Honda Pilot research: recalls, reliability and buyer's guide

The Pilot is Honda's largest SUV, a comfortable family hauler with three rows and V6 power in every year. 2011-2015 models are boxy, roomy and simple, with a 250-hp V6 and 5-speed automatic. The 2016 redesign brought a 280-hp V6, a sleeker body and available Honda Sensing (standard from 2019). The 2023 redesign is larger, with a 285-hp V6, a 10-speed automatic and an off-road TrailSport; 2026 adds a big touchscreen refresh.

Model years covered: 2011–2026. The 2026 Pilot is a refreshed current model; verify 2026 trims, equipment and pricing against current Honda data, and note that a rear-subframe corrosion recall for 2016-2022 Pilots was announced in 2026.

Last updated 2026-10-15.

Strengths

Three row seating for up to eight
Smooth V6 power
Comfortable ride
Available AWD with torque vectoring
Honda sensing standard 2019 and later
Towing capability when properly equipped
Strong resale value

Things to know before you buy

Transmission changes by year and trim
Takata airbag recalls on 2011 2015
Connecting rod and timing belt recalls on certain 2016 2019
Rear subframe corrosion recall 2016 2022 salt states
Timing belt service due around 100k miles
9 speed shift quality should be test driven
Fuel economy trails hybrid rivals
Recall status should be checked by VIN

Generations

Generation 2 (2009–2015)

The boxy second-generation Pilot (2009-2015) used a 250-hp, 253 lb-ft 3.5L V6 with Variable Cylinder Management and a 5-speed automatic, with FWD or VTM-4 four-wheel drive and seating for eight. 2012 brought a refresh and better fuel economy, and 2013 made a backup camera, Bluetooth and i-MID display standard.

Buyer takeaway: 2013-2015 are the best-equipped years. Confirm Takata airbag recalls are complete, timing-belt service is done and the engine runs smoothly without misfires.

Generation 3 (2016–2022)

The third-generation Pilot (2016-2022) is sleeker and about 300 lb lighter, with a 280-hp direct-injected V6. Lower trims used a 6-speed automatic and upper trims a ZF 9-speed through 2020; the 9-speed became standard for 2021. The 2019 refresh made Honda Sensing standard; 2022 added Sport and TrailSport trims.

Buyer takeaway: A 2019-2020 EX or EX-L pairs standard Honda Sensing with the simpler 6-speed. Check engine recalls on certain 2016-2019 models and the 2026 rear-subframe corrosion recall in salt states.

Generation 4 (2023–present)

The fourth-generation Pilot (2023-present) is larger and more rugged-looking, with a 285-hp, 262 lb-ft DOHC 3.5L V6, a Honda 10-speed automatic and an off-road-tuned TrailSport. The 2025 lineup dropped the LX and brought back the Black Edition; the 2026 refresh added a 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless smartphone integration.

Buyer takeaway: Best for families wanting more third-row and cargo room. Verify completion of the several 2023-2025 recalls; 2026 offers the newest infotainment.

Honda Pilot by model year

2026 Honda Pilot

The 2026 Pilot refresh adds a larger grille, a 12.3-inch touchscreen with new software, a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, more sound insulation and post-collision braking. The TrailSport gets all-terrain tires and off-road views on its camera. The 285-hp V6 and 10-speed carry over. Verify 2026 specs and the rear-subframe bolt recall by VIN.

Engines: 3.5 liter dohc V6 285 hp 262 lb ft
Transmissions: 10 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; I vtm4 torque vectoring AWD optional; AWD standard on trailsport and some upper trims
Body style: 5 door three row midsize SUV

What changed:

Refreshed front fascia with larger grille
12 3 inch touchscreen and 10 2 inch digital cluster
Wireless apple carplay and android auto
Added sound insulation
New post collision braking

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim transmission and drivetrain by VIN; 10 speed automatic shift quality; Infotainment and camera display; Honda sensing camera and radar function; Fuel filler neck and steering recall completion; Rear subframe bolt recall completion; Timing belt and water pump replacement records; AWD or 4wd rear differential fluid service; Third row seat and folding mechanisms; Power tailgate if equipped; Suspension tires and brakes; Towing wear if used for towing; Maintenance minder and oil change records.

