Honda Pilot problems
The Honda Pilot is a mid-size crossover SUV with three-row seating manufactured by Honda since 2002. Primarily aimed at the North American market, the Pilot is the largest SUV produced by Honda. Pilots are currently manufactured in Lincoln, Alabama, and the Pilot was produced in Alliston, Ontario until April 2007. The first generation Pilot was released in April 2002 as a 2003 model.
The Pilot shares its platform with the Acura MDX, as well as the North American market Odyssey minivan. The Pilot's unibody construction and independent suspension are designed to provide handling similar to that of a car, and it has integrated perimeter frame rails to permit towing and light off-road use.
Prior to the introduction of the Pilot, Honda marketed the compact crossover CR-V and the Honda Passport (a rebadged Isuzu Rodeo). The Honda Passport that was sold between 1993 and 2002 was a truck-based design. The Pilot is Honda's largest SUV, although the 2010 Crosstour surpassed the Pilot in length. The Pilot is now currently in its fourth generation, with multiple design changes occurring from getting bigger and resembling a truck to downsizing and becoming sleeker to now a slight mix of both.
The Pilot is sold in North America and the Middle East, while the Honda MDX (first generation Acura MDX) was marketed in Japan and Australia for several years. The second-generation Pilot was also sold in Russia, Ukraine, South Korea, Latin America, and the Philippines.
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Honda Pilot model years
Common Honda Pilot problems
Based on complaints from owners of Honda Pilot cars, several common problems have been reported over the years. Here is a detailed list of these issues:
- Transmission Failures: One of the most serious problems reported with Honda Pilots is transmission failure. This issue is particularly associated with the 2003 model but has also been observed in other model years. Transmission failure can be a costly repair and poses a safety risk, potentially leading to loss of control while driving.
- Excessive Oil Consumption: Excessive oil consumption is another common problem among Honda Pilots, especially in certain model years. This issue can lead to engine damage and overheating if not monitored and managed properly. Keeping track of oil levels and topping up regularly can help mitigate this problem.
- Peeling Paint: While primarily a cosmetic concern, peeling paint on Honda Pilots can lead to more severe issues in regions with wet weather or high rust levels. Although not a critical mechanical problem, it may require repainting to maintain the vehicle's appearance and prevent further damage.
- Recurring Fault Codes: Recurring fault codes can be frustrating for Honda Pilot owners, as they indicate false issues with the vehicle's sensors. While not inherently dangerous, these codes can mask real problems if ignored, potentially leading to unintended damage to the vehicle.
- Fuel Injector Failure: Fuel injector failures have been reported as a common issue with Honda Pilots. Repairing fuel injector problems can be expensive and impact the vehicle's performance and fuel efficiency.
These problems highlight the importance of thorough research and inspection when considering purchasing a used Honda Pilot. Being aware of these common issues can help potential buyers make informed decisions and be prepared for potential maintenance or repair costs associated with these specific problems.
Is the Honda Pilot a reliable car?
In general, the Honda Pilot can be considered a reliable SUV. Honda has been quick to respond to reports by owners. An early transmission issue was largely sorted out, as was a problem with the gearbox in 2005.
What are the most common problems with the Honda Pilot?
But also a serious safety risk rendering the vehicle dangerous. And unsafe to drive According to some reports. Problem number two sunroof explosions although only a single case has been reported.
Do Honda Pilots have transmission problems?
The Honda Pilot is just one of the Honda models that were known to have severe transmission problems. They were part of the huge recall in 2004. Sadly, many of the Honda Pilot's that were repaired as part of the recall had their transmissions fail a second or even a third time.
What is more reliable, the Honda Pilot or the Toyota Highlander?
