2009 Honda Pilot
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 134 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 18th highest complaint count among 23 Pilot model years with reports.
Of the 2009 reports, 9 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 12 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJun 27, 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic GX NGV, 2012-2015 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2014 Fit EV, 2010-2014 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are F5F and Q5E.
Campaign 19V502000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleMay 16, 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2013 TSX Sport Wagon, and 2010-2012 ZDX and 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, 2012-2014 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2013 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The front passenger air bag inflator may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly deploy the passenger frontal air bag in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator installation and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are M4O, P4R, T4Q, and W4P.
Campaign 19V378000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleApr 26, 2018
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Insight, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2012 Ridgeline vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 22, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are K1P, and M1O.
Campaign 18V268000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 9, 2018
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX, ZDX, Honda Accord Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot vehicles, 2011-13 Acura TSX Sportswagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord,, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles and 2013 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2012 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Accord Crosstour, Fit and Pilot, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V, and 2010 Acura ZDX and Honda Insight vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Unless included in Zones A or B above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid, CR-V, Fit, and Pilot vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 16, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are B0K and L0J.
Campaign 18V042000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleAug 31, 2017
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2008-2012 Accord, 2010-2012 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2012 Fit and Pilot, 2010-2012 Insight, and 2009-2012 Acura TSX vehicles that received replacement passenger frontal air bag inflators. One dealership may have incorrectly installed the replacement air bag inflators.
In the event of a crash, an incorrectly installed passenger frontal air bag inflator may deploy the air bag improperly, increasing the risk of injury.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are O07, Y0A, N06, G05, M04, Y01, and O09.
Campaign 17V545000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 10, 2017
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Acura TSX, 2011-2012 Acura TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Acura ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2012 Honda Accord Crosstour and Honda Insight, 2009-2012 Honda Fit, 2009-2012 Pilot, 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2012 Honda FCX Clarity and 2006-2011 Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid, Civic NGV vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura TSX, Honda Fit and Pilot, 2008-2009 Honda Accord, 2006-2009 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, and 2007-2009 Honda CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, if not included in "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling certain 2008 Honda Accord, 2006-2008 Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV and 2007-2008 Honda CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The manufacturer has mailed an interim notification, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KE1 and KE2.
Campaign 17V030000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleMay 24, 2016
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Acura TSX, 2011 TSX Wagon, 2010-2011 Acura ZDX, 2008-2011 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid, and Civic GX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2010-2011 FCX Clarity and Insight, and 2009-2011 Fit, and Pilot vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless already included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2008 Honda Accord, 2006-2008 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic GX, and 2007-2008 CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall is KA4, KA5, KA6, and KA7.
Campaign 16V346000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsJan 18, 2013
Honda is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 Pilot and 2011-2013 Odyssey passenger vehicles manufactured from March 13, 2008, through December 21, 2012. One or more rivets that attach the airbag module to the airbag cover may be missing.
The absence of more than one rivet could alter the performance of the driver's airbag during deployment. This could potentially increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda dealer. The dealer will inspect the driver's airbag module and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 14, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 13V016000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, front, webbingSep 9, 2011
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2011 PILOT VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 13, 2008, THROUGH AUGUST 30, 2011. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE STITCHING THAT SECURES THE END OF THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER LAP SECTION OF THE SEATBELT MAY BE INCOMPLETE OR MISSING.
IF THE STITCHING IS INCOMPLETE OR MISSING, THE SEATBELT MAY DETACH FROM THE ANCHOR WEBBING, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY IN A CRASH.
HONDA DEALERS WILL CONDUCT A SPECIALIZED INSPECTION OF THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SEATBELTS, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE SEATBELTS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 5, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AUTOMOBILE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 11V468000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
134 reports, newest first.
