2020 Honda Pilot Problems & Owner Complaints
Age-normalised, this year draws ~67.7 complaints per year on the road — ranking 2 of 12 Honda Pilot years we track (1 = most complaints per year).
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What owners report
Electrical System is the most-reported problem area on the 2020 Honda Pilot, cited in 206 of 474 filed complaints (43%).
Engine is next (99 complaints, 21%), followed by Forward Collision Avoidance (79), Lane Departure (39), Power Train (34).
Across all complaints, 10 report a crash, 5 report a fire, 13 report injuries.
The most safety-critical cluster is Service Brakes: 4 crash, 6 injury report(s).
Complaints by vehicle system
Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2020 Honda Pilot, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 474.
Electrical System 206 2 crash 1 fire 3 injury
“My husband was getting off the highway when a car ahead of him braked suddenly. He attempted to hit the brakes, but the car did not stop. The automatic stop crash feature did not turn on. The abs did not work. Ultimately, crashing into the car ahead of him. Manufacturer Safety-related recall issued NHTSA #23V-174 Recall #FE5 2020-22 Multi-Model Door Mirror Glass Safety Recall Status: Remedy Available”
NHTSA complaint #11530802, 2023 · crash · 2 injury(ies)
“The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while offloading items from the trunk, the trunk door independently closed and hit the contact in the head. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the local dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11419348, 2021 · 1 injury(ies)
“BOUGHT NEW 2020 BLACK EDITION HONDA PILOT ON MAY 2,2020 WITH 11 MILES ON IT. IT CAUGHT ON FIRE ON 6/15/20 AFTER DRIVING ONLY 3 MILES I NOTICED A BAD BURNT SMELL AS I WAS ENTERING A PARKING GARAGE, NOT THINKING IT WAS MY CAR BECAUSE IT WAS NEW AND THERE WERE NO DISPLAY LIGHTS INDICATING ANYTHING. I THEN NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM MY HOOD ABOUT 30 SECONDS LATER. I IMMEDIATELY PARKED AND TURNED ENGINE OFF. GOT OUT OF VEHICLE TO SEE A FIRE BALL DROP FROM UNDER THE FRONT OF MY HOOD. THERE HAD BEEN NO PREVIOUS ALERTS ON THE CAR PANEL THAT ANYTHING WAS WRONG. WE HADN'T DRIVEN THIS CAR MUCH DUE TO COV…”
NHTSA complaint #11340204, 2020 · fire
Engine 99 4 fire
“We parked the vehicle in a hospital parking structure in order to meet an appointment at the hospital. We were in the hospital for about an hour or so when we headed back to the vehicle in the parking garage. We were stopped from getting there because of police and fire trucks. Then we got a call from the local police on our cell phone, telling us that our vehicle was on fire. We couldn't get into the parking structure because no one was allowed, but we did get to talk to the police and some fire personnel. Apparently, the parking structure had its own sprinkler system which was able to keep t…”
NHTSA complaint #11507079, 2023 · fire
“I can't remember if I reported this already but here goes. My daughter was driving my 2020 Honda Pilot with 41,400 miles on it. She had baby in the back and was in slow traffic in Millsboro Delaware. She thought she smelled something burning. Then she got out of the vehicle, took the baby out and called 911. Fire started coming out of the engine compartment and the vehicle totally burned up.”
NHTSA complaint #11482344, 2022 · fire
“The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while his daughter was driving at an unknown speed when she smelled an odor of smoke coming from the vehicle, then she noticed fire coming from the vehicle. She was able to exit the vehicle safely as it started to burn. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. No one was injured, and a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a Collision center. The manufacturer was contacted, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 42,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11477008, 2022 · fire
Unknown Or Other 94 1 crash 1 fire 1 injury
“I pulled into a parking space at PAM Rehab hospital. Pressed the brake to stop vehicle and it accelerated forward with passenger side wheel jumping over concrete bar and into bushes and driver side concrete bar stopped it from going into the retaining wall. All airbags deployed trapping me in vehicle. Vehicle remained running and I was able to put in park and turn off engine so nurse from rehab could get me out.”
