Honda Pilot Reliability: How Dependable Is the SUV?

Danielle S
Feb 19, 2021

Blue 2021 Honda Pilot With Mountains View

When it comes to spacious yet versatile three-row SUVs, the Honda Pilot is a top contender. With its roomy cabin and generous standard features, there’s a lot to love about this model.

How reliable is the 2020 Honda Pilot?

The 2020 Honda Pilot has generally good reliability ratings according to experts and owners, with a J.D. Power “Quality & Reliability” score of 78/100.

Vehicle History Reviews:

  • Owner Reviews: 4.49 stars
  • Expert Review: 4.7/5

Debating a 2020 Honda Pilot for your next ride? Take some time to familiarize yourself with its reliability ratings, including current recalls and common complaints from real Pilot owners. We’ve got you covered below!

More about the Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot is a mid-size, three-row SUV that first went on sale in 2003. Since then, it has evolved quite a bit to become one of the best-selling three-row SUVs on the market.

Its 2020 model is part of the Pilot’s third generation of production, which made its debut in 2016. For 2020, the Pilot sees the introduction of the range-topping “Black Edition” trim, which offers such features as:

  • A panoramic sunroof
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • Wireless device charging
  • Black exterior accents
  • Exclusive red interior trim

The 2020 Pilot is offered in five additional trim configurations, all of which are powered by a 3.5L V6 engine, an automatic transmission, and either front- or all-wheel drive.

Depending on whether you opt for a model with second-row bucket seats or a second-row bench seat, the 2020 Pilot can seat anywhere from seven to eight passengers with 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space to spare.

2020 Honda Pilot Recalls & Complaints

As of November 2020, there are four open recalls on the 2020 Honda Pilot, with a couple of them relating to the vehicle’s overall reliability. Read more about these recalls and owner complaints below.

Rearview Camera Issues

NHTSA Recall IDs: 20V440000, 20V439000

Car Rear View Camera Closeup

All vehicles made in the United States are now required to be equipped with backup cameras. Unfortunately, the rearview camera on the 2020 Pilot has had its share of reliability issues.

This includes a series of two recalls that were issued in July of 2020, affecting more than one million Honda vehicles. Models affected by this recall may have a software programming issue.

This software problem can cause a significant delay in the rearview camera’s display or may prevent the image from being displayed on the screen at all. A free software update available through Honda resolves the issue.

Popping/Cracking Sounds from Speakers

Source: NHTSA Complaints, VehicleHistory.com Reviews

In two complaints filed with the NHTSA and one customer review on Vehicle History, owners of the 2020 Honda Pilot have reported issues with their vehicles’ sound systems.

Specifically, owners have reported that they have noticed popping and cracking sounds coming through their speakers for no discernable reason. One reviewer mentions that the noise can be startling to the driver and passengers.

This same owner reported that the issues began after he or she brought the vehicle in to be repaired for a covered recall. However, none of the other complaints or reviews mention this or a possible cause.

Is a Used Honda Pilot Right for You?

If you need a vehicle that doesn’t skimp on space for you and your crew, a used 2020 Pilot could be a sensible choice. And with decent reliability scores, you can probably feel pretty good about your purchase.

Looking for more confidence in your decision? Don’t forget to check the Vehicle History report. This will get you access to specs, photos, complaints, and other information from reputable sources like the NHTSA and more.

avatar Danielle S
Danielle S. is a writer with more than 10 years of experience covering the automotive industry. She lives in Indiana ("The Crossroads of America") but enjoys road-tripping around the country whenever she gets the chance.
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