Honda Pilot: best & worst years

No Honda Pilot model year rates as one to avoid in CarVitals data. The strongest years are 2007, 2008, 2019, 2021, and 2022. Below is every year (2005–2024) ranked best to worst, with the owner-reported problems behind each verdict.

Every Honda Pilot year, ranked

YearVerdictScoreTop owner-reported problems
2008 Recommended 8 Rear subframe / trailing-arm corrosion and separation from the body, especially in salt-belt climates.; Takata airbag inflator recall, sensor failures, non-deployment and rupture risk.; Automatic transmission failures, including transmission fluid mixing with engine coolant through a failed cooler and shuddering; most reported on the 2005 model year. Full report ↗
2007 Recommended 8 Rear subframe / trailing-arm corrosion and separation from the body, especially in salt-belt climates.; Takata airbag inflator recall, sensor failures, non-deployment and rupture risk.; Automatic transmission failures, including transmission fluid mixing with engine coolant through a failed cooler and shuddering; most reported on the 2005 model year. Full report ↗
2024 Caution 7 Steering-rack knocking, creaking and clicking noises with some rack replacements; subject of a steering gearbox recall for a loose ball bearing that can cause loss of steering control.; Honda Sensing automatic emergency braking activates with no obstacle present (phantom braking), often in rain or snow.; False "seat belt unbuckled" warnings and continuous chimes from faulty occupant/belt sensors, mostly on the middle and rear rows even when buckled. Full report ↗
2023 Caution 7 Steering-rack knocking, creaking and clicking noises with some rack replacements; subject of a steering gearbox recall for a loose ball bearing that can cause loss of steering control.; Honda Sensing automatic emergency braking activates with no obstacle present (phantom braking), often in rain or snow.; False "seat belt unbuckled" warnings and continuous chimes from faulty occupant/belt sensors, mostly on the middle and rear rows even when buckled. Full report ↗
2022 Recommended 7 The nine-speed automatic transmission in certain models may suffer from a programming defect causing rough and delayed shifting, loud noises during shifting, sudden harsh accelerations/decelerations, and a sudden loss of power. Full report ↗
2021 Recommended 7 The nine-speed automatic transmission in certain models may suffer from a programming defect causing rough and delayed shifting, loud noises during shifting, sudden harsh accelerations/decelerations, and a sudden loss of power. Full report ↗
2020 Caution 7 The auto idle-stop feature has been reported to fail, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly in traffic and creating a safety risk.; The nine-speed automatic transmission in certain models may suffer from a programming defect causing rough and delayed shifting, loud noises during shifting, sudden harsh accelerations/decelerations, and a sudden loss of power.; Some vehicles were recalled due to a manufacturing error where the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, potentially damaging the engine. Full report ↗
2019 Recommended 7 The auto idle-stop feature has been reported to fail, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly in traffic and creating a safety risk.; The nine-speed automatic transmission in certain models may suffer from a programming defect causing rough and delayed shifting, loud noises during shifting, sudden harsh accelerations/decelerations, and a sudden loss of power.; Some vehicles were recalled due to a manufacturing error where the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, potentially damaging the engine. Full report ↗
2018 Caution 7 The auto idle-stop feature has been reported to fail, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly in traffic and creating a safety risk.; The nine-speed automatic transmission in certain models may suffer from a programming defect causing rough and delayed shifting, loud noises during shifting, sudden harsh accelerations/decelerations, and a sudden loss of power.; Some vehicles were recalled due to a manufacturing error where the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, potentially damaging the engine. Full report ↗
2015 Caution 7 Takata airbag inflator recall, risk of non-deployment or rupture; long parts-availability delays reported.; Excessive oil consumption from the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) 3.5L V6, fouled spark plugs, misfires and damaged motor mounts; covered by a class-action settlement and extended powertrain warranty on 2009-2013 models.; Front suspension compliance (lower control-arm) bushing wear causing clunking, vibration and uneven feel. Full report ↗
2014 Caution 7 Takata airbag inflator recall, risk of non-deployment or rupture; long parts-availability delays reported.; Excessive oil consumption from the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) 3.5L V6, fouled spark plugs, misfires and damaged motor mounts; covered by a class-action settlement and extended powertrain warranty on 2009-2013 models.; Front suspension compliance (lower control-arm) bushing wear causing clunking, vibration and uneven feel. Full report ↗
2013 Caution 7 Takata airbag inflator recall, risk of non-deployment or rupture; long parts-availability delays reported.; Excessive oil consumption from the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) 3.5L V6, fouled spark plugs, misfires and damaged motor mounts; covered by a class-action settlement and extended powertrain warranty on 2009-2013 models.; Front suspension compliance (lower control-arm) bushing wear causing clunking, vibration and uneven feel. Full report ↗
2012 Caution 7 Takata airbag inflator recall, risk of non-deployment or rupture; long parts-availability delays reported.; Excessive oil consumption from the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) 3.5L V6, fouled spark plugs, misfires and damaged motor mounts; covered by a class-action settlement and extended powertrain warranty on 2009-2013 models.; Front suspension compliance (lower control-arm) bushing wear causing clunking, vibration and uneven feel. Full report ↗
2011 Caution 7 Takata airbag inflator recall, risk of non-deployment or rupture; long parts-availability delays reported.; Excessive oil consumption from the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) 3.5L V6, fouled spark plugs, misfires and damaged motor mounts; covered by a class-action settlement and extended powertrain warranty on 2009-2013 models.; Front suspension compliance (lower control-arm) bushing wear causing clunking, vibration and uneven feel. Full report ↗
2006 Caution 7 Rear subframe / trailing-arm corrosion and separation from the body, especially in salt-belt climates.; Takata airbag inflator recall, sensor failures, non-deployment and rupture risk.; Automatic transmission failures, including transmission fluid mixing with engine coolant through a failed cooler and shuddering; most reported on the 2005 model year. Full report ↗
2017 Caution 6 The auto idle-stop feature has been reported to fail, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly in traffic and creating a safety risk.; The nine-speed automatic transmission in certain models may suffer from a programming defect causing rough and delayed shifting, loud noises during shifting, sudden harsh accelerations/decelerations, and a sudden loss of power.; Some vehicles were recalled due to a manufacturing error where the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, potentially damaging the engine. Full report ↗
2010 Caution 6 Takata airbag inflator recall, risk of non-deployment or rupture; long parts-availability delays reported.; Excessive oil consumption from the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) 3.5L V6, fouled spark plugs, misfires and damaged motor mounts; covered by a class-action settlement and extended powertrain warranty on 2009-2013 models.; Front suspension compliance (lower control-arm) bushing wear causing clunking, vibration and uneven feel. Full report ↗
2009 Caution 6 Takata airbag inflator recall, risk of non-deployment or rupture; long parts-availability delays reported.; Excessive oil consumption from the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) 3.5L V6, fouled spark plugs, misfires and damaged motor mounts; covered by a class-action settlement and extended powertrain warranty on 2009-2013 models.; Front suspension compliance (lower control-arm) bushing wear causing clunking, vibration and uneven feel. Full report ↗
2005 Caution 6 Rear subframe / trailing-arm corrosion and separation from the body, especially in salt-belt climates.; Takata airbag inflator recall, sensor failures, non-deployment and rupture risk.; Automatic transmission failures, including transmission fluid mixing with engine coolant through a failed cooler and shuddering; most reported on the 2005 model year. Full report ↗
2016 Caution 5 The auto idle-stop feature has been reported to fail, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly in traffic and creating a safety risk.; The nine-speed automatic transmission in certain models may suffer from a programming defect causing rough and delayed shifting, loud noises during shifting, sudden harsh accelerations/decelerations, and a sudden loss of power.; Some vehicles were recalled due to a manufacturing error where the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, potentially damaging the engine. Full report ↗

