. THE FRONT WINDSHIELD HAD A CRACK IN IT. THERE WERE ALSO FAULTY ENGINE MISFIRING. THERE INSPECTION DID NOT ANIMATE ANY OF THESE ISSUES AND SAID THE ONLY THING WRONG WAS THE AC COMPRESSOR, WHICH WAS A LIE. THE LEFT STRUT WAS ALSO WAS NOT OPERATIONAL AND HAS MADE THE CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN LESS THAN 100 MILES AND HAS CAUSED NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS AND A SAFETY CONCERN FOR THE DRIVER. I USED THE DEALERS SERVICE DEPARTMENT TWICE AND THEY WERE NOT TRANSPARENT ABOUT ISSUES CONCERNING THE VEHICLE. THEY DID NOT CARE AND BOTH TIMES SAID EVERYTHING WAS FINE WHICH WAS NOT TRUE THERE WAS A LOT WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE THAT THEY WEREN'T DISCLOSING. I ASKED THE DEALERSHIP EXACTLY WHAT WAS WRONG BECAUSE I NEEDED TO KNOW AND THEY ASSURED ME THE SAFETY INSPECTION WAS DONE AND THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. THE HONDA MECHANIC FROM FISHERS GARAGE CLAIMS THE CAR HAS SIGNS OF BEING IN A ROUGH ACCIDENT WITH UNDERNEATH REPAIRS, HOWEVER THE DEALER ASSURED THERE WAS NO ACCIDENTS AND THE CAR FAX WAS CLEAR OF ANY DEFECTS. WHICH ALSO TURNS OUT TO BE A LIE.

Aug 07, 2020

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

I HAD JUST BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE, AND ONLY HAD IT 3 DAYS WHEN IT BEGIN TO IDLE HIGH AND IT SEEMED AS IF THE CAR WAS IN NEUTRAL WHILE I WAS DRIVING BUT IT WASN'T. THEN THE D LIGHT BEGAN TO BLINK AND THEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I STOPPED AT A CAR REPAIR PLACE TURNED THE CAR OFF, AND WHEN THE PERSON GOT IN AND TURNED THE CAR BACK ON IT WAS LIKE NOTHING HAPPENED FOR A FEW MINUTES THEN IT STARTED ACTING UP AGAIN, BUT AS SOON AS THE CAR IS TURNED OFF AND THEN ON AGAIN IT ACTS NORMAL FOR A FEW. I WASN'T DOING NOTHING BUT DRIVING AT THE TIME AT A SPEED UNDER 60MPH. WHEN I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY GOING OVER 60MPH IT DIDN'T DO IT AT ALL.

Mar 20, 2020

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

I NOTICED GASOLINE SMELL FROM THE ENGINE WHILE DRIVING IN THE CITY AND WHEN IT IS IN PARK AFTER USE FOR SEVERAL DAYS. DID NOT SEE ANYTHING IN THE ENGINE OR UNDER THE CAR THAT WAS LEAKING. THEN ONE DAY, I OPENED THE HOOD AGAIN AND FOUND THAT A MIST OF GASOLINE WAS COMING FROM A HOLE/CRACK FROM THE FUEL FEED HOSE FITTING AND FUEL FEED LINE THAT RUNS BACK UNDER THE CAR TO THE FUEL TANK. I NOTIFIED MY MECHANIC AT AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE CENTER AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS SHOP. THEY FOUND THAT THE GASOLINE MADE ITS WAY THROUGH THE O RING AND INTO THE PLASTIC COVERING OF THE METAL FUEL FEED FITTING HOSE LINE AND ATE THROUGH THE PLASTIC AND CAUSED IT TO LEAK. THE MECHANIC REMOVED THE FUEL TANK AND REPLACED IT WITH A NEW FUEL FEED LINE. IT COST ME $790.74 TO HAVE IT REPLACED.

Oct 24, 2018

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING, IT SURGED WITHOUT WARNING. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED BUT FAILED TO RESPOND AND DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR. THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE INTO PARK IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SQUELCHING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO GROPPETTI AUTOMOTIVE DEALER LOCATED AT 830 S BEN MADDOX WAY VISALIA CA 93292 WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED CASE NUMBER 06627501 BUT NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Jan 24, 2018

POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

1 complaint

EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. STARTED BACK IN BEGINNING OF AUGUST 2016. JUST CHECKING OIL AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS VERY LITTLE IN THERE. SO ADDED 3 QUARTS. I REMEMBERED THAT WE JUST RECENTLY HAD THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE TOO. ANYWAY, I CHECKED IT AGAIN TWO WEEKS LATER AND HAD TO ADD ANOTHER QUART. THIS OCCURRED OVER AND OVER AGAIN THE NEXT COUPLE MONTHS. NOW WE BROUGHT IT IN TO THE DEALER WE BOUGHT THE CAR FROM. NOW THEY HAVE BEEN VERY GOOD TO US OVER THE YEARS, BUT TOLD US THAT THEY DON'T KNOW WHY THIS IS BURNING OIL. I LOOKED UP ON LINE AND FOUND A CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT. I THOUGHT GREAT I AM COVERED! LAWSUIT MENTIONS MY EXACT CAR TOO! WELL WHEN I CALLED THEY SAID I WAS NOT! I HAVE NO IDEA WHY I AM NOT COVERED! SAME PROBLEM, SAME YEAR, MAKE, MODEL, ENGINE, EVERYTHING! I AM LOST AT HOW THIS CAN HAPPEN.

Nov 01, 2016

AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V346000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 10/18/16*LJ *TR

Sep 07, 2016

STEERING,SUSPENSION,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

THERE WAS A VEHICLE SAFETY LETTER SENT TO ME ABOUT MY CV JOINTS I TOOK THE CAR TO CULVER CITY HONDA IN SEPTEMBER YET HAVE THEY OR ANY HONDA REPAIRED MY CAR. WITH THE LETTER AND NOISE THE CAR IS MAKING IVE YET TO GET REPAIRED. WHEN I TURN THE WHEELS KNOCK CLICKING NOISE

Dec 11, 2015

SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

AFTER READING THE DREADED COMPLIANCE BUSHING ISSUE ON A FEW HONDA PILOT OWNER'S FORUMS AS WELL AS SAFERCAR.GOV, I THOUGHT ABOUT CHECKING MY VEHICLE TO SEE IF I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. SURE ENOUGH, THE BUSHINGS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE HAVE LEAKED. JUST LIKE SIMILAR EXPERIENCES FROM OTHER OWNERS, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE VIBRATES EXCESSIVELY DURING BRAKING.

Jun 22, 2015

SUSPENSION,WHEELS

1 complaint

THE COMPLIANCE BUSHINGS ON MY PILOT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT HONDA IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE. THE OLD PART WAS REPLACED TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE BUSHINGS. SHAKING OF STEERING WHEEL WHEN BRAKING. ALSO, SMELL OF BURNING GREASE DUE TO LEAKING ENTERING AIR CIRCULATION. HOWEVER, THE CONSUMER BEARS THE BURDEN OF REPLACING THE BUSHINGS. THIS DEFECT CAN LEAD TO A SAFETY ISSUE IF DEFECTIVE AND NOT REPAIRED . *TR

Mar 11, 2015

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 complaint

WHEN RAINING WATER BEGAN TO ENTER INTO THE CAB OF MY VEHICLE AROUND THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG. *TR

Sep 13, 2014

STEERING,SUSPENSION

1 complaint

2009 PILOT FRONT COMPLIANCE BUSHINGS WORN/LOOSE ACCORDING TO HONDA DEALERSHIP. COST TO REPAIR $726.00. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS REPORTS OF SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH VARYING PRICES AND MILEAGE. THIS PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE A DEFECT THAT WE ARE PAYING TO FIX. *TR

Apr 10, 2014

EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

I WAS DRIVING AND A CAR WENT AROUND ME ON THE ROAD. IT HAD JUST STARTED FREEZING RAIN, AND WHEN SHE WENT AROUND ME SHE LOST CONTROL OF HER CAR AND HIT THE CONCRETE WALL ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF ROADWAY, AND I WAS ON LEFT LANE, GOING ABOUT 40 MPH AND ONCE SHE HIT THE WALL IT SLUNG HER RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME AND I T-BONED HER. SHE WAS SENT TO HOSPITAL IN AMBULANCE, AND MY DAUGHTER AND I WENT TO HOSPITAL WITH MY HUSBAND. HER CAR WAS TOTALED AND MINE HAD ABOUT $6K IN DAMAGE MOSTLY TO FRONT. MY SEAT BELT DID NOT WORK AND IT SHOWED MY AIRBAGS WENT OFF WHICH THEY DID NOT.WHEN I TOOK MY CAR IN TO GET IT FIXED THEY INFORMED ME MY AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED, AND IT WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE MY CAR, B/C THEY HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND COULD GO OFF AT ANY TIME. I HAD MY CAR FIXED AND A FEW DAYS LATER I GOT A RECALL NOTICE IN MAIL ABOUT MY AIRBAGS. NOTED THAT MY CAR IS 5 YEARS OLD, WHY AM I JUST GETTING A NOTICE AFTER I HAD A WRECK AND THEY DID NOT WORK. *TR

