Honda Pilot Problems by Year

We compared every Honda Pilot model year from 2003–2026 using 9,375 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 62 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2016, 2017, 2019, 2025 and 2021, which drew far more complaints than other Pilot years at the same age. The best years are 2015, 2014 and 2012.

24model years
9,375complaints
62recalls
2016, 2017worst years
2015, 2014best years

Complaints by model year

’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25’267205446792682111331341112931712711161091.7k93544091849244616614611621426
Owner complaints per model year, Honda Pilot. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
202626−23%1SteeringAverage
20252144.5×4Collision AvoidanceAvoid
20241161.9×6Seat BeltCaution
20231461.6×5Seat BeltCaution
20221661.4×5Collision AvoidanceAverage
20214463.9×10ElectricalAvoid
20204923.8×11ElectricalAvoid
20199185.6×13ElectricalAvoid
20184403.1×7EngineAvoid
20179356.3×4EngineAvoid
20161,71610.3×8EngineAvoid
2015109−53%4EngineGood
2014116−49%3EngineGood
20132711.7×6EngineCaution
2012171−24%9EngineAverage
20112931.8×11AirbagCaution
2010111−49%10AirbagGood
2009134−42%9EngineGood
2008133−53%7AirbagGood
2007211−36%7AirbagAverage
2006268−25%8AirbagAverage
20056793.0×13TransmissionAvoid
20045442.1×12TransmissionAvoid
20037202.6×13TransmissionAvoid

* Complaints compared with the median Pilot year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Honda Pilot problems

Latest Honda Pilot recalls

Suspension › Rear

NHTSA recall 26V-424 · Jul 1, 2026 · 3,933 vehicles

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2026 Pilot and Passport vehicles. The rear subframe bolts may have been tightened improperly.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rear subframe bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

Suspension › Rear

NHTSA recall 26V-365 · Jun 4, 2026 · 965,561 vehicles

American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles that were sold in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New…

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear subframe and install a rear subframe reinforcement kit and, as necessary, repair or replace the rear subframe components, free of charge.

Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passenger

NHTSA recall 26V-332 · May 21, 2026 · 98,892 vehicles

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic…

Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

Seats › Critical fasteners

NHTSA recall 26V-054 · Jan 29, 2026 · 32 vehicles

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023 Honda Accord, Accord Hybrid, and 2024 HR-V, Pilot, and Acura Integra vehicles. The driver's seat cushion frame may not have been tightened properly, which can result in a loose seat.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's seat cushion frame, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 10, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

Service brakes, hydraulic › Pedals and linkages

NHTSA recall 25V-391 · Jun 12, 2025 · 259,033 vehicles

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Acura TLX, 2023-2025 Acura MDX, and 2023-2025 Honda Pilot vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin was not secured properly, which can cause the pedal to shift out of position.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pedal assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

All 62 Honda Pilot recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Honda Pilot should you avoid?

2016, 2017, 2019, 2025, 2021 and 2020 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Pilot years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 2016.

What is the best year for the Honda Pilot?

2015 has the fewest complaints compared with other Pilot years at the same age, followed by 2014 and 2012. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Honda Pilot problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (2,589), electrical system (2,057) and transmission & drivetrain (1,328). Engine complaints peak in the 2016 model year.

How many recalls has the Honda Pilot had?

62 recalls across 2003–2026. The model year with the most is 2003. See all Honda Pilot recalls by year.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.