2,039 of the 13,244 complaints filed about the Honda Pilot are about the electrical system — 100% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2016.
2,039
Complaints
100%
Share of all complaints
32
Crashes
38
Fires
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Rearview camera is showing up as green and purple on the screen. It makes seeing what is behind the car hard when in reverse. Dealer does not know what caused it but it started as intermittent but now is constant
NHTSA complaint #11764086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This vehicle is equipped with Honda's Auto Idle Stop (AIS) system, which shuts the engine off automatically when the vehicle comes to a stop and is designed to restart it when the brake pedal is released. On XXX, while stopped at a light at approximatly [XXX], the engine shut off as normal, but failed to restart when I released the brake. The vehicle was inoperable for approximately one to two minutes while stopped in a busy traffic muilti-lane road at a light over an expressway, creating a serious risk of being struck from behind by other traffic. This is not an isolated occurrence, I experience this AIS no-restart failure on a regular/recurring basis, not just this one time. I am aware that Honda has issued service bulletins related to this issue (TSB 23-008, TSB 23-009) and that this defect is the subject of a certified class action settlement (In re Honda Idle Stop Litigation, No XXX). I believe this represents an ongoing safety defect that creates a real risk of a collision, particularly in higher-speed or higher-traffic conditions where a temporarily immobile vehicle is a hazard to itself and surrounding traffic. This vehicle has a rebuilt/salvage title (repaired and retitled prior to my purchase; it passed state inspection and is legally registered and roadworthy). When I contacted Honda about repair under the applicable service bulletins (TSB 23-008 / TSB 23-009) for this defect, I was told the rebuilt title status disqualifies this vehicle from that repair coverage. I am not seeking a warranty or cost remedy through this complaint, I am reporting this because it means an unknown number of vehicles with this safety defect are currently excluded from any manufacturer-provided fix, leaving the underlying no-restart hazard unaddressed on the road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11763550 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am filing this complaint regarding a recurring “Network Communication Lost” issue with my Honda Pilot. I am aware that Honda has issued a recall related to network communication issues; however, when I checked my vehicle’s VIN, it is not included in the recall. My vehicle is experiencing the same network communication problem described in the recall. I am concerned that my vehicle may have the same underlying defect but is not currently covered by the recall. I believe this issue should be investigated because a loss of communication between vehicle systems can potentially affect the operation, reliability, and safety of the vehicle. I should not have to wait until my vehicle experiences a more serious failure before this issue is addressed. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether the recall should be expanded to include additional Honda Pilot vehicles, including vehicles with VINs that are currently excluded but are experiencing the same defect. I would also like this complaint documented as part of any investigation into Honda’s network communication system issue and any related safety defects.
NHTSA complaint #11763297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
After going over a railroad track, at 15mph, several warning sensors appeared. Including brakes, power steering and several more flashed quickly. Power steering failed and I could not turn my wheel. It told me to not drive and see a dealer. Luckily I was in traffic and it was moving slow. I was able to turn my car off and back on and all the senor systems cleared. I took my car to the dealer, which it is at now, and they cant find a problem outside of wheel sensor going off in history. I dont feel safe with this car.
NHTSA complaint #11763296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER
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 a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was approximately 87,300; however, the Carfax report obtained during an oil change service listed the mileage at 356,382 in February 2026.
NHTSA complaint #11763183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I own a 2023 Honda Pilot. On two separate occasions while the vehicle was being driven, the vehicle experienced multiple system warnings and a significant loss of steering assistance. The first incident occurred before July 16, 2026, at approximately 40,605 miles. While my wife was driving, multiple warning lights illuminated and the steering wheel suddenly became extremely stiff and difficult to turn, although the engine remained running. She was able to pull over, turn the vehicle off, and restart it. After the restart, the warning lights disappeared and the steering returned to normal. I brought the vehicle to John Eagle Honda of Dallas on July 16, 2026. The dealer's repair order documents: “CUSTOMER STATES MULTIPLE LIGHTS CAME ON WHILE DRIVING AND STEERING WHEEL GOT REALLY STIFF BUT VEHICLE WAS STILL RUNNING.” The dealer reported that it performed a battery check and charging-system test, found no stored diagnostic trouble codes, could not duplicate the condition during a test drive, and performed no repair. The problem occurred again on September 8, 2026, at approximately 42,511 miles while my wife was driving. Once again, the steering became extremely difficult to operate. During this second incident, my wife also reported that the brakes were not functioning normally. Multiple warning lights and system-failure messages appeared simultaneously. Photographs were taken of the instrument cluster before the condition cleared. One message specifically stated: “Electric power steering system problem. Steering assist not available. Do not drive.” Another stated: “AWD All wheel drive system problem. Only front wheels may be powered. See your dealer.” The instrument cluster also displayed additional warning indicators associated with other vehicle systems. This is particularly concerning because the failure has now occurred twice while the vehicle was being driven. Turning the vehicle off and restarting it has caused the symptoms and warnings to disappear.
