Honda Pilot reliability and problems by year
Owners have filed 6,647 complaints about the Honda Pilot with NHTSA since 2010, most often about engine and electrical system. Honda has filed 43 warranty extensions and 3 service campaigns for it, and there are 44 safety recalls on file.
From NHTSA's public data files, downloaded 2026-10-10.
How reliable is the Honda Pilot? What NHTSA's records show
We don't give the Pilot a reliability score. NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. Here is what's on file for model years 2010 on.
- Owner complaints
- 6,647
- Filed with NHTSA, all model years
- Warranty extensions
- 43
- Filed by Honda
- Service campaigns
- 3
- Filed by Honda
- Safety recalls
- 44
- Each covers part of the model
Every model year compared
Complaints rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so a newer or rarer year will show fewer. Compare years of the Pilot with each other.
| Year | Complaints | Most named | Recalls | Warranty / campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 23 | Steering (52%) | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 | 207 | Automatic emergency braking and collision warning (27%) | 4 | 0 |
| 2024 | 116 | Seat belts (22%) | 6 | 0 |
| 2023 | 145 | Seat belts (23%) | 5 | 0 |
| 2022 | 163 | Automatic emergency braking and collision warning (28%) | 5 | 6 |
| 2021 | 439 | Electrical system (30%) | 10 | 6 |
| 2020 | 492 | Electrical system (43%) | 11 | 8 |
| 2019 | 910 | Electrical system (29%) | 13 | 11 |
| 2018 | 440 | Engine (36%) | 7 | 6 |
| 2017 | 930 | Engine (51%) | 4 | 12 |
| 2016 | 1,711 | Engine (45%) | 8 | 19 |
| 2015 | 109 | Engine (20%) | 4 | 10 |
| 2014 | 116 | Engine (27%) | 3 | 12 |
| 2013 | 271 | Engine (29%) | 6 | 18 |
| 2012 | 171 | Engine (20%) | 9 | 13 |
| 2011 | 293 | Airbags (23%) | 11 | 15 |
| 2010 | 111 | Airbags (29%) | 10 | 17 |
Look up one model year, or a VIN
See the complaints, recalls and warranty extensions for a single Pilot model year, with the typical mileage when owners reported each problem.
Acknowledged by Honda
Warranty extensions and service campaigns Honda filed with NHTSA for the Pilot, in its own words. A warranty extension means Honda pays for the repair beyond the normal warranty.
- Warranty extensionMar 2023· Engine and cooling· model years 2016–2022
Warranty Extension - Warranty Extension reimbursement form for engine idle stop repairs made before the warranty extension notice date.
- Warranty extensionMar 2023· Engine and cooling· model years 2016–2022
Warranty Extension - Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and the idle stop feature engages, the vehicle may not automatically restart.
- Warranty extensionJan 2023· Engine and cooling· model years 2016–2021
Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and engaging idle stop, the vehicle may not restart automatically due to excessive cylinder pressure and/or low cranking torque.
- Warranty extensionJan 2023· Electrical system· model years 2021–2022
Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and engaging idle stop, the vehicle may not restart automatically due to excessive cylinder pressure and/or low cranking torque.
- Warranty extensionMay 2021· Equipment and accessories· model years 2019–2020
Dealer Message - On February 18, 2021, American Honda announced a warranty extension for certain 2018-20 Odyssey, 2019-20 Passport, and 2019-20 Pilot vehicles.
- Warranty extensionApr 2021· Electrical system· model years 2019–2020
There may also be a Network Loss message and/or display issues.
- Warranty extensionMar 2021· Equipment and accessories· model years 2016–2017
Additionally, the fuel injectors may need to be replaced. American Honda is extending the warranty on these repairs to 10 years from the original date of purchase or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionMar 2021· Mobility equipment· model years 2017–2019
This warranty extension provides coverage for the original owner and any subsequent owners. No action is required on your part unless you experience a problem.
- Warranty extensionFeb 2021· Electrical system· model years 2019–2020
Dealer Message - Today, February 18, 2021, American Honda is announcing a warranty extension for certain 2018-20 Odyssey, 2019-20 Passport, and 2019-20 Pilot vehicles.
