2017 Honda Pilot Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Sep 17, 2026Published Oct 15, 2026

AvoidSerious complaints over 2×

Ranks 19th of 21 Pilot years we score.

Owner complaints: 920; 24 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 58.4; 153,552 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 2.6×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 538; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 4
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2016 Pilot 2018 Pilot →

Should You Buy the 2017 Honda Pilot?

We would look at other years first. Our reliability score for the 2017 Honda Pilot is 59 out of 100, which rates Avoid. Owners reported about 2.6 times as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 19th of the 21 Pilot years we score.

The most reported problem is auto idle stop, mostly the car not starting (220 of 920 complaints). Owners also complain about engine failure and the transmission. 538 of the 920 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 4 recalls. Honda also offers 5 warranty extensions that may still apply, for transmission fluid warmer (9-speed automatic) and keyless start system error (start/stop button). NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2016 scores 52 and the 2018 scores 63.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask a Honda dealer about warranty extension 17-035 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
5-star NHTSA overall crash rating
5 Honda warranty extensions may cover repairs

Cons

About 2.6 times the problems of the average car its age
More complaints than average about major systems in the last two years
Auto idle stop system: the car not starting220 complaints
Engine failure108 complaints

How the 2017 Pilot Earned Its Score

Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems	3.0×	−16
Everyday problems	1.4×	−6
Problems in the last two years	3.4×	−14
Recalls	0.79×	−5
Score		59

What Owners Report

We read all 920 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Honda Pilot, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Auto idle stop system: the car not starting
220 complaints (24%)
The car not starting, stalling and a failure. 204 of these 220 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 71 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 60 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 65,000 miles.
Engine failure
108 complaints (12%)
A failure, locking up and parts breaking or coming apart. 97 of these 108 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 4 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 102,000 miles.
Transmission: failure or loss of drive
99 complaints (11%)
Failure or loss of drive, harsh or delayed shifts and warning lights. 45 of these 99 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 16 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 24 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 49,000 miles.
Engine: stalling
76 complaints (8%)
Stalling, unusual noises and a loss of power. 60 of these 76 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 19 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 17 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 40,000 miles.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
63 complaints (7%)
The car not starting, hard starting and stalling. 58 of these 63 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 17 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 13 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 38,000 miles.
Fuel injector failure
43 complaints (5%)
A failure that needed a new part, warning lights and a loss of power. 1 of these 43 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
Stall (cause not stated)
43 complaints (5%)
Stalling. 42 of these 43 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 12 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 16 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 41,000 miles.
12V battery failure
24 complaints (3%)
A failure that needed a new part. 7 of these 24 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 51,000 miles.
Brakes: sticking or stiffness
23 complaints (3%)
Sticking or stiffness, loss of braking and vibration or shudder. 5 of these 23 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 3 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 22,000 miles.
Several warning lights at once
22 complaints (2%)
Warning lights and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 53,000 miles.
Key fob: warning lights
21 complaints (2%)
Warning lights, the system acting on its own and a failure. 1 of these 21 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
21 complaints (2%)
Hesitation, a loss of power and cannot hold speed uphill. 3 of these 21 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 45,000 miles.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
18 complaints (2%)
A loss of power and reduced power or limp mode. 14 of these 18 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 3 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 44,000 miles.
Fuel pump failure
16 complaints (2%)
A failure, a loss of power and problems that come and go. 4 of these 16 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 138,000 miles.
Security alarm: the system acting on its own
16 complaints (2%)
The system acting on its own. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.

