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Honda Pilot Problems

The Honda Pilot has been Honda's family-focused three-row SUV since 2003, offering minivan practicality with SUV styling. With 23,826 complaints and a concerning 216 reported deaths, the Pilot's safety record demands attention despite Honda's reliability reputation. Certain years have been excellent while others have had serious issues.

23,826
Total Complaints
168
Total Recalls
23
Model Years
216
Reported Deaths
!

Years to Avoid

These years have significantly more complaints than average.

2016
✓

Best Years

These years have the fewest reported problems.

2008 2009 2010

Common Problem Categories

Engine 4,058
Electrical System 3,772
Power Train 2,496
Unknown Or Other 2,116
Air Bags 1,422

Complaints by Model Year

All Model Years

Year ↓ Complaints Recalls Crashes Fires Rating
2025 390 4 22 0 Good
2024 256 5 4 6 Good
2023 294 5 6 0 Good
2022 340 3 12 0 Good
2021 1,150 8 44 6 Average
2020 1,346 9 28 14 Average
2019 2,456 11 38 10 Below Average
2018 1,210 5 30 4 Average
2017 2,378 2 20 16 Below Average
2016 4,434 7 76 26 Avoid
2015 266 4 20 6 Good
2014 284 3 22 0 Good
2013 718 6 28 12 Average
2012 444 9 44 4 Good
2011 766 11 88 28 Average
2010 284 10 40 2 Good
2009 348 9 26 8 Good
2008 328 8 28 8 Good
2007 530 8 24 18 Average
2006 658 8 62 20 Average
2005 1,908 12 122 20 Below Average
2004 1,288 10 82 38 Average
2003 1,750 11 112 32 Below Average

Honda Pilot Years to Avoid

The 2016 Pilot is the worst model year, introducing a troublesome 9-speed automatic transmission with rough shifting, hesitation, and electronic glitches. The 2017-2018 Pilots continued 9-speed issues before Honda improved calibration. The 2003-2004 first-generation Pilots had transmission failures similar to the Odyssey of that era. The 2005 model year had excessive vibration and fuel system concerns. The 2013-2015 Pilots with the 6-speed had some transmission shuddering issues. Avoid the 2016-2017 Pilot unless you can test drive extensively.

Best Honda Pilot Years

The 2024-2025 Pilots represent Honda's best effort with sorted transmission programming and improved build quality. The 2019-2022 Pilots show improvement after the 9-speed issues were addressed. The 2009-2012 second-generation Pilots with the 5-speed automatic are proven reliable.

Frequently Asked Questions