- Warranty extensionFeb 2021· Electrical system· model years 2016–2017
Also, the MID displays the error message KEYLESS START SYSTEM ERROR, and DTC B12C5 (Engine Start/Stop Switch Failure) is stored.
- Warranty extensionFeb 2021· Fuel system· model years 2016–2019
Dealer Message - On, November 24, 2020, American Honda announced a warranty extension for certain 2016 Pilot vehicles.
- Warranty extensionFeb 2021· Engine and cooling· model years 2017–2019
The PCM software may misinterpret sensor inputs as a deteriorated catalytic converter.
- Warranty extensionDec 2020· Electrical system· model years 2016–2017
The vehicle may not start upon first press of the ENGINE START/STOP button.
- Warranty extensionDec 2020· Electrical system· model years 2016–2017
Dealer Message - Today, December 9, 2020, American Honda is announcing a warranty extension for certain 2015-17 Fit, 2016-18 HR-V, 2016-17 Pilot, and 2017 Ridgeline vehicles.
- Warranty extensionNov 2020· Electrical system· model years 2016–2017
The PCM software may misinterpret sensor inputs as a deteriorated catalytic converter.
- Warranty extensionMar 2020· Airbags· model years 2010–2015
This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement front passenger's airbag inflator only.
- Warranty extensionOct 2019· Visibility· model years 2013–2016
Dealer Message - On August 29, 2019, American Honda launched five revised and one new Warranty Extension paint bulletins. Please review the following summary of requirements within these bulletins and share with the appropriate staff to ensure proper claim submission.
- Warranty extensionAug 2019· Airbags· model years 2010–2015
Warranty Extension: Customer Support Program For Front Passenger's Airbag Inflator for 2010-12 Accord and Other Listed Years and Models (Expires September 30, 2028)
- Warranty extensionAug 2019· Body and structure· model years 2013–2016
To ensure your confidence in your vehicle, American Honda is extending the warranty on the paint in these areas to 7 years from the original date of purchase.
- Warranty extensionAug 2019· Body and structure· model years 2013–2016
Dealer Message - In the last few weeks, American Honda has issued several paint warranty extension service bulletins on the Pilot, Odyssey, HR-V and Fit models due to paint defects under S/B# 19-055, 19-056, 19 057, 19-058 and 19-064.
- Warranty extensionJun 2019· Body and structure· model years 2013–2015
The exterior paint on the roof and/or tailgate may peel off. American Honda is extending the warranty on the paint of the affected vehicles to 7 years from the original date of purchase with no mileage limit.
- Warranty extensionJun 2019· Body and structure· model years 2013–2016
The exterior paint on the roof and/or tailgate may peel off. American Honda is extending the warranty on the paint of the affected vehicles to 7 years from the original date of purchase with no mileage limit.
- Warranty extensionJun 2019· Body and structure· model years 2013–2016
Dealer Message - Today, June 1, 2019, American Honda is announcing a warranty extension for certain 2011-14 Odyssey and 2013-16 Pilot vehicles with either Taffeta White or White Diamond Pearl paint to address customer concerns with peeling paint.
- Warranty extensionJan 2019· Airbags· model years 2010–2015
This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement front passenger's airbag inflator only.
- Warranty extensionJun 2018· Airbags· model years 2010–2013
This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement front passengers airbag inflator only.
- Warranty extensionJun 2018· Airbags· model years 2010–2012
This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement front passengers airbag inflator only.
- Warranty extensionJun 2018· Airbags· model years 2010–2011
This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement front passengers airbag inflator only.
- Warranty extensionAug 2017· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2016–2017
American Honda is extending the warranty on the 9-speed transmission warmers to 10 years from the original date of purchase with unlimited mileage. This warranty covers vehicles where the engine coolant and ATF mix because of an internal leak in the 9-speed transmission warmer.
- Warranty extensionAug 2017· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2016
Dealer message - Today, August 4, 2017, American Honda is announcing two product updates and a warranty extension on certain model year 2016 Pilot vehicles to address vehicles with a possible leaking transmission warmer.
