Honda Pilot years to avoid are listed below. Here’s how to make a more informed choice when shopping for preowned vehicles.
SUVs are Honda’s specialty, and there are few better manufacturers than them. Even so, no Honda SUV is perfect, and the Pilot has had a few problem years since it went into production. Assume you’re looking for an SUV that will be reliable and long-lasting. That said, you need to know which Honda Pilot years you should stay away from and why.
The Honda Pilot will be discussed in more detail in this article, including when to avoid each year, what the most common problems are that make these versions less consistent, and which versions are worth your money.
It’s time to get started.
Table of Contents
Historical background of the Honda Pilot
The first-generation Honda Pilot, which replaced the older Passport in 2003, was introduced in 2002. A body-on-frame construction made these earlier Passports more rugged compared to the Isuzu Rodeo. By contrast, the Pilot’s unibody construction gave it a much more comfortable driving experience. Additionally, Honda was able to offer a more practical crossover than its popular CR-V with the Pilot.
With the second-generation Pilot, a more butch appearance and a more powerful V6 engine were introduced. It proved to be a hit with buyers, as 2009 was the best year for Pilot sales. Pilot’s third-generation restyle was also significantly more aerodynamic in 2015. Although this Pilot’s exterior dimensions were smaller, it was more spacious on the inside, thanks to its design inspiration from the Odyssey minivan.
Despite the transition from five-speed automatic transmissions to ten-speed units, Honda has continued to use naturally aspirated V6 power since the Pilot’s debut.
In 20 of its 22 years of production, the Pilot has sold over 100,000 units in the USA. 2002 (the launch year – meaning it wasn’t available for a full calendar year) and 2022 (before the fourth-generation model arrived) were the exceptions.
| Years of manufacture | During the period 2003-2008 | During the 2009-2015 period | The period 2016-2022 | Current date: 2023 |
| Mechanics | V6 engine, 3.5 liters | V6 engine, 3.5 liters | V6 engine, 3.5 liters | V6 engine, 3.5 liters |
| The horse’s power | Between 240 and 255 horsepower | The engine has 250 horsepower | Horsepower: 280 | 285 horsepower |
| Accord Pilot | In the first generation | The second generation | Generation 3 | Fourth Generation |
| Transmitter | Automatic transmission with five speeds | Automatic with five speeds | Automatic transmission with six or nine speeds | Automated transmission with 10 speeds |
A Honda Pilot’s years to avoid
With the release of the Honda Pilot in 2003, the model name stuck for quite some time. While some model years are very consistent, others aren’t.
The following section discusses the Honda Pilot years to avoid, along with why you should avoid them.
- year 2003
- Year 2005
- Year 2009
- Year 2011
- Year 2013
- Last year
It’s not surprising that Honda Pilot has been in production since 2003, given how long this list is. The first release did have some bugs, however. As you can see, they had to iron those out after that.
Consumers were concerned about the safety and efficiency of SUVs in general during the early 2000s, so releasing a new model SUV was challenging. However, some of the Pilot’s shortcomings were deserved. I would like to talk about a few of the problems these models encountered in the future.
Honda Pilot 2016
It was released for the 2016 model year as the third-generation Pilot. Even though this model year was an improved crossover, there were 1,171 complaints, according to the NHTSA. Car Complaints says this is the second most problematic Pilot after the 2003 model. Last but not least, J.D. Power rated the 2016 Pilot 74 out of 100 for quality and reliability, much lower than similar vehicles such as the Toyota Highlander and Dodge Durango.
Consumer complaints were most often related to the electrical system and engine. Several owners reported problems starting their cars with the keyless start system and radio. There were almost 250,000 Pilots recalled mechanically in 2016 as part of a major recall. Engines in these vehicles were recalled due to the possibility of connecting rod bearing wear, which could lead to catastrophic engine damage. It was quoted to some owners over $10,000 to replace the engine, and several complained that their 2016 models were not included in the recall.
According to Honda, the issue is a manufacturing defect in the engine crankshaft. Atypical engine noises, decreased power, and engine stalls are all possible symptoms.
The 2016 Pilot does not live up to Honda’s generally stellar reputation for dependability, especially considering the class action lawsuit for its nine-speed automatic transmission.
