Honda Pilot 3
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The 3rd-gen Pilot (2016–2022) is the modern unibody three-row — the volume sweet spot for used Honda SUV shoppers wanting newer tech without new-car money ($14k–25k). The J35Y6 V6 pairs with a 6-speed on lower trims and a ZF 9-speed up top.
Test-drive checklist: On 2016–2017 cars test the ZF 9-speed cold for harsh 1-2/2-3 shifts, hesitation or a brief drop to neutral (subject of a class action; 2018+ were recalibrated). Let the Auto Idle Stop engage at a light and confirm a clean restart — the no-restart defect (NHTSA EA25004, 10-year/unlimited coverage) persists even on repaired cars. Also check for rotor warp and infotainment freezes.
2026 market: 2018 cars run about $13,700–15,500, 2019 around $15,000–17,100, 2020 about $17,700–19,600.
Insider pick: a 2019–2020 EX-L or Touring with the idle-stop campaign confirmed done — these dodge the worst early-9-speed calibration.
Generations
Engine Overview
The Honda Pilot 3 is available with one engine variant at 280 hp.
3.5L V6 Earth Dreams — same J-series but with a manufacturing defect. Recall NHTSA 23V751: incorrectly machined crankshaft journals on 248,999 vehicles (2016-2020). Rod bearing failure without warning, engine replacement $7,800-16,800. VCM oil consumption compounds the problem — low oil + defective bearings = engine death. Check oil at every fill-up. NHTSA opened new investigation in 2024 for non-recalled vehicles.
- !! NHTSA 23V751: rod bearing failure — 248,999 vehicles recalled
NHTSA 23V751: incorrectly machined crankshaft journals → premature bearing wear → engine failure without warning. 2016-2020 Pilot. Cost without recall: $7,800 (used) to $16,800 (new engine). NHTSA 2024: new investigation for 173 reports on non-recalled vehicles.
Symptoms: Engine knocking, engine failure, won't restart, check engine light - !! VCM oil consumption — compounds rod bearing failure risk from 80,000 km
Same VCM issue as J35Y, but more pronounced in the Pilot. Low oil + defective rod bearing journals = accelerated engine death. Check oil level at EVERY fill-up.
Symptoms: Oil consumption, blue smoke, dropping oil level - ! Intake valve carbon buildup (DI) from 110,000 km
Same DI issue as J35Y.
Symptoms: Rough idle, power loss
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| ZF 9-speed shift quality — class action (2016-2018 worst) ZF 9HP: harsh shifting, jerk on takeoff, unexpected acceleration/deceleration. 2016-2018 worst affected. Class action filed. Honda software updates improve but don't fully resolve. TCM miscalibration is the root cause. By 2019+ largely fixed through software updates. Symptoms: Harsh shifts, jerk on takeoff, unexpected acceleration/deceleration, shift noises from 50,000 km | High |
Alternatives
BMW iX3 G08
Mid-Size SUV (2020–2022)
Cadillac XT6 C1XX
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Hyundai Santa Fe TM-FL
Mid-Size SUV (2020–2023)
Kia Sorento MQ4
Mid-Size SUV (2020–2024)
Lincoln Aviator CD6
Mid-Size SUV (2020–2025)
Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé C167
Mid-Size SUV (2020–2026)
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 9 weaknesses have been documented for the Honda Pilot 3 (2016–2022) — 3 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox, Brakes, Electronics, Body.
Pilot (J35Y6, 2016–2022) — Be Careful: NHTSA 23V751: rod bearing failure — 248,999 vehicles recalled, VCM oil consumption — compounds rod bearing failure risk, Intake valve carbon buildup (DI). Power: 280 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 3 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Honda Pilot 3? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Honda Pilot 3 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Honda Pilot 3 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Honda Pilot 3? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee