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Honda · Mid-Size SUV · 2009–2015 Custom Search

Honda Pilot 2

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 1 engine variants · How we rate

Generations

Engine Overview

The Honda Pilot 2 is available with one engine variant at 253 hp.

3.5L V6 SOHC i-VTEC VCM · Petrol· 250 PS
2009 2015

3.5L V6 SOHC i-VTEC with VCM — the engine that made VCM infamous. 250 hp, 5-speed automatic only. Class action lawsuit covered 2009-2013 models for excessive oil consumption from VCM piston ring design. Consumes 1 quart every 1,000-2,000 miles in severe cases. VCM Muzzler or S-VCM Controller ($50-100) is the community fix that works. Timing belt (not chain) needs replacement at 105,000 miles. Camshaft wear accelerated by chronic low oil. Check oil religiously — this engine punishes neglect.

  • !! VCM oil consumption — class action, 1 qt per 1,000-2,000 miles from 95,000 km

    VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) deactivates 2-3 cylinders at cruise, creating vacuum that draws oil past piston rings. Class action lawsuit covered 2009-2013 Pilots. Consumption of 1 quart per 1,000-2,000 miles documented. TSB 11-033 issued in 2011. VCM Muzzler or S-VCM Controller ($50-100) disables VCM and resolves the problem. Fouled spark plugs, destroyed catalytic converters, and engine failure are the consequences of ignoring it.

    Symptoms: Oil level dropping between changes, blue smoke, fouled spark plugs, check engine light P3400 P3497
    50–9,000 $
    Ad VCM Muzzler Honda Pilot J35Z4S-VCM Controller Pilot 2009-2015piston rings J35Z4 VCM oil consumption
  • !! Camshaft lobe wear from chronic low oil from 120,000 km

    Chronic low oil from VCM consumption accelerates camshaft lobe wear. Ticking noise from valve cover area that worsens when warm. Bridge bolts on valve pivot points can loosen. Requires camshaft replacement in severe cases.

    Symptoms: Ticking noise from valve cover area, louder when warm, rough running
    800–2,500 $
    Ad camshaft J35Z4 Honda Pilotvalve train ticking Pilot 2009-2015
  • !! Timing belt replacement at 105,000 miles — critical maintenance from 160,000 km

    J35Z4 uses a timing belt (not chain). Honda specifies replacement at 105,000 miles / 7 years. Skipping this service risks catastrophic engine damage. Water pump replacement recommended at the same time ($500-1,200 total for belt + water pump service).

    Symptoms: No warning — belt failure destroys engine. Preventive replacement required.
    500–1,200 $
    Ad timing belt kit J35Z4 Honda Pilotwater pump timing belt Pilot 3.5 V6

+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Torque converter shudder at 30-40 mph — fluid deterioration

Torque converter lock-up clutch judders between 20-60 mph during light acceleration. Honda TSB attributes it to deteriorated transmission fluid under high heat. Transmission fluid flush can fix it temporarily. Software update to manage fluid temperature was released. Torque converter replacement $1,500-2,500 in persistent cases.

Symptoms: Shuddering between 30-40 mph during light acceleration, vibration through drivetrain
from 100,000 km
Ad torque converter Honda Pilot 2009-2015transmission fluid flush Pilot shudder
 High

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 9 weaknesses have been documented for the Honda Pilot 2 (2009–2015) — 4 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox, Body, Electronics, Interior.

Pilot (J35Z4, 2009–2015) — Be Careful: VCM oil consumption — class action, 1 qt per 1,000-2,000 miles, Camshaft lobe wear from chronic low oil, Timing belt replacement at 105,000 miles — critical maintenance. Power: 250 PS.

What to watch out for with the Honda Pilot? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Honda Pilot 2 have? +
The Honda Pilot 2 has 4 known engine weaknesses and 5 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Honda Pilot 2? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: J35Z4 (3.5L V6 SOHC i-VTEC VCM). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the J35Z4 (3.5L V6 SOHC i-VTEC VCM).
Which Honda Pilot 2 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Honda Pilot 2 — rated: "Decent". {description} 250 hp V6 with 5-speed auto: the Pilot that put VCM on the map for all the wrong reasons. Class action for oil consumption (2009-2013). Burns 1 quart every 1,000-2,000 miles in bad cases. VCM Muzzler ($50) is the essential aftermarket fix. Torque converter shudder at 100k miles. Paint peeling on white models (class action). Fundamentally solid chassis and interior space, but the VCM issue defines this generation.
Is the Honda Pilot 2 worth buying used? +
The Honda Pilot 2 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Honda Pilot 2? +
The Honda Pilot 2 is available with engine variants from 253 to 253 hp. Petrol: J35Z4 (3.5L V6 SOHC i-VTEC VCM).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee