CarComplaints.com Notes: Previously we had awarded the 2009 Pilot "Seal of Pretty Good", but have since removed that honor due to all the continuing complaints about excessive oil consumption.

This Honda Pilot oil consumption defect was subject to a class action lawsuit in 2013. However not all 2009 Honda Pilots were covered by the settlement & by now the warranty extension has expired. The oil consumption complaints keep coming in.

7.9

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$3,400
Average Mileage:
95,100 miles
Total Complaints:
34 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (27 reports)
  2. fix the engine (7 reports)
2009 Honda Pilot engine problems

engine problem

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2009 Honda Pilot Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #34

Jun 272016

Pilot EX 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

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

I can't begin to tell you how much time money and credit card debt I went into behind getting this ongoing issue supposedly resolved. All the while Honda knew about the issues and said nothing and continually have me pour money into getting it fixed. The Fixes on average only lasted anywhere between 1 to 3 months before something else happened reading the same codes. They did the oil consumption test saying they were building a case against Honda only to deny me any repair. What the f*ck was the point of telling me that and testing? It's like they just pass the sh*t off one to another service rep. Keep in mind this is a 09 Pilot. So I had no idea about the class action lawsuit in 2013. I just hope an pray that I'm able to recoup the money I put into this crap. I will never buy Honda again. I'm so done with them.

- Dwayne J., Johns Creek, US

problem #33

Feb 012019

Pilot V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 186,790 miles

My truck burns oil, when my mechanic told me this was happening and told me there was a class action lawsuit for my particular year make and model. I looked it up to verify that and saw many articles. I called Honda and they told me there was no such suit for my vehicle. Feeling like I was being stonewalled by Honda when I called. Engine replacement was one of the repairs offered in the lawsuit. Now I have to, as a single mom with 5 kiddos, 4 of which are disabled, while driving them around continuously stop and put oil in and need to use a flexible tube funnel because of the awkward place the oil tank opening is. Not fun in Winter for sure.

- Michelle H., Brockport, NY, US

problem #32

Jan 012018

Pilot EXL 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 170,000 miles

According to the dealership, a repeat problem with excessive oil consumption in my 2009 Honda Pilot caused the catalytic converter to shred. American Honda refuses to fix the problem, although it was a result of the same problem sited in a previous bulletin.

- Maxine H., Jackson, US

problem #31

Nov 012017

Pilot

  • Automatic transmission
  • 114,032 miles

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

Don't ever buy a 2009-2013 Honda Pilot! You will regret it. The engine burns and leaks oil. First your catalytic converters go out, and when they replace them they don't mention the real problem that is causing it. Then you notice your vehicle is burning an excessive amount of oil. In fact its not only burning it, it's leaking through your entire engine. Eventually causing the entire engine to be replaced. This is well known, well documented problem. There was a class action lawsuit in 2013 regarding this issue. I have contacted Honda, and they are not willing to help in any way. We have always purchased Hondas.....Never again. Btw...its not just the Pilot! Do your research before purchasing!

- Jocelyn A., Elkhart, US

problem #30

Oct 032016

Pilot Touring 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 179,000 miles

The engine burns incredible amounts of oil. Before it would have the oil light would come on and I would know that it needed oil. I have the oil changed every 3,000 miles, which with synthetic oil you shouldn't have to do that. I bought a Honda because it was suppose to be a very reliable car. Never again. Checking to see if the car is covered under the lawsuit to see if the car is covered and can get it fixed.

Update from Apr 2, 2018: Spoke with American Honda consumer. They wrote down my complaint about the excessive oil consumption and told me that I have to go to the dealer and have an oil consumption test done. Will have to wait as I have to have the spark plugs changed again, (replaced them 2 years ago), as I don't want them to tell me that is what is wrong with my vehicle. Of course my Honda Pilot isn't cover in the lawsuit from 2013, so we shall see what happens. I was told by the Honda service guy that they have to change my oil, which I already had done but they have to do it again and then I have to bring it in every 500 miles to have it tested. Not really sure that it is worth it. All I see are $$$$$ go out the tailpipe so to speak.

Update from Dec 30, 2018: So I never went to Honda to have them do an oil consumption test as I saw it as a way for them to deny the problem and offer to fix it but out of my own pocket. So I change my oil every 3,000 miles and then check it every 500. Only have to add a quart at 1500 miles. This is the only way I know to keep the engine from burning out on me. This is the first and last time I will ever own a Honda. What’s funny is my older brother owns a 2010 Honda Pilot EX and the only problem he has had is the catalytic converter going out. Did you know that the Pilot has 3 of them?!

Other things I have had to replace on this car. Front control arms, A/C unit, alternator x2 and power steering pump.