2025 Honda Pilot

For 2025 the Black Edition returned with 20-inch black wheels and red interior accents, and the LX was dropped, making the Sport the entry trim. The 285-hp V6 and 10-speed automatic carry over (about 19/27 mpg FWD). Certain 2023-2025 Pilots have recalls for fuel-injection software, brake-pedal pivot pins and fuel-filler pipes, so check the VIN.

Engines: 3.5 liter dohc V6 285 hp 262 lb ft
Transmissions: 10 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; I vtm4 torque vectoring AWD optional; AWD standard on trailsport and some upper trims
Body style: 5 door three row midsize SUV

What changed:

Black edition trim returns
Lx trim dropped sport becomes base

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim transmission and drivetrain by VIN; 10 speed automatic shift quality; Infotainment and camera display; Honda sensing camera and radar function; Fuel filler neck and steering recall completion; Brake pedal and fuel injection software recalls; Timing belt and water pump replacement records; AWD or 4wd rear differential fluid service; Third row seat and folding mechanisms; Power tailgate if equipped; Suspension tires and brakes; Towing wear if used for towing; Maintenance minder and oil change records.

2024 Honda Pilot

The 2024 Pilot carries over the 285-hp V6 and 10-speed automatic with front- or all-wheel drive (about 19/27 mpg FWD; 18/23 TrailSport). It is roomy for families, with a usable third row and up to eight seats. Certain 2023-2024 Pilots are covered by recalls for a steering-gearbox ball bearing, fuel-filler pipe separation and seat fasteners.

Engines: 3.5 liter dohc V6 285 hp 262 lb ft
Transmissions: 10 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; I vtm4 torque vectoring AWD optional; AWD standard on trailsport and some upper trims
Body style: 5 door three row midsize SUV

What changed:

Largely carryover from 2023

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim transmission and drivetrain by VIN; 10 speed automatic shift quality; Infotainment and camera display; Honda sensing camera and radar function; Fuel filler neck and steering recall completion; Timing belt and water pump replacement records; AWD or 4wd rear differential fluid service; Third row seat and folding mechanisms; Power tailgate if equipped; Suspension tires and brakes; Towing wear if used for towing; Maintenance minder and oil change records.

2023 Honda Pilot

The 2023 Pilot is all-new and larger, with a 285-hp, 262 lb-ft 3.5L DOHC V6 and a Honda 10-speed automatic replacing the ZF 9-speed. Ratings are about 19/27 mpg (FWD) and 18/23 for the TrailSport, which adds off-road suspension and AWD tuning. Trims are LX, Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring and Elite. Check steering-gearbox and fuel-filler recalls by VIN.

Engines: 3.5 liter dohc V6 285 hp 262 lb ft
Transmissions: 10 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; I vtm4 torque vectoring AWD optional; AWD standard on trailsport and some upper trims
Body style: 5 door three row midsize SUV

What changed:

All new fourth generation larger body
New 285 hp dohc V6 and 10 speed automatic
Trailsport with off road tuned AWD and suspension
Trims lx sport ex l trailsport touring elite

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim transmission and drivetrain by VIN; 10 speed automatic shift quality; Infotainment and camera display; Honda sensing camera and radar function; Fuel filler neck and steering recall completion; Timing belt and water pump replacement records; AWD or 4wd rear differential fluid service; Third row seat and folding mechanisms; Power tailgate if equipped; Suspension tires and brakes; Towing wear if used for towing; Maintenance minder and oil change records.