Show 52 more problems

Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
16 complaints (2%)
Shattering or cracking. 1 of these 16 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 21,000 miles.
Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
15 complaints (2%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead, the system acting on its own and a feature that stopped working. 3 of these 15 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking. Median mileage when it started: about 30,000 miles.
Ignition or push-button start: warning lights
15 complaints (2%)
Warning lights, the system acting on its own and a failure. 1 of these 15 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 60,000 miles.
Screen and audio: works on and off
13 complaints (1%)
Problems that come and go, a feature that stopped working and a failure that needed a new part. Median mileage when it started: about 35,000 miles.
Torque converter failure
13 complaints (1%)
A failure, a stored fault code and vibration or shudder. Median mileage when it started: about 108,000 miles.
High-pressure fuel pump failure
12 complaints (1%)
A failure, unusual noises and warning lights. 2 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 67,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
12 complaints (1%)
Sudden acceleration. 6 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. In 5 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 14,000 miles.
Control module (unspecified) failure
11 complaints (1%)
A failure and a stored fault code. 2 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 30,000 miles.
Exhaust or catalytic converter failure
11 complaints (1%)
A failure and a stored fault code. Median mileage when it started: about 127,000 miles.
Instrument cluster: works on and off
11 complaints (1%)
Problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 35,000 miles.
Shifter or park: stopped working
11 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working, the car rolling away and problems that come and go. 3 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 58,000 miles.
Vibration (cause not stated)
11 complaints (1%)
Vibration or shudder. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 48,000 miles.
Check engine light (cause not stated)
10 complaints (1%)
Warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 38,000 miles.
Engine (misfire codes): rough running or misfires
10 complaints (1%)
Rough running or misfires and a stored fault code. Median mileage when it started: about 93,000 miles.
Engine sensors or computer failure
10 complaints (1%)
A failure, a stored fault code and early wear. 6 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 73,000 miles.
Timing chain or camshaft failure
10 complaints (1%)
A failure and early wear. 6 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
Battery drain: draining the battery
9 complaints (under 1%)
Draining the battery. 5 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Fuel system: warning lights
9 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights, a bad smell and sticking or stiffness. Median mileage when it started: about 2,000 miles.
Warning lights (cause not stated)
9 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and a stored fault code.
Wiring, fuses or body control module failure
9 complaints (under 1%)
A failure, problems that come and go and a stored fault code. 2 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
Driver-assist camera and radar failure
8 complaints (under 1%)
A failure, a feature that stopped working and problems that come and go. 1 of these 8 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Headlights: the system acting on its own
7 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own, too bright and warning lights. 1 of these 7 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility.
Hood: vibration or shudder
6 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder. Median mileage when it started: about 3,000 miles.
Hood latch: vibration or shudder
5 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder.
Noise (cause not stated)
5 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises.
Car alarm: the system acting on its own
5 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own.
Rearview camera: works on and off
5 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working.
Steering: warning lights
5 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights, pulling or wandering and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 18,000 miles.
Ball joints and control arms: rust or corrosion
4 complaints (under 1%)
Rust or corrosion, damage and shattering or cracking. Median mileage when it started: about 57,000 miles.
Exterior lights: the system acting on its own
4 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own and a feature that stopped working.
Paint and rust: damage
4 complaints (under 1%)
Damage, paint peeling and rust or corrosion.
Phone and navigation: works on and off
4 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 40,000 miles.
Struts or shocks: a leak
4 complaints (under 1%)
A leak, rust or corrosion and a failure.
A/C compressor failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure.
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
3 complaints (under 1%)
Water leaking in.
Engine air intake: damage
3 complaints (under 1%)
Damage and a failure that needed a new part.
Seats: not closing or latching
3 complaints (under 1%)
Not closing or latching, the system acting on its own and a feature that stopped working.
Starter failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start.
Transmission computer: harsh or delayed shifts
3 complaints (under 1%)
Harsh or delayed shifts. Median mileage when it started: about 34,000 miles.
Adaptive cruise control: hard braking with nothing ahead
2 complaints (under 1%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead. Both describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
2 complaints (under 1%)
No deployment in a crash.
Frame or structure: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and damage.
Fuel economy: high fuel use
2 complaints (under 1%)
High fuel use.
Horn: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and the system acting on its own. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash.
Jerking (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder.
Rear window glass: shattering or cracking
2 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking.
Door lock actuators: the system acting on its own
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own and a feature that stopped working. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Remote start: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and the system acting on its own.
Road departure mitigation: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and the system acting on its own.
Seat belts: not releasing
2 complaints (under 1%)
Not releasing and damage.
Wheel bearings failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and damage.
Windshield wipers: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working. Both describe a serious outcome, most often loss of visibility.

