Honda Pilot
Reliability, NHTSA Complaints & Recall History
10 model years analyzed (2017–2026). All data sourced directly from the NHTSA public complaints and recall database — the same data used by federal regulators.
Checking a specific Honda Pilot? Run a VIN check for its exact history.
⭐ NHTSA NCAP Crash Test Ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
AI Interpretation
High ConfidenceAverageNHTSA complaint data for the Honda Pilot (2017–2026) shows a high volume of reports concentrated in the engine and electrical system, with notable issues in forward collision avoidance and powertrain. The 2017 and 2019 model years account for the most complaints, while 2023 and 2024 have relatively few. Crash-related complaints are low relative to total complaints.
- Engine complaints are the most numerous, with 1032 reports.
- Electrical system complaints total 979, the second-highest category.
- Forward collision avoidance accounts for 390 complaints.
- The 2017 model year has the highest complaint count (879), followed by 2019 (834).
- Engine issues, including possible stalling or loss of power.
- Electrical system malfunctions, such as battery or wiring problems.
- Forward collision avoidance system false activations or failures.
The 2017 and 2019 model years have elevated complaints, driven primarily by engine and electrical system reports. These years may warrant closer inspection.
The 2023 and 2024 model years have the fewest complaints, suggesting potential improvements in reliability or lower owner reporting. Buyers may consider these years for fewer reported issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and electrical system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the forward collision avoidance system.
- Check for any outstanding powertrain or fuel system issues.
🔔 NHTSA Safety Recalls
53 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
🔧 Most-Reported Problem Areas
Based on component keywords extracted from all 3,415 NHTSA complaints.
📋 NHTSA Complaint Reports
3,415 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
Right and center rear passenger seat belt sensors are malfunctioning. Despite passengers wearing their seatbelts, the dashboard and warning alarms signal that they are not wearing their seatbelts. I am concerned for the safety of my children who need to be in the back seats and fear that the seat belt system and sensors are not reliable.
The vehicle's Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) is triggering 'phantom braking' at 50mph when there are no vehicles or hazards ahead. This occurs consistently on roads with dark asphalt patches/crack sealant. The braking is severe enough to cause a potential rear-end collision. I have reported this to Honda Corporate (Case #16338446) and have an appointment with a dealer, but the issue persists and is a major safety risk for my family.
Recently the vehicle has developed an erratic behavior when a passenger on mid-row seat is using the seat belt, seat belt reminder goes on/off every few seconds displaying inaccurate information of when the seat belt is in use. I contacted my local Honda dealer describing the problem and informing them of Honda's service bulletin #TSB A26-027, which describes exactly the same symptoms my vehicle is having and they've been unwilling to address the issue, as the TSB is not an active recall.
Component/System Failure: The right rear passenger seatbelt buckle/sensor appears to be malfunctioning. It intermittently registers as unbuckled even when the seatbelt is securely fastened. The component is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: This defect creates a safety concern by causing continuous distraction to the driver due to repeated seatbelt warning chimes and alerts. It may also lead to uncertainty about whether the passenger is properly restrained, potentially compromising occupant safety. Reproduction/Confirmation: The issue has been consistently reproduced during normal driving conditions. It occurs frequently, even when the seatbelt is properly latched. The issue has not yet been formally confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. Inspection History: The vehicle/component has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. Warning Lamps/Messages/Symptoms: The seatbelt warning chime and dashboard alert activate intermittently while driving, despite the seatbelt being properly fastened. No prior warning signs were observed before the issue began. The problem first appeared in January 2026. Additional Notes / Assessment: Based on the symptoms, this appears to be a faulty seatbelt sensor or buckle connection issue causing false readings.
I have had ongoing seat belt sensor issues with my vehicle. The middle row alarm would go off even when someone was buckled. Now it Has disabled itself and does not sense if someone is buckled or not. Now I also have two seat in the 3rd row that are intermittent alarms causing you to turn around and see if someone is in the seats or un buckled. The alarms go from constant to intermittent and will occur regardless of the weight of the person in the seat.
My Honda Pilot automatically applied the brakes 2 times while traveling on the interstate at 60 mph when there was no one in front of me and no one even near me. Both times it applied the brakes automatically and suddenly for no reason. It could have caused a bad accident. I was fortunate no one was behind me. Honda denies anything is wrong because it didn’t do it for them when they took it for a drive.
