UsedScore

2019 Honda Pilot: Avoid

Owners filed 393 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 Honda Pilot in its first five years on the road, about 278 for every 100,000 sold: 2.4× the rate of a typical Pilot year. That's more than twice a typical year, across more than one problem area.

The biggest problem area, counting serious complaints more, is the electrical system (41% of complaints, median 6,000 miles).

Complaint index
2.4×
per vehicle sold, vs. a typical Pilot year
Rank
13th of 14
1st = fewest complaints
Complaints
393
first five years; 278 per 100,000 sold
Recalls
13
campaigns
3rd generation, 2016–2022 · Updated September 24, 2026 · How we rate
2019 Honda Pilot EX-L

Photo: 2019 Honda Pilot EX-L · Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Problem areas

Ranked by severity-weighted complaints · share · median miles
  1. Electrical41% · 163 complaints · median 6,000 miles
  2. Engine32% · 127 complaints · median 40,000 miles
  3. Brakes11% · 44 complaints · median 6,000 miles
  4. Powertrain10% · 40 complaints · median 20,000 miles
  5. Driver assistance11% · 44 complaints · median 45,000 miles
  6. Fuel and propulsion9% · 35 complaints · median 39,000 miles
  7. Speed control5% · 21 complaints · median 5,000 miles
  8. Air bags1% · 5 complaints
  9. Visibility3% · 11 complaints · median 5,000 miles
  10. Steering1% · 4 complaints

Bars rank problem areas by complaints weighted for severity (crashes, fires, injuries and deaths count more). A complaint can name more than one area. Mileage is reported on about half of complaints.

What owners describe

Brakes

Many owners describe the automatic braking system suddenly slamming on the brakes for no apparent reason, sometimes nearly causing a rear-end collision, while others report brakes that feel soft or slow to respond. Dealers often could not reproduce the problem, leaving owners without a lasting fix.

Warning signs:
Owners report dashboard brake or system warning lights, hard or sudden jolts forward, a brake pedal that travels low or to the floor, and sudden speed drops.
What shops did:
Some owners say dealers could not duplicate or find a cause and made no repairs, while a few report brake pads, a brake pedal position switch, or an amplifier were replaced.
Mileage:
most between 5,000 and 15,000 miles, among 30 complaints that give it

“My 2019 honda randomly brakes while I'm driving almost causing someone to rear end me”

“the car hard-braked and dropped to 40-42mph rapidly, then it stopped braking and I was able to use the accelerator again”

Electrical

Owners describe the touchscreen, speedometer and related electrical systems randomly blacking out or rebooting while driving, sometimes with warning noises beforehand and loss of the backup camera or safety features. Repairs such as software updates or part replacements are commonly reported, but many owners say the issue kept coming back despite multiple dealer visits.

Warning signs:
Many mention popping, cracking or static noises from the speakers, 'network connection lost' or 'check tuner' messages, and speaker/screen glitches just before the display or speedometer goes blank.
What shops did:
Dealers often reset the system, updated software, replaced wiring harnesses or the display unit, and in some cases replaced batteries or idle-stop modules, though owners frequently report the problem recurred or was never fully resolved.
Mileage:
most between 5,000 and 20,000 miles, among 72 complaints that give it

“Loud crackling would occur through the speakers. Then both the navigation screen and/or the speedometer screen would go completely black.”

“The screen goes entirely black as if the car is not on, meaning we do not have a functioning speedometer while the car is in operation”

Engine

Owners of this Pilot commonly report the engine stalling or hesitating, especially when the Auto Start/Stop feature is active at stoplights, sometimes leaving them stranded in traffic. Some also describe more serious engine damage like bearing or rod failure requiring engine replacement, with dealers often unable to duplicate or permanently fix the issue.

Warning signs:
Many report warning lights (check engine, emissions, transmission), knocking or clicking noises, jerking or hesitation, and the engine failing to restart after stopping at lights.
What shops did:
Dealers frequently replaced batteries or starters, sometimes performed transmission flushes, and often could not duplicate or fully resolve the stalling or engine noise complaints.
Mileage:
most between 40,000 and 95,000 miles, among 29 complaints that give it

“there have been numerous occasions where the car has stalled and will not restart”

“the rod bearings had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced”

Summaries are written with AI from the owner complaints shown on NHTSA's site and checked against them; quotes are word for word.

Recalls (13)

Check a VIN on NHTSA ›
  • NHTSA 26V365000June 2026880,514 vehicles

    Suspension: rear · Structure: frame and members

    American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles that were sold in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. The rear subframe may corrode at the suspension mounting points, which can result in rear suspension component failure.

    Risk: Failure of rear suspension components, such as the rear control arm, can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect the rear subframe and install a rear subframe reinforcement kit and, as necessary, repair or replace the rear subframe components, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 26V332000May 202698,892 vehicles

    Air bags: sensor: occupant classification: front passenger

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.

    Risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.

    Fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 23V858000December 20232,490,460 vehicles

    Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

    Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 23V751000November 2023248,999 vehicles

    Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanical

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.

