Last updated: 2026-04-20

2020 Honda Pilot Reliability Report
The 2020 Honda Pilot scores 60/100 ("Good"). With 9 recalls and 431 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
9
Complaints
431
Complaint Rate
34.8per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$542
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,600–$2,850
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (186)
- ENGINE (39)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (31)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2020 is 1 year after the 2019 model year refresh refresh.
- Year 5 in the Third generation (YF5/6; 2016) (2016–2022).
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 3rd generation Pilot (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
2016: Third generation (YF5/6; 2016) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2019: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2020: This Model Year
2020 is 1 year after the 2019 model year refresh refresh.
Should You Buy the 2020 Honda Pilot?
At 60/100, the 2020 Honda Pilot lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2020 is 1 year after the 2019 model year refresh refresh.
Its complaint rate of 34.8 per 10,000 vehicles sold runs above the SUV segment average of 21.2. The most common reports involve electrical system (186).
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to electrical system (186). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2021 Honda Pilot, which scored 3 points higher. See also the 2019 Honda Pilot for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +$31 cheaper to maintain than avg midsize SUVs
- +Low major repair risk (13%)
Cons
- −Above-average recall count
- −Above-average complaint rate for SUV
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Sudden power loss and infotainment system failures (186 complaints)
Compare 2020 Honda Pilot With

