2011 Honda Pilot Reliability Report

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

Good

Ranks 7th of 21 Pilot years we score.

Owner complaints: 293; 43 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 15.2; 164,030 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.39×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 78; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 11
NHTSA crash rating: 4★; overall, out of 5

← 2010 Pilot 2012 Pilot →

Should You Buy the 2011 Honda Pilot?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2011 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 7th of the 21 Pilot years we score.

The most reported problem is the brakes, mostly vibration or shudder (42 of 293 complaints). Owners also complain about unintended acceleration and the steering. 78 of the 293 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 11 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. NHTSA rates it 4 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2010 scores 79 and the 2012 scores 80.

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

Brakes: vibration or shudder42 complaints
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)19 complaints
Steering: unusual noises18 complaints

How the 2011 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	0.34×	−5
Everyday problems	0.50×	−3
Problems in the last two years	0.54×	−6
Recalls	2.0×	−8
Score		78

What Owners Report

We read all 293 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Honda Pilot, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Brakes: vibration or shudder
42 complaints (14%)
Vibration or shudder, loss of braking and early wear. 8 of these 42 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. In 7 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 35,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
19 complaints (6%)
Sudden acceleration. 17 of these 19 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. In 6 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 30,000 miles.
Steering: unusual noises
18 complaints (6%)
Unusual noises, sticking or stiffness and a failure that needed a new part. 2 of these 18 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 77,000 miles.
Control arm bushings: a leak
17 complaints (6%)
A leak, shattering or cracking and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 54,000 miles.
Vibration (cause not stated)
13 complaints (4%)
Vibration or shudder. Median mileage when it started: about 63,000 miles.
Ignition coils or spark plugs failure
10 complaints (3%)
A failure that needed a new part and rough running or misfires. 1 of these 10 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 118,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
9 complaints (3%)
No deployment in a crash and deployment with no crash. 1 of these 9 complaints describes a serious outcome: an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 60,000 miles.
Mirrors: damage
9 complaints (3%)
Damage. 1 of these 9 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility. Median mileage when it started: about 85,000 miles.
Airbag warning light
8 complaints (3%)
Warning lights, a failure that needed a new part and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 72,000 miles.
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
8 complaints (3%)
Burning or using oil. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
8 complaints (3%)
Harsh or delayed shifts, unusual noises and failure or loss of drive. 2 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 45,000 miles.
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
7 complaints (2%)
No deployment in a crash, deployment injury and a stored fault code. 3 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 52,000 miles.
Paint and rust: damage
7 complaints (2%)
Damage and peeling / fading. Median mileage when it started: about 119,000 miles.
Tires: a leak
7 complaints (2%)
A leak and early wear. 2 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 12,000 miles.
Seat belts: stopped working
6 complaints (2%)
A feature that stopped working, the system not working when needed and rides up onto the neck. 2 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 145,000 miles.

