Honda Pilot Years to Avoid

Why 2016, 2019 and 2020 made the avoid list

2016 Honda Pilot

AvoidTop issue: electrical · 43% of complaints · median 44,000 miles

Owners describe the engine cutting off after the auto idle-stop engages at stops, sometimes taking minutes to restart, plus recurring keyless start warnings and a 9-speed transmission that jerks, surges, or shifts unexpectedly. Many report dealers couldn't duplicate the problems, and repairs often didn't stick.

Full 2016 report ›

2019 Honda Pilot

AvoidTop issue: electrical · 41% of complaints · median 6,000 miles

Owners describe the automatic emergency braking slamming on suddenly with nothing ahead, plus brakes that feel soft, and touchscreens and speedometers blacking out or rebooting while driving. Many also report the engine stalling or hesitating at stoplights with Auto Start/Stop active, and some describe serious engine damage.

Full 2019 report ›

2020 Honda Pilot

AvoidTop issue: electrical · 50% of complaints · median 2,000 miles

Owners describe the Pilot braking on its own with no vehicle ahead, along with dashboard, speedometer, and infotainment screens going black or rebooting amid popping and crackling sounds. Some also report stalling at stoplights when the auto idle stop fails to restart, and engine knocking that led to replacement.

Full 2020 report ›

Questions owners ask

Which Honda Pilot years should you avoid?

Counting complaints owners filed with NHTSA in each year's first five years on the road, per vehicle sold, the 2016, 2019 and 2020 Pilot drew the most: each more than twice the rate of a typical Pilot year, spread across more than one problem area. The 2011, 2017 and 2021 also ran above average; use caution with them.

What is the best year for a used Honda Pilot?

The 2010 Pilot drew the fewest complaints for its time on the road and the number sold (0.3× the rate of a typical Pilot year), followed by the 2008 and 2015. Years from 2022 on haven't had five years on the road, so they aren't rated yet.

What is the most common problem with the Honda Pilot?

Across every year, the problem area owners report most is the electrical system (29% of complaints), followed by the engine (22%) and the powertrain (transmission and drivetrain) (12%). A complaint can name more than one area.

Has the Honda Pilot been recalled?

Yes. NHTSA lists 50 recall campaigns covering Pilot model years 2008 to 2026, the most recent in July 2026. Enter a vehicle's VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to see whether its repairs were done.