2018 Honda Pilot

The 2018 Honda Pilot is a popular mid-size SUV known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and reliability. It’s powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with either a 6-speed automatic transmission (LX, EX, EX-L trims) or a 9-speed automatic transmission (Touring, Elite trims). Drivers appreciate the Pilot’s practicality and family-friendly features, but some have reported issues with the infotainment system, transmission performance, and other components.

Engine

3.5L V6

• Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, rough idling, engine vibration, and spark plug fouling due to the VCM system deactivating cylinders.
  • Solution: Disable the VCM system using aftermarket devices or replace the VCM actuator. A temporary software update was available from Honda Service Bulletin 21-003 to address the issue, but it does not permanently resolve the underlying issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ depending on the severity and the chosen solution (VCM disabler device being the cheaper option)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

• No Issues Found

9-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough or jerky shifts, especially between lower gears. Hesitation or delays when accelerating.
  • Solution: Software updates to the Transmission Control Module (TCM). In some cases, transmission replacement may be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $600+ for software updates; $3,000 - $6,000+ for transmission replacement
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment screen freezes, becomes unresponsive, or crashes, requiring a restart. This can affect navigation, audio, and climate control functions.
  • Solution: Software updates to the infotainment system, replacement of the unit in severe cases.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $300+ for software updates, $500 - $1500+ for unit replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery drains overnight or within a few days of the vehicle being parked, leading to difficulty starting the car.
  • Solution: Diagnosing the parasitic draw and identifying the faulty component causing the drain, then replacing or repairing it.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the source of the drain
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Rear Entertainment System (RES) Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The RES screen freezes, displays error messages, or becomes completely unresponsive.
  • Solution: Software updates, or RES unit replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $200+ for software updates; $500 - $1000+ for unit replacement
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Automatic Tailgate Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The automatic tailgate not opening or closing properly, or getting stuck mid-operation.
  • Solution: Check and replace tailgate struts. Check and replace tailgate motor assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ for tailgate struts, $300-$800+ for tailgate motor assembly.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2018 Honda Pilot is generally a reliable vehicle but does have some known issues. The most prevalent issues are related to the VCM system causing excessive oil consumption on the 3.5L V6 engine and the 9-speed transmission exhibiting harsh shifting. Owners may also experience electrical issues with the infotainment system and other electronic components. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to more costly repairs. The cost to address these issues can vary widely, but owners should be prepared for potential expenses related to VCM issues, transmission repairs, and electrical system diagnostics.