The vehicle previously experienced a steering wheel locking issue and was taken to the dealer for repair. The dealer stated the issue was repaired on December 11, 2024. On February 24, 2026, while driving on a public street, the vehicle hesitated or jerked slightly during acceleration and then appeared to operate normally. After a few minutes, multiple warning messages suddenly appeared on the dashboard, and the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn and effectively locked while I was driving. I immediately activated my hazard lights. I was unable to safely pull over because the steering wheel would not respond properly, which placed me and other drivers at risk. I had to continue driving slowly until I found a side road where I could safely stop. I turned the vehicle off. When restarting, the warning messages reappeared. After several minutes, the warning lights cleared, and the steering wheel was no longer locked but felt loose and unstable ("wobbly"). I cautiously resumed driving. After several minutes, the steering began to feel normal again. The following warnings were displayed: Hill Start Assist problem, Trailer Stability Assist problem, Hill Descent Control problem, Adaptive Cruise Control problem, Lane Keeping Assist problem, Collision Mitigation Braking System problem, Road Departure Mitigation problem, Low Speed Braking Control problem, Auto High-Beam problem, Electric Power Steering system problem – Steering Assist Not Available, and "Stop. Steering assist reduced. Stop driving when safe." The failed component appears to be the Electric Power Steering system and related driver-assistance systems. The vehicle is available for inspection. The problem was previously addressed by a dealer but has reoccurred. No prior warning lights were present before this incident. The failure occurred suddenly while driving.
Incident Description: While traveling at 45 mph with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) active, the vehicle experienced a "phantom braking" event triggered by high-contrast shadows on the roadway. The Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) incorrectly identified a shadow as a physical obstacle and abruptly applied the brakes in a clear path of travel. I was forced to manually override the system by applying the accelerator to prevent a potential rear-end collision. Safety Risk & Technical Context: This defect is repeatable under specific lighting conditions and occurs across multiple speed intervals (35–45 mph). I believe this incident is directly related to the ongoing NHTSA Engineering Analysis (EA24002) regarding inadvertent AEB activations. Furthermore, recent Service Bulletins (such as MC-11024251-0001) regarding Front View Camera and Radar Sensor updates suggest a known failure in the system's ability to process high-contrast environmental data. Conclusion: My local dealership failed to investigate the complaint. The sudden, unexpected deceleration poses a severe safety risk to the vehicle's occupants and following traffic. I request that NHTSA formally notify Honda of America regarding this recurring ADAS failure to ensure that my VIN is prioritized for the necessary sensor alignment and software enhancements.
Ongoing Defect History Since taking possession of the vehicle on November 1,2023, all three second-row seatbelt sensors have malfunctioned repeatedly. This issue has been presented for repair on the following dates: •December 6, 2024 – Seatbelt sensor malfunction reported and serviced •April 4, 2025 – Repair attempt made; defect persisted •May 29, 2025 – Additional repair attempt for the same unresolved issue Despite these multiple attempts, the same defects continues to reoccur.
The Honda Dealership diagnosed the Connecting Rod Crankshaft Engine Failure with 67, 995 miles on the vehicle. All oil changes were completed as required and specified by Honda maintenance procedures.
The vehicle is extremely slow to accelerate at low speeds under 20mph. There have been several near accidents due to the lack of acceleration. The recall for the fuel injector was addressed and ECM per manufacture but hasn’t solved the problem. This is dangerous for any acceleration that can cause you to get hit.
Driving down a 4 lane highway in Alabama, warning lamp came on stating “ STOP Steering assist reduced. Stop driving when safe”. Multiple other warnings lights came on—-Brake system, steering system, cruise control, lane departure, stability assist system, hill assist, trailer stability assist system(see multiple photos attached). When it was safe to do so, I pulled over…the steering was VERY difficult to manage. If I had to make a turn in traffic or had to make a sudden turn to avoid an accident, I would not have been able to do so as there was NO power steering. I turned the car off, let it sit for several minutes and the Steering Assist warning was off and I appeared to have power steering but several others lights were still on. Took the car the the closet dealer and only code found was a Low Voltage Code but nothing repaired as all warnings lights were off by then.
