These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2008 Honda Pilot engine problems
critical Owners of the 2008 Honda Pilot have filed 13 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 87,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
13
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2005 Pilot | 51 |
| 2006 Pilot | 27 |
| 2007 Pilot | 16 |
| 2008 Pilot (this page) | 13 |
| 2009 Pilot | 29 |
| 2010 Pilot | 17 |
| 2011 Pilot | 18 |
| 2012 Pilot | 24 |
2crashes
1fire
6injuries
1fatality
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗HONDA: THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF, POWER ON, BUT IN ACCESSORY; NEVER USE CONVENTIONAL WHEEL & TIRE ASSEMBLIES ON PAX VEHICLES; MIL ON AFTER THROTTLE BODY CLEANING OR REPLACEMENT; S/M FIX BRAKE SYSTEM BLEEDING, DIALOGUE FOR DVD SURROUND SOUND FROM FRONT SPEAKERS ONLY. VARIOUS MODELS AND MODEL YEARS.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe two major categories of failure in the 2008 Pilot engine. The most severe: original equipment spark plugs have exploded or come loose mid-drive, with fragments damaging cylinder walls and pistons badly enough to require complete engine replacement. One owner's replacement engine failed again at 2700 miles. Another owner hit with a $9,000 bill paid 90% by Honda and 10 out of pocket.
Second category is chronic oil problems. One owner losing more than half the oil between scheduled changes despite strict maintenance intervals. Another reported burning oil smell and white smoke from the exhaust after routine service, with the dealer recommending engine replacement. A third experienced a complete timing belt break at highway speed, requiring belt and cylinder head replacement—with engine noise persisting afterward.
The check engine light turns on and off unpredictably in some units without producing codes, even after dealer software updates. One owner lost power at 70 mph with the VSA and yaw rate sensors flagged. A radiator failed at the crimp joint. Separately, Honda could not source parts to complete a recall for some owners.
These are consumer allegations from unverified NHTSA complaints. Not every 2008 Pilot will fail this way, but the pattern is real enough that any used example warrants careful inspection.
Same Honda Pilot engine reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2007 · 2009 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Spark plug failure and catastrophic engine damage
Original equipment spark plugs have exploded or come loose, with fragments dropping into the cylinder and damaging cylinder walls, pistons, and internal engine components. This has resulted in complete engine replacement in multiple instances.
When: No specific mileage pattern noted; one case at 2700 miles post-replacement
Symptoms owners cite: 4WD/traction control light illuminated; Loss of power to wheels; Loud engine noise; Vehicle bucking and rocking back and forth while driving at highway speed
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required. One owner reported replacement engine lasted only 2700 miles before requiring another replacement. Initial repair cost cited at $9000 (75% covered by Honda warranty, 25% owner responsibility).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda covered 90% of repair cost in one case; some owners report Honda refused assistance.
Excessive oil consumption
Engine consumes oil at an abnormally high rate. Owner reports losing more than half the oil volume between scheduled oil changes.
When: Identified during owner's own maintenance routine after several years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level drops significantly between oil changes; Less than 50% oil recovery during oil changes despite strict 3000-mile/3-month change intervals
Burning oil and white smoke from exhaust
Engine produces white smoke from exhaust pipes and burning oil smell inside the vehicle cabin following routine maintenance service.
When: Approximately 130,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Burning oil odor in vehicle interior; White smoke from exhaust pipes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed engine replacement as necessary; repair not completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer declined to offer assistance.
Broken timing belt
Timing belt failure while driving at highway speed, causing engine shutdown and loss of vehicle control.
When: No mileage provided
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Multiple warning lights activation; Complete engine shutdown at 70 mph; Post-repair engine noise
Repairs/costs cited: Timing belt and cylinder heads replaced. Post-repair engine noise persists.
Loss of motive power and check engine light
Vehicle loses power while driving at highway speed. Independent diagnostics identified failed VSA and yaw rate sensors, though this may be secondary to underlying engine condition.
When: Approximately 150,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of motive power while driving 70 mph; Check engine warning light
Codes mentioned: VSA sensor fault, Yaw rate sensor fault
Repairs/costs cited: Repair not completed by owner.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred contact to NHTSA for assistance.
Intermittent check engine light
Check engine light illuminates and extinguishes intermittently without identifiable fault codes. Dealer software updates have not resolved the issue.
When: No specific mileage provided
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light turns on and off periodically; Light returns days after deactivation
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer performed software/computer updates; problem persists. No fault codes found.
Radiator core failure
OEM radiator develops leak at the crimp joint between plastic cap and aluminum core, resulting in coolant loss.
When: No specific mileage provided
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant leak from radiator
Repairs/costs cited: Radiator failure due to defective crimp joint.
Engine and engine cooling recall parts shortage
Owner received NHTSA recall notification (Campaign 16V344000) but manufacturer could not provide replacement parts within a reasonable timeframe.
When: Recall notification timeline not specified
Repairs/costs cited: Parts unavailable; recall repair not completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 16V344000 issued; parts remain unavailable.
Synthesized from 13 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had engine trouble with your 2008 Honda Pilot?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2008 Honda Pilot?
It's a serious issue. 13 complaints have been filed, including 2 reports involving a crash and 1 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 45,000 and 94,777 miles, with the median around 87,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 45,000; a quarter make it past 94,777. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/Honda/Pilot.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.