Owners have filed 166 complaints
about the 2008 Honda Pilot with NHTSA between 2008 and 2026.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 18 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 — 15
Against the median year of the Honda Pilot. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 93
18.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 33
20% 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
1150.0%
Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
29.1%
Headlights
29.1%
Windshield
29.1%
Automatic Transmission
29.1%
Adaptive Cruise Control
14.5%
Seat Heater/Cooler
14.5%
Head Restraint
14.5%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
33.4%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
22.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1011.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
55.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1314.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2124.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1719.5%
150,000+ miles
1618.4%
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.
Jan 2008peak 6Aug 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2008 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...
Recalls on the 2008 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.
Kapaa, HICrash
ENGINE
My car accelerated on its own and when I applied the brakes, they didn’t work. I hit a tree on my property and damaged my property and my car.
NHTSA complaint #11503685 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kapaa, HICrash
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My car accelerated on its own and when I applied the brakes, they didn’t work. I hit a tree on my property and damaged my property and my car.
NHTSA complaint #11503685 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesPharr, TXCrash1 injured
WHEELS
PURCHASED A HONDA PILOT EQUIPPED WITH KUHMO KR21 TIRES. WHILE ON A ROAD TRIP WITH THE FAMILY, ABOUT 400 MILES INTO THE DRIVE HEARD A THUMP SOUND I WENT TO A LOCAL LANE TO EXIT AND THEN THE TIRE LITERALLY EXPLODES AND SEPARATES ON THE HIGHWAY. WE DID TWO SPINS AND CRASHED INTO THE GUARD RAIL THANKFULLY INSTEAD OF INTO THE DITCH. WE WERE ON I10 HEADING EAST BOUND FEW MILES INTO LOUISANA.
NHTSA complaint #11339448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 161,000 milesSouth Milwaukee, WICrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT AT WORK WHEN THE HONDA PILOT ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. I APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE.I WENT THRU A FENCE AND SLAMMED INTO ANOTHER CAR CAUSING DAMAGE.
NHTSA complaint #11298058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,865 milesSpringfield Gardens, NYCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE BACKING INTO THE DRIVEWAY, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED CAUSING THE CAR TO SLAM INTO THE CONCRETE PART OF THE ATTACHED GARAGE TOTALING THE SUV
NHTSA complaint #11253035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 178,000 milesManchester, NHCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
WAS IN A FRONT END ACCIDENT GOING 30 MPH AND NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE PERAON I TBONED ALL OF HIS DEPLOYED. NONE OF MINE WENT OFF.
NHTSA complaint #11156811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Penfield, NY
SUSPENSION
Frame completely rusted through, multiple holes found in the frame. This is a death trap!
NHTSA complaint #11756874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winona, MN
SUSPENSION
Referring to my 2008 Honda Pilot, as I was pulling into my driveway I heard a very loud bang in the rear area of my vehicle. When I looked underneath the vehicle I could see the rear subframe had rusted through and detached. This is my main vehicle that I use on a daily basis to provide rides to family members. 3 weeks before this happened I had 7 people in this car that I drove approximately 30 miles one way which had us on the highway doing 70 mph. Please note that is the speed limit on that highway. Had the subframe broke off at that time it would have been catastrophic. Honda America requested I have it towed to the nearest Honda dealer to diagnose it. It happened on March 11, 2026 and was towed to the dealer that same day, with an appointment to be looked at on Friday March 13, 2026. The dealer diagnosed the subframe detached due to rust and had notified Honda America of this fact. Honda America just notified me today (Monday, March 30, 2026) that they will not assist me in anyway as this particular model Honda has not been recalled or is the result of any defects. There was no prior warning light to warn me.
NHTSA complaint #11728082 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Burbank, IL
SUSPENSION
I could hear a loud grinding noise while driving and the rear of the truck felt like it was driving without any type of suspension. Any bump or slight imperfection in the roadway felt like metal banging and a severe thump could be felt inside the vehicle. The front of the vehicle felt fine but the rear felt extremely strange and unstable.