In the last few months, two of the rear seats in my 2024 Honda Pilot (one in the second and one in the third) started giving false alerts that someone in unbuckled. At first, it would just occasionally ding, but now, if someone is sitting in those seats (and they ARE buckled in) the alert will go off basically the entire car ride and the dash will show that they are NOT buckled in...even though they are. Not only is this VERY frustrating, as it's left 2 seats in my car not useable, but it's also a massive hazard as a driver because I can't confirm is my passengers are properly buckled or not. I couldn't figure out why this would've randomly happened to me...and after some poking around on the internet I read that this seems to be a massive issue with these cars and that there is currently an investigation on this. I am begging you please take this seriously. It is a hazard and I, as a consumer of a pretty expensive vehicle, should not have to pay for such repairs that are obviously a manufacture defect and issue affecting so many.
My car stalled at a red light due to Auto Idle-Stop failure. It failed to restart, shifted itself to Neutral/Park, and the car was completely unresponsive for a minute. This is a huge safety hazard.
Driving along then hear an loud explosion to my panorama sunroof Share the glass inside and look like an explosion going up on the temper glass Happening at 1:30 on 12 17, 2025 traveling 95 north near exit 1 02 Pooler Georgia
The contact owns a 2024 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH, the brakes inadvertently activated after passing a truck on the highway. The contact stated that the vehicle unexpectedly slowed down to 40 MPH. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while the accelerator pedal was depressed, there was an abnormal banging sound coming from under the floorboard. The contact pulled over and checked the vehicle, and saw a puddle of transmission fluid on the ground. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed, and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact stated that the inadvertent braking had occurred once before, but it was not as severe, and the vehicle was not diagnosed. During the first failure, there was no warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Rear passenger seat belt, yes. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Can't use rear passenger seat belt Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, Poway Honda Dealer Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No, only dealer Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? The seatbelt keeps making noise and the light comes on saying that the passenger is not buckled, while the passenger is buckled. This happens non stop, making it impossible to use the seatbelt. This has been going on for a few months.
My Honda is having strange, intermittent issues with a plethora of things. I have taken it to a diagnostic specialist who worked with a phone mechanic and noone can tell me what is going on. My car will fully shut off at stop lights randomly, so I have to turn off the auto-idle feature every time I drive. Sometimes my power steering cuts out and my wheel locks and unlocks and my computer screen shuts off when this happens. I have to shut off and start my car for it to work again. Other times, all of my automated safety features stop and I get a huge slew of messages telling me that my lane assist, automatic hill braking, and a ton of other automatic safety features don't work. My car can't lane assist, do adaptive cruise control, use the backup camera, or anything. It goes away if I stop and restart my car a bunch. I also had a seatbelt alarm that was going off repeatedly with no reason. The dealership turned off the alarm. I am having a lot of issues with this car that makes me question if it is a lemon. I see other new Pilot owners mentioning issues with power steering shutting off and it's a huge safety risk. Noone knows whats wrong or how to fix it so what do I do? This happens intermittently, randomly, and recurrently since June.
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 elementary school waving me down that my car was on fire. I panic and got away from the elementary where a lot of kids and families where present and went where there was no one insight and rush and got my set of 2 year old twins and my 3 year old son out there car seats and ran from the car and called 911 the fire department came and put out the fire and I have a report from them as well. now that I remember about this recall I remember it stating that if this recall wasn't fix that it can start a fire so I put two and two together and order my car fax report and seen that this was never completed. and have paper work that it was completed.
The middle passenger seat consistently sends signal that seat belt is not fastened when it actually is. This is noticed more when making a left turn. My 2 older kids are 11 and 8 yrs old. When either of them sit on the seat, I always ensure they buckle up. It's alarming to see message on dashboard and hear the chime that seat belt is not fastened when it is. I've also seen a message that the airbags get disabled on occasional drives. This is most likely related to the same issue.
Showing 20 of 3,415 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check a Specific Honda Pilot
This page shows fleet averages across all 10 model years. Enter a VIN to see the exact accident history, odometer records, title brands, and open recall status for a specific car.
📖 Understanding This Data
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Honda Pilot has 3,415 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Honda Pilot has 53 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 71 of the Honda Pilot's 3,415 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the AI Rating Calculated?
The AI reliability rating (Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. The rating provides a plain-English summary for buyers who want a quick verdict without parsing raw numbers. It is one input in your buying decision — always verify with a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Honda Pilot vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Honda Pilot vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Honda Pilot has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.