NHTSA complaint #11641242, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“I can't remember if I reported this already but here goes. My daughter was driving my 2020 Honda Pilot with 41,400 miles on it. She had baby in the back and was in slow traffic in Millsboro Delaware. She thought she smelled something burning. Then she got out of the vehicle, took the baby out and called 911. Fire started coming out of the engine compartment and the vehicle totally burned up.”
NHTSA complaint #11482344, 2022 · fire
“My air conditioning system has gone out for the third time in 6 years. First one was at 38k miles and was the compressor, which contaminated the system, requiring a system replacement. Second time was at 98k miles and was the condenser, which required a whole system replacement. Third time happend at 148k miles and is the compressor, which will result in another full system replacement. The compressor is locked up which will cause the serpentine belt to fail, unless I keep the AC off. I have not yet had this fixed, however I'm very frustrated that this has happened 3 times. A serpentine belt f…”
NHTSA complaint #11745867, 2026
Forward Collision Avoidance 79 1 crash 1 injury
“I own a 2020 Honda Pilot EX with approximately 58,000 miles. Every time I drive on two-lane roads, I receive a bright orange “Brake” warning from the Automatic Emergency Braking system when vehicles in the opposite lane are passing by. The system falsely detects an imminent collision, even though the oncoming vehicles are safely in their lane. The system then applies the brakes unnecessarily. Most of the time it brakes mildly, but on at least two occasions it has braked very hard, causing the vehicle behind me to nearly rear-end my car. This creates a significant and dangerous situation, as…”
NHTSA complaint #11684147, 2025 · 1 injury(ies)
“In two, separate, instances the vehicle exhibited sudden acceleration with the brake pedal depressed. The first instance was, as the 2020 Honda Pilot was pulling into a driveway and was approximately 10 feet behind another vehicle parked in the driveway. With the brake pedal being depressed, as one does when parking, the 2020 Honda Pilot suddenly accelerated and struck the rear of the other vehicle. The automatic braking system was never deployed. The second instance was when the 2020 Honda Pilot was on a city street and was parked behind another vehicle on the right side of the street against…”
NHTSA complaint #11496774, 2022 · crash
“Lots of crackling noises via the audio system. Display reboots itself many times before it finally went BLANK. Radio / DVD DEAD. Blind Spot warnings DEAD. Back up camera DEAD. Navigation DEAD. Eventually the battery goes DEAD and the car will not start. Got Stranded a few times. Changed the battery. But hopeless and reliability is DEAD. Definitely disappointed with HONDA.”
NHTSA complaint #11750225, 2026
Lane Departure 39 1 injury
“I own a 2020 Honda Pilot EX with approximately 58,000 miles. Every time I drive on two-lane roads, I receive a bright orange “Brake” warning from the Automatic Emergency Braking system when vehicles in the opposite lane are passing by. The system falsely detects an imminent collision, even though the oncoming vehicles are safely in their lane. The system then applies the brakes unnecessarily. Most of the time it brakes mildly, but on at least two occasions it has braked very hard, causing the vehicle behind me to nearly rear-end my car. This creates a significant and dangerous situation, as…”
NHTSA complaint #11684147, 2025 · 1 injury(ies)
“Lots of crackling noises via the audio system. Display reboots itself many times before it finally went BLANK. Radio / DVD DEAD. Blind Spot warnings DEAD. Back up camera DEAD. Navigation DEAD. Eventually the battery goes DEAD and the car will not start. Got Stranded a few times. Changed the battery. But hopeless and reliability is DEAD. Definitely disappointed with HONDA.”
NHTSA complaint #11750225, 2026
“First of, there are a LOT of Honda Pilot owners online who have the same exact complaints in honda forums and social media. Windshield Lane Keep Assist camera is malfunctioning. Adaptive cruise control, Emissions systems, Road departure system, Auto high beam problem, Lane keeping assist, Collision mitigation system warning lights all come on. No previous warnings or failures prior. This started out of the blue and has been happening everyday for a few months now. This malfunction puts driver and passengers at risk.”