2020 Volkswagen Atlas
Reliability: 57/100

2020 KIA Telluride
Reliability: 55/100

2020 Nissan Pathfinder
Reliability: 78/100

2020 Toyota Highlander
Reliability: 71/100

2020 Ford Explorer
Reliability: 54/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 9 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (186)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (46)
Recall Overview
9
recalls on record
The 2020 Honda Pilot has 9 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
34.8
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 21.2
Safety Incidents
10
Crashes
5
Fires
13
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2020 Honda Pilot Recall Details
9 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Honda Pilot. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
EQUIPMENT
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020 Passport and Pilot vehicles. The certification label may have been printed with ink that can be wiped away with a solvent, removing the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) information.
Consequence
If the operator is unable to refer to the label information, the vehicle may be overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the certification label, free of charge. The recall began March 24, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is B6T.
AIR BAGS
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
Consequence
An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024, October 18, 2024, and August 2025. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
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.
Buying a used 2020 Honda Pilot? Check its history first
Every 2020 Honda Pilot has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2020 Honda Pilot NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 17.5%
Safety Technologies
Honda PilotRepair 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.
Honda Pilot Resale Value
The Honda Pilot is estimated to retain about 66.1% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.
This benchmark covers the Honda Pilot model overall and is not specific to the 2020 model year.
- Value Retained
- 66.1%
- Depreciation
- 33.9%
- Listings Analyzed
- 720
after 5 years
over the same period
U.S. used-car listings
Listings observed in . Actual resale value varies by trim, mileage, condition, and location.
Explore Honda Pilot depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.comMPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
21–23 MPG
Running cost: $3,150–$3,400/yr
Fuel + repair
18–20 city / 26–27 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2020 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pilot FWD 3.5L 6-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S9) | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,600 |
| Pilot AWD 3.5L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S9) | 19 | 26 | 22 | $2,700 |
| Pilot FWD 3.5L 6-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 19 | 27 | 22 | $2,700 |
| Pilot AWD 3.5L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 18 | 26 | 21 | $2,850 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2020 Honda Pilot.
Test infotainment system for freezing or error messages
Check for transmission shudder during acceleration
Inspect for engine knocking or stalling issues
Verify forward collision avoidance system functionality
Ensure auto start/stop system restarts engine reliably
Check for unresolved recalls, especially for fuel pump issues
2020 Honda Pilot Common Problems by Component
431 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
186 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent electrical issues with the 2020 Honda Pilot, particularly involving sudden power loss and infotainment system failures. Complaints commonly describe problems such as the vehicle stalling unexpectedly, warning lights illuminating without clear cause, and infotainment screens going blank or displaying error messages like "Network Communication Lost." These issues often emerge around 50,000 to 86,000 miles, with some reports of recurring battery failures and difficulties starting the vehicle. Safety implications are noted, including incidents where the car stalls on highways or at intersections, posing a risk of crashes, and one report mentions a fire. Potential buyers should be aware of these patterns, especially if considering a vehicle with mileage in the affected range.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
46 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Honda Pilot frequently report issues with the infotainment system and the auto stop/start feature. Complaints describe the infotainment system going black or displaying error messages, often after a battery replacement, and sometimes not recovering without restarting the vehicle. The auto stop/start feature is reported to cause the vehicle to fail to restart at stoplights, requiring manual intervention to restart the car. Safety concerns are noted with incidents such as unintended acceleration leading to a crash with one injury, and sunroof explosions while driving. These issues typically occur across a range of mileages, with some owners experiencing them early in the vehicle's life.
ENGINE
39 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Honda Pilot frequently report issues related to engine performance, with many mentioning problems with the auto start/stop system failing to restart the engine at intersections, sometimes leading to the vehicle shifting into neutral unexpectedly. Complaints also commonly describe engine knocking, loss of acceleration, and engine stalling, often accompanied by check engine lights and warning codes. Several reports indicate significant engine failures, such as connecting rod bearing failures and piston rod issues, typically occurring between 50,000 to 100,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, with some incidents involving loss of power in traffic and two reports involving engine fires. These patterns suggest potential reliability concerns for prospective buyers considering a used 2020 Honda Pilot.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (31 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
31 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Honda Pilot frequently report issues with the forward collision avoidance system, particularly involving the failure of the forward-facing camera, which disables multiple safety features such as adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation, and lane keeping assist. Symptoms commonly described include unexpected activation of the collision mitigation braking system, often without any obstacles present, leading to abrupt braking that has nearly caused rear-end collisions. Many complaints involve warning lights and error messages for safety systems upon vehicle startup, with some owners noting these issues occurring in vehicles with mileage as low as 35,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as unexpected braking and loss of driver assistance features can lead to dangerous driving situations. Potential buyers should be aware of the reported camera failures and the associated high repair costs, which several owners note as being around $1,700 to $2,000.
POWER TRAIN (29 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
29 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Honda Pilot frequently report issues related to the power train, with common symptoms including transmission shuddering, hesitation, and difficulty shifting gears, particularly noticeable during acceleration or at constant speeds. Complaints often mention problems with the Auto Stop/Start function, where the engine fails to restart after stopping, leading to stalls in traffic or at intersections. These issues typically emerge around 50,000 to 80,000 miles. Safety implications include instances of the vehicle shutting off at highway speeds or unexpectedly shifting into neutral, posing risks in traffic. Buyers should be aware of these potential problems, especially since some issues appear to persist even after attempted repairs or software updates.
FUEL SYSTEM (21 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
21 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Honda Pilot frequently report issues related to the fuel system, with common symptoms including stalling, loss of motive power, and failure to accelerate properly. These issues often occur at varying speeds, and some owners note that the problems become more frequent over time. Complaints commonly mention that these failures occur around 35,000 to 84,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, as some owners describe near-crash situations due to sudden power loss. Potential buyers should be aware that many owners have experienced delays in obtaining recall repairs due to unavailable parts.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (16 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
16 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with the 2020 Honda Pilot's fuel and propulsion system, primarily involving fuel injectors and the fuel pump. Complaints often mention the check engine light activating intermittently, accompanied by erratic engine performance such as hesitation, surging, and stalling. Many owners describe problems with acceleration, particularly when the vehicle is moving from a stop or climbing hills. Some owners note that their vehicles are part of a recall for fuel pump issues, but they face delays in obtaining replacement parts, which raises concerns about potential stalling and loss of power while driving. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, with some owners experiencing problems as early as within a few months of ownership.
SERVICE BRAKES (15 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
15 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several issues with the 2020 Honda Pilot's service brakes, primarily involving the collision mitigation system (CMBS) and brake performance. Complaints frequently mention phantom braking, where the CMBS applies brakes unexpectedly, even when no obstacles are present, potentially leading to accidents. Additionally, some owners describe instances where the brakes do not engage fully, causing the vehicle to surge forward, sometimes resulting in crashes. These issues are noted across various mileages, with some occurring as early as 2,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with three crashes reported, resulting in four injuries. Buyers should note these patterns when considering a used 2020 Honda Pilot.
STEERING (6 complaints)
STEERING
6 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Honda Pilot report several steering-related issues, primarily involving loud clicking noises when turning at low speeds and steering wheel locking or sticking while driving. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle pulling hard to the right, even after alignment checks and tire replacements, and the Lane Keep Assist system interfering with steering control during maneuvers. Some reports also describe the vehicle unexpectedly braking or flashing warnings, which could lead to potential safety risks. These issues often appear at various mileages, with one instance noted around 60,000 miles, and have not been consistently resolved by dealerships. Buyers considering a used model should be aware of these steering concerns and the potential for related safety implications.
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Honda Pilot report issues with airbag performance during collisions. In one case, the front airbags failed to deploy in a head-on collision that resulted in a rollover, leading to two injuries. Another report describes a driver's airbag deploying upon impact, with the vehicle emitting smoke and a strong smoke odor, causing burns to the driver, though the exact cause of the burns is unclear. Both incidents involve crashes, with three injuries reported in total, highlighting potential safety implications. These complaints do not specify mileage, so no pattern regarding vehicle age or use is evident.
When Do 2020 Honda Pilot Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Honda Pilot Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Honda Pilot Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Honda Pilot year is 2026 with a reliability score of 81/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2024 (72/100) and 2023 (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.
Honda Pilot Reliability Score Trend
Honda Pilot reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 74/100 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 |
| 2026 | 81/100 | Excellent |
Honda Pilot Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2020 Honda Pilot reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Honda Pilot?
How many recalls does the 2020 Honda Pilot have?
Is the 2020 Honda Pilot expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2020 Honda Pilot without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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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