The 2008 Honda Pilot is a mid-size crossover SUV that was introduced in 2002 and is currently in its third generation. As with any vehicle, it is not uncommon for the 2008 Honda Pilot to experience problems.
Some common issues reported by owners include transmission problems, suspension issues, and problems with the power steering system. Other complaints include issues with the electrical system, engine performance, and fuel system.
It is important for Honda Pilot owners to be aware of these potential problems and to have them addressed in a timely manner to avoid further damage to the vehicle. It is also important to regularly maintain and service the vehicle to help prevent these issues from occurring.
2008 Honda Pilot Problems
1. Warped front brake rotors
Warped brake rotors can cause a vibration when braking, as well as reduced braking performance. This can be a safety concern, as the vehicle may not stop as quickly as it should in an emergency.
The cause of this problem may be due to the rotors being subjected to extreme heat, which can cause them to become distorted. This can be caused by excessive braking, driving in very hot weather,
or using the brakes heavily when the vehicle is heavily loaded. To fix this problem, the front brake rotors will need to be replaced.
2. Overheated wire harness
The wire harness in a vehicle is responsible for carrying electrical signals to various components. If the wire harness becomes overheated, it can cause the low beams on the vehicle to fail.
This can be a safety concern, as reduced visibility at night can increase the risk of an accident. The cause of this problem may be due to a malfunctioning component that is causing the wire harness to overheat, or it may be due to a problem with the wiring itself.
To fix this problem, the wire harness will need to be inspected and repaired or replaced as needed.
3. Map light not turning on when opening the door
Some Honda Pilot owners have reported that the map light, which is a light located in the ceiling of the vehicle that is designed to provide illumination when the doors are opened, does not turn on when the doors are opened.
This can be inconvenient, as it can make it difficult to see inside the vehicle when entering or exiting. The cause of this problem may be due to a malfunctioning switch or a problem with the wiring.
To fix this problem, the switch or wiring will need to be inspected and repaired or replaced as needed.
4. Water leak due to poor seal at side marker wire harness
Some Honda Pilot owners have reported that their vehicle is experiencing a water leak, which can be caused by a poor seal at the side marker wire harness. The side marker wire harness is located on the front and rear of the vehicle and is responsible for providing electrical power to the side marker lights.
If the seal around the wire harness is damaged or not properly sealed, water can enter the vehicle and cause damage. This problem may be caused by a faulty seal or by the wire harness itself being damaged.
To fix this problem, the seal around the wire harness will need to be inspected and repaired or replaced as needed.
5. Knocking noise from front end, stabilizer link issues
Some Honda Pilot owners have reported hearing a knocking noise coming from the front end of the vehicle, which can be caused by stabilizer link issues. The stabilizer links are part of the suspension system and are responsible for helping to keep the vehicle stable while driving.
If the stabilizer links are worn or damaged, it can cause a knocking noise to be heard when driving over bumps or rough roads. To fix this problem, the stabilizer links will need to be inspected and replaced if necessary.
6. Noise and judder on turns due to differential fluid breakdown
Some Honda Pilot owners have reported experiencing a noise and judder on turns, which can be caused by differential fluid breakdown. The differential is a component of the drivetrain that helps to transfer power from the engine to the wheels.
If the differential fluid breaks down or becomes contaminated, it can cause a noise and judder on turns. To fix this problem, the differential fluid will need to be drained and replaced with new fluid. It is important to use the correct type of fluid, as using the wrong type can cause further problems.
7. Failed power resistor causing rear blower not to work
Some Honda Pilot owners have reported that the rear blower, which is the fan responsible for circulating air through the rear of the vehicle, is not working.
This can be caused by a failed power resistor, which is a component that helps to control the flow of electrical current to the fan.
If the power resistor fails, it can cause the fan to stop working. To fix this problem, the power resistor will need to be inspected and replaced if necessary.
8. Check engine light for running rough and difficulty starting
Some Honda Pilot owners have reported that their vehicle is running rough and is having difficulty starting, and that the check engine light is illuminated.
This can be caused by a variety of issues, such as a malfunctioning spark plug, a faulty fuel pump, or a problem with the emission control system.
To fix this problem, the vehicle will need to be diagnosed using a diagnostic tool to determine the specific cause of the issue.
9. Engine idle speed is erratic or engine stalls
Some Honda Pilot owners have reported that their vehicle’s engine idle speed is erratic or that the engine stalls while driving. This can be caused by a variety of issues, such as a malfunctioning idle air control valve, a problem with the fuel system, or a faulty sensor.
To fix this problem, the vehicle will need to be diagnosed using a diagnostic tool to determine the specific cause of the issue.
10. Check engine and D4 lights flashing
Some Honda Pilot owners have reported that the check engine and D4 lights are flashing on the dashboard. The check engine light is a general warning light that indicates that there is a problem with the vehicle’s engine or emission control system.
The D4 light is the transmission mode indicator light, and it indicates that the transmission is in the fourth gear position. If these lights are flashing, it could indicate a problem with the engine or transmission.
To fix this problem, the vehicle will need to be diagnosed using a diagnostic tool to determine the specific cause of the issue.
11. Check engine light due to sticking rocker pins
Some Honda Pilot owners have reported that the check engine light is illuminated and that the cause of the issue is sticking rocker pins. The rocker pins are part of the valve train system and are responsible for opening and closing the valves in the engine.
If the rocker pins become stuck, it can cause the check engine light to be illuminated and can lead to engine performance issues. To fix this problem, the rocker pins will need to be inspected and replaced if necessary.
12. Shim to correct chirping timing belt:
Some Honda Pilot owners have reported that their vehicle’s timing belt is making a chirping noise, which can be caused by a misalignment between the timing belt and the timing belt sprocket.
