Honda Pilot
3.5L V6 DOHC with Variable Timing Control — the 4th generation Pilot engine. 285 hp, paired exclusively with a 10-speed automatic. No more VCM oil consumption issues from the older J35 variants. ECU software recall 25V-031 for engine hesitation/stall under sudden acceleration (674 warranty claims, software fix). 10-speed shifts can feel rough in 1st-to-2nd at low speeds — software updates improve it. Still young, but fundamentally a mature J-series V6 without the VCM headaches.
Pilot V6 gen 4 — VCM gone, 10-speed in, early recalls clearing up
285 hp V6 with 10-speed auto: Honda finally dropped VCM and the ZF 9-speed, both Pilot III headaches gone. ECU recall 25V-031 for hesitation under hard throttle — software fix, no hardware issue. 10-speed can shift rough 1st-to-2nd when cold, software updates help. Three recalls in first two years (steering rack, fuel filler, brake pedal) but all low-probability manufacturing defects. Fundamentally the best Pilot powertrain yet.
Engine Weaknesses 2
NHTSA 25V-031: improper FI-ECU programming causes engine hesitation or stall under sudden acceleration. 294,000 vehicles affected (2023-2025 Pilot, Acura MDX, TLX). 674 warranty claims, no crashes. Software update fix at dealer.
Symptoms: Engine hesitation under hard acceleration, malfunction indicator light, stalling
10-speed automatic can produce rough 1st-to-2nd shifts at low speeds, especially when cold. Honda software updates improve calibration. Some owners report surging during downshifts below 30 mph. Not a hardware defect — TCM calibration issue.
Symptoms: Rough 1st-to-2nd shift, surging when decelerating, hesitation between gears
Vehicle Weaknesses 5
NHTSA 23V735: loose ball bearing in Bosch-manufactured steering gear box assembly. Can cause loss of steering control or steering lock-up. 519 vehicles affected (2023-2024). Only 1% estimated defective. Dealer replaces electric power steering rack, free of charge.
NHTSA 24V900: fuel filler neck tube and fuel filler pipe may separate, allowing fuel to leak. Fire risk. 205,760 Pilot and Passport vehicles affected. Manufacturing defect at Honda's Alabama plant. Dealer inspection and repair, free of charge.
NHTSA 25V391: brake pedal pivot pin not properly staked during assembly. Can cause brake pedal to shift out of position. 259,000 vehicles recalled (2023-2025 Pilot, Acura MDX, TLX). Honda estimates 1% actually defective. Dealer inspects and replaces pedal assembly if needed, free of charge.
10-speed automatic produces rough 1st-to-2nd shifts at low speeds, especially when cold. Honda aware of the issue. Software updates improve shift quality. Some owners report grounding the transmission case helps. Not all vehicles affected equally.
Infotainment system occasional lag and slow response. Minor annoyance, not a functional defect. Less severe than the Pilot III infotainment freeze issue.