Last updated: 2026-03-04

Honda Pilot

1 Honda Pilot Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Honda Pilot average of 66/100

The Honda Pilot years to avoid are 2019 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2019 with a reliability score of 56/100. The best Honda Pilot year to buy is 2024 72/100.

Verdict

The 2019 Honda Pilot scores significantly below the model average of 66/100. The weakest year is 2019 with a score of 56/100 due to electrical system (223) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2022 72/100.

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 66/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201956/100Mixed11794Electrical System (223)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

56
MixedReliability score: 56 out of 100, rated Mixed

2019 Honda Pilot

The 2019 Honda Pilot has mixed reliability. There are 11 recalls and 794 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Honda Pilot. Severity signals include 12 crash-related complaints and 5 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (223), Unknown Or Other (102), Engine (96).

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 2019 reliability report →

What Are Common Honda Pilot Problems?

Top reported issues across all Honda Pilot model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

632 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

271 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ENGINE

255 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

232 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

FUEL SYSTEM

155 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

147 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2021

Best Honda Pilot Year to Buy Instead

72
GoodReliability score: 72 out of 100, rated Good

2022 Honda Pilot

The 2022 Honda Pilot has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 105 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Honda Pilot. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (18), Unknown Or Other (17), Forward Collision Avoidance (15).

Score: 72/100 (Good)3 recalls105 complaints
View full 2022 reliability report →

All Honda Pilot Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Honda Pilot Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Honda Pilot years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Honda Pilot years: 2019 (score: 56/100). These model years score significantly below the Honda Pilot average of 66/100.
What is the best year for the Honda Pilot?
The best year for the Honda Pilot is 2024, with a reliability score of 72/100 ("Good"). It has 6 recalls and 82 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Honda Pilot have?
Across all years in our database, the Honda Pilot has a total of 51 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Honda Pilot worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2024 model year, which scores 72/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 66/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Honda Pilot problems?
The most common Honda Pilot problems are electrical system (632 complaints), unknown or other (271 complaints), engine (255 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Honda Pilot reliable long-term?
The Honda Pilot has an average reliability score of 66/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Honda Pilot generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Honda Pilot generation is the Fourth generation (YG1/2; 2023) with an average score of 72/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Honda Pilot?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Honda Pilot is $542 based on independent repair cost databases. This is below the category average, making it relatively affordable to maintain.
Is the 2024 Honda Pilot a good used buy?
Yes, the 2024 Honda Pilot is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 72/100 ("Good"). It has 6 recalls and 82 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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.

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