Honda Pilot Years to Avoid: Common Problems & Reliable Alternatives

The Honda Pilot is a midsize SUV that is well known for its reliability, comfort, and spaciousness. Nevertheless, some model years have been more problematic than others. Like any automobile, some years of the Honda Pilot have been known to have recurring issues that consumers need to be informed about.

In this guide, we’ll cover what year Honda pilot to avoid, common issues in those models, and the best years to consider if you’re looking for a dependable ride.

Why Knowing “Honda Pilot Years to Avoid” Matters

Understanding which Honda Pilot years to avoid is crucial, whether you’re purchasing a used vehicle or evaluating the long-term reliability of your current SUV. Indeed, buying the wrong model year may also expose users to various repair costs, safety complications, and low resale value. With that knowledge, you can eliminate years of cars exhibiting broad mechanical or structural problems from your years of driving.

Overview of the Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot was launched in 2003, and it is one of Honda’s midsize sport utility vehicles. Thus, it earned a reputation of being a minivan that has an SUV like feel at the same time. Since its inception the Pilot has gone through various model changes, enhancement in relation to technology, safety and performance.

The Pilot’s lineup spans four generations:

• First Generation (2003–2008): Space-squaring, body-style characteristics, durable V6 engine, three rows of seats.
• Second Generation (2009–2015): More interior space, more stylish-looking body, and much enhanced safety measures.
• Third Generation (2016–2022): Futuristic looks, improved technologies, higher mileage.
• Fourth Generation (2023–Present): Newest redesign benefits of upgraded styling and features.

While many Honda Pilot reliability problems are not common, certain years are particularly problematic. Let’s look into the ones that should be steered clear of.

Honda Pilot Years to Avoid

There are minor fluctuations in reliability depending on the model year of the Honda Pilot, with some experiencing significantly more problems than others. Here’s a breakdown of the years you should be cautious about:

2003-2008 Honda Pilot

The first models of the Honda Pilot, starting from 2003 to 2008, have been reported to have some major problems regarding reliability. While these years offered solid features, several common issues popped up repeatedly in the models:

• Transmission Problems (2003-2008): Among the problems described in these years, the most significant one was the problems with transmission. There were complaints of rough shifts, delayed engagement, and in some cases complete breakdown of the transmissions. The problem affected some models starting as early as the 2001 model, but it was most reported in 2003 and 2004 models; however, it was present in other models of the range as well.
• Engine Problems (2005-2008): A few owners had a problem with their engines with some parts of the car’s timing belt and other parts associated with the engine not working as expected. Such problems frequently resulted in expensive repairs and, in some instances, the engine’s early wear and tear.
• Suspension Issues (2007-2008): The suspension in these models including the rear suspension became prone to wear out prematurely. This could cause handling problems and a relatively jerky ride, should the car be taken over bumpy or out of the way terrain.
• Electrical Issues (2007-2008): These model years also identified a higher percentage of the electrical system problem. Some of the issues that bothered the car owners were issues such as; light failure, window regulators, and faulty sensor issues among others.

2009 Honda Pilot

The 2009 Honda Pilot is younger than a first-generation model but still worth a caution to buyers. While it made strides in terms of safety features and interior improvements, it still has some significant problems:

• Transmission Problems: Some 2009 models suffered from early signs of Honda trying to rectify some of the previous year’s transmission problems. Some of these problems consisted of poor shift ability, slippage, or unpredictable acceleration.
• Excessive Oil Consumption: Another of the more frequently reported issues was excessive oil use, which can be attributed to mechanical system wear or simply flawed design. A few owners had to add the oil constantly, and thus, they realized long-term issues with the engine.

2015 Honda Pilot

The 2015 Honda Pilot was a part of the third generation of the vehicle, and while it introduced a refreshed design, it still had its fair share of problems:

• Transmission Shifting Problems: Not unlike previous models, the 2015 Pilot had problems with 6-speed automatic transmission as well. The shifting was described as hard, the transmission hesitated and the car accelerated roughly, which can be troublesome from a long term perspective.
• Suspension Issues: It also came with enhancements on the suspension system and however, the 2015 model has some complaints on the rear suspension which has impact on handling and comfort.

