Last updated: 2026-03-04

63
GoodReliability score: 63 out of 100, rated Good
2018 Honda Pilot

2018 Honda Pilot Reliability Score & Common Problems

The 2018 Honda Pilot scores 63/100 ("Good"). With 5 recalls and 408 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

2018 is year 3 of the Third generation (YF5/6; 2016).

Recalls

5

Complaints

408

Complaint Rate

25.6

per 10k sold

Below avg

Est. Annual Cost

$542

Below avg

Major Repair Risk

13%

NHTSA Rating

5/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
48/100 (Mixed)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
70/100 (Good)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
68/100 (Good)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
80/100 (Excellent)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues

ENGINE (72)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (68)POWER TRAIN (66)

5 recalls on record

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 3)

2018 is year 3 of the Third generation (YF5/6; 2016).

  • Redesigned for the 2016 model year.
  • Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
  • A refresh arrives in 2019.
  • 3rd generation Pilot (US).

What this means for buyers

Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.

Third generation (YF5/6; 2016)

2016redesign
2017
2018selected
2019refresh
2020
2021
2022

Should You Buy the 2018 Honda Pilot?

The 2018 Honda Pilot scores 63/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2018 is year 3 of the Third generation (YF5/6; 2016).

With 408 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.

A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to engine (72). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.

Compared to the 2019 Honda Pilot, which scored 7 points lower.

Pros

  • Acceptable reliability score
  • $31 cheaper to maintain than avg midsize SUVs
  • Low major repair risk (13%)
  • Below-average complaint rate for SUV

Cons

  • Moderate recall count
  • ENGINE: Auto Start/Stop feature, which frequently fails to restart the engine at... (72 complaints)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (68 complaints)

Compare 2018 Honda Pilot With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

  • 5 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

  • ENGINE (72)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (68)
  • POWER TRAIN (66)
  • FUEL SYSTEM (61)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (47)
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (21)
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (13)
  • STRUCTURE (13)
  • SEAT BELTS (11)
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER (6)
  • SEATS (6)
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (5)
  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (4)
  • AIR BAGS (3)
  • STEERING (3)
  • SUSPENSION (2)
  • VISIBILITY (2)
  • SERVICE BRAKES (2)
  • LANE DEPARTURE (1)
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1)
  • WHEELS (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

5

recalls on record

The 2018 Honda Pilot has 5 recalls on record. This is a moderate number. Each recall represents a safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships, regardless of warranty status.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

25.6

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 23.5

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

Safety Incidents

Crashes

9

Fires

2

Injuries

11

Deaths

0

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2018 Honda Pilot Recall Details

5 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Honda Pilot. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

23V8580002023-12-18

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence

Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.

23V7510002023-11-13

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.

Consequence

A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 28, 2024. 2016-2017 Acura MDX owner letters were mailed November 1, 2024. 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed in mid-December 2024. Honda began mailing owner notification letters as of March 18, 2024. 2015-2016 Acura owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-December 2024, 2018 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed the end of March/early April 2024, 2019 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-May 2024, 2020 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-June 2024, and 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed January 27, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XG1 and GG0.

21V9320002021-11-29

STRUCTURE, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 Passport, 2016-2019 Pilot, and 2017-2020 Ridgeline vehicles. The hood latch striker may become damaged and separate from the hood, which can result in the hood opening while driving.

Consequence

A hood that opens while driving can obstruct the driver's view and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will either repair the hood latch striker, or replace the hood if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is PBV.

2018 Honda Pilot NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 17.5%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat, 3rd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Honda Pilot Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$542

vs $573 avg for midsize SUVs

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.5

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

13%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Pilot
$542
Category Avg
$573
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

When Buying a Used 2018 Honda Pilot

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.

  • Test Auto Start/Stop feature for consistent restart
  • Check for transmission shudder or hesitation during test drive
  • Inspect infotainment system for intermittent failures
  • Verify fuel system components for recalls and proper operation
  • Ensure torque converter is functioning properly
  • Check for any engine warning lights or unusual noises

Check Any 2018 Honda Pilot's History Before You Buy

Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2018 Pilot in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Honda Pilot with a free VIN lookup.

Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.

2018 Honda Pilot Common Problems by Component

408 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

72
68
66
61
47
47
ENGINE (72)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (68)POWER TRAIN (66)FUEL SYSTEM (61)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (47)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (21)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (13)STRUCTURE (13)Other (47)

ENGINE

72 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several recurring issues with the 2018 Honda Pilot's engine, primarily involving the Auto Start/Stop feature, which frequently fails to restart the engine at intersections, causing the vehicle to stall. Complaints frequently mention engine seizures, often attributed to connecting rod bearing issues, with some reports indicating engine failure without warning at mileages ranging from 80,000 to over 165,000 miles. A few owners describe incidents of complete engine shutdown while driving, sometimes accompanied by warning lights, and one complaint involves a fire following a transmission overheating warning. These issues present safety risks, including the potential for accidents due to sudden loss of power or control, particularly in traffic or at high speeds. Potential buyers should be aware of these patterns, especially given the vehicle's history of recalls related to engine components.

72 complaints total1 fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

68 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2018 Honda Pilot frequently report issues with the vehicle's Auto Start/Stop system, which often fails to restart the engine after stopping, particularly at traffic lights or stop signs. This malfunction can lead to the vehicle shutting down and requiring manual restarts, causing delays and potential safety hazards in traffic. Other common complaints involve the infotainment system, with the rearview camera and screen intermittently failing to function, impacting visibility and parking safety. These issues are typically reported around 60,000 to 94,000 miles. One complaint involves a crash due to the vehicle rolling backward unexpectedly, highlighting a potential safety risk. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these recurring electrical system problems and their implications for safety and reliability.

68 complaints total1 crash

POWER TRAIN

66 complaints

Owners of the 2018 Honda Pilot frequently report issues with the power train, particularly involving the torque converter and transmission. Common symptoms include transmission hesitation, jerking during acceleration, and unexpected loss of power, often accompanied by warning lights such as "Transmission System Problem" and "Check Engine." These issues are typically reported at varying mileages, with some occurring as early as 35,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, with some owners experiencing sudden loss of acceleration or engine shutdown in traffic, posing potential risks during highway driving or turning maneuvers. Despite a service bulletin acknowledging a torque converter defect, some owners report difficulty obtaining repairs under warranty, particularly if their vehicle's VIN is not included in Honda's warranty extension.

66 complaints total1 injury
FUEL SYSTEM (61 complaints)

FUEL SYSTEM

61 complaints

Owners report issues with the fuel system in the 2018 Honda Pilot primarily involving delayed recall repairs, with many noting the unavailability of necessary parts for NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000. Complaints frequently mention engine hesitation, stalling, and difficulty starting the vehicle, often accompanied by a decrease in fuel efficiency. These symptoms are typically reported at mileages ranging from approximately 40,000 to 72,100 miles. Safety implications include instances where vehicles decelerate abruptly, potentially leading to near-crash situations. Used car buyers should be aware of these recurring fuel system issues and the potential for delayed recall resolutions.

61 complaints total
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (47 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

47 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2018 Honda Pilot frequently report issues with the vehicle's start/stop feature, which can cause the engine to stall when restarting from an idle, posing a potential safety risk at intersections. Complaints also highlight problems with the fuel pump, leading to hesitation, stalling, and a rocking sensation while driving, often linked to delayed recall repairs. Transmission issues, including overheating and torque converter problems, are mentioned, with some reports indicating these arise around 40,000 to 50,000 miles. Additionally, one report involves a fire incident without prior warning signs. These issues suggest potential safety implications, particularly in scenarios requiring immediate acceleration or during long trips.

47 complaints total1 fire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (13 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

13 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2018 Honda Pilot frequently report issues with the vehicle speed control, particularly involving delayed acceleration and sudden unintended acceleration (SUA). Typical symptoms include a 3-5 second delay in acceleration from a stop, sometimes followed by a sudden surge, and instances where the vehicle accelerates unexpectedly while braking, leading to crashes in three cases. These issues often occur shortly after purchase and persist over time, with some reports indicating the problems are more prevalent in stop-and-go traffic. Safety implications are significant, as these malfunctions have resulted in crashes, one of which involved an injury. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these reported issues and their potential impact on driving safety.

13 complaints total3 crashes1 injury
STRUCTURE (13 complaints)

STRUCTURE

13 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2018 Honda Pilot frequently report issues with the hood vibrating or shaking, particularly at highway speeds, with some noting that the hood appears to rise or nearly blow open when passing other vehicles. This problem is often linked to a recall for the hood latch, and some owners express concerns about safety, especially when driving with family. Additionally, multiple owners describe incidents of the sunroof unexpectedly shattering while driving, often at speeds around 60-65 mph, with no apparent external cause. Complaints also mention poor paint finish on the tailgate and issues with door seals allowing excessive wind noise. Safety implications include one reported crash with an injury due to sudden acceleration when parking. These issues typically manifest at various mileage points, with some occurring shortly after purchase and others around 30,000 miles.

13 complaints total1 crash1 injury
SEAT BELTS (11 complaints)

SEAT BELTS

11 complaints

Owners of the 2018 Honda Pilot frequently report issues with seat belts, particularly noting that the driver's side seat belt is shorter than the passenger's side, which restricts movement and impedes the ability to check blind spots. This issue is described as causing discomfort and potential safety hazards, especially in situations requiring quick or broad movements. Additionally, some owners have experienced seat belt failures such as snapping or fraying, with one report of a seat belt detaching from its anchor. These issues are mentioned at various timelines, including shortly after purchase, and pose potential safety risks due to restricted driver mobility and compromised seat belt integrity.

11 complaints total
AIR BAGS (3 complaints)

AIR BAGS

3 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2018 Honda Pilot frequently report issues with airbag deployment during accidents, with all three complaints involving crashes and a total of six injuries. Typical symptoms include airbag warning lights appearing on the dashboard after collisions, and in some cases, airbags failing to deploy entirely. These incidents often occur at relatively low speeds, such as 10 to 30 mph, and are associated with vehicle malfunctions like unintended acceleration and sensor failures. The reported mileage at which these issues occur is around 26,000 miles. Buyers considering a used 2018 Honda Pilot should be aware of these potential safety implications, particularly regarding airbag reliability in crash scenarios.

3 complaints total3 crashes6 injuries
SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2018 Honda Pilot report issues related to unintended acceleration while using the service brakes. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle accelerating independently when the brake pedal is depressed, with one incident involving cruise control and another occurring during reversing maneuvers. These issues have led to a loss of control, with one report detailing a crash into a pole, resulting in one injury. The problems are reported around the 35,000-mile mark. Potential buyers should be aware of these safety implications, including the risk of crashes and difficulties in stopping the vehicle.

2 complaints total1 crash1 injury

When Do 2018 Honda Pilot Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

35,000–50,000 milesTransmission issues
60,000–100,000 milesEngine failures
60,000–94,000 milesElectrical system failures

Best & Worst Honda Pilot Years

Best Honda Pilot Years to Buy

The best Honda Pilot year is 2024 with a reliability score of 72/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2023 (72/100) and 2022 (72/100).

Honda Pilot Years to Avoid

The worst Honda Pilot year is 2019 with a score of 56/100, primarily due to electrical system (223) issues.

See full Honda Pilot years-to-avoid analysis →

Honda Pilot Reliability Score Trend

Honda Pilot reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 72/100 compared to 61/100 for older years.

avg 66
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Honda Pilot reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201863/100Good
201956/100Mixed
202060/100Good
202163/100Good
202272/100Good
202372/100Good
202472/100Good
202571/100Good

Honda Pilot Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202672/100 (predicted)Predicted00
202571/100-1Good4111
202472/1000Good682
202372/1000Good593
202272/100+9Good3105
202163/100+3Good8358
202060/100+4Good9431
201956/100-7Mixed11794
2018(selected)63/100Good5408

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2018 Honda Pilot reliable?
The 2018 Honda Pilot has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 63/100. It is reasonably reliable with 5 recalls and 408 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Honda Pilot?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 Honda Pilot include: ENGINE (72 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (68 complaints), POWER TRAIN (66 complaints), FUEL SYSTEM (61 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (47 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2018 Honda Pilot have?
The 2018 Honda Pilot has 5 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2018 Honda Pilot expensive to maintain?
The 2018 Honda Pilot has estimated annual repair costs of $542/year, which is $31 less than the midsize SUVs average of $573. With a reliability score of 63/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

See incorrect data? Report an issue