Honda Pilot problems

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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.

photo of Honda Pilot car production

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Honda Pilot model years

honda pilot 2024 photo
Pilot 2024
Honda

31

1

38

2.4
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda pilot 2023 photo
Pilot 2023
Honda

46

1

34

3.1
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda pilot 2022 photo
Pilot 2022
Honda

55

3

38

3.4
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda pilot 2021 photo
Pilot 2021
Honda

202

8

34

2.3
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda pilot 2020 photo
Pilot 2020
Honda

331

9

36

1.9
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda pilot 2019 photo
Pilot 2019
Honda

573

11

34

2.7
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda pilot 2018 photo
Pilot 2018
Honda

308

5

33

3.2
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda pilot 2017 photo
Pilot 2017
Honda

657

2

36

2.2
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda pilot 2016 photo
Pilot 2016
Honda

1265

7

36

1.8
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda pilot 2015 photo
Pilot 2015
Honda

90

4

26

3
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda pilot 2014 photo
Pilot 2014
Honda

103

3

28

1.9
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda pilot 2013 photo
Pilot 2013
Honda

255

6

42

2.6
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda pilot 2012 photo
Pilot 2012
Honda

160

9

37

2.6
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda pilot 2011 photo
Pilot 2011
Honda

278

11

34

2.8
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda pilot 2010 photo
Pilot 2010
Honda

110

10

32

2.4
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda pilot 2009 photo
Pilot 2009
Honda

132

9

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda pilot 2008 photo
Pilot 2008
Honda

127

9

32

2.6
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda pilot 2007 photo
Pilot 2007
Honda

201

9

36

2.8
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda pilot 2006 photo
Pilot 2006
Honda

259

10

39

2.8
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda pilot 2005 photo
Pilot 2005
Honda

674

15

34

2.5
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda pilot 2004 photo
Pilot 2004
Honda

539

13

39

2.8
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda pilot 2003 photo
Pilot 2003
Honda

739

14

36

2.8
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

Honda Pilot

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

  1. Brian Gerhold 2025-05-27

    Vehicle year: 2017

    The motor is great and the car looks nice. It also drives well. However, there are some issues that I have encountered. Firstly, it tends to sway in even the slightest wind. Secondly, the headlights are bright but I often get brights flashed at me because people assume my brights are on when they’re not. Thirdly, the third row heating/cooling is very poor. Fourthly, in very cold weather the touchscreen doesn’t work. Fifthly, the outside temperature gauge only works when the car is moving. Lastly, the inside of the vehicle often smells overwhelmingly like gasoline, combined with burning oil. It’s awful. Although Honda said they remedied this in 2016, it is still a problem. A friend got in it yesterday and almost had an asthma attack. I called the dealer and they said they’ve never heard of it before, which is disappointing. I read all about the gas tank recall in 2016, but it was clearly not the only issue. I want to like this SUV, but at $50,000, I’ll continue documenting times the cabin fills with fumes. I am hoping that when I take it in, they’ll be honest and know how to fix it.

  2. Earl Bode 2025-05-26

    Vehicle year: 2013

    Firstly, I would like to mention that I was fortunate enough to find a great deal on a leftover 2013 model, so I am not too disappointed with my purchase. However, I must say that the engineering behind the cargo area with either row of back seats down is not up to par. The cargo area has a backward slope, which causes anything you store to end up at the lift-gate. Additionally, the road and wind noise are excessive, and the overall outward vision is poor. The cost of an oil change is also quite expensive due to the 0w-20 oil requirement, and the electronic features lag behind other vehicles in the same class. Lastly, at 14,000 miles, the left front inner CV boot self-destructed, resulting in a new driveshaft and bearings. On the bright side, I do appreciate the power lift-gate, the back-up camera, storage slots and cubby holes, and the center front console is quite spacious. Although I hate to admit it, except for better gas mileage, I sometimes miss my 1999 Isuzu Trooper LS.

  3. Shane Moen 2025-05-26

    Vehicle year: 2017

    I am confident in stating that the 2017 Pilot Elite has experienced a tailgate water leak, loss of radio sound with a freezing screen, blank navigation screen, and issues with the auto high beam feature and multifunction capabilities. Despite the high cost of the car and poor service from multiple dealers, I am determined to find a solution rather than filing it as a lemon. While this has been a challenging experience, I am confident that a resolution can be reached.

