C. STEVEN MOSKOS, P.A.
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Trouble With Your 2025 Honda Pilot? You’re Not Alone

8/24/2025

 
Buying a new SUV should bring confidence, but if you’re behind the wheel of a 2025 Honda Pilot, you might already be second-guessing that decision. Between engine failures, safety system malfunctions, and a growing list of recalls, this model is showing signs of trouble very early in its life cycle. For some drivers, that has turned into repeated service visits, and for others, it’s resulted in fear behind the wheel.

​A Surge in Car Complaints

The 2025 Honda Pilot has racked up over 60 consumer complaints through NHTSA so far, with drivers reporting complete electrical failures, random engine stalls, and unpredictable behavior from the collision avoidance system. When so many issues surface early, it’s hard to know if the vehicle is a good investment, making it one of the worst cars of 2025.
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Engine and Powertrain Issues

Drivers report engine stalling, misfiring, and gear shifting problems that sometimes happen within days of their new Honda Pilot purchase. Stalls occurred in the middle of busy intersections, and the SUV has been known to slip into neutral or reverse without warning at stoplights.

Forward Collision Avoidance Failures

The Pilot’s safety system is supposed to prevent accidents, but in some cases, it’s causing them. Several owners reported the automatic braking system triggering at highway speeds without reason. Sensors also failed entirely, leading to low-speed crashes with trees, toys, and parked vehicles.

Electrical System Shutdowns

A large number of complaints involve complete electrical failure. In some cases, the SUV shut off and wouldn’t restart, locking the doors and leaving owners stranded.

Visibility and Structural Defects

There have also been issues with windshield cracking under normal driving conditions and no replacement glass available. Distortion in the glass, mirror detachment, and poorly mounted components that compromise visibility and structure also impair visibility for 2025 Honda Pilot drivers.

​Recalls for the 2025 Honda Pilot

So far, four recalls have been issued for this model. One involves a software defect in the fuel injection system that can cause engine stalls. Another concerns a loose brake pedal pin that may stop the brakes from functioning correctly. Honda has also recalled vehicles for a third-row seatbelt issue and a fuel filler pipe defect that could lead to a dangerous leak. These recalls cover major safety systems and affect hundreds of thousands of vehicles.

​Your SC Lemon Law Rights

If your new 2025 Honda Pilot has persistent problems, you don’t have to keep waiting for the next repair. South Carolina’s Lemon Law exists to protect you when your new vehicle turns out to be unreliable. Steve Moskos helps clients across the state take legal action when car complaints go unanswered or unresolved. We’re here to help if your newly purchased Honda Pilot in South Carolina qualifies. Reach out and ask us how the SC Lemon Law may apply to your case.

Trouble Under the Hood: The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander and Lemon Law in South Carolina

7/9/2025

 
When you buy a new vehicle from a manufacturer with a long-standing reputation like Toyota, you expect long-term dependability. However, for many drivers who bought the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, that expectation has started to fall apart. With over 120 consumer complaints already reported to the NHTSA, the Grand Highlander is raising some very serious questions for buyers, and its reliability concerns have put it on our list as one of the worst cars of 2025.

​What the Car Complaints Are Telling You

If your new Grand Highlander has been acting up, you’re not just imagining things. These aren’t just isolated glitches, as hundreds of owners share the same frustrations across multiple systems.

Axle and Steering Concerns

One of the top car complaints for the 2025 Toyota Highlander involves clicking or knocking noises during turns that have been traced to the axle or steering system. Unfortunately, drivers have been told by dealerships that no fix is currently available.

Engine and Acceleration Issues

Complaints also focus on issues where the Grand Highlander hesitates when accelerating from a stop, especially when pulling into traffic. Additionally, owners have described moments where the car barely responds to the gas pedal, creating high-stress situations during turns or lane merges. For a vehicle marketed as a safe family SUV, that kind of delay can make you question your buying decision.
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Fuel System Discrepancies

Another major safety concern involves the panoramic moonroof spontaneously exploding while driving. These aren’t minor cracks or chips from debris. In several cases, the glass shattered outward with no external impact and no warning, including while traveling at highway speeds with children in the vehicle. Toyota refuses to take responsibility in many of these cases, even when debris was ruled out as the cause, leaving owners frustrated and concerned about future incidents.

