Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2014 Honda Pilot owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My wife pulled into a diagonal parking space and was ready to put the vehicle into park when the engine rpm increased dramatically and propelled us into a concrete wall. The front end and left front fender are damaged and the two seat belts locked. The airbag indicator light is on but the air bag did not deploy. Thankfully we suffered no injuries. I contacted American Honda who initially seemed interested. I provided much information and then did not hear back from them. After a month I contacted them again and was told there have been no recalls on our vehicle. I relayed that I am very concerned with what may have caused the acceleration and will be very uncomfortable driving the vehicle after repairs are complete. I was told they will send a factory authorized representative to do an unattended acceleration safety inspection at the collision center where the repairs will be made. …
The contact owns a 2014 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was a loud pop coming from the engine department. The contact became aware of a severe drop in the oil level while driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that there was a misfire in cylinder #4, and that the engine needed to be rebuilt. The engine was rebuilt. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the engine sputtered with the check engine and several other warning lights illuminated. The failures persisted. The vehicle was towed to another dealer, Friendly Honda of Fayetteville (534 E Genesee St, Fayetteville, NY 13066); and was diagnosed with piston rings failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the spark plugs, and alternator were also replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. …
The contact owns a 2014 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from the passenger's side wheel. Additionally, the transmission failed to shift into gear as needed while moving the gear shifter. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had progressed. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not identified. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: PE25008 (Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.
I have a 2014 Honda Pilot, and while driving on the road, the car started to violently shake, and the engine turned off. The inspection from dealer indicated code P0303- Misfire cylinder due to fouled #3 spark plug caused by worn piston rings. The spark plug was found to be melted. Honda quoted $4000 to fix the issue, and the concern is that the 2014 model could have also been included in the 2013 and earlier models. It appears that Honda has requested dealers to send in reports if this particular issue has been identified. Even though the dealership was aware of the diagnosis, they have not offered to cover the repairs for this known issue on previous models of Pilots. Instead, they are offering to buy back our vehicle. After further research, there has been a lawsuit "Honda Engine Misfire" with this same issue with Honda Pilot for year 2013 and prior. …
My 2014 Honda Pilot has intermittent engine misfires (DTCs P0301-P0304) caused by piston ring failure. The defect leads to rough running, sudden loss of power, and unsafe driving conditions. On October 24, 2024, Crown Motors Honda in Holland, MI confirmed piston ring failure on cylinders 1-3, with oil wash and fouled spark plugs. The vehicle had to be towed when my wife was driving due to loss of power. This vehicle is driven daily by my two high-school sons, often with my youngest as a passenger. The misfire and power loss create dangerous situations when merging, accelerating, or driving in traffic. Honda has refused to perform warranty repair unless the check engine light (MIL) is currently illuminated, even though their own Technical Service Bulletin 25-060 explains that stored codes and spark plug inspection are sufficient for diagnosis. …
On May 14 2023 I was driving my 2014 Honda Pilot when the Check Engine, VMT-4, and Stability Control dashboard lights all came on. I took my car to the local Honda dealer who said the #2 spark plug was fouled causing engine misfiring. I was also told I was low on oil. I have not seen any stains underneath the car but I was told the oil was leaking out past the piston rings and out the exhaust. I was also told by the dealer that 3 of the piston rings need replacing. And the cost is $5,000. The Honda service representative said there was no recall on this issue. But I found out later that the 2009 to 2013 Honda Pilots had a similar issue that was corrected by Honda at their cost. So why is there no recall for 2014 Honda Pilots ?? I am not rough on my car when I drive. …
I own a 2014 Honda Pilot that experienced an engine misfire related to piston ring deterioration. An authorized Honda dealership diagnosed and documented qualifying engine misfire codes (P030X). After the misfire occurred, we stopped driving the vehicle due to safety concerns, including risk of loss of power or stalling. While the vehicle was not being driven, the battery failed and cleared diagnostic memory. Honda has acknowledged the prior diagnosis but refuses to perform the repair unless the vehicle is driven until the misfire occurs again and diagnostic codes are active at the time of service. Honda is requiring operation of a vehicle with a known intermittent engine defect to re-verify the condition. We believe this creates a safety risk by encouraging operation of a vehicle that may experience sudden misfire, loss of power, or stalling. …
2014 Honda pilot Misfire repeatedly happening. Changed spark plugs and coils 3 times continues to happen. I have had the above problem 3 times (check engine light flashing, VTM-4, traction lights all on. Check engine light started flashing, engine was revving weird. This is an ongoing issue that I am having to spend money on over and over. I have found on [redacted] that others have been dealing with the same situation. A recall needs to happen to fix this problem. I have been stuck on the highway with no fix out of the situation. Tired of having to take my car in for the same ongoing issue. Spending time and money that I don't have, P0303, P0305 codes that appear. They get fixed temporarily, then the same issue occurs. When driving long distances it becomes worse. Please HELP!
Very loud clunking noise. Camshaft needs to be replaced. I have already had to replace the transmission and timing belt. Honda ordered the part Jan 17. The part is backordered until the end of March. I was told the vehicle should not be driven until the part is replaced because the noise is the camshaft rubbing against other parts of the engine which could cause further damage to the engine. Once the Camshaft completely goes out, then the vehicle will just stop. I do not want to be stranded or cause further damage to the engine. I have been unable to drive my vehicle since Jan 17.
Last week I turned on my 2014 Pilot and saw the check engine and VTM-4 dash lights on. When I checked the cause I received error code P0303 - Piston #3 Misfire. Upon researching this error I discovered this issue was addressed by Honda for model years through 2013 because of a class action lawsuit. However models 2014-2015 have the same components and should be addressed/fixed by Honda. I'm lucky to have been in my driveway when I had the misfire, it could have cause an accident had I been on the road. Honda needs to issue a recall for 2014-2015 Pilots.
Engine complaints in other Pilot years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2014 Honda Pilot?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2014 Honda Pilot, 28% of the model year's 116 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2014 Honda Pilot engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2014 Honda Pilot, though it has 3 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 2014 Honda Pilot engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 27,000 miles, and 38% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires 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.