2021 Honda Pilot driver assist problems

234 of the 732 complaints about the 2021 Honda Pilot are about the driver-assist systems — 32% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 40,000 miles.

D

234

Complaints

8

Crashes

0

Fires

3

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Automatic Emergency Braking 60 25.6%
Warnings 52 22.2%
Adaptive Cruise Control 43 18.4%
Assist 27 11.5%
Warning 23 9.8%
Rearview System Braking 8 3.4%
Warnings 7 3.0%
Back Over Prevention 6 2.6%
Blind Spot Detection 6 2.6%
Forward Collision Avoidance 1 0.4%

Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance across every Honda Pilot year

2016 48 4.3%
2017 49 4.4%
2018 26 2.3%
2019 326 29.2%
2020 190 17.0%
2021 234 21.0%
2022 87 7.8%
2023 30 2.7%
2024 30 2.7%
2025 96 8.6%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Blackwood, NJ

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

Vehicle has multiple safety system failures. After extensive online research and multiple diagnostics, repair technicians indicating safety camera failure due to heat. Technician indicating significant increase specific to this vehicle of late. Excessive environmental temperature “frying” ADAS camera. This causes failure to HondaSense safety features such as collision mitigation, lane keeping, and road departure mitigation - features touted as industry leading by Honda. Matter has been diagnosed and duplicated by service technicians. Extensive online research indicates potential widespread issue that requires highly expensive replacement/repair and calibration.

NHTSA complaint #11763127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Blackwood, NJ

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

Vehicle has multiple safety system failures. After extensive online research and multiple diagnostics, repair technicians indicating safety camera failure due to heat. Technician indicating significant increase specific to this vehicle of late. Excessive environmental temperature “frying” ADAS camera. This causes failure to HondaSense safety features such as collision mitigation, lane keeping, and road departure mitigation - features touted as industry leading by Honda. Matter has been diagnosed and duplicated by service technicians. Extensive online research indicates potential widespread issue that requires highly expensive replacement/repair and calibration.

NHTSA complaint #11763127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Blackwood, NJ

LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING

Vehicle has multiple safety system failures. After extensive online research and multiple diagnostics, repair technicians indicating safety camera failure due to heat. Technician indicating significant increase specific to this vehicle of late. Excessive environmental temperature “frying” ADAS camera. This causes failure to HondaSense safety features such as collision mitigation, lane keeping, and road departure mitigation - features touted as industry leading by Honda. Matter has been diagnosed and duplicated by service technicians. Extensive online research indicates potential widespread issue that requires highly expensive replacement/repair and calibration.

NHTSA complaint #11763127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fredericksburg, VA

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

Front safety camera no longer works which has disabled the lane keep assist, automatic cruise control, brake system, and road departure mitigation system. This is a safety hazard.

NHTSA complaint #11762610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fredericksburg, VA

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

Front safety camera no longer works which has disabled the lane keep assist, automatic cruise control, brake system, and road departure mitigation system. This is a safety hazard.

NHTSA complaint #11762610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fredericksburg, VA

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

Front safety camera no longer works which has disabled the lane keep assist, automatic cruise control, brake system, and road departure mitigation system. This is a safety hazard.

NHTSA complaint #11762610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Westfield, NJ

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

Warning lamps for lkas, acc, auto lights and brake system started to appear. Honda diagnostics have pointed to an electrical failure with the multipurpose camera. The Honda representative admitted that this is a very common failure. I was told the car is “safe to drive” but there are constant brake system warning lights flashing on my dash. The net result is that I have no ability to know whether there is an actual brake system failure if one were to occur.

NHTSA complaint #11760453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Westfield, NJ

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

Warning lamps for lkas, acc, auto lights and brake system started to appear. Honda diagnostics have pointed to an electrical failure with the multipurpose camera. The Honda representative admitted that this is a very common failure. I was told the car is “safe to drive” but there are constant brake system warning lights flashing on my dash. The net result is that I have no ability to know whether there is an actual brake system failure if one were to occur.

