2009 Honda pilot. Consumer writes in regards to piston ring failure. *ld *js
2009 Honda Pilot engine problems
severe 29 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
29
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
4fires
When does it fail?
Of the 29 engine complaints filed for the 2009 Honda Pilot, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 125,000-150,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 29 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Engine accounts for 22% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 11 categories tracked.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2009 Honda Pilot's V6 engine carries significant risk: owners report excessive oil consumption, timing belt system failures, catastrophic engine seizure, and unexplained fires. Several cases involved well-maintained vehicles failing at highway speeds with no warning; two resulted in engine fires. A 2014 class action settlement exists for misfire issues in this model's V6 VCM engine.
The 2009 Pilot's V6 engine shows a consistent pattern of failure across multiple modes. Excessive oil consumption is the most frequent complaint—owners routinely report burning 1–2 quarts between scheduled oil changes despite regular maintenance. Multiple owners state dealers initially claimed this was "normal" before later acknowledging a design issue. One owner's engine contained zero oil at scheduled service.
Timing belt and internal cam failures strike without warning. Three owners lost all power and steering during normal driving, with one incident happening at 89,109 miles despite a timing belt replacement just a year prior. Dealers identified manufacturing defects in pulley bolts and cam seizure as causes. Full engine replacement quotes ranged from $6,900 to $12,500.
Engine fires occurred at low speeds (15–20 mph) and highway speeds alike. Two separate owners reported flames shooting from under the hood on otherwise well-maintained vehicles, resulting in total loss. One owner's engine caught fire at just 31,000 miles. No warning lights preceded several failures.
Misfire codes (P0301–P0304), spark plug failures, ignition coil issues, and even a physically detached valve inside the engine are documented. One owner's catalytic converter plugged from excessive oil burn, causing the vehicle to stall on the highway.
A 2014 class action lawsuit settlement addressed misfire and performance issues in this engine generation. Owners cite this settlement but report Honda customer service denied recalls based on individual VIN checks.
Same Honda Pilot engine reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008 · 2010 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Excessive Oil Consumption
Engine burns or consumes oil at abnormal rates, requiring frequent top-ups between scheduled oil changes. Multiple owners report needing to add 1-2 quarts between changes or every 1000 miles. Owners note the issue persists despite regular maintenance and proper oil change intervals using the Oil Life Minder system.
When: Reported from approximately 1-2 years after purchase onward; some owners notice onset around 2012, others during ownership periods spanning 100,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Burning oil odor inside and outside vehicle; Check engine light illumination; Poor fuel economy; No visible oil leaks despite rapid oil loss; Smoke from under hood or exhaust
Codes mentioned: P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite dealer estimates ranging from $3,000 to $3,800 for repair; some required piston ring replacement; one owner noted engine had zero oil at change interval
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers initially told owners excessive oil burn is 'within normal range'; no recall issued despite multiple complaints and online reports; Honda customer service denied recalls based on VIN checks; class action lawsuit mentioned regarding V6 VCM engines
Timing Belt and Pulley Bolt Failure
Timing belt system components fail prematurely, causing loss of engine power. Owners report rear cam seizure, timing belt slip, and pulley bolt shear-off. One owner had timing belt replaced one year prior to failure at 89,109 miles; another experienced failure shortly after replacement.
When: Reported at 89,109 miles (after timing belt replacement); at 60 mph highway driving approximately 1 year after timing belt service; timing belt was replaced at 100,000 miles in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power while driving; Clicking sounds from engine; Multiple warning lights on dashboard; Inability to accelerate or steer
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosis: rear cam seizure causing timing belt slip; timing belt pulley bolt failure and shear. Dealer replaced multiple engine items for $1,453 but did not resolve underlying damage; full engine replacement estimates ranged from $6,914.50 to $10,000+
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer identified manufacturing defect in pulley bolt; class action lawsuit mentioned for Honda misfire engine settlement involving V6 VCM engines settled in March 2014
Engine Seizure and Internal Damage
Engine seizes or suffers catastrophic internal damage including failed cams, requiring complete engine replacement. Failures occur without warning during normal driving, resulting in total loss of power and in some cases fire.