Both the 2023 Honda Pilot and the 2023 Toyota Highlander scored high in this year's J.D. Power reliability rankings. They actually both scored 81 in terms of quality and reliability, which makes them above average compared to other vehicles.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Honda Pilot years
We have researched Honda problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Honda Pilot cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Honda Pilot model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Honda Pilot model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Honda Pilot years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Honda Pilot car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Honda Pilot , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Electrical system problems
- Engine problems
- Power train problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Honda Pilot vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Pilot model years
A total of 306 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Pilot model years
There were a total of 84 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Pilot model years
There were a total of 432 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Pilot model years
There were a total of 104 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 7135 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Honda Pilot . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Honda Pilot vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Honda Pilot 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-04
- Date Complaint: 2024-11-06
- VIN: 5FNYF18308B
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Failure of Honda Pilot OEM jack. On 11/04/24 I was jacking up the right rear wheel of my 2008 Honda Pilot when the OEM scissor jack I was using suddenly and loudly broke, allowing the wheel to come down violently. Note that I was jacking the vehicle on a firm, level surface, using the reinforced jacking point as instructed in the vehicle manual, and that the vehicle did NOT fall off of the jack; the jack simply broke. I removed the jack from under the vehicle and inspected and tested it. The threaded rod in the jack would no longer turn smoothly and when testing the jack, it would not lift any weight without falling back down. Summary: Failure of 2008 Honda Pilot jack Failure did put me at risk when jacked wheel suddenly fell. Jack has not been inspected or tested by dealer, etc, Jack failed without warning. Incident not reported to police, insurance, etc. Jack IS available for inspection.
Honda Pilot 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-09
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-27
- VIN: 5FNYF6H04KB
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Connecting rod bearing failure. Engine was making knocking noise noticeable under 2000 RPM. Engine could experience sudden loss of power if engine failed. Dealer inspected engine internals and found a spun connecting rod bearing, requiring engine short block to be replaced. Vehicle falls in the production date range stated on recall 573 for this exact issue, however Honda Corporate stated VIN doesn't match affected units.
Honda Pilot 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-27
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-27
- VIN: 5FNYF5H38GB
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I just purchased this vehicle this year if any components failed I do not know of it.
Honda Pilot 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-26
- VIN: 5FNYF5H54HB
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: On October 24th I was parked at a rest area and started the engine on my 2017 Honda Pilot. When I did I heard a knocking in the engine and the oil light came on. I immediately shut the engine off and checked the oil. I contacted a wrecker and had it towed to the nearest Honda Dealership. I was advised that it’s probably a faulty Rod bearing. I did research and found out there was a recall on the 2016, 2018, 2019 pilots but skipped my year except the 2016 Ridgeline. I contacted Honda Corporate and they stated I had to get a physical inspection done at the Honda dealer again and it might or might not be covered. I did not get a definitive answer. I don’t understand when the 2016 and 2018 have a recall for an issue that occurred on my car, but my car is not included on the recall and I will probably be out a minimum of $10k for a faulty designed engine. Make note my vehicle has only 80k miles
Honda Pilot 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-06
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-26
- VIN: 5FNYF6H07JB
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE
- Summary: Warning lights for the ACC, LKAS and FCW have been blinking everyday. One day they just started blinking. I took to dealership and they said it's $180 to diagnose issue. I have seen 100s of pist of different forums about the issue which means it is a known problem. As of the last 6 months or so these features do not work on the car.
Honda Pilot 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- VIN: 5FNYF6H57MB
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: When shifting from reverse into drive, there is a 5-10 second hesitation. I push the gas and the car does not go. It will eventually accelerate at a very high speed. Does not happen every time, but often enough to be very dangerous.
Honda Pilot 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- VIN: 5FNYF5H99JB
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I've brought the car to the Honda Dealer located at 2400 N State Rd 7 Hollywood FL 33021 for over a year I have complained that the car jumps and that there is a few recalls on my vehicle. I was told that the part isn't available and they can't fix it but did not offer any remedies to this issue. The car will shut off on me while I'm driving and it's very dangerous. I've mentioned this to them many times but they only try to convince me to buy another car and get me to trade in my car and pay a deposit.
