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.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
24,809 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2013 Honda Pilot engine problems

engine problem

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2013 Honda Pilot Owner Comments (Page 1 of 4)

problem #74

May 022024

Pilot

  • 86,680 miles

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

The contact owns a 2013 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the check engine warning light, the traction control warning light, and an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that oil was seeping through the piston rings and was leaking onto the spark plugs. Additionally, the dealer diagnosed that cylinder #1 was misfiring. The dealer determined that the piston rings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V382000 (Engine) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 86,680.

- Salina, KS, USA

problem #73

Mar 112024

Pilot

  • miles
I recently purchased 2013 Honda Pilot (89,000 miles) and can hear a distinct intermittent hum only when the vehicle is traveling between 45 and 50 mph. I have taken it to the dealer to repair it twice, but they have not found a problem. Ball bearings are fine, transmission fluid was changed, but hum is still there. This model is known to have transmission problems, and I don-??t want issues down the road.

- Cary, IL, USA

problem #72

Dec 292023

Pilot

  • miles
Burn oil more then usual smokes when accelerating hard. premature spark plug failure, cylinder 1, 2, 3 have alot of oil build on them causing failure.

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #71

Jul 102023

Pilot

  • miles

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

Having a VCM system problem on vehicle, tighten gas cap, check engine light, vtm-4 light, misfire in 3. Took to Buerkle Buick after reading about class action lawsuit. They were absolutely no help. Said without a code could not help. Bought new gas cap and replaced purge valve, changed oil. Good for a bit then car went into limp mode. Took to a local mechanic, he adjusted valves, ran great but would not come out of limp mode. Replaced VCM Solenoid, still in limp mode. It is sad that this is a known problem but because they settled they don't have to recall these vehicle in the mean time we all get screwed.

- Bayport, MN, USA

problem #70

Jul 182023

Pilot

  • 97,000 miles
The contact owns a?2013 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle experienced rough idling. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that there was no recall associated with the VIN and the warranty had expired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V382000 (Engine) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.

- Lake Oswego, OR, USA

problem #69

Jun 192023

Pilot

  • miles
While on the highway with our family of 5 all the check engine light, VCM-4 along with traction control light came on. The car began to slow down and would not accelerate when the gas pedal was pushed. The Vehicle has been towed to Honda who apparently knew that this happens in this year, make and model vehicle because they had offered an extended warranty coverage on this issue which has since expired and no longer covered for us. Why wasn't this a recall? This is a major engine issue that costs thousands of dollars to fix.

- South Hampton, NH, USA

problem #68

Nov 022022

Pilot

  • miles

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

I am writing this complaint since Honda has so many issues with their vehicles and it has boiled down to my 2013 Honda Pilot which has an engine check light issue related to P0301 -?" Bank 1 Piston Ring Issue. There was a class action suit on the same and noted in their Service Bulletin 13-082. However, the attorneys of both parties Honda and the plaintiffs reached some kind of deal even with the National highway safety board (Federal Agency) and many vehicles of 2013 were left out of the extension of warranty or repair of this issue, even though a Certified Dealer of Honda checked my 2013 Honda and confirmed it was the same issue. The deal done by these parties have not reached many owners of Honda Pilots for this issue. This is a disgrace to Honda and would encourage all car owner-??s past, present and future to buy other cars other than those made by Honda. They have not yet resolved my issue even after all these months of trying. Even lawyers involved these in past cases have refused to help or talk on the matter. What are they hiding or what deals made w Honda, plaintiff, and the Highway Safety Board? I am an original believer of buying Toyotas, however I got a recommendation from family members and friends to get the Honda pilot who have similar vehicles of both Hondas and Toyotas, even though I was very reluctant to buy a Honda due to the horrific stories I have heard about Honda vehicles and experience w Honda personnel. So, I got a Honda pilot 2013 and my terrible recent experience w the car issues and the customer service a Honda corporate proved the terrible stories I had heard to come true. I had contacted Honda to resolve my issue on case which was due to a Honda know issue on the Piston ring issue also confirmed by the Honda Mall of GA Dealership on 11/2/22. The behavior of the case manager, Mr. Kantar Kennedy was atrocious and disgusting. They have closed the case 3 times. Not Resolved. NHTB and Honda are not resolving this issue.

- Duluth, GA, USA

problem #67

Dec 202022

Pilot

  • 124,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle started to stall with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact coasted the vehicle off the highway and the vehicle was towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with a premature engine piston wear which was linked to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V382000 (Engine) however, the vehicle was not included in the recall. The contact was given an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.

- Port Charlotte, FL, USA

problem #66

Sep 252022

Pilot

  • 81,250 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at 65 MPH, the check engine warning light, the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) warning light, and the traction control warning light illuminated. The message "Emission Check" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the cylinder #1 was misfiring due to oil leaking onto the spark plugs. The dealer diagnosed that the piston rings were beginning to fail; however, the spark plugs were replaced as a temporary repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V382000 (Engine) as the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 81,250.

- Huntingtown, MD, USA

problem #65

Oct 132022

Pilot

  • miles
During my commute home from work my vehicle began shaking as if it was going to stall. The orange check engine light began to flash. I used my scanner and it read the code P0303. I took it to a mechanic the following day and they stated the engine is burning excessive oil and misfiring due to Honda-??s Variable Cylinder Management system. The oil is soaking the rear three spark plugs from continuously turning on/off while driving causing the engine cylinders to misfire. They stated it is not safe to drive due to possible shut off, power loss, acceleration loss, and damage to the other car systems. I have regular maintenance done to the vehicle but due to the VCM system it will continue to have the same issues. I paid a lot of money for a -??reliable-?? car but the mechanic is saying I need a new motor.

- Lacey, WA, USA

problem #64

Jun 152022

Pilot

  • miles

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

The car stalled on highway while I was driving it. The check engine light went on randomly and it just stopped. Had it towed to our local gas / service station and they replaced #2 cylinder spark plug. They told us it should be seen by a mechanic bc they thought engine was bad. We took it to mechanic, ( took over 10 days to get it in ) and they said the #2 spark plug that had just been replaced was saturated in oil bc the oil was getting past piston rings. This car has only 86k miles on it.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #63

Feb 212022

Pilot

  • miles
the engine rod failed and blew apart. Car is still running but could just stop at anytime and caused an accident.

- Hilton, NY, USA

problem #62

Nov 072021

Pilot

  • miles
Since purchasing new in 2013, experienced ongoing issues with VCM. Noticable vibration/shudder at all speeds except during heavy acceleration. Taken to dealer mant times. They are able to reproduce but state no fix available. It's how the car was made. In addition to vibration, engine makes a chirping noise when accelerating through vibration. I believe they are related although neither have been able to be fixed. No warning lights illuminate. I purchased this car for the 4wd as I live in snow/ice climate. However, excessive vibration/shudder makes driving in these conditions (any conditions) unsafe due to constant need to fluctuate acceleration/ deceleration to help minimize vibration/shudder to regain sense of control. If you maintain speed while vibrating on snow/ice you feel like you are losing control. This vibration HAS to have a long-term effect on engine/car integrity. It's strong enough that some day I imagine I'll come to a stop and at that very moment, every screw will have come loose/undone from years of vibrating and I'll be left sitting in the seat holding just the steering wheel with the car in parts all around me.

- Bettendorf , IA, USA

problem #61

Jan 042021

Pilot

  • miles
The car is from 2013 doesn-??t have a lot miles and the transmission already starting present rallying noises when backing up. I did take to a mechanic and stated that have residue but they not sure if is that or something else..