NHTSA complaint #11760453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Westfield, NJ

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

Warning lamps for lkas, acc, auto lights and brake system started to appear. Honda diagnostics have pointed to an electrical failure with the multipurpose camera. The Honda representative admitted that this is a very common failure. I was told the car is “safe to drive” but there are constant brake system warning lights flashing on my dash. The net result is that I have no ability to know whether there is an actual brake system failure if one were to occur.

NHTSA complaint #11760453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chino, CA

BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING

The infotainment system and rearview backup camera malfunction continually. While driving or attempting to reverse, the infotainment system frequently shuts off entirely and loses its fiber optic network connection. When it attempts to reboot and turn back on, loud popping and crackling noises emit from the vehicle speakers. Additionally, the backup camera regularly glitches and displays a message stating that the system is "Too Hot," causing the rearview monitor to go entirely blank. These issues are especially severe on hot days.This creates an immediate safety hazard, as it unexpectedly eliminates rear visibility while backing up, increasing the risk of a collision. It also causes distracted driving conditions due to the sudden, loud audio popping and screen blackouts. This failure mimics the exact symptoms outlined in Honda's active MOST Bus Coaxial Cable recall, yet my vehicle is experiencing the same severe safety defects. Rear view camera does warn it no longer works due to heat. No inspection done as of yet but plan on taking it to dealership.

NHTSA complaint #11759025 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Aurora, CO

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

My 2021 Honda Pilot displayed a U3000 diagnostic trouble code, indicating an internal electronic failure of the front-facing multipurpose camera that operates the vehicle's Honda Sensing safety systems (Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Keeping Assist System, Road Departure Mitigation, and Adaptive Cruise Control). As a result, these safety systems became inoperative. I took the vehicle to an authorized Honda dealer, who confirmed the U3000 code and quoted approximately $2,000 to replace the camera unit. I have since learned this is a widely reported failure across multiple Honda and Acura models (Pilot, Odyssey, CR-V, Accord, Civic, HR-V, Clarity, RDX, MDX) and is the subject of a proposed class action lawsuit alleging Honda knew of the defect and failed to disclose it or issue a recall. I am filing this report to document the failure and its safety impact.

NHTSA complaint #11756019 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Aurora, CO

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

My 2021 Honda Pilot displayed a U3000 diagnostic trouble code, indicating an internal electronic failure of the front-facing multipurpose camera that operates the vehicle's Honda Sensing safety systems (Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Keeping Assist System, Road Departure Mitigation, and Adaptive Cruise Control). As a result, these safety systems became inoperative. I took the vehicle to an authorized Honda dealer, who confirmed the U3000 code and quoted approximately $2,000 to replace the camera unit. I have since learned this is a widely reported failure across multiple Honda and Acura models (Pilot, Odyssey, CR-V, Accord, Civic, HR-V, Clarity, RDX, MDX) and is the subject of a proposed class action lawsuit alleging Honda knew of the defect and failed to disclose it or issue a recall. I am filing this report to document the failure and its safety impact.

NHTSA complaint #11756019 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Aurora, CO

LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING

My 2021 Honda Pilot displayed a U3000 diagnostic trouble code, indicating an internal electronic failure of the front-facing multipurpose camera that operates the vehicle's Honda Sensing safety systems (Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Keeping Assist System, Road Departure Mitigation, and Adaptive Cruise Control). As a result, these safety systems became inoperative. I took the vehicle to an authorized Honda dealer, who confirmed the U3000 code and quoted approximately $2,000 to replace the camera unit. I have since learned this is a widely reported failure across multiple Honda and Acura models (Pilot, Odyssey, CR-V, Accord, Civic, HR-V, Clarity, RDX, MDX) and is the subject of a proposed class action lawsuit alleging Honda knew of the defect and failed to disclose it or issue a recall. I am filing this report to document the failure and its safety impact.

