5.5

fairly significant
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
16,389 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.

2014 Honda Pilot engine problems

engine problem

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2014 Honda Pilot Owner Comments

problem #19

Jan 172023

Pilot

  • miles

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

Very loud clunking noise. Camshaft needs to be replaced. I have already had to replace the transmission and timing belt. Honda ordered the part Jan 17. The part is backordered until the end of March. I was told the vehicle should not be driven until the part is replaced because the noise is the camshaft rubbing against other parts of the engine which could cause further damage to the engine. Once the Camshaft completely goes out, then the vehicle will just stop. I do not want to be stranded or cause further damage to the engine. I have been unable to drive my vehicle since Jan 17.

- Eudora, KS, USA

problem #18

Nov 042022

Pilot

  • miles
Check engine light turned on one day and the vehicle started running rough. Immediately noticed an impact on being able to drive safely and could not operate the vehicle any further. I took the vehicle to a repair shop and they stated the piston rings need to be replaced and I am getting a cylinder #3 misfire. They also stated that my dealership should be able to fix this for free as it should be covered under a recall. I have already brought this vehicle in for a cylinder #3 misfire and cost me a fortune to fix. After researching I found that only models 2009-2013 were covered under this recall. Looking at the other nhsta complaints with people having the same exact issue it is clear that this issue has not been resolved and is yet stll happening in models 2014. Please extend this coverage to the year 2014.

- Chula Vista, CA, USA

problem #17

Jul 072022

Pilot

  • miles
1. Our 2014 Honda Pilot EXL with only 70,000 miles on it needs a complete engine replacement. The cause was determined to be driving with low oil. The oil life gauge read 50% and we had an oil change only 3 months earlier. No check engine light or low oil light came on, so we had no way of knowing the oil was low unless someone qualified had done a manual inspection which ordinary drivers don't/can't do. In our view the warning lights and/or oil life gauge all failed to warn us of any issue of this nature, therefore letting it get to the point whereby the car needs a complete engine replacement. 2. UNKNOWN. We were lucky that we noticed the smell of fuel/burning close to home so we were thankfully not left stranded on the side of the road. But we were left stranded 500 miles from home while on vacation with no car. It was an absolute nightmare. 3. Yes, we had to tow the vehicle 40 miles to the nearest Honda dealership who confirmed that the engine needs replacing. 4. Yes, the nearest Honda dealership inspected the vehicle. 5. No, and that is the issue. No warnings lamps appeared. The smell of fuel/burning coming from the engine alerted us to the fact that there was an issue and the engine fan carried on running even after the ignition was turned off. Prior to this we had no idea there was an issue with the vehicle. We took care of the vehicle, doing regular oil changes and fluid replacement, etc. FYI - Telling someone that they need to manually check the oil level as you should not rely on the oil life gauge and/or the various warning lights that are designed to detect this problem is both devoid from reality and is akin to telling people that they should manually dip the gas tank to check the gas level as you should not rely on the gas gauge etc. That makes no practical sense and the vast majority of car owners don't do it.

- Marlton, NJ, USA

problem #16

Mar 012022

Pilot

  • miles

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

Check engine and VSA light on. Vehicle jerks and shakes/ rough when slowing down. Diagnosis Misfire in cylinder two- foul plug ( that was just replaced), burning up oil rapidly. Piston rings are defective on a car with 75000 k miles. The repair is $5k after I just spent $2k on plugs, coils, replaced again, alternator. Undsafe and feels like car will crash. This was recall on 2013 and class action suit. Not on 2014 after they knew about issue!! Wreckless

- Celebration , FL, USA

problem #15

Mar 242022

Pilot

  • miles
3 engine piston rings failed. Wife was driving the vehicle. Yes, verified and repaired by Honda of Fort Worth. Engine light flashing when misfiring and rough idle before pulling over. Also needed timing belt kit replaced. 2009-2013 Pilots had same problem and were part of a class action suit. Same 3 pistons that the VCM and ECO mode effects the operation of engine.

