2017 Honda Pilot: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2017 Honda Pilot? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 870 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2017 Honda Pilot Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2017 Honda Pilot trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2017 Honda Pilot Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2017 Honda Pilot SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
16.4% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
16.4% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2017 Honda Pilot has 870 owner complaints, 9 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Honda
- Model
- Pilot
- Model year
- 2017
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 870
- Crash-related complaints
- 9
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 27
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2017 Honda Pilot Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Electrical Faults, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2017 Honda Pilot?
The 2017 Honda Pilot shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2017 Honda Pilot
Inspection Focus
- Request service records for Engine Problems and Electrical Faults.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine and electrical systems before purchase.
- Test drive to check for transmission or drivetrain issues.
Before You Close the Deal
- Request service records for Engine Problems and Electrical Faults.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine and electrical systems before purchase.
- Test drive to check for transmission or drivetrain issues.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2017 Honda Pilot, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
NHTSA complaint data for the 2017 Honda Pilot shows a high volume of reports, with the majority concentrated in engine and electrical systems. While crash-related complaints are few, the overall number suggests potential issues that buyers should investigate. Confidence in these findings is low due to the single model year analyzed.
- Engine Problems account for the largest share of complaints at 445 reports.
- Electrical Faults are the second most reported component with 254 complaints.
- Unintended Acceleration has 27 complaints, though crash-related complaints total only 9.
- Engine Problems
- Electrical Faults
- Transmission / Drivetrain
All 2017 Honda Pilot Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Honda Pilot. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 445 | — | 3 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 254 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 127 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 116 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 115 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 27 | 2 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 25 | 1 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 20 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 16 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 16 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 15 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Child Seat | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2017 Honda Pilot. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
ECHOING EXACLY WHAT OTHER PILOT OWNERS ARE COMMENTING. ENGINE COMPLETELY GAVE OUT ON THE HIGHWAY.
Subject: Engine Knocking Noise – 2017 Honda Pilot Hello, I’m reaching out because my 2017 Honda Pilot has recently developed a noticeable knocking noise coming from the engine area, especially during acceleration and low‑speed driving. I’m aware that some 2016 Honda Pilot models…
Over the past couple of months the the vehicle has been "throwing" misfiring cylinder errors, particularly cylinder 4 (P0304) and every once in a while cylinder 1 (P0301), and a catalytic converter bank 2 error (P0430). Last week, I filled up with premium fuel and added a cataly…
Engine failure at 77,000 miles. Regular oil changes and maintenance were performed on this vehicle. While driving driver started hearing a banging noise from engine and a subsequent stall while driving. Vehicle towed to local Honda dealer. Complete engine replacement required du…
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle decelerated to 25 MPH unintendedly. While driving at a reduced speed, the vehicle was immediately driven to the local deale…
The issue appears to involve the vehicle’s electrical control system responsible for power management and system activation while the vehicle is off, possibly including the Smart Power Control Module and related components. It may be arranged for the vehicle to be inspected. Th…
I was stopped at a traffic light, and my vehicle would not re-start when the traffic light turned green. It stalled because the Auto Idle Stop/Start (AIS) function did not work as intended. The dashboard cluster lights were all on (or many of them, at least). I had to collect …
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle unexpectedly lunged forward with the check engine warning light illuminated, and the “Emission System” error message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent m…
Engine lost power. I put the gas pedal to the floor and it would barely go. Finally, after barely moving out of the intersection, the car lurched forward and I managed to drive it home. I was stuck in a very busy intersection with a car that would not go. All I wanted to do wa…
I am submitting additional documentation related to NHTSA complaint #11723932 for my 2017 Honda Pilot. I have obtained a transmission inspection report confirming that the failure was caused by a defective torque converter, resulting in internal transmission damage including the …
Transmission issues began to occur shortly after purchase in 2017. The Honda dealership finally did a software update after several complaint. This temporarily fixed the issue. The car shifts low gears harshly and with hesitation. The transmission system failure/problem light cam…
it is unfortunately the camshaft end play issue that we see with these engines from time to time. Honda identified that the surface roughness of the camshaft thrust cover on these engines was manufactured out of specification. This poor surface finish creates excessive friction a…
While driving, the vehicle lost engine power on three separate occasions (3/6/26, 3/10/26, 3/20/26) and had to coast to a stop on the road. One of the codes that appeared was P0087; the Honda dealership replaced the fuel pump kit (part # 06161-RLV-305) due to the fuel rail pressu…
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at slower speeds, the transmission unexpectedly shifted to neutral(N) while the accelerator pedal was depressed. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Prior to the failure, the vehicle was taken…
I was driving, and my engine died in the middle of Highway 40 about 5 miles outside of [XXX] . It was extremely dangerous, and Colorado State troopers and Colorado Division of Transportation workers had to stop traffic. The car could not be put into neutral, and towing to a safe…
I was taking my kids to school and then suddenly a knocking sound started and then a boom. I found out that at 134,000 miles my engine threw a rod and punched a hole in my block. My [XXX] old was freaking out because there was smoke coming from the engine and her sisters said th…
So our family of four, two adults and two kids driving down buford dr in GA on March 29 2026 apparently at 11am found ourselves in a dangerous situation. The oil light on our honda pilot came on and the vehicle shut off in the middle of a 3 lane extremely busy road. This is not …
While driving on the interstate I was trying to pass a vehicle and the vehicle all systems but the brake system issue. Check engine, emissions, power steering, hill start assist, traction assist. The vehicle would not accelerate. When I got on the shoulder the engine was struggli…
It has happened on multiple occasions where I’m driving at 70mph, and my engine cuts out and I can no longer accelerate on the highway. My rpm’s drop to 0. I have to pull over until it comes back on again. It’s putting my safety, my children’s safety at risk, other drivers on th…
Car is dangerous. I have been the only owner of this car. Over the years and again today the car loses acceleration when attempting to pass someone on the highway at speeds of 65 MPH +. The car just doesn't accelerate and leave you pushing gas and nothing happens. I have had issu…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2017 Honda Pilot.
2017 Honda Pilot Recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2017 Honda Pilot. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2017 Honda Pilot Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2017 Honda Pilot reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 870 owner complaints, 9 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2017 Honda Pilot shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Honda Pilot?▾
#1: Engine Problems (445 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (254 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (127 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Honda Pilot?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2017 Honda Pilot?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2017 Honda Pilot, NHTSA complaints include 9 crash-related reports and 4 fire reports out of 870 total complaints. 6 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2017 Honda Pilot have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2017 Honda Pilot. A major recall area is STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2017 Honda Pilot?▾
The 2017 Honda Pilot shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Honda Pilot reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2017 Honda Pilot based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.