Show 38 more problems

Uneven tire wear: early wear
5 complaints (2%)
Early wear. Median mileage when it started: about 22,000 miles.
Rear window glass: shattering or cracking
5 complaints (2%)
Shattering or cracking. 3 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 28,000 miles.
Suspension bushings: parts breaking or coming apart
5 complaints (2%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, a failure that needed a new part and a leak. Median mileage when it started: about 46,000 miles.
Vehicle fire (cause not stated)
4 complaints (1%)
A fire. 3 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a fire. Median mileage when it started: about 52,000 miles.
Piston rings: a leak
4 complaints (1%)
A leak, a failure that needed a new part and early wear. All 4 describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 168,000 miles.
Door lock actuators: stopped working
4 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working, not opening or unlocking and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 57,000 miles.
Struts or shocks: parts breaking or coming apart
4 complaints (1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, a failure and loose mounting. Median mileage when it started: about 6,000 miles.
12V battery failure
3 complaints (1%)
A failure that needed a new part. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 45,000 miles.
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
3 complaints (1%)
Water leaking in. Median mileage when it started: about 70,000 miles.
Several warning lights at once
3 complaints (1%)
Warning lights.
Ignition or push-button start: stalling
3 complaints (1%)
Stalling and the system acting on its own. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Interior trim: shattering or cracking
3 complaints (1%)
Shattering or cracking, damage and water leaking in.
Noise (cause not stated)
3 complaints (1%)
Unusual noises. Median mileage when it started: about 40,000 miles.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
3 complaints (1%)
Hesitation. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
Stall (cause not stated)
3 complaints (1%)
Stalling. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Windows or locks or sunroof (operate by themselves): the system acting on its own
3 complaints (1%)
The system acting on its own.
Windshield: shattering or cracking
3 complaints (1%)
Shattering or cracking.
Blower motor failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure.
Check engine light (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
A stored fault code and warning lights.
Climate controls: not shutting off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Not shutting off and the system acting on its own.
CV axles: a leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak and a failure that needed a new part.
Engine: unusual noises
2 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises and hesitation.
Engine sensors or computer: surging
2 complaints (under 1%)
Surging and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden acceleration or braking.
Exhaust or catalytic converter failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure.
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
A bad smell. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: an injury.
Headlights: damage
2 complaints (under 1%)
Damage.
Hood latch: not closing or latching
2 complaints (under 1%)
Not closing or latching.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
A loss of power and reduced power or limp mode.
Suspension: unusual noises
2 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises and a failure that needed a new part.
Throttle body failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and stalling. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Wheel spindle attachment: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and loose mounting. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.
Seats: the system acting on its own
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own and damage.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
The car not starting and the system acting on its own. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
2 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking.
Taillights or brake lights: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go.
Torque converter: vibration or shudder
2 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder.
Transmission fluid leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak.
Windshield wipers: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility.

Reported Once (44)

Show the 44 problems reported once

A/C compressor: smoke or a burning smell
ABS: damage
EVAP system: a bad smell
Ball joints and control arms failure
Battery drain: draining the battery
Cooling system: damage
Door latches: the system acting on its own
Engine failure
Engine mounts failure
Exterior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
Frame or structure: parts breaking or coming apart
Fuel system: warning lights
Screen and audio: lights going dim
Lane keeping assist: stopped working
A/C relay: sticking or stiffness
Accelerator pedal: sticking or stiffness
Airbag impact sensors failure
Airbag sensor: stopped working
Cabin water ingress (cause not stated)
Cruise control: sudden acceleration
Driver door alignment: lifts at the top corner in wind
Electrical system: works on and off
Fuel tank straps or guards: rust or corrosion
Handling instability (cause not stated)
Parking proximity sensors: the system not working when needed
Pulling to one side (cause not stated)
Rear suspension: a leak
Suspension rod: damage
Transmission mount failure
Valve cover: damage
Parking brake: the car rolling away
Phone and navigation: wrong readings
Road departure mitigation: stopped working
Side or curtain airbags: no deployment in a crash
Stability control (VSA) failure
Starter failure
Timing belt: parts breaking or coming apart
Transmission computer failure
Shifter or park: sticking or stiffness
Variable cylinder management (VCM): vibration or shudder
Wheel bearings: unusual noises
Wheel rim: damage
Wheels seized (cause not stated)
Wiring, fuses or body control module failure

How the 2011 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 This year	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	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

2011 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 inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 18V661000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Sep 27, 2018. By the first quarter of 2020, 78% 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.

Show 5 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 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.
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.
Suspension
Loss of steering increases the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 10V640000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 16, 2010.

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, 19-003 and 20-016
Front passenger's airbag inflator
4 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.
19-003: Covered until September 30, 2028.
20-016: Covered until January 31, 2030.
Bulletin 18-052 (PDF)Bulletin 18-055 (PDF)Bulletin 19-003 (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)

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2011 Pilot ratings on NHTSA.gov.

SUV AWD and SUV FWD

Overall4/5

Frontal crash4/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover4/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2011 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 18V661000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 18V268000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 18V042000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 11 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

Brake firmly from a moderate speed. A soft, hard or pulsing pedal, or a brake warning light, is a warning sign.
Turn the wheel fully left and right, parked and at low speed. Sticking, notches or stiffness are warning signs.
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.

Brakes
Unintended acceleration
Steering
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.