2008 HONDA PILOT

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    airbag system

    15 unsafe

    15
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=12, median 88,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA PILOT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE AND WAS REAR ENDED BY THE VEHICLE IN HIS REAR. THE VEHICLE BEHIND HIM WAS TRAVELING 60 MPH AS WELL. FOUR OCCUPANTS WERE INJURED. THE VE…"~12,300 mi, complaint #683630
    • "I WAS TURNING RIGHT OFF OF AN ACCESS ROAD AND WAS BEHIND A GMC YUKON. THE YUKON BEGAN TO MOVE SO I BEGAN TO ACCELERATE WHILE MAKING SURE THE WAY WAS STILL CLEAR. THE YUKON STOPPED VERY SUDDENLY AND I HIT THE REAR OF THE YUKON. IT APPEARS MY BUMPER WENT UNDER…"~40,000 mi, complaint #770835
    • "HONDA PILOT WAS STRUCK (TBONE) AT 65 MPH SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND DRIVER WAS KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS AND LEANED ON THE GAS. CAR WENT INTO FULL REV AND CRASHED INTO A WALL WHERE THE FRONT AIRBAG DEPLOYED. HOMELESS MAN WAS SLEEPING BEHIND THE WALL AND WAS…"~88,000 mi, complaint #1175586
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA PILOT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG ERRONEOUSLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. TWO MINUTES LATER, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEPLOYMENT OCCURRED AFTER D…"~110,000 mi, complaint #1354542
    • "WAS IN A FRONT END ACCIDENT GOING 30 MPH AND NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE PERAON I TBONED ALL OF HIS DEPLOYED. NONE OF MINE WENT OFF."~178,000 mi, complaint #1521838
  2. #2

    other

    7 unsafe, 6 annoyance

    13
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL 16V-344 NOTICE (PASSENGER FRONTAL AIRBAG INFLATOR) IN LATE JUNE 2016. ORDERED AIRBAG PART AT MICHAEL HOHL HONDA IN CARSON CITY, NV 7/6/16. REPEATED INQUIRIES HAVE RESULTED IN BEING TOLD THE PART IS NOT YET AVAILABLE! THIS DELAY SEEMS U…"~106,000 mi, complaint #1339442
  3. #3

    lighting exterior

    4 unsafe, 4 annoyance

    8
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "3RD BRAKE LIGHT FAILED. UPON INSPECTION FOUND BULB TO BE BURNT OUT AND SOCKET PARTIALLY MELTED. REPLACED BULB WITH MANUFACTURERS RECOMMENDED BULB. IT APPEARS TO BE THE SAME BULB THAT ORIGINALLY BURNED OUT. I HAVE A CONCERN FOR A VEHICLE FIRE DUE TO THIS OV…"~50,300 mi, complaint #882937
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65MPH THE LOW BEAM LIGHTS SHUT OFF AND NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THE HIGH BEAM LIGHTS AND THE FOG LIGHTS HAVE TO BE USED WHILE DRIVING…"~76,000 mi, complaint #951008
    • "LOW BEAM LIGHTS DO NOT WORK BUT HIGH BEAM DOES. REPLACED BULBS, CHECKED FUSE, CHECKED RELAY, AND LIGHTS STILL DO NOT WORK. *TR "~82,000 mi, complaint #1161431
    • "TURN SIGNAL SWITCH TURNS ON HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS. *TR"~85,000 mi, complaint #1167918
    • "WINCHESTER VA 22602 NOV 23 2018 7:38 PM . THE LOW BEAM HEAD LIGHTS WENT OUT IN THE DRIZZLE ON VERY DARK ROAD. I HAD TO KEEP HITTING THE HIGH BEAMS AND RUN ON THE DRIVING LIGHTS. WHILE HITTING THE HIGH BEAMS WHEN POSSIBLE.THIS SAME PROBLEM WAS RECALLED ON EARLI…"~143,000 mi, complaint #1520129
  4. #4

