2021 Honda Pilot
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 434 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 9th highest complaint count among 23 Pilot model years with reports.
Of the 2021 reports, 12 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 8 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
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, master cylinderJun 29, 2023
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Civic, 2020-2023 Ridgeline, 2021-2023 Passport, 2021-2022 Pilot, and 2020 Acura MDX vehicles. The tie rod fastener that connects the brake booster and the brake master cylinder may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, which can cause the brake master cylinder to separate from the booster assembly.
Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect and repair the brake booster assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are VEU, AEV, and ZET.
Campaign 23V458000 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
TiresNov 20, 2020
American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain 2021 Pilot vehicles equipped with Continental CrossContact LX Sport 245/50R20 102 H tires with DOT serial number A376 D3K9 2920 and mold numbers S-421920 and S-421921. The tires may have been cured for a time beyond the specification limits.
Over-cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a 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 the tires that have the affected DOT serial number and mold number, free of charge. The recall began January 11, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is U8Y.
Campaign 20V725000 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
Representative owner complaints: forward collision avoidance
98 reports, newest first. Show all
Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 16, 2025
Vehicle is setting multiple faults for ADAS system. LKAS, ACC, collision mitigation system, auto high beam lights inoperable. Forward facing camera in the top of the windshield has failed.
Forward collision avoidance, Lane departure, Nov 12, 2025
Upon startup, LKAS, ACC, FCW and brake lights are illuminated and the corresponding systems are non-functional. This failed with less than 50k miles and the car was ~3 years old. This is making the car less safe to drive because some of the safety systems are non functional. The basic cruise control also does not work.
Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 28, 2025
Component inspected by Honda dealer It’s the forward camera it has already malfunctioned and no longer works I only have 62,000 miles on my pilot. This seems excessive there is definitely a defect in these vehicles. The incident is the warning lights that came up and no longer worked
Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Lane departure, Oct 7, 2025
The front camera which controls all of the safety features went out! 1 week ago. It has been confirmed and I am now having to pay almost $2700.00 to have it fixed. I am really upset to see how many issues this year of the car has. And the fact that Honda has known about it since 2019 and did nothing to fix them. There are 318 complaints on this car and I’m guessing over half of them have to do with the front camera. It is showing 5 safety codes.
Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 3, 2025
I have two issues. First issue is the car will hit an intermediately not start once shut off and will take a few times of making sure the car is completely shut off opening your doors letting it power down before being able to restart. The next issue is the forward collision notification will randomly beep at every car that goes by specifically white cars. And also the adaptive cruise control brakes a little bit harder than expected.
Forward collision avoidance, Lane departure, Sep 1, 2025
Dash warning lights come on for Lane keeping assist, collision mitigation, ACC, brake system, auto high beam.
Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 26, 2025
The 2021 Honda Pilot would randomly flash brake, which would lock up the steering wheel, electronic warnings going off when nothing was there, and then all of the CMBS warnings came on. Dealer charged for diagnosis, and requires $2,300.00 to fix the sensor. The vehicle was never in an accident, and various ghost electronic issues would be present over the last few years before the system failed with multiple warnings.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 19, 2025
I purchased my vehicle approximately 8 months ago, and recently all of the warning lights on my dashboard began coming on randomly while driving. I immediately brought the vehicle back to the dealership where I purchased it. At that visit, I was told the cause was unknown and that it might possibly be related to the battery. Unsatisfied with that explanation, I took the car to a second authorized dealership for another opinion. After inspection, I was advised that there was nothing wrong with the battery and no clear cause was identified for the warning lights. Despite taking the car to two dealerships, I have received no resolution or effective support. The issue remains ongoing, and I am now left uncertain about the reliability of my vehicle. Warning lights are designed to alert drivers to serious problems, and when they come on without explanation, it creates a very real safety concern. I do not know if my car is safe to drive. My concern is heightened by the fact that I have since learned this vehicle model has been subject to a recall in the past for the same issue. This raises the possibility that my car may be experiencing a known defect that was not properly resolved. As a consumer and driver, I should not be left to guess about the safety of my vehicle, especially when a documented recall exists. I am formally requesting immediate assistance: a complete inspection by a qualified technician, confirmation of whether my car is covered by any recall, and repair of the defect at no cost if it is recall-related. I also request written documentation of findings and assurance that my vehicle is safe to operate. At this point, I feel I have not been provided with adequate support or resolution. I am extremely concerned for my safety and believe this matter requires urgent attention.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 20, 2025
As I was driving, I had to press on my break fairly firmly for about two seconds due to a car in front of me making a left-hand turn. I released the break, and the car in front of me was completely out of my lane. There was about a 2 to 3 second span of time ,after I released the break and in which I was coasting, before the automatic breaking system pressed hard on the break for at least one second and then it released. I had not placed my foot near the brake or accelerator at that time.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 20, 2025
All I did was simply change my battery. Up until this point the car had run perfect and no issues or warnings. Now after placing the correct AGM battery the dash has lit up like Christmas. I am getting ACC, LKAS, Auto Head light, forward collision and Brake System warning lights. I was informed that this is a very costly repair, a camera needs to be replaced and recalibrated, $2000 estimate. This should be a recall based on the other numerous complaints I'm seeing. I reached out to Honda with no response as of yet.