Honda Pilot 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- VIN: 5FNYF5H58KB
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2019 Honda Pilot. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Honda Pilot 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-23
- VIN: 5FNYG1H83PB
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The panoramic sunroof exploded while driving on the highway towards Tappahannock, VA
Honda Pilot 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
- VIN: 5FNYF5H38LB
- Components: POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: 2020 Honda Pilot with 80000 miles. A car i loved and had for over a year. I was driving from Florida to Texas. Everything was fine when I started. About 600 miles down I was at 70 mph and had to go little faster to overtake a truck because the shoulder was too small and my lane is about merge in to truck lane. There were at-least 10 vehicles behind me. I hit the accelerator pedal all the way until it touched frame but the engine is not at all responding and slowly losing power. The lane I was in was about to merge in to truck lane. I had to hit brakes with vehicles behind me but some how i managed to not get hit by them. It could have gone worse.
Honda Pilot 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
- VIN: 5FNYF6H9XJB
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle occasionally failed to start. The contact stated that several attempts were needed before the vehicle started. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 139,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Honda Pilot 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-22
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
- VIN: 5FNYF6H17JB
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Honda Pilot. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Honda Pilot 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-14
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
- VIN: 5FNYF5H38KB
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2019 Honda Pilot. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Honda Pilot 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
- VIN: 5FNYF6H70GB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle hesitated with an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 126,000.
Honda Pilot 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-21
- VIN: 5FNYF5H13KB
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2019 Honda Pilot. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Latest 5 recalls Honda Pilot
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 169 recalls for different components of the Honda Pilot.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Honda Pilot 2022
- Report Received Date: 2024-02-01
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
- Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
- Consequence: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024, and October 18, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
- Model: Honda Pilot 2020
- Report Received Date: 2024-02-01
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
- Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
- Consequence: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024, and October 18, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
- Model: Honda Pilot 2021
- Report Received Date: 2024-02-01
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
- Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
- Consequence: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024, and October 18, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
- Model: Honda Pilot 2015
- Report Received Date: 2023-12-18
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
- Model: Honda Pilot 2018
- Report Received Date: 2023-12-18
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Latest negative Honda Pilot car reviews
Latest positive Honda Pilot car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2024
After shopping for a 3 row SUV for a few weeks, we finally decided on the 2023 Honda Pilot Elite. It has all the features we were looking for, and we're happy to say that it lives up to the Honda quality we were hoping for. From the comfort to the drive to the technology and safety features, we're very satisfied with our purchase so far!
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Vehicle year: 2021
The transmission slips occasionally, but don't worry, we'll figure it out together. When you take it back to the dealer, they might not be able to replicate the issue during their test ride, but we'll work together to find a solution. On the bright side, everything else about this car is amazing, and I haven't had any other problems with the issues that I have read about. Plus, did you know that the touring model has a hard drive where you can load your CD's into? How cool is that!
