This page covers 7 recalls, 419 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2018 Honda Pilot.
21–23 mpg combined
10.2–11.2 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
For the 2018 Honda Pilot, engine and fuel system complaints make up the bulk of what owners report. On the engine side, owners frequently describe sudden deceleration, loss of power, knocking sounds, and the check engine light coming on, sometimes accompanied by the vehicle becoming undrivable and needing a tow. A recurring issue involves the Auto Idle Stop system: owners report the engine shutting off at stops and failing to restart, requiring a shift to Park to get the vehicle going again. The fuel system generates a similar volume of reports, often tied to the same power-loss and stalling patterns. Powertrain complaints include shuddering at highway speeds with multiple warning lights illuminating simultaneously, AWD, hill descent, power steering, and check engine, as well as at least one report of a transfer case failing catastrophically at low speed.
419
Total Complaints
9
Crash-Related
2
Fire-Related
8
With Injuries
By System
The 2018 Honda Pilot has 7 recalls, the most serious of which include a hood latch that can separate and let the hood fly open while driving, a connecting rod bearing that can seize and cause the engine to stall or catch fire, and rear suspension components that can corrode and fail, causing loss of vehicle control.
The passenger seat sensor can also misclassify an occupant and deploy the airbag incorrectly in a crash. On the engine side, the timing belt's teeth can strip away from the belt, stalling the engine. The fuel pump can fail and cut engine power while driving. Rounding out the list, the powered front seats may have been assembled with faulty rivets that can break in a crash, allowing the seat to pull free from the floor.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear subframe can corrode at suspension attachment points, potentially causing rear suspension components to fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the rear subframe, install a reinforcement kit, and repair or replace components as needed at no cost.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and create an electrical short, potentially causing airbags to deploy unexpectedly during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger seat weight sensor at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail, potentially stopping fuel delivery to the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A manufacturing error may cause the connecting rod bearing in the engine to wear and seize, which damages the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the engine and repair or replace it as necessary at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The hood latch striker can become damaged and separate from the hood, potentially causing the hood to open while you're driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair or replace the hood latch striker or hood at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The timing belt teeth may separate from the belt, which could cause the belt to fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace any affected timing belt at no cost. The engine will be inspected and any damaged components replaced for free.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The powered front seats have rivets that were not manufactured correctly. In a crash, these rivets can break, causing the seats to come loose from the floor.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the seat frame assembly (driver seat in Acura MDX; driver and front passenger seats in Pilot and Ridgeline) at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