Structural Failures: Exploding Moonroofs

Recalls Raise Further Questions

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander has two official recalls. One involves a labeling issue related to weight capacity, and the other involves a potential airbag malfunction. In the airbag recall, Toyota admitted that side curtain airbags may not deploy properly in a crash, reducing protection for passengers. That alone is enough to warrant serious concern when your family depends on those safety systems.

​Know Where You Stand With the SC Lemon Law

When your new 2024 Grand Highlander is already showing defects that can’t be resolved through normal service, the SC Lemon Law could give you a path forward. The law covers new vehicles purchased in the last three years with recurring problems that affect safety, value, or overall function. You don’t have to wait for the next breakdown or delay. If the dealer can’t or won’t fix your car after multiple attempts, you may be entitled to a refund or replacement.

Steve Moskos helps drivers across South Carolina understand their options. Contact us, and we’ll help you determine whether your vehicle qualifies under the SC Lemon Law and guide you toward a resolution that puts you back in control.

How Technical Service Bulletins Differ From Recalls

2/6/2020

 
What is a Recall?

When a car manufacturer discovers a safety problem on their vehicle, they start an investigation into the issue.  If the problem is serious, they may even stop production of any models that could be affected.  Once a solution to the issue is developed, the manufacturer issues a recall for any models that have been affected by the faulty part or programming.
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The manufacturer will send out notices to all owners of vehicles with a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) that could be affected.  Recalls are mandatory and must be completed by a registered dealer of that make and model of car.  Recalls are free to owners.
What is a Technical Service Bulletin?

Manufacturers track warranty claims.  When a common problem surfaces, the manufacturer will usually investigate the problem.  Once  the manufacturer discovers a solution, the repair procedure  is posted as a technical service bulletin.

These service bulletins are a good place for mechanics to start the diagnostic process when someone brings a vehicle to them with a problem. 

​Technical service bulletins are issued for non-safety issues.  They are voluntary and are not free to car owners.  However, the problem may be covered under your car’s warranty, or the manufacturer may open a special warranty period for the problem.  In these cases, your repairs will be free of charge.
How to Find Recalls or Technical Service Bulletins

You can take your vehicle to a local dealer’s service center where they will look up your car’s vehicle identification number and determine if your vehicle has any outstanding recalls, but this may require a service appointment and may cost you.

You can also find recalls and some technical service bulletins online.  Many car forum sites offer this information from people who share what they have learned.  You can also check the manufacturer’s website or the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.

More Ford Door Latch Problems – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Investigates Complaints

1/9/2020

 
In 2015, Ford issued a recall for Ford Fiesta with a model year of 2011- 2013 because of a door latch failure that caused doors to open while the vehicle was in motion.  The recall was expanded to include Ford Fusions and Lincoln MKZs because those vehicles use the same door latches. 

Ford discovered the problem was a pawl spring tab that could break and cause either the door to open unexpectedly or to not close properly.  The company received numerous complaints about the doors opening while driving or bouncing back and striking people.  Ford sent recall notices to all owners with instructions to contact their local Ford dealers to make arrangements for the part to be replaced at no charge to the owners.

In 2017, another recall was issued for those same vehicles.  New complaints about vehicles that were supposedly repaired have caused the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to begin an investigation into both recalls and whether Ford repaired the door latches correctly.

NHTSA stated that it received more than 200 complaints after the recalls were announced and that many of these complaints were about vehicles that had been repaired.  Complaints about doors that opened while driving numbered over 100 and other door latch complaints were filed about vehicles that were not in the recall.

​If you own a Ford Fiesta, Ford Fusion or Lincoln MKZ, you are urged to contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or to visit the NHSTA website and enter your vehicle identification number to discover if your vehicle is included in the recalls.  You can also register a complaint with NHSTA if you have had a problem with your door or if you never received the original recall notice.

