2026 Honda Pilot Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Sep 17, 2026Published Oct 15, 2026
scored
Too new for a score. Here is what owners and NHTSA have reported so far.
- Owner complaints
- 20
- Per 10,000 cars
- 6.1
- 33,012 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- –
- Serious outcomes
- 1
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 1
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5★
- overall, out of 5
Should You Buy the 2026 Honda Pilot?
It is too new to judge. The 2026 Honda Pilot has 20 owner complaints and 1 recall so far. We expect a first provisional score around July 2027.
The 2024 Pilot, from the same generation, scored 62 and rated Caution. That is a useful guide, not a guarantee.
The most reported problem is the steering, mostly unusual noises (6 of 20 complaints). Owners also complain about seat belts and the interior trim or dashboard. 1 of the 20 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 1 recall. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests.
Before you buy, check that the recalls were done 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
Cons
- Steering: unusual noises6 complaints
- Seat belts: false unbuckled warnings4 complaints
- Interior trim: unusual noises2 complaints
Why There Is No Final Score Yet
Too new to score. First provisional score expected around July 2027.
So far there are 20 owner complaints, 1 with a serious outcome, and 1 recall. Early counts are not enough to judge a model year. The automaker's production report for it is not complete yet.
It is the same generation as the 2024 Pilot, which scored 62 and rated Caution. That is a useful guide, not a guarantee.
What Owners Report
We read all 20 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2026 Honda Pilot, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.
Steering: unusual noises
6 complaints (30%)
Unusual noises and sticking or stiffness. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Seat belts: false unbuckled warnings
4 complaints (20%)
False unbuckled warnings and a feature that stopped working.
Interior trim: unusual noises
2 complaints (10%)
Unusual noises.
Clock spring (cable reel): unusual noises
2 complaints (10%)
Unusual noises.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
2 complaints (10%)
Hesitation.
Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
2 complaints (10%)
Harsh or delayed shifts.
Reported Once (7)
Show the 7 problems reported once
- A/C condenser: a leak
- Airbag warning light
- Driver-assist camera and radar: stopped working
- Rear side window glass: shattering or cracking
- Sway bar links: early wear
- Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
- Vibration (cause not stated)
How the 2026 Honda Pilot Compares With Other Years
The other Pilot years of the 4th generation, 2023 to 2026, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 This year | Too new | – | – | 6.1 | 1 | Steering: unusual noises |
| 2025 | Provisional 62 | – | – | 8.1 | 4 | Steering: unusual noises |
| 2024 | Caution | 62 | 1.8× | 16.2 | 6 | Seat belts: false unbuckled warnings |
| 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 |
2026 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
Loose rear subframe bolts can lead to a loss of vehicle stability or rear subframe detachment, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
NHTSA 26V424000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jul 1, 2026.
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2026 Pilot ratings on NHTSA.gov.
SUV AWD and SUV FWD
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2026 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 26V424000
On the Test Drive
- Turn the wheel fully left and right, parked and at low speed. Sticking, notches or stiffness are warning signs.
- 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.
- Steering
- Seat belts
- Interior trim or dashboard
- 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