Owners have filed 330 complaints
about the 2006 Honda Pilot with NHTSA between 2005 and 2026.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 13 of 24 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 30
Against the median year of the Honda Pilot. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
19.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 29
17% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Body
1852.9%
Engine
38.8%
Headlights
38.8%
Automatic Transmission
38.8%
Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.
25.9%
Power Window Devices AND Controls
25.9%
Frontal
25.9%
Speedometer/Odometer
12.9%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
177.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
83.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
52.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
167.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2611.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
4318.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
5122.5%
150,000+ miles
6126.9%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2006 Honda Pilot 4-DR. w/SAB
—
—
—
15.9% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Dec 2005peak 15Mar 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2006 Honda Pilot
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
EA15001Opened 24 Feb 2015Still openAIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field fai...
PE14016Opened 11 Jun 2014Closed 2 Mar 2015AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field fai...
Recalls on the 2006 Honda Pilot
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201911783,977 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, there could be a problem with the driver-front airbag inflator. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, pieces could be propelled toward the occupants. This could also cause damage to the airbag assembly and prevent it from inflating properly. Note: This recall only affects certain vehicles that had a Takata airbag inflator installed during a previous airbag recall or collision repair. Safety Risk: In a crash where the airbag deploys, there could be an increased risk of injury. Corrective Action: The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to have the driver-front airbag inflator replaced.
Recall 2017009428,641 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag inflator. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. As a result, if the vehicle were involved in a collision that warrants airbag deployment, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants, and the airbag assembly could be damaged, preventing proper function. These issues could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator. Note: Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. The recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk, and is expected to replace airbag inflators before their function would be affected.
Recall 2015225704,770 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Note: This recall supersedes special service campaign 2014567. Correction: Dealers will inspect/replace the driver's frontal airbag inflator. All vehicles having received a replacement inflator as part of any previous driver's inflator campaign will have a replacement inflator installed. Note: Honda Canada has created a special Airbag Inflator Hotline for immediate assistance. For more information, please contact: For Honda Owners: 1-877-445-7754 For Acura Owners: 1-877-445-9844
Recall 2014567704,770 units in Canada
Airbag
Honda Canada is conducting a voluntary Safety Improvement Campaign concerning the driver's airbag inflator on certain vehicles equipped with Takata airbags. Honda will replace the driver's inflator on affected vehicles. This action is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Note: This special service campaign was replaced by recall 2015225. Please see recall 2015225 for more information: <a href="http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/search-recherche/detail.aspx?lang=eng&&rn=2015225">Click here for more information</a>
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Dorado, PRFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
When I got into the vehicle this morning, I opened the door and smoke came out from inside, then I noticed in the driver's seat there was fire from the control panel of the driver's seat. Where the fire affected the seat, the seat belt and the interior panel of the driver's door.
NHTSA complaint #11675877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ellsworth, MEFire
SEATS
About 9 days ago our Honda Pilot (parked, off, keys out of ingnition) had a malfunction in the drivers side heated seat and caught fire burning half the seat and the door, this could have happened while driving which makes this a massive safety issue, I had previously had my car checked out only days prior to incident and nothing was found. There was no indication, warning lights anything to tell us this would happen No one has checked the car since because we have no money and the car is no longer legal to drive
NHTSA complaint #11561149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ellsworth, MEFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
About 9 days ago our Honda Pilot (parked, off, keys out of ingnition) had a malfunction in the drivers side heated seat and caught fire burning half the seat and the door, this could have happened while driving which makes this a massive safety issue, I had previously had my car checked out only days prior to incident and nothing was found. There was no indication, warning lights anything to tell us this would happen No one has checked the car since because we have no money and the car is no longer legal to drive
NHTSA complaint #11561149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ellsworth, MEFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
About 9 days ago our Honda Pilot (parked, off, keys out of ingnition) had a malfunction in the drivers side heated seat and caught fire burning half the seat and the door, this could have happened while driving which makes this a massive safety issue, I had previously had my car checked out only days prior to incident and nothing was found. There was no indication, warning lights anything to tell us this would happen No one has checked the car since because we have no money and the car is no longer legal to drive
NHTSA complaint #11561149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 187,000 milesDistrict Heights, MDCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2006 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, another vehicle rear-ended her vehicle, causing her vehicle to crash into another vehicle from the driver's side front door. The rear bumper and exhaust pipe detached. The driver's side air bag did not deploy. The contact sustained a back injury and received medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where it was deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. Prior to the failure, the dealer had previously performed a recall repair for the driver's and passenger's side air bags. The failure mileage was approximately 187,000.