    seat mechanism

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "2008 HONDA PILOT. I WAS GETTING INTO MY VEHICLE DRIVERS SEAT WHEN I HEARD A POP AND MY SEAT TILTED BACK. REMOVING THE FRONT DRIVERS SEAT CONTROL PANEL, I FOUND THAT A 'L' SHAPED BRACKET THAT ATTACHES THE SEAT TO THE FRAME ON THE FORWARD LEFT-SIDE OF THE DRIVER…"~91,125 mi, complaint #1392579
    • "DRIVER SEAT, FRONT BOTTOM LEFT CORNER METAL BRACKET HOLDING SEAT IN PLACE BROKE. SEAT ACTS LIKE A "ROCKING" CHAIR CONSTANTLY. VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE AS YOU ARE ALWAYS SHIFTING IN YOUR SEAT."~103,500 mi, complaint #1544075
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ENTERING THE VEHICLE AND ATTEMPTING TO SIT ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT, THE DRIVER SEAT TURNED COMPLETELY AROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT N…"~135,950 mi, complaint #1200581
    • "THE L-BRACKET THAT SECURES THE FRONT DRIVERS SEAT TO THE SEAT FRAME BROKE - IT SHEARED AWAY FROM THE RIVETS THAT ATTACHED TO THE FRONT LEFT OF THE DRIVERS SEAT AND THE SEAT IS NOW LOOSE. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN AS THE SEAT ROCKS BACK AND FORTH WHEN TURN…"~140,000 mi, complaint #1303865
    • "BRACKET THAT HOLDS DRIVERS SEAT TO BASE MADE A POPPING SOUND TODAY WHEN APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, AND AFTER ACCELERATETING FROM THE STOP SIGN THE DRIVERS SEAT BEGAN TO RECLINE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION I DISCOVERED THAT THE I BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE SEAT TO THE B…"~185,000 mi, complaint #1517862
  5. #5

    stability and traction control

    5 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND WAS PULLED OFF THE ROADWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS T…"~150,000 mi, complaint #1736126
    • "ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL. WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM MY FAMILY CHRISTMAS PARTY, I TURNED A SMALL CORNER AT 15 MPH AND MY BREAKS LOCKED UP. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT GO OVER 20MPH NOW. IT HAPPENED 4 TIMES TO ME YESTERDAY. 4 TIMES. EACH TIME I WAS SHOVED FORWARD, AN…"~167,000 mi, complaint #1247818
  6. #6

    engine internal

    1 stranded, 4 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "IN DECEMBER 2012 WHILE TRAVELING APPROX 70MPH ON A HIGHWAY, MY PILOT BEGAN BUCKING, AND FITTING BACK & FORTH. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY HAD TO DISASSEMBLE THE ENGINE, AND DETERMINED THE #5 PLUG HAD COME OFF, AND WAS RATTLING AROUND D…"~63,000 mi, complaint #1066691
    • "MY 2008 PILOT SHUDDERS IN THE SPEED RANGE OF ABOUT 35-40 MPH, WITH LIGHT PRESSURE ON THE GAS PEDAL. *JB"~82,000 mi, complaint #923102
    • "THE #5 SPARK PLUG EXPLODED AND A PIECE DROPPED INTO THE CYLINDER DAMAGING THE WALL AND PISTON. THE 4WD/TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON BEFORE THERE WERE ANY MECHANICAL FAILURES, I PULLED OVER AND TRIED TO "TURN OFF" THE 4WD/TRACTION, BUT IT IS AUTOMATIC AND SI…"~94,777 mi, complaint #1059284
    • "MY WAS DRIVING THE UNIT FOR ABOUT TWO MINUTES FROM THE STARTING POINT. THEN, ALL THE LIGHTS OF THE DASHBOARD TURN ON. WHEN SHE TRIED TO MOVE THE VEHICLE TO THE EMERGENCY LANE, A BLACK SMOKE START TO GO INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND A ENGINE FIRE STARTED. RAPIDLY,…"~105,000 mi, complaint #1151331
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER HAVING MAINTENANCE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE, SHE STARTED SMELLING BURNING OIL FUMES IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHITE SMOKE WAS EMITTED FROM THE EXHAUST PIPES. THE VEHICLE WA…"~130,000 mi, complaint #908175
  7. #7

    unintended acceleration

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER SHIFTING THE VEHICLE INTO REVERSE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD WITHOUT MANUAL FORCE. THE CONTACT THEN CRASHED INTO A PARKING SIGN. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES AND A POLICE…"~91,000 mi, complaint #1007361
    • "WHILE BACKING INTO THE DRIVEWAY, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED CAUSING THE CAR TO SLAM INTO THE CONCRETE PART OF THE ATTACHED GARAGE TOTALING THE SUV"~96,865 mi, complaint #1599685
    • "I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT AT WORK WHEN THE HONDA PILOT ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. I APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE.I WENT THRU A FENCE AND SLAMMED INTO ANOTHER CAR CAUSING DAMAGE."~161,000 mi, complaint #1635681
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED HE SHIFTED GEARS TO NEUTRAL…"~179,942 mi, complaint #1741319
  8. #8

