Honda Pilot Complaints (2020)

493 consumer complaints on file.

#11721562March 2, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Almost every day since new the vehicle will alarm 'brake' on dash while driving on 2 lane back roads that have some slight curves (these are all around our house). At least once a month the car will automatically apply the brakes while coming around a curve or over a blind hill. Both of these scenarios occur 50/50 when there is oncoming traffic or no oncoming traffic. It can happen with someone ahead of me in the same lane, but not as often. In all cases throughout the years there has not be a need for braking. In one instance a few years ago we were driving on a divided 4 lane state highway. Cruise control was on and ACC was on. We moved into the left lane to pass a car. When we came within ~20' of the car, the Pilot engaged in automatic braking hard as it detected the car we were attempting to pass as an obstacle in front of us. There was never any danger of hitting the other car. However, a car following us almost rear-ended our car due to the unforseen/not needed hard braking. My wife will no longer use cruise control in this vehicle since this happened. The dash 'brake' warning is easy to replicate if you drive for a while on the roads near my house. The auto braking is not able to reproduced on demand. Now the car is complaining to see the dealer about a CMBS (collision mitigation braking system) error. I'll have to troubleshoot this (or maybe just turn it off), but the entire system has been sub par and accident prone since original purchase new in 2019.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720575February 25, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
An internal failure on the front windshield camera assembly part #36160-TG7-A63 had caused the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems to fail. Which in turn has caused the following systems to fail: Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assistance, Parking Collision Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Warning. Leaving these systems unrepaired due to a known and common hardware failure issue leads to this specific vehicle and the ones similar unsafe for the driver and occupants due to the safety systems being inoperable. The problem has been confirmed on two separate occasions by my local Honda dealer. The known issue with this specific camera assembly leads to a multitude of warning lights being displayed including: adaptive cruise control warning, lane keep assist, collision mitigation system problem, and auto high beam mitigation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718097February 15, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CAR WILL RANDOMLY LOSE ALL POWER AS IF THE BATTERY IS DEAD AND THEN FLICKER AND COME BACK ON. NO WARNING LIGHTS OR CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS ARE ON. NOTHING HAS BEEN INSPECTED YET BUT THIS SAME PROBLEM WAS A PREVIOUS RECALL ON THIS MAKE AND MODEL
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718170February 15, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Currently showing DTC P219B (O2 Sensor Signal Biased/Stuck Lean – Bank 2 Sensor 1) along with P0430 . For prior years thru 2019, Honda has issued Service Bulletins 19-072 and 20-100 covering DTCs P030x, P219A, and P219B, which may involve PCM software updates, a Cylinder A/F Test, and potential injector replacement. However, they have not issued bulletins for 2020. My car only has 58,000 miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717994February 14, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
SUV check engine light for the emissions system came on 11/21/2025. The light does not stay on all the time, it goes on and off ever several days. During my state inspection, dealer diagnosed issue to a P0430 code and ran a cylinder AF test. It revealed that cylinders 2, 5 and 6 failed for rich conditions and stated the fuel injectors require replacement. Both the dealer and honda Corp. stated there is no coverage for this issue. I did find that this issue was found with previous years for my model and make, however my year is not covered for the warrenty extension. Honda service bulletin 20 - 100.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11716897February 10, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
On or about January 7, 2026, we were driving through town and the dash cluster lit up with five separate warnings for safety features no longer operational. These are adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, collision mitigation, road departure mitigation, and automatic high beams. We cleaned the windshield and radar housing. Then the battery was replaced. None corrected the problem. An appointment was then scheduled at the dealership for 1/9/2026. It was determined the multi-purpose camera had an internal short. The only fix is a new camera ($1284) and re-aim process. The total repair cost, not including the $165 diagnostic fee, is $1727. In the meantime, the driver safety features are mostly unavailable, including the traditional cruise control. I say mostly because the system randomly works for a few minutes before overheating/shorting. I worry about fire and sudden emergency braking due to the short. I must note this system has never functioned well. In particular, the camera and/or radar “sees” problems that don’t exist and unnecessarily and repeatedly activates the warning notifications, especially on two-lane highways. I may still have video of a trip where there were dozens of warning notifications within just a few miles for cars in their own lane. The collision mitigation system has been off for nearly all our ownership as it nearly caused a major accident on our second day. As I was accelerating up to highway speed to merge onto the highway I activated my turn signal. A truck in the driving lane was slowing to let me in, however, the system saw traffic in the vicinity and activated numerous warnings on the dash while simultaneously activating the brakes and steering me towards the ditch. The car behind me had to panic brake to avoid hitting me. I had limited driver input during this period but was able to get stopped on the shoulder of the highway. I liken the Honda Sensing system to a 16 year old driver who is prone to panic.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11716679February 9, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
Driving on the highway dash goes completely black. Can’t see speed. Cruise control shuts down. Have to pull off the highway shut the engine down and wait for a couple minutes then restart. I have had all recalls repaired at the dealership where purchased but this happens weekly. At 50,000 miles I noticed rough and abrupt transmission shifting and clunking with a lag in acceleration. This continues despite multiple transmission flushes. The problem continues to worsen and current mileage is at 71000
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11716260February 6, 2026
SEATS
In my Honda 2020 Pilot, the driver's side headrest in the 3rd row will no longer stay upright. It simply stays flat and will not lock into place. As the headrest will not stay upright, the seat is unusable. If someone used that seat or if the headrest would fail while a person is sitting in that seat, it would cause an injury risk. It looks like their is evidence that Technical Information and Support may be aware of the issue as indicated in a document on the nhtsa website.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715957February 5, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
My wife drives this vehicle daily with our 3 children all of sudden these warning lights come up: Trailer stability assist problem Road departure mitigation system problem Power steering system problem Emission system problem Vehicle stability assist problem Hill start assist problem The last time this happen was 1/28/2026 Took it to the dealer 1/31/2026 showed the association the video he said he has not heard of this but mostly caused by the battery. They looked at the battery all is well. If it happens again to bring it in he said. This was the 3rd time this happens the warning lights will go off. Took it to auto zone and they could not find the caused. This is dangerous to happen and unacceptable. Based on social media multiple people have this issue and causinga safety concern. What would it take for HONDA TO FIX THIS. PLEASE MAKE A RECALL!!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708440January 2, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
