2015 Honda Pilot

109 complaints on file, page 1 of 6.

1. Filed Sep 14, 2026Failure Sep 13, 2026Stafford, VABody

   On September 13, 2026, I was cleaning my 2015 Honda Pilot at a car wash while my young child was inside the vehicle. My keys and phone were also inside. After I closed the front passenger-side door, the vehicle unexpectedly locked all doors with my child, keys, and phone inside. I did not intentionally lock the vehicle and did not expect the doors to lock when the passenger door closed. I immediately attempted to regain access. A car wash employee and others also tried to help. I borrowed a phone and called 911. A locksmith was contacted but estimated approximately 35 minutes before arrival. Because my young child remained trapped inside the closed vehicle in hot weather, the situation became increasingly urgent. After continued unsuccessful attempts to gain access, 911 was contacted again and police and fire personnel responded. My child was trapped inside the vehicle for approximately 30 minutes. Emergency personnel ultimately broke the rear driver-side window to gain access and remove my child. Due to the duration of the incident and heat exposure, my child was taken for medical evaluation and later discharged. I do not know what specific component or system caused the vehicle to unexpectedly lock. The problem has not yet been diagnosed or confirmed by Honda or a dealership. I am reporting this because the unexpected locking created a serious safety situation requiring emergency personnel to break a window to rescue a young child. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

   NHTSA complaint 11764221
2. Filed Jul 29, 2026Failure Jul 3, 2026Garner, NCEngine

   On July 3, 2026 the check engine light, check VSA warning and check emissions warning indicators all illuminated simultaneously and the vehicle began to misfire and sputter which triggered an immediate slow down of traffic behind me. My local Honda dealership acknowledged a known defect with 2013 - 2015 Pilots in which the piston rings deteriorate leading to cylinder misfires. After system diagnostics they confirmed the spark plugs were damaged due to the piston rings defect causing engine misfires, rough idling, and slow minimal acceleration. This situation absolutely placed me, my family and others on the roadway at immediate risk due to the sudden nature of the engine malfunction. While there were no police report or insurance claims the Honda dealer did inspect and perform diagnostics on the vehicle. However American Honda declined any responsibility and refused to repair the vehicle even though this is a known issue with Honda. Prior to this date there were no warning or indication that the vehicle had any issues.

   NHTSA complaint 11753531
3. Filed Jun 10, 2026Failure Jun 10, 2024270,000 milesMerrietta, GARear

   The contact owns a 2015 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that upon pulling into the gas station and parking the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound, and the contact also noticed a grinding sound coming from the underbody of the vehicle. The contact stated that the grinding sound persisted and became louder while reversing out of the parking spot. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to Mavis Tires the following day. The vehicle was inspected and diagnosed with sway bar, suspension, and strut failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 270,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11743154
4. Filed May 11, 2026Failure Apr 16, 2025Mableton, GAPower train

   1. The engine assembly failed — Piston 1 suffered catastrophic failure due to VCM-related piston ring wear and oil sludge buildup, generating DTCs P0301–P0304 (engine misfire, cylinders 1–4). Vehicle is completely non-operational. Failed engine is available for inspection in Mableton, GA 30126. 2. Progressive engine misfire created risk of sudden power loss and loss of vehicle control at highway speeds. Complete engine failure in April 2026 left the vehicle fully immobile, posing an immediate collision risk to the driver and surrounding motorists. 3. Yes. In October 2025, I brought the vehicle to AutoNation Honda on Thornton Road, Georgia, presenting symptoms consistent with Honda Service Bulletin 25-060. The dealership examined the vehicle but took no action and offered no warranty coverage, despite SB 25-060 being fully active at that time. 4. Yes. AutoNation Honda (authorized Honda dealer) inspected the vehicle in October 2025 while Service Bulletin 25-060 was fully active. No repair was performed and Honda has denied all warranty claims. No police or insurance inspection has occurred. Vehicle remains unrepaired and available for NHTSA inspection. 5. Yes. The Check Engine Light illuminated with DTCs P0301–P0304 prior to failure, along with engine misfire, rough idle, and reduced performance. These symptoms were present at the October 2025 dealer visit. No corrective action was taken. The engine progressed to catastrophic Piston 1 failure in April 2026.

