The 2011 Honda Pilot is a mid-size SUV that was first introduced in 2002 and has undergone several updates and redesigns since its initial release. Like any vehicle, the 2011 Honda Pilot may have some common problems or issues that owners should be aware of.
Some of the most reported problems with the 2011 Honda Pilot include transmission issues, engine problems, and issues with the electrical system. It’s important for owners to be aware of these potential issues and to have them addressed by a certified mechanic if necessary.
It’s also a good idea for owners to regularly maintain their 2011 Honda Pilot to help prevent or mitigate these problems.
2011 Honda Pilot Problems
1. Warped front brake rotors may cause vibration when braking
This issue is caused by the front brake rotors becoming warped or uneven, which can cause the brakes to vibrate when applied. This can be a safety concern as it may make it more difficult to control the vehicle.
Warped rotors may be caused by driving habits, such as braking hard or frequently, or by using the wrong type of brake pads.
2. Overheated wire harness may cause low beams to fail
This issue occurs when the wire harness that powers the low beam headlights becomes overheated and fails. This can cause the low beam headlights to stop working, which can be a safety hazard if driving at night or in low visibility conditions.
The overheating of the wire harness may be caused by a malfunctioning component or by a wiring issue.
3. Map light does not turn on when opening the door
Some 2011 Honda Pilot owners have reported an issue with the map light not turning on when the door is opened. This can be inconvenient and may also be a sign of a larger electrical issue. The cause of this problem may be a malfunctioning switch or a wiring issue.
4. Knocking noise from front end, stabilizer link issues
Some 2011 Honda Pilot owners have reported a knocking or rattling noise coming from the front end of the vehicle, often when driving over rough roads or when turning.
This noise may be caused by issues with the stabilizer links, which are components that help to stabilize the suspension and improve handling. If the stabilizer links are worn or damaged, they may cause noise and may also affect the handling of the vehicle.
5. Noise and judder on turns due to differential fluid breakdown
Some 2011 Honda Pilot owners have reported experiencing noise and juddering (vibration) when turning, particularly when turning at low speeds.
This issue may be caused by a breakdown of the differential fluid, which is the fluid that lubricates and helps to cool the differential (a component in the drivetrain that helps to transfer power to the wheels). If the differential fluid breaks down or becomes contaminated, it can cause noise and vibration when turning.
6. Check engine light for running rough and difficulty starting
Some 2011 Honda Pilot owners have reported issues with the vehicle running rough or having difficulty starting, which may be accompanied by the check engine light turning on. This can be a sign of a malfunctioning component in the engine or exhaust system,
and it’s important to have it checked out by a mechanic to determine the cause and take appropriate action. Running rough or difficulty starting can be caused by a variety of issues, including a malfunctioning spark plug, fuel injector, or oxygen sensor.
Engine idle speed is erratic or engine stalls: Some 2011 Honda Pilot owners have reported issues with the engine idle speed being erratic or the engine stalling, particularly when coming to a stop or when idling.
This can be a safety concern as it may cause the vehicle to lose power unexpectedly. Engine idle speed issues can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a malfunctioning idle air control valve, a faulty throttle position sensor, or a vacuum leak.
It’s important to have this issue checked out by a mechanic to determine the cause and take appropriate action.
7. Check engine and D4 lights flashing
Some 2011 Honda Pilot owners have reported the check engine light and the D4 light (which indicates the transmission is in fourth gear) flashing simultaneously. This can be a sign of a malfunctioning component in the engine or transmission,
and it’s important to have it checked out by a mechanic to determine the cause and take appropriate action. Flashing check engine and D4 lights may be caused by issues such as a faulty transmission control module or a malfunctioning sensor.
8. Check engine light and engine takes too long to start
Some 2011 Honda Pilot owners have reported issues with the check engine light turning on and the engine taking longer than usual to start.
This can be a sign of a malfunctioning component in the engine or electrical system, and it’s important to have it checked out by a mechanic to determine the cause and take appropriate action. A slow engine start may be caused by issues such as a faulty starter motor, a faulty fuel pump, or a malfunctioning sensor.
9. Throttle may stick due to carbon buildup on throttle body
Some 2011 Honda Pilot owners have reported issues with the throttle sticking or not responding as expected, which can cause difficulty accelerating or maintaining speed.
This issue may be caused by carbon buildup on the throttle body, which is a component that controls the flow of air into the engine. Carbon buildup can cause the throttle to stick or not respond correctly, and it may be necessary to have the throttle body cleaned or replaced to resolve the issue.
