2021 Honda Pilot Reliability Report

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

Caution

Ranks 14th of 21 Pilot years we score.

Owner complaints: 432; 29 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 26.7; 151,102 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 1.7×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 180; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 10
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2020 Pilot 2022 Pilot →

Should You Buy the 2021 Honda Pilot?

Only after careful checks. Our reliability score for the 2021 Honda Pilot is 63 out of 100, which rates Caution. Owners reported about 1.7 times as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 14th of the 21 Pilot years we score.

The most reported problem is cars not starting (67 of 432 complaints). Owners also complain about the driver-assist camera and radar and the screen and audio. 180 of the 432 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 10 recalls. Honda also offers 2 warranty extensions that may still apply, for engine not restarting after auto idle stop and engine not restarting after auto idle stop. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2020 scores 60 and the 2022 scores 72.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask a Honda dealer about warranty extension 23-009 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 1.7 times the problems of the average car its age
Car not starting (cause not stated)67 complaints
Driver-assist camera and radar failure47 complaints
Screen and audio: works on and off44 complaints

How the 2021 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	1.7×	−13
Everyday problems	1.6×	−6
Problems in the last two years	1.4×	−10
Recalls	2.0×	−8
Score		63

What Owners Report

We read all 432 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Honda Pilot, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Car not starting (cause not stated)
67 complaints (16%)
The car not starting and hard starting. 63 of these 67 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 11 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 40,000 miles.
Driver-assist camera and radar failure
47 complaints (11%)
A failure that needed a new part, a feature that stopped working and warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 56,000 miles.
Screen and audio: works on and off
44 complaints (10%)
Problems that come and go, a feature that stopped working and unusual noises. 1 of these 44 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility. In 6 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 43,000 miles.
Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
37 complaints (9%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead, warning lights and the system not working when needed. 23 of these 37 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking. In 10 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem.
Engine: stalling
31 complaints (7%)
Stalling, a loss of power and reduced power or limp mode. 26 of these 31 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 6 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 30,000 miles.
Mirrors: vibration or shudder
25 complaints (6%)
Vibration or shudder, distorted glass and parts breaking or coming apart. 2 of these 25 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of visibility. In 7 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 11 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 34,000 miles.
Engine failure
20 complaints (5%)
A failure that needed a new part and locking up. 17 of these 20 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 84,000 miles.
12V battery failure
16 complaints (4%)
A failure that needed a new part, draining the battery and low voltage. 12 of these 16 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 10 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 38,000 miles.
Transmission: shifts into neutral by itself
16 complaints (4%)
Shifts into neutral by itself, failure or loss of drive and harsh or delayed shifts. 9 of these 16 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 68,000 miles.
Stall (cause not stated)
14 complaints (3%)
Stalling. 8 of these 14 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Tires: shattering or cracking
14 complaints (3%)
Shattering or cracking, early wear and parts breaking or coming apart. 6 of these 14 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 29,000 miles.
Brakes: loss of braking
13 complaints (3%)
Loss of braking, early wear and warning lights. 3 of these 13 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. Median mileage when it started: about 16,000 miles.
Rearview camera: stopped working
11 complaints (3%)
A feature that stopped working, problems that come and go and distorted image. 1 of these 11 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 48,000 miles.
Auto idle stop system: stalling
10 complaints (2%)
Stalling, the car not starting and problems that come and go. 8 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Phone and navigation: works on and off
8 complaints (2%)
Problems that come and go, a feature that stopped working and unusual noises.

