2017 Honda Pilot Common Problems & Defect Telemetry
Authoritative defect intelligence synthesized from 910 verified NHTSA owner complaints, 4 federal safety recalls, and interquartile failure mileage telemetry.
The 2017 Honda Pilot receives a 4/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 910 verified NHTSA federal complaints and 4 safety recalls. The primary reported failure mode is Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports with a median failure point at 63,000 miles (IQR: 39,000 – 100,000 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $950 – $3,200 .
70 complaints / 10k sold
Verified US federal records
Crash, fire & stall audit
4 Active / Free Remedies
Top Reported Problem Clusters (7)
Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports
- Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving
- Abnormal oil burning / consumption
- Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing
- Engine overheating / coolant loss
“The connecting rod on my 2017 Honda Pilot is coming apart and metal is present in the oil. The engine began knocking and progressively got louder. The sound was coming from the bottom of the engine around cylinder 1. We shut the car off and had the vehicle towed to the dealer....”
“when trying to accelerate car is yanking very bad seems like it is a very bad shutter or something with the transmission there is also a very bad squeak when you drive under the car”
“The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the engine made a knocking sound while being started and while driving. The knocking sound became louder while driving to the residence. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the timing belt,...”
Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports
- Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
- Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
- Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
“Component/system that failed: The audio/infotainment system (radio), rear DVD entertainment system, and backup camera all fail together while driving. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Description of the problem: While driving, the radio works normally for ...”
“Component/system that failed: The audio/infotainment system (radio), rear DVD entertainment system, and backup camera all fail together while driving. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Description of the problem: While driving, the radio works normally for ...”
“The back up camera every so often will be blank. Other times the dashboard warning lights will go on effecting the cruise control, lane assistance, and break assistance. According to the Honda dealership it is the back up camera that is causing all of these problems because th...”
Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports
- Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
- Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
- Transmission slipping between gears
“The connecting rod on my 2017 Honda Pilot is coming apart and metal is present in the oil. The engine began knocking and progressively got louder. The sound was coming from the bottom of the engine around cylinder 1. We shut the car off and had the vehicle towed to the dealer....”
“when trying to accelerate car is yanking very bad seems like it is a very bad shutter or something with the transmission there is also a very bad squeak when you drive under the car”
“The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 to 60 MPH, the emission warning light illuminated. The contact was concerned about the vehicle stalling while driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed ...”
Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports
- Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
- ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
- Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
“Lane keeping assist problem light on, collision mitigation system problem light on, road departure mitigation system problem light on, adaptive cruise control problem light on. brake sy stem light on. The vehicle’s multiple camera has failed and it is a common occurrence with ...”
“On XXX, while my wife was driving our 2017 Honda Pilot Elite (VIN: ...) southbound on ..., approaching the intersection with ..., the vehicle experienced a complete engine stall due to the Auto Idle Stop feature. The engine shut off at a stop but failed to automatically restar...”
“DRIVING HOME FROM CHURCH SUNDAY JUNE 28TH DOWNSLOPE OF A SMALL HILL SMELLED HOT METAL; WASN'T SURE IF THE ODOR WAS FROM US, THE LARGE TRUCK THAT JUST PASSED US OR ENVIRONMENTAL; SUDDEN "POP" WAS HEARD ACCOMPANIED BY A "JERK" IN THE VEHICLE; LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKES; DASH WA...”
Fuel Pump Pressure Loss & Fuel Delivery Defect Reports
- Sudden loss of propulsion power at highway speeds
- Extended engine cranking / failure to restart
- Fuel odor near fuel tank / engine bay
“The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 to 60 MPH, the emission warning light illuminated. The contact was concerned about the vehicle stalling while driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed ...”
“On May 23, 2026 I was driving family and friends around San Francisco, CA in my 2017 Honda Pilot (48K miles). We were driving up multiple steep hills, up to a 20% grade in some places with a full car of 7 people. The car handled it well. However, as we neared my home 25 miles ...”
“The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving 60-65 MPH, the check engine light was blinking. The vehicle began to jerk. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with faulty fuel injectors. The injectors were replaced. Afte...”
Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports
- Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
- Steering wheel pull or highway wander
- Clunking / knocking noise over bumps
“I am writing to request that the NHTSA investigate a potential safety and repair adequacy issue regarding our 2017 Honda Pilot Elite. On June 29, 2026, we brought the vehicle to an authorized Honda dealership for a Rear Subframe Safety Recall. At drop-off, I specifically repor...”
“when trying to accelerate car is yanking very bad seems like it is a very bad shutter or something with the transmission there is also a very bad squeak when you drive under the car”
“On XXX, while my wife was driving our 2017 Honda Pilot Elite (VIN: ...) southbound on ..., approaching the intersection with ..., the vehicle experienced a complete engine stall due to the Auto Idle Stop feature. The engine shut off at a stop but failed to automatically restar...”
Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports
- SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated
- Passenger occupant classification sensor failure
- Seat belt retractor lockup
“The issue appears to involve the vehicle’s electrical control system responsible for power management and system activation while the vehicle is off, possibly including the Smart Power Control Module and related components. It may be arranged for the vehicle to be inspected. T...”
“Transmission issues began to occur shortly after purchase in 2017. The Honda dealership finally did a software update after several complaint. This temporarily fixed the issue. The car shifts low gears harshly and with hesitation. The transmission system failure/problem light ...”
“Honda’s Auto Idle Stop (AIS) system fails to restart the engine from a complete stop at traffic lights, road intersection or when stopped in traffic when the Auto Start/Stop function is engaged. This has required the driver to shift the transmission to park to allow the engine...”
Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (4)
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD
Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 Passport, 2016-2019 Pilot, and 2017-2020 Ridgeline vehicles. The hood latch striker may become damaged and separate from the hood, which can result in the hood opening while driving.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Summary: American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles that were sold in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. The rear subframe may corrode at the suspension mounting points, which can result in rear suspension component failure.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for 2017 Honda Pilot
Before purchasing a used 2017 Honda Pilot, perform the following targeted inspections based on reported federal defect patterns:
Scan the OBD-II port under the dash for pending freeze-frame codes (e.g. P0300 misfires, P0087 fuel rail pressure, P0420 catalytic efficiency).
Test vehicle at low-speed stop-and-go and highway merges. Check for delayed reverse engagement or gear shift shudder between 2nd and 3rd gears.
Verify that all 4 NHTSA safety recall campaigns have been performed by an authorized dealership using the VIN.
Ensure the instrument cluster, center screen, and auxiliary charging ports operate with stable 12.0V–14.4V alternator voltage.
Defect & Reliability Q&A: 2017 Honda Pilot
Is the 2017 Honda Pilot a reliable used car?
The 2017 Honda Pilot earns a 4/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 910 federal owner reports. Vehicles maintained under factory service schedules exhibit strong longevity past 150,000 miles.
What is the most frequent defect reported on the 2017 Honda Pilot?
The leading complaint category is Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports, with a median failure point around 63,000 miles (IQR: 39,000 – 100,000 mi).
Are there free recall repairs available for the 2017 Honda Pilot?
Yes, the NHTSA records 4 safety recall campaign(s) for this model year. All safety recalls are performed 100% free of charge by authorized franchise dealerships regardless of vehicle warranty status.