The trouble with airbags—the recalls seem to be non-stop.

1/14/2019

 
​You never know when a car accident might happen, but you can make sure you’re protected when it does thanks to safety features like airbags. Although airbags save lives, they’re not always foolproof – especially in recent years, as airbag recalls seem to permeate the news without signs of slowing down. Recently, Toyota and Subaru recalled more than 1 million vehicles with faulty airbags worldwide. Similarly, Mazda expanded its Takata airbag recall to an additional 155,000 cars. Not long ago, GM and Audi announced airbag recalls as well, with more than 100,000 cars affected. With all these car manufacturers announcing recalls, which cars are actually safe to drive?
 
A lot of the smaller recalls, such as GM and Audi’s, affect newer models – so if you bought an Audi in recent years, it’s worth checking whether your airbag has been recalled. However, the largest recall of 2018 by Toyota and Subaru affects a lot more drivers. But don’t worry. While 1 million vehicles worldwide is a huge number to recall, keep in mind that only about 17,000 of those are in the United States. Here, the recall only covers about 17,000 Scion xA vehicles released from 2004 through 2006. Usually, you won’t have to look up for yourself whether a part of your car has been recalled because your dealer or manufacturer should contact you. But it is concerning to know that so many cars are not as safe as we thought they were. 
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So why are all of these airbag recalls happening all of a sudden? There’s actually a simple explanation. The recalled airbags all come from a company called Takata, which provides airbags for multiple manufacturers. The issue at hand is specific to Takata’s airbags – basically, the ammonium nitrate used in the airbags becomes unstable and can cause them to suddenly inflate, launching metal shrapnel in the process. At least fifteen people have died because of this airbag issue in the United States, so it’s a serious issue. Takata’s airbags first started getting recalled about ten years ago, and regulators even launched an investigation. All in all, the recalls have affected nineteen manufacturers and 37 million vehicles across the world. If you haven’t checked already, now is a good time to make sure your car isn’t among them.

How to file a Vehicle Safety Complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

1/7/2019

 
If something isn’t working correctly in your vehicle, it’s your responsibility to report it to the proper authorities. That’s how a lot of recalls end up happening – enough consumers complain and a company is forced to correct the problem. It’s actually a lot easier than you might think – all you have to do is file a Vehicle Safety Complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at this website.
 
The process is simple, and all you need to have on hand is your email address, Vehicle Identification Number, Make, Model, Year, and documentation related to the complaint like photos or a police report. It takes about five minutes to fill out the form on the site. The NHTSA insists that all complaints are reviewed; however, only some will lead to an investigation and potential recalls. The review process can take a long time, but you should be notified if there is a recall based on your complaint. People whose cars have had a recall due to Takata airbag safety issues should make sure to note that on their complaint, as the NHTSA already has an open investigation.
 

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What counts as a valid vehicle safety complaint? Faulty airbags, brakes that don’t function as intended, widespread ignition issues, and all kinds of other things that go wrong. You may not even realize that your car’s problem is a safety complaint, which is why it’s good to fill out the form. Note that the NHTSA will never share your personal information with the public after you file a complaint. It is added to a public database, but all of your personal information is removed first.
 
It’s important to notify the NHTSA if you think there’s something wrong with your car, like an airbag issue that could potentially be dangerous. If the NHTSA receives similar reports from multiple people about the same product, they can open an investigation to determine whether the defect should result in a recall. If you don’t report car safety issues, then the NHTSA can’t do anything to make sure car manufacturers are held responsible.

The Human Toll of Court Secrecy

3/16/2015

 
Reprinted with permission from PublicJustice.net

It has not been a good year for auto safety. More than 60 million vehicles were recalled in 2014—that’s more than twice the previous record. And every day it seemed there was another story of a tragic death or life-changing injury that could have been prevented if only some car manufacturer had come clean about a defect in its cars, or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration—the federal agency charged with protecting drivers—had kept better tabs on car makers, or court records evidencing a dangerous defect had been made public.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear to be getting better. Since this post in late October, reports have continued to pour in from Chrysler owners about power system-related problems (technically, the issue seems to be with the Totally Integrated Power Module). And the Center for Auto Safety now thinks that there’s been at least one death. Although, by law, NHTSA was required to decide by Dec. 19 whether to open an investigation, so far, there’s been no word from the agency.

