2020 Honda Pilot Reliability - Consumer Reports
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    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 9 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    We expect the 2024 Pilot will have about average reliability when compared to the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2023 models.

    The 2020 Honda Pilot has been recalled 9 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2020 Honda Pilot owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Apple CarPlay

    "Several seconds of delay with touchscreen even though both iPhone 14 Pro and the CarPlay had been updated. Would touch an on-screen button and it would not do anything. Touched it again as the system caught up and would undo what was just done. Too much time taking eyes off the road to see if the input was taken."

    Anonymous, GA (2020 Honda Pilot EX-L 3.5-L V6)
    Backup or other camera/sensors

    "So at times while in reverse, the backup camera stops showing anything. The auto tech at the Honda World Dealership told me this problem is also connected to the speaker harness issue of random crackling noises. Our 2020 Pilot is scheduled to be repaired on 8/30/23 as a result of a manufacturer recall."

    Anonymous, AR (2020 Honda Pilot EX 3.5-L V6)
    CD player

    "Allof these issues were directly related to the issues discussed previously"

    Anonymous A., NY (2020 Honda Pilot Elite 3.5-L V6)
    Display screen freezes up

    "the infotainment stuck so, you switch off you car - it still continue to work. And it was critical - because it doesn't switch automatically to back camera view and etc. the only option to reset was to remove/install pin in the control unit ( engine room ). Happened multiple times during hot weather. Was fixed with some software update. If I remember correctly - there was recall about this."

    Anonymous, NJ (2020 Honda Pilot Touring 3.5-L V6)
    Display screen goes blank

    "All displays went blank, then came back, then later came back again. Fixed under warranty"

    Anonymous A., MI (2020 Honda Pilot EX-L 3.5-L V6)

    "The system will state that there is no signal, it then freezes and turns off. Sometimes it will reboot but other times I have to stop the car, turn it off and try again, also it cuts out when a/c is on."

    Anonymous, (2020 Honda Pilot Elite 3.5-L V6)
    External music device interface (e.g., smart phone, MP3 player)

    "Has simply not worked to recognize USB device numerous times. Other times it has been playing and then won't play particular songs that worked before."

    Anonymous, ON (2020 Honda Pilot EX 3.5-L V6)

    "Static and clicking noises from speakers. Radio not working"

    Anonymous, NV (2020 Honda Pilot EX-L 3.5-L V6)

    "Crackling periodically. Honda issued recall and the problem seems to be fixed."

    Anonymous A., NY (2020 Honda Pilot EX 3.5-L V6)
    Hardware replacement

    "After SEVERAL trips to dealership for the same issue (head unit turns off and takes up to 10 minutes to return) they still could NOT determine cause nor refused to place on recall"

    Anonymous A., TX (2020 Honda Pilot Touring 3.5-L V6)
    Heads-up display

    "At times when driving, my display cluster will completely disappear and then will turn itself back on."

    Anonymous, (2020 Honda Pilot Elite 3.5-L V6)
    Radio

    "System bus cable connectors were faulty which Honda could not fix for the better part of a year. No radio, no entertainment system, no hands free phone, nothing-nada! Had to use my phone and a wireless speaker I bought."

    Anonymous, TX (2020 Honda Pilot EX-L 3.5-L V6)

    "Sound system would crackle periodically. In July Honda issued recall on bus connector. Its only been a week since they replaced the cable so far so good."

    Anonymous A., NY (2020 Honda Pilot EX 3.5-L V6)
    Rear entertainment system (e.g., DVD player, rear screen)

    "Wiring harness issues that either the entertainment and radio systems freeze up or crackling sounds while playing."

    Anonymous, TN (2020 Honda Pilot Touring 3.5-L V6)
    Speakers

    "This is extremely annoying. To the point that we are unlikely to consider Honda again. The speakers will start crackling no matter if the sound system is on or not. The volume control cannot reduce the volume. It would seem the speakers (all of them) are making ground somewhere, and there is no way to stop the annoying sound. It usually happens after it rains, so we suspect water is collected somewhere where cables are going through."

    Anonymous, MA (2020 Honda Pilot Touring 3.5-L V6)

    "There was a crackling noise coming from the the front tweeters. It started about a year after we bought the car Honda decided to extend the warranty for the electronics system at about the same time that we started experiencing it. My local dealer was unable to fix it. We were visiting my daughter in the Dallas area in February this year and we decided to try to have a dealer there give it a eytry. They were successful in the repair. I was surprised that they would take on this job, and very happy with the result. Apparently the local wasn't able (lacked the skills) or didn't want to fix the problem."

    Anonymous A., NY (2020 Honda Pilot Elite 3.5-L V6)

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Rough shifting

    "Started around 20000 miles. Very hard shift between 2nd and 3rd gears. Will continue until you stop and restart the car. Code refers to transmission switch and that was rrplaced but vehicle still has problem. I've had it in for servicing this problem 4 times. Still no resolution. Transmission was serviced st 30k miles as recommended."

