Honda Pilot caters to a different audience than Type R enthusiasts due to its conservative styling and spacious interior. A reliable family car will keep everyone comfortable on cross-country road trips and won’t break down. Pilot buyers place a greater emphasis on reliability. It’s been about two decades since the Pilot was introduced to the market, so some model years have been more successful than others. Here are the best and worst of the Honda Pilot based on recall data and complaints by model year.
Honda Pilot History
As a replacement for the older Passport, the first-generation Honda Pilot was introduced in 2002 for the 2003 model year. The body-on-frame construction of these earlier Passports was more rugged than that of the Isuzu Rodeo. The Pilot, on the other hand, is built with a single body that offers much greater comfort when driving. Furthermore, Honda offered the Pilot as an alternative to the popular CR-V that was more practical.
Second-generation Pilots introduced a more masculine appearance and powerful V6 engines in 2008. 2009 was the best year ever for Pilot sales because buyers liked it. Pilot’s third generation took a complete restyle in 2015, making it more aerodynamic as well. Pilots were more spacious inside despite their smaller exterior dimensions, which drew inspiration from the Odyssey minivan.
A new TrailSport variant for adventure seekers was added to the all-new fourth-gen Pilot in late 2022.
While the Pilot’s V6 engine hasn’t changed since it first appeared on the market, the automatic transmission has evolved from a five-speed unit to a ten-speed.
During the Pilot’s 22-year existence in the USA, it has sold more than 100,000 units. Sales peaked to 99,567 units in 2022 (prior to the arrival of the fourth-generation model) and 2002 (its launch year).
| Honda Pilot | 1st Gen | 2nd Gen | 3rd Gen | 4th Gen |
| Model Years | 2003 – 2008 | 2009 – 2015 | 2016 – 2022 | 2023 – present |
| Engine | 3.5-liter V6 | 3.5-liter V6 | 3.5-liter V6 | 3.5-liter V6 |
| Horsepower | 240 – 255 hp | 250 hp | 280 hp | 285 hp |
| Transmission | Five-speed automatic | Five-speed automatic | Six- or nine-speed automatic | Ten-speed automatic |
Identifying The Most Reliable Honda Pilot Models
To determine which Pilots were the most reliable, we reviewed resources like Car Complaints and NHTSA. Consumer complaints often provide a more comprehensive picture than recalls. A recall isn’t always the best solution for common and frustrating vehicle issues. However, these issues can significantly alter the ownership experience.
The Honda Pilot model years listed below should be prioritized if you want to buy one.
The Best Honda Pilot Model Years
It’s obviously best to buy a new or almost-new Pilot if you want the least amount of trouble. In order to identify the safest bets, we’ll look beyond more recent Pilots as reliability data won’t be available yet. The models we assessed are at least five years old, so we have enough time to discover if any major gremlins have arisen.
2015 Honda Pilot
Second-generation Pilots were produced through the 2015 model year. It is generally better to wait for the latest model, because most kinks have been worked out by the time you buy a vehicle late in its life cycle.
Compared to the average for all Pilots, the 2015 Pilot has fewer complaints with the NHTSA and 43 with Car Complaints. Millions of vehicles across many mainstream brands were affected by Takata-related airbag recalls.
In terms of quality and reliability, this Pilot scored 79 out of 100 from J.D. Power. The Pilot has a rugged design, a V6 engine with up to 250 horsepower, and modern features like Bluetooth and a touchscreen interface.
2014 Honda Pilot
With the same airbag recalls and a few more complaints, the 2014 Pilot isn’t far behind the 2015 model. In addition, it has a higher J.D. Power quality and reliability rating of 84 out of 100. The dependability of these two model years will not change significantly between them.
2008 Honda Pilot
With comparatively few complaints reported to the NHTSA and Car Complaints, the 2008 Pilot does well in its age group. Pilots from this generation appear to be much less troublesome than those from earlier generations. Several Pilots through the years were plagued by transmission problems, mostly due to a V6 engine that was introduced for the 2005 model year, as well as Honda’s refinement of the five-speed transmission. The 2008 Pilot received an 85 out of 100 score from J.D. Power in terms of quality and reliability.
