Reliable reports indicate the three-row Honda Pilot should last up to 200,000 miles, with 300,000 a good possibility for a well-maintained vehicle. Take care to avoid rides plagued by faulty programming or bad transmissions to get the most from your machine.
Key Points
- The Honda Pilot is a long-lasting sport utility vehicle with some able to reach 300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
- Owners and experts attribute its longevity to the J35 3.5L V6 engine that was first used back in 1988.
- Some of the midsize SUVs suffer from valve timing issues, overloaded electrical systems, and bad transmissions.
- Adhering to the Honda Maintenance Minder’s alerts significantly improves the chances of reaching 150,000 miles or more.
Honda Pilots Are Known to Last Well Over 150,000 Miles Thanks to a Durable 3.5L V6 Engine
You can expect a well-maintained Honda Pilot to last for 150,000 to 300,000 miles, or even more. Industry professionals consistently cite the 3.5L V6 engine as a large part of its long-lived reputation.
Vehicle History has over 60 owner comments celebrating the midsize SUV. One Honda Pilot owner reported, “My 2004 Honda Pilot has 346,000 miles and is still driven daily to work and back.”
Another owner said, “I have a 2017 Pilot and the only thing I had to change was a sensor on oil pressure Bank 1 with 90,000 miles.”
Also, a 2011 Honda Pilot Touring owner mentioned that his vehicle is still going strong at 225,000 miles.
The 2021 model ranks third among upper midsize SUVs at J.D. Power. And at U.S. News, the Pilot consistently scores in the top 10 of affordable midsize SUVs.
Some Honda Pilot Years Suffer From Bad Transmission Parts or Poor Programming That Can Lower Longevity
To reach that high-mileage mark, you need to avoid major mechanical failures that are associated with the Honda Pilot.
The 2008 to 2013 Honda Pilots reportedly had bad variable valve timing management on their 3.5L V6 engines. Excessive oil consumption alerted owners to the problem.
Honda determined the bad timing caused engine misfire and ruined spark plugs. That in turn could irreparably damage the engine. Honda reprogrammed the timing as a fix.
Automatic Transmission Problems on Some 2014-2019 Honda Pilots May Affect Vehicle’s Longevity
A bad casting for the torque converter on some automatic transmissions in the 2014 to 2019 Honda Pilots caused shuddering, slipping shifts, and multiple error codes.
In some instances, the issue resulted in replacing the transmission. However, this situation only applies to a limited number of vehicles.
Among electrical system complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is one about a troublesome keyless start system.
Drivers of the 2016 Honda Pilot report that intermittently their door locks and start-button ignition fail to function. A slow, passive battery drain can occur in colder weather. An inexpensive fix is installing a new battery.
Honda’s Maintenance Minder Helps Drivers Keep Service on Schedule While Identifying Early Wear and Tear
The key to ensuring your Honda Pilot will last as long as possible is to remain current with maintenance. Stick to the recommended service intervals for all the standard wear and tear items.
At the same time, take a good look at the suspension, belts, brakes, and even test the idle speed. As the car passes the 120,000-mile mark, expect to replace ball joints and gaskets to keep it running its best.
Fortunately, every Honda Pilot built after 2010 includes the Honda Maintenance Minder. The computer calculates the degradation of your oil, automatic transmission fluid, and filters based on your driving style.
The driver information screen shows you a code that indicates which services are needed. Adhering to the recommended schedule helps the ride reach that 200,000 to 300,000-mile range.
The Honda Pilot Can Be a Smart Choice for a Long-lasting SUV When You Check Its History Before Buying
Since 2003, the Honda Pilot has been building a loyal and enthusiastic following due to its spacious design, rock-solid engine, and reputation for impressive longevity.
If it has a clean report, the Honda Pilot could be an SUV ready to log up to 300,000 miles before it retires.
Photos: Honda
