Vehicle 1

Toyota Highlander

2,122 complaints · 44 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Honda Pilot

3,483 complaints · 65 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot: The Highlander averages 212.2 complaints per year with 44 recalls, while the Pilot averages 348.3 complaints per year with 65 recalls. The Highlander has more crash complaints (115 vs 71) but fewer powertrain issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

3
Toyota Highlander
wins 3 of 4 categories
1
Honda Pilot
wins 1 of 4 categories
CategoryToyota HighlanderHonda Pilot
Total Complaints
All years combined
2,122
✓ lower
3,483
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
44
✓ lower
65
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
115
71
✓ lower
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
212.2
✓ lower
348.3

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Toyota Highlander

1. POWER TRAIN649
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER340
3. SERVICE BRAKES263
4. ENGINE241
5. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM207

Honda Pilot

1. ENGINE1,052
2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM989
3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER599
4. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE402
5. POWER TRAIN388
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Toyota Highlander has fewer complaints per year (212.2 vs 348.3) and fewer recalls (44 vs 65), suggesting it may have fewer reported issues overall. However, both vehicles have significant problem areas to watch.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize lower overall complaint rates and fewer recalls, the Highlander is the better choice. If you are concerned about crash-related complaints (115 vs 71) or want to avoid powertrain issues (649 vs 388), the Pilot may be preferable. Check service history for the specific top issues of each model.

Key Differences
  • Highlander has 212.2 complaints/year vs Pilot's 348.3/year.
  • Highlander has 44 recalls; Pilot has 65 recalls.
  • Highlander has 115 crash complaints; Pilot has 71.
  • Highlander's top issue is powertrain (649); Pilot's top is engine (1052).
⚠ Watch on Toyota Highlander
  • Watch for powertrain issues (649 complaints) and service brake problems (263 complaints).
  • Fuel/propulsion system complaints (207) may indicate fuel system concerns.
⚠ Watch on Honda Pilot
  • Engine issues are very common (1052 complaints) – check for engine performance or failure history.
  • Electrical system problems (989 complaints) could affect reliability and safety features.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles and ensure all recalls are completed.
  • Review service records for powertrain (Highlander) or engine (Pilot) repairs.
  • Test drive and listen for unusual noises from the engine or transmission.
  • Inspect brake performance and check for any brake-related complaints.
  • For Pilot, verify forward collision avoidance system functionality.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Toyota HighlanderHonda Pilot
2026
1
0
2025
7
148
2024
38
93
2023
157
111
2022
210
122
2021
451
393
2020
289
459
2019
458
844
2018
253
423
2017
258
890
Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot — comparison facts
Comparison
Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot
Toyota Highlander total complaints
2,122
Honda Pilot total complaints
3,483
Toyota Highlander total recalls
44
Honda Pilot total recalls
65
Toyota Highlander avg complaints/year
212.2
Honda Pilot avg complaints/year
348.3
More reliable overall
Toyota Highlander
Toyota Highlander top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
Honda Pilot top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Toyota Highlander Reliability & Problems

2,122 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Honda Pilot Reliability & Problems

3,483 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot?

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