[losiglow]

Hello all. I've owned a 2009 Pilot Touring for about 6 years. We have 250K miles on it and have had very little trouble. It's aged well but it's about time to put her out to pasture and upgrade.

My wife really likes the newer Pilot more than the Toyota Highlander or Sequoia so it looks like that's what we're going with. What I'd like to know is if anyone has suggestions, has experienced trouble or has other items you'd recommend I look out for with the 3rd generation. We're currently looking at the 2016, which has the 6-speed auto. I'm nervous about the ZF in the later models anyways since Acura hasn't exactly had good luck with them, especially the TLX.

I'm a gearhead and have owned 3 other vehicles with the Honda J-series V6 (2006 TL, 2012 TL and 2009 Pilot). I've worked quite a bit on them including timing belt replacements, valve adjustments, etc. And I've read a good deal on the forum about potential problems. However, I'm hoping anyone who's owned one for a while can shed light on anything I should look for in particular.

If anyone has any tips, please let me know. Thank you!

 

[smufguy]

In additional to problems echoed here, familiarize yourself with the TSBs and recalls issued for the 2016 model year >> 2016 Honda Pilot Service Bulletins. ALso use owners.honda.com to check them.

The ZF transmission in the Pilot and Odyssey seem to have some issues, though addressed, not everyone is happy about it. Odyssey has since migrated to the 10AT, which is problem free and it a Honda child.

As you know, the first model year of any generation of vehicles, has its own issues. I would say wait on the Pilot to get a 2020 or later.

 

[cintocrunch]

'16 is the first model year for the 3rd gen. You get many creature comfort and performance upgrades over the 2nd gen but there have been teething problems. Injectors are probably the biggest risk, followed by infotainment issues (since you are staying away from the 9 speeds).

 

[losiglow]

Thanks to both of you. I'll definitely look up the TSB's to get familiar with anything those. Curious on the injectors though. I haven't owned any vehicles with direct injection yet. I understand that those injectors are a lot more expensive than standard port injectors. Have there been very many owners with injector problems?

I'm giving it the one over this afternoon. We'll see how it goes.

 

[smufguy]

Thanks to both of you. I'll definitely look up the TSB's to get familiar with anything those. Curious on the injectors though. I haven't owned any vehicles with direct injection yet. I understand that those injectors are a lot more expensive than standard port injectors. Have there been very many owners with injector problems?

I'm giving it the one over this afternoon. We'll see how it goes.

If you get a certified Pre Owned, then you would be in luck because you have very good warranty coverage which is 7years/100K miles (' 2015 - '2020 model years). As far as the powertrain is concerned, if the vehicle you are purchasing still has its 'new vehicle warranty' then you get 4-yr/48K extension, if the 'new vehicle warranty' expired, then you get a 1-yr/12K extension. All these begin from the date of delivery. More info here >> https://www.hondacertified.com/-/media/HondaCertified/PDF/certified-preowned-benefits/Honda-Certified-Pre-Owned-Vehicles-Warranty-Booklet.ashx


Fuel injectors
Some are starting to have issues, and some have repetitive issues. This is across the board on Ridgeline and Odyssey as well. If you get a CPO (certified pre-owned) then this work, as long as the VIN qualifies, will be performed. If it does not, it is worth negotiating prior to delivery. Generally speaking, for new vehicle purchase; the customer has the upper hand. For a used vehicle; the dealership has the upper hand.
The direct injection fuel injectors are pretty much the same price as the port fuel injectors. We are talking about price of each fuel injector here and they are about the same. For example, the Port fuel injector on a 2014 Ridgeline is $62.11/each while the direct injection fuel injector on a 2018 Ridgeline is $62.89.

The difference is, you CANNOT get one single direct injection fuel injector; it will only come as a kit of 6 from the dealership. Everything associated with the DI injector replacement will also be done in a set of 6. So this means, when one injector is bad in your 2016 Pilot, you will shell out $377.35 to purchase 6, though you only need 1. This is why the DI injector replacement, with labor, is a lot more than changing one faulty injector in a non-DI engine.

 

[rl911]

Get the sequoia if you can afford it! Honda has lost its way, the technology isn’t up to par and I have no confidence in the longevity of the engines.

 

[smufguy]

........I have no confidence in the longevity of the engines.

Care to elaborate on this? Which J series engine are we talking about?

 

[boom]

2016 is the one year I would never buy. First year run of a redesign is proving true in this case.

 

[losiglow]

Agreed. The J is pretty solid. Now the turbo's out recently are another subject. Time will tell......

 

[losiglow]

Oh, and the Pilot we looked at the other day ended up selling. Too bad because it was the perfect combo my wife was looking for. Black interior, factory DVD and 2nd row bench (not captain chairs). Apparently it's not common for the factory DVD to come on the EX-L. There are lots of Touring's and Elite's for sale but no bueno on the 9 speed. My wife test drove a touring and agreed.