The main thing we recommend if you’re looking for a 2008 Pilot is to make sure it has been recalled for multiple airbags. If you’re looking for one with fewer than 100,000 miles, it will take more work to find one under $10,000.
There Are Different Types of Third-Gen Pilots
You should skip the 2016 Pilot altogether if you want a more modern, third-generation model – we’ll explain why later. Complaints about the 2018 Pilot are significantly lower than complaints about the 2016-2017 models. It is also recommended to stick with the six-speed automatic transmission until the 2021 model year, since the nine-speed unit that replaced it had all kinds of problems that led to a class action lawsuit.
From the third-generation Pilot lineup, the automatic model with six gears seems the safest bet.
| Most Dependable Honda Pilot Model Years | Generation |
| 2015 | Second Gen |
| 2014 | Second Gen |
| 2008 | First Gen |
| 2018 (with six-speed automatic) | Third Gen |
Honda Pilot Model Years To Avoid
2016 Honda Pilot
Pilot’s third generation debuted for the 2016 model year. Despite being a much-improved crossover, this model generated 1,171 complaints, more than any other. The 2003 model is believed to be the second-most problematic Pilot according to Car Complaints. According to J.D. Power, the 2016 Pilot scored 74 out of 100 on quality and reliability, which is much lower than similar vehicles such as the Toyota Highlander and Dodge Durango.
According to the NHTSA, consumer complaints were primarily related to the electrical system and engine. Many owners were unable to start their cars due to problems with the keyless start system and radio. About 250,000 Pilots were recalled mechanically in 2016 due to a mechanical defect. The engines were recalled due to the possibility of catastrophic engine damage caused by connecting rod bearing wear. Many owners complained that their 2016 models weren’t recalled despite suffering the same problem, and were quoted over $10k for an engine replacement.
An engine crankshaft manufacturing defect may cause atypical engine noises, decreased power, and engine stalling, Honda says in a recall notice.
It comes as no surprise that the 2016 Pilot doesn’t live up to Honda’s reputation for dependability, given all of the above, along with the class action lawsuit alleging that the nine-speed automatic is faulty.
2003 Honda Pilot
These vehicles are more than 20 years old, being the first model year of the Pilot. It’s no surprise that the first Pilot has collected its fair share of complaints since it was a totally new model for Honda at the time. As of Car Complaints, it is the worst model year overall for the Pilot, with 738 complaints from the NHTSA. Moreover, it has been recalled 14 times, making it the most recalled Pilot ever.
In 2003 Pilots, transmission failures and ignition switch problems frequently occur around 100,000 miles, according to Car Complaints. The transmission is typically repaired for $3,470. Since many early Pilots sell for under $10k these days, you should find out about the history of the auto transmission before making a purchase, since a replacement could end up costing a fortune.
Many complaints about jerky shifting and gear slippage were filed with the NHTSA about the powertrain.
Safety-conscious individuals should be aware that this Pilot was involved in recalls related to the Takata airbag crisis. A 2003 Pilot you are interested in should be checked for airbag repairs if it has been assessed.
2005 Honda Pilot
The transmission issues of the first-generation Pilot were not resolved by Honda. It has been reported that transmission fluid has been leaking into radiators, requiring radiator replacements and/or transmission flushes to be performed. In most cases, this problem occurs between 120,000 and 140,000 miles, and it can cost more than $2,000 to resolve. The cost of reassembling a transmission and replacing a radiator for one customer was around $5,000. It’s unclear what mileage this vehicle had.
On the NHTSA’s website, there are 673 complaints related to the 2005 Pilot, which has the most recalls of any Pilot. There have been numerous airbag recalls, most of which involved faulty inflators that release metal fragments that can cause serious injury or death. The investigation into two airbags was still ongoing when this article was written.
2017 Honda Pilot
Despite improvements over the 2016 model, the third-generation Pilot still has its share of complaints. As of 2017, the NHTSA has received 609 complaints about the 2017 Pilot, the majority of which are about the engine (296 complaints), electrical system (212 complaints), and powertrain (84 complaints).