NHTSA complaint #11496558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesTucson, AZFire
FIRERELATED
The contact’s husband owns a 2006 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while the vehicle was vacant and in a parked position, she noticed a dark gray cloud of smoke and fire inside the vehicle. The contact then stated that she noticed that the front driver’s side door and the car seat had melted. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was required. The fire department was notified, and the fire was extinguished. A fire report was not filed. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The dealer nor the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #11488218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Versailles, KY
SUSPENSION
Suspension is rusted out and falling apart
NHTSA complaint #11725138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richmond, KY
STEERING
Unknown
NHTSA complaint #11694291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richmond, KY
SERVICE BRAKES
Unknown
NHTSA complaint #11694291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2006 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was an auction sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 74,009 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 300,151.
NHTSA complaint #11690295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brunswick, MD
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The Vehicle Stability Assit (VSA) system in activating inappropriately causing the vehicle to brake unexpectedly. There is a Honda Service Bulletin (13-026) for this problem for 2005 Honda Pilots. Well, the same problem is happening to my 2006 Pilot.
NHTSA complaint #11676493 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dorado, PRFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
When I got into the vehicle this morning, I opened the door and smoke came out from inside, then I noticed in the driver's seat there was fire from the control panel of the driver's seat. Where the fire affected the seat, the seat belt and the interior panel of the driver's door.
NHTSA complaint #11675877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fairmont, WV
SUSPENSION
Rear suspension cradle attachment points at the frame corrode. This is common on all pilots in northern climates. Honda has recalled both the Ridgeline and CRV models for corrosion issues related to suspension attachment point corrosion but refuses to recall the pilot. While they claim you will not lose control when the suspension disconnects from the frame the vehicle cannot pass inspection and thus becomes disposable. When vehicles are otherwise perfect this is not acceptable from both safety and fiscal aspects. Please investigate this further as Honda has a repair kit and guidelines but charges thousands for the work .
NHTSA complaint #11653782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fairmont, WV
STRUCTURE:BODY
Rear suspension cradle attachment points at the frame corrode. This is common on all pilots in northern climates. Honda has recalled both the Ridgeline and CRV models for corrosion issues related to suspension attachment point corrosion but refuses to recall the pilot. While they claim you will not lose control when the suspension disconnects from the frame the vehicle cannot pass inspection and thus becomes disposable. When vehicles are otherwise perfect this is not acceptable from both safety and fiscal aspects. Please investigate this further as Honda has a repair kit and guidelines but charges thousands for the work .
NHTSA complaint #11653782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pottstown, PA
SEATS
While driving, the seat came off the base and something was loose, the seat basically will fall back if you just lean back, while stop and go the seat will also move back, something is loose or broken, this is a defect from Honda. Yes this can be inspected upon request this is dangerous because the seat can break off and just fall back anytime not only impact the driver safety while it can also hurt someone sitting behind it No the seat has not been inspected by anyone other during oil change check was told to have someone to look at it. No there is no warning or message or any symptoms before the failure
NHTSA complaint #11624295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesHorseheads, NY
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2006 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that following a State Safety Inspection, the vehicle failed due to extensive corrosion to the rear suspension and to the rear trailing arm. The contact was advised by the State Inspector not to drive the vehicle due to the advanced state of corrosion. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V228000 (Structure). The contact had called the manufacturer and was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.