2020 Honda pilot will sporadically turn off at highway speeds and at stop lights and will not turn back on until placed in park with foot on the brake. This is not to be confused with the start/stop feature used to save fuel. Additionally the 2020 pilot will lurch forward (like stuck in drive) while still in park.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708041December 31, 2025
ENGINE
There was a snap like sound under my hood while driving. Shortly after, the check engine light engaged and the vehicle lost all ability to accelerate. This happened while merging onto a fairly busy road, with rolling hills. If there were vehicles around there would have been potential for an accident. If this happened on the freeway in a middle lane, the vehicle would not have been able to successfully exit without causing extreme danger to the passengers and other vehicles. The vehicle stopped on the side of the road. When the ignition was briefly reengaged, there were rolling error codes, including vehicle stability, all wheel drive failure, etc. The engine was noticeably knocking. The vehicle was towed and inspected by an independent mechanic. The 3rd cylinder in the engine will no longer hold compression. I now need to get the vehicle to an engine specialist for further inspection and repair.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705355December 16, 2025
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving 25-35 MPH and passing a vehicle on the left side of the vehicle, the vehicle stopped independently. The contact stated that the failure occurred while another vehicle was driving on the lane that was on the right side of the vehicle. The brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or to an independent mechanic for a diagnostic test. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving, the message "Emissions Control" was displayed intermittently, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Part store, where DTC: P219B was retrieved, and the contact was informed that the fuel injectors had failed. The contact stated that the message "Emissions Control" would be displayed when the fuel tank was less than half full. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705015December 15, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My car has always had slight issue getting consistent fuel pressure causing the engine to rev abnormally when giving gas during acceleration. On 11/25, my car failed to start due to the fuel pressure being too low. I brought my car into two mechanics including a Honda certified dealership to inspect an issue with my fuel pump. I was informed that other Honda Pilots of the same year as mine have a recall on their fuel pump, but my VIN was not included. Both mechanics indicated that this is the exact issue that the other Pilots under the recall have and they were not sure why mine was not included. It is pulling the same codes, too, when it went under diagnostic testing as issue with the lower fuel pump.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703275December 5, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Transmission is sluggish and the RPM’s fluctuate between 1200 and 1400 at any speed going back and forth so the car has a back and fourth motion. Engine failure on 12/3/25 car stopped while driving. Makes a loud knocking sound. Most likely faulty bearings due to poorly engineered camshaft. White pear paint peeling since I purchased car. Capital Honda in San Jose unable to address any issue saying nothing is covered under warranty. These issues where taking place even while under warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702933December 4, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that an ABS message was frequently displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the contact was informed that there was a miscommunication error with the front camera, which caused the failure. The contact was informed that the failure was not a safety issue and was given an estimate for the repair; however, the contact declined the repair. Since the failure, the contact received various messages on the instrument panel, with one message related to the transmission. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who confirmed the miscommunication error and that if not addressed, the failure could lead to other major safety issues. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700825November 21, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
The infotainment center goes out, the screen reads "Network Communication Lost" "MOST Net off". This occurs while using the rearview camera, causing a safety issue. This is a known Honda issue, bulletin 20-049, 20-058, A19-030B. Replacement of FAKRA connectors, MOST bus wiring harness (parts 39817-TJB-ACO housing or 39165-TG7 cords) or the entire floor harness.. Vehicle has 79,000 miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11696923November 1, 2025
ENGINE
Auto start/stop problems with car. When at a stop, car shifts into neutral and cannot get back into Drive. Sometimes I cant turn off car. And when I do it's the only way to get car back into drive. Absolutely dangerous especially with kids in the car. Has happened on several occasions dating back so when car had only 50,000mi. Has had transmission replaced at 60,000mi. Still have engine idle issues till now.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11696306October 29, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This is about the auto stop/start feature that kicks in when you are stopped in traffic or at a stoplight. The car shuts down and is supposed to restart. Twice now, the car has refused to restart when I took my foot off the break. I had to turn the car off, open the door, and close the door and restart the car. I have no shut off that feature.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695730October 27, 2025
ENGINE
When I am driving my car and stop at a stop light sometimes the car will fail to start up. It goes into neutral and then will take at least a minute to restart which is very dangerous. Its something with the start/stop feature and I had this problem two years ago and after many times dropping off my car at the Honda dealership and them telling me nothing is wrong with the car I finally said there had been a service bulletin on the start/stop system and they finally fixed it. Now two years later the same thing is happening. It is very dangerous as it happened when I was at a stop light getting off the highway and a car was coming from the highway and it took a couple minutes to restart and I almost got hit. Honda refuses address the issue and says there is nothing wrong. In fact they told me I needed to replace the mechanism with the park, neutral drive which I did for $1100 and then picked it up and the same thing happened again then they said it was the battery which was less than a year old so I replaced that and again same problem. This happens at least twice a week. This is dangerous!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695873October 27, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The auto shut off has been not working properly and the vehicle wont restart after it shuts off. My wife was at a traffic light, and the vehicle shut off. When the light turned green, it did not restart. As a result of this she about got taken out by a semi that was coming in behind her. This could have been a deadly accident as it is raining and wet. She was stuck at the light on a busy highway for 3 minutes before the vehicle would restart.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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