While the Honda Pilot is mostly reliable, several model years from the SUV’s second and third generation have powertrain issues mainly related to the transmission and engine. Airbag complaints are also widespread and make owning 2010-2012 and 2016 models likely to be problematic.
Key Points
- Introduced in North America in 2003, the Honda Pilot remains the automaker’s largest SUV with three-row seating at a similar price range as the Passport.
- Be cautious of Honda Pilot models from 2010-2012 and 2016, which have many NHTSA complaints about faulty electrical systems and malfunctioning airbags.
- Owners also mention 2011 and 2017 Pilots having transmissions that are likely to fail due to overheating, slipping gears, and making rough shifts.
- The 2010 model year also has a concerning number of recalls and multiple complaints related to excessive oil consumption, faulty suspension, engine misfiring, and defective airbag components.
- The facelifted 2019 Pilot was refreshed inside and out. And although Honda had fixed many of the issues from previous years, recalls peaked again, reaching eight. Problems range from failing fuel pumps and the risk of the hood opening while driving, to the timing belt teeth separating.
Honda Pilot Owners Complain of Transmission and Engine Problems with Models from Second and Third Generations
The Honda Pilot debuted in North America in 2003 as the brand’s largest SUV. While the second- (2009 to 2015) and third-generation (2016 to present) Pilots are known for being roomy, efficient, and comfortable, some owners have also complained to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about engine and transmission problems.
Engine issues include misfirings, stalling, excessive carbon and oil fouling on spark plug ignition coils, and excessive vibration when accelerating. Complaints and recalls related to the transmission include jerking, rough shifts, hesitation to accelerate, overheating, loud noises, and slipping gears.
“For the last couple of months, the transmission has had gears slipping out of gear, and it takes a few seconds to find the gear to accelerate up to speed,” shares one third-generation Pilot owner in his NHTSA complaint.
One alarming transmission-related issue that was subject to recall is the Pilot moving with the engine shut off and in “Park.” Several owners have reported their Pilots rolling out of their driveways due to this problem.
Faulty Suspension Resulting in Vehicle Excessively Vibrating and Shaking While Driving Affects Many Second-generation Pilots
One common fault of the second-generation 2010 through 2013 Honda Pilot models is faulty suspension. The culprits are the prematurely worn compliance bushings causing leaks resulting in excessive car vibrating and shaking while driving.
These bushings attach the lower left and right front damper bracket to the front suspension. Then the spindle nuts on the Pilot are often loose, causing noise and steering issues.
One owner shared: “During highway driving and braking from highway speeds, a significant vibration is felt in the steering column. It doesn’t lead to a loss of control; however, it renders the vehicle less stable under braking.”
Several Honda Pilot Model Years in the Third-generation are Likely to Suffer From Electrical Problems
Several Pilot models from its third generation, including the 2016, 2017, and 2019 editions, reportedly have faulty electrical components along with all the airbag and powertrain issues. Problems include the keyless start system constantly displaying an error message and the idling stop system failing to start the vehicle.
Many owners have also complained about the idling stop system unexpectedly shutting the engine off. In addition, there are dozens of reports of the engine stalling due to this defective idle system that impedes the engine from starting again.
Other electrical-related problems in the models mentioned above include ignition keys not turning and reports of locks working intermittently, acting up, or completely failing.
Takata Airbag Recall Hit Several Years of the Pilot, with 2010-2012 Editions Reporting the Most Recalls and Complaints
One prominent issue with 2010 and 2011 Honda Pilot models is related to defective Takata airbags recalled by the NHTSA. The recall was due to the risk of the front airbags exploding in a crash on vehicles from 19 different automakers, including Honda. In addition to other recalls, the 2010 and 2011 Pilot model years also have nine airbag-related NHTSA recalls each.
Additionally, there were recalls related to missing rivets in the driver’s airbag module that could alter the performance of the airbag during deployment.
Honda inspected and replaced all the defective airbag components related to these recalls free of charge.
Honda’s Second-generation Pilot SUV Struggled with Reliability, but Most Third-generation Models are Proving to Be Dependable
Most third-generation Honda Pilot models (2016 to present) are reasonably reliable. Units from 2019, though, reportedly have problems with the electrical system. Issues include the vehicle inadvertently and automatically braking at high speeds and glitchy navigation and infotainment systems.
Other reports on electrical problems include:
- The inability to start the vehicle
- Multiple battery failures
- Software programming errors resulting in the rearview camera not displaying
Some owners have also had the same engine issues as the previous generation Pilot, including misfire and stalling. In addition, there are reports related to structural problems such as the risk of the hood opening while driving due to a defective hood latch striker, incomplete body welding, and faulty fuel pumps.
Avoid 2010-2012 and 2016 Honda Pilots Over Electrical and Airbag Problems, and Aim for Third Generation 2018 and 2020 Models That Have Fewer Issues
The Pilot SUV was a popular addition to the Honda’s lineup, which didn’t offer a full-size SUV in North America before. While earlier years of the second generation struggled with powertrain and electrical issues, third-generation models from 2018 onwards have been mostly problem-free.
If you get a second-generation model, make sure the vehicle underwent the airbag recalls to minimize the risk of any airbag-related issues and have it inspected to diagnose potential electrical problems relative to its year.
Photos: Honda