NHTSA complaint #11749829, 2026
Power Train 34 1 injury
“The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that after shifting into reverse to reverse out of the driveway, the contact had forgotten an item on the outside of the vehicle; the contact opened the door; however, while reaching outside the vehicle to retrieve the item, the contact released the brake pedal unintendedly and the vehicle rolled backwards, causing the contact to fall out of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle continued rolling backwards and struck the sidewalk and the neighbor’s garden wall. The contact stated that the vehicle then rolled forwards and rolled…”
NHTSA complaint #11627332, 2024 · 1 injury(ies)
“I am reporting a severe safety defect regarding the automatic transmission on my 2020 Honda Pilot AWD (VIN: [XXX]). The vehicle experiences a violent and constant transmission vibration/judder under light throttle acceleration. On XXX, at 127,073 miles, an authorized Honda dealership officially diagnosed the vehicle under Repair Order # XXX, confirming the presence of "shudder at light throttle". Despite changing the transmission fluid as required by maintenance schedules, the issue persists. This failure causes unexpected vehicle hesitation and jerky shifts while driving at highway speeds, cr…”
NHTSA complaint #11754200, 2026
“MOST Network problems continue to persist even after MOST FAKRA Service Cables Safety Recall work was performed. Typical progression: Radio goes silent, Infotainment Screen displays error message, "Network Communication Lost / MOST Net Off", Driver Information Interface Display goes blank, then 3 error messages cycle, "Blind Spot Info System Problem", "Emissions System Problem", "Transmission System Problem", and vehicle enters limp mode (stuck in 3rd gear). Multiple safety issues: Rearview camera does not function, vehicle speed is not displayed, vehicle gas gauge is not displayed, blind sp…”
NHTSA complaint #11738554, 2026
Fuel/Propulsion System 30
“Full brake system, Emissions System problem, and Service System malfunctioning, out of the blue. Factory Reset and System Updated performed with no improvement.”
NHTSA complaint #11751683, 2026
“On two separate occasions this vehicle has died when stopped at a traffic light. First time was in February and the second was in June, both times were in 2026. Both times had to push the off button and do a restart.”
NHTSA complaint #11747427, 2026
“I am seeing warning lights on my screen and using OBD-II scnner shows code P0302 (misfires). Vehicle bought 2020 August and gas about 90K miles. Is this vehicle under recall for this issue”
NHTSA complaint #11734479, 2026
Service Brakes 26 4 crash 6 injury
“My husband was getting off the highway when a car ahead of him braked suddenly. He attempted to hit the brakes, but the car did not stop. The automatic stop crash feature did not turn on. The abs did not work. Ultimately, crashing into the car ahead of him. Manufacturer Safety-related recall issued NHTSA #23V-174 Recall #FE5 2020-22 Multi-Model Door Mirror Glass Safety Recall Status: Remedy Available”
NHTSA complaint #11530802, 2023 · crash · 2 injury(ies)
“The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. Upon purchase of the vehicle, the contact heard an abnormal, screeching noise emit from the front driver-side tire. The contact's husband took the vehicle to a dealer where they found no defect with her rotors or tires. The contact stated that while in stop and go traffic, the brake warning light appeared on the instrument panel as the vehicle independently came to a sudden stop; the contact was able to resume normal operation after the failure. On a separate occasion while traveling downhill at approximately 20 MPH, the brake pedal depressed to the floorbo…”
NHTSA complaint #11471305, 2022 · crash · 2 injury(ies)
“The contact owned a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 55 mph the brake pedal was applied however failed to respond the vehicle crashed into a fence. The wheel assembly detached. There were no warning indicator lights illuminated. The driver sustain muscle injuries and medical attention was provided. A police report was filed. The air bags deployed. There was no reported fire. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified however, no f…”
NHTSA complaint #11439838, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
Fuel System 23
“The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with failures of 4 of the 6 fuel injectors. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11744159, 2026