Equipment, Apr 30, 2010
2009 HONDA PILOT HAS A BRAKE SYSTEM PROBLEM. THE CAR CAN'T BE STOP FAST ENOUGH, IT NEEDS A VERY LONG DISTANCE AFTER HITTING THE BRAKE TO STOP. THIS IS A BRAND NEW CAR. I INFORMED HONDA DEALER OF MARTIN MAIN LINE HONDA IN PA OF THE PROBLEM, THE TECHNICIANS TOLD ME THAT ALL PILOT BEHAVES THE SAME, SO IT IS NOT A PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THIS IS THE ONLY CAR I NEED TO HAVE A SUCH LONGER DISTANCE FOR A STOP. IT IS NOT NORMAL. IF ALL PILOT ARE SAME, THIS COULD MEAN AN INVESTIGATION IS NEEDED FOR 2009 PILOT. MY CAR IS HAS ABOUT 8,600 MILES NOW. THIS IS THE PROBLEM I NOTICED AT THE VERY BEGINNING WHEN I PURCHASED IT. SINCE MOST OF TIME I DRIVE LOCALLY, THE PROBLEM IS AS WORSE AS DRIVING IN A FREEWAY. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 14, 2010
2009 HONDA PILOT WITH 22,191 MILES. VTM-4, VSA, ABS AND TWO OTHER WARNING LIGHTS REMAINED ON. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO TESTED AND SAID THE SENSOR TO THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WAS BAD. FURTHER INVESTIGATION AND THEY SAID IT LOOKS LIKE WIRE HAS BEEN CUT. NO ONE EVER UNDER THE CAR EXCEPT FOR HONDA DEALERSHIP. SHOWED ME WIRE AND IT LOOKS LIKE A SLIGHT CUT INTO THE WIRE. HONDA WOULD NOT COVER UNDER WARRANTY. MY LETTER TO AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO TO REGISTER COMPLAINT AND "DESIGN FLAW" WENT TO DEAF EARS. I FEEL IT IS A DESIGN FLAW BECAUSE THE SENSOR WIRE COMES UP THE MIDDLE OF THE UNDERCARRIAGE AND SPLITS OUT TO BOTH REAR WHEELS WHERE THE SENSORS ARE LOCATED. THE WIRES ARE "UNPROTECTED." THEY SHOULD BE ENCASED IN A FLEXIBLE CONDUIT OF SOME TYPE. SINCE THIS IS A 4-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE AND MAY GO IN ROUGH TERRAIN, IT IS CERTAINLY POSSIBLE THAT SOMETHING, ROCK, BRANCH, ETC. COULD CUT INTO WIRE SINCE IT IS UNPROTECTED. THE WIRE AND SENSOR IS ONE PIECE AND MUST BE PURCHASED AS A COMPLETE UNIT. SHOULD BE SEPARATE SO THE CUSTOMER JUST NEEDS TO PURCHASE THE WIRE OR THE SENSOR. HONDA SAID WHEN THE SENSOR WAS NOT WORKING, I DID NOT HAVE ABS OR THE OTHER FEATURES. BUT, SENT ME HOME WITH THE CAR SAYING IT WAS SAFE; NOT SURE THIS WAS TRUE. MUST BE A REASON THAT ABS WAS INSTALLED AS A SAFETY FEATURE! *TR
Seats, Apr 6, 2010
2009 HONDA PILOT FRONT SEATS ARE LOOSE IN THE TRACKS... REPORTED THIS ISSUE TO THE DEALER, WAS TOLD THEY COULD NOT FIX THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Seats, Jan 11, 2010
2009 HONDA PILOT,TWO MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW,I WENT TO BUCKLE MY GRANDCHILDREN IN THE SECOND SEAT,AND THE SEAT LIFTED OFF THE FRAME. I AM ABOUT TO TAKE IT INTO BASNEY HONDA IN MISHAWAKA FOR THE FOURTH TIME . I'VE ASKED THE DEALERSHIP WHAT CAN WE DO TO FIX THIS PROBLEM PERMANENTLY, WE WILL HAVE TO LOOK AT IT . I CALLED HONDAS CUSTOMER SERVICE, AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY CANNOT DO ANYTHING,THAT THE DEALERSHIP WILL HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF IT. HONDA DOES HAVE PEOPLE THAT THE DEALERSHIP CAN CALL, TO HELP THEM . I ASKED TO TALK WITH SOMEONE ELSE(LIKE A SUPERVISOR) AND WAS TOLD THAT I COULDN'T. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I DOESN'T DO ANY GOOD TO BUCKLE THEM IN WHEN THE SEAT IF NOT ATTACHED TO THE FRAME. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 20, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA PILOT. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, IT EXHIBITED A NO-START CONDITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT THE TECHNICIAN COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. TWO DAYS LATER WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN LOSING POWER. SHE WAS ABLE TO SAFELY COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP, IN WHICH THE CONVERTERS AND INJECTORS WERE REPLACED AT HER EXPENSE. THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER, AND A TECHNICIAN CONCLUDED THAT THE ENGINE HAD TO BE INTERNALLY INSPECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, AND SHE WAS AWAITING A RESPONSE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 3,500. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,461.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 25, 2009
I BOUGHT A NEW 2009 HONDA PILOT TWO MONTH AGO. I HAVE DRIVEN 1350 MILES ON IT. I COULD NOT START MY VEHICLE AFTER A WEEK SITTING IN MY GARAGE. I HAVE TO JUMP OR CHARGE THE BATTERY IN ORDER TO GET IT STARTED . THIS HAD HAPPENED FOUR TIMES SINCE I BOUGHT IT. *TR
Seats, Jun 24, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT WAS FALLING OFF THE TRACK AND SQUEAKING. HE WAS CONCERNED THAT THE SEAT WOULD FAIL WHILE DRIVING AND CAUSE A CRASH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND IS CURRENTLY WORKING ON A REMEDY. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 15,000. UPDATED 07/17/09 *BF UPDATED 07/21/09. *JB
Vehicle speed control, May 27, 2009
2009 HONDA PILOT HAS A PROBLEM WITH ACCELERATING. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE. THE CONSUMER STATED A FEW DAYS LATER, THE INCIDENT HAPPENED AGAIN, THIS TIME LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER OF A SERVICE BULLETIN THAT DESCRIBED THE EXACT PROBLEM SHE EXPERIENCED. THE CONSUMER QUICKLY REALIZED THAT THE GAS PEDAL DIDN'T ENGAGE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE FRONT FENDER SUSTAINED SCRATCHES FROM HITTING A BARREL AS SHE TRIED TO EXIT THE HIGHWAY TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. *JB
Power train, Dec 31, 2008
DISCOVERED MASSIVE WEEPING OF TRANSMISSION FLUID FROM THE CASE AFTER 3700 MILES. AUTOMOBILE WAS PURCHASED NEW WITH 9 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. *TR