Is the 2017 Honda Pilot reliable?

2017 sits in the middle of the 3rd gen generation, so reliability tracks the generation-wide picture. Reliability holds up well when the known problems are addressed proactively: ZF 9-speed jerky shifts (2016 worst; software fixes over time); VCM oil consumption; Idle stop-start issues.

Should I buy a 2017 Honda Pilot?

2017 is a carryover mid-cycle car — a safe pick with a well-known problem list. If the car checks out on a pre-purchase inspection, a 2017 Honda Pilot is a defensible used purchase.

What are the common problems on the 2017 Honda Pilot?

ZF 9-speed jerky shifts (2016 worst; software fixes over time); VCM oil consumption; Idle stop-start issues

Is the 2017 Honda Pilot expensive to maintain?

Expect Pilot maintenance costs typical of the 3rd gen generation. Engines: 3.5L J35 V6. Transmissions: 6-speed automatic / 9-speed automatic (Elite/Touring). Budget for the usual service intervals (oil, brakes, cooling, transmission fluid) plus preventative work on the known-weak items above. Parts for a 2017 Honda Pilot are cheap and widely available.

What's new for the 2017 Pilot?

2017 was a carryover model year within the 3rd gen generation. Powertrain, transmission, and core features are unchanged from the prior year.

What engines and transmissions did the 2017 Honda Pilot come with?

Engines: 3.5L J35 V6. Transmissions: 6-speed automatic, 9-speed automatic (Elite/Touring).

What should I inspect on a used 2017 Honda Pilot?

Engine: Cold-start smoke, oil level and color, valve cover / cam-cover leaks, timing components if due. Transmission: Shift quality from a cold start, TCC lockup smoothness, fluid color and smell. Suspension: Bushings, ball joints, shocks/struts; listen for clunks over bumps. Rust: Rocker panels, wheel arches, frame and suspension mounts; critical on trucks and SUVs in salt-belt states.

Who is a 2017 Honda Pilot best for?

Buyers who want a mature, carryover model with a known problem list and mature aftermarket support.

Should I consider a different year instead?

The 2016 Pilot is mechanically identical unless a refresh was applied.

Buying Guides

My Garage

Buyer's Guide · Honda Pilot · 3-row midsize SUV

Used Honda Pilot Buying Guide

3 min readUpdated July 15, 2026

The Pilot is a refined 3-row family SUV built around the durable J35 V6. Later 9-speed automatic calibration issues are the main thing to check on 2016–2018 examples.

Analyze a Pilot Listing →

Overall

★★★★★4.3/5

The J35 V6 is one of the most reliable modern V6s. The 6-speed automatic (2016–2018 lower trims) is proven; the ZF 9-speed on higher trims needed multiple software updates. 2019+ shift quality is much better.

Reliability

★★★★★4.3/5

Maintenance

★★★★★4.4/5

Parts availability

★★★★★5.0/5

Ownership cost

★★★★★4.4/5

Top Picks

Best Years to Buy

Generations with the strongest long-term reputation.

2016–2018 (3rd gen, 6AT trims)

J35 with the 6-speed — the simplest and safest 3rd-gen pick.

2019+ (post-9AT updates)

9AT calibration much improved; refined family SUV.

Do your homework

Years to Research Carefully

Not deal-breakers — but they reward a careful buyer.

2016–2018 (9AT trims)

Rough shifting complaints on early 9-speeds — verify software updates and shift quality on test drive.

2009–2015 (2nd gen)

Fine platform but interior wear and modest infotainment; timing-belt service on J35 (105k) required.

Known issues

Common Problems

Bring this list to your pre-purchase inspection.

✓
9-speed rough shifts on 2016–2018 (software addressed)
✓
VCM (cylinder deactivation) oil consumption on some examples
✓
AC condenser on high-mileage examples
✓
Rear entertainment (if equipped) failures

Looking at one right now?

Paste the Pilot listing and let Verdict analyze it in seconds:

Market value
Reliability
Known issues
Negotiation points
Final Buy Score

Analyze This Listing →

Ownership

Maintenance Expectations

Pilot ownership is very close to Odyssey and Ridgeline — same J35 V6, same service intervals.

V6 timing belt (105k) is the largest scheduled expense; otherwise routine.

Before you buy

Inspection Checklist

What to verify on any candidate car.

Transmission (9AT)

Test-drive under varied conditions; verify latest software.

Engine

Watch for VCM-related oil consumption; verify timing-belt service on 100k+ cars.

AWD

Rear-diff fluid service on AWD examples.

Suspension

Struts and bushings at 150k+.

Rust

Rear subframe on Northeast examples.

Living with it

Ownership Experience

• Comfortable, quiet, and practical for large families. Third row is genuinely usable.
• Real-world 20 mpg mixed is typical.
• Reasonable insurance and predictable service costs.

The Verdict

Should You Buy a Used Honda Pilot?

Yes, if the third row matters. Prefer 2019+ for improved transmission calibration, or 2016–2018 lower trims for the simpler 6AT.

Frequently Asked Questions

How reliable is the Honda Pilot?

Our scoring puts the Honda Pilot at 4.3/5 for reliability. The J35 V6 is one of the most reliable modern V6s. The 6-speed automatic (2016–2018 lower trims) is proven; the ZF 9-speed on higher trims needed multiple software updates. 2019+ shift quality is much better.

Which Pilot years should I avoid?

2016–2018 (9AT trims) deserve the most scrutiny — see the Years to Research section for the specific issues to check.

What are the best years for the Honda Pilot?

2016–2018 (3rd gen, 6AT trims) are the strongest years to target — J35 with the 6-speed — the simplest and safest 3rd-gen pick.

How long does a Honda Pilot last?

A well-maintained Pilot from the recommended years should comfortably reach 200,000 miles, with the strongest powertrains clearing 300,000+.

Is the Pilot expensive to maintain?

Pilot ownership is very close to Odyssey and Ridgeline — same J35 V6, same service intervals.

What should I inspect before buying a used Pilot?

Focus on: Transmission (9AT), Engine, AWD, Suspension. Details for each are in the Inspection Checklist section.

What are the most common Pilot problems?

9-speed rough shifts on 2016–2018 (software addressed); VCM (cylinder deactivation) oil consumption on some examples; AC condenser on high-mileage examples; Rear entertainment (if equipped) failures

Is 150,000 miles too much for a Pilot?

Not on its own. A 150k-mile Pilot with documented service history is often a better buy than an 80k-mile example with no records — the Pilot's core mechanicals routinely run well past 200k.

Should I buy a used Honda Pilot?

Yes, if the third row matters. Prefer 2019+ for improved transmission calibration, or 2016–2018 lower trims for the simpler 6AT.

Ready to Find the Right One?

Paste any Marketplace, Craigslist, Cars.com, Facebook Marketplace, or dealer listing and receive a free AI buying report in seconds.

Buy Score
Market value
Reliability analysis
Common problems
Ownership timeline
Negotiation points
Inspection checklist
Final Verdict

Get My Free Buying Report →

No account required. Always free.