When: At 89,109 miles; at approximately 3,461-3,500 miles (very low mileage); at 60 mph highway; after regular dealer service and maintenance
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of all power and steering/braking control; Engine noise prior to failure (humming, light knocking); Smoke and fire from engine compartment; Engine stopping abruptly mid-drive
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required; estimates from $6,914.50 (used engine, water pump, timing belt) to $12,500 (new engine); one owner traded vehicle for $1,600 instead of replacing engine
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda misfire engine settlement class action (2014) involved V6 VCM engines; owner contacted Honda but was told vehicle not covered; no warranty assistance offered despite being well-maintained with service records
Engine Fire
Engine compartment catches fire during normal driving at low speeds, resulting in total vehicle loss and safety hazard. Fires occurred with no prior warning and in one case while owner was near the vehicle.
When: At 15-20 mph city driving; at 60 mph highway driving; vehicle approximately 4 years old with 31,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Smell of burning followed by smoke from under hood; Flames shooting from under hood; Coolant and oil leaking; Engine catching fire and exploding
Repairs/costs cited: Both incidents resulted in total loss; one owner received estimate of $7,100 for engine replacement but fire made vehicle unrecoverable
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No assistance offered; owner noted excessive oil consumption was identified as cause but Honda stated vehicle not covered under warranty
No-Start and Power Loss Conditions
Vehicle fails to start or experiences sudden loss of power while driving at highway speeds. In one case, vehicle exhibited no-start condition at very low mileage (3,500 miles), then power loss at 60 mph on same trip to dealer.
When: At 3,461-3,500 miles on the odometer; at 50 mph after no-start condition on prior attempt; at 60 mph on highway
Symptoms owners cite: No-start condition requiring multiple towing incidents; Sudden loss of power during highway driving; Unable to diagnose root cause at first visit; Warning lights on instrument panel
Repairs/costs cited: Owner replaced converters and injectors at own expense without resolving issue; dealer concluded internal engine inspection needed but no resolution documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was notified and owner was awaiting response; no assistance documented
Engine Misfire and Valve Failure
Engine misfires and suffers component failures including spark plugs, ignition coils, and valve failures. One owner reported a valve physically fell into the engine during driving; another experienced multiple misfire codes and ignition coil failures.
When: During normal driving; on low acceleration events; at various mileages including high-mileage vehicles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light and multiple warning lights; Engine knocking at low acceleration; Misfire condition; Physical valve detachment
Codes mentioned: P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had to replace catalytic converter due to exhaust system damage from oil burn; another owner coasted vehicle to safety after valve fell into engine
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealer mentioned Honda is aware of a problem but will notify when resolved; no recall action documented
Serpentine Belt Tensioner Bolt Failure
Serpentine belt tensioner bolt snaps or breaks repeatedly. Owner reports replacement required three times with research indicating the defective part has been documented for at least 10 years.
When: Repeated failures over extended ownership period
Symptoms owners cite: Serpentine belt tensioner bolt snapping
Repairs/costs cited: Part replaced three times; owner indicates persistent defect
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or TSB mentioned by owner
Engine Vibration at Specific Speed
Vibration occurs through steering wheel at specific speed range (47-48 mph) that stops when vehicle speeds up or slows down. Problem developed after purchase and persisted for at least one year.
When: After initial purchase; present for at least one year of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration through steering wheel at 47-48 mph; Vibration stops with acceleration or deceleration
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mechanic was told by Honda dealership that Honda is aware of the problem and will notify owner when they determine solution
Synthesized from 29 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
I have to add several quarts of oil in between oil changes.
Excessive oil consumption, engine hesitation, misfire, multiple engine lights. When I changed the oil my mechanic told me that the engine did not have a drop of oil and he is not sure if that damaged the engine. He asked me to drive the car and report any problem. A couple of days later I noticed the above symptoms. *tr
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…
On 7/20/16 driving at 60 MPH on highway. Lost power and heard clicking. Coasted to side of road, called police (no report), called my roadside assistance and vehicle towed to dealership. I had the timing belt replaced 1 year earlier on 1/19/15. I always maintained the vehicle at the dealer at each service interval. The dealer replaced multiple items in engine (attached document) and charged me…
Had engine trouble with your 2009 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 2009 Honda Pilot?
It's a meaningful issue. 29 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 17 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 80,000 and 128,248 miles, with the median around 90,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 80,000; a quarter make it past 128,248. 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/2009/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.