2020 Honda Pilot Reliability Report

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

CautionSerious complaints over 2×

Ranks 18th of 21 Pilot years we score.

Owner complaints: 485; 24 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 46.3; 99,591 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 2.3×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 190; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 11
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2019 Pilot 2021 Pilot →

Should You Buy the 2020 Honda Pilot?

Only after careful checks. Our reliability score for the 2020 Honda Pilot is 60 out of 100, which rates Caution. Owners reported about 2.3 times as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 18th of the 21 Pilot years we score.

The most reported problem is the screen and audio, mostly works on and off (153 of 485 complaints). Owners also complain about the instrument cluster and automatic emergency braking. 190 of the 485 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 audio and display network connectors (speaker popping, no audio) and engine not restarting after auto idle stop. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2019 scores 58 and the 2021 scores 63.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask a Honda dealer about warranty extension 21-012 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 2.3 times the problems of the average car its age
More complaints than average about major systems in the last two years
Screen and audio: works on and off153 complaints
Instrument cluster: works on and off78 complaints

How the 2020 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	2.3×	−15
Everyday problems	2.4×	−6
Problems in the last two years	1.6×	−11
Recalls	2.0×	−8
Score		60

What Owners Report

We read all 485 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Honda Pilot, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Screen and audio: works on and off
153 complaints (32%)
Problems that come and go, unusual noises and a feature that stopped working. In 14 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 29 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 2,000 miles.
Instrument cluster: works on and off
78 complaints (16%)
Problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working. 1 of these 78 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden acceleration or braking. In 25 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 24 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 1,000 miles.
Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
49 complaints (10%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead, the system acting on its own and the system not working when needed. 24 of these 49 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking. In 14 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 12 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 6,000 miles.
Engine: the car not starting
40 complaints (8%)
The car not starting, stalling and hard starting. 33 of these 40 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 9 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 15 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 25,000 miles.
Driver-assist camera and radar failure
35 complaints (7%)
A failure, a feature that stopped working and warning lights. 1 of these 35 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden braking. Median mileage when it started: about 80,000 miles.
Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
34 complaints (7%)
Harsh or delayed shifts, failure or loss of drive and vibration or shudder. 8 of these 34 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 5 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 10 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 52,000 miles.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
33 complaints (7%)
The car not starting. 26 of these 33 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 4 complaints, the problem came back after a repair.
Wiring, fuses or body control module failure
26 complaints (5%)
A failure that needed a new part, unusual noises and damage. Median mileage when it started: about 2,000 miles.
Forward collision warning: the system acting on its own
23 complaints (5%)
The system acting on its own, warning lights and a feature that stopped working. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 2,000 miles.
12V battery failure
22 complaints (5%)
A failure that needed a new part, warning lights and draining the battery. 7 of these 22 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, and in 3 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
16 complaints (3%)
A loss of power and failure or loss of drive. 12 of these 16 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 54,000 miles.
Rearview camera: works on and off
16 complaints (3%)
Problems that come and go, a feature that stopped working and distorted image. 1 of these 16 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash. In 4 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 14,000 miles.
Stall (cause not stated)
16 complaints (3%)
Stalling. 14 of these 16 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 6 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 59,000 miles.
Engine failure
15 complaints (3%)
A failure that needed a new part, parts breaking or coming apart and early wear. 12 of these 15 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 89,000 miles.
Shifter or park: shifts to neutral by itself
14 complaints (3%)
Shifts to neutral by itself, a feature that stopped working and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 14 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.

