Honda Pilot Complaints (2021)

452 consumer complaints on file.

#11764401September 15, 2026
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
The entire ADAS suddenly failed. the vehicle started cycling through all warning indicators (adaptive cruise control problem, abs problem, lane keep assist problem, brake mitigation system problem etc) brought it to Honda today and they confirmed that the "multi purpose camera/millimeter wave radar unit with aiming" had failed and needed to be replaced. Honda charged $1764.14 for all work to fix this on 9/15/2026
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11764021September 14, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under an unknown recall; however, the recall repair failed to prevent the failure. The contact stated that while shifting in reverse(R), the rear-view camera failed to display a clear image. The local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763937September 13, 2026
ENGINE
Our pilot is experiencing similar issues found online with catastrophic engine failure due to a misfire caused by a knocking rod. Honda so far has not responded to our claim despite it being a known issue around the same time ours was manufactured.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763297September 10, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am filing this complaint regarding a recurring “Network Communication Lost” issue with my Honda Pilot. I am aware that Honda has issued a recall related to network communication issues; however, when I checked my vehicle’s VIN, it is not included in the recall. My vehicle is experiencing the same network communication problem described in the recall. I am concerned that my vehicle may have the same underlying defect but is not currently covered by the recall. I believe this issue should be investigated because a loss of communication between vehicle systems can potentially affect the operation, reliability, and safety of the vehicle. I should not have to wait until my vehicle experiences a more serious failure before this issue is addressed. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether the recall should be expanded to include additional Honda Pilot vehicles, including vehicles with VINs that are currently excluded but are experiencing the same defect. I would also like this complaint documented as part of any investigation into Honda’s network communication system issue and any related safety defects.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763127September 9, 2026
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
Vehicle has multiple safety system failures. After extensive online research and multiple diagnostics, repair technicians indicating safety camera failure due to heat. Technician indicating significant increase specific to this vehicle of late. Excessive environmental temperature “frying” ADAS camera. This causes failure to HondaSense safety features such as collision mitigation, lane keeping, and road departure mitigation - features touted as industry leading by Honda. Matter has been diagnosed and duplicated by service technicians. Extensive online research indicates potential widespread issue that requires highly expensive replacement/repair and calibration.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762655September 8, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Multiple times at a stoplight, car switched into Neutral I have to turn on my hazard lights, turn off the car and restart it
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762787September 8, 2026
AIR BAGS, STRUCTURE, SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Pilot. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V365000 (STRUCTURE, SUSPENSION) and 24V064000(AIR BAGS); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762610September 7, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Front safety camera no longer works which has disabled the lane keep assist, automatic cruise control, brake system, and road departure mitigation system. This is a safety hazard.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760453August 28, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
Warning lamps for lkas, acc, auto lights and brake system started to appear. Honda diagnostics have pointed to an electrical failure with the multipurpose camera. The Honda representative admitted that this is a very common failure. I was told the car is “safe to drive” but there are constant brake system warning lights flashing on my dash. The net result is that I have no ability to know whether there is an actual brake system failure if one were to occur.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760139August 27, 2026
