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

41

2.2
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda pilot 2023 photo
Pilot 2023
Honda

46

1

39

2.7
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda pilot 2022 photo
Pilot 2022
Honda

55

3

44

2.9
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda pilot 2021 photo
Pilot 2021
Honda

202

8

40

1.9
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda pilot 2020 photo
Pilot 2020
Honda

331

9

41

1.7
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda pilot 2019 photo
Pilot 2019
Honda

573

11

41

2.2
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda pilot 2018 photo
Pilot 2018
Honda

308

5

39

2.7
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda pilot 2017 photo
Pilot 2017
Honda

657

2

39

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

1265

7

39

1.6
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda pilot 2015 photo
Pilot 2015
Honda

90

4

30

2.6
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda pilot 2014 photo
Pilot 2014
Honda

103

3

31

1.7
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda pilot 2013 photo
Pilot 2013
Honda

255

6

45

2.4
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda pilot 2012 photo
Pilot 2012
Honda

160

9

39

2.5
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda pilot 2011 photo
Pilot 2011
Honda

278

11

41

2.3
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda pilot 2010 photo
Pilot 2010
Honda

110

10

39

2
  • 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

38

2.2
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda pilot 2007 photo
Pilot 2007
Honda

201

9

41

2.5
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda pilot 2006 photo
Pilot 2006
Honda

259

10

42

2.6
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda pilot 2005 photo
Pilot 2005
Honda

674

15

41

2.1
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda pilot 2004 photo
Pilot 2004
Honda

539

13

43

2.5
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda pilot 2003 photo
Pilot 2003
Honda

739

14

43

2.3
  • 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. Colt Ferry 2025-07-26

    Vehicle year: 2011

    My family has always owned a Honda. We have owned 4 Honda's. My Pilot looks great and rides smoothly. However, we have experienced some trouble with the stereo and the temperature control on the air and heat. Unfortunately, the stereo had to be completely replaced because all the CDs were stuck in there and we were unable to retrieve them. The volume can only be adjusted using the control on the steering, and changing CDs requires physically removing the current one. We have had the air conditioning fixed 5 times, but it still blows out a gush of cold air in the winter or is not the right temperature. We even video taped it with a temperature gauge in the air, but they say it's because we aren't using the air correctly. We are disappointed in the quality of the Honda, as they just don't make them the same anymore, but we are grateful for the extended warranty. We hope to hear back from the head of the service soon. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

  2. Gregory Will 2025-07-25

    Vehicle year: 2018

    I recently purchased the Pilot Ex-L brand new, but unfortunately, I have not been entirely satisfied with my purchase. On the first day, I noticed that the windows rolled up and down more slowly than my previously driven 10-year-old Camry. Additionally, the windows make an unpleasant, screeching noise when rolling up. Despite having less than 300 miles on the vehicle, it already requires a service visit to lubricate the window motor and bearings. I was disappointed to find out that this is an ongoing problem with older Honda vehicles as well. For a vehicle that costs over $40k, one would expect quality control to have corrected this issue. When I contacted the dealer to schedule a service visit, they seemed a bit irritated that I had not purchased the vehicle from their location. However, I do appreciate the amount of space, cubbies, cup holders, etc. that the vehicle offers. Although the fit and finish could be better, I am not a fan of the infotainment center as it is not user-friendly and does not link well with Android phone systems. As a result, I am considering trading this vehicle for a different SUV, such as a Highlander, Lexus, Acura, Infinity, GMC, Chevy, etc.

  3. Mohamed Larson 2025-07-24

    Vehicle year: 2013

    Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my 2013 Pilot EX-L 4x4. As a long-time Honda owner, I was excited to make this big purchase to accommodate my growing family. However, I did notice a vibration issue in Eco mode and a squishy brake pedal. I took it to the dealership twice, but unfortunately, they were unable to resolve the vibration issue and only bled the brakes. Despite my frustration, I'm still hopeful that we can find a solution. Have any other Honda owners experienced similar issues? Let's share our experiences and work together to find a solution. Thank you for listening!

  4. Andres Gaylord 2025-07-21

    Vehicle year: 2013

    I recently traded my CRV for a 2013 Honda Pilot 4WD Touring. Unfortunately, the Pilot had a moonroof leak that soaked the interior as soon as it arrived home. It turned out that the drain tubes were disconnected from the factory, which should have been a sign. The MPG never made it to 25 on the highway, and I found that it averaged 15-17 in mixed driving over 7000 miles, even with minimal passengers. The VCM was also problematic. Sometimes it felt like a bad torque converter, and other times it stumbled on flat ground regularly while activating/deactivating cylinders. The only way I could tolerate driving it was to drive it in D3, which shouldn't be necessary on a 40K vehicle. As a result, I decided to trade it back into a Camry SE V6. It's unfortunate that Honda has VCM troubles, but I'm happy with my new car.