    Anonymous A., MD (2020 Honda Pilot EX-L 3.5-L V6)

    "Several times, daily, vehicle has rough shifting All speeds including from dead start"

    Anonymous A., TX (2020 Honda Pilot Touring 3.5-L V6)
    Transmission sensor or solenoid

    "Replaced fluid 3 times to flush"

    Anonymous, SC (2020 Honda Pilot EX-L 3.5-L V6)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    Keyless entry

    "Eats batteries."

    Anonymous, ON (2020 Honda Pilot EX 3.5-L V6)

    "Vehicle has trouble recognizing the key fob. Computer module was replaced which worked for a couple months but problem nowback. It took 4 months for the dealer to get the part."

    Anonymous A., MD (2020 Honda Pilot EX-L 3.5-L V6)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    "The battery died. This is not expected from a 4 yr old car."

    Anonymous, CA (2020 Honda Pilot Touring 3.5-L V6)

    "Had to replace the battery"

    Anonymous, AZ (2020 Honda Pilot EX-L 3.5-L V6)

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    What Owners Say

    Other engine starting/ignition problem

    "Check Engine Light came on in very cold weather and performance was reduced. After a restart the problem resolved itself."

    Anonymous, WI (2020 Honda Pilot EX-L 3.5-L V6)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    What Owners Say

    Other major engine problem

    "The engine would stall after idling for sever minutes when gas was applied"

    Anonymous A., AR (2020 Honda Pilot EX-L 3.5-L V6)

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    What Owners Say

    Mirrors

    "Have not received recall just read about it"

    Anonymous, AZ (2020 Honda Pilot EX 3.5-L V6)

    Noises And Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    Steering And Suspension

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    Paint And Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    2020 SUVs Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Honda vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
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    Overall Reliability Verdict

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    Engine Major
    Engine Minor
    Engine Cooling
    Engine Electrical
    Transmission Major
    Transmission Minor
    Drive System
    Fuel System/Emissions
    Exhaust
    Steering and Suspension
    Brakes
    Climate System
    Build Quality
    Electrical Accessories
    Body Hardware
    Paint/Trim
    Noises/Leaks
    In-car Electronics
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 330,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2023 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    AIR BAGS
    Feb 01, 2024
    An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
    Summary:
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
    What should you do:
    Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 24V064000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 750114
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    Dec 18, 2023
    Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2020 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2017-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
    What should you do:
    Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed February 5, 2024. A second notice will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V858000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 2484588
    BACK OVER PREVENTION
    Jun 15, 2023
    A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
    Summary:
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Pilot, and 2019-2023 Passport vehicles. Due to a faulty Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) communication coaxial cable connector, the rearview camera image may not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
    What should you do:
    Dealers will replace the MOST cable harness and install a straightening cover over the vehicle cable connector, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are EEL, ZEM, and SFC.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V431000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 1209673
    VISIBILITY
    Mar 16, 2023
    Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2020-2022 Passport and Odyssey vehicles. The heating pads behind both side-view mirrors may not be bonded properly, allowing the mirror glass to detach. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
    What should you do:
    Dealers will replace both left and right side-view mirrors, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 17, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is FE5.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V174000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 339404
    TIRES
    Mar 11, 2021
    Overcured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation, which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
    Summary:
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Passport and Pilot vehicles equipped with Continental tires. On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production.
    What should you do:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four tires and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 22, 2021. Owners may contact American Honda Motor Co. customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is UA2.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V165000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 1093
    BACK OVER PREVENTION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
    Jul 28, 2020
    Operating a vehicle without a functioning instrument panel or rearview camera display increases the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Odyssey, 2019-2020 Passport, and 2019-2021 Pilot vehicles. Incorrect instrument panel control module software can cause the instrument panel to not display critical information, such as engine oil pressure, speedometer, and gear selector position until the next ignition cycle. Additionally, it can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 101, "Control and Displays" and 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
    What should you do:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument panel control module software, free of charge. The recall began September 23, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is T89.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V439000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 607786
    BACK OVER PREVENTION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
    Jul 28, 2020
    A delayed or inoperative rearview camera display can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Pilot, 2019-2020 Odyssey and 2019-2020 Passport vehicles. Incorrect central network software programming may cause several errors to occur that can delay or prevent the rearview camera image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
    What should you do:
    Honda will notify owners that updated software is available. Owners have the option to either follow the mailed instructions to download and update the software for free, or visit a dealer to have the software update performed, free of charge. The recall began September 23, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is Y7Y.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V440000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 499344
    EQUIPMENT
    Feb 06, 2020
    If the operator is unable to refer to the label information, the vehicle may be overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020 Passport and Pilot vehicles. The certification label may have been printed with ink that can be wiped away with a solvent, removing the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) information.
    What should you do:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the certification label, free of charge. The recall began March 24, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is B6T.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V067000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 10050
    STRUCTURE
    Oct 31, 2019
    In the event of a crash, incomplete body welding may provide inadequate protection to occupants, increasing the risk of an injury.
    Summary:
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Pilot and 2019 Passport vehicles. The front frame left and right side upper members may not have been welded completely to the unibody. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 219, "Windshield Zone Intrusion."
    What should you do:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle for missing welds, free of charge. If the vehicle is identified as missing welds, the dealer will offer to repurchase the vehicle or provide a similar replacement vehicle. Owner notification began November 6 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is X6J.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V784000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 10
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