    brake hydraulics

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED FOLLOWED BY A BRIEF DELAYED RESPONSE. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING IN RAINY WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE TEC…"~20,000 mi, complaint #1026613
    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA PILOT. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH AND APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT HE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WHO WAS UNAB…"~72,400 mi, complaint #835507
  9. #9

    corrosion and rust

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "When in the service garage for a noise, our independent service mechanic confirmed that the body of the Pilot has rusted from the frame."complaint #1901269
    • "Had vehicle in for state inspection and was told the rear crossmember where the rear wheel assembly bolts into was rusting and should be fixed immediately."complaint #2124103
    • "Frame completely rusted through, multiple holes found in the frame. This is a death trap!"complaint #2235393
  10. #10

    door latch and hinge

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "THE DOOR STOP CHECK WHICH SHOULD KEEP THE DOOR FROM CLOSING ON THE DRIVER'S LEGS AS ONE ENTERS OR EXITS THE VEHICLE FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. IT ACTUALLY WAS NOT WORKING WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR IN JANUARY OF 2014 WITH 59,900 MILES. THE DOOR WOULD NOT S…"~64,000 mi, complaint #1070177
    • "REAR TAILGATE LATCH MECHANISM FELL OUT OF MOUNT. 2 OF 3 SCREWS WERE FOUND COMPLETELY LOOSE AFTER PARTIAL REMOVAL OF REAR TAILGATE INTERIOR TRIM. ISSUE HAPPENED IN STORE PARKING LOT LOADING GROCERIES; TAILGATE WOULD NOT LATCH SHUT AND DROVE HOME AT SLOW SPEED W…"~75,000 mi, complaint #1049186
    • "THIS OCCURRED THREE TIMES. WE HAVE FOUND THE HOOD TO BE IN OPEN POSITION (AJAR). ITS LIKE SOMEONE PULLED THE LEVEL AND THE HOOD OPENS, BUT THE SECONDARILY LATCH KEEPS IT FROM FLYING OPEN WHILE UNDERWAY. I WILL JUST REACH IN AND PULL THE SECONDARY LATCH TO OPEN…"~77,000 mi, complaint #1070182
  11. #11

    steering column

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "HAD MY PILOT IN PARK WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND I COULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK. I HAD TO PUSH ON THE RELEASE BUTTON ON TOP OF THE STEERING COLUMN TO GO INTO DRIVE. IT WON'T RESET AND MY HORN DOESN'T WORK. *TR"~96,032 mi, complaint #1073171
  12. #12

    tire failure

    1 stranded, 2 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "PURCHASED A HONDA PILOT EQUIPPED WITH KUHMO KR21 TIRES. WHILE ON A ROAD TRIP WITH THE FAMILY, ABOUT [REDACTED ADDRESS] HEARD A THUMP SOUND I WENT TO A LOCAL LANE TO EXIT AND THEN THE TIRE LITERALLY EXPLODES AND SEPARATES ON THE HIGHWAY. WE DID TWO SPINS AND CR…"~70,000 mi, complaint #1677012
  13. #13

    torque converter

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "I OWN AN 2008 HONDA PILOT (AUTOMATIC) AND WOULD LIKE AN INVESTIGATION OF THIS VEHICLE'S INABILITY TO HOLD IN GEAR ON AN INCLINE. THE PILOT WILL ROLL BACKWARDS WHEN IN DRIVE WITHOUT STOPPING ON AN UPHILL INCLINE, AND WILL ROLL FORWARD WHEN IN REVERSE ON A D…"~15,000 mi, complaint #749740
    • "MY ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON AND WENT I CHECKED THE CODE P0741 STATED TORQUE CONVERTER STUCK OFF."~103,000 mi, complaint #1506947
    • "VEHICLE VIBRATION, FROM FAILED TORQUE CONVERTER. *TR"~105,000 mi, complaint #973324
  14. #14

