2009 Honda Pilot Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Sep 17, 2026Published Oct 15, 2026

Good

Ranks 6th of 21 Pilot years we score.

Owner complaints: 134; 19 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 13.6; 84,663 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.34×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 34; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 9
NHTSA crash rating: Not rated; no overall rating before 2011

← 2008 Pilot 2010 Pilot →

Should You Buy the 2009 Honda Pilot?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2009 Honda Pilot is 78 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported about a third as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 6th of the 21 Pilot years we score.

The most reported problem is high oil consumption, mostly burning or using oil (17 of 134 complaints). Owners also complain about the brakes and the control arm bushings. 34 of the 134 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 9 recalls. Honda also offers 2 warranty extensions that may still apply, for engine misfire from fouled spark plugs (piston rings) and front suspension lower arm bushings. For comparison, the 2010 scores 79.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask a Honda dealer about warranty extension 13-082 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Good reliability score of 78
About a third of the problems of the average car its age
Recent complaints at or below average
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls

Cons

Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil17 complaints
Brakes: vibration or shudder12 complaints
Control arm bushings: a leak11 complaints
First year of a new generation

How the 2009 Pilot Earned Its Score

Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems	0.29×	−4
Everyday problems	0.46×	−3
Problems in the last two years	0.66×	−7
Recalls	1.8×	−8
Score		78

What Owners Report

We read all 134 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Honda Pilot, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
17 complaints (13%)
Burning or using oil. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 111,000 miles.
Brakes: vibration or shudder
12 complaints (9%)
Vibration or shudder, loss of braking and warping. 2 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. Median mileage when it started: about 44,000 miles.
Control arm bushings: a leak
11 complaints (8%)
A leak, a failure that needed a new part and early wear. Median mileage when it started: about 71,000 miles.
Seats: parts breaking or coming apart
7 complaints (5%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, sticking or stiffness and loose / rocking. Median mileage when it started: about 20,000 miles.
Steering: vibration or shudder
6 complaints (4%)
Vibration or shudder, shattering or cracking and a leak. Median mileage when it started: about 35,000 miles.
Airbag warning light
5 complaints (4%)
Warning lights and a stored fault code.
Seat belts: unlatches by itself
5 complaints (4%)
Unlatches by itself, a failure and not closing or latching.
Engine: rough running or misfires
4 complaints (3%)
Rough running or misfires, stalling and unusual noises. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 90,000 miles.
Engine failure: a fire
4 complaints (3%)
A fire, damage and a failure that needed a new part. 3 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 128,000 miles.
Tires: shattering or cracking
3 complaints (2%)
Shattering or cracking and parts breaking or coming apart.
Transmission: slipping
3 complaints (2%)
Slipping, a failure and vibration or shudder. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Vibration (cause not stated)
3 complaints (2%)
Vibration or shudder. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 42,000 miles.
Airbag inflator (rupture risk or Takata): parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart. Both describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem.
Exhaust or catalytic converter failure
2 complaints (1%)
A failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Fuel economy: high fuel use
2 complaints (1%)
High fuel use.

Show 9 more problems

Ignition coils or spark plugs failure
2 complaints (1%)
A failure. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
2 complaints (1%)
A loss of power. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Underhood fire (cause not stated)
2 complaints (1%)
A fire. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a fire.
Piston rings failure
2 complaints (1%)
A failure. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Timing belt failure
2 complaints (1%)
A failure and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Timing chain or camshaft: locking up
2 complaints (1%)
Locking up and damage. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
2 complaints (1%)
Sudden acceleration and surging. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a crash.
Valve train: unusual noises
2 complaints (1%)
Unusual noises and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage
2 complaints (1%)
Damage and a failure that needed a new part.

Reported Once (37)

Show the 37 problems reported once

A/C compressor failure
ABS failure
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
Ball joints and control arms: early wear
Battery drain: draining the battery
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
Check engine light (cause not stated)
CV axles: unusual noises
Engine oil leak
Engine sensors or computer failure
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
Fuel pump failure
Fuel leak
Ignition or push-button start: the car not starting
Interior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
Passenger airbag sensor: warning lights
Serpentine belt tensioner: parts breaking or coming apart
Skidding (cause not stated)
Suspension bushing (location not stated): shattering or cracking
Transmission cooler: parts breaking or coming apart
Vehicle jack failure
Wheel vibration (part not stated): vibration or shudder
Windshield washer pump: stopped working
Paint and rust: rust or corrosion
Power liftgate failure
Rearview camera failure
Side or curtain airbags: warning lights
Car not starting (cause not stated)
Struts or shocks: stopped working
Tire pressure monitoring: damage
Torque converter: vibration or shudder
Transmission fluid leak
Shifter or park: the car rolling away
Variable cylinder management (VCM): burning or using oil
Wheel bearings: vibration or shudder
Windows or locks or sunroof (operate by themselves): the system acting on its own
Windshield: shattering or cracking

How the 2009 Honda Pilot Compares With Other Years

The other Pilot years of the 2nd generation, 2009 to 2015, and the years just before and after it. When two scores are less than 3.5 points apart, treat them as about the same.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2016	Avoid	52	3.6×	95.8	8	Auto idle stop system: the car not starting
2015	Not scored	–	–	9.8	4	Brakes: loss of braking
2014	Excellent	82	0.33×	13.0	3	Paint and rust: paint peeling
2013	Good	78	0.47×	20.2	6	Paint and rust: paint peeling
2012	Excellent	80	0.35×	12.5	9	Brakes: vibration or shudder
2011	Good	78	0.39×	15.2	11	Brakes: vibration or shudder
2010	Good	79	0.35×	13.7	10	Control arm bushings: a leak
2009 This year	Good	78	0.34×	13.6	9	Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
2008	Good	79	0.33×	12.6	7	Seats: parts breaking or coming apart

See every Pilot year

2009 Honda Pilot Recalls

A recall can cover some or all cars of this model year. Look up a specific car by its VIN at NHTSA to see which recalls are still open on it.