Honda Pilot problems by year

2024 Honda Pilot Caution

All-new fourth-gen three-row SUV with strong space, comfort and safety; maturing build has fewer complaints than 2023 but watch for seat-belt-sensor, steering-rack and phantom-braking gripes.

  • Steering-rack knocking, creaking and clicking noises with some rack replacements; subject of a steering gearbox recall for a loose ball bearing that can cause loss of steering control.
  • Honda Sensing automatic emergency braking activates with no obstacle present (phantom braking), often in rain or snow.
  • False "seat belt unbuckled" warnings and continuous chimes from faulty occupant/belt sensors, mostly on the middle and rear rows even when buckled.

2023 Honda Pilot Caution

Redesigned and roomy with excellent ride and standard safety, but a first-year car: false seat-belt warnings, steering-rack noise, phantom braking and a steering gearbox recall temper it.

  • Steering-rack knocking, creaking and clicking noises with some rack replacements; subject of a steering gearbox recall for a loose ball bearing that can cause loss of steering control.
  • Honda Sensing automatic emergency braking activates with no obstacle present (phantom braking), often in rain or snow.
  • False "seat belt unbuckled" warnings and continuous chimes from faulty occupant/belt sensors, mostly on the middle and rear rows even when buckled.

2022 Honda Pilot Recommended

Last and most refined third-gen year, past the major engine recall with the revised transmission; roomy, comfortable and strong on resale.

