Used Honda Pilot (2009-2015) - Common Problems, Reliability, Pros and Cons 

Use synthetic oil Disable VCM Check oil level often Replace engine oil ahead of maintenance schedule Follow all recommended fluid change intervals. Also flush out your power steering fluid (easy to do) to save the seals in the steering rack and increase pump service life. Use Honda fluids (except engine oil) Clean out the water drain holes located at the bottom of all doors Clean off the rear a/c air intake located under the front cup holders near floor, passenger side. Plan for front camshaft failure at 140k, many of these engines have an oiling issue that destroys the front cam. Plan on replacing the VTEC solenoid gasket at around 100k, the engine will leak oil around the solenoid (near the dipstick hole) and the oil will eventually destroy the alternator if not fixed. This is an easy diy job. I've done all the maintenance/repairs myself. The Pilot is pretty easy to work on. Other than that it is a solid vehicle and holds up well, and is well designed. I am at 144k on my '10 Touring 4x4 -no squeaks or rattles. Probably never selling it.

I like the boxy design of these, I wish they didn’t move so far away from it

Mine has 300+ k miles so I can’t complain

I have a 2014 Pilot with 80k miles, suv started shaking while driving and then the Check Engine Light came up… took it to the Stealership and was told Piston Ring Failed or something like that… $6500 price to fix, I said no!!! It had fouled up my spark plugs… I did some research and there is a plug and play item called S-VCM controller to disable the VCM on the vehicle which is the main problem…. I just ordered it and about to change my spark plugs…. I hope it works!!! Crossing my fingers!!!

I have a 2009 running 199k now. Just done changing the timing belt, it’s still running great.

For ring issues/oil consumption / if the rings are already frozen in place Valvoline Restore & Protect Full Synthetic Motor Oil, is claimed to clean an engine slowly over a few oil changes and may help frozen rings. Slow is the key, you don't want all the loosened sludge debris to clog anything.

The VCM (Eco Mode) has been a disaster. I had misfired, and took my vehicle to the dealership and was told I needed a new spark plug. At that time, I had 72K. Never once did they mention about the class action suit. Anyhow, when I hit 107K, I was having a misfire on the same cylinder. This time I was told I had the piston ring is the cause, so a rebuild was recommended. I had a non dealership mechanic do the work, and he told me the back cylinders were blackened, which are the three cylinders that shuts off during VCM mode (eco mode). Luckily, I got the rebuild done for a deal since this mechanic has worked with me for 15 years.

I would have gotten an undercarriage rust treatment if I had a do over. Also I replaced timing belt around 100k but three different mechanics have redone the timing belt cover. Weird. Must be a trick to it. I luv the engine,overall vehicle has been very reliable and nicely signals you of the need for a repair without it breaking down. 2012 owner here.

Mine fouled out the #1 spark plug about every 10,000 miles, and did drink some oil. Installed a VCMuzzler and the problem went away (still uses a little more oil than it should). It's been rock solid ever since, and now has about 175,000 miles on it. Wonderful vehicle otherwise. Minimal other problems and it sure is a great people/stuff hauler.

Just stared driving a 2018 and love it ! Have almost 70k miles. Poor design on putting in a rubber timing belt instead of a chain like everyother auto maker has gone to !

Just got a safety recall for fuel pump. Free replacement not available til fall 6+ months away

160,000 on ours. Only complaint is the paint. Pearl white. Peeling like crazy. Mechanicall has been excellent.

สวยจังอยากได้รุ่นนี้แหละ😊

10 miles per gallon, any advice? 2011 pilot.

I just bought a 2010 with 80 K miles ,we’ll see how it goes!

Never mind, bro just killed my purchase

If you disable the vcm, the oil issue goes away!

Do u recommend this car in 2023? Looking to buy one for my wife and what year would u recommend?

I have a 2009 Touring. Tell me why you say use Honda fluid except engine oil??

لدي سياره بايلوت٢٠١٣ ضهرت فيها هذه العلامه

These are mostly just regular maintenance stuff.

The timing belt at 60 ?

What about the 2013

Engine blown…oil consumption was crazy. 😢

WOW OH WOW. I am thinking about getting one. Between a 12 to say a 16.

Looks like a truck to me

lol!!! 300 for a wheel bearing. 😂😂😂 where?

I keep my 2010 Toyota Sequoia it's the best SUV ever made

What about the 2013