2022 Honda Pilot

Other Systems

The 2022 Honda Pilot has generated 28 NHTSA complaints for this defect category. If your vehicle has experienced recurring issues in this area that the dealer has been unable to repair after multiple attempts, you may have a qualifying lemon law claim under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. Owner reports include: “Idle engine restart failed. The vehicle went in idle mode at stop light, whe I got green and moved feet off brake to acceleration the engine failed to restart. It happened on 2/3/2026. I turned on hazard light to alert other drivers I was in trouble. I kept getting message on dashboard to put car in park, press the brake and push engine start. It did not work for a while I stepped out of vehicle unlocked stepped back in then I could start the engine. The second occurrence was 2/7/2026. This was a major intersection. Same thing happened, situation lasted longer, traffic built up behind me I had to call 911, I step out the vehicle to open the hood in addition to having hazard light on for my safety. I tow truck came along. When he open vehicle and got in, the engine started. I was at dealership today 2/11/2026 they indicated no fault was found. While waiting for my appointment today I have been turning off the automatic idle feature every time I get in the car.” (NHTSA Complaint #11717374)

Forward Collision System

Advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) defects — including malfunctioning forward collision warnings, lane keep assist failures, and erratic automatic emergency braking — can create dangerous driving conditions. The 2022 Honda Pilot has 26 NHTSA complaints for this defect type. Owner reports include: “It is constantly breaking when cars are coming the other way. It almost caused a vehicle to almost hit me. Also the auto shut off has almost caused accidents because it causes my car to stall and I wish I could keep it off and not have to push the button off every time.” (NHTSA Complaint #11710281)

Electrical System

Electrical system failures are notoriously difficult to diagnose and repair, which often results in multiple unsuccessful repair attempts — a key element of a lemon law claim. Reported issues for the 2022 Honda Pilot include infotainment malfunctions, battery drain, warning lights, power window failures, and intermittent starting problems. 14 NHTSA complaints have been filed for this category. Owner reports include: “The car failed to start after stop at a traffic light. It happened few times. I replaced old battery with a new one. The problem still persists. Mechanic checked the battery health and found to be good.” (NHTSA Complaint #11722644)

Powertrain

Powertrain and transmission defects directly impair the vehicle’s core function and are generally considered substantial defects under California lemon law. Owners of the 2022 Honda Pilot have reported harsh shifting, shuddering, slipping, and transmission warning lights. 10 NHTSA complaints have been submitted for this defect category. Owner reports include: “Vehicle: 2022 Honda Pilot Elite AWD Mileage at first occurrence: ~30,000 miles Current mileage at worsening/repeatability of issue: ~48,000 miles My 2022 Honda Pilot Elite experiences a loss of propulsion during cold starts, most commonly after using remote start. The issue occurs when the vehicle is cold, shifted into Drive, and remains stationary for approximately 10–15 seconds. Under these conditions, the vehicle displays the message “Stop driving when safe. Transmission problem. See manual,” disengages the transmission, and shifts itself into Neutral. The vehicle will not move until it is shut off and restarted. This condition has occurred multiple times and is repeatable under the same circumstances. There are no other warning lights present, and restarting the vehicle temporarily restores normal operation. I reported this issue to my Honda dealer. The dealer contacted Honda North America technical support, who stated they are aware of this exact issue and the specific sequence of events that causes it. Honda advised that they do not consider this behavior a defect and declined to provide any repair guidance or corrective action. This condition results in an unexpected loss of drive capability and could pose a safety risk if it occurs in traffic or at an intersection. The issue can occur during normal vehicle operation and does not involve misuse of the vehicle.” (NHTSA Complaint #11717181)

