2018 Honda Pilot Reliability Report

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

Caution

Ranks 12th of 21 Pilot years we score.

Owner complaints: 439; 52 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 36.1; 107,340 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 1.6×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 223; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 7
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2017 Pilot 2019 Pilot →

Should You Buy the 2018 Honda Pilot?

Only after careful checks. Our reliability score for the 2018 Honda Pilot is 63 out of 100, which rates Caution. Owners reported about 1.6 times as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 12th of the 21 Pilot years we score.

The most reported problem is auto idle stop, mostly the car not starting (100 of 439 complaints). Owners also complain about the transmission and poor acceleration. 223 of the 439 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 7 recalls. Honda also offers 2 warranty extensions that may still apply, for check engine light: catalytic converter, misfire or fuel injector codes and engine not restarting after auto idle stop. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2017 scores 59 and the 2019 scores 58.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask a Honda dealer about warranty extension 21-010 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
5-star NHTSA overall crash rating
2 Honda warranty extensions may cover repairs

Cons

About 1.6 times the problems of the average car its age
More complaints than average about major systems in the last two years
Auto idle stop system: the car not starting100 complaints
Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts41 complaints

How the 2018 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	1.9×	−14
Everyday problems	1.0×	−5
Problems in the last two years	1.8×	−11
Recalls	1.2×	−7
Score		63

What Owners Report

We read all 439 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Honda Pilot, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Auto idle stop system: the car not starting
100 complaints (23%)
The car not starting, stalling and hesitation. 95 of these 100 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 29 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 16 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 39,000 miles.
Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
41 complaints (9%)
Harsh or delayed shifts, a failure that needed a new part and overheating. 15 of these 41 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 8 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 5 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 35,000 miles.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
35 complaints (8%)
Hesitation, surging and a loss of power. 6 of these 35 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. In 12 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 5 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 68,000 miles.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
24 complaints (5%)
The car not starting, hard starting and a feature that stopped working. 18 of these 24 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 69,000 miles.
Stall (cause not stated)
23 complaints (5%)
Stalling. 17 of these 23 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 9 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 3 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 69,000 miles.
Several warning lights at once
18 complaints (4%)
Warning lights and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
Engine failure
18 complaints (4%)
A failure that needed a new part and locking up. All 18 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 102,000 miles.
Engine: stalling
17 complaints (4%)
Stalling, hesitation and unusual noises. 10 of these 17 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 3 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 66,000 miles.
Torque converter failure
16 complaints (4%)
A failure that needed a new part, a stored fault code and warning lights. 1 of these 16 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 82,000 miles.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
15 complaints (3%)
A loss of power. 13 of these 15 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 61,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
12 complaints (3%)
Sudden acceleration. 11 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 38,000 miles.
Check engine light (cause not stated)
10 complaints (2%)
Warning lights and a stored fault code. Median mileage when it started: about 87,000 miles.
Fuel injector failure
10 complaints (2%)
A failure that needed a new part and a loss of power. 1 of these 10 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 121,000 miles.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
9 complaints (2%)
Shattering or cracking. Median mileage when it started: about 17,000 miles.
12V battery failure
8 complaints (2%)
A failure that needed a new part, draining the battery and parts breaking or coming apart. 4 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.

