2012 Honda Pilot: Engine complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 45 owner complaints for the 2012 Honda Pilot that list the engine component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11730697 (filed 04/12/2026): “On april 9, 2026, my daughter came in from school and parked her honda pilot at about 5:10pm. at about 7:03pm, my wife and i were sitting outside and heard a loud pop, it sounded like a car backfiring. i went to investigate and saw a little smoke and a small orange glowing piece of something on the …”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11718961 (filed 02/18/2026): “The check transmission light comes and goes. ive had the transmission flushed with no issues. it pulls codes for the torque converter as its supposedly getting stuck per mechanic or is over heating and throwing the code. it does not drive rough and i believe it is a faulty code that needs to be addr…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11576833 (filed 03/12/2024): “See attached document for complaint…”
Likely causes
These complaints do not establish a single root cause; read the examples above and get a diagnosis.
Fix, in plain English
No single fix is established by these reports. Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs) or extended warranty coverage, then have the system diagnosed.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Internal engine work (lifters, oil consumption, fuel dilution diagnosis) requires engine teardown or dealer software/tests. (Our assessment.)
Cost
No sourced cost range for this issue. Get a written quote after diagnosis.
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
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Sources
Page last updated .