- Hinesville , GA, USA

problem #60

Jun 112021

Pilot

  • miles
June 20, 2021 This is my third Honda Pilot. I owned a 2004, 2008 and now a 2013 Honda Pilot since September 23, 2019. And YES, both 2004 and 2008 vehicles had recalls, transmission and engine problems. Fast forward to today, my Pilot wasn't being driven on a daily basis due to COVID-19 Pandemic from March 23, 2020 to present (Teleworking from home). However, while driving my vehicle heading home on June 11, 2021, the VSA Indicator, Malfunction Indicator Lamp and the VTM-4 System Indicator lights lit up on the instruction panel. I took my vehicle to Pohanka Honda in Capitol Heights, Maryland on Saturday, June 12, 2021 but they told me that it would cost approximately $160 to run Diagnostic test for the lights and that they were booked for the day and to come back on Monday morning, June 14, 2021. Instead, on Monday afternoon, I took my vehicle to an independent mechanic who informed me that the oil is burning and spilling onto the engine and the engine light came on while they were test driving the car. The independent mechanic recommends that the engine and all six spark plugs be replaced. The independent mechanic also told me to researched the issues. And upon further investigation on the NHTSA website, I found that the issues are linked to the NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V382000 (ENGINE). However, my VIN number is not under Recall. Even though there are approximately 258 total complaints for the 2013 Honda Pilots and of those, 59 were engine complaints, I am shocked that Honda has not addressed this issue as of June 2021. That is just totally unacceptable and I am so over Hondas period. I will be contacting Honda of America for assistance with this repair. Thanks.

- Upper Marlboro, MD, USA

problem #59

Jan 282021

Pilot

  • 80,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that upon start of her vehicle, the emission, check engine and vehicle stability warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who informed her that oil had spilled all over the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact then towed the vehicle to gary yeomans Honda (752 N tomoka farms rd, daytona beach, fl 32124) where they confirmed that the piston rings had failed leading to the oil leak. The mechanic also informed her that the engine needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 13V382000 (engine) however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

- Palm Coast, FL, USA

problem #58

Dec 272020

Pilot

  • 155,000 miles
While driving vehicle obd shows code P0304. Vehicle had poor acceleration while misfiring. Took vehicle into Honda dealership and they state a re-ring of four cylinders needed. This is consistent with the "soto class action settlement" in the "Honda misfire case" that resulted in a service bulletin and extension to the warranty. Dealership states although this vehicle meets the model and year criteria for this problem, the VIN shows it was built in a factory that does not qualify for the remedy to be paid for by Honda. Dealership agrees it is the same problem and same maintenance action required as the other vehicles that are covered by the class action law suit. Honda America refuses to remedy the problem. This is a safety issue that Honda refuses to take care of even though it is well known from other same model/year vehicles. Please help!

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #57

Nov 092020

Pilot

  • 131,000 miles
My check engine light came on and my mechanic informed me that the code was covered under a warranty extension by Honda. I took my vehicle to the dealer, they agreed and replace 4 of the 6 misfiring pistons. They recommended I replace the other 2 pistons at my cost. I did not. The dealer said there was nothing wrong with them and that's why they weren't replacing them. I later found out that they also replaced scored bearings. Upon picking up my vehicle, I took it to my mechanic to fix a bushing that the dealer recommended be replaced. My vehicle was also making a tinging noise I want looked at. It was not making this noise prior to being repaired at dealer. My mechanic fixed the bushing and suggested I take it back to the dealer as the issue was a direct result of the burning oil which was a result of the bad pistons. It was then that the dealer told me about the scored bearings. They said they went to their rep because there was damage. I needed a new engine. (apparently this was known when I picked up my car the first time). The rep for the dealership informed them that because my oil changes were done at a private mechanic and not at the dealership, no good will would be given and I would be responsible for replacing the engine at my own cost, as well as the wrecked catalytic converter, also a result of the burned oil from the bad pistons. The dealer suggested I contact american Honda. I did so and after several phone calls the dealer was informed by american Honda that the decision was up to the rep. The dealer reached out to the rep again and again rep refused to fix the problem. I now have a vehicle which I still have 2.5 years of payments (I've owned it for 2.5 years) that cannot not be driven. Honda should fix this as the problem is a result of the the damage cause by their faulty pistons! **note: Date below is approximate**

- Valley Falls, NY, USA

problem #56

Sep 022020

Pilot

  • 125,000 miles
Check fuel cap message comes on sometimes even after I tighten the fuel cap. Sometimes the message stops on its own. Don't know why. Check engine light comes on sometimes and goes off on its own. Don't know why. I noticed these alerts when the car is moving or sitting at an idle. City driving with very little highway driving. I checked Honda website today for a list of recalls on my VIN, but the website said that there were not open recalls on my vehicle. I wonder about the airbags in the vehicle.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #55

Mar 042020

Pilot

  • miles
The engine is making an idling noise only when the car starts in the morning. Takes time for car to increase speed

- Fontana, CA, USA

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