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2021 Honda Pilot has repeatedly failed to restart after the Auto Idle Stop system shuts the engine off while the vehicle is stopped. When the system activates, the engine can fail to restart when I need to move, leaving the vehicle stalled in active traffic. This has happened multiple times and creates a serious safety risk, particularly at busy intersections. Honda previously performed the software update intended to address the Auto Idle Stop failure-to-restart condition, but the problem continued after the update. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Honda dealership because the problem persisted. The dealership has now diagnosed the starter as the cause of the failure-to-restart problem and recommended starter replacement. The vehicle and affected components are available for inspection. Honda has acknowledged Auto Idle Stop failure-to-restart problems on Honda Pilots and has extended warranty coverage for starter replacement on certain affected vehicles. However, American Honda has informed me that my specific vehicle is not included in the starter warranty extension, despite experiencing the same failure-to-restart condition, despite Honda's software update failing to correct it, and despite the Honda dealer diagnosing the starter as the cause. American Honda is considering partial goodwill assistance toward the starter repair but has told me that the repair will not be covered at 100%. I am reporting this because the Auto Idle Stop system can intentionally shut off the engine and the vehicle can then fail to restart, leaving the driver unable to move out of the way of traffic. I am concerned that Honda's existing remedy and the VIN population included in the starter warranty extension may not adequately address all vehicles experiencing this safety-related failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759921August 27, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On at least 5 occasions this vehicle has gone completely dead as slowing down to stop or being completely stopped. Nothing electrical is available. No tail lights, headlights, or emergency flashers. After a long waiting period it has suddenly re-energized so far. This was purchased as Certified Honda used car and never serviced anywhere but a Honda delaership. They allegedly replaced the start/stop system under "extended warranty". The occurence is random. The dealership pushes back on taking any action because they can't repeat the problem on the spot. The car has staranded us at very major interesections twice and had to be towed. The risk driving this car is unacceptably high. We have video evidence of the failure. There may be a police report as we called them to control traffic.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759044August 24, 2026
ENGINE
Was driving vehicle and all of a sudden engine light pops up with no driver codes and the left side of engine starts knocking. I pull into the closest shop. They test a vehicle misfire in cylinder 5 and propose vehicle gets towed to dealership to look at codes. I tow vehicle to dealership for them to tell me rod bearings, crankshaft are bad and need a new engine. Engine was 99k and well maintained with every service record included. I asked about Honda goodwill which they denied me due to vehicle not getting serviced at Honda for oil changes. The rod bearings were recalled on previous Honda models and there is currently an open investigation on 2021 models but no official recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759025August 24, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
The infotainment system and rearview backup camera malfunction continually. While driving or attempting to reverse, the infotainment system frequently shuts off entirely and loses its fiber optic network connection. When it attempts to reboot and turn back on, loud popping and crackling noises emit from the vehicle speakers. Additionally, the backup camera regularly glitches and displays a message stating that the system is "Too Hot," causing the rearview monitor to go entirely blank. These issues are especially severe on hot days.This creates an immediate safety hazard, as it unexpectedly eliminates rear visibility while backing up, increasing the risk of a collision. It also causes distracted driving conditions due to the sudden, loud audio popping and screen blackouts. This failure mimics the exact symptoms outlined in Honda's active MOST Bus Coaxial Cable recall, yet my vehicle is experiencing the same severe safety defects. Rear view camera does warn it no longer works due to heat. No inspection done as of yet but plan on taking it to dealership.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758473August 21, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
The vehicle won't start, electrical system failure. Sometimes the electrical system fails when the car is driving/it will stall on the road. It was predicated by the alarm going off intermittently and without provocation (in the middle of the night/etc).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757552August 17, 2026
ENGINE
I am reporting a catastrophic engine failure involving my 2021 Honda Pilot equipped with the 3.5L V6 engine. The vehicle has approximately 77,000 miles. The vehicle developed an engine rattling noise followed by complete engine failure and loss of motive power. I had the vehicle transported to an authorized Honda dealership for diagnosis. Following inspection and engine teardown, the Honda dealer documented a hole in the front side of the short block, a large amount of metal debris in the oil pan, and the cylinder #3 connecting rod broken in half. The dealer concluded that the engine experienced catastrophic internal failure with widespread metal contamination throughout the lower and upper engine components. Due to the extent of the damage, the Honda dealer recommended replacement of the short-block assembly, both complete cylinder heads, fuel injectors and associated components. The estimated engine repair alone is approximately $20,275. I am concerned that this failure may represent a safety-related engine defect because catastrophic connecting-rod failure can result in sudden loss of motive power. Honda has previously recalled certain vehicles equipped with 3.5L V6 engines for connecting-rod-bearing failures that can cause engine damage, engine failure and loss of motive power. My 2021 Pilot is not currently included in that recall population. I am not asserting that the cause of my engine failure has been established as identical to the existing recall defect. However, given the catastrophic connecting-rod failure documented by an authorized Honda dealer, I am requesting that NHTSA review this incident and determine whether it may be related to the broader pattern of connecting-rod/engine failures involving Honda 3.5L V6 engines, including vehicles outside the existing recall population.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756835August 13, 2026
