2 Star Reviews for Honda Pilot

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.46/5 Average
3,304 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

Since its launch for the 2003 model year, the Honda Pilot has helped shape the market for crossover SUVs with three rows of seating. Offering V6 power, respectable fuel economy, a comfortable ride, plenty of interior space and seven-to-eight-passenger seating, the Pilot is exactly the kind of vehicle that appeals to growing families who are leery of traditional minivans. Other crossover SUVs might be sportier to drive or more stylish on the inside, but Honda's three-row crossover appeals to your practical side and packs in a lot of functionality.

Choosing a Pilot is straightforward, as Honda packages equipment in a few basic trim levels rather than offering countless options. Regardless of the year, all Honda Pilots give you three useful rows of seating and lots of storage slots, though early models are smaller and aren't quite as accommodating for teenagers in the third row. Cargo capacity has also increased over the years.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 3,304.00
  • probably my last Honda - 2011 Honda Pilot
    By -

    After owning EIGHT previous Hondas in this family (several Civics, Accord, CRV, even one previous Pilot), this one has convinced me to look at other cars. Its either a lemon or Hondas just arent made like they once were. I have had many, many minor annoyances and a couple major ones that have cost us a fortune. Its been to the dealership FOUR times for a problem that still isnt corrected despite several claims that it was just the sensor so they adjusted it, then it needed parts which I bought and paid for labor to replace with no difference...and we still have the issue with the back hatch. We also have horribly squeaky brake-like sounds when backing out of our inclined driveway which they cant figure out or fix. And the biggee was something that was actually recalled and, despite always taking this car which was under warranty only to the dealership for service in order to be covered without a doubt for years, I wasnt told about until I took it somewhere else. That shop took me and showed me that it was leaked fluids from some joints behind the front wheels and they easily found a service notification for my model and suggested I take it to the dealer that had always serviced it because "they would have to cover it since they were the only ones that touched it while it was under warranty". Well, guess what...they knew that was a problem but didnt mention it WHILE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY because it wasnt bad enough yeah, waiting until it progresses and is NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY seems legit. Im done with Battema Honda in OKC and probably Honda altogether. Maybe going to check out Toyotas this time around.

  • Avoid Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) - 2014 Honda Pilot
    By -

    I am a long time Honda owner (all Accords). I purchased a 2014 Honda Pilot new in April 2014. After two days of owning it, I realized I made a huge mistake. The VCM system causes vibrations and jerks when it transitions from 6, 4 and 3 cylinders. You will not notice on a test drive because the engine has to warm up first for it to engage. Honda posted a software update TSB that helps but did not resolve the problem. If you want to buy a Honda V6 with VCM, insist on a long test drive at speeds greater than 60 on flat roads. I just sold my Pilot for a Sienna - best move ever even if it is a minivan. Toyota knows V6s should run on all 6 cylinders.

  • 2013 Honda Pilot EX-L - 2013 Honda Pilot
    By -

    I purchased our pilot used with 21,000 miles. Still had factory warranty. After about 6 months of ownership I noticed the plastic above rear hatch was starting to separate from the window, which looked terrible. I brought it to the dealer and they told me it was a "feature". I kept complaining and they said they would fix it once and not again. They fixed it and it has already started to separate from the window. The straw that broke the camels back is a shudder when the ECO kicks in. When just barely accelerating the car would shudder, shaking the steering wheel and floor. I brought it to them twice for the same reason, and was told that is a "feature of the car". I just sold it.

  • Long time Honda owner not so happy - 2015 Honda Pilot
    By -

    Purchased a 2015 Pilot EX-L thinking it would have better build quality than the other vehicles that looked sharper and had other nice features. After a few weeks of driving my new Pilot Im really disappointed. Door gasket rubs all the time, noises in the dash, back hatch squeaks every time it opens. Gaps in panels on the outside. Engine rattles when running on 4-3 cylinders. Honda are all we purchase but this one....not so happy of a Honda experience.

  • Not a 4WD - 2014 Honda Pilot
    By -

    Bought this after salesman said this was 4WD (says so on vehicle) had no way of testing since it was bought in July. took to Outer Banks in NC and got stuck twice. Attempted lock in as manual says and still did not help. Transmission fluid overheated and had to sit and wait for it to cool down. Friend driving a Rav4 was able to drive in sand better than we could and his is not 4WD. Was able to dig out once and then had to be towed once. Even letting air out to less than 20lbs did not help with getting through sand Might be better in snow butnot looking forward to testing out.

  • 2013 Pilot vibration - 2013 Honda Pilot
    By -

    After owning 5 Hondas with no problems the time came to pull the trigger on our biggest purchase to date..a new 2013 Pilot EX-L 4x4, to accommodate our 3rd child. We purchased our pilot in September of 2012. I immediately noticed a bad vibration in Eco and have taken it to Honda 2 times now. I have also had a problem with the brake pedal being squishy. Honda wont do anything about the vibration, and they bled the brakes claiming there was nothing wrong with them. The dealership is also stating that Honda says the vibration is normal in my make and model..WHAT!!..NORMAL!!!! This is a $37,000 vehicle. Honda Im opting out of the class action suit and suing. I suggest others do the same.

  • 2013 and 2014 have "normal vibration". It drives me crazy! - 2013 Honda Pilot
    By -

    I would not have bought my Pilot if I had known that there was a "normal vibration" when cruising in ECO mode. Mine is very noticable at 1500 RPM and even according to technician, it shouldnt be there. My car has 5K miles on it. I would have spent my $38K on a different vehicle if I had known this. If you are considering buying a Pilot, test drive it thoroughly at 1500 RPMs!!!

  • Junk - 2012 Honda Pilot
    By -

    The Bad...This is easily the worst car Ive ever owned. The active fuel management does not work properly. After many trips to the Honda dealer, they say that the car is OK and nothing is wrong. At 60 - 70 MPH the car vibrates and sounds like its gasping for air. An audible sound from the engine compartment is easily heard when the engine transitions from 6 cylinders to 4. Dump the tires too. They are so rock hard for milage purposes that after 25,000 the ride is rough.

  • Honda has lost it... - 2013 Honda Pilot
    By -

    I have bought 4 Hondas in my lifetime, including the 2013 Pilot touring 4wd. Only some minor issues thus far, but for sure the dealerships and Honda corporate are always trying to downplay the problems or consider them "normal". Honda has lost me for life. My other complaints are related to the ergonomics of the vehicle. 1) Cant load MP3 or WMA files on the hard drive. CD songs only. 2) Navigation doesnt show as much info as even a $80 GPS and you have to pay $150 for map updates. 3) No always on compass. The only compass is the navigation and it only points toward the north. Doesnt show you what direction you are heading. 4)Climate controls are ridiculous and hard to find/use.

  • Disappointed - 2011 Honda Pilot
    By -

    24,000 miles. Rotor, tire, transmission issues. Unsafe, unreliable vehicle.

Honda Pilot Reviews By Year:
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