Problems · NHTSA complaints
2015 Honda Pilot problems
Owners filed 109 complaints about the 2015 Honda Pilot with NHTSA between Dec 2014 and Sep 2026. The most-cited component is engine (22).
Complaints
109
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
7
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
13
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Engine22
- Electrical system13
- Service brakes12
- Power train11
- Air bags11
- Structure10
- Suspension7
- Fuel/propulsion system6
- Visibility/wiper6
- Exterior lighting4
- Steering3
- Equipment3
- Vehicle speed control3
- Engine and engine cooling2
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
1
12
10
5
8
15
10
8
5
7
11
10
7
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2015 | 12 |
| 2016 | 10 |
| 2017 | 5 |
| 2018 | 8 |
| 2019 | 15 |
| 2020 | 10 |
| 2021 | 8 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 11 |
| 2025 | 10 |
| 2026 | 7 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Engine
22 reports1 crash1 fire
“On July 3, 2026 the check engine light, check VSA warning and check emissions warning indicators all illuminated simultaneously and the vehicle began to misfire and sputter which triggered an immediate slow down of traffic behind me. My local Honda dealership acknowledged a known defect with 2013 - 2015 Pilots in which the piston rings deteriorate leading to cylinder misfires. After system diagnostics they confirmed the spark plugs were damaged due to the piston rings defect causing engine misfires, rough idling, and slow minimal acceleration. This situation absolutely placed me, my family and others on the roadway at immediate risk due to the sudden nature of the engine malfunction. While there were no police report or insurance claims the Honda dealer did inspect and perform diagnostics on the vehicle. However American Honda declined any responsibility and refused to repair the vehicle even though this is a known issue with Honda. Prior to this date there were no warning or indication that the vehicle had any issues.”
Electrical system
13 reports1 fire
“The contact owns a 2015 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle briefly started before stalling. After starting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 126,000.”
Service brakes
12 reports2 crashes
“Steering is shaking when braking at high speed. Replaced pads and rotors multiple times but problem keeps coming back. Lots of complaints also about this issue so please help”
Power train
11 reports
“1. The engine assembly failed — Piston 1 suffered catastrophic failure due to VCM-related piston ring wear and oil sludge buildup, generating DTCs P0301–P0304 (engine misfire, cylinders 1–4). Vehicle is completely non-operational. Failed engine is available for inspection in Mableton, GA 30126. 2. Progressive engine misfire created risk of sudden power loss and loss of vehicle control at highway speeds. Complete engine failure in April 2026 left the vehicle fully immobile, posing an immediate collision risk to the driver and surrounding motorists. 3. Yes. In October 2025, I brought the vehicle to AutoNation Honda on Thornton Road, Georgia, presenting symptoms consistent with Honda Service Bulletin 25-060. The dealership examined the vehicle but took no action and offered no warranty coverage, despite SB 25-060 being fully active at that time. 4. Yes. AutoNation Honda (authorized Honda dealer) inspected the vehicle in October 2025 while Service Bulletin 25-060 was fully active. No repair was performed and Honda has denied all warranty claims. No police or insurance inspection has occurred. Vehicle remains unrepaired and available for NHTSA inspection. 5. Yes.…”
Air bags
11 reports4 crashes3 related recalls
“Airbag lift would come on intermittently. Upon dealership inspection it was learned that it could be a possible issue with the passenger side airbag and instructed to not drive vehicle. Airbag was ordered and took over six weeks to receive and repair. Dealership said airbags are not covered by any recall or warranty. Is, should, this be correct?”
Structure
10 reports1 crash1 fire
“On September 13, 2026, I was cleaning my 2015 Honda Pilot at a car wash while my young child was inside the vehicle. My keys and phone were also inside. After I closed the front passenger-side door, the vehicle unexpectedly locked all doors with my child, keys, and phone inside. I did not intentionally lock the vehicle and did not expect the doors to lock when the passenger door closed. I immediately attempted to regain access. A car wash employee and others also tried to help. I borrowed a phone and called 911. A locksmith was contacted but estimated approximately 35 minutes before arrival. Because my young child remained trapped inside the closed vehicle in hot weather, the situation became increasingly urgent. After continued unsuccessful attempts to gain access, 911 was contacted again and police and fire personnel responded. My child was trapped inside the vehicle for approximately 30 minutes. Emergency personnel ultimately broke the rear driver-side window to gain access and remove my child. Due to the duration of the incident and heat exposure, my child was taken for medical evaluation and later discharged. I do not know what specific component or system…”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.