NHTSA complaint #11763055 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
abnormal operation and intermittent failure of multipurpose camera, my dashboard is showing warning lights for LKAS, Cruise, auto-high beams, collision mitigation, road Departure mitigation.
NHTSA complaint #11762773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Multiple times at a stoplight, car switched into Neutral I have to turn on my hazard lights, turn off the car and restart it
NHTSA complaint #11762655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Lost power on steering wheel while driving, unable to turn left/right. All of the warning lights related to braking, lane assist, hill descent, adaptive cruise control, trailer stability assist, hill start assist, low speed breaking, auto-high beam, parking sensor detector, etc.. "All wheel drive system problem. Only front wheels may be powered. See your dealer."
NHTSA complaint #11762900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2006 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that after an oil change service, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy from a Carfax report. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 133,000; however, the Carfax report indicated that the mileage was 227,000.
NHTSA complaint #11761640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with fuel injector failure. The contact was informed that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The fuel injectors were replaced. The contact became aware of Technical Service Bulletin: 21-010, NHTSA ID Number: 10187008 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System, Equipment, Power Train). The contact called the dealer, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not covered under an extended warranty. The manufacturer was informed of the issue and confirmed that the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 91,670.
NHTSA complaint #11761593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
When at a red light or stop sign the vehicle will idle and turn off. The vehicle doesn’t want to restart. It takes a bit to get started again then it progresses.While parked I turned the car off for 5 minutes and it would not start up again. Tried the jump cables to make sure it wasn’t the battery had to have a tow truck come they were able to get the car jumped and started. Took the battery to get tested and the battery was perfectly fine. Something is wrong with the starter. It doesn’t happen all the time but it has happened to me a few times and it’s not safe with me and kids in the car.
NHTSA complaint #11761194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My pilot is suffering from the known safety defect where the engine stalls and force shifts into neutral during Auto Idle Stop. The dealership advisor handed me Service bulletin 23-010 admitting my vehicle matches the exact failure criteria. However, they are refusing to cover the failed starter motor under the warranty extension, even though Honda’s own technical documents state that the starter failure is a direct consequence of the low cranking torque and the tight engine valves. I need a corporate case manager to open an urgent case and issue a goodwill authorization to cover the starter the 23-010 valve adjustment. We have purchased 8 Hondas in the last 15 years, service has been a main reason for our return but after the experience today I’m not sure we can continue. The problem is a hazard.
NHTSA complaint #11761361 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
warning lights and problems
NHTSA complaint #11761167 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving on my way home from work (24 mile drive) I received on my dashboard faults that flashed briefly for my steering, lane keeping assistance, lane departure, forward collision, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and parking collision (warning lamps). My radio also had cut out at the same time. While that occurred my steering wheel jerked suddenly while going straight at speeds around 60mph. I brushed it off as a communication issue since it is known to occur on these vehicles, but the steering wheel jerking was new to me. Made it home turned the vehicle off (vehicle was off for 15 minutes). I started up the vehicle no warning lamps came on. But as soon as I got up to 40mph and a mile from my home the same issue occurred but more frequent, but less of the steering wheel jerking. I got where I needed to go and got back onto the road and reached 30 mph the warning lamps came on more a lot more frequently on my way home. As soon as reached my alleyway turning left, the steering wheel had a moment of locking up (about 5-10mph). This came as a shock for me. I backed up into my garage and had to turn the steering wheel left again and the same thing happened. I parked the while the vehicle was running I turned the steering wheel really fast, recreated the steering wheel locking momentarily a few times. I turned the vehicle off and tried to restart it but there was no power. Turns out that my battery had gone bad. I had no indication of a low voltage or battery issue. I replaced the battery and issue was resolved. For me and a situationally unaware driver and this issue occurs where the steering wheel jerked and/or an emergency evasive action was needed, this could cause an accident due to the sudden loss of steering. There was no indication of battery issues. No dealer or independent shops were involved. I am a mechanic myself.
