MotorDeets

Honda Pilot problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Pilot from 2003 to 2026: 9,336 owner complaints and 186 recalls across 24 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2016 (1711), 2017 (930), 2019 (910). Best fuel economy: 23 mpg combined (2022).

Honda Pilot
Photo: Charles from Port Chester, New York · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Engine2332
Electrical2047
Transmission & drivetrain1326
Other / unknown1172
Airbags732
Fuel & propulsion629
Brakes533
Forward collision avoidance510

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
20031372017
20041254417
20051367917
2006826818
2007721118
2008713318
2009913419
20101011119
20111129319
2012917120
2013627120
2014311620
2015410920
20168171123
2017493023
2018744023
20191391023
20201149223
20211043923
2022516323
2023514522
2024611622
2025420722
202612322

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Honda Pilot.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check Honda Pilot manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check Honda Pilot manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check Honda Pilot manual

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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Honda Pilot?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2016 (1711), 2017 (930), 2019 (910).

How many recalls has the Honda Pilot had?

Across 2003–2026, NHTSA lists 186 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).