"Service bulletin - American Honda is announcing a powertrain warranty extension as a result of a settlement of a class action captioned, Soto et al.v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Case No. 3:12-cv-1377-SI (N.D. Cal.). The piston rings on certain cylinders may rotate and align, which can lead to spark plug fouling. This can set DTCs P0301 No. 1 cylinder misfire detected, P0302 No. 2 cylinder misfire detected, P0303 No. 3 cylinder misfire detected, P0304 No. 4 cylinder misfire detected, and cause the MIL to come on."
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Honda Pilot engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2012 Honda Pilot have filed 24 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 37,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
24
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Pilot | 13 |
| 2009 Pilot | 29 |
| 2010 Pilot | 17 |
| 2011 Pilot | 18 |
| 2012 Pilot (this page) | 24 |
| 2013 Pilot | 42 |
| 2014 Pilot | 25 |
| 2015 Pilot | 14 |
| 2016 Pilot | 495 |
When does it fail?
Of the 24 engine complaints filed for the 2012 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
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 13 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
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.
Service Bulletin - The front rocker arm oil control valve is leaking.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗"Service bulletin - American Honda is announcing a powertrain warranty extension as a result of a settlement of a class action captioned, Soto et al.v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Case No. 3:12-cv-1377-SI (N.D. Cal.). The piston rings on certain cylinders may rotate and align, which can lead to spark plug fouling. This can set DTCs P0301 No. 1 cylinder misfire detected, P0302 No. 2 cylinder misfire detected, P0303 No. 3 cylinder misfire detected, P0304 No. 4 cylinder misfire detected, and cause the MIL to come on. American Honda is extending the powertrain warranty to cover repairs related to engine misfire (that triggers DTCs P0301 through P0304) to 8 years with unlimited mileage from t
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service bulletin - American Honda is announcing a powertrain warranty extension as a result of a settlement of a class action captioned, Soto et al.v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Case No. 3:12-cv-1377-SI (N.D. Cal.). The piston rings on certain cylinders may rotate and align which can lead to spark plug fouling. This can set DTCs P0301 No. 1 cylinder misfire detected, P0302 No. 2 cylinder misfire detected, P0303 No. 3 cylinder misfire detected, P0304 No. 4 cylinder misfire detected, and cause the MIL to come on.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service bulletin - The piston rings on certain cylinders may rotate and align, which can lead to spark plug fouling. This can set DTCs P0301 No. 1 cylinder misfire detected, P0302 No. 2 cylinder misfire detected, P0303 No. 3 cylinder misfire detected, P0304 No. 4 cylinder misfire detected, and cause the MIL to come on.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2012 Pilot cluster shows nine distinct engine-related issues. Most prominent is unreliable starting—owners report the engine cranks but fails to start, or the starter times out after 7–10 seconds, requiring multiple attempts. Some vehicles stall unexpectedly while driving or stopped in traffic within the first few days of ownership. Dealers told owners Honda was aware the problem had no current fix; one owner replaced two new Pilots in 24 hours only to have the second one stall immediately.
Vibration at steady speeds (30–45 mph and highway speeds) appears in 12+ complaints. Owners describe it as severe shaking felt throughout the cabin and steering wheel, resembling a manual transmission in too high a gear. The vibration disappears with acceleration or deceleration and correlates with the VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) system engaging and disengaging. Dealers claimed this vibration is normal for ECO mode or VCM technology; one mechanic said the electronically managed motor mounts cannot be repaired and require a software update.
Excessive oil consumption leading to fouled spark plugs and misfire appears in multiple narratives, with one owner experiencing sudden power loss while merging at freeway speed. AC compressor noise—a loud whine or hum loud enough to drown out the radio—persists even after compressor replacement in one case. One owner reports piston and ring failure at 85,000 miles that recurred after repair. Other issues include EGR valve failure at 39,000 miles, a 3-second acceleration delay, and gasoline odor in the cabin.
Same Honda Pilot engine reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2010 · 2011 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Rough/no-start and stalling
Engine fails to start reliably or times out after 7-10 seconds during start attempts. Vehicle stalls without warning during normal driving, sometimes in traffic. Happens intermittently from day one of ownership.
When: Within days to 8 days of purchase; occurs throughout ownership at various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Cranks but fails to start intermittently; Start attempt times out after 7-10 seconds requiring restart; Engine stalls unexpectedly while driving or at traffic lights; Multiple stall events reported to dealers
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to replicate; advised customer problem was known with no current fix. Main computer replaced in one case without resolving stalling.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda of America acknowledged awareness of problem and stated engineers were working on a fix. Case opened (#12234271 mentioned in one narrative) but communication ceased. No recall issued. Warranty extension offered in one case.
Vibration at steady/moderate speeds (VCM-related)
Engine and chassis vibrate noticeably when holding constant speed (typically 30-45 mph or highway speeds). Vibration resembles a manual transmission in too high a gear or struggling to shift. Occurs regularly in and out of Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) mode. Severe enough to shake objects on console or steering wheel.