NHTSA complaint #11756019 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Union City, CA

LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING

The vehicle’s driver‑assist and collision‑avoidance systems began failing simultaneously. Multiple warnings appear on the dashboard every time the vehicle is started, and the cruise control system has stopped functioning entirely. Adaptive Cruise Control cannot be disabled, preventing the use of standard cruise control. Collision Mitigation System Problem Adaptive Cruise Control Problem (ACC) Lane Keeping Assist Problem (LKAS) Road Departure Mitigation System Problem Auto High-Beam Problem The failure of one component impacts multiple vehicle features, the ability to maintain safe following distance, avoid collisions, stay within lane boundaries, and properly manage headlights. The loss of cruise control functionality also affects long‑distance driving safety and consistency. These systems are designed to prevent accidents; their simultaneous failure represents a significant safety hazard. Dealer inspection indicates repairs costing thousands of dollars, often involving replacement of sensors, radar units, or wiring harnesses. No recall or service bulletin has been provided to address this widespread issue. Many Honda owners have reported identical failures on online forums and owner groups. The pattern suggests a systemic defect affecting Honda’s driver‑assist safety systems across multiple models and years. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue as a potential safety defect affecting Honda vehicles. The failure of multiple collision‑avoidance and lane‑keeping systems at once poses a serious risk to drivers, passengers, and others on the road.

NHTSA complaint #11755694 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Union City, CA

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

The vehicle’s driver‑assist and collision‑avoidance systems began failing simultaneously. Multiple warnings appear on the dashboard every time the vehicle is started, and the cruise control system has stopped functioning entirely. Adaptive Cruise Control cannot be disabled, preventing the use of standard cruise control. Collision Mitigation System Problem Adaptive Cruise Control Problem (ACC) Lane Keeping Assist Problem (LKAS) Road Departure Mitigation System Problem Auto High-Beam Problem The failure of one component impacts multiple vehicle features, the ability to maintain safe following distance, avoid collisions, stay within lane boundaries, and properly manage headlights. The loss of cruise control functionality also affects long‑distance driving safety and consistency. These systems are designed to prevent accidents; their simultaneous failure represents a significant safety hazard. Dealer inspection indicates repairs costing thousands of dollars, often involving replacement of sensors, radar units, or wiring harnesses. No recall or service bulletin has been provided to address this widespread issue. Many Honda owners have reported identical failures on online forums and owner groups. The pattern suggests a systemic defect affecting Honda’s driver‑assist safety systems across multiple models and years. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue as a potential safety defect affecting Honda vehicles. The failure of multiple collision‑avoidance and lane‑keeping systems at once poses a serious risk to drivers, passengers, and others on the road.

NHTSA complaint #11755694 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Union City, CA

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

The vehicle’s driver‑assist and collision‑avoidance systems began failing simultaneously. Multiple warnings appear on the dashboard every time the vehicle is started, and the cruise control system has stopped functioning entirely. Adaptive Cruise Control cannot be disabled, preventing the use of standard cruise control. Collision Mitigation System Problem Adaptive Cruise Control Problem (ACC) Lane Keeping Assist Problem (LKAS) Road Departure Mitigation System Problem Auto High-Beam Problem The failure of one component impacts multiple vehicle features, the ability to maintain safe following distance, avoid collisions, stay within lane boundaries, and properly manage headlights. The loss of cruise control functionality also affects long‑distance driving safety and consistency. These systems are designed to prevent accidents; their simultaneous failure represents a significant safety hazard. Dealer inspection indicates repairs costing thousands of dollars, often involving replacement of sensors, radar units, or wiring harnesses. No recall or service bulletin has been provided to address this widespread issue. Many Honda owners have reported identical failures on online forums and owner groups. The pattern suggests a systemic defect affecting Honda’s driver‑assist safety systems across multiple models and years. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue as a potential safety defect affecting Honda vehicles. The failure of multiple collision‑avoidance and lane‑keeping systems at once poses a serious risk to drivers, passengers, and others on the road.

NHTSA complaint #11755694 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Conroe, TX

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

My Honda has recently began displaying ADAS Failure where none of the features work including cruise control. I took to a mechanic and they displayed code U3000. This seems to be a common issue that Honda is not addressing. The fee to repair is over $1500 and the car is less than 5 years old. This is a safety issue.

NHTSA complaint #11754390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Conroe, TX

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

My Honda has recently began displaying ADAS Failure where none of the features work including cruise control. I took to a mechanic and they displayed code U3000. This seems to be a common issue that Honda is not addressing. The fee to repair is over $1500 and the car is less than 5 years old. This is a safety issue.