And just last Tuesday, a court presiding over a lawsuit against Chrysler denied our motion—filed on the Center’s behalf—to unseal documents filed in the case. The court held that even documents that “do not appear to contain significant technical information” (emphasis mine) and therefore are not likely to qualify as trade secrets—for example, emails between Chrysler employees—may remain sealed. Because the lawsuit is still ongoing, the court reasoned, these documents, produced early on in litigation, may not provide a complete picture of the safety of Chrysler cars. But the documents are Chrysler’s. If the company thinks more documents need to be released to provide a full picture of what’s going on, it can simply release them. Chrysler, of course, isn’t doing that. Rather than providing a complete picture, the company seems to be doing its best to ensure the public has no picture at all.

The court was also worried that if the documents were unsealed, an “offhand remark in an email” could become a “gotcha quote in headlines.” This is a reasonable concern. But it’s one the law has already weighed: Courts have repeatedly held that the public right of access to court records is so important that it trumps any generalized concerns about corporate embarrassment. That’s why there is no “offhand remark” exception to the rule that court records are presumptively public. Nor is there any exception that allows a company to keep documents secret just because they may be incomplete, or inarticulate, or, yes, even embarrassing. Court records should not be sealed simply because releasing them might require a corporation to do damage control.

If you think this all sounds eerily familiar, you’re not wrong. Earlier this year, GM recalled millions of cars—yes, millions—because of an ignition switch defect that, in some circumstances, causes the air bags not to deploy. We don’t yet know how many people died because of this defect, let alone how many more were injured, but we do know it was bad: According to Reuters, at least 74 people have been killed because their air bags did not inflate due to the defect. That’s bad enough. What makes it worse is that it didn’t have to be this way. GM knew about the problem for more than a decade and didn’t say anything.

How could this happen? Did GM just hide the fact that a defect in its cars was probably killing people? Well, yes. But it had help.

According to a recent report by the staff of the (Republican-led) House Committee on Energy and Commerce, NHTSA fell down on the job: Apparently, the agency had all the information it needed to identify the defect years before the recall, but it failed to connect the dots—a failure that, in the Committee’s view, was simply “inexcusable.” NHTSA, the report concluded, “lacked the focus and rigor expected of a federal safety regulator.” Perhaps even more damning, the Committee found no reason to believe that NHTSA has learned from its mistakes, “no evidence” that anything at the agency has changed.

It was not just NHTSA, though, that kept GM’s secret. The courts helped too. People have been suing GM since at least 2005 for injuries—and deaths—resulting from the ignition switch defect. But the company quietly settled these cases, and the courts quietly entered protective orders, keeping the records (and the settlements) secret—despite the fact that court records are presumptively public documents. If these records had been made public, we would have known of the problem years earlier. What you don’t know can, in fact, hurt you.

Right now, the same story is playing out with Takata—the company that makes air bags that, apparently, sometimes explode. So far, over 19 million cars have been recalled for fear that rather than protect passengers, their air bags will instead kill them. Indeed, several people have already died, and many more have been injured. But like the GM ignition defect, it appears this too could have been prevented.      

The New York Times has reported that Takata knew of the problem for years but didn’t alert the public. And neither did NHTSA. Although the agency opened an investigation in 2009, the inquiry went nowhere. Takata hired a former NHTSA official to represent it, and NHTSA promptly closed the investigation before the company had even submitted all the relevant documents. It was years before the agency did anything further.

As in the GM case, there were lawsuits over the years. But, like the GM suits, they were settled quickly and confidentially.

Will Chrysler become the next GM or Takata? We don’t know yet. But we do know that NHTSA blew through the deadline to decide whether to open an investigation. And now the court overseeing a lawsuit against Chrysler has sealed the records. Sure sounds familiar.
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