  5. Mariano Ankunding 2025-07-20

    Vehicle year: 2004

    The driver's side seat heater in my 2004 Honda Pilot with 39,000 miles has been reported to get dangerously hot to the point of burning. Multiple complaints have been made about this issue on the NHTSA incident database and Edmunds discussion group, all referencing the same problem. Some individuals have even reported fires or smoke coming from the seat. Despite this serious safety concern, Honda Customer Service has refused to acknowledge or remedy the issue. It is important to address this potential hazard and take appropriate action.

Latest positive Honda Pilot car reviews

  1. Cloyd Crooks 2025-08-02

    Vehicle year: 2006

    Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I noticed that your vehicle has 215,000 miles on it and needs a new crankshaft sensor warning, as well as both catalytic converters replaced. I understand that the cost of repairs may be more than the value of the vehicle, which can be frustrating. It sounds like you had hoped to get 300,000 miles out of it. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns!

  2. Candido Langworth 2025-08-01

    Vehicle year: 2021

    I've had the 2021 EX-L for about a month now, and I've already taken it on a long road trip, covering 2600 miles. Previously, I owned a 2018 Honda CR-V turbo, which was a lot of fun to drive and had excellent mpg (33-35). However, it was just too small for my stuff and uncomfortable on long drives. The Pilot, on the other hand, is exceptionally comfortable, but being so much larger, it's not as fun to drive. Overall, I'm happy with the 27mpg. I'm still getting used to the engine stop and some of the other computerized features, but I think most new cars have these. However, I want to warn any potential buyers about a feature that I'm not a fan of: the cabin air flow/control. If you enjoy air flow through the vents, you can only get it with the system turned on. If it's shut off, it gets stuffy in the cabin with no air movement. If it's on, you must choose a temperature. So far, I cannot find a comfortable one, and I'm constantly changing it up or down as mainly it feels like cold air is flowing (no, I do not have the air conditioner on). Otherwise, I believe some of the issues previously mentioned with infotainment have been fixed with a software update.

  3. Elmore Muller 2025-08-01

    Vehicle year: 2019

    As a previous owner of a 2016 Pilot, I wanted to share my first impressions of the mid-cycle refresh of the 2019 Pilot Touring model. Let's start with the transmission. My 2016 9-speed transmission was a bit jerky at low speeds, but it improved slightly when I added a transmission cooler for towing. I'm happy to report that the 2019 9-speed transmission seems to have resolved this issue, and all the jerky movements have disappeared. I haven't had the chance to tow anything yet, but my 2016 model performed flawlessly pulling a 2500 lb. boat up and down our Missouri hills. Now, let's talk about the Sensing Suite. I've noticed some minor improvements in responsiveness, especially with the adaptive cruise control, which may be due to the improved transmission. Honda has also added blind spot monitoring, although they did remove the camera on the right mirror, which I personally miss. In 2016, Honda forgot to include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which they added in 2017. This time, they forgot to add remote start with HondaLink. I think it would have been a great addition, especially since it's available on the Odyssey. The radio head unit, which now has a volume knob, is the same one that's in the Odyssey, and it can now be updated over Wi-Fi, so you no longer have to use a USB drive. Appearance is subjective, but I personally like the new grille and the addition of the chrome strip around the bottom of the doors. The plastic strip under the front and rear bumper has been changed to a silverish color to make them look like skid-plates, which is a nice touch.The ride feels smoother and quieter. The Hands Free power tailgate is a useful addition, especially when your hands are full. The instrument panel now features new graphics, and the buttons on the steering wheel have been rearranged, so it may take some time to get used to them if you upgrade to a new Pilot. Auto High Beam Headlights have also been added, which is a nice feature, although they can be a little too sensitive and switch back and forth too often.

  4. Monserrate Kuhn 2025-07-29

    Vehicle year: 2010

    I selected this car for its spacious interior and comfortable ride, as I travel frequently. I compared it to the Lincoln Towncar, which unfortunately is no longer available. Overall, this car was a great purchase. However, I no longer have a need for it as I now have a company car. Thanks for considering it!

  5. Hermann Bins 2025-07-28

    Vehicle year: 2019

    I've owned the vehicle for 8,000 miles now and it's been a great experience. There's plenty of room for the kids, the ride is smooth, and the gas mileage is excellent. I haven't had any issues at all. The 9-speed transmission is incredibly smooth, second only to a CVT. Update 2/5/20: the car is still going strong with no issues. I'm impressed with it overall and my kids love all the space. I've been getting an average of 20.4 mpg in mostly city driving and it handles great in the snow. 8/6/20: still no issues. 2/10/21: due to the pandemic, I haven't been driving much, but the car has roughly 14k miles on it now and is still running great. It's an absolute beast in the snow and the sand mode is unstoppable. The AWD system is much better than any other vehicle I've owned. 8/16/21: almost 17k miles and still no complaints. 8/16/22: 25k miles and no issues whatsoever. 2/15/23: 29k miles and it's still running great with no issues. 8/16/23: 33k miles and no issues. There were two recalls for wiring and software, but I never had a problem before or after them.

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