Forward collision avoidance, Lane departure, Jul 11, 2025
I have photos, but unable to up load at this time. Suddenly, 9 different consecutive warning messages with bell associated with each, appeared on the instrument panel. The barrage of these 9 messages continued until I shut the engine off. I was in a very congested parking lot when this began. The Pilot was subsequently checked for codes and battery condition. The evidence suggests the VSA Modulator. The Messages continue when powered up with or without the engine running. Lane keep assist problem. LKAS All wheel drive system problem. VSA problem. ACC Adaptive cruise control problem problem. Road departure mitigation system problem. Collision mitigation system problem. Collision mitigation system problem. TSA trailer stability assist problem. Hill start assist problem. Power steering system (EPS) problem. Plus: AWD, Brake System and steering caution lights remain on continuously. I am very glad we were not towing our travel trailer this week.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 13, 2025
Recently , I stated seeing CMBC failure in my 2021 Honda Pilot 2wd. My car has 41500 miles in it. I took car to dealer ship and dealer ship says they are no recalls i need to change my camera. i am not understanding it's like brand new car and not driven many miles. i research on google and there are so many pilot owners having same problems. Can this be recall?
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, May 27, 2025
The camera in the windshield used for collision mitigation, cruise control, lane keep assist, auto high beams, etc. has been found to have gone bad and need replaced by the Honda service center near me. The dashboard indicates all of these issues and disables the use of these safety features. The cost to repair is $1900 which includes camera, installation, and calibration.
Air bags, Forward collision avoidance, May 21, 2025
Here it is over two years later and passenger seat switch has not been replaced I was At Gunn Honda in 2/2024 and 6/2024 requesting an update of replacement answer was no parts. Here it is 5/2025 and I have nothing can you get this resolved asap? Recall: #OHB 2020-22 Multi-Model Seat Weight Sensor Safety Recall
Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, May 21, 2025
While driving the CMBS (crash mitigation braking system) turns on at random timed intervals causing sudden breaking and jerking of the steering wheel towards center. This causes severe safety issues including increasing the chances of a wreck due to wheel jerk movements during turning and sudden breaking. The CMBS error message pops up on the touchscreen and during the episodes of sudden onset the entire digital display both on the gage cluster and entertainment center go black and an audible clicking is heard in the steering column.
Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, May 15, 2025
No FIRENo INJURIES0 DEATHS0 The collision mitigation braking system problem, adaptive cruise control problem, lane keeping assist problem, road departure mitigation system problem and auto high-beam problem. All these are keep showing on my dashboard. It is stated that this is the Multi Point Camera RADAR avg cost repair 2000.OO
Forward collision avoidance, Lane departure, May 12, 2025
The collision mitigation braking system problem, adaptive cruise control problem, lane keeping assist problem, road departure mitigation system problem and auto high-beam problem. All these are keep showing on my dashboard.
Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 17, 2025
This seems to be an on going problem for many Honda owners according to the forums. My Adaptive Cruise Control, lane keeping assistant, collision mitigation, road departure mitigation, and auto high beams have all gone out after going to the car wash. I have cleaned the windshield but I find it crazy that this is a common problem and there is no recall.
Forward collision avoidance, Mar 17, 2025
The vehicle will provide "BRAKE" warnings on the dash display or display the warning and auto-brake when on a 2 lane road, with only a painted divided line, when on a curve and an oncoming vehicle is coming wards my vehicle, but there is no apparent oncoming collision with the oncoming vehicle and with no vehicle in front of me. This has been intermittent and ongoing since vehicle purchase.
Forward collision avoidance, Lane departure, Mar 15, 2025
All safety/collision prevention systems related to camera have become inoperative. Vehicle will not lane keep assist, emergency brake, or notify of possible collisions. Problem occurs every time vehicle is turned on
Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 5, 2025
None of the safety sensors were working.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 5, 2025
Brake system light on, Adaptive Cruise Control problem and Road Departure mitigation system problem error messages. Brakes light turn on randomly, even when car is off. This intermittently causes issues with acceleration pedal not responding while driving as well as being able to start vehicle without depressing brake pedal which is a major danger if kids are inside and pushes the button. Unable to accelerate when needed also causes problem that can lead to a crash.
Forward collision avoidance, Lane departure, Nov 13, 2024
Multiple safety features are failing on this 2021 Honda Pilot. At startup, I get the following errors: Collision Mitigation System Problem, Road Departure Mitigation System Problem, Adaptive Cruise Control Problem, Lane Keeping Assist Problem. Dealership says the camera inside the vehicle needs to be replaced and it will cost $1,800. It looks like many people with similar models are encountering this problem with very young vehicles.
Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 5, 2024
Normal driving of vehicle when suddenly several warning lights began to appear and show up every time when driving (LKAS, ACC, Mitigation, etc) despite these features working. Honda dealership claims it is due to a faulty front camera. Safety at risk because if these systems do fail, there will be no way of indicating.
Forward collision avoidance, Oct 3, 2024
Car slammed on breaks for no reason. Good thing I was paying attention and was able to keep my vehicle under control. My neck hurt for the rest of the day and is Sore today. Now my cars system says the system isn’t working correctly after my car slammed on the breaks for basically no reason. I know this is an ongoing problem certain Honda models already. I believe every Honda with this system should be recalled.