Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Honda Pilot owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2005 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at various speeds on several occasions, there was a cranking sound coming from underneath the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that several unknown components needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the shocks, control arms, drive train and other unknown components needed to be replaced. The contact referenced the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V228000 (Structure); however, neither the VIN nor the year, make, or model was included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 149,000.
My Honda pilot has rust on one of the subframe mounts causing it to come loose from body. Honda issued a technical service bulletin about it for an investigation from nhtsa. But, the dealer is acting like there is no such thing with the known issue and repair kit they made to fix the issue. I will attach the service bulletin below to about the issue of what Honda put out supposedly to fix the problem. They keep saying this bulletin does not exist for my vehicle but the bulletin states all years not VIN specific.
The rear suspension got detached from a collapsed/rusted Frame. Item # 11 Sub-Frame, Rear Suspension Part # 50300-S9V-A01 The suspension is rubbing against the rear tires since the Bolt Flange (14x125 item# 14 part # 90160-S0X-A00) can't be supported by the rusted/ collapsed Frame affecting the rest of suspension parts item # 12 washer E subframe part# 50354-S3V-A00 and item#13 part# 50456-S3V-A00 Washer F subframe Mounting.
The rear trailing arm, normally attached to the rear suspension is clearly corroded and came detached when driving under 25 mph up a road. The SAME issue Honda had to do a recall on their 2005 CRV model. Researched Honda Pilots, in our (Midwest) area, EVERY SINGLE 2005 Pilot had the corrosion. Also cause the muffler pipe to detach from the catalytic converter (included in the photos attached).
The rear subframe attaches to the unibody has rotted and almost fell off the car
I've owned this car for a year now and its been a great running vehicle. I noticed that the rear of the car had been sagging a bit but I didn't think anything of it because of the miles it had and figured the springs were just a little worn out. My wife pulled it in the driveway one afternoon and I noticed the rear of the vehicle was lower than normal (no additional weight in truck area). I looked underneath to inspect what could be the problem and saw that the rear suspension cradle that's mounted to the unibody cross member had broken the rear two bolts completely out from the cross member. I took pictures for documentation. This vehicle has many miles on it but it is only 10 years old and I feel that this should not have happened. I have never towed with this vehicle and never had anything over 200 pounds in the trunk area. …
I drove over a dip in the road then heard a noise from the rear of Pilot I thought it was the muffler and it the muffler seamed a bit louder then normal but after looking at it I did not see anything diff. But a couple of days later after driving some friends to the airport and exiting I heard a metal sounding noise so after pulling in the driveway and inspecting the area of the exhaust I noticed the drivers side of the rear frame/ suspension was lower then the right side. And looking closer I saw a bolt or whatever its called that holds the frame cradle rusted off and separated from the main frame also the right side looks very rusted and concerned it could separate as well and the whole rear frame suspension could drop. I now am going to have it towed to a frame shop it is risky to drive it in the current condition. This is very bad. …
I recently purchased a 2005 Honda Pilot. It only has 117,000 miles on it. Motor and transmission are excellent. There was a knocking noise in the rear right passenger side. I had the shocks changed and was advised that the entire frame is rusted out. I did not notice the rust but my mechanic pointed it out to me and now I do not feel safe driving this car. Before I was advised of the rust damage I put all new brakes and tires. Im in six thousand on the car and now I have to scrap it. This seems like an issue that Honda should take responsibility for. How can the frame, chasis, and sub frame rot/rust out. This is not okay. I see many forums online discussing that this is common with older Honda vehicles.
The complaint that I have is with lower subframe and the mounts have rusted out and is no longer safe to drive or any roads above 35mph. The driver side rear mount isnt attacked to anything bc of rust and the passenger side is rusted but not separated. The truck wobbles when u start going faster then 35mph. This happens when going straight, also while turning either direction and makes it hard to keep control if your not ready for it to happen especially. And there is a knocking noise when the truck goes into reverse that's what caused me to inspect the rear end, it's the metal hitting each other bc there is a small gap where there shouldn't be.
Structural failure of both rear suspension sub frame mounts. While driving the vehicle, the ABS, AWD, traction control, and brake lights all came on. I connected my code reader and it indicated that the left and right wheel speed sensors had an open circuit. Upon visual inspection of the rear wheel speed sensors, wires, and connectors, I discovered that the rear two sub frame mounts had separated from the chassis, causing the rear portion of the sub frame assembly to drop 5-6 inches, which resulted in the rear wheel speed sensor wires getting pulled from their connectors. The rear portion of the sub fram is now resting on the exhaust pipe.
Suspension complaints in other Pilot years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2005 Honda Pilot?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the suspension of the 2005 Honda Pilot, 6% of the model year's 679 complaints. The component named most often is rear (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Honda Pilot suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 2005 Honda Pilot, though it has 13 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2005 Honda Pilot suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 101,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to suspension problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.