Honda Pilot years to avoid and best years
Newer Honda Pilot years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2020 has the most complaints per year, at 69 (486 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2015 at 9 (from 109 complaints), 2014 at 13 (from 116 complaints), and 2018 at 17 (from 439 complaints). The Honda Pilot 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2020 Honda Pilot, 89 of 486 complaints name Electrical system.
Data as of .
2015
2014
2018
2025–26
Honda Pilot reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Honda Pilot. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 → Too early | 20 | 20 | 1 | Steering | 21 |
| 2025 → Too early | 101 | 201 | 4 | Forward collision avoidance | 21 |
| 2024 → | 38 | 113 | 6 | Seat belts | 21 |
| 2023 → | 29 | 140 | 5 | Seat belts | 21 |
| 2022 → | 20 | 154 | 5 | Forward collision avoidance | 22 |
| 2021 → | 47 | 432 | 10 | Electrical system | 22.5 |
| 2020 → Most | 69 | 486 | 11 | Electrical system | 22 |
| 2019 → | 49 | 903 | 13 | Engine | 22 |
| 2018 → Fewest | 17 | 439 | 7 | Engine | 22 |
| 2017 → | 35 | 921 | 4 | Engine | 22 |
| 2016 → | 62 | 1,701 | 8 | Engine | 22 |
| 2015 → Fewest | 9 | 109 | 4 | Engine | 20 |
| 2014 → Fewest | 13 | 116 | 3 | Engine | 20 |
| 2013 → | 37 | 271 | 6 | Structure | 20 |
| 2012 → | 22 | 171 | 9 | Air bags | 20 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 5W-20 (2009-2012) or 0W-20 (2013-2015) · 4.5 qt capacity
- Tire size
- P245/65R17 (all trims)
Known issues for this generation
The 3.5L V6 in certain 2009-2013 Pilots is affected by a documented piston-ring rotation issue: the rings on some cylinders can rotate out of position and align, leading to spark plug fouling and a cylinder misfire (diagnostic codes P0301-P0304) with the check-engine light on. Following a class-action settlement (Soto et al. v. American Honda Motor Co.), Honda extended the powertrain warranty covering this specific misfire repair to 8 years with unlimited mileage from the original purchase date, and the repair procedure ranges from a spark plug replacement to cleaning the pistons and replacing the piston rings, depending on which cylinders are affected.
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-20 · 5.7 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 245/60R18 (LX/EX/EX-L) to 245/50R20 (Touring/Elite)
Known issues for this generation
Honda service bulletin 20-029 covers 2016-2019 Pilot Touring and Elite models, plus a VIN range of 2020 Touring and Elite models, for intermittent harsh or jerky upshifts with steady acceleration. Honda traced the symptom to abnormal adaptation values in the transmission control module's software rather than to a mechanical fault; the remedy updates the transmission control module, after which the transmission needs about 500 miles of normal driving to re-adapt to the driver's pattern, and 2016 models additionally require a powertrain control module idle learn. A separate earlier bulletin, 16-008, covers 2016 Pilots with the 9-speed automatic for a different set of shift-quality symptoms, including a sensation of surge while braking and slow downshift response at low engine speeds.
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-20 · 5.8 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 255/60R18 (LX/EX-L) to 255/50R20 (Sport/Touring/Elite); TrailSport uses 265/60R18 all-terrain
Known issues for this generation
Certain 2023-2025 Pilots are covered by a nationwide safety recall (NHTSA campaign 24V-900) for the fuel tank fill pipe: some vehicles may have an incomplete connection between the fuel tank fill pipe and the fuel fill pipe, so the two pipes could separate in a crash and leak fuel, increasing fire risk in the presence of an ignition source. Dealers inspect whether the fill pipe is properly secured and reinstall it if necessary, at no cost.
Frequently asked questions
Which Honda Pilot years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2015 at 9 (from 109 complaints), 2014 at 13 (from 116 complaints), and 2018 at 17 (from 439 complaints).
Which Honda Pilot year has the most owner complaints?
2020 has the most complaints per year, at 69 (486 complaints). On the 2020 Honda Pilot, 89 of 486 complaints name Electrical system.
How do Honda Pilot owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Honda Pilot years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which Honda Pilot years are too early to compare?
The Honda Pilot 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What oil does a Honda Pilot take?
2nd gen: 5W-20 (2009-2012) or 0W-20 (2013-2015). 3rd and 4th gen US Pilots use 0W-20 (about 5.7-5.8 qt with filter on recent fills).
Does recall 24V-900 cover the Honda Pilot?
Certain 2023-2025 Pilots are covered for the fuel tank fill pipe: an incomplete connection may allow a fuel leak; dealers inspect and repair the fill-pipe connection.
What generation is the 2020 Honda Pilot?
3rd generation (2016-2022). The 4th generation starts in 2023.