The 2019 Honda Pilot engine section shows a major two-part problem pattern. First, the idle-stop system frequently fails to restart the engine after shutting down at traffic lights and stop signs. Owners describe 5–20+ restart attempts or waits of several minutes, sometimes at busy intersections with children in the car. Dealerships have replaced batteries multiple times and cleaned throttle bodies without fixing it. Honda acknowledges awareness but offers no recall, telling owners to simply disable the feature manually each time they start the vehicle. One owner notes an open NHTSA investigation announced in June 2022.
Second, owners report catastrophic engine failures involving connecting rod bearing collapse, camshaft sensor damage, and internal metal debris. These failures happen suddenly—some at highway speeds—and require complete short block or engine replacement costing $9,800 to $17,000. One failure occurred even after the owner had Recall 23V-751 (connecting rod bearing) already applied to the vehicle. Multiple owners report their VINs are excluded from the recall despite having identical failure signatures and production timeframes.
Owners also report engine stalling while driving, engine hesitation and misfire (especially during acceleration), fuel pump stalling tied to unresolved recall 23V-858, timing belt chirp, and electrical control module failure draining batteries. Dealership diagnostics frequently find no codes and cannot replicate intermittent failures. Overall, owners feel safety is seriously at risk and that Honda is not standing behind the vehicle.
Failure modes owners describe
Auto Start/Stop Fails to Restart Engine
When the idle-stop feature engages at traffic lights or stop signs, the engine shuts down as designed. Upon releasing the brake pedal, the engine frequently fails to restart automatically. Drivers report the vehicle either does not turn over, requires multiple restart attempts (sometimes 5–20+ tries), or takes extended periods (up to 10+ minutes) before restarting. During these stalling episodes, various warning lights illuminate (collision mitigation, battery, emissions). The vehicle may shift into neutral unexpectedly, forcing the driver to place it in park and manually restart.
When: At traffic lights, stop signs, and heavy traffic; occurs intermittently but increasingly frequent over ownership; owners report 7–20+ incidents per year in some cases
Symptoms owners cite: Engine fails to restart after auto start/stop engages; Multiple restart attempts required (5–20+ tries); Prolonged delay before engine turns over (30 seconds to 10+ minutes); Warning lights illuminate (collision mitigation, battery, emissions, check engine); Vehicle shifts into neutral without driver input; Radio or infotainment system may lose connection briefly; All dash lights may flicker or go dark during restart attempts
Codes mentioned: P0301 (Cylinder 1 Misfire), Collision Mitigation System Problem, Battery warning light, Emissions system warning
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships have replaced batteries (multiple times in some cases) without resolving the issue; one owner replaced battery twice under warranty, then was charged to remove aftermarket camera, then charged to clean throttle body; some dealers claim they cannot replicate the issue or offer no solution beyond disabling the auto start/stop feature; one owner reports a 'recall fix' applied via hood latch recall at the same time, with continued intermittent failures afterward
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda has stated they are 'aware of the issue' but offer no recall or fix; dealerships claim inability to replicate; advised owners to disable auto start/stop manually at each startup; NHTSA investigation mentioned by at least two owners (open investigation noted in June 2022)
Connecting Rod Bearing Failure / Internal Engine Damage
Engine develops catastrophic internal bearing failure, typically accompanied by engine knock and metal shavings in oil. Owners report sudden onset of loud metallic knocking or abnormal engine noise, often at highway speeds. Upon inspection, connecting rod bearing has spun, cylinder walls are damaged, and extensive metal debris is present in oil pan. Short block assembly replacement required, costing $9,784–$17,000+. Some failures occur after a recall repair (23V-751) was applied, and several VINs are reportedly excluded from the recall despite identical failure characteristics.
When: One case at 73,000 miles after oil change; one case at highway speeds (mileage unknown); one case at 114,300 miles; production timeframe includes vehicles manufactured July 2018; failures reported between 2023–2026
Symptoms owners cite: Loud metallic knocking from engine; Engine knock audible while idling or during acceleration; Flashing check engine light at highway speeds; Engine stalls or loses power at highway speeds; No warning lights preceding the knock (in some cases); Abnormal noise from internal engine components
Codes mentioned: P0301 (Cylinder 1 Misfire), Check engine light (flashing)
Repairs/costs cited: Short block assembly replacement: $9,784.94 (one case); estimated over $17,000 (another case); metal shavings found in oil pan requiring full engine replacement; one owner reports bearing replacement or short block replacement at own expense via independent mechanic; dealers confirmed internal damage requiring engine replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 23V-751 addresses connecting rod bearing failure due to manufacturing defects in crankshaft; however, several owners report their VINs excluded from recall despite identical failure mode; Honda has not proactively extended recall scope despite customer reports
Engine Stalls While Driving at Highway Speeds
Engine suddenly loses power or stalls while driving at highway speeds (45+ mph), without warning lights preceding the event. Vehicle may sputter before stalling, or stall abruptly. Stalling occurs on highway merges, during acceleration while passing, or in stop-and-go traffic on interstate. Some cases involve emissions system warning light illuminated for extended periods before stall. Vehicle either restarts immediately or requires towing.
