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: 2014
I purchased my Pilot used/off lease in January of 2016 and, although it was quite pricey, I have been extremely satisfied with my decision. When I was test driving, I compared the Pilot to a 2014 Durango and while the Durango may have been a notch above the Pilot in handling, the Pilot was by far the smoothest. The Pilot is a quiet, tight and great highway vehicle. Having owned a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 4X4 for 10 years, switching to this Pilot was like night and day! The interior does have a lot of hard surfaces, but I think this keeps with the intended mission of the Pilot as a sport utility vehicle. If I wanted plush, I sure as hell wouldn't buy a Pilot! Our regular weekend trips to the Poconos were far more enjoyable for me because after 3 hours in the Pilot, my back and left leg were no longer sore and numb, thanks to the great seats! Before buying, I read the reviews and was concerned about the VCM issue, however, I have never felt any vibration. As a matter of fact, the only way to know is seeing the little ECO light flash on and off. I think the driving position in the Pilot is great, with the pedals, the steering wheel and controls all falling within easy reach. I spent some time setting up the audio and Bluetooth and never had any problems. The stereo system works quite well, however, there are a few stations I used to pick up with an antenna that I can't get with my Pilot. For me, the final decision was based on the shape and interior storage. The second row can easily seat 3 adults and the third can easily seat 3 teenagers. With the rear seats down, the storage is amazing. With the looks, storage and Honda's stellar reputation, this was an easy decision.
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Vehicle year: 2005
I've always wanted an SUV and I finally found the perfect one for me! I stumbled upon a Honda Pilot at the dealership's used lot and it was in great condition. It had one adult owner who took meticulous care of it, with regular oil changes, maintenance, and repairs. I've been driving it for a few months now and I absolutely love it! It has 3 rows of seats in case I need to haul people, but those fold down to create a lot of cargo space if I need to haul equipment. Although it's a 2005 model, I've already upgraded the stereo (it had a tape player!) and I plan to upgrade the speakers next. I did have a bit of trouble with the starter and the AC, but I managed to fix the starter myself and I'm hoping the AC won't be too expensive to repair. Overall, it's been a fantastic ride!
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Vehicle year: 2023
Congratulations on your new 2023 Pilot Touring AWD! It's great to hear that you're enjoying the ride and that the panoramic roof is a hit with your kids. The 10-speed transmission seems to be working smoothly, which is always a plus. And of course, the new look of the SUV is a real winner. Thanks for sharing your positive experience with us!
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Vehicle year: 2006
I bought this car brand new in December 2005 and it currently has about 53,000 miles on it. I replaced all brake pads and rotors at 40,000 miles and the tires at about 49,000 miles. The only unexpected maintenance I've had to do was replacing the front suspension links at about 3 years (they are now starting to rattle again...looks like they last for 3-4 years). But it was a cheap fix. The condenser went bad at 6.5 years, but that's understandable since we use the A/C quite a bit in the summer and in the winter (defrost). We're not much of a
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Vehicle year: 2008
My family and I upgraded from a 4-cylinder 2007 Accord to the 2008 Pilot, as we were expecting more children and needed more space. The Pilot was the perfect fit for us. We were able to get out of our lease with 1.5 years remaining and still received a great price. The Honda staff was very accommodating, just like during our first lease. As a seasoned driver, I find that the truck has great handling and power when I need it. Living in Brooklyn with a family, it's important to have a vehicle with great gas mileage, the ability to modify seating arrangements, and enough room for a quick trip to the grocery store. The sound system is also fantastic! I absolutely love my truck and couldn't imagine driving anything else!
Are you having problems with your Honda Pilot?
Tyree Lindgren 2025-05-07
Vehicle year: 2016
I've owned five cars in my 50 years of life. My first was a Honda Prelude, followed by a Honda Station Wagon, and two Honda mini-vans. The 2016 Pilot is my fifth car. As a Honda advocate and one of their biggest supporters, I was disappointed to find that the new Pilot has not met my expectations. Unfortunately, I've been plagued with issues since day one of owning the car. The first issue is with the radio. Regardless of whether I'm listening to XM or local radio, a crackling sound periodically occurs and the only solution is to turn the car off and restart it. However, this doesn't always work. I've even driven the car to the dealership (making me very late to work) to prove to them that this irritating crackling noise does exist. The technicians listened to the noise and tried to determine the source but were unable to give me a definitive answer or solution. I've since been back three times and still no results. The second and more serious issue is the acceleration problem. This is extremely dangerous and Honda needs to address it ASAP, as other owners have also mentioned this problem. It doesn't matter if the car is in ECO mode or regular mode, when you're at a stop sign or light and go to accelerate, there is a distinct delay and abrupt jarring that follows. It's very dangerous because you assume that your car will move quickly to avoid getting hit when trying to pull out into a busy intersection. However, this is not the case because your acceleration is delayed and frequently panic ensues because you worry if you can get out of the way in time. I've brought the car into the dealership three times and they've told me that the computers have been reprogrammed. Unfortunately, the issue has not improved or been corrected.I have been advised to return to American Honda Motor Company to explore my options, as I do not feel safe driving a car that does not accelerate properly. I have also experienced issues with the Auto Idle Stop, which only works sporadically. If you believe that I am the only one facing these problems, I encourage you to research the acceleration issues and Honda's denial of the problem online. As a loyal customer of 35 years, it is unfortunate that they have lost my business. I am preparing to address this issue, and I hope that you do not encounter the same problems that I have faced.
Irving Gusikowski 2025-05-03
Vehicle year: 2003
Our Pilot has been in our family since it was new and was dealer maintained up to 80K miles. We purchased it from my partner's parents when it had 80K miles on it. It has hardly needed any maintenance done. I personally did the timing belt, water pump, and plugs at 107K miles, and the first brake job was done at 125K miles. We mostly drive on the highway. However, we recently encountered an issue with the transmission. The first transmission went out at 130K miles, and we had to replace it with a factory remanufactured one with a 3-year/36K warranty for $3,700. Unfortunately, two years later, at 172K miles, the transmission needs to be replaced again. The cost of the replacement is $4,700, which we cannot afford. Can you?
Eduardo Kunze 2025-04-28
Vehicle year: 2005
I hope you're doing well! I wanted to share my experience with my Honda vehicle. It has been such a reliable car that I've driven it for over 217,000 miles, which is well over my normal vehicle total mileage of 250,000 miles. The engine runs great, the tranny has no problems, the tires have +25k left on them, and body rust only began a couple years ago. However, I recently discovered that the subframe is rusting near where it meets the frame, and the dealership mechanics advised me to start looking for a new vehicle within a few months. As a precaution, I now only drive it locally and never on freeways. If you own a Honda, I recommend having your mechanic take a look at the frame to ensure your vehicle is safe to drive. Although Honda and the auto safety officials claim that this is normal wear and tear, I find it concerning that the frame is affected. I may consider other car brands in the future, and I'll be looking for a non-dealer mechanic who can identify these kinds of issues before they become undrivable and cannot be safely sold.
Augustus Ferry 2025-04-27
Vehicle year: 2017
I am happy with the Honda Pilot overall and would recommend it. However, I cannot give it a rating higher than 3 stars due to some of the issues I experienced. I initially wanted to purchase the EX-L trim with V6, but ended up buying the Touring trim instead. I found it frustrating that Honda forces consumers to choose between Honda Sense, navigation, or rear entertainment on the EX-L trim. These three options cannot be combined on the EX-L. A Honda salesman tried to convince me that built-in navigation is no longer necessary with the addition of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. However, if you have ever traveled to rural areas without cellphone data coverage, you'll understand the need for built-in navigation. The 'Honda Lane Watch' is a great feature, but it would be better if the Elite had two cameras (both driver and passenger sides) instead of just one. The Elite adds a real 'Blind Spot' detection feature, which I would much rather have with a large illuminated icon on the side mirrors instead of the 'Honda Lane Watch'. If the majority of your turns are in the right lane, you will quickly understand the annoyance of seeing grass or sidewalk. An illuminated icon on the side mirror is quick for the driver to process, whereas the 'Honda Lane Watch' requires the driver to remove their eyes from the road and look at the in-dash monitor to determine if there is a car in the lane. The main point of safety features is to help the driver focus on the road, which 'Honda Lane Watch' doesn't do because you have to watch a live video feed and make a decision. The Touring and Elite have an 'Engine Stop' feature, which I found really annoying in stop-and-go city traffic. When you come to a complete stop, the engine shuts down. There is the capability to disable 'Engine Stop', but it must be disabled each time you start the car.In 2017, many manufacturers offer a motion-activated rear liftgate. It would be great if this feature was included in the Touring and Elite trims. If you're not interested in connectivity options like Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, consider the 2016 model. It's exactly the same as the 2017 model, but without connectivity. As other reviews have mentioned, the active safety features can be overly sensitive, and shifting can be rough at low speeds.
Shawn Ernser 2025-04-23
Vehicle year: 2019
We purchased a brand new 2019 Honda EX-L from a dealership in Round Rock, Texas. Upon returning from vacation, we noticed that the cargo door was misaligned and the rear bumper spacing was off. We promptly returned to the dealership, but were informed by the service department supervisor that fixing the issue would require removing all of the interior and there was no guarantee that it could be fixed. Despite the sales manager's initial offer to exchange the car, his boss ultimately denied our request. While we are disappointed with the situation, we remain confident in Honda's reputation for quality vehicles. We will continue to drive the car and explore potential solutions. Thank you for your attention to this matter.