NHTSA complaint #11710110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mechanicsville, VA
SERVICE BRAKES
the VSA and danger triangle lights are on
NHTSA complaint #11691352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
El Paso, IL
SUSPENSION
Rear Subframe Body Mount Rust
NHTSA complaint #11688255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charleston, WV
SUSPENSION
Had vehicle in for state inspection and was told the rear crossmember where the rear wheel assembly bolts into was rusting and should be fixed immediately.
NHTSA complaint #11683074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Anchorage, AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Failure of Honda Pilot OEM jack. On 11/04/24 I was jacking up the right rear wheel of my 2008 Honda Pilot when the OEM scissor jack I was using suddenly and loudly broke, allowing the wheel to come down violently. Note that I was jacking the vehicle on a firm, level surface, using the reinforced jacking point as instructed in the vehicle manual, and that the vehicle did NOT fall off of the jack; the jack simply broke. I removed the jack from under the vehicle and inspected and tested it. The threaded rod in the jack would no longer turn smoothly and when testing the jack, it would not lift any weight without falling back down. Summary: Failure of 2008 Honda Pilot jack Failure did put me at risk when jacked wheel suddenly fell. Jack has not been inspected or tested by dealer, etc, Jack failed without warning. Incident not reported to police, insurance, etc. Jack IS available for inspection.
NHTSA complaint #11623768 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sierra Madre, CA
TIRES
Hello, I have a set of 4 Bridgestone Dueler LX tires that have been cracking for the past 8 months and now appear to be separating in between the treads. I’ve had America’s Tire Company look at them within the past 6 months and they always seem to state that it’s normal, but the cracks seem to be getting bigger and bigger. The wheels vibrate some, even after several re-balancing attempts. The tires were purchased on [XXX] and I don’t feel safe driving on these tires anymore to the point that I really hesitate driving on the freeway now for that they might fail/explode. I will be submitting a call/claim directly with Bridgestone at 800-847-3272 tomorrow as well. The tire size is P235/70R 16. There has been no incident yet, so I will use today's date. Of the photos uploaded, IMG's 3506 and 3507 were recently placed in the rear and IMG 3508 are in the back. Here are the DOT #'s in no particular order: [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11595210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Johns Island, SC
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Left headlight went out in July 2023 while traveling in Oklahoma. I had it replaced at a NAPA shop in Kansas shortly after. The headlight went out again while home in Charleston, SC in November 2023. I had it replaced again. 2 weeks later around roughly November 15th 2023 the light went out again.
NHTSA complaint #11556052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Johns Island, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Left headlight went out in July 2023 while traveling in Oklahoma. I had it replaced at a NAPA shop in Kansas shortly after. The headlight went out again while home in Charleston, SC in November 2023. I had it replaced again. 2 weeks later around roughly November 15th 2023 the light went out again.
NHTSA complaint #11556052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mt. Pleasant, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY
When in the service garage for a noise, our independent service mechanic confirmed that the body of the Pilot has rusted from the frame.
NHTSA complaint #11526467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
El Paso, IL
TIRES
Driving 2008 Honda Pilot with Firestone WeatherGrip P235/70R16 at 70mph on the interstate, the rear driver tire failed causing almost instant and complete deflation. The tires have been maintained properly, to include rotation and proper inflation. The tires have less than 10k miles (65k mile warranty) and are one year old. Based on my knowledge, experience and evidence (attached photo), this failure was not caused by common road hazards, misapplication or abuse. Rather, the failure is a result of material failure of the tire.
