2012 Honda Pilot Reliability Report

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

Excellent

Ranks 2nd of 21 Pilot years we score.

Owner complaints: 171; 9 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 12.5; 129,317 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.35×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 59; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 9
NHTSA crash rating: 4★; overall, out of 5

← 2011 Pilot 2013 Pilot →

Should You Buy the 2012 Honda Pilot?

Yes. Our reliability score for the 2012 Honda Pilot is 80 out of 100, which rates Excellent. Owners reported about a third as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 2nd of the 21 Pilot years we score.

The most reported problem is the brakes, mostly vibration or shudder (22 of 171 complaints). Owners also complain about vibration and poor acceleration. 59 of the 171 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. NHTSA rates it 4 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2011 scores 78 and the 2013 scores 78.

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

Excellent reliability score of 80
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 shudder22 complaints
Vibration (cause not stated)16 complaints
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)12 complaints

How the 2012 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	0.33×	−5
Everyday problems	0.39×	−3
Problems in the last two years	0.37×	−5
Recalls	1.6×	−7
Score		80

What Owners Report

We read all 171 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Honda Pilot, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Brakes: vibration or shudder
22 complaints (13%)
Vibration or shudder, soft or long pedal travel and loss of braking. 4 of these 22 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. In 6 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 9 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 28,000 miles.
Vibration (cause not stated)
16 complaints (9%)
Vibration or shudder. In 6 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 4 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 22,000 miles.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
12 complaints (7%)
Hesitation. 5 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome. In 6 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 20,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
10 complaints (6%)
Sudden acceleration. All 10 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 56,000 miles.
Control arm bushings: a leak
8 complaints (5%)
A leak, a failure that needed a new part and early wear. Median mileage when it started: about 75,000 miles.
Paint and rust: peeling
8 complaints (5%)
Peeling and peeling / fading.
Ignition coils or spark plugs failure
7 complaints (4%)
A failure that needed a new part, hesitation and rough running or misfires. 1 of these 7 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.
Steering: locking up
7 complaints (4%)
Locking up, unusual noises and excessive free play. 3 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. Median mileage when it started: about 36,000 miles.
Engine: stalling
6 complaints (4%)
Stalling, vibration or shudder and smoke or a burning smell. 3 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 0 miles.
Transmission: vibration or shudder
6 complaints (4%)
Vibration or shudder, harsh or delayed shifts and unusual noises. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 0 miles.
Variable cylinder management (VCM): vibration or shudder
6 complaints (4%)
Vibration or shudder and a stored fault code. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 24,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
5 complaints (3%)
No deployment in a crash and burn from airbag deployment. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 40,000 miles.
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
5 complaints (3%)
Burning or using oil. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
5 complaints (3%)
No deployment in a crash, burn from airbag deployment and struck driver in the face. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 60,000 miles.
Noise (cause not stated)
5 complaints (3%)
Unusual noises. Median mileage when it started: about 33,000 miles.

Show 21 more problems

A/C: unusual noises
4 complaints (2%)
Unusual noises. Median mileage when it started: about 0 miles.
Airbag warning light
3 complaints (2%)
Warning lights.
Alternator or charging failure
3 complaints (2%)
A failure and overheating. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
3 complaints (2%)
A loss of power. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
3 complaints (2%)
The car not starting and hard starting. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 0 miles.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
3 complaints (2%)
Shattering or cracking.
Several warning lights at once
2 complaints (1%)
Warning lights.
Engine (misfire codes): fault code
2 complaints (1%)
A stored fault code and rough running or misfires.
Engine oil leak
2 complaints (1%)
A leak. 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.
Fuel system: a leak
2 complaints (1%)
A leak and a bad smell. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.
Fuel leak
2 complaints (1%)
A leak.
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
2 complaints (1%)
A bad smell.
Key fob: stopped working
2 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working and parts breaking or coming apart.
Phone and navigation: works on and off
2 complaints (1%)
Problems that come and go and wrong readings.
Rearview camera: stopped working
2 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working and problems that come and go. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility.
Seat belts: stopped working
2 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working and parts breaking or coming apart.
Side or curtain airbags: no deployment in a crash
2 complaints (1%)
No deployment in a crash and ruptured.
Tires: pulling or wandering
2 complaints (1%)
Pulling or wandering and a leak.
Torque converter: vibration or shudder
2 complaints (1%)
Vibration or shudder and a failure that needed a new part.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: stopped working
2 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.

Reported Once (31)

Show the 31 problems reported once

A/C compressor: unusual noises
EVAP system failure
Uneven tire wear: pulling or wandering
Ball joints and control arms failure
Brake calipers failure
Check engine light (cause not stated)
Engine mounts: vibration or shudder
Exterior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
Instrument cluster: stopped working
Passenger airbag sensor: stopped working
EGR valve failure
Accelerator module: hesitation
Battery warning light
Cabin humidity or windows fog up: fogging
Fog light assembly: shattering or cracking
Fuel cap: warning lights
Fuel filler neck: a leak
Pulling to one side (cause not stated)
Vehicle fire (cause not stated)
Vehicle fire (origin not stated) (cause not stated)
Parking brake: stopped working
Piston rings failure
Seats: parts breaking or coming apart
Stability control (VSA): warning lights
Stall (cause not stated)
Starter: unusual noises
Timing chain or camshaft failure
Tire pressure monitoring failure
Warning lights (cause not stated)
Wheel bearings failure
Windshield wipers: leaves streaks

How the 2012 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 This year	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	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

2012 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 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 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
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.
Fuel system, gasoline: tank assembly
As a result, fuel may leak from the tank, increasing the risk of fire.
NHTSA 12V063000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 17, 2012.

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)

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2012 Pilot ratings on NHTSA.gov.

SUV 4WD and SUV FWD

Overall4/5

Frontal crash4/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover4/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2012 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 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

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.
Check the paint and the underbody for rust or peeling clear coat.

Ask the Seller

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

Brakes
Vibration
Poor acceleration
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.