Honda Pilot Years to Avoid
Every Pilot model year ranked by owner complaints filed with NHTSA, with recalls and the top problem for each year.
Updated Oct 16, 2026.
Which Pilot years should you avoid?
The 2016, 2017 and 2019 Pilot have the most NHTSA complaints. Adjusted for how long each year has been on the road, the 2010, 2008 and 2009 models have the fewest problems.
Complaints by model year
Total complaints. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing.
Every year at a glance
| Year | Complaints | Per year | Recalls | Top problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 210 | 105 | 4 | Emergency Braking |
| 2024 | 116 | 39 | 6 | Seat Belts |
| 2023 | 146 | 37 | 5 | Seat Belts |
| 2022 | 164 | 33 | 5 | Emergency Braking |
| 2021 | 444 | 74 | 10 | Electrical |
| 2020 | 492 | 70 | 11 | Electrical |
| 2019 | 913 | 114 | 13 | Electrical |
| 2018 | 440 | 49 | 7 | Engine |
| 2017 | 934 | 93 | 4 | Engine |
| 2016 | 1,712 | 156 | 8 | Engine |
| 2015 | 109 | 9 | 4 | Engine |
| 2014 | 116 | 9 | 3 | Engine |
| 2013 | 271 | 19 | 6 | Engine |
| 2012 | 171 | 11 | 9 | Engine |
| 2011 | 293 | 18 | 11 | Airbags |
| 2010 | 111 | 7 | 10 | Airbags |
| 2009 | 134 | 7 | 9 | Engine |
| 2008 | 133 | 7 | 9 | Airbags |
"Per year" divides complaints by the years since that model year went on sale, so new and old years compare fairly. Highlighted rows have the most complaints.
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Common questions
What is the worst year for the Honda Pilot?
The 2016 Pilot, with 1,712 complaints. Its most reported problem area is the engine.
What is the best year for the Honda Pilot?
Among years with at least three years of owner reports, the 2010 Pilot has the fewest complaints per year on the road.
Which Honda Pilot years should I avoid?
Be most careful with the 2016, 2017 and 2019 models. Check service records and recall work before buying.