The Pilot is a durable three-row SUV, but it is the Honda that most needs a recall check and a service history. 2009-2011 models burn oil and misfire, 2016 models are known for injector trouble and jerky shifts, and certain 2016 and 2018-2019 engines are under a connecting rod bearing recall that can save you an engine. Every Pilot through 2022 also has a timing belt that must be changed on schedule.
RepairPal rates the Pilot 3.5 out of 5, 13th of 26 midsize SUVs, with average unscheduled repair costs of about $542 a year and a 13 percent chance that a repair is a major one. It visits the shop about 0.5 times a year for unplanned work, more than a CR-V or Accord, which fits a heavier vehicle with a V6 and more complex transmissions.
Every Pilot in the last 20 years has used Honda's 3.5-liter V6, but the details changed. 2009-2015 had port injection and a five-speed automatic. 2016-2022 moved to direct injection, cylinder deactivation and either a six-speed or a ZF nine-speed automatic. From 2023 the Pilot has a new V6 and a 10-speed automatic.
Most Pilot problems are expensive maintenance rather than surprise failures: tires, brakes, plugs, mounts and the timing belt. The one true surprise is the rod bearing defect, and that is a free recall repair if you catch it in time.
Honda Pilot generations
Fourth generation
2023-presentAdded the TrailSport off-road trim. Early cars have recalls for the steering rack and the fuel filler neck. LX was dropped for 2025, making Sport the base trim.
Third generation
2016-2022Refreshed for 2019. Stop-start on upper trims. 2016 is the most complained-about Pilot of this era. Check recalls 23V-751 and 19V-298 on any 2016-2019.
Second generation
2009-2015Front styling and interior updated for 2012. Oil consumption and misfire complaints are concentrated in 2009-2011.
Known Honda Pilot problems by year
Burning oil
Two of the three most reported problems on CarComplaints for the entire Pilot line are oil consumption on the 2009 and 2010, with average bills of $3,300-$3,800. Many shops tie it to the cylinder deactivation system Honda used on its V6s of this era, which lets some cylinders run cool and gather oil. Many owners manage it by checking oil weekly and replacing plugs more often rather than paying for engine work.
Guide: Blue smoke from the exhaust: is my car burning oil?Misfires and check engine light
The 2011 Pilot's top engine complaint is a misfire with a check engine light, averaging about $2,200 to repair. Plugs fouled by oil are often part of the story. A cheap first step is plugs and a compression test, before any talk of engine work.
Guide: Why does my engine idle rough or shake at a stop?Premature tire wear and pulsing brakes
Owners of the 2011 report tires wearing out by around 27,000 miles and a pulsing brake pedal by around 28,000. A heavy SUV with soft alignment settings eats the inside edges of tires. Check the alignment after a pothole hit or a curb, and have rotors resurfaced or replaced when the pedal starts to pulse.
Guide: Uneven tire wear: what each wear pattern is telling youFuel injector failure
The top 2016 Pilot complaint. The direct-injection V6 can develop a leaking or sticking injector, which shows as a rough idle, a misfire code or a fuel smell. The typical bill is around $1,300. If one injector goes, ask the shop about the condition of the others, since they share the same age and fuel.
Guide: Check engine light on but the car drives fine: what does it mean?Jerky or juddering shifts
Transmission jerks rank second on the 2016 Pilot and first on the 2019. A Honda service bulletin from October 2016 describes judder from the torque converter lock-up clutch between 20 and 60 mph, linked to fluid that degrades under certain conditions, and Honda developed a software fix. A fluid change with genuine Honda fluid plus the latest software is the usual remedy, not a new transmission.
Guide: Why does my car shift hard or late?Frozen screens and rearview camera dropouts
Frozen infotainment screens and a dead radio display are top 2019 complaints. Two recalls, 20V-440 for central network software and 23V-431 for a faulty camera cable connector, cover cases where the rearview camera image is delayed or missing. Ask for both to be checked on any 2019-2022 Pilot.
Connecting rod bearing seizure
A manufacturing error can leave a rod bearing that wears and seizes. The sequence is usually a knock that grows with rpm, then a check engine light, then a seized engine. Dealers inspect and repair or replace the engine for free. On a used 2016 or 2018-2019, a closed recall is a condition of purchase.
Guide: What is that knocking noise coming from my engine?Notable recalls
- 23V-751 (Certain 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, plus Odyssey, Ridgeline and Acura models): Connecting rod bearing may wear and seize, damaging the engine. Dealers inspect and repair or replace the engine.
- 19V-298 (Certain 2018-2019 Pilot): Timing belt teeth may separate from the belt, which stalls the engine and can damage it. Dealers inspect and replace affected belts and any damaged engine parts.
- 23V-735 (2023-2024 Pilot): A loose ball bearing in the steering gearbox can cause loss of steering control or lock-up. Dealers replace the electric power steering rack.
- 21V-932 (2016-2019 Pilot): The hood latch striker can be damaged and separate from the hood, so the hood may open while driving. Dealers repair the striker or replace the hood.
- 24V-900 (2023-2025 Pilot): The fuel filler neck tube and pipe can separate and leak fuel, a fire risk. Dealers inspect and repair it.
- 19V-784 (2019-2020 Pilot): Front frame upper members may not be fully welded to the body, reducing crash protection. Dealers inspect for missing welds.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised Honda dealer. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, since this list is not complete.