When: During highway driving (45+ mph), merges, passing maneuvers; one case on Interstate 95; one case on highway on-ramp at low speed; one case after emissions light was on for 45 minutes
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning at highway speeds; Loss of engine power during acceleration or merging; Sputtering before stall; Emissions system warning light illuminated for extended time before stall (45+ minutes in one case); No warning lights in some cases prior to stall; Abnormal engine noise in some cases; Vehicle unable to restart in some instances (required jump start or towing)
Codes mentioned: Emissions system warning light, Check engine light, P0301 (Cylinder 1 Misfire - in one case)
Repairs/costs cited: One case: internal engine failure confirmed (unofficial diagnosis) and engine dismantling advised; one case: required jump start; one case: vehicle restarted after 5 minutes; shop diagnostics often fail to replicate or identify codes; dealers unable to provide root cause or repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership advised vehicle required engine dismantling for complete diagnostic; no recall mentioned; manufacturer notified in one case but case not escalated until complete diagnostic performed
Engine Misfire / Poor Acceleration and Hesitation
Vehicle exhibits hesitation or jerking during acceleration, particularly at low RPMs (1–2 RPM range) or low speeds. Check engine light may flash. Hesitation lasts 1–5 seconds and can occur during traffic entry, lane changes, or passing maneuvers. Owners describe car as 'pulling' under acceleration or hesitating before 'kicking into gear.' Occurs more frequently over time. Some cases involve fuel injector or catalytic converter failure.
When: At low RPMs (1–2 RPM) during acceleration; low-speed acceleration; occurs sparingly at first, then more frequently; one case: 40,000+ miles; multiple cases involve fuel system recalls (fuel injectors, catalytic converter)
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation during acceleration (1–5 seconds); Jerking or jolting during acceleration; Poor acceleration response at low RPMs; Check engine light flashing (in some cases); Vehicle feels like it is 'pulling' under load; Engine shakes under acceleration; Sound like engine 'suddenly kicks into gear'; Vibration and jerking while driving
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (flashing in some cases), P0301 (Cylinder 1 Misfire - in one case), Fuel system codes (in cases with fuel injector failure)
Repairs/costs cited: One case: fuel injectors replaced (originally $1,500 out of pocket, reimbursed after Honda America complaint); one case: catalytic converter replaced, then fuel injectors replaced after failure recurred; one case: fuel pump stalling and engine hesitation recalls issued (NHTSA 23V-858) but parts unavailable; one case: ECM (Engine Control Module) diagnosed as root cause by auto parts store scanner but Honda dealer wanted $3,000 to 'attempt' fix with no guarantees
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Fuel injector recalls issued (fuel system); catalytic converter replaced under warranty in some cases; fuel pump recall 23V-858 issued but parts remain unavailable months after recall issuance; Honda America reimbursed one out-of-warranty repair but subsequent repairs not covered
Timing Belt Chirp / Timing Belt Noise
Vehicle exhibits a persistent chirping noise from the timing belt area, audible during startup or idling. No warning lights present. Dealerships initially claim the noise is normal, then replace the serpentine belt without resolving the issue. One dealer acknowledged it is a 'known issue' called 'timing belt chirp' and stated that a preventive part is installed during timing belt replacement to mitigate noise and wear.
When: At approximately 106,000 miles; noise present during startup and idle
Symptoms owners cite: Chirping noise from timing belt area; Noise audible at startup and idle; No warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Serpentine belt replaced by one dealer without resolving the issue; another dealer stated that timing belt replacement with installation of a preventive part resolves the issue; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda Service Bulletin 16-054 applies to the year, make, and model and addresses this issue; manufacturer was made aware, case opened and then closed without repair; no recall issued
Camshaft / Camshaft Sensor Failure
Dashboard displays multiple warning lights (all lights illuminate). Engine begins to sputter and stall. Diagnostics reveal that the camshaft sensor was scratched or scraped due to 'play' (excessive movement) in the camshaft. Owners report the problem is described as common in 2019 Honda Pilots.