2022 Honda Pilot

The 2022 Pilot is the last third-generation model. A new Sport trim replaced the LX and EX, and a TrailSport added a small lift, 18-inch wheels and AWD. LED headlights and an 8-inch touchscreen became standard. Power is the 280-hp V6 with a 9-speed automatic (about 20/27 mpg FWD). Note the 2026 recall for rear-subframe corrosion on 2016-2022 Pilots in salt states.

Engines: 3.5 liter direct injected V6 280 hp 262 lb ft
Transmissions: 9 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; I vtm4 torque vectoring AWD optional; AWD standard on trailsport
Body style: 5 door three row midsize SUV

What changed:

New sport trim replaces lx and ex
New trailsport trim with slight lift and AWD
LED headlights and 8 inch touchscreen standard
Last year of the third generation

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim transmission and drivetrain by VIN; 9 speed automatic shift quality and software updates; Start stop and vcm smoothness; Infotainment and camera display; Honda sensing camera and radar function; Rear subframe corrosion salt states; Timing belt and water pump replacement records; AWD or 4wd rear differential fluid service; Third row seat and folding mechanisms; Power tailgate if equipped; Suspension tires and brakes; Towing wear if used for towing; Maintenance minder and oil change records.

2021 Honda Pilot

For 2021 the 9-speed automatic became standard on every Pilot, and a Special Edition slotted between EX-L and Touring. The 280-hp 3.5L V6, standard Honda Sensing and seating for up to eight carry over (about 20/27 mpg FWD, 19/26 AWD). Test drive to confirm smooth 9-speed shifts, and ask whether transmission software updates were applied.

Engines: 3.5 liter direct injected V6 280 hp 262 lb ft
Transmissions: 9 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; I vtm4 torque vectoring AWD optional
Body style: 5 door three row midsize SUV

What changed:

9 speed automatic standard on all trims
New special edition trim

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim transmission and drivetrain by VIN; 9 speed automatic shift quality and software updates; Start stop and vcm smoothness; Infotainment and camera display; Honda sensing camera and radar function; Timing belt and water pump replacement records; AWD or 4wd rear differential fluid service; Third row seat and folding mechanisms; Power tailgate if equipped; Suspension tires and brakes; Towing wear if used for towing; Maintenance minder and oil change records.

2020 Honda Pilot

The 2020 Pilot adds a Black Edition trim with dark exterior and red-accented interior details. Otherwise it carries over the 280-hp 3.5L V6 with a 6-speed automatic on LX, EX and EX-L or a 9-speed on upper trims, and standard Honda Sensing (about 19-20/27 mpg FWD). It is the last year of the 6-speed automatic.

Engines: 3.5 liter direct injected V6 280 hp 262 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic lx ex ex l; 9 speed automatic touring elite black edition
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; I vtm4 torque vectoring AWD optional
Body style: 5 door three row midsize SUV

What changed:

New black edition trim
Last year of the 6 speed automatic

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim transmission and drivetrain by VIN; 6 speed automatic shift quality; 9 speed automatic shift quality and software updates; Start stop and vcm smoothness; Infotainment and camera display; Honda sensing camera and radar function; Timing belt and water pump replacement records; AWD or 4wd rear differential fluid service; Third row seat and folding mechanisms; Power tailgate if equipped; Suspension tires and brakes; Towing wear if used for towing; Maintenance minder and oil change records.

2019 Honda Pilot

The 2019 refresh brought new styling, LED headlights, an updated gauge cluster and infotainment with a volume knob, and made Honda Sensing standard on every trim. The 280-hp V6 carries over with a 6-speed (LX, EX, EX-L) or a revised 9-speed (Touring, Elite), about 19-20/27 mpg FWD. A strong used pick for standard safety tech; check connecting-rod and timing-belt recalls.

