NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The rear subframe can corrode at suspension attachment points, potentially causing rear suspension components to fail.
This page covers 15 recalls, 834 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2019 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
The 2019 Honda Pilot draws its highest complaint volume from the engine and electrical system, with fuel and propulsion not far behind. On the engine side, owners frequently report the check engine light illuminating repeatedly, often in connection with catalytic converter issues, several describe having the converter replaced only to see the light return, sometimes triggered each time fuel is added. The electrical system complaints cover a range of behaviors, with automatic emergency braking activating without any obstacle present being a notable pattern, along with the power tailgate failing to open or close fully despite motor replacements at the dealer. Fuel system complaints largely track with the check engine and emissions-related concerns rather than representing a separate failure mode. A smaller but recurring thread involves paint peeling at the rear liftgate and around the taillights on factory-painted surfaces.
834
Total Complaints
13
Crash-Related
5
Fire-Related
11
With Injuries
By System
The 2019 Honda Pilot has 15 recalls, the most serious involving tires that can crack, lose air suddenly, or shed tread, a hood latch that can break and let the hood fly open while driving, an engine connecting rod bearing that can seize and stall or damage the engine, rear suspension components that can corrode and fail in certain rust-belt states, and a timing belt that can shed teeth and stall the engine.
On the occupant safety side, the passenger seat sensor can misread occupancy and cause the airbag to deploy incorrectly in a crash, and a center pillar trim clip mount may be oversized, preventing the curtain airbag from deploying properly. Some vehicles also have front frame welds that are incomplete, which can reduce crash protection for occupants.
Fuel delivery is a concern in two separate recalls: the low-pressure fuel pump inside the tank can fail and stall the engine while driving.
Several recalls address rear visibility and instrument displays. The rearview camera can fail to appear when reversing due to either a faulty cable connector or software errors, and the instrument panel can go dark after startup, hiding speed, oil pressure, and gear position until the car is restarted.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear subframe can corrode at suspension attachment points, potentially causing rear suspension components to fail.
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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 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
A faulty connector on the MOST communication cable can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying, reducing rear visibility.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the MOST cable harness and install a protective cover over the cable connector at no cost.
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 low-pressure 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 assembly at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Certain Continental tires may have been cured too long during manufacturing, causing the sidewall to crack or the tread and belts to separate. This can lead to sudden air loss and tire failure.
What the fix does
Honda will mail you instructions to visit a dealer for tire inspection and replacement if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
One or more tires may have been over-cured during manufacturing, which can affect tire performance and durability.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect all four tires and replace any affected tires at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software issue may delay or block the rearview camera image from appearing when you shift into reverse, violating the requirement to display within 2 seconds.
What the fix does
Honda will mail instructions for downloading and installing a software update. Owners can alternatively visit a dealer to have the update installed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the instrument panel control module can prevent the dashboard from showing critical information like oil pressure, speed, and gear position until you restart the engine. It may also block the rearview camera image.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the instrument panel control module software at no cost to restore normal display function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Faulty network software can delay or prevent the rearview camera image from displaying on the screen.
What the fix does
Honda will provide updated software. You can download it free following mailed instructions or visit a dealer for free installation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front frame side members may not be fully welded to the vehicle body, potentially weakening the structural frame in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect for missing welds at no cost. If found, Honda will repurchase the vehicle or provide a replacement.
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 mounting holes for the right center pillar trim panel clip are larger than designed. During a right-side crash, the clip may fail to hold the trim panel, which could interfere with curtain airbag deployment.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a bracket on the right center pillar to securely hold the trim clip in place.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