Maintenance that matters
| Maintenance Minder oil service | 0W-20 synthetic. Check the dipstick monthly on 2009-2015 Pilots; adding a quart between changes is common, running a quart low is the problem. |
| Minder sub-item 3 | Automatic transmission fluid. On nine-speed Pilots fresh fluid is part of the cure for judder, so do not stretch it in Boca stop-and-go. |
| Minder sub-item 4, usually near 100,000 miles | Timing belt, tensioner, water pump and spark plugs on every 2009-2022 Pilot. The V6 is an interference engine, so a snapped belt means bent valves. |
| Minder sub-item 6 on AWD | Rear differential fluid. Overdue fluid causes a groan or shudder in tight turns, such as parking garage ramps. |
| Every 5,000-7,500 miles | Tire rotation and an alignment check at least yearly. Heavy three-row SUVs wear tires fast, especially on Florida's hot pavement. |
Confirm against your owner's manual or maintenance minder for your exact year and engine.
Typical Honda Pilot repair costs
| Job | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Timing belt and water pump | $1,150-$1,700 | RepairPal's national estimate for the belt job is $1,127-$1,519; Palm Beach County dealers often quote more. |
| Fuel injector replacement, 2016-2022 | $900-$1,300 | National estimate $858-$1,073. |
| Spark plugs, V6 | $250-$450 | |
| Rear active engine mount | $450-$900 | |
| Transmission fluid service | $180-$320 | |
| Set of four tires, mounted and balanced | $800-$1,300 | |
| Front pads and rotors | $350-$600 |
Typical South Florida ranges for parts and labor, for budgeting only. Your quote depends on the vehicle and the shop.
Buying a used Honda Pilot
- The 2021-2022 Pilot is the best used choice of the third generation: nine-speed standard on every trim, the 2019 updates, and out of the rod bearing recall years. Get the timing belt record once it passes about 100,000 miles.
- A 2016 is the Pilot to inspect hardest. Check the injector history, drive it from a stop through 40 mph to feel for judder, and confirm recalls 23V-751 and 21V-932 are closed.
- On 2018-2019 Pilots, two engine recalls apply, 23V-751 for the bearings and 19V-298 for the timing belt. A seller who cannot show them complete should be pricing the car below market.
- A 2012-2015 is a reasonable budget pick if it uses little oil. Ask the owner how much oil they add between changes, and pull a spark plug or two if the seller allows.
- On 2023 and later, verify the steering rack recall 23V-735 and the filler neck recall 24V-900.
The Florida factor
A Pilot loaded with kids, beach chairs and coolers on a 95 degree day is working hard. Transmission fluid heat is the enemy of the nine-speed's smooth shifting, so in Boca the Minder's fluid prompt is not one to postpone. If the SUV judders on the Glades Road on-ramp to I-95, have the fluid and software checked before anything else.
Heavy three-row SUVs chew through tires, and Florida's hot asphalt speeds it up. Check pressure monthly with the tires cold, since a few psi low on a Pilot overheats the sidewalls on long Turnpike runs to Orlando. Tires older than about six years should be replaced here even with tread left.
Pilots are a common evacuation vehicle during hurricane season. Before a storm, make sure the timing belt is not overdue and the tires are sound, because a belt failure or a blowout in evacuation traffic on the Turnpike is the worst place to discover deferred maintenance.
Repair shops near Boca Raton
- Boca Auto Fix4301 Oak Circle, Boca Raton, FL, 33431
- Element, Pickup trucks and trailer repair3120D Northwest 16th Terrace, Pompano Beach, FL, 33064
- Europen Auto Service CentreParkland, FL
- Ferrari of Boca Raton6403 W Rogers Cir, Boca Raton, FL, 33487
- FirestonePompano Beach, FL
- Firestone1259 North Federal Highway, Boca Raton, FL, 33432
Honda Pilot FAQ
Does the Honda Pilot have a timing belt?
Yes. Every 2009-2022 Pilot uses a timing belt on its V6, normally replaced around 100,000 miles when the Maintenance Minder shows sub-item 4. Skipping it risks serious engine damage if it breaks.
Which Honda Pilot years have the engine recall?
Recall 23V-751 covers certain 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilots for connecting rod bearings. Recall 19V-298 covers certain 2018-2019 Pilots for timing belt teeth. Run your VIN on nhtsa.gov to see whether yours is included.
Why does my Pilot shudder at 30-40 mph?
On 2016 and later nine-speed Pilots, torque converter judder is a documented issue that Honda addressed with software and fluid. A worn rear engine mount can feel similar at stoplights.
Is a high-mileage Pilot a good buy?
It can be, if the timing belt, plugs and transmission fluid have been done and it is not burning much oil. Ask for receipts, and budget for tires and brakes, which cost more on a heavy SUV.
Guides for Honda Pilot owners
More for Honda owners: Honda owner's guide
- NHTSA recall 23V-751: Honda and Acura connecting rod bearings
- RepairPal: Honda Pilot reliability rating
- CarComplaints: Honda Pilot problems by model year
- CarComplaints: 2016 Honda Pilot problems
- Wikipedia: Honda Pilot generations
General information, not a diagnosis. A car problem can have causes a guide cannot see, so have anything safety-related inspected in person. Read our editorial policy.