Show 36 more problems

Fuel pump failure
8 complaints (2%)
A failure that needed a new part, hesitation and problems that come and go.
High-pressure fuel pump failure
8 complaints (2%)
A failure that needed a new part, a loss of power and unusual noises. 5 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 65,000 miles.
Shifter or park: stopped working
7 complaints (2%)
A feature that stopped working, the system acting on its own and a failure that needed a new part. 4 of these 7 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.
Engine sensors or computer failure
6 complaints (1%)
A failure that needed a new part, problems that come and go and a stored fault code. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 73,000 miles.
Timing chain or camshaft failure
6 complaints (1%)
A failure that needed a new part, early wear and parts breaking or coming apart. 4 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 72,000 miles.
Adaptive cruise control: hard braking with nothing ahead
5 complaints (1%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead, a feature that stopped working and sudden acceleration. 2 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking.
Ignition or push-button start: the car not starting
5 complaints (1%)
The car not starting, stalling and a feature that stopped working. 4 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Key fob: warning lights
5 complaints (1%)
Warning lights, a failure that needed a new part and the car not starting. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
4 complaints (under 1%)
No deployment in a crash and deployment with no crash.
Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
4 complaints (under 1%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead and a feature that stopped working. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden braking.
Brakes failure
4 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part, locking up and a hard pedal or less assist.
Engine (misfire codes): rough running or misfires
4 complaints (under 1%)
Rough running or misfires and a stored fault code. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Forward collision warning: the system acting on its own
4 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own and a feature that stopped working.
Hood latch: vibration or shudder
4 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder, parts breaking or coming apart and hood shakes and rises. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem.
Screen and audio: works on and off
4 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working.
Noise (cause not stated)
4 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises.
Connecting rod or rod bearings: early wear
4 complaints (under 1%)
Early wear and a failure. All 4 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Seat belts: parts breaking or coming apart
4 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and the system not working when needed.
Seats: seat sinks / loses height
4 complaints (under 1%)
Seat sinks / loses height, a failure that needed a new part and folds down with excessive force. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: an injury.
Windows or locks or sunroof (operate by themselves): the system acting on its own
4 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own.
Lane keeping assist: stopped working
3 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and the system acting on its own.
Driver-assist camera and radar failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure.
Emissions system: warning lights
3 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Starter failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part.
Exhaust or catalytic converter failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part.
Exterior lights: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working.
Headlights: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and the system acting on its own.
Ignition or power mode (won't shut off): not shutting off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Not shutting off.
Instrument cluster: wrong readings
2 complaints (under 1%)
Wrong readings and problems that come and go.
Interior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a feature that stopped working.
Sun visor: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and sticking or stiffness.
Vehicle fire (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
A fire. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a fire.
Rearview camera: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and a failure.
Steering: locking up
2 complaints (under 1%)
Locking up and a failure.
Transmission fluid leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak.
Windshield: shattering or cracking
2 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking.

Reported Once (33)

Show the 33 problems reported once

A/C: insufficient cooling
AWD or rear differential: shattering or cracking
EVAP system failure
Uneven tire wear
Battery drain: draining the battery
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
Defroster: stopped working
Engine mounts failure
Fuel economy: high fuel use
Heater: insufficient heat
Mirrors: parts breaking or coming apart
HomeLink button failure
Capless fuel filler (gas cap) system: fault code
Car alarm: the system acting on its own
Door seals: unusual noises
Driver-assist safety features (not named): stopped working
Engine timing failure
Front differential: a leak
Gas fuel shutter failure
High pressure fuel line: vibration or shudder
Side door glass: shattering or cracking
Windshield washer motor system failure
Oxygen sensor failure
Paint and rust: damage
Power windows or regulator: works on and off
Side blind zone alert: warning lights
Struts or shocks: a leak
Timing belt failure
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
Vibration (cause not stated)
Warning lights (cause not stated)
Windshield wipers: the system not working when needed
Wiring, fuses or body control module: not shutting off

How the 2018 Honda Pilot Compares With Other Years

The other Pilot years of the 3rd generation, 2016 to 2022, 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
2023	Caution	63	1.5×	18.1	5	Seat belts: warning lights
2022	Good	72	0.81×	10.5	5	Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
2021	Caution	63	1.7×	26.7	10	Car not starting (cause not stated)
2020	Caution	60	2.3×	46.3	11	Screen and audio: works on and off
2019	Avoid	58	2.5×	56.3	13	Car not starting (cause not stated)
2018 This year	Caution	63	1.6×	36.1	7	Auto idle stop system: the car not starting
2017	Avoid	59	2.6×	58.4	4	Auto idle stop system: the car not starting
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

See every Pilot year

2018 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.

Suspension: rear
Failure of rear suspension components, such as the rear control arm, can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
NHTSA 26V365000 Recall report (PDF)Issued Jun 4, 2026.
Air bags: front passenger
Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
NHTSA 26V332000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 21, 2026.
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 23V858000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 18, 2023. By the second quarter of 2026, 73% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Engine and engine cooling: hard parts internal/mechanical
A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
NHTSA 23V751000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Nov 13, 2023. By the fourth quarter of 2025, 75% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Structure: hood
A hood that opens while driving can obstruct the driver's view and increase the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 21V932000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Nov 29, 2021. By the fourth quarter of 2023, 87% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Engine and engine cooling: belts and associated pulleys
Teeth separation from the timing belt may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash.
NHTSA 19V298000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Apr 12, 2019. By the third quarter of 2020, 94% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

Show 1 more recalls

Seats
In the event of a crash, if the seat does not remain secured to the floor, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
NHTSA 18V221000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Apr 5, 2018. By the third quarter of 2019, 87% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

