Head-to-head reliability
Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot
How the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot: The Highlander averages 236 complaints per year and 45 recalls, while the Pilot averages 384 complaints per year and 66 recalls. The Highlander has more crash-related complaints (129 vs. 77) and one death, but the Pilot has more engine and electrical issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is a three-row family SUV with a generally solid reputation, but NHTSA data shows 2,356 complaints over 10 years, averaging 236 per year. The most common issues involve the power train, brakes, and engine, with some owners reporting serious problems like transmission failure and brake pedal issues. While the overall complaint rate is lower than some rivals, the severity of certain failures—including one death—means buyers should be aware of these patterns.
Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot is a popular three-row SUV, but it has a higher complaint volume: 3,844 over 10 years, or about 384 per year. The most frequent trouble spots are the engine, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance, with reports of engine fires, power steering loss, and phantom braking. These issues can be alarming, though not every vehicle experiences them. Buyers should weigh the higher complaint rate against the Pilot's practicality.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Toyota Highlander | Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,356 Better | 3,844 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 45 Better | 66 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 129 | 77 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 235.6 Better | 384.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 138 | 73 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 0 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Toyota Highlander
- 01POWER TRAIN765
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER378
- 03SERVICE BRAKES279
- 04ENGINE255
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM220
Owners report the 8-speed automatic transmission (UA80-series) can hesitate or fail during cold starts, and some experience sudden stalling or inability to drive. This matters because a transmission failure is expensive and can leave you stranded.
Complaints describe the brake pedal sometimes going almost to the floor before engaging, with warning lights flashing. This is a serious safety concern because it can lead to longer stopping distances or accidents.
Drivers notice a strong fuel odor entering the cabin, especially after long drives or on hot days, often near the rear driver side. This could indicate a fuel vapor leak, which is a fire risk and should be checked immediately.
Some owners report loud bangs or noises while driving, sometimes mistaken for a collision, and others mention issues with new vehicles. These vague complaints can be hard to diagnose but may point to structural or suspension problems.
“Detailed Description of the Incident: I am reporting a recurring powertrain safety issue regarding the 8-speed automatic transmission (UA80-series) in my vehicle. [Symptoms] During cold-start conditions (outside temperatures below 30°F), the vehicle consisten…”
“The vehicle started stalling out randomly on the highway even with it being automatic, after getting home and parking it , it would not back up or drive . Took it to Toyota dealership and they said it’s an internal failure of the transmission which is a UA80…”
Honda Pilot
- 01ENGINE1,153
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,076
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER663
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE475
- 05POWER TRAIN414
There are reports of engine fires, sometimes after an open recall for fuel system issues was not completed. Other owners mention idle stop system problems causing the engine to shut off unexpectedly. These are severe safety risks that require immediate attention.
Owners describe multiple warning lights appearing at once, including for steering assist, brakes, and stability control, sometimes after hitting a bump. In some cases, power steering fails, making the vehicle hard to control. This can happen without warning and is dangerous.
Complaints include 'phantom braking,' where the vehicle suddenly brakes on its own due to shadows or other false triggers, and sensor warnings lighting up. This unexpected braking can cause rear-end collisions or loss of control.
Some owners report unexplained failures, such as spontaneous windshield cracks while parked. These issues are frustrating and may indicate build quality or material problems, though they are less safety-critical than others.
“recall has been open since December of that year I have documentation that I took it last year to get this recall fix and your web site is stating that it is incomplete. today 11/12 at 7:30am my engine caught on fire there was a lot of witness at the elementa…”
“My vehicle has already had recalls on the fuel system and brake pin. Now I have an auto idle stop system problem. The indicator light is constantly flashing. Two days ago I was stopped at a red light on a two lane road in the city. When I pushed in the brake…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Toyota Highlander — 45 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner…
The risk: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel software over-the-air (OTA) for non-PHEV vehicles, free of charge. For PHEV vehicles, dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly, and either replace it, or update the software, free of charg…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or d…
The risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's nu…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The third row center seat belt roof anchor may have been installed at an incorrect angle, preventing the seat belt from properly restraining the occupant.
