UsedScore

2020 Honda Pilot: Avoid

Owners filed 327 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Honda Pilot in its first five years on the road, about 258 for every 100,000 sold: 2.2× 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 (50% of complaints, median 2,000 miles).

Complaint index
2.2×
per vehicle sold, vs. a typical Pilot year
Rank
12th of 14
1st = fewest complaints
Complaints
327
first five years; 258 per 100,000 sold
Recalls
11
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. Electrical50% · 164 complaints · median 2,000 miles
  2. Engine17% · 56 complaints · median 8,000 miles
  3. Brakes9% · 31 complaints · median 3,000 miles
  4. Driver assistance14% · 47 complaints · median 5,000 miles
  5. Fuel and propulsion9% · 31 complaints · median 50,000 miles
  6. Powertrain4% · 14 complaints
  7. Speed control4% · 13 complaints · median 2,000 miles
  8. Air bags1% · 2 complaints
  9. Body and structure1% · 3 complaints
  10. Lights2% · 6 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

Owners describe their Pilot suddenly braking on its own when nothing is ahead, often with warning beeps, screen blackouts, and popping sounds from the dash. Many say dealers could not consistently fix the issue, leaving the automatic braking unpredictable.

Warning signs:
Many report a flashing red brake warning, beeping, and steering wheel shaking just before sudden braking, along with popping/cracking sounds and blank dash or navigation screens.
What shops did:
Some dealers reset software, replaced wiring or a brake switch, or refocused the camera sensor, but several owners say the problem returned or dealers could not duplicate or fix it.
Mileage:
most between 0 and 5,000 miles, among 23 complaints that give it

“The cmbs (collision mitigation braking system) is too sensitive. Multiple times, the cmbs has activated without a valid reason.”

“The large amber Brake warning indicator on the dash and the associated buzzer comes on giving a false positive indication periodically in two way traffic even on straight roads”

Electrical

Owners describe their Pilot's dashboard, speedometer, and infotainment screens randomly going black or rebooting, often paired with crackling speaker noise, sometimes along with unexpected automatic braking. Dealers have tried wiring, software, and hardware fixes, but many owners say the issue kept recurring despite repeated visits.

Warning signs:
Many report a loud popping, crackling, or static noise from the speakers or windshield area before or during the screen blackouts, sometimes with 'network connection lost' messages.
What shops did:
Dealers frequently reset systems, replaced wiring harnesses, amplifiers, or software updated the units, but many owners say the problem returned or could not be duplicated or permanently fixed.
Mileage:
most between 0 and 5,000 miles, among 90 complaints that give it

“The dash, including speedometer, will shut off leaving a black screen which means I have no idea how fast I'm driving”

“Poppling noise from speakers. Electrical malfunctions in digital displays. Replaced wiring harness. 700 miles later same problem”

Engine

Owners of this Pilot commonly describe the engine stalling at stoplights when the auto idle stop system fails to restart, sometimes leaving them stranded in traffic. A number also report more serious engine problems like rod-bearing damage or knocking that led to full engine replacement.

Warning signs:
Many note dashboard warnings to shift to park, battery lights illuminating, or a knocking, ticking, or grinding sound from the engine before the failure.
What shops did:
Dealers often performed software updates, disabled the auto idle stop system, replaced batteries or starters, and in some cases replaced the engine or its bearings under warranty, though some could not reproduce or resolve the issue.
Mileage:
most between 5,000 and 75,000 miles, among 11 complaints that give it

“the transmission moved to neutral, and the engine would not start up again”

“there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine”

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

Recalls (11)

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 24V064000February 2024750,114 vehicles

    Air bags: sensor: occupant classification: front passenger

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.

    Risk: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can 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 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 23V174000March 2023339,404 vehicles

    Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2020-2022 Passport and Odyssey vehicles. The heating pads behind both side-view mirrors may not be bonded properly, allowing the mirror glass to detach. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Risk: Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will replace both left and right side-view mirrors, 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

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

    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 20V067000February 202010,050 vehicles

    Equipment: other: labels

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020 Passport and Pilot vehicles. The certification label may have been printed with ink that can be wiped away with a solvent, removing the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) information.

    Risk: If the operator is unable to refer to the label information, the vehicle may be overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the certification label, free of charge.

  • 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.

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 149 service bulletins and other notices to dealers covering the 2020 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.
  • 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…
  • A23-091 · December 2023Due to variations in the purge control solenoid valve spring, the valve wears unevenly and intermittently sticks.

All 2020 Pilot bulletins on NHTSA ›

Questions owners ask

Is the 2020 Honda Pilot reliable?
Owners filed 327 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Honda Pilot in its first five years on the road, about 258 for every 100,000 sold: 2.2× 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 2020 Pilot problems?
Owners' complaints most often involve the electrical system (50%), the engine (17%) and the brakes (9%). A complaint can name more than one area.
Has the 2020 Honda Pilot been recalled?
Yes. NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns for the 2020 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 2020 Honda Pilot on NHTSA.gov · How we rate