Last updated: 2026-03-04

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 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
Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.
Top Issues
11 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
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)
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
2019 Hyundai Santa-FE
Score: 69/100
2019 Ford Explorer
Score: 69/100
2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Score: 67/100
2019 Volkswagen Atlas
Score: 48/100
2019 Toyota Highlander
Score: 70/100
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)
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 soldSegment avg: 20.3
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.
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.
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
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 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
223 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
102 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
ENGINE
96 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
POWER TRAIN (77 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
77 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
FUEL SYSTEM (73 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
73 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (54 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
54 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (45 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
45 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
SERVICE BRAKES (18 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
18 complaintsOwners 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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (9 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
9 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
AIR BAGS (4 complaints)
AIR BAGS
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
When Do 2019 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.
2019(this page)
11 recalls · 794 complaints
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 2019 Honda Pilot reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Honda Pilot?
How many recalls does the 2019 Honda Pilot have?
Is the 2019 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.
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