The risk: A seat belt that does not properly restrain an occupant increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reinstall the seat belt anchor with a new bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 25TA16.
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment.
The risk: A seat back that fails to lock may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the return springs in the seat back recliner assemblies, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 9, 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Toyota’s customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's nu…
Honda Pilot — 66 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Pilot vehicles. 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 risk: A loss of steering control or steering lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the electric power steering rack, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is FFX.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Honda Accord, Accord Hybrid, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Pilot, and 2024 HR-V, Acura Integra and Acura Integra Type S vehicles. The driver's seat cushion frame may not have been tightened properly, which can result in an unsecured se…
The risk: An unsecured driver's seat may not adequately restrain the driver during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the driver's seat cushion frame, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 6, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Passport and 2023-2025 Pilot vehicles. The fuel filler neck tube and fuel filler pipe may separate, allowing fuel to leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the fuel filler neck tube and pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this r…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Acura MDX Type-S, 2023-2025 Honda Pilot, and 2021-2025 Acura TLX Type-S vehicles. A software error in the fuel injection electronic control unit (FI-ECU) may cause an engine stall or a loss of power.
The risk: An engine stall or loss of power can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the FI-ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are EL1 and AL0.
Buyer analysis
Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot: which should you buy?
The Toyota Highlander has fewer complaints per year (about 236 vs. 384 for the Honda Pilot), suggesting it may have fewer overall issues. However, the Highlander's complaints include serious transmission and brake problems, while the Pilot's include engine fires and electrical failures. In practice, both have significant risks, but the Highlander's lower frequency might mean less time in the shop.
Key differences
- The Honda Pilot has more complaints per year (384 vs. 236), but the Highlander has a higher proportion of power train complaints, including transmission failures.
- The Pilot has reports of engine fires and electrical failures causing power steering loss, while the Highlander's most serious issues are brake pedal failure and fuel odors.
- The Pilot has more crash-related complaints (77 vs. 129 for Highlander? Wait, Highlander has 129 crash-related, Pilot 77. Actually Highlander has more crash-related, but Pilot has more forward collision avoidance complaints.)
- The Highlander has 1 death reported, while the Pilot has 0 deaths, but the Pilot has more injuries (73 vs. 138 for Highlander? Actually Highlander has 138 injuries, Pilot 73. So Highlander has more injuries and deaths, but fewer complaints overall.)
- During a test drive, pay attention to transmission shifting, especially when cold, and listen for unusual noises or hesitation. Also check for any delay or sponginess in the brake pedal.
- Inspect for fuel odors around the rear driver side and under the hood after driving. Look for any signs of fuel leaks or strong smells.
- Check for any open recalls, especially for fuel system and engine, and confirm they have been fixed. Look for warning lights on the dashboard, particularly for steering, brakes, and stability control.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system if possible, and be alert for any unexpected braking or sensor warnings during the test drive.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website, then confirm they have been remedied.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the transmission and brakes for the Highlander, and the engine and electrical system for the Pilot.
- During the test drive, simulate cold starts if possible and test all electronic safety features, including adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes on the Highlander and recall repairs on the Pilot.
- Consider a extended warranty that covers major components, given the potential for expensive repairs in both vehicles.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Toyota Highlander | Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 22 |
| 2025 | 10 | 202 |
| 2024 | 42 | 114 |
| 2023 | 182 | 144 |
| 2022 | 259 | 160 |
| 2021 | 523 | 438 |
| 2020 | 317 | 489 |
| 2019 | 489 | 907 |
| 2018 | 267 | 440 |
| 2017 | 267 | 928 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot
- Toyota Highlander total complaints
- 2,356
- Honda Pilot total complaints
- 3,844
- Toyota Highlander total recalls
- 45
- Honda Pilot total recalls
- 66
- Toyota Highlander avg complaints/year
- 235.6
- Honda Pilot avg complaints/year
- 384.4
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Highlander
- Toyota Highlander top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Honda Pilot top complaint area
- ENGINE