2019 Honda Pilot · symptom sheet
Auto start-stop will not restart the engine
- 43owner reports
- 41,000median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Aug 20, 2025 · checked Oct 2, 2026
432 of the 907 complaints on this car are about the engine. 43 of those describe auto start-stop failure.
Tick what matches of 43 reports
Auto start-stop 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, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
Start-stop complaints describe one moment: the engine shuts off at a light, as designed, and then doesn't come back when the driver lifts off the brake. Owners report sitting in traffic with a dead engine, having to shift to park and restart by hand, and dealers who find nothing wrong on the first visit. It usually happens more than once before anyone files.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the battery (12 reports) and the starter (4 reports).
Recalls and investigations
3 recalls on the engine cover the 2019 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.
Incorrect central network software programming may cause several errors to occur that can delay or prevent the rearview camera image from displaying.
The timing belt teeth may separate from the belt.
All 13 recalls on the 2019 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.
Ignition interlock failure - rollaway. Closed jan 14, 2013, led to recall 12V-573.
Low beam headlights stop illuminating. Closed sep 17, 2012, led to recall 12V-136.
When it happens
Too few of these reports state a mileage to give a range.
What owners wrote
“Auto Start/Stop. Car stopped and would not re-start while in an intersection. Restarted manually after a few minutes.”
Filed Jul 30, 2024
“The automatic start/stop system turns the car off at red lights, as it it supposed to. However, several times the car will not start when I push the gas pedal but instead the whole car turns off. It takes opening and closing the door while pushing the park button and the engine start button to turn the car back on. This usually occurs at red lights which is very dangerous.”
Filed Nov 23, 2022
“On multiple occasions the auto start/stop has failed when releasing brake pedal vehicle will completely shut off and takes multiple attempts to turn back on. This is a hazard due to the fact that it has occured on busy streets and state highways. At this time vehicle has not been inspected by dealer we do plan on taking it in asap.”
Filed Sep 13, 2022
“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. I fear I will get rear ended due to this. Or shot b/c of crazy road rage people. We took it to the dealer and it could not be replicated so they could not fix it. no warnings prior It has happened multiple times.”
Filed Aug 5, 2022
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 43 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
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 201 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 165 reports
- Brakes on its own (automatic emergency braking) 65 reports
- Battery dies or the car will not start 63 reports
- Adaptive cruise or lane keeping misbehaves 63 reports
- Fuel pump failure 57 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 57 reports
- Forward collision warning goes off or the camera drops out 57 reports
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 43 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 42 reports
- Multiple warning lights come on at once 31 reports