- Diana M., Peoria, AZ, US

problem #29

Jan 082018

Pilot Touring V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 108,822 miles

Out of the blue, my 2009 Honda Pilot's engine began to make knocking sounds. The knocking became louder and louder and as it turned out my oil was also low by two quarts. I took it to the mechanic and he told me my engine needs to be replaced, with a cost of over $9,000! I just called Honda and they said I am not covered under their warranty extension. My car has low mileage- 108,800 approximately and I spent a lot of money on it, thinking that I was buying a reputable and dependable brand. I am going to push hard on this one. So disappointed in Honda.

- Dawn P., Palatine, US

problem #28

Sep 142016

Pilot Touring 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 142,000 miles

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

VCM oil consumption sucks. I have to fill several quarts of oil in between oil changes

- John K., Luverne, US

problem #27

May 172017

Pilot LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 96,000 miles

How is it the Problem with the Piston Rings was noted on 2009 Pilots but only covered for the 2010 -2015. Why would they leave out the year they found the problem to originate.

- Beth K., Wilton, US

problem #26

Sep 152016

Pilot LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 152,000 miles

This is terrible. About 1 qt per two weeks. Hopefully they will fix it!

- fabuck71, Apollo Beach, US

problem #25

Sep 012016

Pilot Touring V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

I have been to my Honda Dealership five times in six months for check engine, low oil, engine emissions and VTM lights on. Each time I was told something different was wrong from you need an oil change, broken motor mounts, just low on oil and lastly there is nothing wrong with no explanation. While driving the car I can feel the engine misfire.

Now I have to go back every 1,000 miles to have oil added because my Pilot is consuming oil at a high rate. The dealership has no fix and no idea what is wrong.

- Jason J., Chesterfield, VA, US

problem #24

Jan 142017

Pilot EX-L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,000 miles

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

I recently changed my oil and was shocked at the results from the oil pan when I poured out the old oil. It was about two quarts. I freaked out and wondered where all my oil had gone. I found the class-action lawsuit. I called the Honda Dealer and they said this only affects four cylinders.... OK not so much. They said they can look into it for me on my dime of course. I don't think I want two overpriced oil changes along with service fees to figure out I "probably don't have problem".

In the meantime, I have sent my oil to Blackstone Labs for analysis to check on engine wear. I will come back with an update on what they think.

Update from Apr 4, 2017: Sure enough blackstone labs reported double the engine wear as a normal report.

I tried to contact Honda Customer service asking them to cover the VCM upgrade. They said they wouldn't cover it since I was a few months out of the 8 year extension. I am very close to being done with Honda. This is ridiculous! Fix the issue with your car and don't make me pay for it!

Update from Mar 29, 2018: I was able to get the software upgrade on the pilot and it reduced the oil consumption. Dealer charged me $20 as it was the place my father originally purchased it. However, it still has not gone away. I sent in another oil analysis to blackstone on the 2nd change and basically they told me since I am putting in about 1qt for every 2500 miles that I can take it to 10k. Nothing alarming came back on the oil analysis I think. I am using fully synthetic walmart supertech. This is the same oil used in my 2010 ford fusion and I dont have a drop of difference in that engine after 10k miles. Furthermore, my fusion report came back as a super clean engine so I know it's not the oil.

If anyone wants to trade me for a ford f150 let me know lol.

- jharmon203, Columbus, OH, US

problem #23

Dec 132016

Pilot EX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 174,474 miles

This Engine light code for my Honda Pilot is "P3497 Cylinder Deactivation System Bank 2" which I learned is due to excessive oil consumption, now that I am dealing with the issue. I took the SUV to the dealer and I am waiting for an estimate/resolution/plan of action. In fact, the car is in the dealership as I am writing this. I will come back to write about how this ends...

- sonriks, Denver CO, CO, US

problem #22

Aug 012016

Pilot LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,000 miles

Started back in beginning of August 2016. Just checking oil and found that there was very little in there. So added 3 quarts. I remembered that we just recently had the car in for service too. Anyway, I checked it again two weeks later and had to add another quart. This occurred over and over again the next couple months. Now we brought it in to the dealer we bought the car from. Now they have been very good to us over the years, but told us that they don't know why this is burning oil. I looked up on line and found a class action settlement. I thought great I am covered! Lawsuit mentions my exact car too! Well when I called they said I was not! I have no idea why I am not covered! Same problem, same year, make, model, engine, everything! I am lost at how this can happen.