NHTSA complaint #11754390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Conroe, TX

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

My Honda has recently began displaying ADAS Failure where none of the features work including cruise control. I took to a mechanic and they displayed code U3000. This seems to be a common issue that Honda is not addressing. The fee to repair is over $1500 and the car is less than 5 years old. This is a safety issue.

NHTSA complaint #11754390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rochester Hills, MI

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

I am having these problems with my 2021 Honda Pilot Touring causing intermittent sudden braking. The dealership is quoting me a lot of money to fix them. Collision Mitigation System problem Road Departure Mitigation System Problem Auto High Beam Problem Lane Keep Assist Problem Adaptive Cruise Control Problem These problems should not be occurring to a an expensive vehicle worth over $45,000 for no reason. The dealership mentioned that they are caused by a failed battery fan.

NHTSA complaint #11753380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rochester Hills, MI

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

I am having these problems with my 2021 Honda Pilot Touring causing intermittent sudden braking. The dealership is quoting me a lot of money to fix them. Collision Mitigation System problem Road Departure Mitigation System Problem Auto High Beam Problem Lane Keep Assist Problem Adaptive Cruise Control Problem These problems should not be occurring to a an expensive vehicle worth over $45,000 for no reason. The dealership mentioned that they are caused by a failed battery fan.

NHTSA complaint #11753380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Westlake, OH

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

While driving down the road the emergency braking turned on many times when I wasn’t even near a vehicle. It turned on about a total of 10 times without a car being unsafely in front of me. I just got this vehicle today and I’m worried about whether I should keep it or not because of this.

NHTSA complaint #11751964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Westlake, OH

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

While driving down the road the emergency braking turned on many times when I wasn’t even near a vehicle. It turned on about a total of 10 times without a car being unsafely in front of me. I just got this vehicle today and I’m worried about whether I should keep it or not because of this.

NHTSA complaint #11751964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Metairie, LA

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

Driving on the road and heard static noise from the infotainment system after an update. I pressed the Collision Mitigation Braking System button and the dashboard had multiple warnings and disabling the entire Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The drive light starting blinking and a message appreaed to get to a Honda dealer. The Honda dealer inspected the front camera in the top of the windshield and said it needed to be replaced.

NHTSA complaint #11748553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Metairie, LA

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

Driving on the road and heard static noise from the infotainment system after an update. I pressed the Collision Mitigation Braking System button and the dashboard had multiple warnings and disabling the entire Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The drive light starting blinking and a message appreaed to get to a Honda dealer. The Honda dealer inspected the front camera in the top of the windshield and said it needed to be replaced.

NHTSA complaint #11748553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Metairie, LA

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

Driving on the road and heard static noise from the infotainment system after an update. I pressed the Collision Mitigation Braking System button and the dashboard had multiple warnings and disabling the entire Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The drive light starting blinking and a message appreaed to get to a Honda dealer. The Honda dealer inspected the front camera in the top of the windshield and said it needed to be replaced.

NHTSA complaint #11748553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Navarre, FL

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

2021 Honda Pilot with 9,800 miles. Failed VSA Modulator directly related to the braking system. Warning lights: Vehicle stability assist, trailer stability assist, collision mitigation system, adaptive cruise control problem. Problem confirmed by Pensacola Honda Service Center and awaiting repair assistance from American Honda as they refuse to offer goodwill credit for repair due to being out of warranty, despite extremely low mileage and excellent condition of vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11747625 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

North Charleston, SC

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

My dash is lit up like a Christmas tree. The CMBS has a serious issue, every safety feature has been disabled. Please refer to the he provided picture.

NHTSA complaint #11742351 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

North Charleston, SC

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

My dash is lit up like a Christmas tree. The CMBS has a serious issue, every safety feature has been disabled. Please refer to the he provided picture.

NHTSA complaint #11742351 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 75,670 miles South Portland, MA

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle's rear brakes rub significantly to the point of prematurely wearing out the brake pads. Additionally, the instrument panel is failing and displaying all warning lights, and the side mirrors flicker while driving. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed to be NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V439000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) however, the VIN was not included in the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,670.

NHTSA complaint #11737767 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2021 Honda Pilot problems

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