Show 37 more problems

Adaptive cruise control: stopped working
7 complaints (2%)
A feature that stopped working, warning lights and hard braking with nothing ahead.
Instrument cluster: works on and off
7 complaints (2%)
Problems that come and go, a feature that stopped working and warning lights.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
7 complaints (2%)
Shattering or cracking. 2 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 8,000 miles.
Lane keeping assist: the system acting on its own
6 complaints (1%)
The system acting on its own, warning lights and a feature that stopped working. 2 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control.
Starter failure
6 complaints (1%)
A failure, hard starting and stalling. 2 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Steering: locking up
6 complaints (1%)
Locking up, a failure and sticking or stiffness. 2 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control.
Warning lights (cause not stated)
6 complaints (1%)
Warning lights.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
5 complaints (1%)
A loss of power and reduced power or limp mode. 4 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Shifter or park: shifted to neutral by itself
5 complaints (1%)
Shifted to neutral by itself, the system acting on its own and a feature that stopped working. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 34,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
5 complaints (1%)
Sudden acceleration. 4 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking.
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.
Key fob failure
4 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part, the system acting on its own and warning lights.
Noise (cause not stated)
4 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises.
Whole-vehicle power loss: a loss of power
4 complaints (under 1%)
A loss of power. All 4 describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Seats: headrest will not stay up
4 complaints (under 1%)
Headrest will not stay up, a failure and a feature that stopped working.
Windshield: shattering or cracking
4 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: unusual noises
4 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises, a failure that needed a new part and damage. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Airbag warning light
3 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights, a failure that needed a new part and wrong readings.
Airbags failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure, deployment with no crash and no deployment in a crash.
Fuel pump failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Headlights: stopped working
3 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and early wear.
Ignition or push-button start: starts without brake pedal pressed
3 complaints (under 1%)
Starts without brake pedal pressed, the car not starting and a feature that stopped working.
Rear window glass: shattering or cracking
3 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
Hesitation and a loss of power. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.
Road departure mitigation: warning lights
3 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and hard braking with nothing ahead. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden braking.
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
2 complaints (under 1%)
Water leaking in.
Several warning lights at once
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Frame or structure: damage
2 complaints (under 1%)
Damage and parts breaking or coming apart.
Ignition or power mode (won't shut off): not shutting off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Not shutting off.
Passenger airbag sensor failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure.
Brake switch: loss of braking
2 complaints (under 1%)
Loss of braking and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of braking.
Car charger: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working.
Electrical system (unspecified) failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and the system acting on its own.
Security alarm: the system acting on its own
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own.
Power windows or regulator: unusual noises
2 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises and parts breaking or coming apart.
Side or curtain airbags: deployment with no crash
2 complaints (under 1%)
Deployment with no crash. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: an airbag problem.
Stability control (VSA) failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part.

Reported Once (24)

Show the 24 problems reported once

A/C compressor: a leak
Uneven tire wear: pulling or wandering
Battery drain: draining the battery
Control module (unspecified): warning lights
Cooling system: parts breaking or coming apart
Door latches: not opening or unlocking
Engine (misfire codes): reduced power or limp mode
Engine oil leak
Exterior trim: early wear
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
Heater: stopped working
Battery fan failure
Driver-assist off button: stopped working
Electrical panel: works on and off
Emissions system: warning lights
Gaskets failure
Heated steering wheel: stopped working
Throttle or accelerator: sudden acceleration
Unspecified functions stopped working (cause not stated)
Vehicle fire (origin not stated) (cause not stated)
Windshield washer nozzle: stopped working
Door lock actuators: the system acting on its own
Unexplained crash (cause not stated)
Vibration (cause not stated)

How the 2021 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 This year	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	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

2021 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.
Service brakes, hydraulic: master cylinder
Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 23V458000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 29, 2023. By the second quarter of 2025, 84% 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.

Show 4 more recalls

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.
Tires
Over-cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
NHTSA 20V725000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Nov 20, 2020. By the fourth quarter of 2022, 86% 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.

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 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)
Warranty extensionHonda 23-010
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 engine valves for free.
Who qualifies:
The earlier software update 23-008 must be done first if it applies. A technician must confirm the symptom before the repair. Coverage passes to later owners. The VIN must show as eligible.
Coverage:
10 years from the original purchase date, with no mileage limit for this repair.
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.

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

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2021 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 2021 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
Service brakes, hydraulic: master cylinder NHTSA 23V458000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 10 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.

23-009: engine not restarting after auto idle stop
23-010: engine not restarting after auto idle stop

On the Test Drive

Ask about battery and starter replacements. A slow start after the car sits is a warning sign.
Watch for sudden braking or steering with nothing ahead, and ask whether the driver-assist software updates were done.
Test the screen, audio and phone connection for freezing or rebooting.

Ask the Seller

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

Cars not starting
Driver-assist camera and radar
Screen and audio
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.