Feb 24, 2014

Crash: 1

Injuries: 2

STEERING,SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

CONSTANT VIBRATION AT 60 MPH OR ABOVE. MORE PROMINENT ON THE FRONT SIDE, AT THE STEERING WHEEL AS WELL AS THE FRONT SEATS. DOES NOT GO AWAY WITH TIRE REPLACEMENTS, BALANCING AND ROTATION AND EVEN 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT. VIBRATION FREQUENCY IS SUCH THAT IT TRANSMITS TO DRIVERS' / PASSENGERS LEGS, SPINE AND HEAD, CAUSING DISTRACTED AND STRESSFUL DRIVING CONDITIONS THAT CAN BE A HAZARD TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD. ISSUE IS SPECIFIC TO HONDA PILOT AND EASILY FELT ON ANY ROAD OR HIGHWAY. DRIVING FOR MORE THAN 30 MINUTES CAUSED US HEAD AND NECK PAIN DUE TO VIBRATIONS AND STRESS INDUCED DUE TO VIBRATIONS. *JS

Sep 02, 2013

SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

I JUST HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT COMPLIANCE BUSHINGS IN THIS NEWER VEHICLE. I HAVE FOUND OUT THAT THE HONDA DEALERSHIP IS AWARE THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH NEWER MODEL PILOTS LIKE MINE. THE COST OF REPLACING THEM IS CLOSE TO $1,000. WOULD YOU PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE AND MAKE THE MANUFACTURER RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS DEFECT? MY REQUEST IS TO HAVE HONDA MAKE A RECALL ON THE PILOTS AND REPLACE THE FRONT COMPLIANCE BUSHINGS AND REFUND THOSE OF US COSTUMERS THAT HAVE ALREADY PAID FOR THE REPLACEMENT CAUSING OTHER ISSUES ON THE CAR. THANK YOU! *TR

Jul 22, 2013

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH THE VEHICLE BEGAN SKIDDING UNCONTROLLABLY ON DRY PAVEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE TECHNICIANS WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000. *TR

Jul 08, 2013

STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 complaint

WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE THE REAR "HATCH" DOOR UNLOCKS AND PARTIALLY OPENS. *TR

Oct 24, 2011

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE VIOLENTLY WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,000.

Aug 16, 2011

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

2009 HONDA PILOT WITH 22,191 MILES. VTM-4, VSA, ABS AND TWO OTHER WARNING LIGHTS REMAINED ON. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO TESTED AND SAID THE SENSOR TO THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WAS BAD. FURTHER INVESTIGATION AND THEY SAID IT LOOKS LIKE WIRE HAS BEEN CUT. NO ONE EVER UNDER THE CAR EXCEPT FOR HONDA DEALERSHIP. SHOWED ME WIRE AND IT LOOKS LIKE A SLIGHT CUT INTO THE WIRE. HONDA WOULD NOT COVER UNDER WARRANTY. MY LETTER TO AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO TO REGISTER COMPLAINT AND "DESIGN FLAW" WENT TO DEAF EARS. I FEEL IT IS A DESIGN FLAW BECAUSE THE SENSOR WIRE COMES UP THE MIDDLE OF THE UNDERCARRIAGE AND SPLITS OUT TO BOTH REAR WHEELS WHERE THE SENSORS ARE LOCATED. THE WIRES ARE "UNPROTECTED." THEY SHOULD BE ENCASED IN A FLEXIBLE CONDUIT OF SOME TYPE. SINCE THIS IS A 4-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE AND MAY GO IN ROUGH TERRAIN, IT IS CERTAINLY POSSIBLE THAT SOMETHING, ROCK, BRANCH, ETC. COULD CUT INTO WIRE SINCE IT IS UNPROTECTED. THE WIRE AND SENSOR IS ONE PIECE AND MUST BE PURCHASED AS A COMPLETE UNIT. SHOULD BE SEPARATE SO THE CUSTOMER JUST NEEDS TO PURCHASE THE WIRE OR THE SENSOR. HONDA SAID WHEN THE SENSOR WAS NOT WORKING, I DID NOT HAVE ABS OR THE OTHER FEATURES. BUT, SENT ME HOME WITH THE CAR SAYING IT WAS SAFE; NOT SURE THIS WAS TRUE. MUST BE A REASON THAT ABS WAS INSTALLED AS A SAFETY FEATURE! *TR

Apr 14, 2010

2009 HONDA Pilot Problems & Complaints

Complaints by Component

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2009 HONDA Pilot have?

What are the most common problems with 2009 HONDA Pilot?

Where does this 2009 HONDA Pilot problem data come from?

Other Years - HONDA Pilot

Other HONDA Models

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