Hello Scotty, is it true that the 2nd Honda Pilot generation is way better than the 3rd? I was thinking about upgrading to the 3rd generation, but I heard too many complaints and decided to keep my 2014 Honda Pilot EX-L with 50.000 miles on it. What do you think about it? Thanks
See below:
https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/qa/new-honda-pilots/#post-79304
https://www.cashcarsbuyer.com/do-honda-pilots-have-transmission-problems/#om
https://www.motorbiscuit.com/the-most-complained-about-honda-suvs/
https://www.carparts.com/blog/honda-pilot-reliability-and-common-problems/amp/
(3rd Gen) https://www.motorbiscuit.com/the-2016-honda-pilot-had-an-alarming-number-of-transmission-problems/
Also, realize the 2nd generation (model years 2009-2015) with the 3.5L V6 engine (J35Z4) has port injection and is not a GDI engine - a good thing for maintenance, repairs, and longevity. The 3rd generation (2016-present) has a GDI engine (J35Y6) with no port injection so overtime can be susceptible to carbon buildup on the back of the intake valves (need catch and cleaning back of intake valves to mitigate the issue). Your year 2014 - 2nd to last year of that generation with some of the bugs/issues worked out - seems to be one of the better years of that generation. To make matters worth, the new Honda Pilots now come with a complicated 9-speed ZF auto transmission and long term reliability on that is unknown (but most likely not going to be as durable as the 6-speed).
In short, I would stick with the devil you know. Although realize 2nd or 3rd Gen - both engines have cylinder deactivation (what Honda calls VCM) so I would disable it sooner rather than later to avoid potential issues down the road. Also, be sure to change engine oil every 5,000 miles (especially if you keep the VCM on - needs clean oil) and stay on top of the transmission fluid changes.
How do I deactivate the VCM please? Thanks
See below for disabling VCM.
https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/qa/using-ktuner-software-to-disable-vcm-honda-acura/
Also read everything here:
https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/postid/95505/
https://www.piloteers.org/threads/tuning.167194/
Thanks for your quick response, greatly appreciated
The 2nd Gen Pilot is my favorite Pilot. Take care if that baby, and she will treat you well.
Thank you i will - just trying to figure out how to deactivate the VCM.