    transmission automatic

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A STOPLIGHT, WAITING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, THE DRIVER ACCELERATED INTO THE TURN, THEN LET OFF THE GAS TO COAST THRU THE TURN. AFTER COMPLETING THE TURN AND RE-APPLYING THE GAS PEDAL, IT WAS REALIZED THAT…"~101,842 mi, complaint #981714
    • "WHILE DRIVING MY 2008 HONDA PILOT AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MILES AN HOUR THERE WAS A TERRIBLE SHUDDER IN THE TRANSMISSION AND IT LASTED FOR ABOUT 3 SECONDS . AT THAT TIME I LOST POWER AND LUCKILY I WASN'T CROSSING OVER AN INTERSECTION , OR ELSE I MIGHT NOT BE HERE…"~142,000 mi, complaint #1154904
    • "HONDA CORPORATION IS AWARE OF A NON-CONFORMANCE ISSUE WITH THE HONDA PILOTS TRANSMISSION BUT HAS NOT PROVIDED A RECALL OR SOLUTION TO CONSUMERS. THE "TRANSMISSION" CAN FAIL BETWEEN 35K TO 157K MILES WHEN THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE MECHANICAL…"~155,000 mi, complaint #1029148
  15. #15

    abs module

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "WHEN YOU APPLY BRAKES ABOVE 30 MPH STEERING WHEEL SHAKES AND BRAKES PULSE.DTC 84-1 AND ABS SYSTEM TEST SAYS THAT THE VSC/ABS LOSES COMMUNICATION ABOVE 30 MPH WITH NO NUMBER CODE SHOWN."~201,000 mi, complaint #1688462
  16. #16

    alignment and pull

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "THE STEERING SHAKE WAS REPORTED TO THE DEALER DIRECTLY AFTER SALE. THE DEALER TOLD ME THEY DIDN'T NOTICE ANYTHING WRONG AND I SHOULD NOT BE GOING OVER 65 AS THAT IS THE SPEED LIMIT.THEY FINALLY FORCE BALANCED THE TIRES AND ADJUSTED THE ALIGNMENT, 50% BETTER.…"~65,800 mi, complaint #932871
  17. #17

    catalytic converter

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "CATALYTIC CONVERTER BANKS 2-4 FAILED. *TR"~87,000 mi, complaint #973325
  18. #18

    fluid leak unspecified

    2 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "WATER IS COLLECTING ON DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS FLOOR AFTER RAIN. DOESNT MATTER IF CAR IS IN MOTION OR STATIONARY. *TR"~55,000 mi, complaint #1127872
    • "WHEN HEAVY RAINS OCCUR WATER LEAKS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE FLOORBOARD."~163,000 mi, complaint #1457470
  19. #19

    glass and windshield

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA PILOT. SHE ENTERED THE VEHICLE AFTER A RAINY DAY AND NOTICED THE CARPET ON THE DRIVERS AND PASSENGER SIDE WAS WET. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THERE WAS A LEAK COMING FROM THE WINDSHIEL…"~60,000 mi, complaint #819629
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, A RATTLING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT PANEL THEN BECAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND FLEW ACROSS THE HIGHWAY. THE CON…"~111,000 mi, complaint #1049466
  20. #20

    lighting interior

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR COURTESY MAP LIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPLACED A FUSE UNDER THE DASHBOARD AREA HOWEVER, THE MALFUNCTION CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO…"~75,000 mi, complaint #944554
  21. #21

    power windows and locks

    1 unsafe, 1 broken

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED ON STREET ATTEMPTED TO ROLL DOWN AND THEN UP REAR DRIVER SIDE WINDOW. IT STUCK IN THE DOWN POSITION WITH MOTOR MAKING NOISE BUT NO MOVEMENT. THIS COINCIDENTALLY HAPPENED RIGHT AFTER EXPIRATION OF FACTORY WARRANTY. UNABLE TO SECURE…"~40,000 mi, complaint #858717
    • "REAR DRIVER SIDE WINDOW DROPPED. IT SHOULD NOT FAIL IN THIS WAY THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY BUT IT COULD EASILY HAVE BEEN IN MOTION. I BELIEVE THIS IS A DEFECTIVE DESIGN OR PART. I HAD THE DEALER REPLACE AND INSTALL PART AT MY COST. QUICK WEB SEARCH SHOWED THIS…"~100,000 mi, complaint #1310038
  22. #22

    suspension arms and bushings

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, THE REAR OF THE CAR STARTED SWAYING SLIGHTLY. SEVERAL PASSING MOTORISTS MOTIONED ME TO PULL OVER. UPON INSPECTION, WE NOTICED THE REAR CHASSIS ON BOTH SIDES HAD PULLED AWAY FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE REAR WHEELS…"~169,295 mi, complaint #1595799
  23. #23