   NHTSA complaint 11737134
5. Filed Mar 12, 2026Failure Jan 15, 2026Anaheim, CAEngine

   While driving in traffic the vehicle suddenly began to sputter and lose power with check engine light flashing on the dash board. I was able to pull over and limp the car the one mile to my home on side streets. I parked the vehicle and called for a tow truck to tow the vehicle to my local dealership that I purchased the car from brand new. This is the third time this failure has occurred. The first occurrence was in October of 2023, the second was in November of 2024. The first two repairs were made at a local independent repair shop in the city of Orange ca. the first occurrence was cylinder 1 and the repair shop indicated that this is a common occurrence in this make and model. The report was a replacement of the spark plug and coil pack as oil was found to be in spark plug chamber. The second occurrence was similar but on a different spark plug (I believe number 2 or 3). This occurrence was diagnosed by the dealer and required a replacement of piston rings and major engine repair and oil in spark plug number 2 I believe. In July of 2025 American Honda sent me a notice in the mail of a known defect affecting this vehicle and offered a repair for this exact problem within an extended warranty of 10 years or 150,000 miles whichever is first. This was my first reciept of such information from Honda. The extended warranty however was sent to me after the 10 year warranty was already expired as I has purchased the vehicle new in October of 2014. American Honda then had fine print at the bottom of the notice extending the extension to Jan. 31st 2026. 15 days later my vehicle experienced the acknowledged problem for the 3rd time. In July of 2025 I contacted my dealership and advised them of the letter I had received and asked for an inspection and or repair of the problem listed. The service advisor spoke with his service manager, and they refused to inspect and or repair the vehicle due to no warning light or symptoms occurring at that time.

   NHTSA complaint 11723907
6. Filed Mar 2, 2026Failure Feb 28, 2026120,000 milesPerrysburg, OHEngine

   The contact owns a 2015 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the error message instructed the driver to pull over immediately. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with piston ring failures. In addition, DTC: P0301 (Misfire in Cylinder #1) was displayed. The contact was informed that the piston rings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11721437
7. Filed Feb 26, 2026Failure Feb 17, 2026Rockport, MAEngineCrash

   I bought my 2015 Pilot in 2024 and since then my local mechanic has told me I am burning oil and I have had to replace several spark plugs. I have had error codes like P0304 come up in conjunction with the replacements. I now have a total engine failure. I looked online after my failure and saw the VCM Warranty Extension, but I was never notified about it. I saw where the codes could come up as "misfires" but might actually be the engine failing. Component failure - engine Safety Risk - I was driving when it died. if i had not come to a complete stop i would have hit a snow covered rocky hill. Inspections - awaiting insurance inspector, engine failure confirmed by mechanic. Warnning - no lights were on when it happened.

   NHTSA complaint 11720683
8. Filed Sep 23, 2025Failure Sep 3, 2025Citrus Heights, CAEngine, Fuel/propulsion system, Unknown or other

   The catalytic converter system on my vehicle is failing prematurely due to the vehicle’s built-in fuel management and energy-saving computer settings. These settings cause excess fuel to be burned and pushed into the catalytic converter, damaging the unit. In addition, this flaw is causing oil to be pushed out of the car, creating both a mechanical hazard and an environmental concern. This is not the result of poor maintenance or misuse — it is a hazard caused by a design flaw in the system itself.

   NHTSA complaint 11689299
9. Filed Sep 10, 2025Failure Jul 8, 2025Ocala, FLSpark plugs, Engine and engine cooling

   See attached document for complaint.

   NHTSA complaint 11686383
10. Filed Aug 28, 2025Failure Mar 17, 2018Clementon, NJUnknown or other6 injured

    Constant mold accumulates inside my car, creating an unpleasant, musty odor that fills the air. Over time, this persistent growth not only detracts from the vehicle's interior appearance but also poses potential health risks for anyone who enters. I have had to clean the car and remove mold repeatedly. This situation is extremely dangerous, especially since I have two small children who are being exposed to mold and mildew, which I believe is affecting their health. I reached out to Honda for assistance, but received no results, concern, or solutions regarding this issue. I have multiple receipts that can verify the mold growth is still ongoing.

    NHTSA complaint 11683670
11. Filed Aug 12, 2025Failure Aug 9, 2025Summerville, SCAir bags, Steering, SuspensionCrash

    My whole steering wheel detached while driving

    NHTSA complaint 11680062
12. Filed Jun 18, 2025Failure Jun 4, 2025Boulder City, NVTires

    My vehicle started shimmying at 55 MPH up to 70 MPH. My repair show told me that two of the tire walls are flattening out and it's dangerous to drive.

