The 2012 Honda Pilot is a mid-size crossover SUV that was popular among buyers for its spacious interior, versatility, and reliability. However, like any vehicle, the 2012 Honda Pilot is not immune to problems.
Some common issues reported by 2012 Honda Pilot owners include transmission problems, engine issues, and problems with the electrical system.
In this article, we will discuss some of the most frequently reported problems with the 2012 Honda Pilot and how to address them. It’s important to note that the frequency and severity of these problems can vary depending on the individual vehicle and how it was maintained.
If you own a 2012 Honda Pilot and are experiencing any problems, it’s always best to consult with a mechanic or Honda dealer for an accurate diagnosis and repair.
2012 Honda Pilot Problems
1. Warped Front Brake Rotors
Some 2012 Honda Pilot owners have reported experiencing vibration when braking, which can be caused by warped front brake rotors. Warping occurs when the brake rotors become uneven due to excessive heat, causing them to vibrate when the brakes are applied.
This can be a result of hard or prolonged braking, or it can be caused by a lack of maintenance, such as failing to replace the brake pads when they become worn. To fix this problem, the front brake rotors will need to be replaced.
2. Overheated Wire Harness
Some 2012 Honda Pilot owners have reported that their low beams may fail due to an overheated wire harness. This problem can occur when the wire harness becomes overheated due to a short circuit or other electrical issue, causing it to malfunction. To fix this problem, the wire harness will need to be replaced.
3. Water Leak Due to Poor Seal at Side Marker Wire Harness
Some 2012 Honda Pilot owners have reported a water leak due to a poor seal at the side marker wire harness. This problem can occur when the seal around the wire harness becomes damaged, allowing water to enter the vehicle and cause damage to the electrical system.
To fix this problem, the damaged seal will need to be repaired or replaced.
4. Knocking Noise From Front End
Some 2012 Honda Pilot owners have reported a knocking noise coming from the front end of the vehicle, which may be caused by stabilizer link issues. Stabilizer links, also known as sway bar links, are responsible for connecting the sway bar to the suspension of the vehicle.
If the stabilizer links are damaged or worn, it can cause a knocking noise when driving over rough or uneven surfaces. To fix this problem, the damaged stabilizer links will need to be replaced.
5. Noise and Judder on Turns
Some 2012 Honda Pilot owners have reported experiencing noise and judder on turns, which may be caused by a breakdown of the differential fluid. The differential is a component of the drivetrain that helps transfer power from the engine to the wheels.
If the differential fluid breaks down, it can cause the differential to become noisy and may cause the vehicle to judder on turns. To fix this problem, the differential fluid will need to be drained and replaced.
6. Check Engine Light
Some 2012 Honda Pilot owners have reported the check engine light coming on, accompanied by problems starting the vehicle and the engine running rough. This can be caused by a variety of issues, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, a malfunctioning catalytic converter, or a problem with the fuel system.
To fix this problem, a mechanic will need to diagnose the cause of the check engine light and perform the necessary repairs. It’s important to have the vehicle checked as soon as possible if the check engine light comes on, as ignoring the issue can lead to further damage to the vehicle.
7. Erratic Engine Idle Speed or Engine Stalling
Some 2012 Honda Pilot owners have reported problems with the engine idle speed being erratic or the engine stalling.
This can be caused by a variety of issues, such as a malfunctioning idle air control valve, a faulty throttle position sensor, or a problem with the fuel system. To fix this problem, a mechanic will need to diagnose the cause of the issue and perform the necessary repairs.
8. Check Engine and D4 Lights Flashing
Some 2012 Honda Pilot owners have reported the check engine and D4 lights flashing simultaneously. The D4 light indicates a problem with the transmission, while the check engine light indicates a problem with the engine.
The flashing of these lights can be caused by a variety of issues, such as a malfunctioning transmission sensor or a problem with the engine control module. To fix this problem, a mechanic will need to diagnose the cause of the issue and perform the necessary repairs.
9. Check Engine Light and Engine Takes Too Long to Start
Some 2012 Honda Pilot owners have reported the check engine light coming on and the engine taking too long to start. This can be caused by a variety of issues, such as a faulty ignition control module, a malfunctioning fuel pump, or a problem with the spark plugs.
