Which Years Of Used Honda Pilots Are Most Reliable?

Published May 18, 2023 by CoPilot Staff
Updated March 18, 2024 in Reliability

We walk through the most (and least) reliable years of the Honda Pilot so you can determine which model is the soundest vehicle purchase.

The Honda Pilot is a rugged and sleek SUV option, offering excellent ground clearance and driving experience. Honda has one of the best reputations on the market for SUVs. If you’re interested in purchasing a used version, it’s ideal to analyze every available option. You might wonder - what is the most reliable Honda Pilot year?

If you want to be smart with your finances, keep an eye on the reliability of each version of the Honda Pilot. With over two decades in production, it’s overwhelming to try to narrow down the best pick for your finances. Luckily, we have you covered. Read on to learn more about the most reliable Honda Pilot year and anything else you need.

THE HONDA PILOT YEARS TO AVOID

Suppose you’re serious about getting a reliable and long-lasting SUV. In that case, you need to know the Honda Pilot years to avoid and why you should avoid them.

Most Reliable Years For The Honda Pilot

People love the Honda Pilot because it’s a roomy, sleek, and powerful car. You can carry your entire family or yourself for the ultimate driving experience. However, it’s tricky to find the right year to get the most bang for your buck. Luckily, we’ve narrowed the selection to a few of the best years.

Here are the most reliable selections for the Honda Pilot:

2004 Honda Pilot
2006 Honda Pilot
2007 Honda Pilot
2008 Honda Pilot
2010 Honda Pilot
2012 Honda Pilot
2014 Honda Pilot
2015 Honda Pilot
2017 Honda Pilot
2018 Honda Pilot
2019 Honda Pilot
2020 Honda Pilot

If you’re hunting for the most reliable Honda Pilot year, these are the best.

These Pilots stand out as the best for the brand, bringing in the fewest customer complaints and garnering excellent reviews. You will find a decent cost without too many unexpected repairs throughout the year.

If you want the most for your money, pick one of these. However, it’s also ideal to analyze the overall reliability of the Honda Pilot across the board. How does it stack up against the reliability of the rest of the market?

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Are Honda Pilots Generally Reliable?

You can invest in the most reliable year for the Honda Pilot, but it makes no difference if the Honda Pilot is not a dependable option. Let’s talk about how the Honda Pilot fares when considering all years.

The Pilot performs well on the market. According to withclutch.com, the Honda Pilot scores 64.55. This number makes it a quality choice, especially compared to other SUV selections.

A second opinion is also an excellent idea when examining the reliability of a vehicle. According to repairpal.com, the Honda Pilot scores a 3.⁵⁄₅, which puts it at thirteenth out of twenty-six other midsize SUVs. It’s a decent performer, right in the middle of the pack.

The annual repair cost for the Honda Pilot is $542, which puts it slightly lower than the average for other midsize SUVs. If there is an unexpected repair, there is a 13% chance it will be severe. This number is about average for similar vehicles.

Those behind the wheel of the Honda Pilot can expect to take the vehicle an average of .4 times a year, again right on par with the average for similar SUVs. It’s a solid option in reliability.

Which Honda Pilot Years Are The Least Reliable?

It’s ideal to get the most out of your dollar, especially when buying a used vehicle. The best way to make your money count is to stay away from the least reliable years. We’ve listed the worst Honda Pilot options for your convenience.

If you’re searching for the best the Honda Pilot offers in reliability, stay away from these years:

2003 Honda Pilot
2005 Honda Pilot
2009 Honda Pilot
2011 Honda Pilot
2013 Honda Pilot
2016 Honda Pilot

Look elsewhere for the most reliable Honda Pilot year available.

There were extensive customer complaints during these years on several features. The most common complaints include transmission failures, excessive oil consumption, peeling paint, and recurring fault codes. These years are problematic and pricey for drivers.

These years will bring frequent and expensive repairs. However, there are some common issues the Honda Pilot experiences across the board. Let’s talk about what you can expect.

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What Are The Most Common Issues With A Honda Pilot?

A practical step when investing in a vehicle is to consider the most common problems in the car. Although they aren’t as severe in the reliable years, there are some issues the Honda Pilot suffers across the board.

Here are the most common issues with the Honda Pilot:

Warped front brake rotors: Owners of the Honda Pilot, particularly earlier models, have reported issues with warped front brake rotors. This warping can cause vibration and pulsating in the steering wheel during braking. The V6 engine’s substantial power and weight can contribute to quicker wear and tear on the brake system, necessitating rotor resurfacing or replacement to ensure smooth braking performance.
Low-beam headlight failure: Another common issue with the Honda Pilot involves the premature failure of low-beam headlights. This problem can compromise visibility and safety, especially during nighttime driving. The issue has been attributed to poor electrical connections or wiring harness issues. In some cases, intervention beyond simple bulb replacement may be required to ensure the longevity of the lighting system.
Navigation system issues: Some Honda Pilot models equipped with an in-built navigation system have experienced issues where the map won’t display, or the system fails to start. This inconvenience can affect the utility of the navigation feature, requiring software updates or hardware repairs to resolve the glitches and restore functionality.
Transmission problems: Certain Honda Pilot models, especially those from the mid-2000s, have experienced transmission issues, including rough shifting, slipping, or even complete failure. These problems are particularly concerning in models equipped with the V6 engine, where the transmission may struggle to efficiently handle the power output, potentially leading to costly repairs or replacements.
Airbag concerns: The Honda Pilot has been part of airbag-related recalls, primarily due to the Takata airbag inflator issue, which affects millions of vehicles. Additionally, some owners have reported problems with airbag warning lights illuminating due to sensor malfunctions or wiring issues, which are critical to address promptly to ensure the airbags function correctly in the event of a collision.
Issues with Honda Sensing features: While the Honda Sensing suite offers advanced driver assistance technologies, some Pilot owners have reported glitches or inconsistent performance of features like adaptive cruise control and collision mitigation braking. Ensuring that the Honda Sensing system is functioning correctly is vital for leveraging the full safety benefits of this reliable SUV.

If these appear, you may need to take your car in for unexpected fixes.

These troubles may pop up, whether you have a reliable or unreliable year. It’s ideal to be ready.

We’ve talked about many critical items relating to the reliability of the Honda Pilot. Now comes the ultimate question - is the Honda Pilot worth it?

Is The Honda Pilot Worth It?

If you’re shopping for a quality midsize option, the Honda Pilot is an excellent idea. It’s generally reliable and offers excellent value for your investment. There are plenty of years to choose from for the ultimate dependency on the road.

There are a few common issues that plague the Honda Pilot. However, they are much less likely to appear in the most reliable years of a used Honda Pilot. Pick the best and you’ll be okay.

The Honda Pilot is an excellent contender on the market. Once again, Honda proves it makes excellent vehicles.

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Final Thoughts

Although there are some poor years for the Pilot, there are excellent years to balance them out. If you’re hunting for a quality SUV from the iconic Honda brand, you can’t go wrong here. They’re very reliable.

We hope this information was helpful! It’s overwhelming to pick the most reliable used Honda Pilot option, so we hope our research will narrow your list of options. Honda is a top-notch brand, and the Pilot is one of the best.

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