UsedScore

2021 Honda Pilot: Use caution

Owners filed 316 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Honda Pilot in its first five years on the road, about 229 for every 100,000 sold: 1.9× the rate of a typical Pilot year. That's above average, so use caution.

The biggest problem area, counting serious complaints more, is the electrical system (27% of complaints, median 32,000 miles).

Complaint index
1.9×
per vehicle sold, vs. a typical Pilot year
Rank
11th of 14
1st = fewest complaints
Complaints
316
first five years; 229 per 100,000 sold
Recalls
10
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. Electrical27% · 86 complaints · median 32,000 miles
  2. Driver assistance26% · 83 complaints
  3. Engine21% · 67 complaints · median 33,000 miles
  4. Air bags8% · 26 complaints
  5. Brakes8% · 25 complaints
  6. Fuel and propulsion5% · 15 complaints
  7. Visibility9% · 27 complaints · median 9,000 miles
  8. Powertrain4% · 14 complaints
  9. Wheels and tires4% · 14 complaints
  10. Speed control2% · 5 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

Driver assistance

Owners of this Pilot describe driver-assistance systems like collision mitigation braking, lane keeping assist, and the rearview camera failing or activating unexpectedly. This often triggers dashboard warnings and sudden braking, and dealers frequently recommend costly camera or sensor replacement.

Warning signs:
Owners report dashboard warning lights and chimes for collision mitigation, lane keeping, adaptive cruise control, and road departure systems, sometimes with steering wheel shaking or sudden braking.
What shops did:
Dealers often diagnosed a failed multipurpose camera or sensor needing replacement, frequently at owner expense, and some said they could not duplicate or repair the issue despite recall repairs.
Mileage:
most between 30,000 and 65,000 miles, among 7 complaints that give it

“The car begins to brake unpredictably while driving, even when there are no cars ahead; on an empty road it suddenly brakes.”

“ACC, LKAS, collision mitigation system problem, road departure mitigation system, and auto high beam problem warnings all appear on instrument panel.”

Electrical

Owners of this Pilot describe the engine unexpectedly stalling at stops when the auto idle-stop feature engages, along with related electrical glitches like dead screens, warning lights, and speaker static. Many say dealers replaced batteries or updated software, but the stalling and electronic issues frequently came back.

Warning signs:
Many report dashboard warning lights, a flickering battery indicator, dead displays, popping/crackling speaker noise, or infotainment and backup-camera screens going blank before or during the failure.
What shops did:
Dealers often replaced batteries, performed software updates, or could not duplicate the problem, and several owners say the issue returned afterward.
Mileage:
most between 30,000 and 70,000 miles, among 15 complaints that give it

“The engine shuts off when Idle-Stop is engaged and as expected. However and until recently; when I release my foot from the break, nothing happens.”

“Whenever the idle start/stop is engaged, the vehicle will randomly not restart when traffic is moving.”

Engine

Owners describe their Pilots stalling unexpectedly, often when the Auto Idle Stop feature fails to restart the engine at intersections, sometimes leaving them stranded in traffic. Others report more serious engine knocking or rod bearing failures leading to full engine replacement, even after dealer repairs or software updates.

Warning signs:
Owners report the vehicle stalling or dying at stop lights or in traffic, dashboard warning lights, battery indicator flashing, and some describe knocking, ticking, or rattling engine noises before failure.
What shops did:
Dealers often performed software updates or replaced the battery, but many owners say the stalling issue returned; some engines were diagnosed with rod or bearing failure requiring engine replacement.
Mileage:
most between 30,000 and 70,000 miles, among 9 complaints that give it

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

Recalls (10)

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 23V458000June 2023124,077 vehicles

    Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Civic, 2020-2023 Ridgeline, 2021-2023 Passport, 2021-2022 Pilot, and 2020 Acura MDX vehicles. The tie rod fastener that connects the brake booster and the brake master cylinder may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, which can cause the brake master cylinder to separate from the booster assembly.

    Risk: Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the brake booster assembly 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 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 20V725000November 2020214 vehicles

    Tires

    American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain 2021 Pilot vehicles equipped with Continental CrossContact LX Sport 245/50R20 102 H tires with DOT serial number A376 D3K9 2920 and mold numbers S-421920 and S-421921. The tires may have been cured for a time beyond the specification limits.

    Risk: Over-cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a 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 the tires that have the affected DOT serial number and mold number, 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.

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 99 service bulletins and other notices to dealers covering the 2021 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 2021 Pilot bulletins on NHTSA ›

Questions owners ask

Is the 2021 Honda Pilot reliable?
Owners filed 316 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Honda Pilot in its first five years on the road, about 229 for every 100,000 sold: 1.9× the rate of a typical Pilot year. That's above average, so use caution. 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 2021 Pilot problems?
Owners' complaints most often involve the electrical system (27%), driver-assistance features and cameras (26%) and the engine (21%). A complaint can name more than one area.
Has the 2021 Honda Pilot been recalled?
Yes. NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for the 2021 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 2021 Honda Pilot on NHTSA.gov · How we rate