2009 Honda Pilot engine problems
35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2009 Honda Pilot — 26% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Serpentine belt tensioner bolt keeps snapping and or breaking has been replaced 3 times now. Research shows at least 10 years of part being defective.”
filed Jan 7, 2026
“My 2009 Honda Pilot has 188,793 miles, I barely drive the vehicle and it need Piston Rings. I'm aware that this is a common problem with the 2009 Honda Pilots. I do not have $3,000. to just give to these people when Honda knows there is a problem with this vehicle.”
filed Sep 26, 2023
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB…
DOR-M9J4S-07 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 3, 2020These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB…
DOR-M3J3F-07 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 3, 2020Service Bulletin - The front rocker arm oil control valve is leaking.
A20-023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 5, 2020
Engine problems in other Pilot years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Pilot | 26 | 15% |
| 2024 Pilot | 10 | 9% |
| 2023 Pilot | 11 | 9% |
| 2022 Pilot | 21 | 16% |
| 2021 Pilot | 96 | 23% |
| 2020 Pilot | 99 | 21% |
| 2019 Pilot | 222 | 25% |
| 2018 Pilot | 154 | 36% |
| 2017 Pilot | 455 | 50% |
| 2016 Pilot | 755 | 45% |
| 2015 Pilot | 22 | 20% |
| 2014 Pilot | 31 | 27% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2009 Honda Pilot
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.