Last updated: 2026-03-04

56
MixedReliability score: 56 out of 100, rated Mixed
2019 Honda Pilot

2019 Honda Pilot Reliability Score & Common Problems

The 2019 Honda Pilot scores 56/100 ("Mixed"). With 11 recalls and 794 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.

2019 received a 2019 model year refresh update for the Third generation (YF5/6; 2016).

Recalls

11

Complaints

794

Complaint Rate

58.8

per 10k sold

Above avg

Est. Annual Cost

$542

Below avg

Major Repair Risk

13%

NHTSA Rating

5/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
38/100 (Risky)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
70/100 (Good)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
55/100 (Mixed)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
68/100 (Good)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Caution

Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.

Top Issues

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (223)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (102)ENGINE (96)

11 recalls on record

Generation & Refresh (US)

Refresh Year

2019 received a 2019 model year refresh update for the Third generation (YF5/6; 2016).

  • Changes: Updated exterior with new bumpers and grille; Interior infotainment system updated.
  • Year 4 in this generation (2016–2022).
  • 3rd generation Pilot (US).

What this means for buyers

Refresh years bring updates but can also introduce new issues. Check early recall data before buying.

Third generation (YF5/6; 2016)

2016redesign
2017
2018
2019selected
2020
2021
2022

Should You Buy the 2019 Honda Pilot?

The 2019 Honda Pilot scores 56/100 ("Mixed"). Buyers should proceed with caution. 2019 received a 2019 model year refresh update for the Third generation (YF5/6; 2016).

With 794 owner complaints and 11 recalls, the complaint volume is above average. Reported issues — particularly in electrical system (223) — can be costly to repair.

An extended warranty is strongly recommended. A thorough pre-purchase inspection focused on electrical system (223) is essential before committing.

Compared to the 2020 Honda Pilot, which scored 4 points higher. See also the 2018 Honda Pilot for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • $31 cheaper to maintain than avg midsize SUVs
  • Low major repair risk (13%)

Cons

  • Below-average reliability score
  • Above-average recall count
  • Above-average complaint rate for SUV
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Infotainment and safety systems (223 complaints)

Compare 2019 Honda Pilot With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

  • 11 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (223)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (102)
  • ENGINE (96)
  • POWER TRAIN (77)
  • FUEL SYSTEM (73)
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (54)
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (45)
  • BACK OVER PREVENTION (20)
  • SERVICE BRAKES (18)
  • LANE DEPARTURE (12)
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER (11)
  • STEERING (9)
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (9)
  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (7)
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING (7)
  • STRUCTURE (7)
  • EQUIPMENT (5)
  • AIR BAGS (4)
  • ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (4)
  • VISIBILITY (3)
  • SUSPENSION (3)
  • TIRES (2)
  • SEAT BELTS (2)
  • LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

11

recalls on record

The 2019 Honda Pilot has 11 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

58.8

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 20.3

LowAvgHigh
High

Safety Incidents

Crashes

12

Fires

5

Injuries

15

Deaths

0

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

2019 Honda Pilot Recall Details

11 recalls have been issued for the 2019 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.

23V4310002023-06-15

BACK OVER PREVENTION

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Pilot, and 2019-2023 Passport vehicles. Due to a faulty Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) communication coaxial cable connector, the rearview camera image may not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the MOST cable harness and install a straightening cover over the vehicle cable connector, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are EEL, ZEM, and SFC.

Showing 10 of 11 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →

2019 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 2019 Honda Pilot

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

  • Test infotainment system for freezing or blackouts
  • Check for engine knocking or unusual noises
  • Verify operation of forward collision avoidance systems
  • Inspect for transmission hesitation or shudder during acceleration
  • Ensure fuel injectors have been replaced or are functioning properly
  • Test auto idle stop function for proper restart
  • Check for any unresolved recalls related to the vehicle

Check Any 2019 Honda Pilot's History Before You Buy

Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2019 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.

