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    Honda Pilot

    EPA MPG: 21 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 9 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2020 Pilot is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    The 2020 Honda Pilot has been recalled 9 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2020 Honda Pilot owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Apple CarPlay

    "It was an intermittent problem for the last 6 months or so. It has suddenly become more consistent. The car is not recognizing the phone when it is plugged into the USB port. We have not taken it in yet to be looked at."

    Anonymous, NC (2020 Honda Pilot LX 3.5-L V6)
    Display screen freezes up

    "It has random errors. It says that it has lost connection then gives a technical error. The only way to fix it to turn the car off and on again."

    Anonymous, NY (2020 Honda Pilot EX-L 3.5-L V6)

    "Radio fails to boot up"

    Anonymous, OH (2020 Honda Pilot Touring 3.5-L V6)

    "On various occasions, the display freezes up and goes bland for no reason."

    Anonymous, (2020 Honda Pilot EX-L 3.5-L V6)
    Display screen goes blank

    "Technician said it was a pinched wire causing the screen to go off and on. Not sure it that is actually what caused the problem."

    Anonymous, NC (2020 Honda Pilot Touring 3.5-L V6)

    ""When car sits in sun for a period of time, the screen goes blank. Problem has been recurring even after being in shop several times for repairs. No resolution to date.""

    Anonymous, FL (2020 Honda Pilot Elite 3.5-L V6)

    "It happens when using CarPlay. It goes blank and you lose your phone call."

    Anonymous, NY (2020 Honda Pilot EX-L 3.5-L V6)
    Other in-car electronics problem

    "Electronic systems are not reliable. Hardwired connections (via HDMI and USB) to the rear entertainment system and to the main infotainment system (CarPlay) do not always work or cut out randomly. We have to unplug and replug-in the device to get things working again. This was an issue about 6-9 months into ownership. Dealership and shops cannot find a solution. Also, the audio entertainment system can randomly activate, even when the car is turned off (and not in accessory mode either). The radio will blast music for 2 seconds and then turn back off again. This issues started about 12-16 months into ownership. Dealership and shops cannot find a solution and cannot recreate the issue since it's random."

    Anonymous A., PA (2020 Honda Pilot Elite 3.5-L V6)

    "The display froze on many instances. The wiring harness was replaced and the problem still occurred. The backup camera broke and cost almost $1400 to repair"

    Anonymous, (2020 Honda Pilot EX-L 3.5-L V6)
    Over-the-air software update failed

    "Was unable to complete software update with Wi-Fi. Had to take it to the dealership for upgrade."

    Anonymous, NC (2020 Honda Pilot Touring 3.5-L V6)

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Rough shifting

    "The car would feel like it didn't want to shift into the next higher gear, and when driving at 35mph or less it would feel like it continually jumped between gears, or hesitated a lot."

    Anonymous A., IN (2020 Honda Pilot EX-L 3.5-L V6)
    Slipping transmission

    "The transmission does not engage immediately when the gas peddle pressed and when gears should shift in the CVT and seems like it is out of tune."

    Anonymous, VA (2020 Honda Pilot EX-L 3.5-L V6)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    What Owners Say

    Cylinder head

    ""It started a ticking noise that we thought might be injectors. Honda pulled the heads on both sides and replaced the valve train. There was an internal advisory to dealers about this potential issue. The extended warranty paid for most of the repair. They almost didn't pay for the fix, said it was normal wear, but we service regularly with honda and got to know and trust the service mgr. He pushed through our repair. My wife says she still hears the ticking sound.""

    Anonymous, CA (2020 Honda Pilot EX-L 3.5-L V6)

    "Excessive deposits on valve seats due to start/stop function"

    Anonymous A., MI (2020 Honda Pilot Touring 3.5-L V6)

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    What Owners Say

    Auto stop/start malfunction

    "Auto start/stop resulted in excessive valve deposits that prevented the starter from engaging the engine. My wife was driving in heavy city traffic when the failure occurred in the middle of a busy intersection. I found a National Transportation Safety Board memo detailing several similar complaints. When I brought the memo to the attention of the service manager of our local Honda dealer he accused me of fabricating the memo and stated "You can't believe what you read on the internet". Needless to say I was livid. A helpful tech at the dealership overheard the conversation, did some research and found a Honda Service bulletin confirming my findings. Valve seats were repaired and a larger starter motor installed under a special Honda warranty. After nine Honda vehicles we are now shopping elsewhere."

    Anonymous A., MI (2020 Honda Pilot Touring 3.5-L V6)

    "Did not restart at intersection many times. Two recalls later and still same problem"

    Anonymous, OH (2020 Honda Pilot Touring 3.5-L V6)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    Keyless entry

    "Doesnt work even with new battery"

    Anonymous, (2020 Honda Pilot Touring 3.5-L V6)
    Other electrical system problem

    "car was mis-wired and electrical shorted out. Had it worked on once and then had a recall on it"

    Anonymous, (2020 Honda Pilot Touring 3.5-L V6)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Premature brake wear

    "Brakes didn't last and give notice when failure. A bit of a guess. I don't do a lot of hard braking however the brakes didn't last as long as they should have"

    Anonymous, (2020 Honda Pilot Touring 3.5-L V6)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    What Owners Say

    Electrical failure

    "Too many issues to list. Engine idle stop doesnt work if AC or heat is on. Replaced battery 4 times in 5 years. Radio stops working randomly. AWD system error. Sound system makes popping noise. All of theses items were supposedly fixed with recall fixes."