Engines: 3.5 liter direct injected V6 280 hp 262 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic lx ex ex l; 9 speed automatic touring and elite revised
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; I vtm4 torque vectoring AWD optional
Body style: 5 door three row midsize SUV

What changed:

Refreshed front and rear styling with standard LED headlights
Honda sensing standard on all trims
Revised 9 speed and stop start calibration
New gauge cluster and updated infotainment with volume knob
Cabincontrol app and available 4g hotspot

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim transmission and drivetrain by VIN; 6 speed automatic shift quality; 9 speed automatic shift quality and software updates; Start stop and vcm smoothness; Infotainment and camera display; Honda sensing camera and radar function; Connecting rod bearing and timing belt recalls if applicable; Timing belt and water pump replacement records; AWD or 4wd rear differential fluid service; Third row seat and folding mechanisms; Power tailgate if equipped; Suspension tires and brakes; Towing wear if used for towing; Maintenance minder and oil change records.

2018 Honda Pilot

The 2018 Pilot carries over with the 280-hp 3.5L V6, a 6-speed automatic on lower trims or a 9-speed on Touring and Elite, and front- or all-wheel drive (about 19-20/27 mpg FWD). Certain 2018 engines are part of the connecting-rod bearing recall and certain 2018-2019 engines a timing-belt recall, so a VIN check is essential.

Engines: 3.5 liter direct injected V6 280 hp 262 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic lx ex ex l; 9 speed automatic touring and elite
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; I vtm4 torque vectoring AWD optional
Body style: 5 door three row midsize SUV

What changed:

Largely carryover from 2017

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim transmission and drivetrain by VIN; 6 speed automatic shift quality; 9 speed automatic shift quality and software updates; Start stop and vcm smoothness; Infotainment and camera display; Honda sensing camera and radar function; Connecting rod bearing and timing belt recalls if applicable; Timing belt and water pump replacement records; AWD or 4wd rear differential fluid service; Third row seat and folding mechanisms; Power tailgate if equipped; Suspension tires and brakes; Towing wear if used for towing; Maintenance minder and oil change records.

2017 Honda Pilot

The 2017 Pilot adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on every trim except the LX. It keeps the 280-hp 3.5L V6 with a 6-speed automatic on LX, EX and EX-L (about 19/27 mpg FWD) or a 9-speed on Touring and Elite (about 20/27). Seating is for seven or eight. The 6-speed is the simpler, smoother-shifting choice for many buyers.

Engines: 3.5 liter direct injected V6 280 hp 262 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic lx ex ex l; 9 speed automatic touring and elite
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; I vtm4 torque vectoring AWD optional
Body style: 5 door three row midsize SUV

What changed:

Apple carplay and android auto added except lx

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim transmission and drivetrain by VIN; 6 speed automatic shift quality; 9 speed automatic shift quality and software updates; Start stop and vcm smoothness; Infotainment and camera display; Honda sensing camera and radar function; Connecting rod bearing and timing belt recalls if applicable; Timing belt and water pump replacement records; AWD or 4wd rear differential fluid service; Third row seat and folding mechanisms; Power tailgate if equipped; Suspension tires and brakes; Towing wear if used for towing; Maintenance minder and oil change records.

2016 Honda Pilot

The 2016 Pilot is all-new: sleeker, roughly 300 lb lighter and roomier inside, with a 280-hp, 262 lb-ft direct-injected 3.5L V6. LX, EX and EX-L use a 6-speed automatic (about 19/27 mpg FWD); Touring and Elite get a 9-speed with engine stop-start (about 20/27). Honda Sensing driver aids became available. Some 2016 engines are covered by a connecting-rod bearing recall.

Engines: 3.5 liter direct injected V6 280 hp 262 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic lx ex ex l; 9 speed automatic touring and elite
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; I vtm4 torque vectoring AWD optional
Body style: 5 door three row midsize SUV

What changed:

All new third generation sleeker and lighter
280 hp direct injected V6
New elite trim with second row captains chairs
Available honda sensing and 9 speed automatic
About 300 lb lighter than before

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim transmission and drivetrain by VIN; 6 speed automatic shift quality; 9 speed automatic shift quality and software updates; Start stop and vcm smoothness; Infotainment and camera display; Honda sensing camera and radar function; Connecting rod bearing recall completion; Timing belt and water pump replacement records; AWD or 4wd rear differential fluid service; Third row seat and folding mechanisms; Power tailgate if equipped; Suspension tires and brakes; Towing wear if used for towing; Maintenance minder and oil change records.