Show 47 more problems

Brakes: loss of braking
11 complaints (2%)
Loss of braking, a feature that stopped working and low, soft pedal. 5 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 4,000 miles.
Several warning lights at once
11 complaints (2%)
Warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 8,000 miles.
Fuel injector failure
10 complaints (2%)
A failure and hesitation. 1 of these 10 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 60,000 miles.
Phone and navigation: works on and off
8 complaints (2%)
Problems that come and go, a feature that stopped working and wrong readings. Median mileage when it started: about 5,000 miles.
Fuel pump: stalling
6 complaints (1%)
Stalling, a failure that needed a new part and hesitation. 5 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Mirrors: the system acting on its own
6 complaints (1%)
The system acting on its own, will not hold position and distorted image.
Noise (cause not stated)
6 complaints (1%)
Unusual noises. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 5,000 miles.
Tires failure
6 complaints (1%)
A failure, parts breaking or coming apart and pulling or wandering. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 13,000 miles.
Lane keeping assist: stopped working
5 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working, the system acting on its own and problems that come and go.
Steering: sticking or stiffness
5 complaints (1%)
Sticking or stiffness, unusual noises and pulling or wandering. 2 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
5 complaints (1%)
Shattering or cracking. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Vibration (cause not stated)
5 complaints (1%)
Vibration or shudder. Median mileage when it started: about 12,000 miles.
Warning lights (cause not stated)
5 complaints (1%)
Warning lights.
Adaptive cruise control: surging
4 complaints (under 1%)
Surging, hard braking with nothing ahead and a feature that stopped working.
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
4 complaints (under 1%)
Water leaking in. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair.
A/C compressor: unusual noises
3 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises, a failure and locking up. Median mileage when it started: about 24,000 miles.
ABS: warning lights
3 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and a feature that stopped working.
AWD or rear differential: a leak
3 complaints (under 1%)
A leak and warning lights.
Control module (unspecified) failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and software update needed. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Exhaust or catalytic converter failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and warning lights.
Headlights: stopped working
3 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and the system acting on its own.
Interior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
3 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and damage.
Key fob: the system acting on its own
3 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own and a feature that stopped working. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Cruise control: works on and off
3 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working.
Fire under the hood (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
A fire. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often a fire. Median mileage when it started: about 41,000 miles.
Paint and rust: damage
3 complaints (under 1%)
Damage and parts breaking or coming apart.
Door lock actuators: unusual noises
3 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises. Median mileage when it started: about 4,000 miles.
Power liftgate: the system acting on its own
3 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own, the system not working when needed and sticking or stiffness. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury.
Road departure mitigation: hard braking with nothing ahead
3 complaints (under 1%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead and the system acting on its own. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden braking.
Seats failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure, parts breaking or coming apart and not closing or latching. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Torque converter: vibration or shudder
3 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
Sudden acceleration and surging. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash.
A/C failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
2 complaints (under 1%)
No deployment in a crash.
Frontal airbags: smoke or a burning smell
2 complaints (under 1%)
Smoke or a burning smell and no deployment in a crash. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash.
Fuel system: stalling
2 complaints (under 1%)
Stalling and a loss of power. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
A bad smell.
Ignition or power mode (won't shut off): not shutting off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Not shutting off.
Brake switch failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.
Rear window glass: shattering or cracking
2 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking.
Vehicle fire (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
A fire. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a fire.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
A loss of power and surging. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Seat belts: not closing or latching
2 complaints (under 1%)
Not closing or latching.
Side blind zone alert: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working.
Starter failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and the car not starting. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Taillights or brake lights failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and a feature that stopped working. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Windows or locks or sunroof (operate by themselves): the system acting on its own
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.

Reported Once (30)

Show the 30 problems reported once

A/C condenser failure
Uneven tire wear: early wear
Ball joints and control arms: parts breaking or coming apart
Battery drain: draining the battery
Control arm bushings: parts breaking or coming apart
Engine (misfire codes): rough running or misfires
Exterior trim: damage
Frame or structure: rust or corrosion
Fuel economy: high fuel use
High-pressure fuel pump: stopped working
Passenger airbag sensor: wrong readings
Oil pressure: warning lights
Auto idle stop system: stopped working
Backing sensors: stopped working
Cabin ventilation system: dust entering the cabin
Electrical functions (not specified)
Fuel joint pipe failure
Fuel sensor failure
Interior light: works on and off
Parking sensors: stopped working
Security alarm: the system acting on its own
Transmission cooler: unusual noises
Oxygen sensor: fault code
Piston rings failure
Sunroof: water leaking in
Timing belt: locking up
Timing chain or camshaft: damage
Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights
Valve train: damage
Windshield: shattering or cracking

How the 2020 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 This year	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	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

2020 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.
Air bags: front passenger
An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
NHTSA 24V064000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 1, 2024. By the second quarter of 2026, 52% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
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.
Back over prevention: display function
A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
NHTSA 23V431000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 15, 2023. By the first quarter of 2026, 87% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Visibility: exterior
Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 23V174000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 16, 2023. By the fourth quarter of 2025, 87% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

Show 5 more recalls

Tires
Overcured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation, which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
NHTSA 21V165000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 11, 2021. By the first quarter of 2023, 80% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Electrical system: software
Operating a vehicle without a functioning instrument panel or rearview camera display increases the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 20V439000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jul 28, 2020. By the second quarter of 2022, 92% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Electrical system: software
A delayed or inoperative rearview camera display can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 20V440000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jul 28, 2020. By the second quarter of 2022, 96% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Equipment: labels
If the operator is unable to refer to the label information, the vehicle may be overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 20V067000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 6, 2020. By the second quarter of 2021, 96% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Structure: body
In the event of a crash, incomplete body welding may provide inadequate protection to occupants, increasing the risk of an injury.
NHTSA 19V784000 Recall report (PDF)Issued Oct 31, 2019. By the first quarter of 2020, 100% 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 21-012
Audio and display network connectors (speaker popping, no audio)
The problem:
A loose connection in the audio and display network can cause speaker popping or crackling, no audio, a Network Loss message or display problems.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the network connectors for free.
Who qualifies:
The car must show the symptoms, and the Honda dealer must find they come from the network connectors. The VIN must show as eligible.
Coverage:
5 years or 60,000 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 2020 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 2020 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
Air bags: front passenger NHTSA 24V064000
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump NHTSA 23V858000
Back over prevention: display function NHTSA 23V431000
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.

21-012: audio and display network connectors (speaker popping, no audio)
23-009: engine not restarting after auto idle stop

On the Test Drive

Test the screen, audio and phone connection for freezing or rebooting.
Watch for sudden braking or steering with nothing ahead, and ask whether the driver-assist software updates were done.
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 the Seller

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

Screen and audio
Instrument cluster
Automatic emergency braking
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.