“The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving 25-35 MPH and passing a vehicle on the left side of the vehicle, the vehicle stopped independently. The contact stated that the failure occurred while another vehicle was driving on the lane that was on the right side of the vehicle. The brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or to an independent mechanic for a diagnostic test. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving, the message "Emissions Control" was displayed intermittently, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intend…”
NHTSA complaint #11705355, 2025
“The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled; the vehicle returned to normal operation several minutes after the failure had occurred. No warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission fluid needed to be flushed and refilled. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The cont…”
NHTSA complaint #11633982, 2025
Vehicle Speed Control 16 1 crash
“In two, separate, instances the vehicle exhibited sudden acceleration with the brake pedal depressed. The first instance was, as the 2020 Honda Pilot was pulling into a driveway and was approximately 10 feet behind another vehicle parked in the driveway. With the brake pedal being depressed, as one does when parking, the 2020 Honda Pilot suddenly accelerated and struck the rear of the other vehicle. The automatic braking system was never deployed. The second instance was when the 2020 Honda Pilot was on a city street and was parked behind another vehicle on the right side of the street against…”
NHTSA complaint #11496774, 2022 · crash
“1.)Transmission!! Problems such as Transmission fluid overheating, RPM's boggle up & down while on flat roads at steady speeds, cruise control wont stay activated, shaking or vibration while stopped and while driving. 2.) mine and my kids safety is at risk when we have to pull over to let the transmission cool and are on a busy interstate. It also risks us breaking down while we are traveling long distance and being stranded in the middle of nowhere. 3.) I had my vehicle worked on at a Honda dealer in the past 2 months for the shaking, but they did not resolve the shaking or cruise control is…”
NHTSA complaint #11652769, 2025
“2020 Honda Pilot has acceleration issues also. I forgot to list it in my last post. loss of power is evident. shaking, cruise control won't stay engaged. has trouble climbing incline roads. gas mileage is crap now. the 2020 Pilots should absolutely be included in the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11652774, 2025
Back Over Prevention 10 1 crash
“The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V431000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the contact drove her vehicle to a dealer prior to receiving the recall letter due to the failure of the camera image. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired, however, the rear view camera failure reoccurred. The contact was in reverse (R) and backing the vehicle up at approximately 3 MPH when the camera failed and she crashed into her mail box at the end of her drive way. The damage to the rear bumper was light. There were no injuries, the police…”
NHTSA complaint #11537386, 2023 · crash
“The infotainment center goes out, the screen reads "Network Communication Lost" "MOST Net off". This occurs while using the rearview camera, causing a safety issue. This is a known Honda issue, bulletin 20-049, 20-058, A19-030B. Replacement of FAKRA connectors, MOST bus wiring harness (parts 39817-TJB-ACO housing or 39165-TG7 cords) or the entire floor harness.. Vehicle has 79,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11700825, 2025
“The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera was not functioning properly. The rear-view image was distorted, compromising the back over prevention system. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V431000 (Back Over Prevention), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #11650498, 2025
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 10
“2020 HONDA PILOT TOURING HAS COMPLETE BLACK OUT OF ALL ELECTRONICS AND THE DASH BOARD SINCE PURCHASE REGARDLESS IF THE VEHICLE IS MOVING OR STATIONARY. POPPING AND CRACKING CONSTANTLY THROUGHOUT AND BEHIND DASH/WINDSHIELD REGARDLESS IF THE CAR IS STATIONARY OR MOVING. THERE IS NO WAY TO MEASURE ENGINE SPEED, FUEL, OIL PRESSURE, OR WHAT GEAR YOU ARE IN. TOTAL ELECTRICAL FAILURES ARE OCCURRING SINCE PURCHASE, AND THE DEALER HAS NO FIX FOR THE ISSUES, BUT DOES ACKNOWLEDGE ALL OF THESE SAFETY AND ELECTRICAL FAILURES ARE FACTORY BORN, AND HONDA HAS FAILED TO FIND OR PROVIDE A FIX. WITH ALL SYSTEM…”
NHTSA complaint #11362203, 2020