Reported Once (31)

Show the 31 problems reported once

A/C condenser failure
EVAP system failure
Airbag warning light
Brake power assist: a hard pedal or less assist
Cylinder head gasket: a leak
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
Engine oil leak
Forward collision warning: warning lights
Fuel filler door: not opening or unlocking
Fuel leak
Heater: stopped working
Interior trim: shattering or cracking
Belt: unusual noises
Cruise control: gains speed above set speed
Electrical features (not named): works on and off
Electrical system reboot: works on and off
Fuel rail system failure
Rear entertainment system: stopped working
Side window glass: shattering or cracking
Smoke from the vehicle (cause not stated)
Piston rings failure
Stability control (VSA): warning lights
Sunroof: water leaking in
Taillights or brake lights: works on and off
Timing belt failure
Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights
Tires: excessive hydroplaning
Transmission fluid leak
Valve train failure
Windows or locks or sunroof (operate by themselves): the system acting on its own
Windshield: shattering or cracking

How the 2017 Honda Pilot Compares With Other Years

The other Pilot years of the 3rd generation, 2016 to 2022, and the years just before and after it. When two scores are less than 3.5 points apart, treat them as about the same.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2023	Caution	63	1.5×	18.1	5	Seat belts: warning lights
2022	Good	72	0.81×	10.5	5	Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
2021	Caution	63	1.7×	26.7	10	Car not starting (cause not stated)
2020	Caution	60	2.3×	46.3	11	Screen and audio: works on and off
2019	Avoid	58	2.5×	56.3	13	Car not starting (cause not stated)
2018	Caution	63	1.6×	36.1	7	Auto idle stop system: the car not starting
2017 This year	Avoid	59	2.6×	58.4	4	Auto idle stop system: the car not starting
2016	Avoid	52	3.6×	95.8	8	Auto idle stop system: the car not starting
2015	Not scored	–	–	9.8	4	Brakes: loss of braking

See every Pilot year

2017 Honda Pilot Recalls

A recall can cover some or all cars of this model year. Look up a specific car by its VIN at NHTSA to see which recalls are still open on it.

Suspension: rear
Failure of rear suspension components, such as the rear control arm, can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
NHTSA 26V365000 Recall report (PDF)Issued Jun 4, 2026.
Air bags: front passenger
Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
NHTSA 26V332000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 21, 2026.
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 23V858000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 18, 2023. By the second quarter of 2026, 73% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Structure: hood
A hood that opens while driving can obstruct the driver's view and increase the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 21V932000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Nov 29, 2021. By the fourth quarter of 2023, 87% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

Honda Warranty Extensions and Programs

Repairs Honda agreed to cover or update outside a recall. Whether one applies depends on the VIN and the conditions listed. A Honda dealer can confirm.

Warranty extensionHonda 17-035
Transmission fluid warmer (9-speed automatic)
The problem:
The transmission warmer can leak inside and mix engine coolant with transmission fluid. The car can overheat, shift poorly or chirp when shifting from 3rd to 4th gear.
The fix:
A Honda dealer fixes the leaking transmission warmer for free. In some cases that means replacing the whole transmission.
Who qualifies:
The owner must report overheating, poor shifting or a chirp, and the warmer must fail a pressure test. Cars with a salvage or branded title are not covered.
Coverage:
10 years from the original purchase date, with no mileage limit, only for this warmer leak.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionHonda 20-117
Keyless start system error (start/stop button)
The problem:
The engine start/stop button can fail. The car may not start on the first press and the display shows a keyless start system error.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the engine start/stop switch for free.
Who qualifies:
The car must not start on the first press and must show the keyless start error. The switch is replaced only if it has failed. The VIN must show as eligible.
Coverage:
9 years or 125,000 miles from the original purchase date, whichever comes first.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionHonda 20-100
Check engine light: catalytic converter, misfire or fuel injector codes
The problem:
The engine software can misread sensors as a worn catalytic converter. Debris can also wear or clog the fuel injectors. The check engine light comes on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer updates the engine software and replaces the fuel injectors if needed, for free.
Who qualifies:
The check engine light must come on with a listed catalytic converter, misfire or air fuel fault code. The light must come on during the coverage period. Coverage passes to later owners.
Coverage:
10 years or 150,000 miles from the original purchase date, whichever comes first.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionHonda 21-010
Check engine light: catalytic converter, misfire or fuel injector codes
The problem:
The engine software can misread sensors as a worn catalytic converter. Debris can also wear or clog the fuel injectors. The check engine light comes on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer tests the engine cylinders and replaces the fuel injectors for free.
Who qualifies:
The check engine light must come on with a listed catalytic converter, misfire or air fuel fault. For a catalytic converter fault, the program does not apply if all cylinders pass the test. Coverage passes to later owners.
Coverage:
10 years or 150,000 miles from the original purchase date, whichever comes first.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionHonda 23-009
Engine not restarting after auto idle stop
The problem:
After the car stops with auto idle stop on, the engine may not restart by itself. The cause is too much cylinder pressure or low cranking torque.
The fix:
A Honda dealer adjusts the valves and replaces the starter and starter relays for free.
Who qualifies:
The earlier software update 23-008 must be done first if it applies. Repairs must relate to this no restart problem. Coverage passes to later owners. The VIN must show as eligible.
Coverage:
10 years from the original purchase date, with no mileage limit for these repairs.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Service campaignHonda 23-008
Auto idle stop software update
The problem:
After the car stops with auto idle stop on, the engine may not restart by itself. The driver must select Park and push the engine start/stop button.
The fix:
A Honda dealer installs an engine control software update.
Who qualifies:
The car's VIN must show the update as open. Honda dealers must update affected new or used cars before selling them.
Coverage:
No time or mileage limit is given. Ask a Honda dealer whether this applies to the car's VIN.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)