NHTSA complaint #11607352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Louisville, KY
STRUCTURE:BODY
Hi Honda pallet is completely rusted out and corroded on the back underneath. My mechanic said it is dangerous. The left-hand side could literally fall out while driving and this is not something normally seen even with the car being older
NHTSA complaint #11577961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Duncanville, TX
SUSPENSION
I just purchased a 2006 honda pilot 4 wheel drive....i did not get under the suv to look at the frame structure, i had the differential fluid changed, the suv was put on a lift and noticed there is extreme rusting going on under the vehicle. in reading some complaint from previous owners, the possibility of the frame separating from the body is a possibility , in addition to other parts doing the same thing, this presents a severe safety issue for me and my family. IF HONDA did not protect the under carriage with the proper rust prevention inhibitors , this might cause the under parts to fall apart.... I THINK HONDA NEEDS TO DO WHAT IS NECESSARY TO REMOVE THE RUST AND COAT THE NECESSARY PARTS TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. THE POSSIBILITY OF AN ACCIDENT HAPPENING BECAUSE OF THE RUSTING , COULD HAVE PEOPLE KILLED IN GOING DOWN THE FREEWAY AT HIGH SPEEDS. THIS LOOKS LIKE A TREMENDOUS LAWSUIT AGAINST HONDA FOR NOT PROPERLY INSULATING THE METAL TO AVOID THE RUSTING.. THIS NEEDS IMMEDIATE ATTENTION BY THE HONDA CORP TO AVOID FUTURE LAWSUITS............................................................... PLEASE EXPEDITE THIS COMPLAINT TO THE PROPER HONDA PERSONNEL TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM............................................................................................................................. PLEASE RESPOND ASAP... THANK YOU, [XXX] , [XXX] , MY CELL [XXX] TODAY IS MARCH 16TH 2024.. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11577813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aurora, IL
STRUCTURE:BODY
2006 Honda Pilot Subframe rust which is causing the subframe to pull away from the body of the vehicle. Known issue with a patch kit, but no dealership or auto body shop willing to fix it. Honda has recalled the Ridgeline and CRV for the same issue, but not the Honda Pilot. Vehicle is in perfect running condition except for this design flaw. Would like to get it repaired instead of junking a perfectly drivable vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11577232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winfield, IA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The car was making a lot of noise, so we took it to the shop. Upon investigation, they told us we were lucky we hadn't had a catastrophic failure as the frame was rusted through. We were told not to drive it further. The car has been well taken care of.
NHTSA complaint #11576206 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tijeras, NM
TIRES
235/70R16 I purchased 4 Michelin defender LXT tires, on 02/06/2024. I had to have all the tires rebalanced. The tire shop. Said said all tires were 1 1/2 to 2 oz off. This problem should not be occurring in such a short period of time. Repair was made on 02/20/2024
NHTSA complaint #11573167 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Moneta, VA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
While driving at night, with rain and fog, the low beam headlights became extremely dim which made it impossible to see the road. Surprisingly both low beam headlights went dim, not effective at all, I had to depend on my fog lights for a bit of visibility. Could it be the headlamp, turn signal switch on the column that has gone bad?? So dangerous, my wife was almost shaking as we slowly made our way home, and we live in the country so scary drive home.
NHTSA complaint #11571692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Downers Grove, IL
SUSPENSION
Dave at Beard Auto Repair in downers grove, Il told me: Whole rear subframe rotted away from the main frame Shock support rotted away Suspension completely detached - not safe to drive AT ALL. Not even for 5 minutes. Subframe holds all your suspension One severe bump could make wheels fall off and roll away Im thinking the recall on the older CRVs should probably be extended to Pilots as well since I'm having similar issues as listed in this recall article. [XXX] Honda Corportate told me to bring to nearest dealership and have them inspect and provide diagnosis so they can assess what they can do for me. They’ve have it for 2.5 months. I’ve called and emailed 30 times and still have not been given an answer. I see online that tons of people in rust belt states are having the exact same problem with this exact same model and year. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11562491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ellsworth, MEFire
SEATS
About 9 days ago our Honda Pilot (parked, off, keys out of ingnition) had a malfunction in the drivers side heated seat and caught fire burning half the seat and the door, this could have happened while driving which makes this a massive safety issue, I had previously had my car checked out only days prior to incident and nothing was found. There was no indication, warning lights anything to tell us this would happen No one has checked the car since because we have no money and the car is no longer legal to drive
NHTSA complaint #11561149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ellsworth, MEFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
About 9 days ago our Honda Pilot (parked, off, keys out of ingnition) had a malfunction in the drivers side heated seat and caught fire burning half the seat and the door, this could have happened while driving which makes this a massive safety issue, I had previously had my car checked out only days prior to incident and nothing was found. There was no indication, warning lights anything to tell us this would happen No one has checked the car since because we have no money and the car is no longer legal to drive
NHTSA complaint #11561149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ellsworth, MEFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
About 9 days ago our Honda Pilot (parked, off, keys out of ingnition) had a malfunction in the drivers side heated seat and caught fire burning half the seat and the door, this could have happened while driving which makes this a massive safety issue, I had previously had my car checked out only days prior to incident and nothing was found. There was no indication, warning lights anything to tell us this would happen No one has checked the car since because we have no money and the car is no longer legal to drive
NHTSA complaint #11561149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sioux Falls, SD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When I had taken my vehicle in to the dealership for power steering issues and other routine maintenance, I was told that my rear bumper was extremely rusted out as well as the frame on the driver side. I was advised this is a major safety concern and that the frame cannot be fixed by the dealership.