“POPPING, CRACKING EVEN IF RADIO OFF. SOMETIMES LIGHT PINGS LIKE ROCK HITTING WINDSHIELD SOMETIMES LOUD LONG STATIC SOUND. RADIO CUTS ODD AND ON. NAVIGATION SCREEN WILL CUT IN AND OUT AND GO BLANK (BLACK). SPEEDOMETER DIAL WILL REBOOT AND OR GO BLANK AND REBOOT. THIS IS ALL WHILE DRIVING THE CAR. I HAVE HAD THE REAR VIEW CAMERA NOT COME ON WHEN FIRST PUTTING IT INTO REVERSE TO BACK UP. IT DID COME ON AFTER PUTTING CAR INTO PARK AND THEN BACK INTO REVERSE. WE HAD RECALL WORK DONE YESTERDAY 8/10/20. 20-047 6MB002018-21 AND 20-051 6HR002019-20 PICKED CAR UP TODAY AND POPPING AND CRACKING NOT FIXED…”
NHTSA complaint #11348660, 2020
“I GOT THIS CAR ONLY 1 WEEK; I HEARD THE NOISE FROM STEERING WHEEL AND THE PROBLEM WHEN I HIT GAS AND SHIFT THE TRANSMISSION. ON JULY 13, I DROP THE CAR TO FIX FOR 2 DAYS. THEN, ONLY 2 WEEK AFTER I HAVE EXPERIENCED CANNOT HIT GAS AND I CANNOT HIT THE BRAKES. THE ALL ENGINE LIGHT, BREAK LIGHT, TSA LIGHT AND OTHER 3 LIGHTS IS COMING. I HAVE TO TOW MY CAR TO DEALER SHOP. THIS CAR IS BAD CAR”
NHTSA complaint #11344095, 2020
Equipment 9
“The vehicle radio/nav, display goes completely out. Sometimes it just goes full volume. Makes full volume popping noises out of the blue. Sometimes is blacked out and sometimes it just won't turn on or shut off. Symptoms have be getting progressively worse and worse. I'm afraid of the other systems this will effect due to the bus system. It is very scary to my wife when it just goes full blast and I'm afraid it's going to cause an accident. It's been doing things for a year since 12000 miles or so, but it had just recently gotten terrible.”
NHTSA complaint #11476090, 2022
“Have had numerous occasions where the Center Display Console Screen has gone completely blank when driving ( Nav, audio & driver systems integration items). A Bigger problem is that on ONE occasion on the highway, the Driver's Main Display Screen has also gone completely blank at the same time as the center display -- i.e. TOTAL LOSS OF SPEED INFO AND ALL SYSTEM WARNING LIGHTS. It takes almost 2 minutes for the screens to "reboot" and come back to normal. Honda has released several TSBs regarding the center display console, MOST network connection and audio issues but nothing I am aware o…”
NHTSA complaint #11433318, 2021
“the vehicles bus connectors where called have been taken to 3 different dealer ships to get fixed an problem still has not been resolved. the cars display screen and rear view camera has absolutely no power sometimes will turn on when I first start vehicle but will turn off completely while driving nothing is visible. reversing I can't see objects and while driving have gotten lost since gps will completely turnoff and I can use my phone while driving. the bus connectors will pop constantly while driving. I have all documents stating the cars been seen and different things have been done to…”
NHTSA complaint #11424148, 2021
Exterior Lighting 7
“I am writing to formally report a safety concern related to a recent maintenance issue on my Honda vehicle. Approximately one month ago, I had my vehicle serviced to address an issue with the rear tailgate lighting. Although the issue was supposedly repaired, I discovered during nighttime driving that the tailgate lights were still not functioning properly. Despite the headlights being on, the rear tailgate lighting failed to illuminate, creating a serious safety hazard. I was nearly involved in a rear-end collision with a truck due to this malfunction. Upon stopping and inspecting the vehicl…”
NHTSA complaint #11663917, 2025
“Auto high bean is not working and no sign of auto( headlight on with letter A) on dashboard is not show. Trying to reset by holding high beam for 40 seconds still not working ( only blinking once), meaning still not working. That problem had after came back from recall on cracking sound inside speakers. Recently brought the car to Honda Beltsville, MD on January 15, 2024 about when stopping at traffic light when pressed the brakes hard the auto on/off engine is not working. Message on dashboard show that( the auto engine idle stop unavailable ). With my vehicle had 2 problems 1- light is not…”
NHTSA complaint #11566150, 2023
“Car completely shut down while in drive. Towed to dealership where I was told there was a software update that needed to be done. Car working fine now.”
NHTSA complaint #11530725, 2023
Steering 6
“Loud clicking noise when turning/steering at low speeds. Problem has been worsening over past several months.”
NHTSA complaint #11656438, 2025
“My 2020 Honda Pilot steering wheel locks or sticks while driving, which terrifies me. After researching the problem online, I found that 2020 Honda vehicles have been recalled due to a manufacturing defect in the steering gearbox assembly. My vehicle is NOT on the list. Please advise. Thank you!”
