2018 Honda Pilot: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2018 Honda Pilot? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 419 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2018 Honda Pilot Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2018 Honda Pilot trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2018 Honda Pilot Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2018 Honda Pilot SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
16.4% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
16.4% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2018 Honda Pilot has 419 owner complaints, 9 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Honda
- Model
- Pilot
- Model year
- 2018
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 419
- Crash-related complaints
- 9
- Safety recall campaigns
- 5
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 27
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2018 Honda Pilot Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Electrical Faults, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2018 Honda Pilot?
The 2018 Honda Pilot shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2018 Honda Pilot
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the engine for any reported issues or unusual noises.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the engine for any reported issues or unusual noises.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2018 Honda Pilot, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 419 complaints for the 2018 Honda Pilot, issues appear concentrated in the engine, electrical, and transmission systems. The data suggests potential concerns with these components, though the low confidence level and consumer-submitted nature of the reports warrant caution.
- Engine Problems account for the largest share of complaints with 156 reports.
- Electrical Faults are the second most reported issue with 82 complaints.
- Transmission/Drivetrain problems total 76 complaints, indicating a recurring theme.
- Engine Problems
- Electrical Faults
- Transmission/Drivetrain
All 2018 Honda Pilot Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Honda Pilot. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 156 | — | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 82 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 76 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 69 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Fuel System | 62 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 62 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 59 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 23 | 5 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 17 | 2 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 12 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 3 | 3 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Honda Pilot. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The moonroof glass shattered for no apparent reason while driving at highway speed. Fortunately, the inner moonroof cover was closed preventing glass pieces from entering the vehicle interior. The incident happened while driving on an interstate highway in light traffic.
While stopped at an intersection, the Auto Idle Stop engaged and the engine shut off. The vehicle failed to restart and became unresponsive. I had to shift into Park to restart the vehicle. This created a dangerous situation in traffic.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH on the interstate, the vehicle started shuddering. The vehicle was pulled over safely to the side of the road. The AWD, Hill Descent Assist, power steering, and check engine warning lights were illu…
Transfer case exploded internally and cracked the transfer case while pulling out of parking lot. I still have the transfer case for inspection.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly decelerated to 40 MPH and failed to properly accelerate. The check engine warning light was illuminated and there was a knocking sound coming from the engine. …
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving 80 MPH, the vehicle decelerated and stalled while depressing the accelerator pedal. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Neither an independent mechanic nor a dealer was contacted. The contact …
HONDA PILOT 2018 87K MILES DIAGNOSED WITH DTC P0741 TORQUE CONVERTER Vehicle has experienced severe and recurring drivability issues on more than one occasion during normal driving conditions. While attempting to change lanes, the vehicle exhibited delayed acceleration and loss o…
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, whe…
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle’s high-pressure fuel pump failed approximately one year after the low-pressure fuel pump was replaced under a manufacturer recall. The low-pressure pump had been identif…
Engine failure due to connecting rod bearing manufacturing defect (NHTSA PE25008). Component: engine; available for inspection upon request (replaced; documentation available). WARNING SYMPTOMS: At 94,000 miles during routine maintenance while under warranty, I reported engine k…
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle failed to accelerate, and the RPM became elevated. The vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where a p…
This 2018 Honda Pilot has been taken to mechanic after a number of check engine and other dash lights came on while trying to accelerate to merge with freeway traffic. Mechanic pulled a P0369 code and I paid for replacement of the cam shaft sensor. Problems continued shortly af…
Driver side mirror has been vibrating since my purchase of the vehicle. Today the mirror glass has separated from the mirror housing while driving causing me to lose the ability to use this mirror. There is an open recall for the 2020-2021 production years of this vehicle for th…
I have taken this vehicle into the Honda dealership on five separate occasions to report a power transfer problem. I first visited the Honda dealership to report this problem on 9/2024. It hasn't been until my most recent visit on 12/18/25, that a customer service representativ…
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50-65 MPH, the vehicle jerked, and the message "Transmission Systems Failure" was displayed on the instrument panel. In addition, the transmission downshifted unexpectedly, and a short while …
Whining noise during acceleration in any gear, gets louder as acceleration advances
The front passenger seatbelt snapped into 2 pieces toward the floor. It is physically impossible for that portion of the seatbelt to get caught in the door that would weaken it. The only people who are in the vehicle since we bought it new from Honda are my wife and I who are b…
Issue with Power Train caused car to go into limp/survival mode. Dealer found issue with power train sensor Code, error PO 369 CMP Sensor Interruption CMP Sensor Damaged. Mileage on care was 73,048. Had to replace power train at approx $ 3,646.00.
This car has had numerous transmission issues and a documented torque converter failure. Honda extended the warranty for 2018 pilots with these failures but did not include our vin number even though it’s the sane problem. They are refusing to fix it. This is a widespread issue a…
Camera unit failure causing failure of safety systems and resultant safety issues.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Honda Pilot.
2018 Honda Pilot Recalls
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Honda Pilot. 5 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2018 Honda Pilot Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2018 Honda Pilot reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 419 owner complaints, 9 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2018 Honda Pilot shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Honda Pilot?▾
#1: Engine Problems (156 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (82 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (76 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Honda Pilot?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2018 Honda Pilot?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2018 Honda Pilot, NHTSA complaints include 9 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 419 total complaints. 11 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Honda Pilot have any recalls?▾
Yes. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2018 Honda Pilot. A major recall area is STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD. 5 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2018 Honda Pilot?▾
The 2018 Honda Pilot shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Honda Pilot reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2018 Honda Pilot based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.