Honda Pilot Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Honda Pilot options? We analyzed 10 model years (2017–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Honda Pilot has 3,844 owner complaints and 66 safety recalls across model years 2017–2026. The most reported issue area is ENGINE. 2017 drew the most complaints; 2024 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Honda
- Model
- Pilot
- Model years analyzed
- 2017–2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 3,844
- Safety recall campaigns
- 66
- Crash-related complaints
- 77
- Fire-related complaints
- 20
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2017 (928 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2024 (114 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ENGINE
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Honda Pilot: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
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.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe HONDA PILOT has 3,844 NHTSA complaints and 66 recalls on record. 77 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 3,844 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 66 federal recall campaigns
- 77 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Oct 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
66 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.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
SUSPENSION:REAR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK
STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
SEATS
SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
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.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 3,844 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
3,844 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.
In April 2026 we had a windshield crack that appeared spontaneously and went horizontally over half of the windshield. It occurred while the vehicle was parked in a garage. There could have been a rock or other object that had previously hit the window, we are not sure. The windshield was replaced through an insurance claim. On 9/23/26 we got in the vehicle to notice a vertical crack running from the very top of the windshield to the bottom. This occurred while the car was parked overnight. We had driven the vehicle the previous day and the crack was not there. Two days prior we had cleaned the windshield and there were no dings or marks but we did notice a ding at the very bottom of the windshield in the darkened portion. That could have happened the previous day but we do not recall anything hitting the window. We are concerned there is a defect with the windshields in this Honda model because we had two very large cracks in less that six months that occurred while the vehicle was parked.
The back windshield spontaneously exploded while parked
AC Compressor internally failed at only 37k miles.
After going over a railroad track, at 15mph, several warning sensors appeared. Including brakes, power steering and several more flashed quickly. Power steering failed and I could not turn my wheel. It told me to not drive and see a dealer. Luckily I was in traffic and it was moving slow. I was able to turn my car off and back on and all the senor systems cleared. I took my car to the dealer, which it is at now, and they cant find a problem outside of wheel sensor going off in history. I dont feel safe with this car.
The contact owns a 2024 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle with the second-row passenger’s side seat occupied and the seat belt buckled, there was an audible chime indicating that the seat belt was not securely buckled. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and the manufacturer were contacted about the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed of NHTSA ACTION Number: PE25017 (SEAT BELTS). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the investigation. The failure mileage was 59,000.
The vehicle came to a complete stop while attempting to enter the Highway. As I accelerated to gain speed, and the vehicle halted down to stop, all sensor warning systems started to light up on the dashboard: Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency braking, Lane Departure Warning, Parking Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assistance -- all sensors flashing simultaneously. As our vehicle stopped, the vehicles around us in the Highway had to abruptly stopped as well, causing a serious hazard, not only to myself and my family, but also the potential for a serious injury to other as well. This incident happened to us twice, and my passenger was able to record a video of the dashboard, as all the sensors were flashing and the vehicle switch to neutral on its own coming to a stop. We explained to the Honda dealership service department and after the second time, they kept the vehicle for service and it has been over (30) days since we had any update. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership, and it is still there as parts are in back order, but there are not sure of what the real problem is. There were no previous warnings of this problem, the vehicle is a 2024 Honda Pilot Elite with 30,174 miles, and still under dealer warranty. This is the 3rd Honda Pilot I ever owned and never experienced anything like this before. My biggest concern is that if they do not fix this vehicle properly or if it is defective, my life and my family's will be in danger every time we drive it, as we do not know when it will decide to stop while driving.
Read 14 more owner reports
The second-row seat belt sensor chimes persistently whenever the seat is occupied although the seat belt is buckled properly. Currently the only seat belt affected is the one directly behind the front passenger seat.
The second row passenger side seat belt warning sensor repeatedly pings even when the seat belt is connected anytime the passenger shifts in his or her position. It's as if the seat belt is not connected but it is. Not only is this annoying but it also means the driver is uncertain as to whether the seat belt is plugged in properly and has to manually check each time. Safety is therefore a concern. This happens whenever the vehicle is in operation and someone is using the second row passenger side seat belt. No other seats are affected. There has been no inspection of the problem but I plan to take the vehicle to a Honda dealer. My research online suggests this is an problem consistent with NHTSA investigation PE25017
Seatbelt warning system INCORRECTLY indicates with persistant and distracting chime and lights, that middle row right seatbelt is unbuckled, when it is in fact buckled. This has happened over 25 times over a 6 week period. It becomes a significant distraction to the driver, and forces the driver to ignore the seatbelt warnings all together, because while it is happening, it happens every 2-3 seconds continuously. Child passengers could very well be unbuckled ( Dangerous) and the driver wouldnt know it, due to the defective system. It is also extremely difficult to concentrate on safely driving while the chime is continuously going off. I urge the NHTSA to instruct HONDA to issue a safety recall and fix this dangerous issue.
