Last updated: 2026-04-20

2025 Honda Pilot Reliability Report
The 2025 Honda Pilot scores 71/100 ("Good"). With 4 recalls and 111 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
4
Complaints
111
Complaint Rate
8.9per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$542
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,700–$3,000
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
- STEERING (21)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (17)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (12)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2025 is year 3 of the Fourth generation (YG1/2; 2023).
- Redesigned for the 2023 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- A refresh arrives in 2026.
- 4th generation Pilot (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
2023: Fourth generation (YG1/2; 2023) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2025: This Model Year
2025 is year 3 of the Fourth generation (YG1/2; 2023).
2026: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2025 Honda Pilot?
At 71/100, the 2025 Honda Pilot lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2025 is year 3 of the Fourth generation (YG1/2; 2023).
Its complaint rate of 8.9 per 10,000 vehicles sold runs above the SUV segment average of 4.1. The most common reports involve steering (21).
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to steering (21). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2026 Honda Pilot. See also the 2024 Honda Pilot for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +$31 cheaper to maintain than avg midsize SUVs
- +Low major repair risk (13%)
Cons
- −Moderate recall count
- −Above-average complaint rate for SUV
- −STEERING issues reported (21 complaints)
Compare 2025 Honda Pilot With

2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
Reliability: 80/100

2025 Mazda CX-90
Reliability: 63/100

2025 Volkswagen Atlas
Reliability: 65/100

2025 Toyota Highlander
Reliability: 76/100

2025 Nissan Pathfinder
Reliability: 78/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 4 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- STEERING (21)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (17)
Recall Overview
4
recalls on record
A moderate 4 recalls are on file for the 2025 Honda Pilot. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
8.9
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 4.1
Safety Incidents
6
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2025 Honda Pilot Recall Details
4 recalls have been issued for the 2025 Honda Pilot. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Acura TLX, 2023-2025 Acura MDX, and 2023-2025 Honda Pilot vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin was not secured properly, which can cause the pedal to shift out of position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Consequence
A brake pedal that shifts out of position can prevent the driver from applying the brakes as intended, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pedal assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are FLX and XLY.
SEAT BELTS
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2025 Honda Pilot vehicles. The third-row passenger seat belt assembly may not function, due to incorrect routing that traps the seat belt behind the passenger side panel. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence
A non-functioning seat belt cannot properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and repair the seat belt routing as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 24, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is ZL4.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Acura MDX Type-S, 2023-2025 Honda Pilot, and 2021-2025 Acura TLX Type-S vehicles. A software error in the fuel injection electronic control unit (FI-ECU) may cause an engine stall or a loss of power.
Consequence
An engine stall or loss of power can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will reprogram the FI-ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are EL1 and AL0.
Buying a used 2025 Honda Pilot? Check its history first
Every 2025 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
2025 Honda Pilot NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 15.5%
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.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
20–22 MPG
Running cost: $3,250–$3,550/yr
Fuel + repair
18–19 city / 23–27 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 2025 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pilot FWD 3.5L 6-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 19 | 27 | 22 | $2,700 |
| Pilot AWD 3.5L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 19 | 25 | 21 | $2,850 |
| Pilot AWD Touring/Elite/Black 3.5L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 19 | 25 | 21 | $2,850 |
| Pilot AWD TrailSport 3.5L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,000 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2025 Honda Pilot.
Test steering for creaking or clicking noises during low-speed turns
Check for unexpected braking by the Collision Mitigation Braking System
Verify transmission shifts smoothly without hesitation or lurching
Inspect windshield for cracks, especially at lower driver-side corner
Ensure all safety features and warning lights function correctly
Check for any active recalls and confirm repairs are completed
Test acceleration response from a stop and during merging
2025 Honda Pilot Common Problems by Component
111 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
STEERING
21 complaintsOwners of the 2025 Honda Pilot frequently report issues with the steering system, with common symptoms including creaking, clicking, and popping noises during low-speed turns, often returning shortly after attempted repairs. Multiple complaints describe power steering failure, sometimes accompanied by a loss of other vehicle systems and warning lights on the dashboard, which can temporarily resolve after restarting the vehicle. These problems are often noted in vehicles with mileage as low as 1,500 to 7,000 miles. Safety implications include difficulty maneuvering the vehicle, especially in situations where steering assist is lost, which could lead to potential loss of control. Buyers should be aware of these recurring issues, as they appear to affect multiple new Honda Pilots and may not be fully resolved by standard dealership interventions.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
17 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2025 Honda Pilot frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical systems, particularly involving the Honda Sensing system, which misreads speed limits and can lead to unexpected acceleration displays on the dashboard. Complaints also highlight problems with the infotainment system disconnecting from paired phones at specific locations, and keyless entry and remote start systems failing in hot weather. Several reports mention complete vehicle shutdowns while driving, with some incidents occurring at higher speeds, posing potential safety risks. A crash is associated with failures in the Collision Mitigation Braking System, which did not engage as expected. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, with some occurring shortly after purchase.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