    Anonymous, NH (2020 Honda Pilot Elite 3.5-L V6)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Engine knock or ping

    "The clicking sound was found to be bad Valve train. it was completely replaced - both sides."

    Anonymous, CA (2020 Honda Pilot EX-L 3.5-L V6)

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Squeaks or rattles

    "When opening/closing the tailgate, one of the struts squeaks and squeals. After warranty work, the problem continues. This issue started about 9 to 15 months of ownership."

    Anonymous A., PA (2020 Honda Pilot Elite 3.5-L V6)

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    What Owners Say

    Fuel pump

    "I dont really know. It was covered under warranty"

    Anonymous, IL (2020 Honda Pilot LX 3.5-L V6)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    A/C compressor

    "It stopped working and a brand new one had to be installed."

    Anonymous A., (2020 Honda Pilot Unsure 3.5-L V6)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    "The vehicle stopped dead on a bridge due to an "EPS malfunction" and was the caused us to be hit by another car at 65 mph as there was no place to pull off. They said there was a fuel pump recall but the dealership supposedly had completed the repair on said recall"

    Anonymous A., FL (2020 Honda Pilot EX-L 3.5-L V6)

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Ball joints

    ""The problem was found during routine maintenance, although something did seem wrong before then. The dealer fixed the problem by replacing a number of parts.""

    Anonymous, CO (2020 Honda Pilot EX-L 3.5-L V6)

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    2020 SUVs Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Honda vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    Overall Reliability Verdict

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    AIR BAGS
    Feb 01, 2024
    An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
    Summary:
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
    What should you do:
    Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024, October 18, 2024, and August 2025. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 24V064000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 750114
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    Dec 18, 2023
    Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
    What should you do:
    Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V858000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 2490460
    BACK OVER PREVENTION
    Jun 15, 2023
    A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
    Summary:
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Pilot, and 2019-2023 Passport vehicles. Due to a faulty Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) communication coaxial cable connector, the rearview camera image may not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
    What should you do:
    Dealers will replace the MOST cable harness and install a straightening cover over the vehicle cable connector, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are EEL, ZEM, and SFC.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V431000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 1209673
    VISIBILITY
    Mar 16, 2023
    Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2020-2022 Passport and Odyssey vehicles. The heating pads behind both side-view mirrors may not be bonded properly, allowing the mirror glass to detach. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
    What should you do:
    Dealers will replace both left and right side-view mirrors, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 17, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is FE5.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V174000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 339404
    TIRES
    Mar 11, 2021
    Overcured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation, which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
    Summary:
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Passport and Pilot vehicles equipped with Continental tires. On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production.
    What should you do:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four tires and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 22, 2021. Owners may contact American Honda Motor Co. customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is UA2.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V165000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 1093
    BACK OVER PREVENTION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
    Jul 28, 2020
    Operating a vehicle without a functioning instrument panel or rearview camera display increases the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Odyssey, 2019-2020 Passport, and 2019-2021 Pilot vehicles. Incorrect instrument panel control module software can cause the instrument panel to not display critical information, such as engine oil pressure, speedometer, and gear selector position until the next ignition cycle. Additionally, it can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 101, "Control and Displays" and 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
    What should you do:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument panel control module software, free of charge. The recall began September 23, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is T89.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V439000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 607786
    BACK OVER PREVENTION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
    Jul 28, 2020
    A delayed or inoperative rearview camera display can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Pilot, 2019-2020 Odyssey and 2019-2020 Passport vehicles. Incorrect central network software programming may cause several errors to occur that can delay or prevent the rearview camera image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
    What should you do:
    Honda will notify owners that updated software is available. Owners have the option to either follow the mailed instructions to download and update the software for free, or visit a dealer to have the software update performed, free of charge. The recall began September 23, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is Y7Y.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V440000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 499344
    EQUIPMENT
    Feb 06, 2020
    If the operator is unable to refer to the label information, the vehicle may be overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020 Passport and Pilot vehicles. The certification label may have been printed with ink that can be wiped away with a solvent, removing the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) information.
    What should you do:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the certification label, free of charge. The recall began March 24, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is B6T.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V067000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 10050
    STRUCTURE
    Oct 31, 2019
    In the event of a crash, incomplete body welding may provide inadequate protection to occupants, increasing the risk of an injury.
    Summary:
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Pilot and 2019 Passport vehicles. The front frame left and right side upper members may not have been welded completely to the unibody. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 219, "Windshield Zone Intrusion."
    What should you do:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle for missing welds, free of charge. If the vehicle is identified as missing welds, the dealer will offer to repurchase the vehicle or provide a similar replacement vehicle. Owner notification began November 6 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is X6J.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V784000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 10
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