NHTSA complaint #11635356, 2024
“The vehicle pulls hard to the right when the driver lets go of the steering wheel for a few sseconds. this happens with LKA on or off. This happens no matter which lane is being driven in or what speed. The alignment has been verified 4 different times at both an independent mechanic and Honda dealer. Honda is unwilling or unable to remedy the situation. New tores did not fix the pull, rotation did not correct it. They basically told us there was nothing wrong with the car. This is dangerous because the car will end up in the ditch if the driver is incapacitated or distracted for just a few se…”
NHTSA complaint #11533329, 2023
Structure 6 1 crash 2 injury
“My husband was getting off the highway when a car ahead of him braked suddenly. He attempted to hit the brakes, but the car did not stop. The automatic stop crash feature did not turn on. The abs did not work. Ultimately, crashing into the car ahead of him. Manufacturer Safety-related recall issued NHTSA #23V-174 Recall #FE5 2020-22 Multi-Model Door Mirror Glass Safety Recall Status: Remedy Available”
NHTSA complaint #11530802, 2023 · crash · 2 injury(ies)
“Paint failure - rear roof panel. Paint chips flaking off. NOT a gradual failure, clear coat in good condition. No skuff marks or damage prior. Large paint chips pealing off exposing bare metal. Paint color : Modern steel metallic”
NHTSA complaint #11730911, 2026
“While driving at approximately 55 mph on a clear day, the panoramic sunroof glass spontaneously shattered with a loud explosion. There were no overpasses, construction zones, or other vehicles in the immediate vicinity to suggest an external impact from a rock or debris. The glass shattered into small granules, some of which fell into the cabin while the vehicle was in motion, creating an immediate distraction and safety hazard.”
NHTSA complaint #11730662, 2026
Visibility/Wiper 5
“While driving at approximately 55 mph on a clear day, the panoramic sunroof glass spontaneously shattered with a loud explosion. There were no overpasses, construction zones, or other vehicles in the immediate vicinity to suggest an external impact from a rock or debris. The glass shattered into small granules, some of which fell into the cabin while the vehicle was in motion, creating an immediate distraction and safety hazard.”
NHTSA complaint #11730662, 2026
“Visors are defective on both the driver and passenger side. They are flopping down and impeding driver visibility, causing a safety hazard. According to my service advisor at the local Honda dealer, this is a known problem occurring as a result of warping plastic that holds the rod in the visor.”
NHTSA complaint #11558799, 2023
“American Honda states they performed NHTSA Recall Number 23V-431 but rear view camera still does not operate correctly. They are stating that I must pay out of pocket to replace a different part to be able to have the rear view camera operational again and per the terms of the recall notice, I am to have this fixed without charge and within a reasonable amount of time. Please help!”
NHTSA complaint #11554296, 2023
Air Bags 4 3 crash 5 injury
“Front airbags did not deploy during a head on collision and rollover crash”
NHTSA complaint #11682289, 2025 · crash · 2 injury(ies)
“The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. Upon purchase of the vehicle, the contact heard an abnormal, screeching noise emit from the front driver-side tire. The contact's husband took the vehicle to a dealer where they found no defect with her rotors or tires. The contact stated that while in stop and go traffic, the brake warning light appeared on the instrument panel as the vehicle independently came to a sudden stop; the contact was able to resume normal operation after the failure. On a separate occasion while traveling downhill at approximately 20 MPH, the brake pedal depressed to the floorbo…”
NHTSA complaint #11471305, 2022 · crash · 2 injury(ies)
“UPON IMPACT, THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND VEHICLE BEGAN SMOKING. THE VEHICLE SMELLED STRONGLY OF SMOKE. THE DRIVER SUFFERED BURNS FROM THE AIRBAG, THOUGH IT'S UNCLEAR IF THEY WERE CAUSED BY CHEMICAL OR FLAME.”