To fix this problem, a shim may be used to correct the misalignment. A shim is a thin piece of metal or plastic that is used to create a precise fit between two components. In this case, the shim would be used to align the timing belt and the timing belt sprocket.
13. Check engine light and engine takes too long to start
Some Honda Pilot owners have reported that the check engine light is illuminated and that the engine takes too long to start. This can be caused by a variety of issues, such as a faulty spark plug, a problem with the fuel system, or a faulty sensor.
To fix this problem, the vehicle will need to be diagnosed using a diagnostic tool to determine the specific cause of the issue.
14. Rough idle/harsh shifting due to broken front engine mount
Some Honda Pilot owners have reported that their vehicle is experiencing a rough idle and harsh shifting, which can be caused by a broken front engine mount. The engine mount is a component that helps to secure the engine to the frame of the vehicle.
If the engine mount is broken, it can cause the engine to shift and vibrate, which can lead to a rough idle and harsh shifting. To fix this problem, the front engine mount will need to be inspected and replaced if necessary.
15. Faulty front inner fender liner may deform and contact tires
Some Honda Pilot owners have reported that the front inner fender liner, which is a piece of plastic that covers the inner fender and helps to protect the tire from debris, may deform and come into contact with the tire.
This can cause the tire to wear prematurely and may also cause a noise while driving. To fix this problem, the front inner fender liner will need to be inspected and replaced if necessary.
Possible Solutions
| Problem | Solution |
| Warped front brake rotors | Replace front brake rotors |
| Overheated wire harness | Inspect and repair or replace wire harness |
| Map light not turning on when opening door | Inspect and repair or replace switch or wiring |
| Water leak due to poor seal at side marker wire harness | Inspect and repair or replace seal around wire harness |
| Knocking noise from front end | Inspect and replace stabilizer links if necessary |
| Noise and judder on turns due to differential fluid breakdown | Drain and replace differential fluid with correct type |
| Failed power resistor causing rear blower not to work | Inspect and replace power resistor if necessary |
| Check engine light for running rough and difficulty starting | Diagnose using diagnostic tool to determine specific cause |
| Engine idle speed is erratic or engine stalls | Diagnose using diagnostic tool to determine specific cause |
| Check engine and D4 lights flashing | Diagnose using diagnostic tool to determine specific cause |
| Check engine light due to sticking rocker pins | Inspect and replace rocker pins if necessary |
| Shim to correct chirping timing belt | Install shim to correct misalignment between timing belt and timing belt sprocket |
| Check engine light and engine takes too long to start | Diagnose using diagnostic tool to determine specific cause |
| Rough idle/harsh shifting due to broken front engine mount | Inspect and replace front engine mount if necessary |
| Faulty front inner fender liner may deform and contact tires | Inspect and replace front inner fender liner if necessary |
2008 Honda Pilot Recalls
| Recall | Description | Date | Models Affected |
| 19V501000 | Newly Replaced Passenger Air Bag Inflator Ruptures During Deployment Spraying Metal Fragments | Jul 1, 2019 | 10 models |
| 19V499000 | Newly Replaced Driver’s Air Bag Inflator Ruptures During Deployment Spraying Metal Fragments | Jul 1, 2019 | 10 models |
| 19V182000 | Driver’s Frontal Air Bag Inflator Ruptures During Deployment Spraying Metal Fragments | Mar 7, 2019 | 14 models |
| 18V268000 | Front Passenger Air Bag Inflator Potentially Installed Improperly During Replacement | May 1, 2018 | 10 models |
| 17V029000 | Passenger Air Bag Inflator Ruptures During Deployment Spraying Metal Fragments | Jan 13, 2017 | 7 models |
| 16V344000 | Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator Ruptures On Deployment | May 24, 2016 | 8 models |
| 15V320000 | Driver’s Front Air Bag Defective | May 28, 2015 | 10 models |
Recall 19V501000:
This recall was issued due to a problem with the passenger air bag inflator, which may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments.
An inflator explosion can result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, potentially causing serious injury or death. This recall affects 10 models of the 2008 Honda Pilot.
Recall 19V499000:
This recall was also issued due to a problem with the air bag inflator, specifically the driver’s air bag inflator. The inflator may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments.
An inflator explosion can result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, potentially causing serious injury or death. This recall affects 10 models of the 2008 Honda Pilot.
Recall 19V182000:
This recall was issued due to a problem with the driver’s frontal air bag inflator, which may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments.
An explosion of the inflator within the driver frontal air bag module can result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger, or other occupants, potentially causing serious injury or death. This recall affects 14 models of the 2008 Honda Pilot.
Recall 18V268000:
This recall was issued due to a problem with the front passenger air bag inflator, which may be installed improperly during replacement.
An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury. This recall affects 10 models of the 2008 Honda Pilot.
Recall 17V029000:
This recall was issued due to a problem with the passenger air bag inflator, which may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments.
An inflator rupture can result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants, potentially causing serious injury or death. This recall affects 7 models of the 2008 Honda Pilot.
Recall 16V344000:
This recall was issued due to a problem with the passenger frontal air bag inflator, which may rupture on deployment.
An inflator rupture can result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants, potentially causing serious injury or death. This recall affects 8 models of the 2008 Honda Pilot.
Recall 15V320000:
This recall was issued due to a problem with the driver’s front air bag, which may be defective.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, potentially causing serious injury or death.
This recall affects 10 models of the 2008 Honda Pilot.
Problems and Complaints Sources
https://repairpal.com/2008-honda-pilot/problems/2
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/Pilot/2008/
All Honda Pilot years we talked –
Leave a Reply