One of the biggest SUVs made by Honda, the Pilot is aimed towards practical drivers who want the spacious and versatile interior of an SUV, as well as the fuel economy and state-of-the-art features of a Honda. However, any value-minded SUV buyer would also want to consider its dependability before making a decision.
To help you decide whether the Honda Pilot SUV is worth the buy, we’ve compiled all of the common issues associated with Honda Pilots, along with its reliability ratings and best model years.
Are Honda Pilots Reliable?
The Honda Pilot is generally considered to be a reliable vehicle. Its DOHC V6 engine has been proven for its robustness and longevity and is backed by Honda’s rigorous testing standards. Major auto reviewers have praised the Pilot’s build quality, with Edmunds.com specifically noting the sturdiness of interior materials that can withstand regular family use.
While the Pilot’s reliability has gained positive marks, reviewers have found it average compared to other SUVs of its class. Its maintenance packages were also said to be lackluster with Car and Driver noting the Honda’s standard three-year, 36,000-mile warranty for the Pilot is adequate but not as good as what other automakers offer for their models:
Here are the reliability ratings of the latest Honda Pilot model across different review sites:
- Car and Driver: 8.5/10
- JD Power: 82/100
- Edmunds: 7.9/10
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.7/5
What Are the Most Common Issues with Honda Pilots?
While the Honda Pilot is a fairly reliable SUV line, it has its share of problems. Earlier models, in particular, have had several issues that were serious enough for Honda to announce some recalls.
Below are some of the common problems associated with Honda Pilots and the affected model years:
Transmission
Transmission problems have been a frequent issue with the 2003 model year, although several incidents have also been logged with later versions of the Pilot. According to customer complaints, the problems include rough shifting performance, sudden shaking or jerking, and stalling when shifting up or down a gear.
Affected Model Years:
- 2003
- 2015
- 2016
- 2018
- 2019
- 2020
Start-Stop System
Select Pilot models have been investigated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for problems related to its Auto Start-Stop feature, which automatically shuts off the engine when the brake pedal is applied and the SUV stops. Several complaints have been reported, alleging that the engine does not start when the vehicle comes to a halt with the Auto Start-Stop feature engaged. Honda has released several TSBs regarding the issue, including one advising owners to restart the vehicle by placing the gear into the Park position and pressing the Start button. Honda also advised Pilot owners who have experienced problems with the Start-Stop feature to have their vehicles inspected before attempting any repairs.
Affected Model Years:
- 2016
- 2017
- 2018
- 2019
- 2020
Airbags
Honda has issued recalls for select Honda Pilot models due to the front passenger seat weight sensor being prone to short-circuit and failing to suppress the airbag as intended. This can result in the airbags deploying unnecessarily and causing injury. Dealers have been instructed to have the sensors in affected models replaced free of charge.
Affected Model Years:
- 2020
- 2021
- 2022
Fuel Tank
Certain models of the Pilot have been known to have the fuel tank pumps fail prematurely, causing the vehicle to stall. Honda has instructed dealerships to have the fuel pump modules of affected models replaced for free.
Affected Model Years:
- 2015
- 2016
- 2017
- 2018
- 2019
- 2020
Tires
Tires installed in 2021 Pilot models have reportedly been cured far longer than the specified limit. This has made the tire sidewall more vulnerable to ruptures, resulting in sudden air or tread loss and loss of vehicle control. Honda has issued a recall and notified dealers to replace all tires with the affected DOT serial number and mold number.
Affected Model Year:
- 2021
What are the Best Model Years for the Honda Pilot?
Honda has released several best-in-class models of the Pilot SUV in its over 20-year production run. These models have considerably fewer reported complaints, garnered, positive reviews, and maintain a fairly good resale value on the market.
Among the best model years for the Honda Pilot include:
- 2004 Honda Pilot
- 2006 Honda Pilot
- 2007 Honda Pilot
- 2008 Honda Pilot
- 2010 Honda Pilot
- 2012 Honda Pilot
- 2014 Honda Pilot
- 2015 Honda Pilot
- 2017 Honda Pilot
- 2018 Honda Pilot
- 2019 Honda Pilot
- 2020 Honda Pilot
FAQ
How long do Honda Pilots last?
A Honda Pilot can last up to 200,000 miles, with some cases reaching nearly 300,000 miles. The lifespan is determined by several factors, such as regular maintenance, driving, habits, and environmental conditions. In general, the better care you provide to your Pilot, the longer it will last.
Where is the Honda Pilot built?
The Honda Pilot is currently being built in Lincoln, Alabama, although the first generation was manufactured in Alliston, Ontario. The Pilot’s automatic transmission is made separately at the Honda Transmission Plant in Tallapoosa, Georgia.
Is there a Honda Pilot hybrid?
There isn’t a hybrid version of the Honda Pilot available as of writing. However, Honda has been actively developing its hybrid lineup and may soon introduce new hybrid models including the Pilot.