Similarly to the 2016 model, the 2017 Pilot also suffered from transmission issues, such as rough shifts. Transmissions had to be replaced in some cases. There were also problems with the start/stop system, where some Pilots failed to restart after stopping, which can be hazardous in certain circumstances.
There were two recalls, both of which were quite concerning. A hood that could fly open when driving has been recalled on over 700,000 Pilots, Passports, and Ridgelines. There was also a recall for the 2017 Pilot due to fuel pump failure.
| Honda Pilot Complaints (NHTSA) | Model Year |
| 1,171 | 2016 |
| 738 | 2003 |
| 673 | 2005 |
| 609 | 2017 |
| 539 | 2004 |
| <500 | All other model years |
Are Honda Pilots Generally Reliable?
No matter which year you choose for the Honda Pilot, it does not matter if it is a dependable vehicle. Taking a look at all years, let’s see how the Honda Pilot does.
Market performance of the Pilot is good. Approximately 64.55 points are given to the Honda Pilot by withclutch.com. When compared to other SUV choices, this makes it a solid choice.
It is also a good idea to get a second opinion when evaluating a vehicle’s reliability. On repairpal.com, the Honda Pilot is rated 3.5 out of 5, which places it 13th out of 26 midsize SUVs. Despite its relatively low price, it does a decent job.
As a midsize SUV, Honda Pilot’s annual repair cost is $542, which is slightly less than the average. There is a 13% chance that an unexpected repair will be severe. Similar vehicles have a similar number.
As with similar SUVs, Honda Pilot owners typically drive the vehicle .4 times per year, right on par with the average. Reliability is a strong suit of this product.
Which Honda Pilot Years Are The Least Reliable?
Especially when buying a used vehicle, you want to maximize your dollar. Stay away from the least reliable years to make your money count. To make things easier for you, we have listed the worst Honda Pilot options.
You should stay away from these years if you want the Honda Pilot to be as reliable as possible:
- 2003 Honda Pilot
- 2005 Honda Pilot
- 2009 Honda Pilot
- 2011 Honda Pilot
- 2013 Honda Pilot
- 2016 Honda Pilot
Honda Pilot years that are most reliable can be found elsewhere.
During these years, several features were subject to extensive customer complaints. There are many complaints related to transmission failure, excessive oil consumption, peeling paint, and recurrent error codes. Drivers face a lot of problems and high costs during these years.
It will be costly and frequent to repair these things during these years. While the Honda Pilot experiences a number of issues across the board, there are some that are common to all models. How can you expect things to go?
Open Investigations
Some Honda Pilot model years are still affected by open investigations as of the time of writing. The following information will help you.
Rupture of a desiccated airbag inflator
This investigation pertains to the 2005 Pilot as part of the Takata airbag recall. As these airbags were installed in cars produced between 2000 and 2017, multiple models from various manufacturers were affected.
It is possible for some airbag inflators to rupture during deployment as a result of prolonged exposure to high temperatures and humidity. Injuries to occupants may be severe or fatal as a result.
In addition, 2003-2007 pilots are also affected by an airbag inflator rupture investigation.
Auto Start/Stop doesn’t restart after engaging
In our previous post, we discussed the automatic stop/start feature of more modern Pilots. The car automatically switches off after stopping at a traffic light or intersection but does not restart. This feature is available on the higher-end Touring and Elite models on the 2018 Pilot. The problem also affects the 2016 and 2017 models, as well as the 2019 and 2020 models.
What Are The Most Common Issues With A Honda Pilot?
Consider the most common problems in the vehicle before investing in it. In spite of the less severe issues in the reliable years, the Honda Pilot suffers from some common problems.
In general, Honda Pilots have the following problems:
- Warped front brake rotors: Many Honda Pilot owners report warped front brake rotors, especially in earlier models. It is possible for the steering wheel to vibrate and pulsate during braking as a result of this warping. Due to the V6 engine’s power and weight, the brake system wears out more quickly, requiring rotor resurfacing or replacement.
- Low-beam headlight failure: The Honda Pilot also suffers from premature low-beam headlight failures. Visibility and safety can be compromised by this problem, especially at night. A poor electrical connection or wiring harness issue is believed to be responsible for the problem. The longevity of the lighting system may require intervention beyond bulb replacement.