    ac compressor and refrigerant

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "WHILE DRIVING ON A FREEWAY, A TRUCK KICKED UP A ROCK. THE ROCK BOUNCED BACK AND UNDER MY VEHICLE. I HEARD A POPPING NOISE. WHEN I PULLED INTO MY GARAGE A SHORT WHILE LATER, I HEARD A HISSING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE. THERE WAS A FLUID LEAK…"~30,000 mi, complaint #771963
  24. #24

    acceleration loss or hesitation

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "PILOT LOSES POWER UPON ACCELERATION AFTER SLOWING OR STOPING. IT APPEARS THAT IT IS GOING TO STALL WHEN PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL TO ACCELERATE ON SHARP LEFT TURNS (EXAMPLE: LEFT TURN AT LIGHT OR STOP SIGN). IT HAS ON RARE OCCASION HAD THE ISSUE WHEN TAKING OFF FR…"complaint #1504507
  25. #25

    adas collision warning

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "HONDA PILOT 2008 BRAKES AUTOMATICALLY, FOR NO REASON, WHILE DRIVING. OCCURRED AT 35MPH ON RESIDENTIAL STREET, AGAIN AT 50MPH ON HIGHWAY. SUNNY DAYS, APPROXIMATELY 75 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. DRIVING STRAIGHT."~142,000 mi, complaint #1500733
  26. #26

    brake booster

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "WENT TO A BURGER PLACE TO GRAB A BITE AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 5.5 TOTAL MILES, PULLED INTO A PARKING SLOT WITHOUT INCIDENT BUT UPON RETURN, I PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE, AND AS I STARTED TO VERY SLOWLY PULL OUT IN THE CROWDED LOT, THERE WAS THIS VERY LOUD SCREECHI…"~87,000 mi, complaint #1068917
  27. #27

    control module

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "MY HONDA OFTEN GETS THE ENGINE LIGHT TURN ON AND THEN A FEW DAYS LATER THE LIGHT IS OFF.. WHEN THE ENGINE LIGHT TURNS ON, I HAD TAKEN IT TO DEALER IN WHICH THEY UPDATE MICROSOFT BUT IT COMES BACK AGAIN. THE DEALER RUNS THE CAR INTO THE COMPUTER AND DOESN'T…"complaint #943857
  28. #28

    differential

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, MY 2008 HONDA PILOT ROLLS UNHINDERED DOWN HILL WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS IN PARK. TO DATE, THE FOREGOING HAS ONLY OCCURRED ON SNOW COVERED SURFACES. I POSSESS VIDEO FOOTAGE OF THE VEHICLE DOING SO. MOREOVER, A REPRESENTATIVE OF AM…"~35,000 mi, complaint #764697
  29. #29

    emissions aftertreatment

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "2008 HONDA PILOT EX FUEL EMISSIONS LIGHT CAME ON WITHOUT REASON. *TR"~18,000 mi, complaint #764363
  30. #30

    engine cooling

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "RADIATOR CORE FAILURE IN 2008 HONDA PILOT EX-L. OEM RADIATOR FAILED DUE TO LEAK AT CRIMP BETWEEN PLASTIC CAP AND CORE. *TR"~45,000 mi, complaint #904521
  31. #31

    engine oil consumption

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "THE PILOT HAVE EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION, THE FIRST FEW YEARS WHEN THE CAR WAS NEW I USED TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER FOR OIL CHANGES AND THE DEALER NEVER MENTIONED ANYTHING ABOUT OIL CONSUMPTION UNTIL I STARTED CHANGING THE OIL MYSELF WHEN I NOTICED THAT OVER TH…"complaint #1303368
  32. #32

    evap system

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "WE HAVE BOUGHT TWO HONDA PILOTS AND ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH OUR NEW ONE. FUEL EVAP. SYSTEM, KEEPS HAVING PROBLEMS SENDING CODES TO THE COMPUTERS. COULD LEAD TO A DANGEROUS INCIDENT. PROBLEM RECURS ALOT, ESP AFTER YOU FUEL UP YOUR TANK OR IS 2/3 FULL.…"~4,000 mi, complaint #676216
  33. #33

    heater core and blower

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "HEATER AND AC HAS WORKED JUST FINE SINCE I BOUGHT THE SUV. ALL OF A SUDDEN MY FRONT CABIN HAS STOP BLOWING HOT AIR WHEN HEATER IS ON. IT WORKS JUST FINE IN THE BACK CABIN. I HAVE BEEN LOOKING IN TO THIS AND CAME TO FIND OUT THIS HAS BEEN A ISSUE WITH EVERYONE…"complaint #1704226
  34. #34