2019 Honda Pilot Common Problems by Component

794 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

223
102
96
104
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (223)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (102)ENGINE (96)POWER TRAIN (77)FUEL SYSTEM (73)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (54)FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (45)BACK OVER PREVENTION (20)Other (104)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

223 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report frequent issues with the 2019 Honda Pilot's electrical system, particularly involving the infotainment and safety systems. Common symptoms include the infotainment screen freezing, blacking out, or displaying error messages such as "Network Communication Lost," which affects features like navigation and the backup camera. Multiple owners describe problems with the Auto Idle Stop feature, where the engine fails to restart after stopping, posing a stalling risk in traffic. Additionally, there are reports of the forward-facing camera failing, causing multiple Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) warnings and malfunctions. These issues often appear within the first few years of ownership and can lead to significant safety implications, such as loss of vehicle control or increased crash risk.

223 complaints total1 fire1 injury

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

102 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Honda Pilot frequently report issues with the rear-view camera, describing distorted images with colors such as yellow, purple, and green, which obscure visibility and potentially increase the risk of accidents. Complaints also highlight problems with the vehicle's infotainment system, including flickering displays, error messages like "MOST Net off," and complete screen blackouts that affect backup camera and hands-free phone functionality. Multiple owners detail safety-related malfunctions, such as the vehicle unexpectedly shifting to neutral or stalling during stops, which have led to near-miss incidents and one reported injury. These issues often begin to emerge after a few years of ownership, with some reports noting occurrences as early as 2022. Buyers should be aware of these potential safety and functionality concerns when considering a used 2019 Honda Pilot.

102 complaints total3 crashes1 fire1 injury

ENGINE

96 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report frequent issues with the 2019 Honda Pilot's engine, primarily involving connecting rod and rod bearing failures. Symptoms commonly described include knocking noises, engine stalling, and complete engine failure, often necessitating engine replacement. These problems are noted at varying mileages, with some occurring as early as 38,000 miles and others beyond 100,000 miles. Additionally, the auto-idle stop system is mentioned as problematic, with multiple owners experiencing the engine not restarting after stopping, posing potential safety risks in traffic. Two complaints involve engine fires, highlighting a severe safety implication. Buyers should be aware of these issues, especially concerning engine reliability and potential repair costs.

96 complaints total2 fires
POWER TRAIN (77 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

77 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Honda Pilot frequently report issues with the vehicle's transmission and power train, particularly a hesitation or stutter during acceleration, and sudden loss of propulsion at highway speeds. Typical symptoms include the vehicle shifting into neutral unexpectedly, rough or delayed shifting, and the vehicle automatically shifting to park or neutral when stopped. These issues often occur around 60,000 to 70,000 miles, though some reports mention problems starting earlier. Safety implications are significant, with reports of crashes and injuries due to unexpected loss of power and control, highlighting concerns for potential buyers.

77 complaints total2 crashes4 injuries
FUEL SYSTEM (73 complaints)

FUEL SYSTEM

73 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Honda Pilot frequently report issues related to the fuel system, with a significant number of complaints mentioning difficulties in starting the vehicle and unexpected stalling. Symptoms often include illuminated check engine lights, abnormal engine noises, and in some cases, strong gasoline odors. These problems are commonly reported around mileage ranges of 50,000 to 110,000 miles. A notable concern is the delay in recall repairs, with multiple owners indicating parts unavailability for the necessary fixes, which may contribute to recurring issues. Additionally, one complaint involves a fire, highlighting potential safety risks associated with these fuel system problems.

73 complaints total1 fire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (54 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

54 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Honda Pilot frequently report issues with the fuel injectors, often associated with dashboard warnings such as "Emissions System Problem" and trouble codes like P0430 and P219B. These problems typically manifest as engine hesitation, stalling, reduced fuel economy, and hard shifting, with some reports occurring around 49,000 to 54,000 miles. Many complaints highlight that vehicles experiencing these issues are not covered under existing recalls or service bulletins, despite exhibiting similar symptoms. Additionally, there is one reported incident involving a crash and an injury, emphasizing potential safety risks. Prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and verify if the vehicle's VIN is covered under any relevant recalls or service bulletins.