The back seat seat belt warning malfunctions when someone is sitting in the back seat, causing the alarm to sound as if the passenger is not buckled in. The red seat belt notification also indicates that someone in that seat is unbuckled, which is incorrect. The seat belt is fastened the entire time. The notification alerts mid- trip while driving. This is extremely dangerous as a driver I thought our child unbuckled her seat belt while driving. This problem has been occurring for over 2 months. The problem has been inspected by a Honda dealership and diagnosed-Honda Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) A26-027 for certain 2023-2025 Honda Pilot vehicles. The bulletin addresses a condition where the vehicle incorrectly indicates that the second-row right passenger seat belt is unfastened, even when it is buckled.
The right rear seatbelt keep’s going into alarm over and over like someone is unplugging it and plugging back in. The alarm is persistent no matter who sits in the seat. It flashes on the dashboard and the audible alarm sounds most if not the whole car ride every day.
In an accident where car collided with a concrete barrier on the highway at high speed, front drivers side, airbags did not deploy. Vehicle is available as of now, problem has not been reproduced, insurance representatives totaled the car but did not check the airbags, no warning lights or symptoms prior.
While running errands, the A/C compressor abruptly stopped pushing cold air. The air was pushing out cold before vehicle engine was turned off, then wouldnt cool when vehicle was turned back in. Honda dealer states need new compressor.
The rear passenger seatbelt warning system beeps constantly when someone is buckled into the seat saying it’s not buckled, when it is.
MIDDLE ROW WINDOW SEAT BELT IS ENGAGED, BUT STILL CHIMEING AND RED "X" APPEARS ON DASHBOARD SEATING CHART MIDDLE ROW- WINDOW SEAT.
The contact owns a 2024 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, after the vehicle had warmed up, there was a popping and clicking sound coming from the vehicle while turning the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The contact stated that one year later, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering rack needed to be replaced a second time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 48,000.
The middle row, outer passenger side seat, belt, warning, light, and chime comes on intermittently when person is buckled up showing false positive vice versa input on the dash – regarding the seatbelt usage
The contact owns a 2024 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the second-row passenger’s side seat belt became inoperable while buckled and a passenger was seated in the seat. The contact stated that there was a loud chime while the was occupied and the seat belt was buckled; however, the warning sound failed to turn off. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 41,000.
2024 Honda Pilot steering rack problem In December 2023, we purchased a brand-new Honda Pilot Touring. As of today, June 25, 2026 our Honda Pilot will receive from a certified Honda Dealer Repair section it’s third 3rd, yes, third steering rack and pinion. First time back to the dealer, they used special grease and grease it. This did nothing, to stop the creaking and cracking as you turn the steering wheel. This issue continued as you drove the vehicle. Second time back a week later, the Honda Technician replace the steering rack. We had to wait for the new rack to arrive, no stock. Now our new vehicle has the original replaced with a second steering rack. Now 10 months later, with a total of 15,670 miles on our vehicle the steering rack and pinion is once again creaking and cracking. Back to the dealer. Our dealer notified Honda Corporate Tech Center for direction in this matter. Once again, our dealer is to replace the defective steering rack. Currently our dealer is waiting for the new steering rack to arrive. I understand Honda has a huge issue on many vehicle types, Pilots, Passports, and CRV’s that this same steering rack is defective in huge quantities. I am worried that driving at speed on the interstate highway that this steering rack may seize up and cause an accident by not allowing us to turn the steering wheel.
Bad AC compressor blow out valve leak diagnosed by the dealer. Issue appeared at time of purchase but we weren’t sure because the ac was still blowing cool air, just not very cold. Just recently I mentioned it to the dealer and they diagnosed the issue at 41,000 miles.
Showing 20 of 3,844 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Honda Pilot
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Honda Pilot, in plain English.
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 3,844 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 66 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. 77 of the Honda Pilot's 3,844 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 Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) 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. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for 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.
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Check a Honda Pilot by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Honda Pilot.
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Honda Pilot reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Honda Pilot reliable?
Poor. The Honda Pilot has 3,844 NHTSA owner complaints and 66 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ENGINE. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Honda Pilot years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2017 (928 complaints), 2019 (907 complaints), 2020 (489 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Honda Pilot problems?
Top reported issues: ENGINE (1,153 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1,076 complaints); UNKNOWN OR OTHER (663 complaints).
Does the Honda Pilot have recalls?
Yes — 66 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Honda Pilot. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.