2013 Honda Pilot: Power Train complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 54 owner complaints for the 2013 Honda Pilot that list the power train component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- 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…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11710068 (filed 01/10/2026): “Repeatedly there has been a cylinder 1 misfire causing the check engine light to activate. the vehicle starts to shake and idling is rough. it has happened repeatedly over the past 3-4 years. in 2025 it happened in august, october and december despite repeated maintenance. error codes that have po…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11625394 (filed 11/15/2024): “The lights(traction control light, check engine,) in the dash come on and go off intermittently and vehicle display reads check emissions system and check vsa (vehicle stability assist) i got the vehicle scanned for the codes it throws and the print out was for the power train control module the pis…”
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
Diagnosis needs a scan tool; repair or replacement needs a lift, transmission jack and the manufacturer's fluid fill/relearn procedure. (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 .