54 complaints total1 crash1 injury
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (45 complaints)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

45 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Honda Pilot frequently report issues with the vehicle's forward collision avoidance systems, primarily due to failures of the front multi-purpose camera. Common symptoms include warning lights for Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, and Collision Mitigation System, often accompanied by complete system inoperability. Complaints suggest these issues typically arise between 22,000 and 125,000 miles. Some owners mention repair costs exceeding $2,000 for camera replacement and calibration. While two complaints involve crashes, the reports primarily focus on the disabling of safety features, which could pose risks during vehicle operation.

45 complaints total2 crashes
SERVICE BRAKES (18 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

18 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Honda Pilot frequently report issues with the automatic braking system erroneously engaging without nearby traffic, leading to sudden stops and near rear-end collisions. Complaints also often describe brake pedal problems, such as excessive travel, a mushy feel, and the need for significant pressure to achieve effective braking, with some reports mentioning the pedal going to the floor. These issues are noted across various mileages, with some instances occurring as early as the first days of ownership. Safety implications include two reported injuries and multiple accounts of near-miss accidents, particularly when the automatic braking system activates unexpectedly. Buyers should be aware of these recurring brake-related issues when considering this vehicle.

18 complaints total2 injuries
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (9 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

9 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Honda Pilot report multiple issues related to vehicle speed control, primarily involving sudden unintended acceleration and unexpected braking. Complaints frequently mention episodes where the vehicle accelerates without pedal input, sometimes reaching high RPMs, and instances where the vehicle brakes sharply for no apparent reason, often when adaptive cruise control is engaged. These issues are reported at varying mileages, with some occurring shortly after purchase and others after significant use, such as around 71,000 miles. Safety implications are notable, with one incident leading to a crash and injury during unintended acceleration while parking. Prospective buyers should be aware of these patterns and consider the potential for unexpected vehicle behavior.

9 complaints total1 crash1 injury
AIR BAGS (4 complaints)

AIR BAGS

4 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Honda Pilot frequently report issues with airbag deployment during crashes. Complaints often describe airbags failing to deploy in front-end collisions, with one owner noting the airbag system seemed to attempt inflation but did not fully deploy, resulting in head injuries. Another owner reports a complete lack of airbag deployment in a highway collision despite significant impact. These incidents have occurred during various driving conditions, including city streets and highways, and have resulted in multiple injuries. Buyers should be aware of these safety-related concerns when considering this vehicle.

4 complaints total3 crashes5 injuries

When Do 2019 Honda Pilot Problems Start?

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

22,000–125,000 milesForward collision avoidance failures
49,000–54,000 milesFuel injector issues
58,000–70,000 milesTransmission shudder

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.

56
MixedReliability score: 56 out of 100, rated Mixed

2019(this page)

11 recalls · 794 complaints

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
2019(selected)56/100-7Mixed11794
201863/100Good5408

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2019 Honda Pilot reliable?
The 2019 Honda Pilot has a "Mixed" reliability rating (56/100) and may present some ownership challenges. With 11 recalls and 794 complaints, buyers should research known issues carefully.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Honda Pilot?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2019 Honda Pilot include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (223 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (102 complaints), ENGINE (96 complaints), POWER TRAIN (77 complaints), FUEL SYSTEM (73 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2019 Honda Pilot have?
The 2019 Honda Pilot has 11 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2019 Honda Pilot expensive to maintain?
The 2019 Honda Pilot has estimated annual repair costs of $542/year, which is $31 less than the midsize SUVs average of $573. Its reliability score of 56/100 and 794 owner complaints suggest that unexpected repairs are more likely. Budgeting for maintenance reserves is advisable.

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