Honda Pilots Years To Avoid & Common Problems

Many drivers consider the Honda Pilot a reliable long-term investment, ideal for road trips and daily family duties. Unfortunately, that reputation doesn’t apply to every model year. Across nearly two decades of production, the Pilot lineup has included some notably problematic vehicles. Let’s check out the years to avoid the Honda Pilot!

What Year Honda Pilot To Avoid

Some Honda Pilot years, including 2003, 2005, 2011, 2016, 2017, and 2020 models, are best to avoid. They display a host of problems, evident in a considerable number of recalls and complaints. Airbags, engines, transmissions, and electrical systems are sources of concern.

2003 Honda Pilot

Despite its promising launch, the 2003 Honda Pilot has developed a troubling reputation over time. With 14 recalls and 740 NHTSA complaints logged as of 2025, this first-generation Pilot is now considered one of the more problematic early-2000s SUVs still on the road.

At the heart of Honda Pilot issues lies the airbag system. The 2003 Pilot is one of many vehicles affected by the widespread Takata airbag crisis. In fact, 9 of its 14 recalls are tied to faulty inflators that can explode during deployment, potentially sending shrapnel into the cabin. Beyond the recalls, many owners continue to report persistent SRS warning lights that illuminate without cause, making it unclear whether the system is functioning properly even after recall work.

Equally concerning are the transmission failures. Owners report symptoms like hard shifting, transmission slippage, grinding noises around 40–45 MPH, and even unintended downshifts at highway speeds, which can cause sudden deceleration. Honda issued a recall to install a transmission oil jet cooler, but it hasn’t proven effective for all owners, with many continuing to experience severe drivability issues long after the repair.

Then there’s the electrical system, which presents problems ranging from faulty ignition switches to inexplicable vehicle fires. In multiple cases, vehicles have refused to start or even allowed the key to be removed while still in gear. Some of these incidents have led to rollaway or vehicle damage, with inconsistent recall coverage leaving owners on the hook.

2005 Honda Pilot

Serious reliability and safety issues have continued to affect the 2005 Honda Pilot, with 675 complaints and 15 recalls registered with the NHTSA as of 2025.

The airbag system remains a major red flag. Despite prior recalls related to exploding Takata inflators, many owners still report SRS warning lights that won’t turn off and, more alarmingly, airbags that fail to deploy during accidents. This is a carryover problem from earlier model years and continues to undermine driver confidence.

Transmission problems are also unresolved in this first-generation Pilot. Harsh shifting, slipping gears, and even sudden loss of drive at highway speeds have led to dangerous situations on the road. In some cases, failed cooling systems have caused transmission fluid to mix with engine coolant, leading to catastrophic mechanical failure. These common issues aren’t just inconvenient; they can render the vehicle completely undrivable.

One of the more unique problems with the 2005 Pilot is its Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system, specifically the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA). Owners report random, unpredictable braking, even at high speeds, along with unwanted VSA engagement in normal driving conditions. Faulty yaw rate sensors are often to blame but are not always included in recall coverage, with repair costs nearing $1,000 out of pocket.

Engine problems round out the list of concerns. Prematurely worn engine mounts, excessive oil consumption (in our case, we used 2 quarts every 2,350 miles without visible leaks), and complete engine stalls are increasingly common as the vehicle ages. These mechanical issues not only affect reliability but also add up quickly in long-term maintenance costs.

2011 Honda Pilot

With 11 recalls and 281 NHTSA complaints logged as of this writing, drivers have encountered persistent issues ranging from airbag failures to braking and suspension concerns with the 2011 model.

Suspension problems are widespread. Drivers report premature bushing failure, often well under 50,000 miles, leading to clunky steering, poor alignment, and costly repairs. In some cases, loose spindle nuts and damper bolts contributed to a loose steering feel and unusual tire wear, causing safety concerns that dealers have not always been able or willing to resolve.

Steering system issues further complicate the picture. Complaints of knocking, clunking, and power steering fluid leaks are common, and some drivers have experienced sudden power steering failure, even at low speeds. These common issues are often traced back to rack and pinion faults or unresolved design flaws, leading to expensive repairs and frustrating diagnosis cycles.

Braking is yet another weak point. Some 2011 Pilots experience brake failure requiring emergency brake use, particularly when backing up or starting the vehicle. Others report warped rotors and excessive vibration while braking at highway speeds, often within the first 30,000–50,000 miles. Despite repeated maintenance, the issues persist, pointing toward systemic design or material flaws rather than simple wear and tear.

2016 Honda Pilot

The 2016 model has generated over 1,400 complaints and 7 recalls to date, according to the NHTSA, and it’s become one of the worst years for the Honda Pilot. For many owners, the issues go far beyond routine wear and tear, reaching into engine, electrical, and fuel system failures that pose serious safety and financial risks.