2015 Honda Pilot

The 2015 Pilot is the last of the boxy second generation and added an SE trim with a moonroof, satellite radio and rear-seat entertainment. It keeps the 250-hp 3.5L V6 with a 5-speed automatic (about 18/25 mpg FWD) and seating for eight. Takata airbag recalls extend to 2015 Pilots, so confirm the repair by VIN.

Engines: 3.5 liter V6 250 hp 253 lb ft with variable cylinder management
Transmissions: 5 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; Vtm 4 four wheel drive optional
Body style: 5 door three row midsize SUV

What changed:

New se special edition trim
Last year of the boxy second generation

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim transmission and drivetrain by VIN; Takata airbag recall completion; Vcm related misfire or oil consumption; Engine mount vibration; 5 speed automatic shift quality; Timing belt and water pump replacement records; AWD or 4wd rear differential fluid service; Third row seat and folding mechanisms; Power tailgate if equipped; Suspension tires and brakes; Towing wear if used for towing; Maintenance minder and oil change records.

2014 Honda Pilot

The 2014 Pilot carries over the 2013 equipment upgrades, including a standard rearview camera and Bluetooth, with the 250-hp 3.5L V6, 5-speed automatic and optional VTM-4 four-wheel drive (about 18/25 mpg FWD, 17/24 4WD). It is a roomy, durable family hauler; confirm timing-belt service by about 100,000 miles and open recalls by VIN.

Engines: 3.5 liter V6 250 hp 253 lb ft with variable cylinder management
Transmissions: 5 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; Vtm 4 four wheel drive optional
Body style: 5 door three row midsize SUV

What changed:

Largely carryover from 2013

2013 Honda Pilot

For 2013 every Pilot gained a rearview camera, an 8-inch i-MID display, Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, USB, and tri-zone climate control. The 250-hp 3.5L V6 and 5-speed automatic carry over (about 18/25 mpg FWD). This makes 2013-2015 the better-equipped years of this generation for the money.

Engines: 3.5 liter V6 250 hp 253 lb ft with variable cylinder management
Transmissions: 5 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; Vtm 4 four wheel drive optional
Body style: 5 door three row midsize SUV

What changed:

Standard rearview camera on all trims
Standard bluetooth and USB
8 inch i mid display on lx and ex
Tri zone climate control

2012 Honda Pilot

The 2012 Pilot got a refreshed grille and bumper, new wheels and interior updates, and fuel economy rose to about 18/25 mpg (FWD) from the same 250-hp 3.5L V6 and 5-speed automatic. It seats eight and offers optional four-wheel drive. Check Takata airbag recall completion and listen for engine vibration or misfires tied to cylinder deactivation.

Engines: 3.5 liter V6 250 hp 253 lb ft with variable cylinder management
Transmissions: 5 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; Vtm 4 four wheel drive optional
Body style: 5 door three row midsize SUV

What changed:

Refreshed front fascia and wheels
Updated interior
Improved fuel economy
I mid display with backup camera on ex l

2011 Honda Pilot

The 2011 Pilot is a boxy, eight-seat midsize SUV with a 250-hp 3.5L V6, a 5-speed automatic and front-wheel drive or VTM-4 four-wheel drive, rated about 17/23 mpg (FWD). Variable Cylinder Management shuts off cylinders to save fuel. 2011 Pilots are covered by Takata airbag recalls, so confirm the repairs by VIN before buying.

