CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2012-2013 Honda Pilot have a small complaint trend of owners reporting the engine hesitates sometimes when accelerating.

While it's not a widespread trend with the Pilot, it's a little concerning because of the possibly safety ramifications. While it's certainly something to keep in mind, most Pilot owners are not experiencing this problem.

9.0

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
43,300 miles
Total Complaints:
4 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (4 reports)
2012 Honda Pilot engine problems

engine problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2012 Honda Pilot:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2012 Honda Pilot Owner Comments

problem #4

Aug 302016

Pilot Touring 3.5lV6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Recently purchased used car from Honda Dealer.

Within the first couple of days,I noticed an occasional 2 to 4 second delay in acceleration after pressing pedal .This would happen from a stop, or near stop, when trying to merge into traffic. The engine stays operating at about 800 to 1000 RPMS until it decides to accelerate and car moves right out into traffic.This sudden delay,and then the sudden jump into traffic has caused some scary moments and near collisions. This condition only happens about once or twice a week, so it is difficult to demonstrate to the Honda Serviceman.

Have heard of similar situations with 2012 Pilots, but no solutions.

- Jim C., Granville, MA, US

problem #3

Sep 122012

Pilot EX-L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 200 miles

Purchaser a Honda Pilot EX-L 4 WD -- 8-2012.Few weeks after purchase. I noticed that when you slowed down and pressed down on the accelerator .The Pilot did not respond, but hesitated. When the Pilot does respond it lurch's forward. This happens when you come up to a traffic light and slow down to turn left or trying to enter on to the Interstate or coming in or out of a parking lot. I have taken to the Honda Dealer on this problem but they have not found it or fixed the problem. Several times because of this problem, I have come close to having a wreak. To me this is a serious problem that Honda needs to address. My previous SUV was a 2004 Honda Pilot EX-L 4WD did not have this problem. There has to be a solution to this problem?

- gadawg, Jonesboro, GA, US

problem #2

Jul 242014

Pilot Touring 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 58,000 miles

Very scary when trying to leave a full stop at a light with the car idling normally, pressed the gas pedal and nothing happened...all the way to the floor and nothing! Then a gradual stumbling acceleration...has happened twice on different tanks of gas from different stations...

- jeeterf15, Matthews, NC, US

problem #1

Jul 222013

Pilot Touring 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,000 miles

This was my first Honda. I purchased a Honda based upon its reliability. However, this will definitely by my last Honda.

- Jose D., Katy, TX, US

Not what you are looking for?