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.
What the fix does
This page covers 12 recalls, 452 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2020 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
Electrical faults are the dominant complaint pattern owners report for the 2020 Honda Pilot, with the largest group describing multiple warning lights appearing simultaneously on the instrument cluster, often covering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, and related driver-assistance features in a single event. Many of these electrical complaints appear tied to the front-facing camera system, which owners report failing in ways that knock out several assistance features at once, leaving adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking unavailable. Engine complaints are the second most-reported area, with owners describing misfires, rough running, and in some cases connecting rod bearing noise that produces a tapping sound under acceleration. A recurring detail in the engine reports involves the noise appearing after timing belt service.
452
Total Complaints
10
Crash-Related
5
Fire-Related
10
With Injuries
By System
The 2020 Honda Pilot has 12 recalls, the most serious involving rear suspension components that can fail and cause loss of handling control, a front passenger airbag that can deploy unintentionally in a crash, and tires that can develop a sidewall break leading to sudden air loss or tread separation.
On the structural side, front frame upper members may not be fully welded to the body, which can reduce occupant protection in a crash. The fuel pump can fail and stall the engine while driving. Several recalls affect rear visibility: a faulty connector in the camera system and a software issue can each prevent the rearview camera image from appearing, and a separate software problem can cause the instrument panel to go blank, hiding the speedometer, oil pressure, and gear position until the next ignition cycle. Side-view mirror glass on both sides can detach if the heating pads behind them are not properly bonded, further reducing visibility. There is also a label recall: the certification sticker showing weight ratings may have been printed with ink that wipes off with a solvent, making it impossible to verify safe loading limits.
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
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
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 →
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 front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which could prevent the front passenger air bag from deactivating when it should.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger seat weight sensors 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 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 heating pads behind the side-view mirrors may not be bonded properly, which can cause the mirror glass to detach.
What the fix does
Both left and right side-view mirrors will be replaced at no cost.
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
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
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
The certification label on the driver's door jamb may be printed with ink that washes away when exposed to solvents, potentially removing weight rating information.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the certification label at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The compliance label uses ink that can be wiped away by solvents. Without visible loading information, the vehicle could be unintentionally overloaded.
What the fix does
Honda will mail you instructions to bring your vehicle to a dealer, who will replace the compliance label.
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.