    Risk: A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 23V431000June 20231,209,673 vehicles

    Back over prevention: display function

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Pilot, and 2019-2023 Passport vehicles. Due to a faulty Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) communication coaxial cable connector, the rearview camera image may not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

    Fix: Dealers will replace the MOST cable harness and install a straightening cover over the vehicle cable connector, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 21V932000November 2021724,826 vehicles

    Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch · Structure: body: hood

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 Passport, 2016-2019 Pilot, and 2017-2020 Ridgeline vehicles. The hood latch striker may become damaged and separate from the hood, which can result in the hood opening while driving.

    Risk: A hood that opens while driving can obstruct the driver's view and increase the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will either repair the hood latch striker, or replace the hood if necessary, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 21V215000March 2021624,552 vehicles

    Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

    Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 21V165000March 20211,093 vehicles

    Tires

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Passport and Pilot vehicles equipped with Continental tires. On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production.

    Risk: Overcured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation, which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

    Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four tires and replace them as necessary, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 20V439000July 2020607,786 vehicles

    Back over prevention: sensing system: camera · Electrical system: software

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Odyssey, 2019-2020 Passport, and 2019-2021 Pilot vehicles. Incorrect instrument panel control module software can cause the instrument panel to not display critical information, such as engine oil pressure, speedometer, and gear selector position until the next ignition cycle. Additionally, it can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 101, "Control and Displays" and 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

    Risk: Operating a vehicle without a functioning instrument panel or rearview camera display increases the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument panel control module software, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 20V440000July 2020499,344 vehicles

    Back over prevention: sensing system: camera · Electrical system: software

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Pilot, 2019-2020 Odyssey and 2019-2020 Passport vehicles. Incorrect central network software programming may cause several errors to occur that can delay or prevent the rearview camera image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

    Risk: A delayed or inoperative rearview camera display can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Honda will notify owners that updated software is available.

  • NHTSA 19V784000October 201910 vehicles

    Structure: body

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Pilot and 2019 Passport vehicles. The front frame left and right side upper members may not have been welded completely to the unibody. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 219, "Windshield Zone Intrusion."

    Risk: In the event of a crash, incomplete body welding may provide inadequate protection to occupants, increasing the risk of an injury.

    Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle for missing welds, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 19V298000April 201993,946 vehicles

    Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Acura MDX and Honda Pilot vehicles and 2019 Acura RLX, RLX Sport Hybrid, TLX and Honda Odyssey and Ridgeline vehicles. The timing belt teeth may separate from the belt.

    Risk: Teeth separation from the timing belt may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash.

    Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace any affected timing belt free of charge.

  • NHTSA 18V848000November 2018404 vehicles

    Structure: body: roof and pillars

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 Honda Ridgeline and Pilot vehicles. The mounting holes for the clip that secures the right center pillar trim panel may be larger than intended. In the event of a crash necessitating right side curtain air bag deployment, the clip may not hold the center pillar trim panel in position and it may potentially interfere with the curtain air bag deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 214, "Side Impact Protection," and 226, "Ejection Mitigation."

    Risk: In the event of a crash, if the curtain air bag does not deploy as intended, it can increase the risk of injury.

    Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install a bracket on the right center pillar that will securely hold the center pillar trim clip, free of charge.

A recall only helps if the repair was done. Enter the vehicle's 17-character VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup before you buy.

Service bulletins

Honda sent NHTSA 223 service bulletins and other notices to dealers covering the 2019 Pilot. These are repair instructions, not recalls. Warranty extensions and bulletins about its top problem areas:

  • ONL6T603102023-2 · March 2023 · Warranty extensionWarranty Extension reimbursement form for engine idle stop repairs made before the warranty extension notice date.
  • ONL6T603102023-4 · March 2023 · Warranty extensionUnder certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and the idle stop feature engages, the vehicle may not automatically restart.
  • A24-061 · November 2025The wireless charger starts charging the phone and then stops charging, even when the phone remains in the correct position on the charger due to software specifications that can cause some phones to…
  • ATI&08072025902 · August 2025Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
  • A23-009 · July 2025Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and engaging idle stop, the vehicle may not restart automatically due to excessive cylinder pressure and/or low cranking torque.
  • A23-078 · May 2025Torque converters may not have been manufactured to proper specifications.
  • A24-085 · July 2024MIL flashes and vehicle will not accelerate, low power.
  • A24040A · May 2024Service NewsDue to On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) regulation change starting with 2019 vehicles, American Honda’s Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) On-Board Diagnostic monitors are…

All 2019 Pilot bulletins on NHTSA ›

Questions owners ask

Is the 2019 Honda Pilot reliable?
Owners filed 393 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 Honda Pilot in its first five years on the road, about 278 for every 100,000 sold: 2.4× the rate of a typical Pilot year. That's more than twice a typical year, across more than one problem area. Ratings compare Pilot years with each other using complaints filed with NHTSA; they don't measure every problem owners have.
What are the most common 2019 Pilot problems?
Owners' complaints most often involve the electrical system (41%), the engine (32%) and the brakes (11%). A complaint can name more than one area.
Has the 2019 Honda Pilot been recalled?
Yes. NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns for the 2019 Honda Pilot, the most recent in June 2026 (suspension). Enter the vehicle's VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to see whether the repairs were done.

Sources

Owner complaints, recalls and manufacturer communications from NHTSA's public data files, as of September 24, 2026. Complaints are counted once each, over the model year's first 60 months on the road. UsedScore is not affiliated with NHTSA or Honda. The 2019 Honda Pilot on NHTSA.gov · How we rate