Honda Pilot Years to Avoid
We analyzed 5964 owner complaints and 85 safety recalls registered with the NHTSA to determine which Honda Pilot model years are lemons and which are safe to purchase.
Years to Avoid
Model year 2016 had the highest spike in defects, particularly in electrical system.
Best Years to Buy
Significantly lower defect frequency, few recalls, and refined mechanicals.
Electrical System
The #1 source of driver complaints on this vehicle. Inspect this subsystem thoroughly during pre-purchase inspection.
Honda Pilot Complaints & Defects by Model Year
Official consumer safety reports filed with the NHTSA. Click any year for the complete breakdown.
Honda Pilot Model Year Comparison Table
Detailed breakdown by model year showing complaint totals, safety recalls, and reliability verdicts.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Defect Score | Verdict | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Honda Pilot | 172 | 9 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2013 Honda Pilot | 272 | 6 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2014 Honda Pilot | 116 | 3 | 47/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
| 2015 Honda Pilot | 109 | 4 | 56/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2016 Honda Pilot | 1724 | 8 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2017 Honda Pilot | 937 | 4 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2018 Honda Pilot | 442 | 7 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2019 Honda Pilot | 927 | 13 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2020 Honda Pilot | 493 | 11 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2021 Honda Pilot | 452 | 10 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2022 Honda Pilot | 172 | 5 | 64/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2023 Honda Pilot | 148 | 5 | 58/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
Buying a Used Honda Pilot: Key Reliability Insights
What are the Honda Pilot years to avoid?
Based on official NHTSA safety defect data, the Honda Pilot model years to avoid are 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023. These years exhibit significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recurring electrical system issues, and federal safety recalls.
What is the best year to buy for a used Honda Pilot?
The most reliable used model year for the Honda Pilot is 2014 (as well as 2014), which recorded the lowest defect score and minimal safety recalls on record.
What are the most common problems with the Honda Pilot?
The most frequently reported component issues for the Honda Pilot are Electrical System, Engine & Cooling, Unknown Or Other. Owners reported premature component wear and software calibration glitches to federal investigators.
How many total recalls have been issued for the Honda Pilot?
Between 2012 and 2023, the NHTSA has published 85 safety recall campaigns and recorded 5964 official owner complaints for the Honda Pilot.