The Honda Pilot model year 2003
These vehicles were manufactured in the first year of the Pilot, over 20 years ago. Considering the Pilot was a totally new model for the Honda brand at the time, it’s not surprising it has accumulated some complaints. NHTSA has received 738 complaints about it, and Car Complaints ranked it the worst out of all Pilot models. A total of 14 recalls have been issued, making it one of the most recalled Pilots in history.
Around 100,000 miles into the 2003 Pilot’s life, transmission failures and ignition switch problems often arise. Transmission repairs typically cost $3,470. With many early Pilots selling for less than $10k these days, you should check the history of the car’s auto transmission before purchasing, since a replacement could cost a lot of money.
According to the NHTSA, the powertrain received the most complaints, mostly for jerky gear shifts.
You may want to consider this Pilot if you are concerned about the widespread Takata airbag recalls. When you find a 2003 Pilot you like, you should check if the airbags have been repaired.
Honda Pilot
Honda was still unable to resolve the vehicle’s transmission problems as part of its first-generation Pilot model. It has been reported that transmission fluid leaks into the radiator, requiring repairs such as radiator replacements and transmission flushes. A solution for this problem can cost over $2,000, and it usually occurs after 120,000 miles. This vehicle’s mileage is unknown, but the customer had their transmission rebuilt and radiator replaced at a cost of around $5k.
According to the NHTSA, the 2005 Pilot has 15 recalls and 673 complaints. The majority of these recalls were related to problematic airbags where the inflator ruptured, sending metal fragments flying, posing a danger to life or limb. The investigations into two airbags were still ongoing at the time of writing.
Honda Pilot 2017
The third-generation Pilot still has some complaints, despite improvements over the 2016 model. According to the NHTSA, the 2017 Pilot has received 609 complaints, with issues most often relating to the engine (296 complaints), electrical system (212 complaints), and powertrain (84 complaints).
The 2017 Pilot continues to suffer from transmission problems, such as rough shifts. It was necessary for some customers to replace their transmissions. There were also problems with the start/stop system, with some Pilots failing to restart after stopping, which can be dangerous in certain conditions.
I found both recalls to be quite concerning. In the past few years, our company has recalled more than 700,000 Pilots, Passports, and Ridgelines due to hoods that can fly open while driving. More recently, the 2017 Pilot was recalled for a fuel pump failure recall.
There are a number of common problems with Honda Pilots
In order to help you make an informed decision, we’ve listed some of the most common Honda Pilot problems.
Faulty transmissions
Most Honda Pilot problems are related to transmission failures. Fortunately, this problem mostly affects 2003 models. There have been isolated transmission failures in other Pilot models as well.
Transmission failures can be among the most expensive repairs for your car, so it’s a serious undertaking to work on one. Furthermore, failing transmissions can make it difficult for drivers to control their cars, resulting in accidents.
Overconsumption of oil
Some Honda Pilot models exhibit excessive oil consumption, a problem common to SUVs. When you are aware that your SUV is likely to consume oil, especially after 100k miles, it isn’t a major issue, but if you ignore it, it can cause serious problems.
When the oil gets too low overall, it can cause engine damage and overheating, but only if the oil is allowed to get too low.
It is possible to handle this by keeping an oil can in your trunk and topping it off every couple of weeks, just as if there were an oil leak. You may have to pay more for oil, and your vehicle will require more maintenance if it consumes too much oil.
Paint that peels
Paint peeling is usually a cosmetic concern, but it can be a more severe problem if you live in an area with wet weather or consistent rust.
It’s probably not worth buying a car with peeling paint if it’s not serious, but it’s worth letting you know you might need to refinish it.
The occurrence of recurring fault codes
The most common cause of recurring fault codes is nuisance, unless a recurring fault code hides a serious issue.
This occurs when the Pilot’s sensors detect a nonexistent problem. In most cases, you or your mechanic can identify recurrent fault codes quickly. You run into trouble when you get a legitimate fault code after you’ve already been taught not to pay attention to them by your Pilot.
The reason you may cause unintentional damage to your vehicle is because you mistakenly believed that the fault code you received was a false alarm.
Failed fuel injector
Honda Pilots can also suffer from fuel injector issues, which can be expensive to fix. Recent Honda Pilot models, especially the 2016, are more prone to this issue than the earlier models, which is a departure from the earlier models, which are more prone to other problems.
