Honda Pilot: Years to Avoid & Common Problems
By Sharon Ben-Moshe · September 3, 2026 · Updated October 17, 2026
Used-car shoppers researching which Honda Pilot years to avoid should examine the 2016, 2019, and 2017 model years with particular care. VehicleVerdict records 2,368 owner complaints for the 2016 Honda Pilot in its NHTSA-derived data through June 2026, the highest single-year complaint volume in this model's history. These records provide targeted screening guidance for buyers evaluating pre-owned inventory.
Key takeaways
- VehicleVerdict's NHTSA-derived database records 13,099 owner complaints, 64 recall campaigns, and 52 safety investigations for the Honda Pilot.
- The 2016 Honda Pilot has the highest complaint total (2,368 reports), led by concerns categorized under engine (805 reports).
- The 2019 (1,424 complaints) and 2017 (1,331 complaints) model years also rank among the most frequently reported years for this vehicle.
- An NHTSA complaint is an owner-filed safety report without official laboratory defect confirmation. Learn what an NHTSA complaint means and what it does not prove.
- Always verify the individual 17-character VIN, complete maintenance records, and an independent inspection before buying. Search open safety recalls at NHTSA.
The data in this report originates from VehicleVerdict's structured aggregation of public safety filings from the NHTSA datasets and APIs. Complaint volume helps identify which model years carry higher repair uncertainty, but condition, climate, mileage, and maintenance history determine whether an individual vehicle is reliable.
Which Honda Pilot model years should used-car buyers investigate first?
The 2016, 2019, and 2017 model years generated the three largest complaint totals in the Honda Pilot safety history. Used-car buyers comparing inventory should allocate additional time and inspection budget to these specific years.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recall campaigns | Defect investigations | Leading report category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Honda Pilot | 2,368 | 8 | 4 | Engine (805) |
| 2019 Honda Pilot | 1,424 | 13 | 4 | Driver Assistance (319) |
| 2017 Honda Pilot | 1,331 | 4 | 4 | Engine (471) |
Complaint counts reflect owner reports accumulated over time. Higher complaint numbers often correlate with higher production volume and older age, as well as distinct mechanical patterns. When evaluating two comparable vehicles, a model year with elevated reports warrants closer diagnostic scrutiny.
What mechanical problems explain these complaint totals?
Owner complaints cluster around specific mechanical systems depending on the model year. For the Honda Pilot, reports in peak years concentrate heavily on engine, driver assistance, and engine. Review our guide on how to research a used car NHTSA history before buying a family SUV.
2016 Honda Pilot
The 2016 Honda Pilot leads this vehicle's record with 2,368 complaints. The 2016 model introduced the third generation with an available ZF 9-speed push-button transmission on higher trims. Owners reported harsh gear engagements, unexpected neutral drops, and delayed downshifts. Direct-injection fuel injectors experienced carbon buildup and electrical resistance faults that triggered multiple dashboard warning lights. Leading reported categories include engine (805 reports), electrical system (620 reports), other (290 reports).
2019 Honda Pilot
The 2019 Honda Pilot accumulated 1,424 complaints and 13 recall campaigns. The 2019 model drew complaints regarding the MOST bus fiber optic wiring harness, which cracked and caused instrument panel blackouts, audio popping, and navigation reboots. Honda Sensing radar false braking reports were also filed. The leading report categories are driver assistance (319 reports), electrical system (278 reports), engine (233 reports).
2017 Honda Pilot
The 2017 Honda Pilot generated 1,331 complaints in the NHTSA record. The 2017 model saw complaints regarding Variable Cylinder Management (VCM). Deactivating cylinders under light throttle loads produced engine vibration that accelerated the wear of active hydraulic motor mounts, leading to rough idling and cabin resonance. The highest reported categories are engine (471 reports), electrical system (274 reports), fuel system (139 reports).
Used Honda Pilot pre-purchase inspection checklist
When inspecting a pre-owned Honda Pilot, focus on the mechanical systems that appear most frequently in owner complaints for that specific year. An independent pre-purchase inspection provides practical verification before purchase.
- Test the ZF 9-speed transmission from a full stop through fifth gear, checking for clunking or shift delays during rolling stops.
- Inspect service documentation for replaced fuel injectors and fuel rail pressure sensor recall completion.
- Turn on the audio and climate systems while driving over rough pavement to verify the gauge cluster and infotainment screens remain stable without audio crackle.
Does a high complaint total make a used Honda Pilot an automatic pass?
A high complaint count does not indicate that every vehicle from that model year is defective. NHTSA complaints point out areas where owners experienced unexpected repairs or safety concerns, but proper maintenance, documented recalls, and gentle driving significantly influence vehicle longevity.
Review the complete Honda Pilot model overview to compare complaint trends across all production years. For an explanation of how VehicleVerdict analyzes safety data, review the VehicleVerdict methodology.
How to research a specific used Honda Pilot VIN
Make your final purchasing decision based on the specific vehicle in front of you. Follow these steps when evaluating any used Honda Pilot:
- Note the exact model year and review its primary complaint categories on the Honda Pilot overview page.
- Run the 17-character VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to verify all safety recalls are completed.
- Request complete maintenance receipts confirming timely fluid services and software updates.
- Conduct a thorough road test covering cold startup, stop-and-go driving, and highway speeds.
- Have a certified independent mechanic perform a pre-purchase diagnostic scan and underbody inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Honda Pilot model year has the most complaints?
The 2016 Honda Pilot has the highest complaint total in VehicleVerdict's database, with 2,368 owner complaints. Its primary reported categories are engine (805), electrical system (620), other (290).
What are the most common problems on the Honda Pilot?
Across its highest-complaint years, the Honda Pilot drew frequent reports related to engine, driver assistance, and engine. Check service history for documentation covering these specific systems.
Does the Honda Pilot have transmission problems on newer models?
The six-speed automatic on lower trims proved dependable, while the ZF nine-speed automatic on Touring and Elite trims drew numerous complaints for hunting gears, rough shifts, and hesitation. Software updates addressed part of the concern, but shift quality remains firm.
How do I check for open recalls on a used Honda Pilot?
Enter the vehicle's 17-character VIN into the NHTSA safety recalls search. Recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealerships regardless of vehicle age or warranty status.
How does the Honda Pilot compare to other vehicles in its class?
The Honda Pilot has accumulated 13,099 total complaints and 64 safety recalls. Comparing these metrics against competing models on VehicleVerdict helps you weigh repair risk alongside purchase price.