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NHTSA data – Honda

Honda Pilot Problems, Recalls and Mobile Repair

6,639 owner complaints and 50 safety recalls are on file with NHTSA for 2008–2024 Pilot models. Here is what owners report most, which years drew the most complaints, and which fixes a mobile mechanic can do where the car sits.

6,639 complaints50 recalls2016 most complaints (1,703)

NHTSA data pulled September 2026.

What owners report

The most reported Pilot problems

The systems named most often in NHTSA owner complaints for 2008–2024 Honda Pilot models, and whether a mobile mechanic can usually help. A complaint can name more than one system.

SystemComplaintsShareMobile mechanic?
Engine2,15332%Diagnose first
Electrical system1,70426%Often in the driveway
Fuel system80312%Diagnose first
Driver-assist systems75111%Dealer or recall
Transmission and drivetrain73111%Usually a shop
Brakes3766%Usually on the spot
Airbags2934%Dealer or recall
Body structure2594%Usually a shop

Symptoms owners describe

Complaints are reports owners file with NHTSA, the federal vehicle-safety agency. NHTSA does not verify each one, and a year or model that sold more cars usually gets more complaints, so treat the counts as a map of what to check, not a reliability score. Data pulled from NHTSA's public complaint and recall databases in September 2026.

By model year

Complaints by model year

The 2016 Pilot drew the most complaints (1,703). Newer years have had less time on the road, so their counts are still growing.

2008133
2009134
2010111
2011293
2012171
2013271
2014116
2015109
20161,703
2017923
2018440
2019904
2020487
2021433
2022156
2023142
2024113
Recalls

Honda Pilot recalls

50 safety recalls cover 2008–2024 Pilot models. The most recent 12 are below.

ReportedCampaignModel yearsSystemWhat can happen
2026-0626V3650002016–2022Body structureFailure 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.
2026-0526V3320002017–2022AirbagsAir bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
2026-0126V0540002024SeatsA loose driver's seat may not adequately restrain the driver during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
2025-0625V3910002023–2024BrakesA brake pedal that shifts out of position can prevent the driver from applying the brakes as intended, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
2025-0125V0310002023–2024Fuel systemAn engine stall or loss of power can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
2024-1124V9000002023–2024Fuel systemA fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
2024-1124V8590002023–2024SeatsAn unsecured driver's seat may not adequately restrain the driver during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
2024-0224V0640002020–2022AirbagsAn air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
2023-1223V8580002015–2021Fuel systemFuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
2023-1123V7510002016, 2018–2019Engine and coolingA damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
2023-1123V7350002023–2024SteeringA loss of steering control or steering lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
2023-0623V4580002021–2022BrakesBrake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.

Plus 38 older recalls. Check your VIN for the full list.

Recall repairs are free – at a dealer

Safety recall repairs are done free by the brand's dealers. A mobile mechanic cannot do recall work. Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls on your exact car. "Park it" means NHTSA and the maker say not to drive the vehicle until it is fixed.

In owners' words

What Pilot owners told NHTSA

“When attempting to start the vehicle, it exhibited a no-start condition.”

Owner report to NHTSA, 2009 Honda Pilot (ODI 10293030)

“The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated.”

Owner report to NHTSA, 2008 Honda Pilot (ODI 11404666)

“I have a concern for a vehicle fire due to this overheating.”

Owner report to NHTSA, 2008 Honda Pilot (ODI 10428092)

“It appears that it is going to stall when pushing the gas pedal to accelerate on sharp left turns (example: left turn at light or stop sign).”

Owner report to NHTSA, 2008 Honda Pilot (ODI 11138817)
In the driveway

What a mobile mechanic can do on a Pilot

Most everyday Pilot repairs fit in a van, including work on the electrical system, brakes, wipers, windows and mirrors. A mobile mechanic can read codes, test the battery and charging system, replace brakes, starters and alternators, and handle most cooling-system parts where the car is parked.

Transmission rebuilds, internal engine work and anything under a safety recall belong in a shop or at a dealer – a good mobile mechanic will tell you that before driving out. What mobile mechanics can and can't do

Find a mechanic in your city

Typical prices

What common jobs cost

JobRepair shop averageMobile mechanics we listNote
Diagnostic$125–183$85–130Usually credited toward the repair
Battery replacement$456–493$125–250Some mobile prices are install only
Brake pads, per axle$335–394$125–215Pads and rotors: $310–390 mobile, $549–629 at a shop
Starter$565–796$200–440Some mobile prices are labor only
Alternator$809–1,088$200–500Some mobile prices are labor only

Repair shop average: RepairPal national estimates, parts and labor before tax (updated Sep 3, 2026); pads and rotors from Kelley Blue Book (Jun 2026). Mobile: the middle half of prices that 90 mechanics listed on MobileMechanics.ai publish on their own websites (checked Oct 2026); some are labor only, so ask whether parts are included. Prices vary by vehicle and city; the mechanic quotes after looking. How we got these numbers

Work orderHonda Pilot
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News

Honda Pilot recalls and news

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FAQ

Honda Pilot: questions

What are the most common Honda Pilot problems?

In NHTSA owner complaints for 2008–2024 models, the systems named most often are the engine, electrical system, fuel system. The 2016 model year drew the most complaints (1,703).

How many recalls does the Honda Pilot have?

NHTSA lists 50 safety recalls covering 2008–2024 models. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to your car.

Are Honda Pilot recall repairs free?

Yes, safety recall repairs are done free by the brand's dealers. A mobile mechanic cannot do recall work, but can fix most other problems where the car is parked.

Can a mobile mechanic work on a Honda Pilot?

Yes, for most everyday repairs: diagnostics, batteries, starters, alternators, brakes and many cooling-system parts. Transmission and internal engine work need a shop. Find a mobile mechanic in your city.

Sources

Where this data comes from

  1. NHTSA – vehicle safety complaints (public complaint database)
  2. NHTSA – recalls lookup by VIN
  3. NHTSA – Product Information Catalog and Vehicle Listing (vPIC)

Complaint and recall records for Honda Pilot model years in range, retrieved September 2026. Owner quotes are short excerpts from public NHTSA complaint records, lightly cased for reading.