The 2009 Honda Pilot only lasts around 200,000 miles with some moderate oil and brake system issues. At $8,103 to $10,165, it’s average priced, but buyers should avoid the 2009 model since engine oil problems can be costly to fix.
Is the 2009 Honda Pilot a Good Used SUV?
- No, 2009 is a bad year for the Honda Pilot. Owner reviews complain about oil problems, basic technology, and higher running costs.
- Interior quality is average, the materials are durable but not that nice and the technology is missing some of the latest features found on rivals.
- Reliability ratings are below average. Models from 2009-2010 have more mechanical problems with improvements showing up in 2011–2015.
- Performance is average for a midsize SUV from the standard V6 engine.
- The 2009 Honda Pilot is a very safe SUV getting a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests, with the lowest score being 4-stars in the rollover risk test.
- Fuel economy is slightly below average at around 19 MPG, which gives owners about 399 miles out of the 21 gallon gas tank.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Honda Pilot?
- Consumer Reports says they are disappointed with the 2009 Pilot due to fit and finish issues, and the owner satisfaction scores are average.
- Edmunds gives the pilot a 4.6/5 praising the amount of interior storage spaces, but doesn’t like the complicated infotainment system.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Pilot 4.5/5 and enjoy the passenger room in all three rows, but owners don’t like low fuel economy.
What Common Problems Does the 2009 Honda Pilot Have?
The most common problems found on the 2009 Honda Pilot include oil leaks, broken interior trim panels, and warped brake rotors. Overall, these problems are more serious than many rivals.
Oil leaks and excessive consumption are the most common complaints from owners at around 90,000 miles. Honda acknowledged the issues were related to the variable cylinder management software and there was a class action suit over the problem since repairing the issue can cost over $3,000 if the software wasn’t updated.
Broken interior trim panels are another frequent problem found on the 2009 Honda Pilot. The door panels in particular wear out and clips break as the vehicle ages. Replacing the clips and getting the panels fixed costs about $120.
Warped brake rotors are another issue that owners mention in the first 30,000 miles. The stock rotors wear out very fast compared to other vehicles, and cost about $200 to replace per rotor. Some owners replace them with aftermarket rotors, which last longer and are roughly $250.
There are 9 recalls, which is an average number for SUVs from 2009, with the most serious being for seat belts that are missing stitching. All of the other recalls are for airbags and not a concern once they’ve been replaced.
How Long Will the 2009 Honda Pilot Last?
A well-maintained 2009 Honda Pilot should be able to last around 200,000 miles, which is similar to rivals like the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than average, according to data from Repair Pal, at $572 per year.
Since most used 2009 Pilot models will have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace items including the valve cover gasket for $400, the A/C pressure sensor costing $350, and the stabilizer bar links which cost $250.
It is reliable. I have been having an ongoing problem with the windshield washer fluid. We tried replacing the pump but for some reason, it will not spray out for the rear window at all and inconsistently sprays out the front. The windshield repair icon is always on. Two mechanics have looked at it and do not know the cause. . It also has very loud road noise no matter what tires I use.
If it is reliable so far there is no problem in the car fits my family needs and it has good economy in gasoline.
Yes, recommend the car to anyone and plan to stick with the pilot in future car purchases.. So far we have not had any problems, if we had to pick one the steering wheel begins to shake when you go over 75mph.
Yes it has had many problems were we had to replace the catalytic converter and it still says it needs to be fixed.
Yes it is reliable almost never have any issues with it except regular maintenance it is an awesome car.
It is a very reliable car. I have had minor problems with it in the 4 years I have been driving it. Minor problems being routine car maintenance.
It is reliable. The only problem I have is the horn keeps honking on its own when I get out. After a few minutes is stops honking.
Very reliable; had no problems whatsoever except for normal maintenance and repairs, e.g. oil changes, replacement tires and/or batteries.
How Much Is the 2009 Honda Pilot Worth?
Blue book values range from $8,103 to $10,165, making the Honda Pilot thousands of dollars less than a Toyota Highlander or Toyota 4Runner. When new, the price range was $27,695 to $40,095. Depreciation is average for an SUV, losing around 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Honda Pilot?
There are four models of the Honda Pilot offered for the 2009 model year. The Pilot was just redesigned for the 2009 model year for the second generation, and the third generation was introduced in 2016.
LX is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Keyless Entry
- Cruise Control
- 7-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo With 3.5mm AUX
EX is a step up, adding features such as:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Power Driver’s Seat
- Steering Wheel Mounted Stereo Controls
- Tri-Zone Climate Control
EX-L is next in the lineup and adds:
- Leather Seating
- Heated Front Seats
- Backup Camera In Rearview Mirror
- Sunroof
Touring is the luxury model and includes:
- Premium Leather Seating
- Power Liftgate
- Navigation System
- 10-Speaker Stereo System
- Bluetooth & USB Connectivity
What Engines Come In the Honda Pilot?
The only engine found in the 2009 Honda Pilot is the reasonably powerful 3.5L V6, which makes 250 horsepower and gets up to 19 MPG combined. Performance is good, taking about 7 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH, and the towing capacity is up to 4,500 pounds when properly equipped.
What Colors Does the Honda Pilot Come In?
How Big Is the Honda Pilot?
The 2009 Honda Pilot is slightly larger than some other midsize SUVs including the Mazda CX-9 and Nissan Pathfinder. Passenger room is excellent throughout the cabin and adults fit in the third row of seats, but people over 6 feet tall may feel a bit cramped.
Cargo space is above average for a midsize SUV and can fit 5 suitcases behind the third row, and over 8 behind the second row when the third row is folded flat.
How Does the Honda Pilot Compare to the Competition?
The 2009 Honda Pilot initially scored well compared to rivals, but as they’ve aged there have been more problems with the engines, making it a year buyers should avoid.
The Toyota Highlander is a popular rival, which costs about $2,500 more. Interior materials are nicer in the Toyota Highlander, but the Honda Pilot offers more passenger and cargo space. We recommend the Toyota Highlander since there are fewer engine issues, but the competition is closer in other years.
The Honda Odyssey is another rival from Honda which costs around $1,500 less. Passenger space is a bit better in the Honda Odyssey since it offers captain’s chairs in the second row, but the Honda Pilot handles dirt and snowy roads better. We recommend the Honda Odyssey for 2009 since it has fewer complaints.
Do Owners Recommend the Honda Pilot?
Yes, it is decent. I love the roominess, the seats are comfortable, steering wheel is a good size, seat adjustments are nice, lots of room in the back for my dogs.
Yes, it has space and is comfortable for the family and even for the dog, it has security is a good vehicle.
Yes, it has over 120,000 miles on it and runs great. It has updates that work great for our family, I.E DVD player, backup camera, and three rows.
Yes it is. However there has been many difficulties with the check engine lights where we would get whatever is fixed and it would never turn off.
Yes it is very dependable and fits all my children comfortably I wouldn't trade it for any other vehicle.
Yes it is an excellent family vehicle. I love that it has enough room for three kids to sit comfortably. It is great for road trips.
Yes. It has a lot of room and is a practical vehicle. It also looks nice for a family car. The tow capability and 4 wheel drive make is a good choice for weather driving and going on vacations.
Yes. It has been a very reliable car the whole time I've had it. All I had to do is regular maintenance and keep to manufacturer’s recommendations. With no issues experienced.