ENGINE
#1 connecting rod bearing failure at 89,000 miles, all oil changes were done timely and properly. Car is very well maintained. While engine is running it has a very loud rod knock coming from bottom of engine. I did some research and it’s the same symptoms and issues as (NHTSA Campaign 23V751) 2016-2020 Honda pilot recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756019August 10, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
My 2021 Honda Pilot displayed a U3000 diagnostic trouble code, indicating an internal electronic failure of the front-facing multipurpose camera that operates the vehicle's Honda Sensing safety systems (Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Keeping Assist System, Road Departure Mitigation, and Adaptive Cruise Control). As a result, these safety systems became inoperative. I took the vehicle to an authorized Honda dealer, who confirmed the U3000 code and quoted approximately $2,000 to replace the camera unit. I have since learned this is a widely reported failure across multiple Honda and Acura models (Pilot, Odyssey, CR-V, Accord, Civic, HR-V, Clarity, RDX, MDX) and is the subject of a proposed class action lawsuit alleging Honda knew of the defect and failed to disclose it or issue a recall. I am filing this report to document the failure and its safety impact.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11755752August 9, 2026
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2021 Honda Pilot Touring intermittently fails to restart after the Auto Idle Stop system shuts off the engine at a stop. This occurs about 10% of the time. When I release the brake, the engine does not restart, creating a risk of being stranded in traffic. I must shift to Park and press the Start button to restart it. No warning lights or messages were observed. The problem has not yet been inspected by a dealer. The vehicle is available for inspection. Scheduled appointment at Honda service.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11755694August 8, 2026
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
The vehicle’s driver‑assist and collision‑avoidance systems began failing simultaneously. Multiple warnings appear on the dashboard every time the vehicle is started, and the cruise control system has stopped functioning entirely. Adaptive Cruise Control cannot be disabled, preventing the use of standard cruise control. Collision Mitigation System Problem Adaptive Cruise Control Problem (ACC) Lane Keeping Assist Problem (LKAS) Road Departure Mitigation System Problem Auto High-Beam Problem The failure of one component impacts multiple vehicle features, the ability to maintain safe following distance, avoid collisions, stay within lane boundaries, and properly manage headlights. The loss of cruise control functionality also affects long‑distance driving safety and consistency. These systems are designed to prevent accidents; their simultaneous failure represents a significant safety hazard. Dealer inspection indicates repairs costing thousands of dollars, often involving replacement of sensors, radar units, or wiring harnesses. No recall or service bulletin has been provided to address this widespread issue. Many Honda owners have reported identical failures on online forums and owner groups. The pattern suggests a systemic defect affecting Honda’s driver‑assist safety systems across multiple models and years. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue as a potential safety defect affecting Honda vehicles. The failure of multiple collision‑avoidance and lane‑keeping systems at once poses a serious risk to drivers, passengers, and others on the road.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11755662August 8, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Ive had about 5 times my car Honda pilot 2021 stall at a stop light, a stop sign. The first it took a minute to go and the light was green. I was honked at and yelled at. It finally kicked on and we went, the next time it went into accessory mode at a stop sign, then into N then off…. All while in drive to start. The rest were times I was in auto start stop and it just wouldn’t start. Each 5 times it gave an error code that disappeared right after I had to try snd restart by pushing the button. I went to Honda 2 times now, first time they said they did the program… that didn’t stop the issue, I then took it again after the 4th time and they said it was a bad battery… replaced it mind you $400 later… and it did it the next day.. they won’t cover a free inspection and when I said there’s a bulletin about this they said they did id already but still doing it. I am very frustrated and j drive 3 kids under 7 this is very very unsafe especially someone who already has a brain injury from aka c I dent.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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