2017 Honda Pilot Safety Report
2017 Honda Pilot: Strong crash ratings, but significant engine and transmission complaints raise long-term safety concerns.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Honda Pilot
Reliability Score
The 2017 Honda Pilot receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2017 Honda Pilot
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Honda Pilot:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Rod Bearing Failure / 'Rod Knock' Numerous complaints describe a 'rod knock' sound, leading to internal engine damage, stalling, and complete engine failure, often requiring short block replacement. |
High | Common | 40000-150000 miles |
| Transmission Failure / Jerking Reports of the 9-speed automatic transmission failing, violently jerking, shuddering, and hesitating, particularly at highway speeds, posing a crash risk. |
High | Occasional | 100000-110000 miles |
| Fuel Pump Failure A recall (23V858000) addresses fuel pump failure leading to engine stalling, consistent with owner complaints of loss of power and stalling while driving. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Hood Latch Striker Separation A recall (19V870000) indicates the hood latch striker may become damaged and separate, causing the hood to open while driving and obstruct the view. |
High | Rare | unknown miles |
| Collision Mitigation Braking System (Cmbs) Malfunction Reports of the CMBS camera failing, causing sudden, unintended braking without warning, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision. |
High | Rare | unknown miles |
| Keyless Start System / Brake System Problem Warnings Dashboard warnings like 'keyless start system problem' and 'brake system problem' frequently appear, sometimes preventing the vehicle from starting. |
Medium | Occasional | unknown miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Honda Pilot:
The most frequent issue, with 225 complaints, involves internal engine damage, 'rod knock', excessive oil consumption, and sudden stalling.
78 complaints related to various electrical issues, including warning lights, system malfunctions, and battery failures.
76 complaints where electrical system issues are intertwined with engine problems, often leading to multiple warning lights and operational failures.
68 complaints, primarily concerning transmission failures, jerking, shuddering, and hesitation, impacting vehicle drivability.
47 complaints, including issues with the high-pressure fuel pump and general loss of power or stalling related to fuel delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Honda Pilot
Is the 2017 Honda Pilot safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 Honda Pilot received excellent crash test ratings (5-star overall). However, it has 850 owner complaints, including 9 crashes and 6 injuries, with frequent reports of severe engine and transmission failures that can lead to dangerous situations on the road. Two recalls also address critical safety defects.
What are common problems with the 2017 Honda Pilot?
The most reported issues for the 2017 Honda Pilot are engine-related (225 complaints), frequently involving 'rod knock', internal damage, and stalling. Other common problems include electrical system malfunctions (78 complaints) and power train issues, specifically transmission failures (68 complaints).
Are there any recalls for the 2017 Honda Pilot?
Yes, the 2017 Honda Pilot has two recalls. One addresses a fuel pump failure that can cause an engine stall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000), and the other concerns a hood latch striker that may separate, potentially obstructing the driver's view (NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V870000).
Does the 2017 Honda Pilot have engine problems?
Yes, the 2017 Honda Pilot has significant engine problems, with 225 complaints. Owners frequently report 'rod knock', internal engine damage requiring major repairs like short block replacement, excessive oil consumption, and sudden engine stalling while driving.
How reliable is the 2017 Honda Pilot?
The reliability of the 2017 Honda Pilot appears to be compromised by a high volume of severe mechanical complaints, particularly concerning the engine and transmission. While specific reliability scores vary, the 850 NHTSA complaints, including critical component failures, suggest lower-than-average reliability for these key systems.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Given the high number of severe engine and transmission complaints, potential buyers should proceed with caution and ensure a thorough pre-purchase inspection, focusing on engine health and transmission performance, and verify all recall repairs have been completed.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Honda Pilot
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Honda Pilot. The data includes 850 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 9 reported crashes, 4 fire incidents, 6 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 Honda Pilot an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.