Honda J35A
Engine versions equipped with VCM are notorious for oil leaks from system gaskets.
Honda Pilot engines
The Honda Pilot is a Japanese mid-size crossover vehicle produced by Honda Motor Co., Ltd. since 2002. Shares with Acura MDX, Honda Odyssey and Honda Accord and the largest body in its model range for 7-8 seats. Since 2016, the 3rd generation of the model has been produced. Most of the machines produced are sold in the markets of America, the Middle East, Russia and Ukraine. Pilot, supplied to the domestic market, features all-wheel drive, increased ground clearance and an intelligent drive control system.
The Honda Pilot was offered with 3 engines between 2002 and 2022 (3 petrol). Displacement ranges from 3.5 to 3.5 liters, power output from 210 to 310 hp. All of them use a timing belt. The longest rated lifespan belongs to the Honda J35A (about 375,000 km).
Honda Pilot engines by generation
| Engine | Years | Volume | Power | Fuel | Timing | Oil | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Pilot 1 (YF) 2002–2008 | |||||||
| Honda J35A | 2002–2008 | 3.5 L V6 | 210–285 hp | petrol | belt | 4.7 L | ~375,000 km |
| Honda J35Z | 2005–2008 | 3.5 L V6 | 244–280 hp | petrol | belt | 4.3 L | ~300,000 km |
| Honda Pilot 3 (YF5) 2015–2022 | |||||||
| Honda J35Y | 2015–2022 | 3.5 L V6 | 278–310 hp | petrol | belt | 4.3 L | ~300,000 km |
Honda Pilot engine FAQ
What engines were used in the Honda Pilot?
Honda Pilot 1 (YF) (2002–2008): Honda J35A and Honda J35Z; Honda Pilot 3 (YF5) (2015–2022): Honda J35Y.
Which Honda Pilot engine is the most durable?
By rated service life the most durable Honda Pilot engines are: Honda J35A — about 375,000 km; Honda J35Y — about 300,000 km; Honda J35Z — about 300,000 km. Actual lifespan depends heavily on maintenance and oil change intervals.
How much oil does the Honda Pilot engine take?
Engine oil capacity with filter: Honda J35A — 4.7 L (5W-30); Honda J35Y — 4.3 L (0W-20); Honda J35Z — 4.3 L (0W-20).
Does the Honda Pilot have a timing belt or chain?
Timing belt: Honda J35A, Honda J35Y and Honda J35Z. Belts must be replaced on schedule: on many engines a broken belt bends the valves.
Was the Honda Pilot available with a diesel engine?
No, all Honda Pilot engines in our database run on petrol.
Engine details
Honda J35Z
The VCM system is blamed for oil consumption caused by stuck piston rings.
Honda J35Y
Direct-injection versions accumulate carbon deposits on the intake valves.
Models with the same engines
- Honda Odyssey 3 shared engines
- Honda Ridgeline 3 shared engines
- Acura MDX 2 shared engines
- Acura RLX 2 shared engines
- Acura TL 2 shared engines
- Acura TLX 2 shared engines
- Acura TSX 2 shared engines
- Honda Accord 2 shared engines
- Honda Crosstour 2 shared engines
- Acura RDX 1 shared engine