- Fort Worth, TX, USA

problem #14

Apr 082021

Pilot

  • miles
As I was driving home during rush hour, I smelt an odd smell. I thought that it was coming from the vehicle next to me but that vehicle turned and the smell remained. I looked down at my dashboard and the OVER HEATING WARNING LIGHT WAS BRIGHT YELLOW-- I immediately pulled over into a parking lot with my 2 young kids, got them out of the car, and began to try and figure out what was going on. Thank goodness I didn't ignore this issue and that I was able to pull off of the road when I did. This could have been a very unsafe situation for myself, my kids, and other motorists. Prior to this moment there were NO indicators of anything being wrong with the vehicle, there was absolutely no warning of what I am about to describe either. LUCKILY, my husband was nearby and able to pick us up. There was a milky fluid leaking from underneath the car and when my husband opened the hood he said that oil and water had mixed--it looked like something had just exploded. Needless to say I had to have the vehicle towed to a shop. After taking the engine out and sending parts off to a machinist it was determined that the front cylinder head had cracked and the rear cylinder head had to be resurfaced due to the damage. Several mechanics have noted that there is NO REASONABLE EXPLINATION FOR THE CYLINDER HEAD TO CRACK before 200,000 miles. I had just purchased this vehicle in September 2020, it had 72,000 miles on it then. It currently has around 80,000 miles on it. I purchased this vehicle because I thought it would be a SAFE FAMILY VEHICLE but now I'm not comfortable driving it because I'm worried that it will "blowup" on me. I contacted Honda Customer Service and they basically said that nothing can be done to assist me. I have seen an identical scenario posted on here and was shocked by it as well--because I thought that my mechanic wrote it but alas it was someone with the same situation! There is obviously something faulty here and it should be repaired/replaced by Honda!

- Amelia Court House, VA, USA

problem #13

Nov 112020

Pilot

  • miles

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

From 85,000 miles onward, had intermitent misfires on #1 and #2 cylinders. Replaced both plugs and coils on those cylinders. However, intermitent misfires continued. At 105,000, took vehicle for 100,000 mile maintenence. Honda dealer informed me that my vehicle needed new piston rings on cylinder #1, #2 and #3. oil was leaking past rings and fouling plugs. A $2500 repair!! this issue was admitted and corrected at no charge by Honda on 2009 to 2013 Honda Pilot. Obviously, the issue continued into 2014 and should also be covered. Note: I have invoices for above repairs..

- Wilmington, DE, USA

problem #12

Jan 052020

Pilot

  • 91,100 miles
Consistent vibration when ECM engages culminating in engine bucking along with engine light flashing this occurred on rural road at 55mph. Mechanic changed oil and spark plugs which seemed to fix the problem. Two months later, engine light on and ECM not engaging at all. Vtm light on for a short while. Code indicates a cylinder problem. This waa also at approx. 50mph. The code is ambiguous but seems to indicate misfire of some sort. Research shows this to be a pervasive problem with this model. Why has this not been recalled?

- Great Barrington, MA, USA

problem #11

Jul 112019

Pilot

  • miles
I am 30 years experienced auto mechanic and recently experienced my engine oil pressure warning light flashed in my 2014 Honda Pilot while driving and engine overheated. Pulled over the vehicle and found oil leaked completely into the cooling system and radiator reservoir was full of oil/coolant. I removed both side cylinder heads, could not find any damages either heads or gaskets. I had to replace the motor assembly. I found same cases online and asked the Honda for this case, Honda did not let me know what they know. Vehicle was just paid off and has 82000 miles on it. The vehicle has been serviced properly since day 1.

- Jessup, MD, USA

problem #10

Sep 242018

Pilot

  • miles
Front wheel bearings (left and right) went at 60K miles. Sunroof needed full replacement at 60K (rust was evident indicating signs of ongoing leak), engine bushing needed replaced at 60K miles. Alignment needed because engine bushing and wheel bearing replacement.