The most alarming problem is engine failure due to rod bearing wear, which has led to complete breakdowns for hundreds of drivers. In our case, the engine failed abruptly at highway speeds, a rod bearing issue that matched the conditions of Honda’s 2023 recall, yet our VIN wasn’t covered. Despite Honda covering part of the cost, we still paid nearly $10,000 out of pocket for a replacement engine.

For others, electrical issues are a frequent frustration, especially with the auto start/stop system. Owners describe the vehicle stalling at intersections and failing to restart, sometimes requiring multiple attempts or complete shutdowns to regain power. This issue persists even after technical service bulletin repairs and is often linked to unexplained battery drains or system resets.

Fuel system problems have also triggered safety concerns. Common complaints mention a strong smell of fuel inside the cabin, particularly after refueling. Some drivers report fuel leaks near the top of the tank, while others have dealt with fuel pump failures that caused surging or loss of power in traffic. Although Honda has issued limited service bulletins, many vehicles showing identical symptoms remain excluded from official coverage.

2017 Honda Pilot

Despite having only 2 recalls, the 2017 Honda Pilot has accumulated over 700 complaints with the NHTSA, and a closer look reveals that many of the problems echo those found in the more heavily scrutinized 2016 model. 

Engine defects remain a consistent theme. Owners frequently report rattling noises, oil leaks, stalling, and engine misfires. A common safety concern involves the auto idle stop system, where the vehicle shuts off at a stop but fails to restart when needed, leaving drivers stranded in traffic. These failures often occur without warning and can require costly diagnostics with no guaranteed fix.

Transmission issues are also well documented. Drivers report hesitation, jerking, and shuddering during acceleration, especially noticeable between 15–40 MPH. Others describe more severe malfunctions, including the vehicle refusing to shift into drive or error codes like P0741 linked to the torque converter clutch. These symptoms are often tied to the Pilot’s 9-speed automatic transmission, which has been the subject of widespread concern across multiple model years. 

Electrical issues round out the concerns. Intermittent push-to-start failures, dashboard warnings, and communication faults between vehicle systems, like blind spot detection and emissions, are regularly cited in owner reports. The root causes are often difficult to pinpoint, with some issues resurfacing even after dealership repairs.

2020 Honda Pilot

For a family-friendly SUV, the 2020 Honda Pilot promises comfort and space — but under the surface, it’s a different story. With 9 recalls and over 370 complaints logged with the NHTSA up to now, this model year struggles with reliability, especially when it comes to tech and electrical systems.

One of the most severe issues involves the rearview camera. It’s the subject of three separate recalls, yet many owners, including us, still face problems. In colder weather, we noticed the camera feed was delayed or sometimes failed to appear at all, making parking a challenge and increasing the risk of mishaps. Even after a recall repair, the issue resurfaced within weeks.

The electrical quirks don’t stop there. The infotainment screen frequently blacks out, showing a “MOST Net Off” error and cutting off access to navigation, Bluetooth, and the backup camera. Some trace the fault to water damage or weak soldering on circuit boards, but Honda hasn’t confirmed a root cause.

Other drivers have reported more alarming failures, like the engine shutting off unexpectedly or the Auto Idle Stop system failing — sometimes requiring a jump start to get going again. In a few cases, the car lost all power mid-drive, often tied to brake switch malfunctions or mystery electrical faults.

6 Common Honda Pilot Problems You Should Know

• Airbag system failures: The Takata airbag recall has plagued multiple model years, with inflators that can explode and send shrapnel into the cabin. Even after recall repairs, persistent SRS warning lights and non-deploying airbags remain serious concerns.
• Transmission troubles: From the 2003 to 2017 models, owners have reported hard shifting, slipping gears, and transmission failure — often at highway speeds. Some reliability issues stem from ineffective recalls, while others involve fluid contamination or torque converter defects.
• Electrical system glitches: Electrical problems affect nearly every model year. These include random stalls, dashboard system failures, faulty push-starts, and infotainment blackouts, often stemming from weak circuit boards, sensor errors, or mystery faults.
• Engine failures and oil consumption: Premature engine damage is a major issue, especially in the 2016 model. Rod bearing wear, excessive oil use, engine stalling, and misfires are common, with some repairs costing thousands out of pocket even when partially covered by Honda.
  Braking and stability control issues: Several models suffer from warped rotors, unexpected braking (due to faulty ESC systems), and brake failures during low-speed maneuvers or reverse. The 2011 and 2005 Pilots are especially notorious for these risks.

Suspension and steering defects: Premature wear on suspension components like bushings and bolts has been reported, leading to clunky rides and unsafe alignment. In some cases, drivers also experience power steering fluid leaks and complete steering failure at low speeds.