Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Honda Pilot owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The Honda Pilots Engine Mounts are constantly having to be replaced prematurely than any other vehicle I have ever owned. This is an extremely dangerous part failure and an expensive cost to have. This dealership explained this is a known issue with these Hondas, yet no help or solutions from the manufacturer. There has to be some form of help or accountability for this type of negligence.
Unfortunately, our each vehicle has been targeted and caused car accident from 2010 to present day. In 2012, our Mazda mpv 2006 engine was destroyed or replaced at the work place during working at hilton hotel. Our Acura mdx 2002 VIN # [redacted] and current Honda Pilot 2005 VIN # [redacted] were under controlled and involved car accident in 2017 and 2018 because of targeting. I have noticed and reported to local police and insurance behalf of this cases which can stop suddenly or slowly. Its depend on how they controlled and pre-arranged accident to be happened on a pointing time. Surely, many life and vehicles are very dangerous. We desperately need safety cars and people in our community in order to avoid crushing cars and people from now and future. Please help.
On our way home to nj from a family trip to Canada we stopped for a bathroom break in the "middle of nowhere" maine. The car hesitated to go when stepping on the gas. I managed to drive down the road, the "temp" light went on, then I pulled over. I checked the fluids....the transmission fluid was milky red. We were lucky to have cell phone service to call for a tow. I had my family, wife and two younger kids in the car. We waited for over 30 minutes for the tow truck to arrive, he had to call for transport for my family. We managed to find a service center that was willing stay open to fix our car. The car needed a new radiator and have the transmission flushed ($800), a valve broke sending coolant into the transmission. We learned that other 2005 pilots had the same problem of which there was a recall for this issue on the 2004 pilots, Honda would not do anything! …
I took my vehicle to the dealer today to get the current recalls taken care of and also told them to check the motor mounts. I've read quite a few complaints about the motor mounts failing around 55,000 miles and abrupt/harsh shifting in the transmission is a good indicator of the defect. Dealer just notified me that 2 motor mounts need to be replaced (front and side mounts). They replaced them but at my expense, unfortunately. Not sure when the motor mounts expired since I owned the vehicle, I'm the second owner. The current mileage on my Pilot is 159,000 so I entered 159,000 miles for the vehicle incident. But the 3 years I've owned it, I have always noticed an abrupt or harsh shift from park to drive/reverse. I feel with a lot of Honda Pilot owners complaining about this defect, there should be a recall. Thank you, [redacted] ps, here's a couple of forums/blogs about this issue. …
On 9-9-15, our 2005 Honda Pilot abruptly stopped on emerald parkway - police assisted. Leaking fluid was clumpy red/brown and vehicle hot. Shop today says radiator and transmission and possibly engine need replaced and instructed us to contact a Honda dealer. This is our second safety complaint on this vehicle - 1st was dangerous "phantom braking" or inadvertant application on brakes in 2012, which Honda subsequently recalled in 2013. After reading thru complaints, I see the exact same problem - transmission line in radiator suddenly came loose and transmission fluid leaked into radiator and coolant leaked into transmission, ruining both has occurred numerous times. We anticipate a very expensive repair.... …
Transmission cooling mechanism in lower part of radiator failed causing transmission fluid to leak into the radiator and mix with coolant. Introduction of antifreeze into the transmission caused damage which would require replacement of transmission, radiator, hoses, flush the engine, etc. Even with this amount of repair, increase failure rate of water pump, heater core or any rubber seal or gasket exists. A quick google search as well as a search on this site reveals that this is a known problem which has never results in a recall. My Pilot had just under 134,000 miles and now is undriveable. The repairs cost more than the vehicle. Please issue a recall so that there May be some relief for owners who have been left stranded by this known problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle suddenly decelerated and she was unable to continue driving. The contact mentioned that the temperature gauge illuminated and smoke started to emit from underneath the hood. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnose that the transmission and radiator fluid mixed. As a result, the radiator and transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included on any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileage was 97,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Honda Pilot. While driving at an unknown speed, the brakes inadvertently engaged and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The dealer diagnosed that the ABS needed to be tested and the knock sensor and sub harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was previously serviced per NHTSA campaign number: 13V092000 (service brakes, hydraulic, traction control system). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 137,000. Updated 05/10/17
Car shudders occasionally around speeds 30 while accelerating, the shudder lasts few seconds and stops. This could happen only once or several times if you continue to drive around speeds 30 MPH. From Honda forums it looks like a common problem with same year Honda pilots and accura rdx. Driving with such an condition shakes the driver for an unknown vehicular behaviour that May cause an accident/ fatality. It is suggested Honda corp May be asked to put a recall for all vehicles in this manuafcture year.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Honda Pilot. While driving various speeds, the check engine and SRS indicators illuminated. Mungenast saint louis Honda in saint louis, missouri was made aware of the failure and made unknown replacements, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 275,000.
Engine complaints in other Pilot years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2005 Honda Pilot?
NHTSA has 90 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2005 Honda Pilot, 13% of the model year's 679 complaints. The component named most often is engine (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Honda Pilot engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2005 Honda Pilot, though it has 13 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2005 Honda Pilot engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 98,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 1 injury to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.