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: lane departure
44 reports, newest first. Show all
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, Lane departure, Back over prevention, Jan 5, 2025
The sensors stopped working when the infotainment screen went out. It goes out all the time. Honda knows of this issue but does nothing to repair.
Lane departure, Back over prevention, Dec 18, 2024
Popping sounds through speakers and then infotainment screen goes black. No camera no sensors. Nothing.
Electrical system, Lane departure, Back over prevention, Nov 25, 2024
The infotainment screen was black and not working at all so no back up camera. Also all the sensors warning you that you are getting to close to hitting something stopped working.
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.
Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Lane departure, Sep 27, 2024
The truck lights came on, with no reason, ACC and LKAS dealer wants to charge 200 just to diagnose, I keep hearing many have thir problem, honda needs to fix this problem that they know they have.
Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 12, 2024
My car started stating that 6 systems were having problems. The adaptive cruise control system, automatic high beam system, blind spot information system, road departure mitigation system, collision mitigation system, and lane keep assist system. I took the car to the Honda dealer it was purchased from and was informed that the technician found that the multipurpose camera was not working and needed to be replaced. The component that failed is the multipurpose camera. My safety and the safety of others was put at risk because the following 6 safety systems stopped working. Adaptive cruise control system, automatic high beam system, blind spot information system, road departure mitigation system, collision mitigation system, and lane keep assist system. The problem has been diagnosed by the dealer. I don't know if this component has been inspected. There were no warning lights, messages, or symptoms prior to the failure. The car was just at the dealership the previous month for the annual state inspection and nothing was noted by the dealership. I was driving when suddenly the component failed and I was notified that the 6 safety systems were no longer working.
Forward collision avoidance, Lane departure, Jul 30, 2024
Upon turning on my vehicle all of the emergency warnings came on. I did a diagnostic and was shown that nothing was wrong with the vehicle but the warnings will not reset.
Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 29, 2024
I was traveling with my daughters [XXX] , and [XXX] , in the back seat. It started raining heavy just as I passed a vehicle and returned to the right lane. I reduced my speed, then felt the vehicle hydroplane slightly and felt the traction control system engaged. As soon as the traction control icon displayed, I began to feel the traction slipping and noticed a slight unresponsiveness in the steering. My speed suddenly dropped 15-20 mph, without braking, or any change in pressure on the accelerator. I then tried to accelerate, but was unable to possibly because of loss of traction I noticed the traction light was flashing. The vehicle I had just passed moments before was quickly approaching at roughly 65 mph (speed limit was 70 mph) and had no warning of the issue with my vehicle decelerating, luckily they were paying attention and able to pass safely. When they passed, I pulled off the road and had these warnings on the screen: - Collision Mitigation Braking System. CMBS problem. - Lane Keeping Assist Problem. - Road Departure Mitigation System Problem. I placed the vehicle in park, shut it off, then restarted it. The error messages went away, then came back on as soon as I started driving. The traction control light remained off and the rain subsided, but the warnings remained. Dealership is supposed to inspect Wednesday 07/31/24. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Lane departure, Jul 14, 2024
ACC, LKAS, collision mitigation system problem, road departure mitigation system, and auto high beam problem warnings all appear on instrument panel. None of these systems work. Have replaced battery and problem not fixed. Warnings continue to appear each time car is turned on. Vehicle has 47783 miles on it. Codes indicate there’s a problem with the camera in the front of the car. The car is only 3 years old. Shouldn’t be having these issues. Have researched online and found many other complaints from others from various Honda models. Major safety problem that warrants a recall.
Forward collision avoidance, Lane departure, Jun 11, 2024
Front camera has failed. Dealership reports it needs to be replaced. I have crack in my windshield - now the glass company will not replace the windshield even with insurance because the camera is not working and they can’t calibrate. Having a camera on the windshield which doesn’t not work jeopardizes my family’s safety. There needs to be a plan in place to be able to replace windshield if the camera is not working and Honda should be investigated for front cameras failing. My car is just barely 3 years old. Why would a camera, which controls so many safety issues fail when a car is only 3? This should be investigated as a serious safety issue and as the rear cameras were recalled, the front should be invested too.
