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
434 reports, newest first.
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.
Engine, May 25, 2021
We just got the car from the dealer and it is still less than 200 miles and it’s leaking oil. There’s oil leaks in my garage which I thought was water coming from AC. When I check the oil dip stick. It was empty.
Tires, May 17, 2021
We were driving on a 8 lane highway at night 8:45 PM in our Brand new 2021 Honda Pilot Elite with less than 2200 miles on it. Our car's tire pressure light cam on. 2 miles later our front passenger tire blown out traveling at speed greater than 55 MPH. My pregnant wife, dogs and myself could have been killed. Currently these tire models are being recalled (2920), however, our tire was made (3920) did not quailfy for the recall. Clearly that was a mistake. Our local honda dealership did a quick inspection of the tire and stated that the warranty would not cover and since continental tires does not have a recall on the tire, there was nothing they could do.
Power train, Apr 9, 2021
I JUST BOUGHT MY BRAND NEW 2021 HONDA PILOT I HAD IT FOR 1 WEEK SO I DECIDED TO TAKE IT TO LAS VEGAS ON THE WAY THERE IT WAS FINE BUT ON THE WAY HOME I'M COMING DOWN I STARTED TO FEEL A JERK IN THE TRANSMISSION I DIDN'T THINK NOTHING OF IT SO I KEPT DRIVING. BUT FOR A NEW CAR IT SHOULD NOT BE DOING ANYTHING LIKE THAT AT ALL SO I TOOK IT TO HONDA DEALER AND THEY DID A MULTI INSPECTION CHECK AND SAID THEY DIDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT AND EVERYTHING SHIFT FINE BUT WHEN I TOOK IT HOME A WEEK LATER IT'S HAPPENING MORE AND MORE ESPECIALLY WHEN IT'S TRAFFIC YOU WILL FEEL IT WAY MORE I JUST HOPE IT DON'T GO OUT AFTER MY 60K MILES WARRANTY RIGHT NOW IT'S ONLY 2,500 MILES AND I FEEL I GOT A LEMON I ALREADY HAVE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS BUT IT JUST TOO NEW TO GO OUT RIGHT NOW
Other or unspecified, Mar 23, 2021
WHEN USING THE HANDSFREE BLUETOOTH FUNCTION, THE RECIPIENT CANNOT HEAR WHAT WAS SPOKEN AS IT MAKES BOISTEROUS/ STATIC NOISE. THIS IS EVEN SEVERE WHEN THE HEATER FAN IS ON. BOTH IOS AND ANDROID PHONES OBSERVE THE SAME RESULTS. MY LOCAL HONDA DEALER SAYS IT IS THE CHARACTERISTIC OF THIS MODEL, AND THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.
Other or unspecified, Mar 15, 2021
DRIVING ON 495 IN VIRGINIA NORTH TOWARD 66 NEAR ANNANDALE AT AROUND 55 TO 60 MILES PER HOUR ON THE BELTWAY, NON-TOLL PORTION, WE WERE SHOCKED TO HEAR THE SOUND OF EXPLODING GLASS FOLLOWED BY RUSHING AIR, LIKE AN OPEN WINDOW. WE LOOKED ALL AROUND THE WINDOWS TO SEE IF THERE HAD BEEN SOME SORT OF IMPACT, BUT ALL WINDOWS INCLUDING WINDSHIELD WERE INTACT AND FREE OF DAMAGE. I REALIZED FROM THE WHOOSHING SOUND THAT IT WAS COMING FROM THE SUNROOF. THE INTERIOR SHADE WAS CLOSED AT THE TIME, BUT WHEN I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY STOP THE CAR, I REALIZED THAT THE GLASS HAD EXPLODED UPWARDS. SOME SMALL SHARDS WERE STILL INSIDE THE SHADE AS IN THE PICTURE, BUT MOST APPEARED TO HAVE SHOT UPWARD AND BACK ONTO THE HIGHWAY. APART FROM THE SUNROOF, THERE WERE NO SIGNS OF ANY DAMAGE OR IMPACT, AND AT THE TIME THAT THE EXPLOSION OCCURRED, WE LOOKED ALL AROUND TO TRY AND FIND ANY POTENTIAL SOURCE OF IMPACT IN CASE SOMETHING HAD FLOWN UP FROM THE ROAD OR FALLEN FROM ABOVE, BUT THERE WAS NONE (NO DEBRIS ANYWHERE NEARBY ON THE ROAD, NO OVERPASSES NEARBY, ETC.).