12 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with the 2025 Honda Pilot's forward collision avoidance system, particularly the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) activating unexpectedly. Complaints commonly describe the vehicle braking harshly without any apparent obstacles, often while driving on highways or in construction zones, and in some cases, at speeds of 30-74 MPH. Several reports indicate this issue occurs even when no other vehicles are nearby, leading to a risk of rear-end collisions. The problem often appears soon after purchase, with some vehicles having as few as 100 miles. One injury has been reported, with symptoms including whiplash and neck pain. Buyers should be aware of potential safety implications, including sudden braking and the risk of collision from behind.
POWER TRAIN (11 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
11 complaintsOwners of the 2025 Honda Pilot frequently report issues with the vehicle's transmission, particularly at low speeds and during gear shifts. Common symptoms include jerking or lurching forward, hesitation, and delayed acceleration, especially when shifting from first to third gear or when coming to a stop. Several complaints mention these issues occurring at low mileage, often with vehicles under 1,000 miles. Safety concerns are noted, with some owners describing near-accidents due to unexpected shifts or delays in power delivery. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring transmission problems, as they may affect driving comfort and safety.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (8 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
8 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2025 Honda Pilot frequently report issues with the vehicle's Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system, which often deactivates unexpectedly, particularly while driving at highway speeds. Symptoms include sudden braking or speed reduction, unexpected disengagement of cruise control, and alerts related to sensor cleaning that do not resolve the issue. These problems typically appear shortly after purchase, with some reports indicating issues starting as early as November 2024. Safety implications are significant, as one complaint describes an unintended acceleration incident leading to a crash in a parking garage. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring vehicle speed control issues and the lack of permanent solutions reported by owners.
ENGINE (6 complaints)
ENGINE
6 complaintsOwners report several engine-related issues with the 2025 Honda Pilot. A common problem involves the engine unexpectedly shutting down while driving, with one instance leading to an engine seizure after only 160 miles. Some owners describe difficulty restarting the vehicle and persistent warning lights on the dashboard. Additionally, one complaint notes a discrepancy between advertised and actual fuel efficiency, with lower-than-expected MPG observed after 3,000 miles. Safety implications are evident as sudden engine failure could lead to potential rear-end collisions or loss of control. These issues typically appear in vehicles with low mileage, raising concerns for potential buyers about engine reliability in new models.
SERVICE BRAKES (6 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
6 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the 2025 Honda Pilot's service brakes, primarily involving uncommanded braking and brake failure. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle braking autonomously, often mistaking situations as potential collisions, particularly around 1,700 miles. This has resulted in near-miss incidents and one complaint of a crash. Another issue involves the brake pedal failing to respond, leading to a crash with no prior warning lights, around 8,000 miles. There is also a recall related to the brake pedal assembly, but parts for the repair are reported as unavailable. These issues pose potential safety risks, including loss of control and crashes.
VISIBILITY/WIPER (6 complaints)
VISIBILITY/WIPER
6 complaintsOwners of the 2025 Honda Pilot frequently report issues with windshield cracking and rear visibility components. Complaints often mention repeated windshield cracks originating from the lower driver-side corner, with some occurring spontaneously or from minor debris impacts, suggesting potential structural or material concerns. Additionally, a rear windshield shattering and a rearview mirror detaching are noted, indicating possible component attachment issues. Some owners also experience distortion on the passenger side of the windshield and poor nighttime resolution from the backup camera. These issues typically arise within months of ownership and may pose visibility and safety risks, particularly with the windshield cracks that affect the driver's line of sight.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (3 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
3 complaintsOwners of the 2025 Honda Pilot report issues primarily related to acceleration and fuel system malfunctions. Multiple complaints describe a severe acceleration failure where the vehicle hesitates or fails to respond promptly to throttle input, particularly during maneuvers such as turning, merging, or accelerating from a stop, creating potential safety hazards. Additionally, some owners experience repeated engine light activations due to an evap canister leak, which leads to reduced engine power and affects vehicle performance. Another issue involves fuel spilling when refueling, as the automatic shutoff on the gas nozzle fails to prevent overflow. These problems are noted in vehicles with mileage as low as approximately 6,328 miles, and owners express significant safety concerns, particularly regarding the acceleration failures.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaintsOwners report two main issues with the exterior lighting of the 2025 Honda Pilot. First, multiple owners describe frequent failures of the puddle lamp bulbs, with replacements needed as often as three times within the first year of ownership, suggesting potential water intrusion problems. Second, complaints frequently mention a sharp plastic edge on the rear lights, which has resulted in at least one injury due to cuts. These issues appear shortly after purchase, and the sharp edges present a notable safety concern.
When Do 2025 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 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.
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 2025 Honda Pilot reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2025 Honda Pilot?
How many recalls does the 2025 Honda Pilot have?
Is the 2025 Honda Pilot expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2025 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.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Honda Pilot.
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