NHTSA complaint #11373850, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
Wheels 4
“honda pilot EXL 2020 with 39,000 miles- purchased new in may 2020. We just had our pilot oil change and multi-point inspection along with safety recall most faker replaced. With less than 40K miles we are getting told the Front control Arm needs to be replaced. The bushing on the right front lower control arm is torn-cracking, CAUSING our tires to be worn and ALSO needing to REPLACE ALL FOUR of them! I'm not sure how a four year old car, just out of 3 year warranty by a year, is needing all this excessive amount of work. Just this last year EVERYTHING with the suspension and tires were complet…”
NHTSA complaint #11586425, 2024
“FOR THE PAST TWO WEEKS MY PILOT FELT LIKE IT WAS BOUNCING ODD. WE'VE ONLY OWNED IT FOR 5 MONTHS AND HAVE UNDER 5,000 MILES. WHILE MONITORING THE TIRE PRESSURE FOR TWO WEEKS, I'VE NOTICED THAT BOTH DRIVER SIDE FRONT AND REAR TIRES HAVE BEEN CONSIDERABLY LOW AND WE HAVEN'T ADDED ANY AIR SINCE. I FIGURED IT WAS BECAUSE OF HEAT/TIME OF DAY. MY LAST DRIVE AT 80 DEGREES AT SUNSET ENDED WITH BOTH DRIVER SIDE TIRES AT 33 PSI AND BOTH PASSENGER SIDE TIRES AROUND 35-37 PSI. THIS MORNING BOTH DRIVER SIDE TIRES WERE AT 33 PSI ON A COLD START AT ABOUT 60 DEGREES, ONCE I GOT ONTO THE SAME HIGHWAY AND LAN…”
NHTSA complaint #11406162, 2021
“I HAVE HAD TWO TIRES BLOW OUT ON MY 2020 PILOT. ONE AT 10,000 MILES AND ONE AT 18,000 MILES .I WAS ON A MAIN STREET BOTH TIMES AND DID NOT RUN OVER ANYTHING THEY JUST BLEW UP .THEY ARE BRIDGESTONE DUELER H/P SPORT AS 245/60R18 M+S”
NHTSA complaint #11404414, 2021
Engine And Engine Cooling 3 1 fire
“The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving approximately at 65 mph the brother who was in a second vehicle ahead could see flames present in the front grill of the vehicle. White smoke began to enter the cabin of the vehicle and the contact pulled over, parked and exited the vehicle. Smoke and flames were present coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed away. A fire and police report was taken at the scene. The cause of the failure was not…”
NHTSA complaint #11482029, 2022 · fire
“The contact's husband owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 55 MPH, the Emissions warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The approximate failure mileage was 91,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11723617, 2026
“The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the vehicle was jerking while attempting to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle with fuel injector failure. The fuel injector was replaced. The contact stated that the emissions light illuminated after the repair. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone who diagnosed that the catalytic convertor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the catalytic convertor failure was confirmed. The catalytic converter was replaced. The emissions light was then blinking consisten…”
NHTSA complaint #11639945, 2022
Seats 3 1 crash
“In my Honda 2020 Pilot, the driver's side headrest in the 3rd row will no longer stay upright. It simply stays flat and will not lock into place. As the headrest will not stay upright, the seat is unusable. If someone used that seat or if the headrest would fail while a person is sitting in that seat, it would cause an injury risk. It looks like their is evidence that Technical Information and Support may be aware of the issue as indicated in a document on the nhtsa website.”
NHTSA complaint #11716260, 2025 · crash
“Another vehicle pulled out in front of me, I had to slam on my brakes to prevent accident. The second row passenger seat unlatched and slammed forward. Had my daughter been with me she would have been seriously hurt or worse. Her seat slammed forward and was lodged into the back of the front seat. I honestly do not believe this was related to her seat not being locked in place well on my behave. Anytime one of the second two seats are moved I make sure they are pushed back as far as they will go to give the kids the most leg available. I truly believe I had to hit my brakes so hard the seat la…”
NHTSA complaint #11542017, 2023
“1675 miles- rear taillight including brake light failure 10,094 miles- rear differential oil stain noted 23028 miles- front passenger seat motor and seat frame failure 23258 miles- AC compressor failure 24090- very leaky rear differential noted”
NHTSA complaint #11501806, 2023
Suspension 3
“honda pilot EXL 2020 with 39,000 miles- purchased new in may 2020. We just had our pilot oil change and multi-point inspection along with safety recall most faker replaced. With less than 40K miles we are getting told the Front control Arm needs to be replaced. The bushing on the right front lower control arm is torn-cracking, CAUSING our tires to be worn and ALSO needing to REPLACE ALL FOUR of them! I'm not sure how a four year old car, just out of 3 year warranty by a year, is needing all this excessive amount of work. Just this last year EVERYTHING with the suspension and tires were complet…”
NHTSA complaint #11586425, 2024
“I am told by Right Honda dealership in Scottsdale, AZ that the "front lower control arms" are tearing open after 3.5 years and approx. 48k miles. This is a premature failure that appears to have affected many other Honda owners. I am told that my steering can lose control as a result of this defect. The dealership charges over $1000 for this repair and it is just outside of warranty. Please investigate this dangerous defect.”