Engine

Engine and cooling problems are among the most serious defects under California’s Song-Beverly Act. Owners of the 2022 Honda Pilot have reported issues including stalling, overheating, loss of power, rough idling, excessive oil consumption, and check engine lights that return after dealer repairs. With 10 NHTSA complaints on record, this defect pattern is well-documented. Owner reports include: “Engine fails to restart on its own from a complete stop at a traffic light or road intersection with the Auto Idle Stop (AIS) function engaged. When I release the brake pedal, the vehicle automatically goes into neutral, and when I try to put into Drive, nothing happens, then it takes multiple attempts to turn the vehicle off. Once it turns off, it does turn back on, and I can continue driving. This behavior is hard to reproduce consistently, it’s happening from time to time.” (NHTSA Complaint #11708997)

Active NHTSA Recalls — 2022 Honda Pilot

The following 3 recalls have been issued for the 2022 Honda Pilot by the NHTSA or Honda. If your vehicle is affected, the manufacturer is required to provide a free remedy. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls.

California Lemon Law — Song-Beverly Act

California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1790–1795.8) is one of the strongest lemon laws in the United States. It protects buyers and lessees of new and certified pre-owned vehicles that develop substantial defects the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts.

Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, a lemon law presumption is triggered when any of the following apply to your 2022 Honda Pilot:

• 4+ repair attempts for the same non-safety defect without resolution
• 2+ repair attempts for a defect likely to cause death or serious bodily injury
• 30+ calendar days out of service for warranty repairs (cumulative, not consecutive)

Once the presumption is triggered, the burden shifts to Honda to prove the vehicle is not a lemon. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1794(d), Honda must pay your attorney’s fees if you prevail — meaning qualified representation costs you nothing out of pocket.

What You Can Recover

If your 2022 Honda Pilot qualifies as a lemon under California law, Honda may be legally required to:

• Repurchase your vehicle — Full refund of your down payment, all monthly payments, registration fees, and incidental costs (towing, rentals), minus a mileage offset for miles driven before the first repair attempt
• Replace your vehicle — Provide a new, comparable vehicle at no cost to you
• Pay your attorney’s fees — Under § 1794(d), Honda pays all legal fees if you prevail
• Civil penalty up to 2x damages — If Honda willfully violated the Act, courts may award double the actual damages

Steps to Protect Your 2022 Honda Pilot Claim

Step 1: Document every repair visit. Keep all repair orders, work orders, and dealer invoices. Each visit counts as a repair attempt, even if the dealer says nothing is wrong.

Step 2: Keep returning for repairs. You must give Honda a reasonable opportunity to fix the defect. Visit different authorized Honda dealers if needed and ask for written documentation of each visit.

Step 3: Contact a California lemon law attorney. Once you believe the threshold has been met — 4 attempts for non-safety defects, 2 for safety defects, or 30 days out of service — contact an attorney for a free case evaluation. Under § 1794(d), Honda pays your fees if you win.

Step 4: Send a demand letter. Your attorney will send Honda a formal demand letter. Most California lemon law cases resolve through negotiation without going to trial.

2022 Honda Pilot Lemon Law Questions

How many repair attempts qualify my 2022 Honda Pilot as a lemon?

Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, four or more repair attempts for the same non-safety defect, or two attempts for a safety-related defect, triggers the lemon law presumption. Additionally, 30 or more cumulative days out of service qualifies regardless of the number of repair attempts.

Does Honda pay my attorney fees?

Yes. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1794(d), Honda is required to pay your reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs if you prevail in a lemon law claim. This means qualified lemon law representation is free to you if your case succeeds.

Can I file a lemon law claim without an active recall?

Yes. A recall is not required to file a lemon law claim. The Song-Beverly Act covers any substantial defect that impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle that the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts. NHTSA complaints support the claim by establishing a pattern, but are not a prerequisite.

What is the time limit to file a lemon law claim for my 2022 Honda Pilot?

California lemon law claims are generally subject to a four-year statute of limitations from the date you discovered or should have discovered the defect. However, you must still be within the manufacturer’s original warranty period when the defect first appears. Contact an attorney promptly to preserve your rights.