- Peter M., Medford, MA, US

problem #21

Dec 012014

Pilot Touring 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,000 miles

EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION THROUGHOUT LIVE OF VEHICLE. Now 1 quart per 1500 miles, increased from 1 quart per 2500 miles

- Daniel G., Niwot, CO, US

problem #20

Jul 012016

Pilot EXL 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 175,000 miles

Bought the Pilot used in January of 2015. Afterwards, I noticed that it seemed to burn a little oil. A few months went buy and I got VCM light, along with cylinder misfire codes. After Googling, I came across the misfire settlement, and other info regarding this piece of sh*t. I changed the offending plugs, replaced the three quarts of oil that had disappeared, and the codes cleared.

I called local Honda dealer that sold me the car. Told them about the code, and the settlement, and they acted as though they hadn't heard of it. The service guy told me if it did it again, to bring it in. So I kept driving, stupid me. The oil burning problem persisted, but I never got the codes again. It got to the point that I was adding a quart of oil every 1-1/2 tanks of gas.

In July 2016, I took a fishing trip, towing a boat approximately 320 miles total. Prior to leaving, I filled up with gas, checked the oil, and was on my way. During the return trip to home, nearly to my exit, the lights came on. VCM and check engine. I drove 1/4 mile to the nearest gas station, and checked the oil. It was basically empty. I got no oil lights, no warning whatsoever. It was then the engine started to knock slightly. It burned 5 quarts of oil in 320 miles!!!

I filled it back up with oil, the codes went away. I took it back to Honda Dealer. They said they didn't see the codes in the memory, and that the extended warranty would not cover repairs unless the codes were active. They said we could do an oil consumption test. I said sure. They had the car for four hours, during which time they told me they changed the oil only. After that day, it hasn't burned a single drop of oil! Weird!!!!

This Monday, the check engine light came on again, along with the VCM light. I immediately took it back to the dealer, conveniently, the VCM light went off when I turned the car off and then didn't come back on!!!

They checked the codes for the engine light, and basically told me the engine sounds like its f*cked. And they want somewhere between 4500 and 5500 to replace engine with a used one.

My question is this. Was Honda required to inform me of this issue at any point? They did not. When I asked them, they played dumb. Also, could they have done something while they were changing my oil to prevent the oil from burning.

- jebwhyme, Bedford, KY, US

problem #19

Jan 012014

Pilot LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

Service mgr recommended changing oil every 3000 miles which we are doing. He never offered an actual solution nor an explaination. We found this website by accident.

- rememberthealamo, Watkinsville, GA, US

problem #18

Sep 052013

Pilot Touring 3.5L Lt

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

Uses way to much oil between oil changes. Became apparent at 70,000 miles when the oil pressure light came on while driving. the reason this was not discovered prior was when you take your car in for a recommended oil change the mechanic never pulls the dipstick prior to draining the oil. since this time we have been closely monitoring the oil consumption. We have met with Honda's service manage at least five times or more and have repeatedly done oil consumption monitoring with the dealers guidance. Had the car in the shop for a week to replace piston rings. Made no difference in oil consumption. Now the car is at the dealer and they said it is not using enough oil to justify Honda fixing the problem. I ask them to at least go into the program and turn off the ECO system so as to see if it made any difference. They refused. Apparently they don't think adding a quart of oil with every other fill-up is excessive. If we hade the pipe text in the state of Virginia this truck would probably fail. Where do I go now!

- Gary N., Williamsburg, VA, US

problem #17

Nov 012014

Pilot LX 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 88,500 miles

Continuous issue that now is affecting engine performance.

- Gerri Y., New Fairfield, CT, US

problem #16

Jun 292016

Pilot LX 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 135,000 miles

135,00 and this happens to my car this is absolutely bullshit my other vehicle has 177,000 on it and runs better than my pilot

- Karen H., Billerica, MA, US

problem #15

Oct 112015

Pilot Touring V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

click to see larger images

excessive oil consumption excessive oil consumption excessive oil consumption

With no warning, the engine on my 2009 Honda Pilot BLEW UP while I was driving on the highway. The engine abruptly lost power and caught on fire. Luckily I was able to cross several lanes without being hit to get to the shoulder. Then a good samaritan told me my car was on fire so luckily I got out before I was hurt or killed.

I called Honda about this situation. Even though the 2009 Pilot is known to have an OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUE -- the mechanic said this was the cause -- loss of oil -- When I called I was told my car was not covered. No warning light ever came on. The mechanic said in 45 years he'd never seen an engine so exploded inside.

The bill to replace the engine was $7100 we do not have. Luckily I and my family were not hurt or killed. I sent a letter to Honda and they told me even though we purchased a certified pre-owned vehicle, the warranty expired at 60K and the engine blew up at 80K, so they could not reimburse me. I don't think it's normal for an engine to randomly blow up at ANY K??!!?!

- Eugeme B., San Diego, CA, US

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