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 2009 Honda Pilot owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2009 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. Additionally, there was an odor of burning oil present inside the cabin of the vehicle. In addition, the contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced excessive oil consumption and no oil leaks were present. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not yet contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
In September of 2021 my mechanic noticed low oil. oil consumption and poor mileage. We have to travel from New Mexico to Houston to see our grandchildren and sometimes we bring them back to our home. The risk is that we can get stranded in the middle of the desert. There have been reports of oil consumption see attached article: https://www.vehiclehistory.com/articles/honda-pilot-excessive-oil-consumption-recalls But when I called Honda customer service they dismiss it because my vin# does not show on their computers of recall of problems of such. I called the dealership and the same thing happened. I am an old timer that changes its oil and does the required maintenance regularly and on time. This should not happen to a very well-maintained vehicle! I hope you can help or at least direct me to someone that could help me. A very dissatisfied customer
My 2009 Honda Pilot has 188,793 miles, I barely drive the vehicle and it need Piston Rings. I'm aware that this is a common problem with the 2009 Honda Pilots. I do not have $3,000. to just give to these people when Honda knows there is a problem with this vehicle.
With no warning, the engine on my 2009 Honda Pilot blew up while I was driving on the highway. The engine abruptly lost power and caught on fire. Luckily I was able to cross several lanes without being hit to get to the shoulder. Then a good samaritan told me my car was on fire so luckily I got out before I was hurt or killed. I called Honda about this situation. Even though the 2009 Pilot is known to have an oil consumption issue -- the mechanic said this was the cause -- loss of oil -- when I called I was told my car was not covered. No warning light ever came on. The bill to replace the engine was $7100 we do not have. Luckily I and my family were not hurt or killed.
We purchased the 2009 Honda Pilot from in mid-September in richmond, virginia - one previous owner, serviced regularly, timing belt replaced and transmission fluid replaced at 100,00 miles.in November 2018,as agreed upon when we purchased the vehicle, we brought the Pilot into the dealer for repair for the backup camera, a tear in the driver's seat armrest and we also requested that the emissions and engine be checked as the engine and emissions lights were on. The backup camera and tear were repaired and grace's assured us that the engine light and emissions light were okay. The vehicle has been cared, for (oil changed etc) and less than average miles have been put on it as I work locally. However, on Sunday, March 24 at 11:40 am, I was driving east on 64 in virginia and suddenly the Pilot suddenly stopped accelerating and I pulled over to the side of 64. …
"excessive engine oil burn" vehicle is equipped with the oil life minder and manufacturer recommends the oil change when the oil life drops to 15% and below. But vehicle never made it for an oil change without adding/tapping off two 1 quarts of engine oil. This is the second time I had called them about the issue. The first time I brought the vehicle to the dealer to check they had the oil change done and said to return back after 1000 miles to check the oil. Result to that they concluded that the oil burn is within the normal range. But the remainder of this oil change resulted to me tapping off two 1 quart engine oil with 30% oil life left. Research shows that a lot of similar model is experiencing excessive oil burn as well. The dealer mentioned that the cost to fix the issue is around $3,800! …
Pulled 2009 Pilot into my slopping driveway I put the car into park and engine running. Noting rear camera was disengaged. My husbad and infant in his arms were 5 feet away from the rear SUV. Once the reverse light came off he went walked behind the to front of passenger door. I opened the door of the car and spoke to my husband who was standing infront of driver side door. I opened driver side door and we spoke briefly while door was open and car inpar engine on. I leaned into the center console to grab coffe and I felt the car rolling backwards down the driveway and into the road causing me to be trapped between door and the driver side frame. It dragged me into the street. I held on to the steering fearing I was going to be run over. …
On 7/20/16 driving at 60 MPH on highway. Lost power and heard clicking. Coasted to side of road, called police (no report), called my roadside assistance and vehicle towed to dealership. I had the timing belt replaced 1 year earlier on 1/19/15. I always maintained the vehicle at the dealer at each service interval. The dealer replaced multiple items in engine (attached document) and charged me $1453 for the work&parts which did not fix the problem. The dealer then tested vehicle and noted low compression and engine damage. They determined that the engine was ruined. Their terms: internal engine damage due to timing belt pulley bolt failure. Dealer service said bolt sheared off and it was due to a manufacturing defect. I traded vehicle as is for approx. $1600 instead of replacing engine for the estimated amount of approximately $10,000+.
Excessive oil consumption. Started back in beginning of August 2016. Just checking oil and found that there was very little in there. So added 3 quarts. I remembered that we just recently had the car in for service too. Anyway, I checked it again two weeks later and had to add another quart. This occurred over and over again the next couple months. Now we brought it in to the dealer we bought the car from. Now they have been very good to us over the years, but told us that they don't know why this is burning oil. I looked up on line and found a class action settlement. I thought great I am covered! Lawsuit mentions my exact car too! Well when I called they said I was not! I have no idea why I am not covered! Same problem, same year, make, model, engine, everything! I am lost at how this can happen.
The check engine light came on. I adjusted the fuel cap but it kept coming on...so I took it in to learn that I had little, if any oil. I had the oil changed at the Honda dealer less than 2 months prior to this happening! No indicator lights came on to say that the oil was low. I did research online and noted that similar Honda owners were having this problem. The oil is leaking at an excessive rate. So I got the oil replaced. Now, 2 months later, the check engine light is back on due to low oil levels, which were just replaced. There is an issue with the oil staying in the vehicle, and there are several complaints with this issue!
Engine complaints in other Pilot years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2009 Honda Pilot?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2009 Honda Pilot, 28% of the model year's 134 complaints. The component named most often is engine (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Honda Pilot engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2009 Honda Pilot, though it has 9 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 2009 Honda Pilot engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles, and 12% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 4 fires and 0 injuries 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.