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: 2020
The Honda Pilot EX-L is a reasonable purchase for its price range. While the exterior styling may be plain and lacking in ruggedness, the interior is well thought out and stylish. The engine could benefit from a bit more horsepower and torque for the vehicle's size, and the MPG could be improved. Additionally, the suspension is not as smooth as expected. However, the middle and 3rd row seats should come standard with extra USB ports, and the radio should be able to detect a phone connected to more than one USB port. Although the power windows are slow when going up, they eventually close. With the 3rd row seats up, the rear cargo space can accommodate about 4 to 5 grocery bags, but a rear cargo cover should be standard. The side view mirrors should both tilt down when reversing, regardless of the side mirror adjustment switch selection. While there are a few annoyances, the biggest issue is that the spare tire is outside and underneath the vehicle, unprotected from the elements. This can be inconvenient when changing a flat tire on a wet or cold snowy surface.
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Vehicle year: 2011
I've had the chance to drive a dozen different SUVs, both domestic and foreign, and I can confidently say that the Pilot is the best one out there. We were initially considering the Tahoe, Suburban, or their GMC and Ford equivalents, but they were all incredibly expensive and unreliable. We ended up purchasing a used Pilot with 44k miles on it, and it feels just like new. The transmission is smooth as silk, and the 4x4 is second only to Jeep. Every year, we take our 4x4s to the beach, and the Pilot can almost keep up with the Wrangler - it would if it had a locker in the differential. If you have any complaints about this truck, you're probably too picky and should consider buying used. The only issue I've had so far is the Eco mode, which seems a bit ridiculous.
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Vehicle year: 2011
Love the Pilot! It sounds like you made a great choice replacing your old Toyota 4Runner. The road presence and Cherry Pearl color are fantastic. It's no surprise that everyone is telling you how much they love your Pilot. The comfortable, smooth, and quiet ride must make driving a pleasure. Achieving 22 MPG at 75 MPH is impressive for a vehicle of this size. If you're looking for even better fuel efficiency, you might want to consider the Highlander Hybrid.
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Vehicle year: 2024
I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to share my experience with the 23 Elite. I've driven it for 10,000 miles now and I have to say, it's been quite a smooth ride. The drivetrain is really impressive and I can hardly hear the engine running most of the time. Plus, it's really roomy inside and I'm getting 23 mpg, which is great. The only thing I wish Honda had done differently is to include spring-loaded hood struts. Thanks for listening!
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Vehicle year: 2010
We bought the 2010 pilot new. I'm so glad we did! It has been an incredibly reliable car and I love the spacious interior that can fit up to 8 people. We loved it so much that we recently bought another pilot. It's definitely worth the money for all the features you get.
Are you having problems with your Honda Pilot?
Nicolas Dibbert 2025-10-21
Vehicle year: 2024
We tend to buy new vehicles, take care of them, and then drive them for many years. We’ve only had our Pilot for 8 weeks and I am already missing our old SUV. I find the Pilot to be attractive outside and inside... and the materials and fit & finish seem good. Gas millage is running around 24 mpg, which is good. So why am I not happy?• Road noise is horrendous.• Air conditioning is very weak. On a day with the temperature around 87, I could not get the interior cold enough for me, even with everything set to 58 and the fans running wide open.• There is just too much tech. I am a high tech guy... I’ve always built my own computers and have been building websites since the 1990s... but this thing is overwhelming. So far, I have probably spent at least 20 hours programming various settings and I haven’t even tried to set up the Android Car Play yet.• When you pull up to the gas pump, you cannot open the fuel filler door unless the driver door is open or at least unlocked. Whenever I stop my vehicle, I want every door to be locked... just too much crime out there. It’s just another frustrating quirk about this vehicle. • I have always done my own maintenance work. I raised the hood just to check everything out and discovered that even something simple like replacing the battery requires taking a bunch of things apart. Not user friendly. • Social media is filled with 2023 Pilot buyers who have the Touring or Elite trim, and are having problems with the sunroof leaking on the passenger side. Many of these folks have had their vehicles in the shop for a long time and Honda hasn’t been able to fix it. I doubt we will keep our Pilot very long. We will probably go back to a truck based SUV.
Jerrold Lehner 2025-10-20
Vehicle year: 2020
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my Honda vehicle. Although I've been a loyal Honda owner for over 20 years and have owned over 6 Hondas in my life, I've recently encountered some issues with my current vehicle. I've had to bring it into the shop three times now for some loud popping noises, which unfortunately resulted in a complete shutdown of the entertainment system and a temporary blanking out of the speedometer. Despite the dealership engaging with the manufacturer, the situation has not been resolved yet. It's been a bit frustrating, especially since the car has been driven for less than 5,000 miles and owned for only 4 months. I wish I had seen other reviews prior to purchasing the vehicle, so I wanted to share my experience in the hopes of helping other potential buyers. Thanks for listening!
Vito Hirthe 2025-10-15
Vehicle year: 2017
I had to replace the transmission at 30k miles, which was covered by warranty but took a week. Unfortunately, I also had to pay out of pocket for the fuel injection at 50k. The second issue is especially worrisome because it's a common problem that Honda is aware of, and it's well-known among Pilot forums. It's disappointing that Honda specifically excludes the injection system from their powertrain warranty. On the bright side, the car's driving and interior are okay and comparable to many competitors. It's also great that it fits 8 people, which is one more than many competitors. That's why we bought it. However, if I had known about the mechanical issues and poor addressing by Honda corp., I would not have bought it. Therefore, I cannot recommend it to you either.
Baron Gulgowski 2025-10-15
Vehicle year: 2015
In 2016, I purchased a Honda Pilot 4WD Touring from a Honda dealer. The car came with 9,000 miles and a certificate for a used car. It was running great until I noticed humming noises and vibrations after a trip. I immediately took it back to the Honda dealer and had the bearing and tires replaced due to uneven wear on one side. Despite being under warranty with less than 36,000 miles, the bearing failure seemed to be a common problem for all Honda vehicles. I also owned a Honda Accord 2010, which experienced a bearing failure after 60,000 miles, and I had to pay for the repair. This leads me to believe that there may be a design problem with weight balancing, causing one side to be heavier than the other and resulting in faster wear on one side's bearing.
Alan Hegmann 2025-10-14
Vehicle year: 2016
In December, we purchased the 2016 Pilot Elite as we were expecting twins in July. Having owned Hondas in the past, we felt it was the best choice. Unfortunately, while my wife was pulling the Pilot into our driveway, it lurched forward and hit a curb, causing all side airbags to deploy. She was rushed to the hospital for testing, but thankfully, the babies were unharmed. The car sustained $11k in damage. When we contacted Honda to explain the situation, their initial response was to ask why we didn't have it towed to a Honda dealership instead of a body shop. After opening a case with a representative named Marion, we had a difficult time communicating with her. However, after an hour of arguing, she sent a representative to the dealership near us. He test drove the car with me and discovered that it tends to lurch forward. After running diagnostics, he found a computer malfunction that needed to be reprogrammed. After four attempts, it was determined that the unit was faulty and needed to be replaced. As I was leaving, the representative told me that they had managed to fix it. When Marion called back from American Honda, she claimed that they had not found anything wrong with the car other than a software update. I requested a copy of the error code found at Honda, but the local Honda representative kept avoiding the question. If anyone has experienced a similar issue with their 2016 Pilot, please share your story so that we can build a case against Honda before someone gets seriously hurt. American Honda has refused to acknowledge these problems until enough people come forward.