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Vehicle year: 2023
UPDATE- 3-5-24 - Hi there! I wanted to share my experience with my SUV so far. At 14,000 miles, I've noticed that the gas mileage hasn't improved and is actually a bit worse. I'm only getting around 19 mpg combined and around 20 mpg on the highway, which is disappointing. However, I still love my SUV! It has almost everything you would need in terms of tech, features, and overall driving experience. Of course, there are a few things missing, but that's to be expected and they're just my personal wants. Currently, I have 5500 miles on it. I would have liked the screen to be updated to a larger one, as there seems to be room for it, but I still think it's a great vehicle overall. The passenger seat would be even better if it could move up and down, which would be a huge plus for my 6'4The mirrors that turn in are a great feature, as they let me know that my car is really locked. The 10-year/150,000-mile warranty is the best I have ever seen when buying a car, which brings me peace of mind for the next 8 to 9 years, as I do put a lot of miles on my car. However, the gas mileage has little to be desired, as it is not good at all compared to what they say it should be. I rarely drive my car hard and can barely push 19.5 miles per gallon combined hwy/city driving. When not in 'Eco' mode, the mileage is about 1 mile less per gallon. I usually average 300/320 per tank, and I was hoping for better. The 'Lane Keep' feature is something I turn off 90% of the time as it doesn't work very well. It tends to jerk the vehicle between the lines way too often and is not consistent at all. The sunroof has a bad rattle, and it is very annoying, and the dealer can't figure out the issue so no fix can be done. The wireless charging is useless, and it really doesn't work, so I keep it off most times. If you have even the slightest thick phone case, good luck with it working. The 'Cooled' seats don't work great, but I don't really mind as I didn't expect much from them anyways and just see it as an added bonus if I would ever really need to use them.Other SUVs I looked at include the 2023 Highlander Hybrid, but the wait was at least 1 year up to 2 years. I also considered the Lexus NX 300H, but ultimately passed on it because it was another small vehicle and I didn't want that. Lastly, I looked at the 2022/23 BMW x3 sdrive30i, but after researching the maintenance and repair costs, I decided not to go that route, even though it was a beautiful SUV and I loved the driving experience. Overall, I am very happy with my choice, but I do wish the gas mileage was a bit better. I really enjoy the car and am glad I went with this one. Even though I wasn't able to test drive it before putting a deposit down, I am very satisfied with my purchase!
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Vehicle year: 2023
Firstly, let me express our delight with the 2023 Honda Pilot Elite. Out of the 54 new vehicles my wife has owned, this is by far the best. We have owned several Hondas in the past, and while they have always been reliable, they lacked the high-tech features and comfort we were looking for. However, Honda has truly outdone themselves this time. The ride is incredibly smooth and quiet, the seats are comfortable, and the handling is great. The new look is fantastic, and the Bose stereo is a real treat. We particularly appreciate the heads-up display, the removable rear console, and the convenient front console armrest. The transmission shifts seamlessly, and the HondaLink provides a wealth of information. As always, Honda's safety rating is excellent. The abundance of cup holders, USB and USB-C plugins, 12V plugs, and a 110V plugin make it incredibly convenient. We are also pleased to report that we are already getting better gas mileage than expected. Lastly, the large sunroof is a real hit with my wife. With a towing capacity of 5000 lbs, we hope to keep this vehicle for a long time!
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Vehicle year: 2011
I've been really pleased with the Pilot overall. The seats are comfortable, although I can't speak for those who are overweight. As someone who is 6'2
Are you having problems with your Honda Pilot?
Bernie Steuber 2025-09-09
Vehicle year: 2022
In July 2022, we purchased a 2022 Pilot Black Edition and were initially impressed with its ride, handling, and interior, which we found to be superior to the Highlander and Explorer. However, during the Christmas season, we experienced an issue where the vehicle struggled to accelerate past 25 mph and the steering wheel began violently shaking, causing us concern. We immediately took it to the Honda dealer, who diagnosed it as a 'phantom misfire' and found water in the intake manifold. Although they are not sure if this caused the issue, they have had reports of 15 other V6 Hondas, including Passports and Odysseys, with the same problem. Unfortunately, the issue occurred again less than 4 weeks later, and we brought it back to the dealer. While they are still unsure of the cause, they have suggested that it may be related to cold weather. Despite the ongoing issue, the dealer has been helpful and is working with Honda Tech to find a solution. We are hopeful that a fix will be found soon. Although we have had some issues with this vehicle, we have been loyal Honda customers for 30 years and appreciate the quality of their products. We remain optimistic that this issue will be resolved and look forward to enjoying our Pilot Black Edition once again.