Engines: 3.5 liter V6 250 hp 253 lb ft with variable cylinder management
Transmissions: 5 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; Vtm 4 four wheel drive optional
Body style: 5 door three row midsize SUV

What changed:

Navigation available on ex l
Rear entertainment standard on touring

Known issues and what to check

Takata Airbag Inflator Recalls (2011-2015) (2011–2015)
Second-generation Pilots in this range are covered by Takata airbag inflator recalls (passenger inflators on 2011-2015 and other campaigns on 2011-2013 models). Unrepaired inflators can rupture in a crash. Repairs are free at Honda dealers.
What to do: Confirm every airbag recall is complete before purchase.
Connecting Rod Bearing and Timing Belt Recalls (2016–2019)
Recall 23V-751 covers certain 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilots whose connecting rod bearings can wear and seize, damaging the engine; dealers inspect and repair or replace the engine. Recall 19V-298 covers certain 2018-2019 Pilots whose timing belt teeth may separate. Both are VIN-specific.
What to do: Check the VIN for these engine recalls and avoid a vehicle with an open one until it is repaired.
Rear Subframe Corrosion Recall in Salt States (2016-2022) (2016–2022)
Recall 26V-365 (2026) covers certain 2016-2022 Pilots sold in road-salt states, where the rear subframe can corrode at suspension mounting points and lead to rear suspension failure. Dealers inspect and install a reinforcement kit or repair parts. Interim owner letters went out in July 2026, so the remedy may still be rolling out.
What to do: On 2016-2022 Pilots from salt-belt states, inspect the rear subframe and check the recall status.
9-Speed Automatic Shift Quality (2016-2022) (2016–2022)
The ZF-sourced 9-speed automatic (Touring and Elite 2016-2020, all trims 2021-2022) has drawn owner complaints about hesitant or rough shifts, and Honda revised its calibration for the 2019 refresh. The 6-speed automatic used on 2016-2020 LX, EX and EX-L models is a more conventional alternative.
What to do: Test drive the 9-speed carefully and ask whether software updates were applied.
V6 Timing Belt and Cylinder Deactivation Checks (2011–2026)
Honda's J-series 3.5L V6 uses a timing belt that must be replaced on the Maintenance Minder schedule (often around 100,000 miles), usually with the water pump. Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) on these engines has drawn owner complaints and litigation involving misfires, oil consumption and engine-mount vibration, especially on older Pilots.
What to do: Confirm timing-belt service at the due mileage and check for misfires or excessive oil use.
Fourth-Generation Recalls (2023-2026) (2023–2026)
Certain 2023-2025 Pilots have recalls for a steering-gearbox loose ball bearing (2023-2024), fuel filler pipe separation (2023-2025), fuel-injection software that can cause a stall (2023-2025), a brake-pedal pivot pin (2023-2025) and seat fasteners; certain 2026 Pilots have a rear-subframe bolt torque recall.
What to do: Run the VIN and complete any open recalls before purchase.
Transmission, Drivetrain and Trim Disambiguation (2011–2026)
Pilot transmissions change by year and trim: a 5-speed automatic (2011-2015), a 6-speed or 9-speed (2016-2020, by trim), the 9-speed only (2021-2022), and a 10-speed (2023-present). Drivetrains are FWD, VTM-4 4WD (2011-2015) or i-VTM4 AWD (2016-present). The two-row Passport shares much of the 2019-2025 Pilot's hardware.
What to do: Confirm the exact transmission, drivetrain and trim before comparing prices.

Recalls

Recall applicability varies by model year, production date, engine, state of registration and VIN. Check the VIN with NHTSA and Honda for open recalls, including Takata airbag (2011-2015) and rear-subframe corrosion (2016-2022) campaigns.

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Honda Passport
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Questions this guide answers

What generation is this Honda Pilot?
Does this Pilot have the 6-, 9- or 10-speed transmission?
Which Pilot years have Honda Sensing standard?
Are Takata airbag recalls done on this Pilot?
When is the timing belt due?
What changed in the 2016, 2019, 2023 and 2026 Pilot?
How much can this Pilot tow?
What should I inspect on a used Pilot?
What recalls should I check by VIN?
How does the Pilot compare with the Highlander and Telluride?