Honda Pilot Parts, Specs and Maintenance Guide

5L V6 across every model year in this file. The 2nd generation (2009–2015, covered here from 2012) uses the port-injected J35Z4 with i-VTEC and Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) cylinder deactivation and a 5-speed automatic, VCM's oil-consumption and piston-ring wear problems became infamous enough that Honda settled a class action extending powertrain warranty coverage, and the same engine family fouls spark plugs and throws misfire codes when it happens. The 3rd generation (2016–2022) jumped to 280 hp with the J35Y6, split between a conventional 6-speed automatic (LX, EX) and a ZF-sourced 9-speed automatic (EX-L, Touring, Elite) that earned a reputation for harsh shifting and torque-converter judder addressed by several Honda TSBs, plus a 2026 recall for rear subframe corrosion and two separate fuel-pump recall campaigns.

The 4th generation (2023–2025) switched to the non-VTEC, DOHC J35Y8 (285 hp) mated to a new 10-speed automatic, added the off-road TrailSport trim, and introduced its own headaches, infotainment freezes and a 2025 brake-pedal-pivot-pin recall. Across the range: 0W-20 full synthetic oil, the same 15400-PLM-A02 spin-on filter, a 94 ft-lb lug torque (higher than most Honda cars), and Honda's Maintenance Minder governing service timing instead of a fixed mileage chart. Towing tops out at 5,000 lbs on AWD/i-VTM4 trims, the Pilot's main draw as a family tow vehicle, versus 3,500 lbs on FWD.