Air bags: inflator module
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 19V502000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 27, 2019. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 36% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly deploy the passenger frontal air bag in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
NHTSA 19V378000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 16, 2019. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 49% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
NHTSA 18V268000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Apr 26, 2018. By the third quarter of 2019, 85% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 18V042000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 9, 2018. By the second quarter of 2019, 72% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
In the event of a crash, an incorrectly installed passenger frontal air bag inflator may deploy the air bag improperly, increasing the risk of injury.
NHTSA 17V545000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Aug 31, 2017. By the first quarter of 2019, 94% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 17V030000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 10, 2017. By the second quarter of 2018, 70% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

Show 3 more recalls

Air bags: inflator module
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 16V346000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 24, 2016. By the first quarter of 2018, 64% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags
The absence of more than one rivet could alter the performance of the driver's airbag during deployment. This could potentially increase the risk of injury during a crash.
NHTSA 13V016000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 18, 2013.
Seat belts: webbing
If the stitching is incomplete or missing, the seatbelt may detach from the anchor webbing, increasing the risk of personal injury in a crash.
NHTSA 11V468000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Sep 9, 2011.

Honda Warranty Extensions and Programs

Repairs Honda agreed to cover or update outside a recall. Whether one applies depends on the VIN and the conditions listed. A Honda dealer can confirm.

Warranty extensionHonda 13-082
Engine misfire from fouled spark plugs (piston rings)
The problem:
Piston rings can turn and line up, which can foul the spark plugs. The engine then misfires and the check engine light comes on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer repairs the misfire for free. This can include a software update, new spark plugs and piston and ring repair.
Who qualifies:
A cylinder misfire fault must be stored and the spark plugs of the affected cylinders must be fouled. Cars with a salvage or branded title are not covered.
Coverage:
8 years from the original purchase date, with no mileage limit for these misfire repairs.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionHonda 15-045
Front suspension lower arm bushings
The problem:
The rubber bushings in the front suspension rear lower arms can crack from heat and ozone. They then make noise or leak fluid.
The fix:
A Honda dealer repairs the lower arm bushings for free. Owners who paid earlier can be repaid if they meet the listed requirements.
Who qualifies:
The bushing must make noise or leak fluid. Cars with a salvage or branded title are not covered. Coverage passes to later owners.
Coverage:
7 years or 100,000 miles from the original purchase date, whichever comes first.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 18-052, 18-055 and 20-016
Front passenger's airbag inflator
3 programs with the same terms. Which one applies depends on the VIN.
The problem:
The front passenger's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the front passenger's airbag inflator for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light must be on. A Honda dealer test must show the inflator is faulty. Only replacement inflators that fail later are covered. Open inflator recalls must be done first. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
Coverage:
18-052: Covered until January 31, 2027.
18-055: Covered until January 31, 2028.
20-016: Covered until January 31, 2030.
Bulletin 18-052 (PDF)Bulletin 18-055 (PDF)Bulletin 20-016 (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 18-066Ended
Front passenger's airbag inflator
The problem:
The front passenger's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
While the program ran, a Honda dealer replaced the front passenger's airbag inflator for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light had to be on. A Honda dealer test had to show the inflator was faulty. Only replacement inflators that failed later were covered. Salvage or branded titles were not covered.
Coverage:
The program ended on June 30, 2026.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionHonda 15-044Ended
Front suspension lower arm bushings
The problem:
The rubber bushings in the front suspension rear lower arms can crack from heat and ozone. They then make noise or leak fluid.
The fix:
While the program ran, a Honda dealer repaired the lower arm bushings for free. Owners who paid earlier could be repaid if they met the listed requirements.
Who qualifies:
The bushing had to make noise or leak fluid. Cars with a salvage or branded title were not covered. Coverage passed to later owners.
Coverage:
Covered until June 30, 2017 or 120,000 miles, whichever came first. The program has ended.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA gave the 2009 Pilot no overall, frontal or side rating. It did rate each seat in those tests and lists the seat ratings under Rating Breakdown on its page. We show them the same way below. These tests are from before 2011, so the stars are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and newer models. See the 2009 Pilot ratings on NHTSA.gov.

4-door with side airbags

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Driver seat5/5

Passenger seat5/5

Side crashNot rated

Front seat5/5

Rear seat5/5

Rollover4/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2009 Pilot, from its recalls, Honda's programs and the problems owners report most.

Confirm the Recalls Were Done

Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.

Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V502000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V378000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 18V268000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 18V042000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 17V545000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 9 recalls and which are still open.

Ask a Honda Dealer

Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

13-082: engine misfire from fouled spark plugs (piston rings)
15-045: front suspension lower arm bushings

On the Test Drive

Ask how often oil is added between changes, and watch for blue smoke at startup.
Brake firmly from a moderate speed. A soft, hard or pulsing pedal, or a brake warning light, is a warning sign.
Look for uneven tire wear and listen for clunks or humming that changes with speed.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

High oil consumption
Brakes
Control arm bushings
Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes.

Before You Pay

Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.

What to do next

All Pilot Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Honda may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.