Wheels, Feb 8, 2021
WHILE IN MOTION, GOING STRAIGHT ON A HIGHWAY, MY CAR, 2021 HONDA PILOT TOURING, WITH APPROXIMATELY 1600 MILES ONLY, HAD THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WALL SEPARATED WITHOUT ANY PHYSICAL AGITATION FROM THE DRIVER. THERE WAS SUDDEN LOSS OF PRESSURE, AND VEHICLE LOST CONTROL. VEHICLE WAS STOPPED ALMOST IMMEDIATELY AND PULLED OVER, BUT IN THAT SHORT WHILE THE ROLLING OF THE TIRE ON THE GROUND CAUSED BURNT SMELL TO SEEP INTO THE CAR FOR DRIVER TO NOTICE AND "FREAK OUT". THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE MOTOR WERKS HONDA, BARRINGTON, IL, WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. I WAS ASKED TO PAY FOR THE TIRE REPLACEMENT. THERE HAS BEEN NO OTHER DEFECT OR NOTEWORTHY CONDITION IDENTIFIED BY THE SERVICE TEAM. THIS IS THE SAME CONDITION AS DESCRIBED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 20V725000; "TIRE CARCASS MAY BREAK CAUSING SUDDEN AIR LOSS 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." REF: TIRE: CONTINENTAL, CROSSCONTACT LX SPORT 245/50R20 102 H THE HONDA CORPORATE TEAM HAD PUBLISHED A BULLETIN AT END OF NOVEMBER 2020 RECALLING 214 HONDA PILOT, 2021, VEHICLES FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE, REQUIRING REPLACEMENT OF THE DEFECTIVE TIRES. SINCE MY CAR'S VIN IS NOT IN THE RECALL LIST, NEITHER HONDA DEALERSHIP NOR THE CORPORATE ARE ACCEPTING ANY RESPONSIBILITY. THERE WAS NO NAIL OR BLADE FOUND BY THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN. THE MILEAGE IS EXTREMELY LOW. HENCE, THE RESPONSIBILITY SHALL FALL ON HONDA TO ACCEPT AND REPLACE THE TIRE. I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO GET ANY HELP FROM HONDA IN THAT REGARD. THE CAR STILL IS WITH THE DEALERSHIP'S SERVICE TEAM AS I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE CAR UNTIL ALL TIRES ARE REPLACED FOR FREE. I WILL BE TALKING TO MY LEGAL TEAM FOR HELP AS MY INCONVENIENCE CONTINUES TO GROW.
Visibility/wiper, Jan 29, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 3 HOURS, THE WIND SHIELD WIPER FLUID SPRAY NOZZLE REMAINED OBSTRUCTED WITH ICE AND THE FRONT WINDSHIELD COULD NOT BE CLEANED. AFTER CLEARING ICE FROM THE NOZZLE, THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER PLAZA HONDA LOCATED AT 2722 NOSTRAND AVE, BROOKLYN, NY 11210 WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,800.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Nov 15, 2020
WHILE DRIVING FOR ABOUT AN HOUR ON THE FREEWAY THE SOUND TO MY BLUETOOTH AUDIO QUIT. THEN THE APPLE CARPLAY WOULD NOT CONNECT. WHEN I GOT TO THE GROCERY STORE TRYIN TO MANEAVER INTO A PARKING SPOT THE BACKUP CAMERA DID NOT WORK WHEN I PUT IN REVERSE. AT FIRST I THOUGHT I HAD PRESSED PARK INSTEAD OF REVERSE BUT THAT WAS NOT THE CASE. NOT UNTIL I PARKED, SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTED IT DID EVERYTHING START WORKING PROPERLY ( AT LEAST FOR NOW). THE VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY 1500 MILES ON IT. I HAVE BEEN READING ABOUT A RECALL ON NEWER PILOTS (Y7Y) AND WAS WONDERING WHY MY VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED SINCE I AM EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE. I MENTION ALSO THAT TWICE AT ABOUT 500 MILES I EXPERIENCED THE CRACKLING NOISE IN THE AUDIO THAT HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH THE 2018 AND NEWER PILOTS.