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 21-010
Check engine light: catalytic converter, misfire or fuel injector codes
The problem:
The engine software can misread sensors as a worn catalytic converter. Debris can also wear or clog the fuel injectors. The check engine light comes on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer tests the engine cylinders and replaces the fuel injectors for free.
Who qualifies:
The check engine light must come on with a listed catalytic converter, misfire or air fuel fault. For a catalytic converter fault, the program does not apply if all cylinders pass the test. Coverage passes to later owners.
Coverage:
10 years or 150,000 miles from the original purchase date, whichever comes first.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionHonda 23-009
Engine not restarting after auto idle stop
The problem:
After the car stops with auto idle stop on, the engine may not restart by itself. The cause is too much cylinder pressure or low cranking torque.
The fix:
A Honda dealer adjusts the valves and replaces the starter and starter relays for free.
Who qualifies:
The earlier software update 23-008 must be done first if it applies. Repairs must relate to this no restart problem. Coverage passes to later owners. The VIN must show as eligible.
Coverage:
10 years from the original purchase date, with no mileage limit for these repairs.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Service campaignHonda 23-008
Auto idle stop software update
The problem:
After the car stops with auto idle stop on, the engine may not restart by itself. The driver must select Park and push the engine start/stop button.
The fix:
A Honda dealer installs an engine control software update.
Who qualifies:
The car's VIN must show the update as open. Honda dealers must update affected new or used cars before selling them.
Coverage:
No time or mileage limit is given. Ask a Honda dealer whether this applies to the car's VIN.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)

NHTSA Investigations

Defect investigations by NHTSA that cover this model year, with what they found.

Pilot engines not restarting after automatic idle stop
Closed
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation covered 2016-2020 Pilots. It began in June 2022 after reports of engines not restarting after an automatic idle stop. Honda's January 2023 service bulletins call for a software update and, if needed, starter parts. Honda extended the warranty on those parts to 10 years. NHTSA upgraded the case to engineering analysis EA25-004 in March 2025.
NHTSA PE22005 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Jun 3, 2022 to Mar 26, 2025
Engine failures outside the scope of an engine recall
Closed without a recall
NHTSA's recall query tested whether Honda recall 23V-751 was wide enough. That recall covers 3.5-liter V6 engines with a crankshaft defect. The query covered 2018-2020 Odysseys, 2015-2020 Pilots and 2017-2019 Ridgelines. NHTSA found Honda had set the scope properly and closed the query in August 2025. It moved the complaints to PE25-008.
NHTSA RQ24013 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Nov 8, 2024 to Aug 20, 2025
Engines failing to restart after automatic idle stop
Still open
NHTSA's engineering analysis, opened in March 2025, looks at engines that fail to restart after automatic idle stop shuts them off at a light. It lists 2016-2025 Pilots and 2018-2025 Odysseys, plus Passports and Ridgelines. Honda issued service bulletins and a 10-year warranty on some parts. Owners still report failures after the fixes. The case is still open.
NHTSA EA25004 Opening report (PDF)Open since Mar 26, 2025
Engine failures from connecting rod bearings in V6 models
Still open
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation, opened in August 2025, covers 414 reports of connecting rod bearing failures in the 3.5-liter V6. It lists 2016-2020 Pilots, 2018-2020 Odysseys and 2017-2019 Ridgelines. These engines fall outside Honda recall 23V-751, and NHTSA saw no sign of the same crankshaft defect. The case is still open.
NHTSA PE25008 Opening report (PDF)Open since Aug 20, 2025

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2018 Pilot ratings on NHTSA.gov.

SUV AWD and SUV FWD

Overall5/5

Frontal crash4/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover4/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2018 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.

Suspension: rear NHTSA 26V365000
Air bags: front passenger NHTSA 26V332000
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump NHTSA 23V858000
Engine and engine cooling: hard parts internal/mechanical NHTSA 23V751000
Structure: hood NHTSA 21V932000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 7 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.

21-010: check engine light: catalytic converter, misfire or fuel injector codes
23-009: engine not restarting after auto idle stop

On the Test Drive

Accelerate gently from a stop and again at 20 to 40 mph. Shudder, slipping or harsh shifts are warning signs. Ask for the transmission fluid records.
Ask about battery and starter replacements. A slow start after the car sits is a warning sign.
Drive long enough to warm up fully, including at highway speed, and note any stalling or loss of power.

Ask the Seller

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

Auto idle stop
Transmission
Poor acceleration
Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes and transmission fluid 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.