2018 Honda Pilot · symptom sheet
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing
- 29owner reports
- 106,000median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 21, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
162 of the 440 complaints on this car are about the engine. 29 of those describe engine failure.
Tick what matches of 29 reports
Engine failure on other Pilot years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2014, 2015, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
These are the reports nobody wants to file. The engine started knocking or ticking, the oil light came on, and then it seized or had to be replaced. Some owners had the replacement covered under warranty or an extension, and plenty were told they'd pay. Several narrower sheets split this group into knocking, seized engines and rod bearing failure.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (29 reports).
Recalls and investigations
2 recalls on the engine cover the 2018 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.
The timing belt teeth may separate from the belt.
All 7 recalls on the 2018 Honda Pilot, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Pilot
Engine failure. Open.
No restart after auto start/stop engages. Open.
Engine failure. Closed aug 20, 2025.
No restart after auto start/stop engages. Closed mar 26, 2025.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 80,873 and 165,000 miles, from the 11 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Engine failure , has been confirmed by a shop. It is available for inspection upon request. No previous problems or warning lights. Stalled and put myself and my children at risk of serious injury.”
Filed Jun 26, 2026
“Crank shaft rod bearing, engine needs to be replaced due to internal damage. Honda has recalled other VINs for 2018 Honda Pilot, but not mine. I am having the same problem as another recall already issued, and Honda is refusing to pay for engine replacement.”
Filed Mar 5, 2025
“Engine fails to restart on its own from a complete stop at a traffic light or road intersection with the Auto Start/Stop function engaged.”
Filed Jan 9, 2023
“the engine fails to restart on its own from a complete stop at a traffic light or road intersection with the Auto Start/Stop function engaged”
Filed Jun 8, 2022
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 29 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 100 reports
- Fuel pump failure 33 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 31 reports
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 26 reports