2013 Honda Pilot: Engine complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 84 owner complaints for the 2013 Honda Pilot that list the engine component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11759352 (filed 08/25/2026): “Diagnosed by cma honda dealership - need piston ring replacement due to the ongoing issue and service bulletin sb-10099310-9340. this was under 8 year warranty from date of purchase, but this just started happening at 155k miles and in 2026. i purchased this in 2016. although it is out of the extend…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11747122 (filed 06/29/2026): “Recalls without notification; 1) engine- recurring problem piston seal leak - continual replacement of coils & spark plugs. engine light on vtm-4, traction bar symbol on, engine missing. [xxx] 2025: [xxx] ][xxx] oil change 7 days later wrench & engine light gone [xxx] * 2 days later it came on agai…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11738403 (filed 05/17/2026): “Multiple mechanics have told me it’s spark plugs and piston ring and issues. i constantly get my oils changed when i’m at 10% and never let it run out of gas. constantly babied this thing. it only has 145k miles on it. had 111k when i bought it in 2022! i barely put miles on this and the fuel co…”
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 .