2016 Honda Pilot

Although the 2016 Honda Pilot was generally an improvement over previous years, it still had a few drawbacks:

• Electrical Problems: Looking at the electrical issues that the 2016 Honda Pilot had, many drivers complained of the same. It included technical problems with the car’s infotainment systems, and electrical failures which affected the main functions of the car like the windows, locks or the lights.
• Transmission Issues: The 9-speed automated transmission of the 2016 model was another poor selling point by the company. Some of the reported common complaints included issues with hard shifting, delay in acceleration, and total failure of the transmission.

Common Issues of Honda Pilots of Different Years Related to Car Problems

While specific Honda pilot issues vary slightly from year to year, the following problems are common across the years of the Honda Pilot that you should avoid:

1. Transmission Failures: As mentioned earlier, transmission problems are one of the most severe issues that affected many of these model years. If the transmission fails early on, it will either cost a lot of money to fix or a whole new transmission is going to be needed.
2. Excessive Oil Consumption: In regard to the issues on the surface, for several years the Honda Pilot has exhibited high oil consumption that could point to other parts inside the motor. This issue can cause more often oil changes and sometimes serious damage to the engine in the long run.
3. Suspension Wear: Owners complained of suspension wear that posed handling problems in the first series. Often the first sign was that the rear suspension was wearing out before other parts of the car, which could translate to costly repairs.
4. Electrical Malfunctions: For years people complain about electrical issues like non-working lights, windows, locks, and car’s infotainment systems. These problems do not seem major at first, but they contribute to massive repair expenses in the long run.

The Best Years for the Honda Pilot

As some years are infamous, others are defined as more successful and notoriously free from issues. If you’re considering purchasing a used Honda Pilot, the following years have generally performed better in terms of reliability and fewer reported problems:

2012-2014 Honda Pilot

These years, they have been among some of the most reliable models in the ranks of Honda Pilot vehicles. The models that were manufactured between 2012 and 2014 had some improvements to the previous models in terms of safety, comfort, and design and these cars had fewer complaints about their transmission or engine than the other models.

• Improved Transmission: To correct the problems with some prior models, Honda equipped the 2012-2014 Pilots with improved transmissions.
• Sturdy Engine: For the same car, these models have 3.5-liter automobiles have a V6 engine that has had fewer complaints of excessive oil consumption and major problems in the engine.
• Good Ride Quality: These years provided a much better suspension system that made the trip seem smoother than the earlier models.

2017 and Newer Honda Pilot

2017 and later models are a new generation of the Pilot, with a fresher design, upgraded technology, and a better ride. The 2017 Pilot also came equipped with a new and improved 9-speed transmission which eliminated many of the problems seen in previous 9-speed vehicles.

• Refined Transmission: The 2017 Pilot’s new 9-speed transmission was generally a smooth for this generation and had fewer problems than previous model years with this transmission.
• Technology and Safety Features: It accompanying new models include enhanced safety features; Honda sensing which consists of collision mitigation, lane keeping assist, and Adaptive Cruise control.
• Improved Ride Comfort: Some of these changes included an even better suspension system that made the 2017 and later model Pilots as some of the best models in this line of automobiles.

Potential Problem: How to Identify Issues in Used Honda Pilots

When you are purchasing a secondhand car, especially a Honda Pilot, you need to take time and look at some aspects of the car. Here are some tips to help you spot potential Honda pilot problems before you make a purchase:

1. Check for Transmission Issues: During your test drive, look at how the car changes its gears. If the shifts feel like sandpaper or if the car is lugging when you try to accelerate it might have a transmission problem.
2. Look for Oil Leaks: Even if several objects underneath the car are oiled or in case the oil grade is decisively low, it can be concluded the car has oil leaks or consumes excessive amounts of the fluid.
3. Inspect the Suspension: Always look at tires for signs of uneven wear or the feel of rough riding during the test drive. Symptoms common with suspensions are observed, especially on bumpy roads or when performing turns.
4. Examine the Electrical System: A thorough check of various electrical aspects such as lights, windows, locks, and infotainment also needs to be done.

Conclusion

Continuing with automobile manufacturers, the Honda Pilot is an excellent recommended car that is both reliable and can accommodate a large family comfortably. Still, it is much wiser to know years to avoid if you do not want to end up with a model that requires numerous repairs.

The years have had their share of problems, especially 2003-2008, 2009, and 2015 with transmission failures, high oil consumption, and suspension issues. On the other hand, some of the most reliable models are the 2012-2014 and 2017+ models as they have fewer complaints about major problems and seem to perform much better.

FAQs–Honda Pilot Years To Avoid