To fix this problem, a mechanic will need to diagnose the cause of the issue and perform the necessary repairs.
10. Throttle May Stick Due to Carbon Buildup
Some 2012 Honda Pilot owners have reported that the throttle may stick due to carbon buildup on the throttle body. Carbon buildup can occur when the engine is not running efficiently, causing a build up of carbon deposits on the throttle body.
If the throttle body becomes clogged with carbon, it can cause the throttle to stick, resulting in problems with acceleration and power. To fix this problem, the throttle body will need to be cleaned or replaced.
Possible Solution
| Problem | Possible Solution |
| Warped front brake rotors | Replace front brake rotors |
| Overheated wire harness | Replace wire harness |
| Water leak due to poor seal at side marker wire harness | Repair or replace damaged seal |
| Knocking noise from front end | Replace damaged stabilizer links |
| Noise and judder on turns | Drain and replace differential fluid |
| Check engine light | Diagnose and repair cause of check engine light |
| Erratic engine idle speed or engine stalling | Diagnose and repair cause of issue |
| Check engine and D4 lights flashing | Diagnose and repair cause of issue |
| Engine takes too long to start | Diagnose and repair cause of issue |
| Throttle may stick due to carbon buildup | Clean or replace throttle body |
2012 Honda Pilot Recalls
| Recall | Problem | Affected Models |
| 19V502000 | Newly replaced passenger air bag inflator ruptures during deployment spraying metal fragments | 10 models |
| 19V378000 | Replacement passenger frontal air bag inflator improperly installed during previous recall | 10 models |
| 18V661000 | Passenger air bag inflator ruptures during deployment spraying metal fragments | 9 models |
| 18V268000 | Front passenger air bag inflator potentially installed improperly during replacement | 10 models |
| 18V042000 | Passenger air bag inflator ruptures during deployment spraying metal fragments | 9 models |
| 17V545000 | Replacement air bag inflator for previous recall may have been improperly installed | 8 models |
| 17V030000 | Passenger air bag inflator ruptures during deployment spraying metal fragments | 9 models |
| 13V016000 | The airbag system may not perform as designed | 2 models |
| 12V063000 | Potential fuel leak from fuel tank area | 2 models |
Recall 19V502000:
This recall affects certain 2012 Honda Pilot models equipped with a certain type of passenger air bag inflator. The inflator may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments and potentially causing serious injury or death to the vehicle occupants.
Recall 19V378000:
This recall affects certain 2012 Honda Pilot models that were previously recalled for a problem with the passenger frontal air bag inflator. During the previous recall, some of
the replacement inflators may have been improperly installed, which could cause the air bag to deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Recall 18V661000:
This recall affects certain 2012 Honda Pilot models equipped with a certain type of passenger air bag inflator. The inflator may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments and potentially causing serious injury or death to the vehicle occupants.
Recall 18V268000:
This recall affects certain 2012 Honda Pilot models that had their front passenger air bag inflator replaced. Some of the replacement inflators may have been improperly installed, which could cause the air bag to deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Recall 18V042000:
This recall affects certain 2012 Honda Pilot models equipped with a certain type of passenger air bag inflator. The inflator may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments and potentially causing serious injury or death to the vehicle occupants.
Recall 17V545000:
This recall affects certain 2012 Honda Pilot models that were previously recalled for a problem with the passenger frontal air bag inflator. During the previous recall, some of the replacement inflators may have been improperly installed,
which could cause the air bag to deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Recall 17V030000:
This recall affects certain 2012 Honda Pilot models equipped with a certain type of passenger air bag inflator. The inflator may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments and potentially causing serious injury or death to the vehicle occupants.
Recall 13V016000:
This recall affects certain 2012 Honda Pilot models equipped with a driver’s airbag. The airbag may not perform as designed if the absence of more than one rivet could alter the performance of the airbag during deployment.
This could potentially increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Recall 12V063000:
This recall affects certain 2012 Honda Pilot models that may have a fuel leak from the fuel tank area. This could increase the risk of fire.
Problems and Complaints Sources
https://repairpal.com/2012-honda-pilot/problems
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/Pilot/2012/
All Honda Pilot years we talked –
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