Forward collision avoidance, Lane departure, Apr 8, 2024
The warning lights beep and blink. All problems can’t be used
Other or unspecified, Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 25, 2024
On 3/18/24 I started my car on a routine after school pickup trip but my notification system started blinking with different sensor problems. I took pictures of the display and tried to drive my car and saw at the time it did not affect drivability. I made an appointment with my dealer and brought it in 3/25/24. I started researching if there might be a pattern with other Honda Pilots and did find some discussion boards about 2020/2021 Honda Pilot that had a similar event—sensor problems displaying for no evident triggering event. I brought my car in for the appointment and the advisor said they would run a diagnostic as well as address 2 active recalls on my Pilot and take care of the maintenance. The diagnostic test showed that I have a faulty front multi purpose camera that must be replaced. Ny car has about $70K miles so it is outside the warranty period so I am having to pay for this repair myself. Note: the active recall that was repaired at this same visit was an issue with wiring in the rear camera. I asked the advisor if it was possible that the camera issues were related even though they were different cameras and he said at the moment there were no recalls for the multipurpose camera so he could not say. I am submitting this claim to document a possible safety concern that should be covered under a recall. Other incidents noted: when advisor asked if I had experienced any issues starting car, I did mention that last summer appx. Aug 2023 at a stop light my car went in idle mode (auto start/stop function) but when I took my foot off brake to go on green light the car did not restart. I had to get my key and push it into the ignition button to restart it. This has happened 2 since I’ve had the car. With all the recalls and these auto stop/start issues, I have experienced lower confidence & satisfaction in my Honda Pilot, but I am worried that safety may be an issue as well.
Service brakes, Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 29, 2024
Our brakes failed coming down a steep hill. We missed hitting a car by passing in the wrong lane. We had to cross a road across two lanes which fortunately had no cars on it where we crossed. We were able to get some braking once we got on level ground. We took the car to Honda and they told us the problem was a broken break switch. It is currently at Salem Honda in Salem, Oregon awaiting parts. We were told that the repair may not be covered by warranty. We were also told that if we did not get the brake fluid replaced, the car warranty would be void. We now are being charged about $2000 to get some fluids replaced that are supposed to be replaced at 30,000 miles according to the Honda dealer.
Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 21, 2023
On Friday, August 18th, 2023, I started up my 2021 Honda Pilot EX and all safety system warning lights (ACC, LKAS, CBWS, etc) came on. I called Metro Honda Montclair and a service advisor asked me to bring the car in to them as soon as possible. I asked if it was safe to drive, and he said I honestly do not know, but if you can drive it, I advise you to take the slow lane and avoid the freeway. They kept my car over the weekend, and on Monday August 21st, 2023, Dealer diagnosed the problem as a defective multi-purpose camera. These cameras are on back order until October. They said multiple codes came in in the diagnostic but they will have to start with this. I asked if I can safely drive the vehicle since the Brake System light is on, and they said "honestly we cannot tell you that it is safe, it could be something minor, or something indicating a bigger problem. The first time this happened, it turned on, and off, and the dealer couldn't duplicate it, they told me to bring it back when it happened again, and now the "problem with ACC, LKAS, CMS, Brake system, etc., these are the messages currently in the screen: "Road Departure Mitigation Problem", "Auto-High Beam problem", Collision Mitigation System Problem", "Lane keeping Assist Problem" "Adaptive Cruise Control Problem", etc., all these warning messages keep popping up and does not turn off. Honda should fix this at no charge since it impacts safety related functionality. Also, there is a water leak from under the steering wheel, water lands on my foot and in the front seats floor mats when I wash my car. [XXX] with Metro Honda Montclair said they couldn't duplicate this issue. I have pictures of all the dashboard warning messages. I showed them to the service technician. They suggested I look for alternate transportation until my car is fixed, but I do not have other vehicle and I have to transport my kids to 3 different schools, and drive to/from work daily. My car only has 20,028 miles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 9, 2023
Lane departure braking mechanism has become faulty. Over the last 2 weeks, I've had 2 incidents that could have resulted in a rear end crash, bodily injury or death, when the lane departure caused BRAKE to flash on the dashboard and the automatic system caused the Pilot to temporarily hard brake in the middle of the freeway. I reported this to POWAY Honda during my last visit, but they ignored this system problem.
Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, May 19, 2023
When driving the collision mitigation and brakes apply , flash dash and shake wheel violently. Almost loss of vehicle control. Almost not drivable on 2 lane roads This happens multiple times during any driving. This has been ongoing since Purchase and has been reviewed by Honda dealer without correction. Only recourse was replace controls at owner cost even while under new car warranty
Lane departure, Jun 22, 2021
This is New Honda Pilot 2021 Trim EX-L purchase in Dec,2020. Miles 3300. It seems Honda is having software issues. Without ON of Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) feature is activating automatically and taking over driving or steering of the vehicle and attempt to steer the vehicle back into the center of the lane. Basically it's giving false indicator without ON of LKAS feature and due to this issue driver is becoming panic situation this will be safety issue and this will cause problems for others safety as well(Putting other at risk while driving). This is appearing from past one week onwards. Called Honda Customer Care about this issue and informed. They have taken a notes to inform R&D/Technical team and suggested to take to service to determine system failed or malfunctioned.