2020 Honda Pilot
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 488 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 7th highest complaint count among 23 Pilot model years with reports.
Of the 2020 reports, 10 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 13 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Structure, frame and membersJun 4, 2026
American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles that were sold in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. The rear subframe may corrode at the suspension mounting points, which can result in rear suspension component failure.
Failure of rear suspension components, such as the rear control arm, can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Dealers will inspect the rear subframe and install a rear subframe reinforcement kit and, as necessary, repair or replace the rear subframe components, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in the fall of 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are AOU and AOT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning June 10, 2026.
Campaign 26V365000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, sensor, occupant classification, front passengerMay 21, 2026
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
Campaign 26V332000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, sensor, occupant classification, front passengerFeb 1, 2024
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.
An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
Campaign 24V064000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpDec 18, 2023
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 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, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. 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.
Campaign 23V858000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, display functionJun 15, 2023
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."
A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
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.
Campaign 23V431000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, rearview mirrors/devices, exteriorMar 16, 2023
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."
Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 23V174000 on NHTSA.gov
TiresMar 11, 2021
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 21V165000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, softwareJul 28, 2020
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."
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.
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.
Campaign 20V440000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, sensing system, cameraJul 28, 2020
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."
Operating a vehicle without a functioning instrument panel or rearview camera display increases the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 20V439000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsFeb 6, 2020
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.
If the operator is unable to refer to the label information, the vehicle may be overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 20V067000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, bodyOct 31, 2019
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."
In the event of a crash, incomplete body welding may provide inadequate protection to occupants, increasing the risk of an injury.
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.
Campaign 19V784000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
488 reports, newest first.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 27, 2024
We received a recall notification in December 2023 for fuel the pump on this vehicle. Now we’re being told that a replacement may not be available until fall which means it could be a year since the notice until the repair. With the possibility of an instant failure (as the notice said was possible) how is this vehicle safe to drive at freeway speed in let’s say WV with the power brakes, steering, etc. out of commission? Suppose it breaks down in Elko, NV? There’s no dealer for 200 miles. These repairs need to be made immediately or Honda needs to buy the vehicle back. The issue is beyond a possible inconvenience it’s dangerous.
Forward collision avoidance, Lane departure, Mar 17, 2024
In late December of 2023, our 2020 Honda Pilot began showing a "brake system" warning light, as well as numerous dashboard warnings indicating that automatic cruise control, lane keeping assist, collision mitigation, automatic high beam, and lane departure were not functioning properly. Our local Honda dealer diagnosed the vehicle as having a multipurpose camera failure. There were no accidents or damage of any sort that preceded this incident, and replacement of this camera cost us nearly $2000 out of pocket (invoice attached). There appear to be numerous similar reports on Honda internet forums, such as this one [XXX] ). Given the proven benefit of advanced safety systems, this failure absolutely increased the risk of collision. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 12, 2024
I had no prior warning that anything was wrong with my Pilot. I tried to start my vehicle and it would not stay running. We first replaced the battery and it still wouldn't run. We had the vehicle towed to the repair shop. We were told the fuel pump was bad and we had it replaced. Vehicle runs perfectly now. I know there is a recall on many Honda vehicles but my VIN number was not part of the fuel pump recall. I believe that it should have been part of the recall and that Honda should pay for the repair and towing.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 5, 2024
Phantom braking from the CMBS collision avoidance system. It occurs randomly and applies brakes when the road is clear. The amount of braking varies from a partial second to more severe. This will cause an accident.
Electrical system, Feb 14, 2024
The vehicle has a defect with the radio/audio/bluetooth system making a crackling sound while operating the vehicle. The Honda dealer acknowledged that this is a recall issue, although no recall currently exists and as a result they replaced the FAKRA service cables. This did not solve the problem and it is one that is common to all Honda Pilots of this year. It is very distracting and cannot be stopped unless the vehicle is completely shut off.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 13, 2024
We received written notice from Honda of NHTSA Recall Number 23V-858 of the Safety Recall for fuel pump failure and possible stalling and loss of power. The notice states that there is an increased risk of crash or injury, but they say they will be unable to perform repairs until the fall of 2024. When calling the local dealership they confirmed that they do not have any of the replacement parts to conduct the Recall repairs. It is wildly unacceptable that Honda will not begin repairs for at least another seven months given the vehicle can lose power and stall while driving. Vehicle owners should not be expected to pay for safety recall repairs up front in order to have a safe vehicle for their family.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 6, 2024
Honda announced this recall in December it keeps showing up on my HondaLink app. Yet here we are in February nearly 2 months after the recall & they still do not have a fix. How many people are driving their recalled vehicles? Sorry but all Honda is doing is trying to limit their liability by telling owners there is a problem & not offering a solution. They need to be forced to get these vehicles fixed.
Suspension, Feb 5, 2024
I am told by Right Honda dealership in Scottsdale, AZ that the "front lower control arms" are tearing open after 3.5 years and approx. 48k miles. This is a premature failure that appears to have affected many other Honda owners. I am told that my steering can lose control as a result of this defect. The dealership charges over $1000 for this repair and it is just outside of warranty. Please investigate this dangerous defect.
Other or unspecified, Feb 3, 2024
Passenger side floor soaked. Dealer said it was a grommet that was missing on ac line and was fixed. However the issue is still happening. Had to replace carpet and most likely will have to again. And the problem is still not fixed.
Other or unspecified, Jan 29, 2024
Transmission was running hot causing the pilot to have a bad "jitter" when driving. The software had to be updated and transition had to be flushed a few times.
Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 26, 2024
Since I bought the car in 2019, Movie CD does not work all the time. Fixed once. Automatic emergency breaking. It does not stop. Have taken it to the dealership at least 4 times and they say they are not able to replicate the problem. Set the cruise speed control and it does not work. Currently not working for over a month. The engine transmission does not stop the car and if it does work the car does not stop totally and car jumps 2-3 feet while foot is on brake. Dealership say they can not duplicate the problem.
Exterior lighting, Engine, Jan 17, 2024
Auto high bean is not working and no sign of auto( headlight on with letter A) on dashboard is not show. Trying to reset by holding high beam for 40 seconds still not working ( only blinking once), meaning still not working. That problem had after came back from recall on cracking sound inside speakers. Recently brought the car to Honda Beltsville, MD on January 15, 2024 about when stopping at traffic light when pressed the brakes hard the auto on/off engine is not working. Message on dashboard show that( the auto engine idle stop unavailable ). With my vehicle had 2 problems 1- light is not working on auto high beam and no sign on of auto headlight with letter A showing on dashboard. 2- auto on/off is still not working when stop at traffic light( Auto engine idle stop unavailable) massage on dashboard Please check this out, thank you.
Engine, Jan 16, 2024
While driving the vehicle, it would randomly lose power. This has occurred 6 times in the last 7 months. All of them at an Interstate. Each occurrence has happened when the vehicle has been driven 2 or more hours. While driving, all of a sudden the gas pedal would not produce any power. IE. Could be driving 70 mph, then all of a sudden the gas pedal would stop responding. Each occurrence, would have to pump the gas pedal (1-3x). Eventually the power would kick on and the vehicle would go, sometimes launch you as if the gas pedal is being ‘floored’. After which, the vehicle drives normal again. However, there’s no certain moment to know when the power would cease. It could happen at any time.
Power train, Jan 16, 2024
2020 Honda Pilot had started what was called Juddering by the dealer. Transmission upon acceleration will hesitate and jump hundreds of rpms up and down. I did research and was told also by the dealer Honda had issue with a torque converter within the transmission that I was told a bulletin extended the warranty on the 2017-19 pilots with 6 speed auto transmission. The 2020 I own has the same issue which the dealer confirmed but also told me my vin and model year is not covered. It is the same issue as the 17-19 and I'm concerned for me and my family's safety due to the transmissions' issue. Concern it will get much worse possibly breaking down on a longer highway trip which we will take sometimes 3 times per year.
Forward collision avoidance, Lane departure, Jan 11, 2024
While driving the vehicle, all the aforementioned systems came on the cars dashboard stating that all of them have been turned off, and now there is a brake system issue with the vehicle. The car has 35000 miles and has not been in any accident or collision. Currently there is no warranty on the vehicle, but given that this is something that is impacting the safety of properly operating the vehicle and it’s safety equipment is not being made accessible to leverage is a major concern for a possible accident.
Visibility, Jan 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V174000 (Visibility) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer and the recall repair was completed. The contact stated that after the recall repair was completed, the vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that when the camera system was enabled, the camera was inoperable and displayed a black screen. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure however, the contact was informed that the failure would not be honored by the recall repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 44,616.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to restart after being jumpstarted. On another occasion while in reverse(R), the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to restart after being jumpstarted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Visibility/wiper, Dec 6, 2023
Visors are defective on both the driver and passenger side. They are flopping down and impeding driver visibility, causing a safety hazard. According to my service advisor at the local Honda dealer, this is a known problem occurring as a result of warping plastic that holds the rod in the visor.
Seat belts, Nov 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the driver’s side seat belt failed to lock securely in the buckle. The contact called the dealer who was unable to schedule an appointment to diagnose the vehicle until January. The contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V782000 (Seat Belts) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.
Forward collision avoidance, Lane departure, Nov 23, 2023
Car was park after I drop off wife to work after 30 minutes when back to the car started the engine and several warnings lights showed up in my dash check battery and alternator they are working fine. Replace battery and still have the problem .when to dealership and they told me camera in my windshield is bad. Checking in the forums I found out that several owner of Honda the have this issue with their vehicles . Can you guy’s please check into this matter. It will be appreciated no just me but a lot more owners like me thanks . [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 20, 2023
On four (4) separate incidents, my car has either abruptly stopped running (waiting at a stoplight) or not been able to start. When I push the Engine Start/ Stop button to restart the car, it does not start and several random warning and dashboard lights flash on and off like crazy. These incidents occurred twice before the recall was fixed and twice AFTER the recall was (supposedly) fixed. Please help as I don’t want to be stranded AGAIN! This car is only a few years old. Thank you
Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Nov 9, 2023
American Honda states they performed NHTSA Recall Number 23V-431 but rear view camera still does not operate correctly. They are stating that I must pay out of pocket to replace a different part to be able to have the rear view camera operational again and per the terms of the recall notice, I am to have this fixed without charge and within a reasonable amount of time. Please help!
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Nov 6, 2023
NHTSA Recall Number 23V-431 calls for cable connectors to be changed out due to poor connections resulting in the rear view camera image to function intermittingly or not display at all. Per Honda engineering, this repair is not sufficient to fix the issue and the main head unit has to be replaced too. Please include this as a part of this safety recall because of the safety issues it is causing as it relates to driver safety and Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111, "Rear Visibility".
Forward collision avoidance, Nov 2, 2023
I was driving at low highway speeds when the Collision Mitigation Breaking System had a malfunction and became disabled while driving in traffic. There was an audible alert and visual alerts which popped up and became a distraction while driving as it was sudden unknown what was happening and if the car was safe to drive. I was able to continue to drive home. The next morning I took the car to the dealer. The dealer scanned and checked out the car, but was not able to replicate the problem. The warning disappeared prior to arriving at the dealer. There were no other warnings prior to the issue.