Possible Solution
| Problem | Possible Solution |
| Warped front brake rotors causing vibration when braking | Replace front brake rotors and/or use higher quality brake pads |
| Overheated wire harness causing low beams to fail | Replace wire harness and/or repair or replace malfunctioning component |
| Map light does not turn on when opening door | Replace faulty switch or repair wiring issue |
| Knocking noise from front end, stabilizer link issues | Replace worn or damaged stabilizer links |
| Noise and judder on turns due to differential fluid breakdown | Replace differential fluid and/or repair or replace faulty component |
| Check engine light for running rough and difficulty starting | Repair or replace malfunctioning component (such as spark plug or fuel injector) |
| Engine idle speed is erratic or engine stalls | Repair or replace malfunctioning component (such as idle air control valve or throttle position sensor) |
| Check engine and D4 lights flashing | Repair or replace malfunctioning component (such as transmission control module or sensor) |
| Check engine light and engine takes too long to start | Repair or replace malfunctioning component (such as starter motor or fuel pump) |
| Throttle may stick due to carbon buildup on throttle body | Clean or replace throttle body |
2011 Honda Pilot Recalls
| Recall Number | Description | Affected Models | Date |
| 19V502000 | Newly Replaced Passenger Air Bag Inflator Ruptures During Deployment Spraying Metal Fragments | 10 | Jul 1, 2019 |
| 19V378000 | Replacement Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator Improperly Installed During Previous Recall | 10 | May 17, 2019 |
| 18V661000 | Passenger Air Bag Inflator Ruptures During Deployment Spraying Metal Fragments | 9 | Sep 28, 2018 |
| 18V268000 | Front Passenger Air Bag Inflator Potentially Installed Improperly During Replacement | 10 | May 1, 2018 |
| 18V042000 | Passenger Air Bag Inflator Ruptures During Deployment Spraying Metal Fragments | 9 | Jan 16, 2018 |
| 17V545000 | Replacement Air Bag Inflator For Previous Recall May Have Been Improperly Installed | 8 | Sep 6, 2017 |
| 17V030000 | Passenger Air Bag Inflator Ruptures During Deployment Spraying Metal Fragments | 9 | Jan 13, 2017 |
| 16V346000 | Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator Ruptures On Deployment | 9 | May 24, 2016 |
| 13V016000 | The Airbag System May Not Perform as Designed | 2 | Jan 18, 2013 |
| 11V468000 | One or Both Seatbelts May Detach from Their Anchors | 1 | Sep 9, 2011 |
| 10V640000 | Front Suspension Bolts Not Secure | 2 | Dec 22, 2010 |
Recall 19V502000:
This recall affects certain 2011 Honda Pilot models and is related to the passenger air bag inflator. The inflator may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments inside the vehicle. This can pose a serious injury or death risk to the occupants.
Recall 19V378000:
This recall affects certain 2011 Honda Pilot models and is related to the passenger frontal air bag inflator. The inflator may have been improperly installed during a previous recall, which can cause it to deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Recall 18V661000:
This recall affects certain 2011 Honda Pilot models and is related to the passenger air bag inflator. The inflator may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments inside the vehicle. This can pose a serious injury or death risk to the occupants.
Recall 18V268000:
This recall affects certain 2011 Honda Pilot models and is related to the front passenger air bag inflator. The inflator may have been improperly installed during replacement, which can cause it to deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Recall 18V042000:
This recall affects certain 2011 Honda Pilot models and is related to the passenger air bag inflator. The inflator may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments inside the vehicle. This can pose a serious injury or death risk to the occupants.
Recall 17V545000:
This recall affects certain 2011 Honda Pilot models and is related to the replacement air bag inflator. The inflator may have been improperly installed during a previous recall, which can cause the passenger frontal air bag to deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Recall 17V030000:
This recall affects certain 2011 Honda Pilot models and is related to the passenger air bag inflator. The inflator may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments inside the vehicle. This can pose a serious injury or death risk to the occupants.
Recall 16V346000:
This recall affects certain 2011 Honda Pilot models and is related to the passenger frontal air bag inflator. The inflator may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments inside the vehicle. This can pose a serious injury or death risk to the occupants.
Recall 13V016000:
This recall affects certain 2011 Honda Pilot models and is related to the airbag system. The driver’s airbag may not perform as designed in the event of a crash due to the absence of more than one rivet. This can potentially increase the risk of injury.
Recall 11V468000:
This recall affects certain 2011 Honda Pilot models and is related to the seatbelts. The seatbelts may detach from their anchors if the stitching is incomplete or missing. This can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Recall 10V640000:
This recall affects certain 2011 Honda Pilot models and is related to the front suspension bolts. The front suspension bolts may not be secure, which can cause the loss of steering. This increases the risk of a crash.
Problems and Complaints Sources
https://repairpal.com/2011-honda-pilot/problems
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/Pilot/2011/
All Honda Pilot years we talked –
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