When: At 76,014 miles while driving on interstate; dashboard fully illuminated
Symptoms owners cite: All dashboard warning lights illuminate simultaneously; Engine sputtering and stalling; Vehicle forced to pull to shoulder
Codes mentioned: Multiple warning lights (all lights/warnings possible)
Repairs/costs cited: Camshaft sensor replaced; camshaft inspected and repaired; total repair cost $3,657.94 including labor; parts provided to customer because repair shop believed recall would be announced due to widespread nature
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued as of complaint date; repair shop provided parts to customer in expectation of future recall
Fuel Pump Stalling / Engine Hesitation (Recall 23V-858)
Engine stalls and hesitates while driving. Recall NHTSA 23V-858 issued (February 2024, reissued May 2024). However, dealership reports no parts are available for the recall repair despite two recall letters issued.
When: Stalling and hesitation ongoing since 2022; recall issued February 2024 and reissued May 2024; unresolved as of May 2024 (60+ days after first recall)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalling while driving; Engine hesitation while driving; Persistent issue since 2022
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump replacement required per recall; parts not available at dealership as of May 2024 (60+ days after recall issuance)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 23V-858 issued February 2024, reissued May 2024; dealership states no parts available for replacement
Battery / Electrical System Malfunction (Control Module Failure)
Battery and electrical system malfunction caused by defective control module (part 38320TG7A91). Vehicle alarm system activates unexpectedly while vehicle is unattended. Alarm cannot be turned off; dashboard displays 'keyless start system problem' and 'auto engine idle system problem.' Battery is drained by the alarm. Only solution is to disconnect the battery. Replacement battery drains in same manner with new control module. Dealership diagnoses defective control module, but replacement part is on backorder and unavailable through Honda parts suppliers in the US.
When: October 2023; repeated on October 24, 2023
Symptoms owners cite: Alarm activates without user input; Alarm cannot be turned off (unit does not stop and blinks continuously); Display shows 'Keyless Start System Problem'; Display shows 'Auto Engine Idle System Problem'; Battery drains due to alarm activation; Replacement battery drains identically with new control module; Control panel motor fans activate uncontrollably; Unit cannot be turned off unless battery is disconnected
Codes mentioned: Keyless start system problem, Auto engine idle system problem
Repairs/costs cited: Control module (part 38320TG7A91) replacement required; replacement battery installed and immediately failed with same symptoms; currently awaiting part as of complaint date
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Part on backorder; no availability through Honda parts suppliers in US; case opened with Honda, awaiting response; owner notes many similar complaints reported online
Loss of Power / Inability to Start (Battery / Starter Related)
Vehicle loses electrical power or fails to start on multiple occasions. Dashboard lights may flicker or go dark. Vehicle may stall while driving and lose ability to restart for extended periods (20+ minutes). When power is restored, vehicle may not start immediately. Owners report multiple battery replacements without resolving the issue. In some cases, starter was replaced; in one case, flywheel replacement was needed.
When: Various mileage points: one case at 40,000+ miles; one case at 100,000+ miles; one case at 52,000 miles; one case during road trip; one case after fuel stop
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle loses power suddenly; Dashboard lights flicker or go dark; Vehicle stalls while driving; Vehicle fails to start after stalling; Extended restart delay (20+ minutes); Multiple warning lights illuminate during stall; Difficult brake pedal depression during starting (in one case); Transmission shifts to neutral independently during stall
Codes mentioned: Multiple unknown warning lights, Collision Mitigation System warning, Battery warning light, Transmission warning light (in one case)
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced multiple times (some under warranty); starter replaced twice in one case; flywheel replacement advised but not completed; one case: battery tested as 'borderline' (12.5V, 400 CCA) but not flagged for replacement by dealer; another case: battery tested as OK after second opinion; jump start required in one case; vehicle tested at dealership with no codes found
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships attributed to weak or defective battery and replaced batteries; some dealerships claimed battery testing machine did not flag replacement as necessary; one dealership blamed aftermarket camera; one dealership blamed dirty throttle body; manufacturer notified in some cases; NHTSA Action Number PE22005 referenced in some complaints
Engine Knock / Rod Bearing Knock (Excluding Full Bearing Failure)
Vehicle exhibits engine knock, typically a loud metallic knocking sound. Owners report hearing the knock themselves and describe it as 'not normal.' No misfire code or warning lights precede the knock. Knock diagnosed as connecting rod bearing knock, indicating bearing failure. Engine does not completely fail, but knock is symptomatic of bearing wear or failure in progress.
When: Mileage varies; one case at approximately 2,400 miles over 100,000-mile powertrain warranty (so ~102,400 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine knock / rod bearing knock audible; Loud metallic knocking from engine; No warning lights preceding knock
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required in one case; customer awaiting used engine with ~77,000 miles due to Honda's lack of rebuilt engine inventory; regular maintenance and PM completed per owner; another owner reports knock and engine needing replacement but estimates not yet provided
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 23V-751 exists for connecting rod bearing failure; owner's VIN excluded from recall despite open recall for same issue; no manufacturer assistance offered; owner notes VIN should be included in recall
Synthesized from 115 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.