P3497 on HONDA PILOT — Cylinder Deactivation System Bank 2

Q: "What does P3497 mean on a HONDA PILOT?"

"P3497 indicates: Cylinder Deactivation System Bank 2. This is a powertrain code. 3 HONDA PILOT owners have reported this to NHTSA."

Q: "What are the most common causes of P3497 on HONDA PILOT?"

"Based on 3 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Power Train,Engine, Electrical System,Engine, Engine. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints."

Q: "Is P3497 serious on my HONDA PILOT?"

"Of 3 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 P3497?"

"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 P3497 Means on Your HONDA PILOT

P3497 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Cylinder Deactivation System Bank 2. This code relates to the powertrain system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.

3 HONDA PILOT owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2009-2011. Most reports come from the 2009, 2011 model years.

Real HONDA PILOT Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"Variable cylinder management (vcm) excess oil consumption, which has prompt to an engine light "p3497 cylinder deactivation system bank 2" i have taken the car to the dealer, and i am waiting for a resolution/s. the car is a the dealership as i am writing this..."

— 2009 HONDA PILOT owner · POWER TRAIN,ENGINE · Filed 12/13/2016

"The change oil indicator never came on and my engine light came on so i immediately took it to an autozone to have the code checked. it was a code p3497. that was a saturday, i took it to the dealer on monday. they were about to let me drive away with no oil because the code was cleared."

— 2009 HONDA PILOT owner · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE · Filed 12/06/2014

"My 2011 honda pilot has had a severe shutter when accelerating from a dead stop to up to 40mph. it has gotten progressively worse since i bought it in in 2014."

— 2011 HONDA PILOT owner · ENGINE · Filed 11/01/2017

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

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

2

'09

1

'11

Common Causes on HONDA PILOT

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 33.3%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 33.3%

ENGINE 33.3%

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 P3497 mean on a HONDA PILOT? ▾

P3497 indicates: Cylinder Deactivation System Bank 2. This is a powertrain code. 3 HONDA PILOT owners have reported this to NHTSA.

What are the most common causes of P3497 on HONDA PILOT? ▾

Based on 3 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Power Train,Engine, Electrical System,Engine, Engine. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.

Is P3497 serious on my HONDA PILOT? ▾

Of 3 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 P3497? ▾

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.

P3497 on Other Vehicles

→ All codes reported on HONDA PILOT