Is the Honda Pilot Reliable?
2003–2026 defect & recall-risk analysis from citable NHTSA data.
The score ranks this model's recall intensity against other suvs — plus systemic-defect concentration and any open federal investigations. It measures defect and recall risk, not long-term mechanical durability, and is deliberately not skewed by how many were sold.
Reliability Score
Own a Honda Pilot? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Open NHTSA Investigation
no restart after auto start/stop engages
Component: engine and engine cooling:engine:crank/camshaft position sensor
⚠ Historically, 50% of EA investigations became recalls.
An open investigation is NHTSA reviewing a potential defect — the earliest warning a recall may be coming. It is not a defect finding. See all vehicles under investigation →
Honda Pilot Reliability by Year
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Reliability Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 22 | — | — | 50 | Fair |
| 2025 | 3 | 183 | 13 | — | 40 | Poor |
| 2024 | 5 | 74 | 1 | — | 50 | Fair |
| 2023 | 4 | 129 | — | — | 47 | Fair |
| 2022 | 2 | 177 | 5 | — | 42 | Poor |
| 2021 | 5 | 394 | 7 | — | 25 | Poor |
| 2020 | 8 | 409 | 1 | — | 25 | Poor |
| 2019 | 8 | 740 | 14 | — | 25 | Poor |
| 2018 | 4 | 332 | 4 | — | 28 | Poor |
| 2017 | 2 | 684 | 6 | — | 25 | Poor |
Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.
How the Pilot Compares to Similar Vehicles
The Pilot scores 29 points below the average suv. Consider checking years with lower complaint volumes.
Known Honda Pilot Reliability Issues
The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:
Based on 3144 owner complaints across recent model years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Honda Pilot reliable?+
The Honda Pilot scores 40/100 on our reliability index — rated "Poor." Across 10 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 42 recall campaigns and 3144 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.
What year Pilot is most reliable?+
Among the years analyzed, the 2026 Pilot achieved the highest reliability score of 50/100 with 1 recall and 22 complaints.
How many miles does a Pilot last?+
With consistent maintenance, most Honda Pilot owners report 150,000 to 200,000+ miles of service life. Checking the VIN of any specific used Pilot will reveal its actual mileage history and any title events.
More Honda Pilot Research
Check a Specific Honda Pilot VIN
Model-level reliability scores show general trends. A VIN-specific report reveals the exact history of any individual vehicle — accidents, odometer records, auction events, and open recalls.
Run a Free VIN Report →