Last updated: 2026-10-10

Honda Pilot

Honda Pilot Years to Avoid

9 scored model years (2018–2026) · model average 68/100

Skip the 2019 Pilot. Owners filed the most complaints that year, mainly about the engine stalling or not restarting after auto idle stop, plus engine bearing failures and rough shifting. The 2024 is the year to buy instead.

Verdict

Avoid
2019 56/100
Buy
2024 72/100
Model average
68/100
See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Honda Pilot Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Honda Pilot average of 68/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201956/100Mixed11794Electrical System (223)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

56
MixedReliability score: 56 out of 100, rated Mixed

2019 Honda Pilot

Owners filed 794 complaints, the most of any year, and federal records show 11 recalls. The largest group is the engine stalling or not restarting after idle stop at lights, often starting between 25,000 and 45,000 miles. Several reports describe connecting rod failures that destroyed the engine, and five fires were reported.

11 recalls794 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Electrical System (223), Unknown Or Other (102), Engine (96), Power Train (77), Fuel System, Gasoline (71), Fuel Propulsion System (54)

View full 2019reliability report →

What Are Common Honda Pilot Problems?

Pilot electrical problems

632 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2021

2019: The engine stalls or will not restart after auto idle stop shuts it off at lights, intersections and on-ramps.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

279 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2021, 2018

2019: This catch-all category mixes several problems.

ENGINE

255 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018, 2020

2019: Connecting rod and rod bearing failures destroy the engine in several reports.

POWER TRAIN

232 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018, 2020

2019: Judder, jerky shifts between first, second and third gear, slipping and hesitation under acceleration are the main transmission complaints.

FUEL SYSTEM

155 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018, 2020

2019: Most reports concern fuel pump recall 23V858.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

147 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2021, 2020

2019: The camera behind the rearview mirror fails and shuts off adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation and auto high beams at the same time.

Best Honda Pilot Year to Buy Instead

72
GoodReliability score: 72 out of 100, rated Good

2024 Honda Pilot

The 2024 has been on the road long enough to judge, and it drew far fewer complaints per vehicle sold than the 2019. Its issues are steering noise and a hesitant first-to-second shift, not the stalling and engine failures seen in 2019. Test the steering and the pull-away from a stop.

Score: 72/100 (Good)6 recalls82 complaints
View full 2024reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2024 Honda Pilot has 6 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Honda Pilot Years by Generation

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Honda Pilot year should I avoid?
Avoid the 2019. It drew the most complaints of any year and 11 recalls. Owners describe stalling or no restart after auto idle stop, engine failures from connecting rod bearings, and jerky shifting. The 2020 rates second lowest but is not flagged as a year to avoid.
Which Honda Pilot years have transmission problems?
Transmission complaints show up across several years. In the 2019, owners report judder and jerky shifts between first, second and third gear, often from 32,000 to 63,000 miles. In the 2024, owners report the 10-speed hesitating and lunging on the first-to-second shift, sometimes early in ownership.
Is the 2020 Honda Pilot a good year?
It is acceptable but not a top choice. Reliability is good, with fewer complaints than the 2019, yet it is among the two lowest-rated years. Electrical system complaints lead, with 186 reports, and five fires were reported. Inspect it carefully and ask about idle stop behavior.
Why is the 2024 Honda Pilot the recommended year?
It has been on the road long enough to judge and has a low complaint rate compared with the 2019. Its main reports are steering grinding or clicking and a hesitant 10-speed shift. Neither matches the engine failures and stalling that mark the weaker year.
Should I buy a 2026 Honda Pilot because it has no complaints?
No. The 2026 shows zero complaints and zero recalls because it is new, not because it has proven itself. Complaints build up over time. The 2024 has a longer record to judge, which is why it is the recommended pick.

How we score every Honda Pilot model year

Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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