NHTSA complaint #11532462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hephzibah, GA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Car keeps going into limp mode. The VTM and VSA light flash on and the car will not accelerate. Happens at different occasions. It has happenstance while driving on highway and I’m traffic. The only way to reset is to cut car off and turn on. Sometimes, it doesn’t work with that and you have to sit and wait. It has been checked but no one see no faults and it’s never on the dashboard if you cut off then cut back on. This is becoming a huge risk when driving with children and family. Also, electrical issues has been going on and no one can figure out. Have been looked at and even quoted for new pets but no fox for why the electrical is not working. One side of car has no electric and nobody knows why. My car was taken apart and still no fix for electric. This effects the passenger side windows and turn signals. The vehicle is forcing me to have to look for another one even though it’s paid off and has done well for me and my family. Please help and assist thanks.
NHTSA complaint #11526184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hephzibah, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Car keeps going into limp mode. The VTM and VSA light flash on and the car will not accelerate. Happens at different occasions. It has happenstance while driving on highway and I’m traffic. The only way to reset is to cut car off and turn on. Sometimes, it doesn’t work with that and you have to sit and wait. It has been checked but no one see no faults and it’s never on the dashboard if you cut off then cut back on. This is becoming a huge risk when driving with children and family. Also, electrical issues has been going on and no one can figure out. Have been looked at and even quoted for new pets but no fox for why the electrical is not working. One side of car has no electric and nobody knows why. My car was taken apart and still no fix for electric. This effects the passenger side windows and turn signals. The vehicle is forcing me to have to look for another one even though it’s paid off and has done well for me and my family. Please help and assist thanks.
NHTSA complaint #11526184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richmond, KY
SUSPENSION
The car's rear subframe has rusted to the point where the suspension no longer correctly mounts to the frame causing an unstable ride and handling issues. Yes, the car can be inspected. This is a safety issue because other parts of the suspension system or brake system could become loose or break off or otherwise be negatively affected by this corrosion. It could also cause me to be unable to control the vehicle properly if it gets worse. Yes, the problem has been confirmed by both a dealer and an independent mechanic. The Honda dealership has inspected it. There is a very similar problem with some of Honda's other models from this era including the Ridgeline and the CRV that have recently been recalled and I think this vehicle should be recalled for this issue as well.
NHTSA complaint #11524539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richmond, KY
STRUCTURE:BODY
The car's rear subframe has rusted to the point where the suspension no longer correctly mounts to the frame causing an unstable ride and handling issues. Yes, the car can be inspected. This is a safety issue because other parts of the suspension system or brake system could become loose or break off or otherwise be negatively affected by this corrosion. It could also cause me to be unable to control the vehicle properly if it gets worse. Yes, the problem has been confirmed by both a dealer and an independent mechanic. The Honda dealership has inspected it. There is a very similar problem with some of Honda's other models from this era including the Ridgeline and the CRV that have recently been recalled and I think this vehicle should be recalled for this issue as well.
NHTSA complaint #11524539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