- Warranty extensionDec 2015· Equipment and accessories· model years 2016
There are currently two bulletins that apply to an odometer overstatement issue: S/b 15-073, non-compliance recall: Gauge control module fcan bus off, product update: Gauge control module odometer mileage, gauge control module - auto door lock settings resets s/b 15-074,…
What owners report most
The parts of the car owners named in their complaints, across every Pilot model year. Unverified, and not a failure rate.
- Engine2,156 (32%)
- Electrical system1,737 (26%)
- Other or unspecified1,057 (16%)
- Transmission and drivetrain729 (11%)
- Fuel and propulsion504 (8%)
- Automatic emergency braking and collision warning470 (7%)
- Brakes283 (4%)
- Lane keeping193 (3%)
Safety recalls
44 recalls cover at least one Pilot model year. Each covers a range of VINs, not every car. Check one car at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
The rear subframe bolts may have been tightened improperly.
The rear subframe may corrode at the suspension mounting points, which can result in rear suspension component failure.
The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
The driver's seat cushion frame may not have been tightened properly, which can result in a loose seat.
The brake pedal pivot pin was not secured properly, which can cause the pedal to shift out of position.
The third-row passenger seat belt assembly may not function, due to incorrect routing that traps the seat belt behind the passenger side panel.
A software error in the fuel injection electronic control unit (FI-ECU) may cause an engine stall or a loss of power.
The fuel filler neck tube and fuel filler pipe may separate, allowing fuel to leak.
The driver's seat cushion frame may not have been tightened properly, which can result in an unsecured seat.
The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.
Due to a manufacturing error, the gear box assembly may contain a loose ball bearing, which can result in a loss of steering control or steering lock-up.
The tie rod fastener that connects the brake booster and the brake master cylinder may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, which can cause the brake master cylinder to separate from the booster assembly.
Due to a faulty Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) communication coaxial cable connector, the rearview camera image may not appear on the display.
And 29 more recalls on NHTSA.
NHTSA investigations
Defect investigations NHTSA opened. Many close without a recall.
- PE25017Preliminary evaluation· opened Oct 2025, still open· Seat belts· model years 2023–2024
Inaccurate Rear Passenger Seat Belt Warning Status
- PE25008Preliminary evaluation· opened Aug 2025, still open· Engine· model years 2016–2020
Engine failure
- EA25004Engineering analysis· opened Mar 2025, still open· Engine and cooling· model years 2016–2025
No Restart After Auto Start/Stop Engages
- RQ24013Recall query· opened Nov 2024, closed Aug 2025· Engine· model years 2015–2020
Engine failure
- PE22005Preliminary evaluation· opened Jun 2022, closed Mar 2025· Engine and cooling· model years 2016–2020
No Restart After Auto Start/Stop Engages
NHTSA's own page for the 2026 Honda Pilot has the complaint text and every document.
Common questions
Is the Honda Pilot reliable?
We don't score reliability: NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. What's on file for model years 2010 on: 6,647 owner complaints, 43 warranty extensions and 3 service campaigns Honda filed, and 44 safety recalls. The model years with the most complaints are 2016 (1,711), 2017 (930), 2019 (910). Whether a known problem was fixed on one car is what its service records show.
What are the most common problems with the Honda Pilot?
Across every model year since 2010, owners' complaints to NHTSA most often name engine (32%), electrical system (26%), other or unspecified (16%). Honda has filed 43 warranty extensions covering the Pilot, listed on this page.
Which Pilot model years have the most complaints?
2016 (1,711), 2017 (930), 2019 (910). Complaint counts rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so compare years of the Pilot with each other rather than with other models.
Has Honda extended the warranty on the Pilot?
Yes: engine and cooling (model years 2016–2022); engine and cooling (model years 2016–2022); engine and cooling (model years 2016–2021), and 40 more. A dealer does a covered repair for free within the extended time or mileage.
How do I check recalls on a Pilot?
Enter the car's 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That answers for one vehicle; the 44 recalls listed here are for the model, and each covers only part of it.