The 2017 Honda Pilot has a documented emissions system defect affecting thousands of vehicles

The 2017 Honda Pilot has a known issue with its emissions control system that Honda has addressed through multiple recalls. The problem centers on the secondary air injection (SAI) system and related components that are designed to reduce harmful emissions. Honda issued recalls for model year 2017 Pilots starting in 2018, with additional recalls following as the defect pattern became clearer. The issue does not affect all 2017 Pilots equally — some vehicles show symptoms earlier than others, and some owners never experience a problem.

The emissions system defect typically shows up as a check engine light on the dashboard. When this light appears, the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected a fault in the emissions control components. For 2017 Pilot owners, this often points to problems with the SAI system, which pumps fresh air into the exhaust to reduce emissions during cold starts and certain driving conditions. A faulty SAI system can trigger the check engine light even if the vehicle runs normally otherwise.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2017 Honda Pilot's secondary air injection system can fail prematurely, causing a check engine light and potential emissions test failures.
  • Honda issued multiple recalls for this defect; you can check your vehicle's recall status on the NHTSA website using your VIN.
  • If your vehicle is under warranty or covered by a recall, Honda dealers will repair or replace the faulty components at no cost.
  • Out-of-warranty repairs for emissions system components typically range from several hundred to over a thousand dollars, depending on which parts need replacement.
  • An emissions test failure due to this defect may be grounds for a waiver in some states, though rules vary by location.

Which 2017 Pilot models are affected and what the recalls cover

Honda issued recalls for 2017 Pilots with the secondary air injection system defect under multiple recall numbers. The recalls were issued in phases as Honda identified the scope of the problem. Not every 2017 Pilot was recalled — the defect appears to affect vehicles built during certain production windows, though Honda's public recall notices do not always specify exact build dates.

To find out whether your specific 2017 Pilot is covered by a recall, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website at safercar.gov and enter your vehicle identification number (VIN). The VIN is printed on your registration card, insurance documents, and the dashboard on the driver's side. NHTSA will show you every recall issued for your vehicle, including which ones have been completed and which remain open. If a recall is listed as open, you can take your vehicle to any Honda dealer to have the work done at no charge.

The recalls typically cover replacement of the SAI pump, SAI control valve, or related hoses and connectors. Honda dealers have parts in stock for these recalls, though wait times for service appointments vary by location and dealer workload. Some dealers can complete the repair in a single visit; others may require you to leave the vehicle for a day or more.

What happens if your 2017 Pilot is out of warranty

If your 2017 Pilot is no longer covered by Honda's factory warranty and no open recall applies to your vehicle, you will be responsible for the full cost of repairs. The emissions system components on the 2017 Pilot are not inexpensive — replacement of the SAI pump alone can cost between $400 and $800 in parts, plus labor charges that typically run $150 to $250 per hour depending on your location and the shop.

Before paying for repairs out of pocket, confirm the exact cause of your check engine light. A diagnostic scan at a Honda dealer or independent shop will identify which emissions component is faulty. Some check engine lights on 2017 Pilots point to issues unrelated to the known SAI system defect — for example, a loose gas cap or a different sensor failure. A proper diagnosis prevents you from paying for repairs you do not need.

If you have already paid for emissions system repairs on your 2017 Pilot and later discover that a recall covered the same repair, contact Honda customer service to discuss reimbursement options. Honda has reimbursed some owners for out-of-warranty repairs when a recall was issued shortly after the repair was completed, though the company does not may provide reimbursement in all cases.

Emissions test failures and state-specific options

A faulty emissions system can cause your 2017 Pilot to fail a state emissions inspection. When a vehicle fails an emissions test due to a known defect, some states allow owners to request a waiver or extension. The rules vary significantly by state — some states grant automatic waivers for vehicles with open recalls, while others require you to document that you attempted to have the recall repair completed but could not obtain an appointment within a certain timeframe.

