P0305 on HONDA PILOT — Cylinder 5 Misfire Detected

Q: "What does P0305 mean on a HONDA PILOT?"

"P0305 indicates: Cylinder 5 Misfire Detected. This is a ignition system code. 4 HONDA PILOT owners have reported this to NHTSA."

Q: "What are the most common causes of P0305 on HONDA PILOT?"

"Based on 4 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Engine, Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints."

Q: "Is P0305 serious on my HONDA PILOT?"

"Of 4 NHTSA reports for this code on HONDA PILOT, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic."

Q: "What should I do if my HONDA PILOT shows P0305?"

"1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare."

What P0305 Means on Your HONDA PILOT

P0305 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Cylinder 5 Misfire Detected. This code relates to the ignition system system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.

4 HONDA PILOT owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2014-2017. Most reports come from the 2016, 2014 model years. The most commonly reported component is Engine (75.0% of reports).

Real HONDA PILOT Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"2014 Honda pilot Misfire repeatedly happening. Changed spark plugs and coils 3 times continues to happen. I have had the above problem 3 times (check engine light flashing, VTM-4, traction lights all on. Check engine light started flashing, engine was revving weird."

— 2014 HONDA PILOT owner · ENGINE · Filed 08/11/2024

"My vehicle suffered a catastrophic failure of the exhaust and engine systems directly caused by the defective fuel injection system identified in Service Bulletin 20-100."

— 2016 HONDA PILOT owner · ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM · Filed 05/01/2025

"Meticulously maintained 2026 Honda Pilot with less than 90,000 miles experienced a catastrophic engine failure while driving on highway. Dealership diagnostic found code P0305 and commented, "the engine bearing failed resulting in a catastrophic failure."

— 2016 HONDA PILOT owner · ENGINE · Filed 04/03/2002

"Vehicle: 2017 Honda Pilot VIN: [XXX] Mileage at incident: ~137,800 miles Description of the problem: My 2017 Honda Pilot has experienced repeated engine misfire issues involving cylinder 5 following a major engine repair performed by an authorized Honda dealership."

— 2017 HONDA PILOT owner · ENGINE · Filed 09/22/2025

All reports filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

1

'14

2

'16

1

'17

Common Causes on HONDA PILOT

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

ENGINE 75%

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 25%

What To Do Next

1
Check for recalls on YOUR VIN
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. If your vehicle is covered, repairs are free.
2
Get a proper diagnosis
A code alone doesn't tell you the exact failed part. A diagnostic at a shop ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause before you spend money on parts.
3
Compare repair quotes
Get 2–3 quotes. Dealer vs. independent shop prices often differ 30–50% for the same repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does P0305 mean on a HONDA PILOT? ▾

P0305 indicates: Cylinder 5 Misfire Detected. This is a ignition system code. 4 HONDA PILOT owners have reported this to NHTSA.

What are the most common causes of P0305 on HONDA PILOT? ▾

Based on 4 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Engine, Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.

Is P0305 serious on my HONDA PILOT? ▾

Of 4 NHTSA reports for this code on HONDA PILOT, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic.

What should I do if my HONDA PILOT shows P0305? ▾

1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare.