Last updated: 2026-03-04

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 avgEst. Annual Cost
$542
Below avgMajor Repair Risk
13%
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
5 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
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)
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
2018 Hyundai Santa-FE
Score: 63/100
2018 Ford Explorer
Score: 64/100
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Score: 60/100
2018 Volkswagen Atlas
Score: 44/100
2018 Toyota Highlander
Score: 72/100
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)
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 soldSegment avg: 23.5
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.
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.
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.
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
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 17.5%
Safety Technologies
Honda Pilot Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based 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
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.
ENGINE
72 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
68 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
POWER TRAIN
66 complaintsOwners 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.
FUEL SYSTEM (61 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
61 complaintsOwners 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (47 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
47 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (13 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
13 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
STRUCTURE (13 complaints)
STRUCTURE
13 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
SEAT BELTS (11 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
11 complaintsOwners 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.
AIR BAGS (3 complaints)
AIR BAGS
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
When Do 2018 Honda Pilot Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
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.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 63/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 56/100 | Mixed |
| 2020 | 60/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 63/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 71/100 | Good |
Honda Pilot Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2018 Honda Pilot reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Honda Pilot?
How many recalls does the 2018 Honda Pilot have?
Is the 2018 Honda Pilot expensive to maintain?
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
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.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
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.
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.
Browse More Honda Models
Browse More 2018 Vehicles
2018 Lexus RX
Score: 85/100
2018 Lexus IS
Score: 81/100
2018 Toyota Corolla
Score: 80/100
2018 Lexus NX
Score: 79/100
2018 Mazda 3
Score: 79/100
2018 Honda HR-V
Score: 78/100
2018 Toyota Prius
Score: 78/100
2018 Lexus GX
Score: 77/100
See incorrect data? Report an issue