Honda Pilot Used Engines

Every Pilot runs a version of the Honda J35 V6, and as with the Odyssey the differences between them are in the cylinder-deactivation hardware rather than the bottom end. The first-generation Pilot has no cylinder deactivation at all. From 2006 most Pilots carry Variable Cylinder Management, and from 2016 the J35Y6 adds direct injection and a different front cover. Odyssey, Ridgeline and Acura MDX engines of the matching years are the same family, which widens the pool.

Honda Pilot Used Engines — engine options by generation

How to pick the right one

Model year decides it, and the lines that matter are 2005 to 2006 (VCM arrives) and 2015 to 2016 (port injection to direct injection). Neither crosses. Within the VCM years the J35A9 and the J35Z1 and Z4 differ in how many cylinders they can drop and in the engine management that commands it, so match the year rather than the displacement. From 2016 the J35Y6 has a different fuel system, a different front cover and idle stop, and nothing earlier will fit. Tell us two-wheel or four-wheel drive, since the sump and the accessory drive differ. Send the VIN and we confirm the code against the build record.

What usually fails on these engines

Variable Cylinder Management is the Pilot story as much as the Odyssey story. Running three cylinders cold glazes the rings on the deactivated bank, which shows up as oil consumption and then as misfires on cylinders one, two and three, usually somewhere past 100,000 miles. The hydraulic front motor mount fails alongside it and produces a shudder owners read as a transmission fault. A good replacement is one from a vehicle where the system was disabled or the rings were done, and we tell you what we know about any unit we list. The other item is the timing belt: this is an interference engine on a 100,000-mile interval, so fit a belt, water pump and tensioner with any J35 you buy. Every engine is compression and leak-down tested.

What ships with every unit

• Compression and leak-down tested before it is listed, with the test sheet in the box.
• VIN matched fitment — send us your VIN and we confirm the engine code against your vehicle before the order ships.
• Written warranty on every engine, with labour coverage available.
• Free freight anywhere in the lower 48, shipped on a pallet to a commercial address or a terminal.

Related reading: Honda K24 2.4L engine guide, all engine guides. Also in stock: Honda Odyssey used engines.

Honda Pilot used engines - frequently asked questions

Which engines did the Honda Pilot use?

Across 2003 to today the Honda Pilot was built with J35A4 3.5L V6, J35A6 3.5L V6, J35A9 3.5L V6, J35Z1 / J35Z4 3.5L V6, J35Y6 3.5L V6 and J35Y8 3.5L V6. The table above lists which one belongs to each generation, with the engine family and VIN character that identifies it.

How do I know which engine is in my Honda Pilot?

The eighth character of the VIN encodes the engine on almost every US vehicle, and that is the only reliable way to settle it - two cars of the same year and trim can carry different engines. Send us the VIN and we check the engine code against your vehicle before anything ships.

Will an engine from a different year fit my Honda Pilot?

Model year decides it, and the lines that matter are 2005 to 2006 (VCM arrives) and 2015 to 2016 (port injection to direct injection). Neither crosses.

What usually fails on these engines?

Variable Cylinder Management is the Pilot story as much as the Odyssey story. Running three cylinders cold glazes the rings on the deactivated bank, which shows up as oil consumption and then as misfires on cylinders one, two and three, usually somewhere past 100,000 miles.

What comes with a used Honda Pilot engine?

Every engine is compression and leak-down tested before it is listed and the test sheet ships in the box. Fitment is VIN matched before the order goes out, every engine carries a written warranty with labour coverage available, and freight is free anywhere in the lower 48.