    horn

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN DID NOT OPERATE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SPORADICALLY FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR, BUT CURRENTLY DOES NOT SOUND AT ALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REFERRED THE CONT…"~192,000 mi, complaint #1587358
  35. #35

    interior trim

    1 broken

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER HEATED SEAT BECAME EXTREMELLY HOT BEFORE BOTH STOP WORKING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. "~50,000 mi, complaint #1076152
  36. #36

    paint and clearcoat

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "THE PAINT ON THE TRIM PANEL ABOVE THE BACK WINDOW IS FADED AND THE CLEAR COAT IS PEELING."complaint #1223651
  37. #37

    parking brake

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "2008 HONDA PILOT. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HIS WIFE PARKED THE VEHICLE AT THE TOP OF THE DRIVEWAY. SHE PUT THE GEAR IN PARK AND REMOVED THE KEY. THE VEHICLE THEN ROLLED DOWN THE DRIVEWAY BACKWARDS INTO THE NEIGHBORS D…"complaint #817361
  38. #38

    seatbelt and pretensioner

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Passanger seatbelt will not retract. Took to dealership and was told there would be a $150 inspection fee before they would even look at it. Because it is a safety item no third parties are permitted to sell them. Understand that the part eventually wears out,…"complaint #1891676
  39. #39

    starter

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "THE KEY WILL NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. I WAS HAVING TROUBLE GETTING THE KEY TO GO INTO THE IGNITION ABOUT 2 DAYS AGO, NOW I CAN GET THE KEY IN, BUT IT WILL NOT TURN. I CAN TAKE THE KEY IN AND OUT, BUT CAN NOT GET IT TO TURN. THERE IS POWER TO THE VEHICLE WHEN…"complaint #1393030
  40. #40

    steering electric assist

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "DRIVING AT SLOW SPEED IN PARKING LOT, WHILE MAKING A TURN TO THE RIGHT WITH STEERING WHEEL CLOSE TO FULL RIGHT TURN LOCK. KEYS ON KEY RING CAUGHT WITHIN RECESS IN THE BACK OF THE STEERING WHEEL (RECESS IS EXPOSED TO KEYS BECAUSE OF RIGHT TURN), AND LODGED AGA…"~16,000 mi, complaint #709555
  41. #41

    sunroof

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA PILOT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED AND FRACTURED. THE GLASS CAUSED MINOR INJURIES ON THE ARM, BUT MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT NECESSARY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER W…"~123,500 mi, complaint #1285205
  42. #42

    suspension struts shocks

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I could hear a loud grinding noise while driving and the rear of the truck felt like it was driving without any type of suspension. Any bump or slight imperfection in the roadway felt like metal banging and a severe thump could be felt inside the vehicle. The…"complaint #2165043
  43. #43

    throttle and pedal

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "WHILE BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY VEHICLE SPED BACKWARDS WITH TREMENDOUS SPEED RAPIDLY CAUSING DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL - VEHICLE RACED ACROSS THE CITY STREET SLAMMING INTO TREE TOTALING THE VEHICLE - VEHICLE SPED UP AS DRIVER TOOK FOOT OFF BRAKE"~59,000 mi, complaint #1321100
  44. #44

    timing belt or chain

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 70MPH THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON FOLLOWED BY SEVERAL OTHER WARNING LIGHTS. THE ENGINE STOPPED AND I BARELY MADE IT TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. DEALER ANALYZED A BROKEN TIMING BELT AND REPLACED BELT AND HEADS. TAKING CAR BACK TO D…"~3,000 mi, complaint #681787
  45. #45

    wheel bearing

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "WHEEL VIBRATIONS AT 68-70 MPH. IT'S BETTER AT 73-76MPH AND COMES BACK AT 80MPH AND UP. THIS HAPPENS FROM THE DATE I PURCHASED THE CAR (OCTOBER 6TH 2008). TRIED TO FIX IT WITH DEALERS (BALANCING, ALIGNING) BUT DID NOT HELP. *TR"~12,000 mi, complaint #767706
  46. #46

    wiring harness

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "THE ELECTRIC CORDS IN MY CAR HAS BEEN BITTEN BY RODENTS FOR 5-6 TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR. EVERY TIME MY CAR COULD BE STARTED OR THE WARNING LIGHTS ARE ON. MY CAR IS PARKED IN OPEN PARKING LOT. BUT THIS KIND OF PROBLEMS JUST HAPPENED TO MY CAR, NOT MY NEIGHBORS'…"complaint #773112

NHTSA investigations

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for HONDA PILOT directly.