Scottie Mohr 2025-09-04
Vehicle year: 2017
In December 2016, we purchased a 2017 Honda Pilot with high hopes of owning a reliable vehicle based on Honda's reputation. Unfortunately, we have had a few issues with the SUV. At around 10,000 miles, we started experiencing service issues such as the back-up camera not working, the navigation system failing, a rear window leak, and traction control issues. The most significant issue was the 'Emissions System Problem', which resulted in numerous visits for repairs. Thankfully, the vehicle was still under warranty, and the dealership was able to perform the necessary repairs. As a working mom with three kids, dealing with these issues has been a significant burden on our family. We consulted legal counsel under the lemon law and also met with the General Manager Ken Snyder as CDA Honda is a local company and our preference is to get the reliable vehicle we thought we were purchasing. In our conversation, Ken spoke highly of what Honda does to take care of their customers and really supports the local dealerships. We appreciate his support and hope to resolve the issue soon.However, what he really meant was to trade it in. As we found out in the process, his staff sprang to life with the excitement of selling a new car. After all of the transportation hardships we have dealt with for the past year and a half, the thought of paying more money for a vehicle that might function better just seemed completely unreasonable. We received a letter from CDA Honda approximately a month ago indicating Honda was reviewing our case, but we have had zero follow-up from Ken Snyder or anyone else at CDA Honda. When I inquired about the status, I was informed it was with Honda and out of their control. While everyone in the service department has been friendly, there has been no effort to proactively resolve this issue. We feel that it would be absolutely unconscionable to sell this vehicle as a private party. Historically, we have purchased new vehicles and have driven them for years. We currently have a Toyota with 130,000 miles that we use for family trips since our Honda Pilot with 30,000 miles hasn't been reliable, and we are uncomfortable driving it too far from home.
Rod McCullough 2025-09-04
Vehicle year: 2012
My wife has already driven 36,500 miles on the Pilot and it has averaged an impressive 21.6 MPG, which is great for its size. She is absolutely thrilled with it, and the only feature she misses from her previous Nissans is the intelligent key system. We are about to embark on a trip to N.J. for a wedding, which will give us a chance to really get to know the Pilot. Instead of carrying a pack of audio CDs to feed the Bose, I am carrying a single jump drive with 665 songs on it. Although she has already experienced a flat tire, the tire warning system worked perfectly and alerted her before any danger arose. Personally, I find it a little sluggish, but you can't have everything. I will update again after our return from this 3,000-mile trip.
Eldon Bartoletti 2025-09-02
Vehicle year: 2008
Hello! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my 2008 Honda Pilot that I purchased brand new in February of that year. While I've enjoyed driving it, I have noticed that it can be quite noisy at times, as others have also mentioned. I've also found that I tend to only get between 25,000 to 30,000 miles out of any type of tire. Despite maintaining it precisely as recommended by Honda, I've had to spend over $3,000 on large maintenance items in 2014, and now I'm looking at over $4,000 in repairs, including stuts, bushings, rear main seal, main bearings, and engine fan motor. I've had to repair the motor mounts at least three times, and I've paid for several intermediate inspections, one in December 2015 and one in January 2016, due to excessive tire wear. Unfortunately, these inspections revealed nothing wrong with the struts or bushings, but now, just two months later, they both need to be replaced and have ruined another set of tires. I'm starting to wonder if it's the dealer's technicians at Clear Lake Honda in Houston? I've never had so many things go wrong with a car before. Thank you for listening to my experience!
Rey Bechtelar 2025-08-27
Vehicle year: 2013
I bought our pilot used with 21,000 miles and it still had the factory warranty. After about 6 months of ownership, I noticed that the plastic above the rear hatch was starting to separate from the window, which looked terrible. I brought it to the dealer and they told me it was a 'feature'. Despite my complaints, they said they would only fix it once. Unfortunately, it has already started to separate from the window again. The final straw was when the car would shudder and shake the steering wheel and floor when the ECO kicked in, even with just a slight acceleration. I brought it to the dealer twice for the same issue, but they told me it was a 'feature of the car'. As a result, I decided to sell it.