  • The nine-speed automatic transmission in certain models may suffer from a programming defect causing rough and delayed shifting, loud noises during shifting, sudden harsh accelerations/decelerations, and a sudden loss of power.

2021 Honda Pilot Recommended

Refreshed third-gen Pilot with the revised transmission and good all-round family ability; minor Honda Sensing and idle-stop quirks remain.

  • The nine-speed automatic transmission in certain models may suffer from a programming defect causing rough and delayed shifting, loud noises during shifting, sudden harsh accelerations/decelerations, and a sudden loss of power.

2020 Honda Pilot Caution

Refreshed, comfortable three-row SUV with the improved 9-speed, but still within the 2016-2020 connecting-rod-bearing engine recall window, verify recall completion.

  • The auto idle-stop feature has been reported to fail, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly in traffic and creating a safety risk.
  • The nine-speed automatic transmission in certain models may suffer from a programming defect causing rough and delayed shifting, loud noises during shifting, sudden harsh accelerations/decelerations, and a sudden loss of power.
  • Some vehicles were recalled due to a manufacturing error where the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, potentially damaging the engine.

2019 Honda Pilot Recommended

The 2019 Honda Pilot is a family-friendly SUV with a comfortable ride, spacious interior, and good safety features, though some owners report infotainment and transmission glitches.

  • The auto idle-stop feature has been reported to fail, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly in traffic and creating a safety risk.
  • The nine-speed automatic transmission in certain models may suffer from a programming defect causing rough and delayed shifting, loud noises during shifting, sudden harsh accelerations/decelerations, and a sudden loss of power.
  • Some vehicles were recalled due to a manufacturing error where the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, potentially damaging the engine.

2018 Honda Pilot Caution

Rated much better than average after early-gen fixes, but still in the engine-recall years; a solid used pick if recall work is done.

  • The auto idle-stop feature has been reported to fail, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly in traffic and creating a safety risk.
  • The nine-speed automatic transmission in certain models may suffer from a programming defect causing rough and delayed shifting, loud noises during shifting, sudden harsh accelerations/decelerations, and a sudden loss of power.
  • Some vehicles were recalled due to a manufacturing error where the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, potentially damaging the engine.

2017 Honda Pilot Caution

Roomy and comfortable, but 9-speed (Touring/Elite) shifting complaints, the engine-recall window and Honda Sensing faults call for a careful inspection; 6-speed trims are safer.

  • The auto idle-stop feature has been reported to fail, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly in traffic and creating a safety risk.
  • The nine-speed automatic transmission in certain models may suffer from a programming defect causing rough and delayed shifting, loud noises during shifting, sudden harsh accelerations/decelerations, and a sudden loss of power.
  • Some vehicles were recalled due to a manufacturing error where the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, potentially damaging the engine.

2016 Honda Pilot Caution

First year of the third generation: the ZF 9-speed shudder, connecting-rod-bearing engine recall and fuel-injector issues earned poor early reliability marks; choose a 6-speed trim and confirm recalls.

  • The auto idle-stop feature has been reported to fail, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly in traffic and creating a safety risk.
  • The nine-speed automatic transmission in certain models may suffer from a programming defect causing rough and delayed shifting, loud noises during shifting, sudden harsh accelerations/decelerations, and a sudden loss of power.
  • Some vehicles were recalled due to a manufacturing error where the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, potentially damaging the engine.

2015 Honda Pilot Caution

Final second-gen year, durable and practical, but the VCM V6 oil-consumption risk and Takata airbag recall remain the things to check.

  • Takata airbag inflator recall, risk of non-deployment or rupture; long parts-availability delays reported.
  • Excessive oil consumption from the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) 3.5L V6, fouled spark plugs, misfires and damaged motor mounts; covered by a class-action settlement and extended powertrain warranty on 2009-2013 models.
  • Front suspension compliance (lower control-arm) bushing wear causing clunking, vibration and uneven feel.

2014 Honda Pilot Caution

Roomy, dependable second-gen hauler with a simple 5-speed automatic; main concern is VCM-related oil consumption plus the Takata recall.

  • Takata airbag inflator recall, risk of non-deployment or rupture; long parts-availability delays reported.
  • Excessive oil consumption from the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) 3.5L V6, fouled spark plugs, misfires and damaged motor mounts; covered by a class-action settlement and extended powertrain warranty on 2009-2013 models.
  • Front suspension compliance (lower control-arm) bushing wear causing clunking, vibration and uneven feel.

2013 Honda Pilot Caution

Practical three-row Pilot covered by the oil-consumption class-action and extended warranty; otherwise robust and long-lived.