NHTSA complaint #11569935, 2024
“The contact leased a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the front end and rear end of the vehicle wobbled while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer who diagnosed that no alignment issues were found. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was awaiting a call back from the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 8,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11439393, 2021
Tires 3
“The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot equipped with Continental Tires, Tire Line: Cross Contact LX Sport, Tire Size: 245/50/R20, DOT Number: [XXX] . The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the tire pressure monitoring system warning light illuminated. The contact stated that there was a pop sound and the rear driver's side tire had a side wall had a blowout. The contact pulled the vehicle to the side of the road and observed that the tread was detached and pulled away from the tire. The contact installed the spare tire on the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the…”
NHTSA complaint #11582232, 2024
“I have 2 years old Honda Pilot 2020 Touring original tires 245/50 R20 with 16900 miles on them and the front tires already start delaminating and chunk off (please see attached pictures). As you can see 2-year-old rubber looks like it's much older. Possibly the rubber compound is not what it should be. Did not found this DOT # in recall yet only the close ones, looks like the recall should be wider.”
NHTSA complaint #11432310, 2021
“March 2021 - car pulling to right, took to dealership & they did alignment, problem persisted, returned to dealer April 22, 2021, still pulling right, they said they swapped front tires left to right and pull diminished, service manager indicated a tire belt/band problem & could go flat or have a blowout, two front tires replaced at 34579 miles on 70000 mile tires, found out about Honda recall UA2 for same problem with Continental Tires but my VIN not on recall list.”
NHTSA complaint #11424579, 2021
Visibility 3
“The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V174000 (Visibility) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer and the recall repair was completed. The contact stated that after the recall repair was completed, the vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that when the camera system was enabled, the camera was inoperable and displayed a black screen. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure however, the contact was informed that the failure would not be honored by the recall repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or r…”
NHTSA complaint #11564708, 2024
“While driving on a highway, my sunroof exploded. There were no other vehicles near me and nothing hit the vehicle or sunroof. Shards of glass came loose from the vehicle thankfully my sunshade was closed, or the glass would have entered the cabin.”
NHTSA complaint #11522435, 2023
“There is an active safety recall for the passenger side view mirrors due to risk of mirrors detaching. I brought my vehicle in to have the recall addressed and the mirror replaced and the mirror that it was replaced with is defective. The images are warped as if you are looking in a fun mirror. It is very dizzying/distracting and I am concerned that is it an extreme safety hazard while driving. The service manager at Honda had told me that he has had multiple customers complain about the replacement mirrors and he is being told by Honda there is nothing that can be done about it. I am extremel…”
NHTSA complaint #11522216, 2023
Seat Belts 2
“The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the driver’s side seat belt failed to lock securely in the buckle. The contact called the dealer who was unable to schedule an appointment to diagnose the vehicle until January. The contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V782000 (Seat Belts) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11557374, 2023
“In the third row seating, on the driver side, the seat belt buckle latch does not catch or secure the buckle.”
NHTSA complaint #11532506, 2023
Latches/Locks/Linkages 1 1 injury
“The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while offloading items from the trunk, the trunk door independently closed and hit the contact in the head. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the local dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11419348, 2021 · 1 injury(ies)
How we read this (methodology)
How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2020 Honda Pilot draws about 67.7 complaints per year on the road, ranking 2 of 12 among the Honda Pilot model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).
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Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.