- Navigation system issues: The navigation system on some Honda Pilot models does not display maps or fails to start. In order to resolve the glitches and restore functionality, software updates or hardware repairs may be required.
- Transmission problems: Honda Pilot models from the mid-2000s, especially those with manual transmissions, have suffered from shifting issues, slipping, and even complete failures. When the transmission struggles to handle the power output of a V6 engine, it may lead to costly repairs or replacements, especially in models equipped with the engine.
- Airbag concerns: Millions of Honda Pilot vehicles have been recalled due to Takata airbag inflators. The airbag warning lights have also illuminated for some owners due to either sensor malfunctions or wiring issues, both of which must be addressed immediately in order for the airbags to function properly during a collision.
- Honda Sensing issues: Some Pilot owners have reported glitches or inconsistent performance of forward collision mitigation braking and adaptive cruise control, which are part of the Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance technologies. This reliable SUV’s safety benefits can only be maximized if Honda Sensing is functioning correctly.
There may be unexpected repairs needed if these appear on your car.
You may encounter these problems regardless of whether your year has been reliable or unreliable. Being prepared is a good idea.
Honda Pilot reliability has been discussed in a number of critical areas. It’s time to ask the ultimate question – is the Honda Pilot worth it?
Is The Honda Pilot Worth It?
A Honda Pilot is a great midsize option if you’re shopping for a quality vehicle. You’ll get great value for your money with this model. It’s generally reliable. Depending on your road needs, you can choose from plenty of years.
Honda Pilots are prone to a few common problems. In used Honda Pilots that are in their most reliable years, however, they are much less likely to occur. Choose the best and you’ll be fine.
Honda Pilot is one of the best vehicles on the market today. A Honda vehicle proves to be an excellent choice once again.
FAQs: Honda Pilot Years to Avoid
Which Honda Pilot years should potential buyers avoid?
These Honda Pilot model years should be avoided by potential buyers: 2003, 2005, 2009, 2011, 2013, and 2016. There are often complaints about the inconsistency and reliability of these years.
What are the most common problems associated with problematic Honda Pilot models?
In addition to transmission failures and excessive oil consumption, peeling paint, recurring fault codes, fuel injector failures, brake problems, and electrical issues, these less reliable Honda Pilot years tend to see transmission failures and excessive oil consumption.
Why is the 2003 Honda Pilot model particularly notorious?
It’s no secret that the 2003 Honda Pilot model has a reputation for transmission failure, one of the most expensive and severe repairs you can make to a vehicle. A transmission failure can compromise vehicle control, posing a significant financial burden and a safety risk.
What makes the brake issues in Honda Pilot models between 2003 and 2017 notable?
During braking, many Honda Pilot owners reported feeling vibrations and hearing unsettling noises caused by warped brake rotors. When brake rotors need to be replaced, the repair can become costly, even though the affected components are usually fixable.
Are Honda Pilots typically reliable?
The Honda Pilot has a reputation for being a reliable vehicle, but this does not apply to every model year. The majority of years can be considered reliable, but you should stay away from 2003, 2005, 2009, 2011, 2013, and 2016 models.
How much does a used Honda Pilot typically cost?
It costs $3,000 or more to buy an early Honda Pilot with a high mileage. A newer Pilot is the best choice if reliability is a must-have. It gets a good grade for dependability in the 2019 Honda Pilot. According to our Price Pulse, this vehicle typically asks $30,968. Because of high demand and modest inventories, this amount reflects a 16% premium.
Is the Honda Pilot a good car to purchase?
Stick with the most reliable examples of pre-owned Honda Pilots and you’ll be pleased with your purchase.
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Conclusion
It ranked third among long-lasting SUVs, behind the Toyota Land Cruiser and Toyota Sequoia, in a study of long-lasting cars. The Pilot is still a reliable, sturdy vehicle that has the potential to outlast most of its competitors, despite the issues we’ve discussed here. Honda Civics, considered to be highly reliable cars, aren’t perfect as we found in our review of their best and worst models.
