I Heard A Knocking Sound From My 2022 Honda Pilot. It Only Has 87K Miles, But Now, My Honda Tech Says I Need a New Engine On This One

Why did a 2022 Honda Pilot owner have engine failure at only 87,000 miles?

Is the Pilot a reliable vehicle? According to Honda master tech, BC Auto (@bcauto_), a trusted expert in the field, the Honda Pilot, if properly maintained, should exceed 200,000 miles. However, his customer says he hears a noise from the Pilot's engine.  

The Honda Master Tech, a seasoned professional with years of experience and expertise, is a reliable source of information for Honda Pilot owners.

In his TikTok clip, the Honda tech is looking underneath a customer's 2022 Honda Pilot and says, "Here is a 2022 Honda Pilot with 87,000 miles, and the customer says they hear a knocking from the engine," as he removes the oil pan to reveal the lower crankshaft bearings.

Imagine owning a Honda Pilot you bought because you heard it was a reliable vehicle. You've owned it for three years, and it's been a good vehicle. 

However, you drive a lot of miles—24,000 a year, which is double the average. Because you drive so much, it's easy to forget about getting your SUV in for maintenance, and you go over the recommended miles for your oil changes.

One day, you hear a knocking sound from the engine, and you take it to a certified Honda technician to check it out. The diagnosis is not what you want to hear. 

Let's pick up the story. 

As he looks inside the lower engine, the Master Honda tech jiggles the rod bearing, moving back and forth, showing extreme wear on the parts. That's where the noise is coming from. 

He continues, "Yep, we are getting a short block for this one."

The Pilot Needs a New Engine

Surprisingly, the Pilot needs a short block, essentially the engine's bottom end. It consists of the engine block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, and associated parts like bearings and gaskets. This repair won't be cheap. 

How Much Does It Cost? 

A short block for the 2022 Honda Pilot will cost the customer between $4,500 and $5,500. Depending on the shop, labor costs could add another $1,800 to $3,000. The total will be between $6,300 and $8,500. Ouch. 

What happened to the 2022 Pilot's Engine? Did the owner use the wrong oil? 

First, the Honda Master Tech disagrees with Honda's oil recommendation.

A comment from Steve Wilkes says, "I'm convinced the use of these very thin synthetic oils is not protective enough to the internal components."

Master Tech BCauto_says, "I use 5W30 in all my engines. This car was using 0W20, so yeah, I agree."  

What Oil Does Honda Recommend?

Honda recommends the use of 0W20 synthetic oil in the 2022 Honda Pilot. 

Can using the wrong oil cause engine failure in a Honda Pilot? 

Using the wrong oil in a Honda Pilot can lead to engine failure. While using the wrong oil might not cause immediate failure, it can lead to increased wear and tear, reduced engine life, and even eventual failure if continued for long periods. 

Here's why:

• Inadequate Lubrication: The wrong oil may not provide the necessary lubrication to protect the engine's moving parts, leading to friction and wear. 
• Reduced Performance: Using the wrong oil can affect engine performance, potentially causing issues like reduced fuel efficiency, unusual engine sounds, and difficulty starting in cold conditions. 
• Component Damage: Over time, inadequate lubrication can damage critical engine components like bearings, pistons, and the oil pump, ultimately leading to failure. 
• Potential for Overheating: Using the wrong oil can also affect the engine's ability to cool, leading to overheating and further damage. 

Important Note: The specific consequences depend on the severity and type of oil used. Using a transmission oil instead of engine oil is a more severe mistake than using a different viscosity (e.g., 5W-30 instead of 5W-20), but both can have detrimental effects. 

Recommendations:

• It's crucial to always refer to your owner's manual for the recommended oil type and viscosity for your Honda Pilot. This simple step, within the owner's control, can prevent costly engine repairs and keep your vehicle running smoothly.
• If you're unsure about the correct oil, consult a qualified mechanic. 
• Regular oil changes with the correct type of oil are crucial for maintaining engine health and preventing premature failure. How often should you change your oil?
• Whether you use synthetic or conventional oil, Honda recommends changing the oil and filter every 7,500-10,000 miles for synthetic oil and every 3,000-5,000 miles for conventional oil. 

The Honda master tech says the Honda Pilot should exceed 200,000 miles if properly maintained. Why did this 2022 Pilot owner's engine fail at 87,000 miles if the owner was using the correct oil?

The Honda Pilot's V6 engine is known for its durability and ability to last for high mileage with proper maintenance, according to Frankleta Honda. 

High Reliability Scores:

The 2022 Honda Pilot has a predicted reliability score of 81 out of 100, according to U.S. News and World Report, putting it in the "high" reliability category.

This score is based on various factors, including owner feedback, expert evaluations, and historical data, providing a comprehensive view of the vehicle's reliability.

However, without proper maintenance, the 2022 Honda Pilot or any vehicle will not hold up if used in severe use environments.

It's Not the Oil's Fault, It's the Lack of Maintenance

Regular maintenance is the key to preventing premature engine failure. By following the manufacturer's recommendations for oil changes and other routine tasks, you can ensure your Honda Pilot stays reliable for years to come.

Driving habits and conditions will affect how often you should change your oil. After your first oil change, Honda says you should change the Pilot's oil every 7,500-10,000 miles using synthetic oil. But this is if you drive in "normal" conditions. Most engines operate in extreme conditions. 

What are the extreme driving conditions?

Extreme conditions include:

• Frequent engine braking (downshifting the transmission to decelerate the vehicle).
• Engine operation at sustained high rpm (sustained highway driving or driving in mountainous terrain).
• Frequent acceleration and deceleration (stop-and-go freeway traffic).
• Severe thermal conditions (extreme heat or cold).
• Idling for extended periods (frequent and sustained remote engine-start operation).

Extreme conditions require more frequent oil changes.

If you drive in extreme conditions, you must change your oil more frequently. Auto Care recommends changing it every 3,000-5,000 if you use synthetic oil, especially if you have more than one of the above extremes. 

Conclusion:

The 2022 Honda Pilot owner likely didn't change the oil as often as they should. This resulted in premature engine wear. Now, they need a new short block and an expensive engine repair. 

Ultimately, it's always cheaper to change the Pilot's or any vehicle's oil often, especially if you drive in conditions like frequent short trips, idling, extreme temperatures, and towing. 

How About You?

Do you own a Honda Pilot? Has your model been reliable? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know. Your experiences and insights can help other Honda Pilot owners and potential buyers make informed decisions.

Check out my 2025 Honda Pilot story: My 2025 Honda Pilot Died in the Middle Of An Intersection With My Kids in the Car, and Honda Can’t Figure Out What’s Wrong With It

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via BC Auto