When: Present from delivery; occurs consistently at various speeds throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration felt in seat, floor, and center console; Vibration in steering wheel; Shaking strong enough to move passengers; Occurs when holding constant speed; disappears with acceleration or deceleration; ECO light illuminates during some vibration events; Described as hard downshifting sensation
Codes mentioned: VCM fault DTC 3400
Repairs/costs cited: Wheel alignment and balancing attempted without improvement. Dealer performed unspecified 'adjustments' that failed to fix problem. Mechanic stated motor mounts are electronically managed and cannot be fixed via traditional repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers told owners vibration is normal for ECO mode or normal for VCM technology. Mechanic indicated fix would require software update from Honda. No TSB or solution provided despite owner attempts.
AC compressor noise and vibration
Loud whining or humming vibration noise when AC compressor kicks on. Sound described as abnormally loud, changes pitch while idling, and competes with radio volume. Persists after AC compressor replacement.
When: Within weeks of purchase; occurs every time AC or heat is used
Symptoms owners cite: Loud whining noise when AC compressor kicks on; Pitch changes while sitting idle with AC on; Humming vibration noise with AC or compression; Noise loud enough to shut AC off to avoid it
Repairs/costs cited: AC compressor replaced but problem did not resolve. Dealer unable to fix after multiple visits (4+ service attempts in one case).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda customer relations contacted; advised owner to wait for solution. Estimated timeframe given as up to one year. No fix identified. Dealer ultimately told owner to wait for Honda hotline instructions.
Piston and piston ring failure
Engine develops shudder and loss of power; diagnosed as piston and piston ring failure. Occurs at lower mileage and recurred after repair attempt.
When: Approximately 85,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shudders at stop light; Unable to accelerate; Check engine, battery, traction control, and VTM-4 warning lights illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Repaired per Honda bulletin 13-082 but failure recurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda bulletin 13-082 provided guidance on piston/ring failure repair.
Excessive oil consumption and spark plug fouling
Engine consumes excessive amounts of oil, leading to fouled spark plugs, engine misfire, and reduced fuel economy. Cylinder 1 affected in one case; spark plugs showed excessive fouling.
When: Reported at various mileages; one case at time of complaint with unknown base mileage
Symptoms owners cite: High oil consumption requiring frequent topping up; Spark plugs fouled and requiring replacement; Engine misfire while driving and merging onto freeway; Significant loss of power and poor performance; Reduced fuel economy; MIL on with multiple misfire codes
Codes mentioned: P0301, P0175, P0301 through P0304
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plugs replaced; fouling observed on removal. Local mechanic performed diagnostics and replacement. Cost and parts not detailed by owners.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda case opened (#12234271) with initial communication but subsequently stopped responding. Technical Service Bulletin 13-082 referenced for misfire issues. TSB #11-033 mentioned regarding excessive oil usage and VCM fault.
EGR valve malfunction
EGR valve fails and triggers service requirement. Owner concerns about recurring failure and whether carbon buildup should have been cleaned during repair.
When: At 39,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: EGR valve malfunction detected
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced EGR valve only; did not clean carbon buildup. Owner questions whether carbon cleaning should be standard procedure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer covered repair as vehicle was recently purchased.
Acceleration hesitation/delay
Vehicle will not accelerate for approximately 3 seconds at slower speeds, particularly when turning or beginning to travel uphill. Occurs intermittently but frequently enough to create safety concern in intersections and merging lanes.
When: Occurs approximately every 2-3 days; timing/mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Approximately 3-second delay in acceleration response; Occurs when turning or beginning to travel uphill; Intermittent, happening every 2-3 days
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to replicate problem during service visit.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No solution identified; owner reports other owners on Honda forums experiencing same issue with no resolution from Honda.
Engine jerking and hard shifting
Vehicle jerks while shifting gears and exhibits abnormal vibration in steering wheel. Occurred at highway speed and recurred after spark plug replacement.
When: At approximately 137,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Jerking while shifting gears at 60 mph highway speed; Abnormal vibration in steering wheel; No warning lights illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plugs replaced by independent mechanic but failure recurred. Vehicle not taken to dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer suggested vehicle be taken to authorized dealer but no repair completed.
Gasoline odor in cabin
Strong gasoline fumes smell in vehicle cabin while driving, appearing to come from engine area possibly through AC vents.
When: Occasionally while driving; timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Strong gasoline fume smell in cabin; Odor appears to originate from engine area
Repairs/costs cited: Owner unable to identify source; no repair documented.
Synthesized from 24 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Engine has a fine vibration around 35-45 miles that disappears with either acceleration or deceleration. The vibration can be felt not only by the driver but also the passengers, enough to shake a bobblehead on the console. It seems that it is associated with the transmission as if the transmission is not shifting and stalling. As soon as it shifts or the speed changes it disappears. Another…
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Honda pilot. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH on the highway, the vehicle jerked while shifting gears. Additionally, there was an abnormal vibration in the steering wheel. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the spark plugs were replaced however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the…
Had engine trouble with your 2012 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 2012 Honda Pilot?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 24 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 15,000 and 85,000 miles, with the median around 37,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 15,000; a quarter make it past 85,000. 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/2012/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.