In most vehicles, this issue typically appears around 60k miles, making it an early component failure.
The cost of repairing it can be several thousand dollars, so this is something you may want to consider before purchasing a Honda Pilot.
Problems with the brakes
There have been complaints of warped brake rotors on 2003-2017 Pilot models, which can cause vibrations while braking. Due to the high speed of the vibrations, this issue can be rather unsettling. When braking, people have reported hearing clunking sounds. Shims on the brake pads were found to be faulty, according to experts.
The broken component can easily be replaced, which makes this issue easy to resolve. Depending on the type of brake pad you need, you could spend anywhere from $30 to $80 for a replacement. Unless you include labor, you’ll have to pay between $100 and $200 if your brake rotors need to be replaced.
Issues related to electricity
Electricity problems are pretty common with the 2020 Pilot, even though they are less prevalent than other Pilot issues. In some cases, owners of the 2020 model have reported that their navigation system, instrument panel, and infotainment system malfunctioned due to electrical problems. These issues were reported to precede a popping or ticking sound coming from the dashboard, according to several reports.
A19030B of Honda’s Service Bulletin claims the likely cause is loose wiring. It proved impossible to correct the problem by reconnecting the wiring under the dash.
Choosing a reliable Honda Pilot model
You can choose from a number of Honda Pilot models that are a little more reliable than the ones we’ve already discussed. Despite some serious concerns, the Honda Pilot has generally been a very durable and consistent vehicle.
- Year 2004
- Year 2006
- This year (2015)
- In 2018,
- In 2020.
Compared to older Pilot models, these choices are durable, reliable, and have a very low rate of failures and other problems.
What are the best used Honda Pilot models?
When it comes to buying a used car, reliability is not the only thing to consider. A used car should have high mileage, be well maintained, and be able to handle lots of use.
As a result, the 2010 Honda Pilot is a good choice among older Honda Pilot models. With a lot of the modern conveniences of the 2009 model and some reliability improvements, this is a better long-term choice.
If you’re looking for a more recent model, you’re probably better served by nearly any model released between 2015 and 2020, with the exception of the 2016 release.
Also Read
Frequently Asked Questions: Honda Pilot Years to Avoid
Q: What are the best Honda Pilot years to avoid?
Honda Pilot models from 2003, 2005, 2009, 2011, 2013, and 2016 should be avoided by potential buyers. Despite their reliability issues and inconsistency, these years are often criticized.
Q: Which problems occur most often with problematic Honda Pilot models?
The most common problems with these less reliable Honda Pilot years are transmission problems, excessive oil consumption, peeling paint, recurring fault codes, fuel injector problems, brake issues, and electrical problems.
Q: What makes the 2003 Honda Pilot model particularly notorious?
In particular, the 2003 Honda Pilot model is prone to transmission failure, which can be one of the most costly and severe repairs for a vehicle. In addition to posing a significant financial burden, transmission problems can compromise a vehicle’s control.
Q: Why are Honda Pilot brake issues between 2003 and 2017 notable?
The warped brake rotors in Honda Pilot models from 2003 to 2017 can cause vibrations and unsettling sounds when braking. Although most of the affected components are repairable, replacing brake rotors can become extremely expensive.
Q: What are the chances of Honda Pilots being reliable?
Although Honda builds reliable cars, this quality does not extend to every Honda Pilot model. There are a few reliable model years, but you should stay away from 2003, 2005, 2009, 2011, 2013, and 2016.
Q: When it comes to used Honda Pilots, how much do they typically cost?
In the 20 years since the Honda Pilot was first released, the price of an early, high-mileage example has risen to at least $3,000 or more. The key to reliability is to choose a newer Pilot. In terms of dependability, the 2019 Honda Pilot scores well. According to CoPilot Price Pulse, an average asking price for a vehicle like this is $30,968. The high demand and modest inventories result in a 16% premium.
Q: Does the Honda Pilot make a good purchase?
If you stick with reliable examples, buying a pre-owned Honda Pilot is a smart investment. Honda Pilot’s best models years are listed here.
Final Thoughts about Honda Pilot Years to Avoid: Explained 2025
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