  4. Frederick Davis 2025-05-24

    Vehicle year: 2019

    The 2nd gear transmission shift can feel like a jolt at times. Additionally, the rear entertainment system/computer may freeze up, preventing you from doing anything until the vehicle shuts off. The buttons on the steering wheel may not work 100% of the time, and the rear headphones are of poor quality. While there may be other issues, it can be frustrating when you purchase a $40,000 vehicle and encounter these problems. While I personally wouldn't buy this car again, I understand that everyone's experiences may differ. It's important to do your research and make an informed decision when purchasing a vehicle.

  5. Waldo Dicki 2025-05-23

    Vehicle year: 2019

    Hello! I recently purchased the 2019 elite pilot after being a previous Accord owner for the past 13 years. Unfortunately, I've been experiencing some issues with the radio and other entertainment features. They tend to cut off and suddenly stop working, which can be quite frustrating. I've taken it to the dealership, but even after a 'hard reset', the problem still persists. It's been a bit of a headache, but I'm hopeful that we can find a solution soon. Thank you for your time!

Latest positive Honda Pilot car reviews

  1. Glen Hintz 2025-05-29

    Vehicle year: 2021

    In 2021, we experienced a cracking issue with the radio in our Honda Pilot, but the team was able to fix it and it has been working fine for about a month now. However, we have recently encountered a new issue where exhaust blows into the car when using the auto heat control. Has anyone else experienced this problem? We have dropped off the car today to see what can be done. Thank you for your help!

  2. Sammy Haley 2025-05-27

    Vehicle year: 2011

    We are thrilled with our Pilot! We traded in our 2007 CRV for more space and considered the GMC Acadia, but ultimately preferred the Pilot's second row bench for its comfort. The SUV is incredibly spacious inside and perfect for family road trips. We have never had any issues with road noise and find the ride to be very comfortable. The rear entertainment system is a great feature for kids, with the ability to play DVDs and connect to gaming systems. However, we do wish that Honda would improve the Pilot's power and fuel economy to better compete in its class. On the highway, we get a maximum of 20-21mpg.

  3. Moises Bode 2025-05-27

    Vehicle year: 2011

    Congratulations on your growing family! It sounds like you're in need of a vehicle that can accommodate your needs. After doing some research, we found that the Honda Pilot is a great option for you. With 4WD or AWD, lots of cargo capacity, and 3 rows of seats, it's perfect for your family. What's more, it has 3 sets of LATCHes in the 2nd row, which is a must-have for you. We've been driving it for 12 days now and have already put over 1,000 miles on it. It's comfortable, spacious, and provides decent steering feedback. While it may not have the best expert reviews, we encourage you to look at the consumer reviews. We believe that the Honda Pilot will fit your lifestyle perfectly. Why not give it a test drive and see for yourself?

  4. Terence Considine 2025-05-27

    Vehicle year: 2015

    I was really torn between the last of the 2015 models and the new 2016 redesign, but I ultimately decided to save some money and go with the 2015. I'm glad I did, especially after reading about all the issues with the transmission, touchscreen, and radio problems of the 2016 model. So far, I haven't had any issues with my 2015. It's a great family hauler that's very smooth on the highway, tracks straight and true, and is an easy family cruiser. It's big, boxy, and bulky, which can be tough to find these days, but I love the true center console and the great sound system. Plus, it has a rear DVD and no touchscreen to deal with - just true knobs to turn! Overall, I'm very happy with my purchase.

  5. Hunter Hickle 2025-05-27

    Vehicle year: 2017

    Out of the Tahoe, Armada and Highlander, the Pilot won us over with its winning combination of performance, economy, advanced AWD system and value. We often travel to Vermont on narrow, private roads that are not always plowed well, but Honda's i-VTM is really the Acura SH-AWD with torque vectoring, which is a really great system. It helps on dry roads and is also a winner in the deep snow, shifting power left to right as well as front to back as needed. The cargo space in this rig is HUGE, especially with part or all of the 3rd row down. The cargo area is equivalent in size to the Tahoe and more usable as the load floor is lower. The acceleration is decent and I like the intake noise as the VTEC kicks in at higher revs. Without flogging it, we've seen high 20s for MPG on the highway. Overall, over the first 1500 miles, we've gotten 23 MPG combined. The 9 speed feels a bit weird around 4th or 5th gear but it isn't a big deal. The push button shifter took some getting used to, but after a day we were used to it and it wasn't a big deal. Even though I really liked the looks of the Tahoe, the Pilot is an unbeatable combo of utility, economy and performance.

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