    NHTSA complaint 11667690
13. Filed May 9, 2025Failure May 8, 2025Fresno, CAEngine

    Started hearing a loud ticking/knocking noise, but it would get quiet once the car was running over 2500rpm. Noise was overheard by a pedestrian while dropping my kids off at school and he let me know he was a mechanic and that I should not be driving the car with that noise as the engine sounded like it could be on the way to seizing up. After inspection by 2 independent service center mechanics, it was found that there are 2 faulty connecting rod bearings. The Rod bearings to cylinder 2 and 5, specifically. There were metal shavings in the oil and a piece of a rod was found when the bottom pan was dropped. We either have to rebuild the engine or replace it. No warning lights other than the Tire Pressure Management System light. Checked VIN to recall list after hearing that this is a common issue with 2016 Pilots, but our VIN is not on the list.

    NHTSA complaint 11659946
14. Filed Apr 30, 2025Failure Apr 30, 2025Lewisville, TXService brakes

    Steering is shaking when braking at high speed. Replaced pads and rotors multiple times but problem keeps coming back. Lots of complaints also about this issue so please help

    NHTSA complaint 11657680
15. Filed Feb 8, 2025Failure Dec 2, 2024Mccordsville, INAir bags

    Airbag lift would come on intermittently. Upon dealership inspection it was learned that it could be a possible issue with the passenger side airbag and instructed to not drive vehicle. Airbag was ordered and took over six weeks to receive and repair. Dealership said airbags are not covered by any recall or warranty. Is, should, this be correct?

    NHTSA complaint 11641485
16. Filed Jan 22, 2025Failure Jan 16, 2025Cincinnati, OHEngine

    The valve cover gasket spool valve is leaking oil. Oil appears to be leaking on the alternator causing it to short and die. There is a Honda service bulletin 20-023 which shows 2009-15 pilots having this problem. However, Honda has declined to cover my repair saying my VIN is not covered and my warranty is expired. Sad

    NHTSA complaint 11637719
17. Filed Jan 21, 2025Failure Aug 30, 2024Inglewood, CAUnknown or other

    Honda Warranty Extension: White Diamond Pearl Paint SB19-057. Affected vehicle - 2015 Honda Pilot. Issue - peeling paint. Corrective action performed by approved Honda dealership as stated in SB19-057. Now experiencing other body panels that are peeling paint. Went back to Honda dealership to request repair of peeling paint. Repair claim denied by Honda Corporate. What recourse do I have since there other body panels that have exterior paint peeling besides the roof and/or tailgate peeling off.

    NHTSA complaint 11637304
18. Filed Dec 16, 2024Failure Apr 30, 2022coon rapids, MNEngine

    We were on our way out of town in May 2022 when the car suddenly idled and wouldn't go past 35 mph. The spark plugs would constantly need replacement and we bought a connector which seemed to make them last longer, but eventually still burn out sooner than they should've. We've had diagnostics through friend mechanics and family and cylinder 2 was the main culprit. We took the car to honda recently and there is valve repairs that need to be done, to include all necessary gaskets, water pump and tensioner. There's also need to replace power steering pump, bushings and vtec spool valve. There were no prior indicators, the engine light suddenly came on when the car idled and riding on the highway at 35-40 mph was not very fun or safe. We've left the vehicle in the garage since the malfunction as is since we had other vehicles until we saved funds for the fix. We just didnt think it'd be this high of a cost and granted the car is only 98,800 miles in, i just dont understand how this all could be when my honda accord is 255k and still in good shape with no major fixes... Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

    NHTSA complaint 11630971
19. Filed Nov 18, 2024Failure Jul 20, 2024Albany, NYEngine

    In my 2015 pilot I have rod bearing connector that failed,The report says that the engine in all vehicles is the 3.5L V6 that was popular from 2016 through 2020. However , my engine is a 3.5L V6 as well, and it has the same issue. The car has 162K .

    NHTSA complaint 11626053
20. Filed Oct 14, 2024Failure Feb 24, 2024Scottsdale, AZFuel/propulsion system

    My Honda was leaking gas, I normally park in my garage and the whole house smelled gas very dangerous being I have kids living in the house.. I had it repaired cost me $1500. This is very dangerous

    NHTSA complaint 11619739