NHTSA Investigations

Defect investigations by NHTSA that cover this model year, with what they found.

Pilot engines not restarting after automatic idle stop
Closed
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation covered 2016-2020 Pilots. It began in June 2022 after reports of engines not restarting after an automatic idle stop. Honda's January 2023 service bulletins call for a software update and, if needed, starter parts. Honda extended the warranty on those parts to 10 years. NHTSA upgraded the case to engineering analysis EA25-004 in March 2025.
NHTSA PE22005 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Jun 3, 2022 to Mar 26, 2025
Engine failures outside the scope of an engine recall
Closed without a recall
NHTSA's recall query tested whether Honda recall 23V-751 was wide enough. That recall covers 3.5-liter V6 engines with a crankshaft defect. The query covered 2018-2020 Odysseys, 2015-2020 Pilots and 2017-2019 Ridgelines. NHTSA found Honda had set the scope properly and closed the query in August 2025. It moved the complaints to PE25-008.
NHTSA RQ24013 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Nov 8, 2024 to Aug 20, 2025
Engines failing to restart after automatic idle stop
Still open
NHTSA's engineering analysis, opened in March 2025, looks at engines that fail to restart after automatic idle stop shuts them off at a light. It lists 2016-2025 Pilots and 2018-2025 Odysseys, plus Passports and Ridgelines. Honda issued service bulletins and a 10-year warranty on some parts. Owners still report failures after the fixes. The case is still open.
NHTSA EA25004 Opening report (PDF)Open since Mar 26, 2025
Engine failures from connecting rod bearings in V6 models
Still open
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation, opened in August 2025, covers 414 reports of connecting rod bearing failures in the 3.5-liter V6. It lists 2016-2020 Pilots, 2018-2020 Odysseys and 2017-2019 Ridgelines. These engines fall outside Honda recall 23V-751, and NHTSA saw no sign of the same crankshaft defect. The case is still open.
NHTSA PE25008 Opening report (PDF)Open since Aug 20, 2025

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2017 Pilot ratings on NHTSA.gov.

SUV AWD and SUV FWD

Overall5/5

Frontal crash4/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover4/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2017 Pilot, from its recalls, Honda's programs and the problems owners report most.

Confirm the Recalls Were Done

Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.

Suspension: rear NHTSA 26V365000
Air bags: front passenger NHTSA 26V332000
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump NHTSA 23V858000
Structure: hood NHTSA 21V932000

Ask a Honda Dealer

Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

17-035: transmission fluid warmer (9-speed automatic)
20-117: keyless start system error (start/stop button)
20-100: check engine light: catalytic converter, misfire or fuel injector codes
21-010: check engine light: catalytic converter, misfire or fuel injector codes
23-009: engine not restarting after auto idle stop

On the Test Drive

Accelerate gently from a stop and again at 20 to 40 mph. Shudder, slipping or harsh shifts are warning signs. Ask for the transmission fluid records.
Ask about battery and starter replacements. A slow start after the car sits is a warning sign.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

Auto idle stop
Engine failure
Transmission
Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes and transmission fluid changes.

Before You Pay

Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.

What to do next

All Pilot Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Honda may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.