NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
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 an engine that can stall without warning, a rear suspension component that can fail and cause sudden loss of vehicle control, and a hood that can fly open while driving.
On the engine side, there are two separate concerns. The timing belt's teeth can strip away from the belt, causing the engine to cut out while driving. Separately, an internal engine bearing can seize and damage the engine itself, which can cause rough running or a stall and raises the risk of fire. There is also a fuel pump that can fail and cut engine power at speed, though a fix may restore the vehicle to normal operation once the pump is replaced.
The rear suspension recall applies only to vehicles sold or registered in certain northeastern, midwestern, and mid-Atlantic states where road salt corrosion is common. The rear control arm and related components can corrode to the point of failure, causing the driver to suddenly lose the ability to steer or hold a lane.
The hood latch striker can break and separate, allowing the hood to fly up and block the windshield entirely while the vehicle is in motion.
Two remaining recalls affect occupants more directly. The front passenger seat sensor can cause the airbag to deploy unexpectedly in a crash, raising the risk of injury rather than reducing it. The front powered seats in certain vehicles were assembled with faulty rivets that can shear in a crash, allowing the seat to pull free from the floor and leaving the occupant unsecured at the moment of impact.
At a glance
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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 →
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.
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.