NHTSA complaint #11522291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tucson, AZ
STEERING
UNKNOWN
NHTSA complaint #11521195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tucson, AZ
SERVICE BRAKES
UNKNOWN
NHTSA complaint #11521195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tucson, AZ
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
UNKNOWN
NHTSA complaint #11521195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clarksville, TN
SEAT BELTS
Passanger seatbelt will not retract. Took to dealership and was told there would be a $150 inspection fee before they would even look at it. Because it is a safety item no third parties are permitted to sell them. Understand that the part eventually wears out, but the dealership gouging coustomers is excessive. Right to repair should extend to seatbelts.
NHTSA complaint #11519784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kapaa, HICrash
ENGINE
My car accelerated on its own and when I applied the brakes, they didn’t work. I hit a tree on my property and damaged my property and my car.
NHTSA complaint #11503685 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kapaa, HICrash
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My car accelerated on its own and when I applied the brakes, they didn’t work. I hit a tree on my property and damaged my property and my car.
NHTSA complaint #11503685 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Missouri City, TX
STEERING
STATE INSPECTION FAILD, check engine light, bank 1 Catalytic Converter Internal Failure and bank 2 Catalytic converter Internal Failure, passenger side axle to be leaking, power steering pump to be leaking, power steering reservoir tank to be leaking, front and rear brake pad
NHTSA complaint #11466153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Missouri City, TX
SUSPENSION
STATE INSPECTION FAILD, check engine light, bank 1 Catalytic Converter Internal Failure and bank 2 Catalytic converter Internal Failure, passenger side axle to be leaking, power steering pump to be leaking, power steering reservoir tank to be leaking, front and rear brake pad
NHTSA complaint #11466153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Missouri City, TX
ENGINE
STATE INSPECTION FAILD, check engine light, bank 1 Catalytic Converter Internal Failure and bank 2 Catalytic converter Internal Failure, passenger side axle to be leaking, power steering pump to be leaking, power steering reservoir tank to be leaking, front and rear brake pad
NHTSA complaint #11466153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cassadaga, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY
2008 Honda pilot Rear subframe on both sides rotted out! horrible design! Lots of Honda pilots with this issue!! you could've killed my family due to this!! This is a known issue now take care of your buyers!!!
NHTSA complaint #11462419 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roswell, NM
STEERING
I was starting my car and the steering column started smoking and smelling burnt. It was able to start up but started up rough. Car then turned off and when tried to turn on it would no longer start up again or even when key turned to start position was unable to move the car out of park. This happened on 12/03/2021 but has yet to be inspected due to mechanic has not had time. The safety of myself, son, and grandson was at risk due to the potential of it catching fire if smoking and burnt smell along with unable to move car out of park and could have been in an unsafe location and could have caused an accident. There were no warnings of any kind prior to the failure with the car.
NHTSA complaint #11443212 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Stevens, WA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHILE DRIVING NORMALLY IN ANY CONDITION THE VEHICLE WITHOUT ANY WARNING WILL MAKE A BANG NOISE, SHUDDER AND BRAKE WITHOUT APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE VSA LIGHT COMES ON AND THE VEHICLE WILL NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY UNTIL AFTER THE CAR IS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES. THE VSA RECALL WAS not applicable to THE VEHICLE yet it CONTINUES TO HAVE THE SAME ISSUES. MY Mechanic advised me of a VSA code 25-1. I did a google search and found numerous accounts of this happening to people. My daughter was extremely emotionally impacted by this when it happened to her at freeway speeds. While the fix is replacement of an expensive component, there is no guarantee that it will eliminate the condition. I have been a loyal honda owner for over 40 years and find it unbelievable that the company has not taken ownership of this incredibly dangerous design flaw.
NHTSA complaint #11440069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 179,942 milesLake City, PA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED HE SHIFTED GEARS TO NEUTRAL AND CONTINUED TO DEPRESS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE FORCEFUL UNTIL THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THE CONTACT STATED HE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CALLED BIANCHI HONDA (8430 PEACH ST, ERIE, PA 16509, (814) 868-9678) AND THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 179,942.
NHTSA complaint #11408254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.