The Honda Pilot is one of the more reliable 3-row SUVs but the 2016 9-speed automatic and 2003-2008 transmission failures hurt its reputation. The 2019-2022 Pilots after the 9AT software fix and infotainment redesign are the sweet spot.
Buy: 2019-2022 Pilot (post-9AT-fix, J35Y6 V6)
Avoid: 2016 Pilot (9-speed ZF transmission, infotainment)
Scores 1-10 based on NHTSA complaint volume, severity of reported issues, recall history, and class-action exposure. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Summary | Top 3 Problems | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 8/10 | Final 2nd-gen year, 5-speed automatic, mature J35Z4 V6. | · VCM oil consumption Power tailgate motor AC compressor |
BUY |
| 2015 | 8/10 | Last year of 2nd gen, very few complaints. | · VCM (mild) AC compressor Door lock actuator |
BUY |
| 2016 | 5/10 | 3rd-gen launch. ZF 9-speed transmission complaints and infotainment problems peak. | · 9AT hard shifts/lurching ($0-5500) Infotainment crashes Idle-stop failures |
AVOID |
| 2017 | 6.5/10 | Software fixes for 9AT; complaints still elevated. | · 9AT shift quality Infotainment lag Battery drain |
CAUTION |
| 2018 | 7.5/10 | More 9AT calibration improvements; rear AC issues emerge. | · 9AT (improved) Rear AC blower Idle stop |
CAUTION |
| 2019 | 8.5/10 | Mid-cycle refresh, new 10-speed on Touring/Elite, redesigned infotainment. | · Idle stop relay VCM-related minor Battery |
BUY |
| 2020 | 9/10 | Continued refinement; very few complaints. | · Infotainment minor Battery drain Sensor recall 20V-377 |
BUY |
| 2022 | 9/10 | Last year before redesign. Most refined 3rd gen. | · Minor electronics Battery Infotainment |
BUY |
The 3.5L J35Y6 paired with the post-fix transmissions is a proven powertrain. Honda extended powertrain warranties on some idle-stop battery cases. With proper VCM bypass or maintenance, these routinely pass 200,000 miles.
More on this issue →The ZF 9HP automatic in 2016-2018 Pilots had hard shifts, hesitation, and rollback on hills. Honda issued multiple software updates and TSB 16-029. A class action was filed and partially resolved.
More on this issue →Variable Cylinder Management causes oil consumption, fouled spark plugs, and torque-converter shudder. Aftermarket VCMTuner II disables VCM for about $250.
More on this issue →Display Audio unit reboots, freezes, drops Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Honda issued multiple firmware updates; ASIMCAR replacement covered under warranty when documented.
More on this issue →Idle-stop equipped Pilots wear AGM batteries quickly. Owners report 18-30 month battery life. Honda extended battery warranty for some affected VINs.
More on this issue →Low-pressure fuel pump impeller can deform and stop the engine. Affects some 2018-2020 Pilots. Dealer replaces pump assembly.
More on this issue →Run a $5.99 AI diagnosis tailored to your exact vehicle. Get the most likely cause, repair estimate, and OBD2 code interpretation in under 30 seconds.
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The 2019-2022 Pilots are the best modern years to buy. Post-9AT software fix, refreshed infotainment, and refined J35Y6 V6 produce the lowest complaint volume of the 3rd gen.
No, the 2016 is the worst recent Pilot. The ZF 9-speed automatic had widespread complaints and the Display Audio infotainment was notoriously buggy.
You can buy them safely if you install a VCMTuner II module or follow strict oil-change intervals with synthetic oil. VCM is the leading cause of oil consumption complaints on J35 Pilots.
Far fewer than 2016-2017. The Touring and Elite trims use the 10-speed, while lower trims got the updated 9-speed software. Complaint rates dropped sharply.
A maintained Pilot with the J35 V6 commonly reaches 200,000-250,000 miles. Limiting factors are VCM oil consumption and 9AT condition (if applicable).
Yes. NHTSA 20V-377 covers the low-pressure fuel pump for some 2018-2020 Pilots. Other smaller campaigns affect tailgate hinges and seat tracks.