- Jamestown, NC, USA

problem #9

Jul 252018

Pilot

  • 52,000 miles

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

In may I had a problem with the #2 cylinder plug fouling it happened again on 7/25/18 & 1600 miles later on 9/8/18. Engine light comes on mechanic told me that it's a oil seal problem. I see that there was a recall on 2009-2013 Pilot why not on the 2014? same problem as complaint #11122936 there is obviously a problem with something

- Garfield, NJ, USA

problem #8

Aug 232018

Pilot

  • 68,000 miles
Check engine and vsa/vtm-4 lights appeared on dash. Took to Honda dealer and code returned issue with a misfire in cylinder #3 due to a piston ring failure. Known issue 2009-2013 Honda Pilot that resulted in class action lawsuit. Honda repaired those vehicles at no cost and extended engine warranty. Honda not willing to do the same for a known issue in a 2014 version.

- Bristow, VA, USA

problem #7

Jun 272014

Pilot

  • 0 miles
My Honda Pilot 2014 has vibration every time I drive the car. I worry that it will damage the engine. I think it happen when transition between 3 cylinder and 6 cylinder. Driving between 30 mph to 60 mph. I don't think the variable cylinder management (vcm) is working well at all. Honda please fix this issues.

- Yulee, FL, USA

problem #6

Sep 082017

Pilot

  • 37,000 miles
This car has a serious shaking issue when braking. This is well documented and Honda has not released any recalls for this. This car has a well known issue with consuming too much oil. My car consumes way too much oil which also causes issues with the variable cylinder management

- Lockport, IL, USA

problem #5

Sep 032016

Pilot

  • 23,000 miles
The head gasket on my 2014 Honda Pilot blew with only 23,000 miles on the vehicle. No warning lights appeared and I am worried about a safety issue despite the repairs being covered under warranty. I got the vehicle brand new and service records are maintained and up to date.

- Brentwood, CA, USA

problem #4

May 022016

Pilot

  • 15,000 miles
The problem started when my Pilot reached 15K miles. When driving I can feel the engine vibrate when accelerate around 35 -45 RPM speed. I did some researches online and a lot of people having the similar problem ( when eco/vcm kicks in car vibrates) it has something to do with the transition from 3 cylinders to 6 cylinders. I hope that Honda do something about this. I don't feel safe when the vibration kicks in when driving; felt like the engine would explode kinda scary feeling. Also if too much vibration, it would reduce the life the engine. Please help us on this issues.

- Hatboro, PA, USA

problem #3

Jan 312014

Pilot

  • 25,000 miles
Two incidents of sudden unintended acceleration. The first on January 31, 2014, the second on March 25, 2014. Both incidents occurred at a very slow rate of speed of approximately five miles per hour. In both situations the car was coming to a stop with the brake being applied. Suddenly, the rpms increased and the car suddenly moved forward with the break unable to stop the car even though both feet were applied to the brake peddle. The car was stopped by putting the gear shift into neutral and turning off the engine. This has been reported to Honda of America as well as to the local Honda dealer. The car was brought to the dealer two times, but the dealer unable to diagnose the problem. Honda of America (800 999-1009) has opened a case number which is: N012014-03-2600701. This is a potentially very dangerous situation. Updated 06/04/14

- Westport, CT, USA

problem #2

Mar 042014

Pilot 6-cyl

  • 250 miles
When cruising in my 2014 Honda Pilot ex-L at about 60 mph on relatively flat terrain, there is a low frequency vibration and rumble. I believe this is due to the vcm feature of the engine. It is possible this could get worse and cause some engine damage.

- Portland, OR, USA

problem #1

Dec 092013

Pilot 6-cyl

  • 50 miles
When the variable cylinder management kicks in at 2000 RPM the engine vibrates. It does this constantly when the eco green light comes on. Very distracting and annoying. Also is a problem in my sisters 2013 Pilot. Dealer knew it was a problem but would not disclose until after I purchased the car.

- Reading, MA, USA

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