NHTSA complaint #11760548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
We have had the car since bought new in 2019 and has about 105k miles. Since then it has had 4 new batteries and going to the dealership again for the same issue. The car struggles to start sometime and other we have to take multiple sttemps to hit the start button. Even then it feels like it is struggling to start. Also if we leave the start/stop fucnction "On" it stugggles to start at stop lights and in the most recent case it did the start at a stoplight once again. This has happened multiple time since we got the car and the dealership has done all the recalls and repalced the battery multiple time. This newest case the battery is new from Honda and less then a year old. We are afraid and concerned if the car will turn on anytime we go somewhere and trust my 2012. No warning light or anything comes on. If stopped in the wrong place this can cause a serious accident or injury.
NHTSA complaint #11760407 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On at least 5 occasions this vehicle has gone completely dead as slowing down to stop or being completely stopped. Nothing electrical is available. No tail lights, headlights, or emergency flashers. After a long waiting period it has suddenly re-energized so far. This was purchased as Certified Honda used car and never serviced anywhere but a Honda delaership. They allegedly replaced the start/stop system under "extended warranty". The occurence is random. The dealership pushes back on taking any action because they can't repeat the problem on the spot. The car has staranded us at very major interesections twice and had to be towed. The risk driving this car is unacceptably high. We have video evidence of the failure. There may be a police report as we called them to control traffic.
NHTSA complaint #11759921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2021 Honda Pilot has repeatedly failed to restart after the Auto Idle Stop system shuts the engine off while the vehicle is stopped. When the system activates, the engine can fail to restart when I need to move, leaving the vehicle stalled in active traffic. This has happened multiple times and creates a serious safety risk, particularly at busy intersections. Honda previously performed the software update intended to address the Auto Idle Stop failure-to-restart condition, but the problem continued after the update. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Honda dealership because the problem persisted. The dealership has now diagnosed the starter as the cause of the failure-to-restart problem and recommended starter replacement. The vehicle and affected components are available for inspection. Honda has acknowledged Auto Idle Stop failure-to-restart problems on Honda Pilots and has extended warranty coverage for starter replacement on certain affected vehicles. However, American Honda has informed me that my specific vehicle is not included in the starter warranty extension, despite experiencing the same failure-to-restart condition, despite Honda's software update failing to correct it, and despite the Honda dealer diagnosing the starter as the cause. American Honda is considering partial goodwill assistance toward the starter repair but has told me that the repair will not be covered at 100%. I am reporting this because the Auto Idle Stop system can intentionally shut off the engine and the vehicle can then fail to restart, leaving the driver unable to move out of the way of traffic. I am concerned that Honda's existing remedy and the VIN population included in the starter warranty extension may not adequately address all vehicles experiencing this safety-related failure.
NHTSA complaint #11760139 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Beginning last week, when shifting into reverse, the infotainment display (showing camera image) displays distorted, scrambled, or rolling color lines. Although Many 2019–2022 Honda Pilot SUVs are covered by an official safety recall (NHTSA Campaign 23V431) due to a defective coaxial cable connector (MOST connector) that deforms terminals and loses connection, this particular vehicle is not included in this safety recall. As we have young children, our safety is at risk because the rear-facing camera is not functional. Vehicle has not yet been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There were no warning lamps, messages or other indications or symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. I am happy to make the vehicle available for inspection.
NHTSA complaint #11759646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
There's an old recall called FAKRA Service Cable Safety, Recall Number #23V-431, The recall issue was fixed, but it is now recurring. The cracking windshield sound, along with the screen shutting off or going blank, increases the risk of a crash or injury when backing up or driving while using the navigation system. We contacted Honda about this issue, but they don't seem keen on fixing it, especially now that it's out of warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11759738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.