The 2010 Honda Pilot only lasts around 200,000 miles with some serious engine and steering issues. At $10,135 to $12,601, it’s too much money for an SUV with so many mechanical problems.
Is the 2010 Honda Pilot a Good Used SUV?
- No, 2010 is a bad year for the Honda Pilot, receiving a poor overall rating of 6/10. Owner reviews complain about issues with the engine, high ownership costs, and worn-out interiors.
- Interior scores are average at 7/10. A lot of the cloth and leather options feel cheaper than other SUVs, and the stereo system is basic.
- Reliability ratings are bad at 6/10. Pilot models from 2009-2010 both have a lot of engine issues, with improvements for 2011–2015.
- Performance is okay from the standard V6 engine, but the towing capacity is not as good as some other SUVs.
- The Pilot is a safe SUV, earning an overall 5-star rating in government crash tests, getting 5-stars in all impact tests, and a 4-star rating in the rollover risk.
- Fuel economy is average for a midsize SUV at around 19 MPG, which should get owners about 399 miles of range out of the 21 gallon gas tank. Fuel costs are $30 higher than average at $265 per month
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Honda Pilot?
- Consumer Reports says the Pilot has lost ground on interior fit & finish, with lower than average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds gives the Pilot a 4.4/5 praising the nice interior storage features, but doesn’t like the amount of buttons used on the dash for the stereo system.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Pilot 4.5/5 and enjoy the passenger room in all 3 rows, but owners don’t like the lack of premium features found on other SUVs.
What Common Problems Does the 2010 Honda Pilot Have?
The most common problems found on the 2010 Honda Pilot include engine problems, the steering system failing, and paint peeling off. These problems are more severe than other midsize SUVs from 2010, and repair costs are average.
Engine problems leading to excessive oil consumption are the most widespread complaints from around 95,000 miles. The problem is caused by the variable cylinder management system and some owners have replaced a lot of engine components to fix it, costing over $3,000.
Steering rack failures show up on some 2010 Pilot models at around 125,000 miles. The rack and pinon start to leak heavily and eventually the components wear out. Replacing the rack and pinion costs about $1,000, depending on local labor rates.
Peeling paint is another complaint mentioned by owners in the first 65,000 miles. Paint that is improperly cared for and left out in direct sunlight will start to peel as it ages. Repainting the affected areas costs about $1,000 per panel.
There are 10 recalls, which is worse than other midsize SUVs from 2010. The most serious recall is for seat belt stitching which fails, and Honda will replace the seat belts with new ones. All of the other recalls are for air bags, which is a common recall across many SUVs from 2010.
How Long Will the 2010 Honda Pilot Last?
A well-maintained 2010 Honda Pilot only lasts around 200,000 miles, giving it a poor durability rating of only 6/10. Its lifespan is around 100,000 miles less than top-rated competitors like the Toyota 4Runner. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other SUVs from 2010, according to Repair Pal, at $568 per year.
Since most 2010 Honda Pilot models will have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace items including the A/C fan motor for $450, the power steering pump costing $650, and the valve cover gasket, which costs $350.
I love my Honda pilot. It is perfect. Reliable 100%. The only thing I have had issues with, is getting in between the driver seat and the console; if I drop something.
It has been reliable for the most part it is an older model so it has needed upkeep and a few things have had to be replaced through the 5 years I have had it.
Like all cars eventually there are some problems. The only things that have been problems have been little and easy to fix. Nothing has broken down through and have been able to get places.
The pilot is extremely reliable! I have only had issues with the alternator- I have replaced it 3 times in the 9 years I have owned it (original owner). Other than that, it handles great in the snow or any adverse weather, and is very comfortable!
Yes it is very reliable. I recently changed the battery and the old one had lasted 5 years beyond its rated date. No known problems other than the aforementioned ECOsystem.
So far the only problems have been with normal maintenance required to keep up a car. There is a recall on the airbag that I need to have fixed.
The car is very reliable, the car has a lot of useful gadgets attached on it. The only problem is that is uses a lot of gas.