  • Takata airbag inflator recall, risk of non-deployment or rupture; long parts-availability delays reported.
  • Excessive oil consumption from the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) 3.5L V6, fouled spark plugs, misfires and damaged motor mounts; covered by a class-action settlement and extended powertrain warranty on 2009-2013 models.
  • Front suspension compliance (lower control-arm) bushing wear causing clunking, vibration and uneven feel.

2012 Honda Pilot Caution

Durable family SUV whose chief weakness is VCM oil consumption; the Takata airbag recall also applies. Strong otherwise.

  • Takata airbag inflator recall, risk of non-deployment or rupture; long parts-availability delays reported.
  • Excessive oil consumption from the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) 3.5L V6, fouled spark plugs, misfires and damaged motor mounts; covered by a class-action settlement and extended powertrain warranty on 2009-2013 models.
  • Front suspension compliance (lower control-arm) bushing wear causing clunking, vibration and uneven feel.

2011 Honda Pilot Caution

Reliable, roomy and easy to own, but VCM oil consumption and the Takata airbag recall are the recurring concerns to verify.

  • Takata airbag inflator recall, risk of non-deployment or rupture; long parts-availability delays reported.
  • Excessive oil consumption from the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) 3.5L V6, fouled spark plugs, misfires and damaged motor mounts; covered by a class-action settlement and extended powertrain warranty on 2009-2013 models.
  • Front suspension compliance (lower control-arm) bushing wear causing clunking, vibration and uneven feel.

2010 Honda Pilot Caution

Early second-gen Pilot with the VCM V6 oil-consumption issue and Takata recall; sound and spacious if those are checked and addressed.

  • Takata airbag inflator recall, risk of non-deployment or rupture; long parts-availability delays reported.
  • Excessive oil consumption from the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) 3.5L V6, fouled spark plugs, misfires and damaged motor mounts; covered by a class-action settlement and extended powertrain warranty on 2009-2013 models.
  • Front suspension compliance (lower control-arm) bushing wear causing clunking, vibration and uneven feel.

2009 Honda Pilot Caution

First second-gen year; rugged and roomy but the VCM 3.5L V6 oil-consumption problem (class-action covered) and Takata recall are the headline risks.

  • Takata airbag inflator recall, risk of non-deployment or rupture; long parts-availability delays reported.
  • Excessive oil consumption from the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) 3.5L V6, fouled spark plugs, misfires and damaged motor mounts; covered by a class-action settlement and extended powertrain warranty on 2009-2013 models.
  • Front suspension compliance (lower control-arm) bushing wear causing clunking, vibration and uneven feel.

2008 Honda Pilot Recommended

Best first-gen year, redesigned to fix earlier water-leak issues, durable and well regarded; just confirm the Takata airbag recall is done.

  • Rear subframe / trailing-arm corrosion and separation from the body, especially in salt-belt climates.
  • Takata airbag inflator recall, sensor failures, non-deployment and rupture risk.
  • Automatic transmission failures, including transmission fluid mixing with engine coolant through a failed cooler and shuddering; most reported on the 2005 model year.

2007 Honda Pilot Recommended

One of the strongest first-gen picks: dependable V6, spacious and cheap to run; watch for salt-belt subframe rust and the Takata recall.

  • Rear subframe / trailing-arm corrosion and separation from the body, especially in salt-belt climates.
  • Takata airbag inflator recall, sensor failures, non-deployment and rupture risk.
  • Automatic transmission failures, including transmission fluid mixing with engine coolant through a failed cooler and shuddering; most reported on the 2005 model year.

2006 Honda Pilot Caution

Solid first-gen Pilot but with reported water-seepage issues (corrected in 2008) and the usual Takata recall and rust checks.

  • Rear subframe / trailing-arm corrosion and separation from the body, especially in salt-belt climates.
  • Takata airbag inflator recall, sensor failures, non-deployment and rupture risk.
  • Automatic transmission failures, including transmission fluid mixing with engine coolant through a failed cooler and shuddering; most reported on the 2005 model year.

2005 Honda Pilot Caution

The first-gen year to approach carefully: automatic-transmission weakness (fluid-coolant intrusion) plus VSA random-braking complaints; 2006-2008 are the safer used choices.

  • Rear subframe / trailing-arm corrosion and separation from the body, especially in salt-belt climates.
  • Takata airbag inflator recall, sensor failures, non-deployment and rupture risk.
  • Automatic transmission failures, including transmission fluid mixing with engine coolant through a failed cooler and shuddering; most reported on the 2005 model year.

Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Honda models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.