NHTSA data as of Sep 17, 2026Published Oct 15, 2026
According to our reliability score system, the best Honda Pilot years to buy are the 2012 and 2014. Both come from the 2nd generation, model years 2009 to 2015.
The 2016, 2017 and 2019 rate Avoid. Owners of the 2016 and 2017 most often report auto idle stop, mostly the car not starting. On the 2019, the main complaint is cars not starting.
If you want a newer Pilot, look at the 2022, which rates Good. Be careful with the 2016 to 2021, 2023 and 2024. The 2025 and 2026 are too new for a final score.
For an older Pilot, made before 2016, the 2006 to 2014 rate Good or Excellent. The 2003 to 2005 are the ones to check closely.
Not rated yet: 2025, 2026, too new for a final score. Not enough data to score: 2015.
Two Pilot years rate Excellent, scoring 80 or higher. The 2014 leads with 82.
2nd generation
Where the 116 complaints are
2nd generation
Where the 171 complaints are
Also rated Good: 2006–2011, 2013, 2022.
Three Pilot years rate Avoid, scoring below 60. The 2016 is lowest, at 52. The other is the lowest-scoring year rated Caution.
3rd generation
Where the 1,699 complaints are
Honda extended coverage for some of these cars (19-057, 15-075, 17-035, 20-117, 20-100, 23-009). Check the VIN with a dealer.
Full 2016 report →3rd generation
Where the 920 complaints are
Honda extended coverage for some of these cars (17-035, 20-117, 20-100, 21-010, 23-009). Check the VIN with a dealer.
Full 2017 report →3rd generation
Where the 903 complaints are
Honda extended coverage for some of these cars (21-010, 21-012, 23-009). Check the VIN with a dealer.
Full 2019 report →3rd generation
Where the 485 complaints are
Honda extended coverage for some of these cars (21-012, 23-009). Check the VIN with a dealer.
Full 2020 report →Also rated Caution or Avoid: 2003–2005, 2018, 2021, 2023–2024.
A final score needs 36 months of complaints. Until then we show what we know, and a provisional reading once there is enough data.
Provisional score 62 (likely 59 to 66), in the middle third of 2025 models so far. Final score at 36 months.
Same generation as the 2024, which scored 62 (Caution).
What we know so far →20 complaints and 1 recall so far. First provisional score expected around July 2027.
Same generation as the 2024, which scored 62 (Caution).
What we know so far →All model years, newest first. Tap a year for its full report, with the problems owners report, recalls, Honda programs and crash ratings.
| Year | Generation | Rating | Score | Vs average | Complaints | Per 10k cars | Recalls | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4th generation | Too new | – | – | 20 | 6.1 | 1 | Report |
| 2025 | 4th generation | Provisional 62 | – | – | 197 | 8.1 | 4 | Report |
| 2024 | 4th generation | Caution | 62 | 1.8× | 112 | 16.2 | 6 | Report |
| 2023 | 4th generation(first year) | Caution | 63 | 1.5× | 139 | 18.1 | 5 | Report |
| 2022 | 3rd generation | Good | 72 | 0.81× | 153 | 10.5 | 5 | Report |
| 2021 | 3rd generation | Caution | 63 | 1.7× | 432 | 26.7 | 10 | Report |
| 2020 | 3rd generation | Caution | 60 | 2.3× | 485 | 46.3 | 11 | Report |
| 2019 | 3rd generation | Avoid | 58 | 2.5× | 903 | 56.3 | 13 | Report |
| 2018 | 3rd generation | Caution | 63 | 1.6× | 439 | 36.1 | 7 | Report |
| 2017 | 3rd generation | Avoid | 59 | 2.6× | 920 | 58.4 | 4 | Report |
| 2016 | 3rd generation(first year) | Avoid | 52 | 3.6× | 1,699 | 95.8 | 8 | Report |
| 2015 | 2nd generation | Not enough data | – | – | 109 | 9.8 | 4 | Report |
| 2014 | 2nd generation | Excellent | 82 | 0.33× | 116 | 13.0 | 3 | Report |
| 2013 | 2nd generation | Good | 78 | 0.47× | 271 | 20.2 | 6 | Report |
| 2012 | 2nd generation | Excellent | 80 | 0.35× | 171 | 12.5 | 9 | Report |
| 2011 | 2nd generation | Good | 78 | 0.39× | 293 | 15.2 | 11 | Report |
| 2010 | 2nd generation | Good | 79 | 0.35× | 111 | 13.7 | 10 | Report |
| 2009 | 2nd generation(first year) | Good | 78 | 0.34× | 134 | 13.6 | 9 | Report |
| 2008 | 1st generation | Good | 79 | 0.33× | 133 | 12.6 | 7 | Report |
| 2007 | 1st generation | Good | 74 | 0.39× | 211 | 14.3 | 7 | Report |
| 2006 | 1st generation | Good | 77 | 0.48× | 268 | 15.5 | 8 | Report |
| 2005 | 1st generation | Caution | 62 | 1.5× | 679 | 44.7 | 13 | Report |
| 2004 | 1st generation | Caution | 66 | 1.1× | 544 | 36.0 | 12 | Report |
| 2003 | 1st generation | Caution | 61 | 1.7× | 720 | 52.2 | 13 | Report |
Vs average: how this year's complaint rate compares with the average car of the same age. 1× is average, 2× is twice as many. Per 10k cars: complaints so far for every 10,000 cars Honda made for the U.S. that model year. The complaint count also includes owners who wrote in only about a recall notice, with no problem to report. The score leaves those out. Generations follow Honda's own model history.
Across its model years, the Pilot has had 62 recalls. Honda also extended the warranty on 14 known problems that were not safety recalls. If the car you are looking at qualifies, those repairs may be free.
Engine not restarting after auto idle stop
Honda 23-010 · 2021–2022 Pilot
Engine not restarting after auto idle stop
Honda 23-009 · 2016–2021 Pilot
Audio and display network connectors (speaker popping, no audio)
Honda 21-012 · 2019–2020 Pilot
Check engine light: catalytic converter, misfire or fuel injector codes
Honda 21-010 · 2017–2019 Pilot
Transmission fluid warmer (9-speed automatic)
Honda 17-035 · 2016–2017 Pilot
Keyless start system error (start/stop button)
Honda 20-117 · 2016–2017 Pilot
Check engine light: catalytic converter, misfire or fuel injector codes
Honda 20-100 · 2016–2017 Pilot
White paint peeling (roof and tailgate)
Honda 19-057 · 2013–2016 Pilot
Every complaint filed with NHTSA for the model year, plus its recalls. Recall-notice filings with no fault are left out.
A popular car gets more complaints just because there are more of them. We divide by the number Honda made for that model year and compare with the average car of the same age.
70 is average. Twice the average rate of complaints costs 10 points, half the rate adds 10. Serious problems count more than everyday ones.