# Honda Pilot check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 357 - **Most complaints:** 2016 (146) - **Related recalls:** 8 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 357 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Honda Pilot (2015-2026 models), most for the **2016** model year (146). There are **8 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. ## Honda Pilot check engine light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 9 | 109 | 8% | | 2016 | 146 | 1725 | 8% | | 2017 | 63 | 938 | 7% | | 2018 | 33 | 442 | 7% | | 2019 | 56 | 928 | 6% | | 2020 | 17 | 494 | 3% | | 2021 | 18 | 454 | 4% | | 2022 | 4 | 173 | 2% | | 2023 | 3 | 149 | 2% | | 2024 | 2 | 118 | 2% | | 2025 | 5 | 217 | 2% | | 2026 | 1 | 29 | 3% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Honda Pilot recalls related to the check engine light **[25V031000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V031000)** (2023-2025 models, reported 2025-01-24): An engine stall or loss of power can increase the risk of a crash or injury. **Remedy:** Dealers will reprogram the FI-ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2025. **[24V900000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V900000)** (2023-2025 models, reported 2024-11-28): A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect and repair the fuel filler neck tube and pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2025. **[23V858000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V858000)** (2015-2021 models, reported 2023-12-19): Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. **[23V751000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V751000)** (2016-2019 models, reported 2023-11-13): A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 28, 2024. 2016-2017 Acura MDX owner letters were mailed November 1, 2024. 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed in mid-December 2024. Honda began mailing owner notification... **[21V215000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V215000)** (2019 models, reported 2021-03-25): Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021. **[19V298000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V298000)** (2018-2019 models, reported 2019-04-12): Teeth separation from the timing belt may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash. **Remedy:** Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace any affected timing belt free of charge. Vehicles receiving a replacement timing belt will also have the engine inspected and any damaged components will be replaced for free. The recall began June 7, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer... **[17V219000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=17V219000)** (2016 models, reported 2017-03-30): A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. **[16V417000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=16V417000)** (2016 models, reported 2016-06-09): A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire. **Remedy:** Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tanks, free of charge. Recall repairs are free at any Honda dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Honda Pilot owners report - "I was driving and the check engine light came on and the car started to violently shake. I lost the ability to accelerate. Fortunately, I was able to steer the car to safety and use the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. I called the nearest dealership and they told me to turn it off and if they engine warning..." -- owner of a 2026 Honda Pilot, complaint filed 2026 - "Got back in the car Sunday 11/23 and my engine light was blinking and all kinds of warnings were displaying such as engine, break, and steering problems. My wife and I noticed the car vibrating a lot and I had to drive 20mph. If not the car felt like it was going to shut down." -- owner of a 2025 Honda Pilot, complaint filed 2025 - "I've taken it in to Honda and did a ride along with the tech and he felt it too, but until there is a check engine light, theres nothing they can do to help me. This is a wide spread issue among owners when you search forums. Please look into this issue and push Honda to release a software update." -- owner of a 2024 Honda Pilot, complaint filed 2025 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the check engine light means The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common) 2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common) 3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common) 4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Honda Pilot check engine light? Yes. NHTSA lists 8 related recalls (25V031000, 24V900000, 23V858000, 23V751000, 21V215000, 19V298000, 17V219000, 16V417000) covering 2015-2025 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Honda Pilot years have the most check engine light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2016, 2017 and 2019 Pilot model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 146 for 2016. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Honda Pilot with the check engine light on? Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked. ### How do I check if my Honda Pilot has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Honda dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Honda Pilot warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/honda-pilot): 10 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/honda-pilot): 27 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/honda-pilot): 32 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-pilot): 223 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/honda-pilot): 46 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/honda-pilot): 22 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-pilot): 108 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/honda-pilot): 12 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/honda-pilot): 24 complaints ## Check engine light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints ## Honda Pilot - [Honda Pilot specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/honda-pilot) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/honda-pilot Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.