It's been pretty reliable for me. I need new struts some other things replaced, but it's been good to me so far. I didn't think it would cost as much to fill up the tank as it does, but that's my worst complaint.
Is the 2010 Honda Pilot a Good Value?
No , the 2010 Pilot is not a good value since you’ll spend a lot of money fixing issues. Blue book prices range from $10,135 to $12,601, making the Pilot close in price to similarly equipped SUVs including the Toyota Highlander and Nissan Pathfinder. When new, the price range was $27,895 to $40,245. Depreciation is similar to other SUVs, losing about 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Honda Pilot?
The second generation of the Honda Pilot was introduced in 2009 and replaced by the third generation in 2016. There are four models of the Honda Pilot offered for 2010.
LX is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Keyless Entry
- 7-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo With 3.5mm AUX
EX is a step up adding:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Tri-Zone Climate Control
- Power Driver’s Seat
- 6-CD In-Dash Changer
EX-L offers additional features such as:
- Leather Seating
- Sunroof
- Heated Front Seats
- Rearview Camera In Mirror
Touring adds some more items including:
- Premium Leather Seating
- Power Liftgate
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- Navigation System
- 10-Speaker Stereo System With USB
What Engines Come In the Honda Pilot?
The engine found in the Honda Pilot is the average 3.5L V6 which makes 250 horsepower and gets up to 19 MPG. Performance is similar to other midsize SUVs taking 7.2 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH. The towing capacity is low, at only 4,500 pounds.
What Colors Does the Honda Pilot Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Honda Pilot?
The 2010 Honda Pilot is a midsize SUV which earns a high comfort score of 8/10, and is similar in size to the Mazda CX-9 and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Passenger room is fantastic throughout the cabin with seating for up to 8. There’s also enough leg room in the third row to easily fit taller adults.
How Is the Storage In the Honda Pilot?
Cargo space is better than average for a midsize SUV and the Pilot fits 5-6 suitcases behind the third row, and 8-10 behind the second row.
How Does the Honda Pilot Compare to the Competition?
The Honda Pilot sounds like a good SUV, but there are just too many problems for the 2010 model year to recommend it to buyers. Shoppers should look at models from 2011–2015 which all have fewer engine issues.
The Toyota Highlander is a competitor which is available in the same price range. Reliability ratings are better in the Toyota Highlander, but the Honda Pilot has more passenger room in the third row. We recommend the Toyota Highlander for the 2010 model year since it lasts longer, but the competition is closer in other years.
The Acura MDX is another midsize SUV which costs about $1,000 more. Both the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX are built on the same platform, but the Acura MDX has a more luxurious interior and better technology. We recommend avoiding both the Acura MDX and Honda Pilot for 2010 since they have the same engine issues.
Do Owners Recommend the Honda Pilot?
Yes, very reliable from the day I purchased it. My Honda provides safety and peace of mind, for me and my family.
Yes it is a great family car and has been a good vehicle. It has plenty of room and I love the 3rd row seating. We use it often for towing stuff and does great. Has been pretty reliable.
The vehicle gets me where I need to so I would say yes it is. Its spacious too so that is another thing that I love.
Absolutely! This is my favorite vehicle I have ever owned! Highly recommend! I have driven newer models of the Honda pilot and I actually prefer the earlier model!
It is mostly a wonderful car. The one major problem is the factory installed ECOsystem. In many cars the ECO can be turned off and on. It is automatic in the 2010 Pilot. Therefore at 45 MPH the vehicle shimmies and growls because of the Ecosystem. It is literally my only complaint. Drives great, handles well.
Yes. I have owned this car for 7 years. The only current problem is the tearing of the leather on the middle console and driver side door.
Yes it is a good vehicle for families since it is spacious. The car is very efficient and good to use everyday.
Yes, it's been pretty reliable for me. From time to time, I'll have some maintenance lights come on the dash when I know nothing is wrong with the vehicle, but it may be an electronic issue.