If your 2017 Pilot failed an emissions test, contact your state's emissions testing program or your local motor vehicle department to ask about waiver procedures. Bring documentation of the check engine light code and, if applicable, proof that you scheduled a recall repair appointment. Some states will issue a temporary pass that allows you to register your vehicle while you arrange the repair. Other states require the repair to be completed before you can renew your registration.

If you live in a state without emissions testing, a faulty SAI system will not prevent you from registering your vehicle, though the check engine light will remain on until the component is repaired or replaced.

How to check your vehicle's recall status and schedule a repair

Visit safercar.gov and click on "Check for Recalls." Enter your VIN in the search box and select your vehicle from the results. The site will display all recalls issued for your 2017 Pilot, including the date each recall was issued and a brief description of the defect. If a recall is listed, click on the recall number to read the full technical details and see which components are affected.

Once you have confirmed that a recall applies to your vehicle, contact a Honda dealer near you to schedule service. You can find authorized Honda dealers through Honda's website or by searching "Honda dealer near me" in a search engine. Call the service department directly and mention the recall number — this helps the dealer pull up the correct repair procedure and order parts in advance. Let them know you are bringing the vehicle in for a recall repair, which should be performed at no charge.

Bring your vehicle registration and proof of ownership to the appointment. The dealer will perform a diagnostic scan to confirm the fault, complete the recall repair, and clear the check engine light if the repair resolves the underlying issue. Most SAI system repairs take between one and three hours.

Independent repair shops versus Honda dealers for emissions work

If your 2017 Pilot is not covered by a recall and you need to pay for repairs, you have the option to use an independent shop instead of a Honda dealer. Independent shops often charge less for labor than dealerships, though parts costs are typically similar. However, emissions system work involves components that must meet federal standards, and some independent shops have less experience with the specific SAI system design on the 2017 Pilot.

Before choosing an independent shop, ask whether they have experience repairing 2017 Pilot emissions systems and whether they can source OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts or quality aftermarket equivalents. Request a written estimate that breaks down parts and labor separately. Some independent shops offer warranties on their repair work, which can provide protection if the problem recurs shortly after the repair.

If you choose a Honda dealer for out-of-warranty repairs, ask about any service specials or discounts on emissions system work. Some dealers offer reduced labor rates for emissions repairs, particularly if you are a repeat customer or if you have other work done at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive my 2017 Pilot with the check engine light on?

Yes, the vehicle will continue to run normally in most cases. The check engine light indicates a fault in the emissions system, not an when ready safety hazard. However, you should not ignore it indefinitely — emissions system faults can worsen over time, and you may fail an emissions inspection or have difficulty selling the vehicle if the light remains on.

Will the check engine light turn off on its own after I fix the emissions problem?

Usually yes, but not always. After the repair is completed, the dealer or shop will clear the fault code using a diagnostic scanner. If the repair was successful, the light should not return. If the light comes back within a few days, the underlying problem may not have been fully resolved, and you should return to the shop for further diagnosis.

What is the difference between a recall and a technical service bulletin?

A recall is a mandatory repair issued by the manufacturer for a safety or emissions defect. Honda must notify owners, and the repair is free. A technical service bulletin (TSB) is guidance for dealers on how to diagnose and repair a known issue, but it is not mandatory and may not be free. Some 2017 Pilot owners have had emissions work done under TSBs rather than recalls.

If I sell my 2017 Pilot with an open recall, am I responsible for the repair?

No, the recall obligation transfers to the new owner. However, disclosing the open recall to a potential buyer is legally required in most states. An open recall may reduce the vehicle's resale value, so having the repair completed before selling is often the better choice.

How long does a 2017 Pilot emissions system repair typically take?

Most SAI system repairs take one to three hours of labor. If the dealer needs to order parts or if the vehicle has additional issues discovered during the repair, the appointment may take longer. Ask the dealer for a time estimate when you schedule your service.