2019 Honda Pilot: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 794 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the electrical, fuel system, and engine. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2019- Owner complaints
- 794
- Recalls
- 11
- Crashes reported
- 12
- 15 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2019 Honda Pilot: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/2
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/4
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/3
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Pilot is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2019 Honda Pilot. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 22–23 mpg |
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Pilot that averages well under the EPA 22 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Rear camera color distortion
22,000–65,000 miles
Idle stop stalling
25,000–45,000 miles
Fuel injector failure
32,000–70,000 miles
Transmission judder and hesitation
32,000–63,000 miles
Rod bearing engine failure
75,000–82,000 miles
Front sensing camera failure
97,000–125,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2019 Honda Pilot, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Electrical223No crashes
The engine stalls or will not restart after auto idle stop shuts it off at lights, intersections and on-ramps. This can leave the SUV stuck in traffic, and some cases need a jump start. Reports of this usually begin between 25,000 and 45,000 miles, and dealers often cannot reproduce it. Other complaints include the gauges and audio screen going dark while driving, the battery draining overnight, the alarm going off all night and a rear camera image full of wrong colors. One report describes smoke from under the glove box, then a fire that totaled the vehicle.
Fuel system1271 crash
Most reports concern fuel pump recall 23V858. Many describe long waits because dealers have no parts, often before any failure has happened. When a failure does occur, the engine stalls while driving or at red lights, will not start, or lights up battery, emissions and 4WD warnings. One report describes smoke and then a fire at a red light while the recall repair was still waiting on parts. Failed fuel injectors with codes P219A or P219B also appear, along with a high-pressure fuel pump replaced at about 70,000 miles.
Failed fuel injectors are the main complaint. An Emissions System Problem warning comes on, the engine misfires, hesitates or loses power at highway speed, and scans show codes P219A, P219B and P0430. Many owners say Honda's injector warranty extension excludes their VIN, so they pay for the repair themselves. Some also replaced catalytic converters. Fuel pump recall 23V-858 draws complaints about missing parts, and one recall replacement pump failed on the highway. One crash followed the engine hesitating and then surging forward.
Engine96No crashes
Connecting rod and rod bearing failures destroy the engine in several reports. Before the failure, drivers notice knocking, lurching or check engine lights that come and go, at mileages from 75,000 to 144,500. In one case the failure ended in an engine fire. Another pattern is stuttering, hesitation and power loss with an emissions warning, which dealers trace to the fuel injectors. Stalling at lights with idle stop, camshaft play that scratched the camshaft sensor, and a separate fire shortly after parking also appear.
Transmission772 crashes
Judder, jerky shifts between first, second and third gear, slipping and hesitation under acceleration are the main transmission complaints. They often appear between 32,000 and 63,000 miles, and dealers commonly recommend fluid flushes. Other reports describe the transmission dropping into neutral or refusing to move at stop lights after idle stop. In another, a failed torque converter slipped during an emergency maneuver. Two injury reports involve the vehicle moving forward as the driver stepped out, and one crash involves sudden acceleration while parking. A rear differential failed at about 66,000 miles.
Automatic emergency braking452 crashes
The camera behind the rearview mirror fails and shuts off adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation and auto high beams at the same time. A cluster of warning lights comes on with it. Dealers often find code U3000-49 and quote over $2,000 for replacement and calibration. Failures are reported from 47,817 to 125,000 miles. Separately, the system brakes with no vehicle in the lane, sometimes when passing oncoming traffic. Both crash reports describe the system not working before a collision.
Backup camera20No crashes
The backup camera image turns into bright green, purple and other colored pixels, or the screen goes blank with a connection message. Failures are reported from about 26,000 to 85,000 miles. Repairs such as replacing the coaxial or network cable often do not stop the problem from coming back. Some owners point to recall 23V431000 but report excluded VINs, recall work that did not help, or parts that are not yet available. With the image unreadable, backing up safely depends on mirrors and looking over your shoulder.
Brakes18No crashes
Automatic emergency braking engages with no vehicle ahead, flashing BRAKE on the dash and jolting the SUV. This often happens on curves or when passing oncoming traffic, and one report of it happening while merging lists two injuries. Other complaints describe a soft or low pedal that needs heavy pressure, a brief loss of braking at an intersection and rear brakes dragging after stops. One describes a failed brake pedal position switch that set off many warnings and kept the car from starting. Idle stop stalling also shows up here.
Airbags43 crashes
In three of the four reports, the airbags fail to deploy or inflate only partly in a frontal crash. These three crashes account for five injuries. In one, the driver hit the steering wheel while the airbag made a sound but never filled. Another crash report also says the brakes and the collision mitigation system did not stop the car before impact. The fourth report is not about a crash. It describes brake, emissions and low tire pressure warnings that come and go while driving.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Pilot owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
The Auto Stop Start function is killing the car engine at intersections and on ramps. When the brake pedal is released, the car power stops and kills the engine. The car then has to be be in park and restarted - sometimes the car struggles to start. This has been happening for several months now - stating when the car hit about 30,000 miles - the car now has almost 38,000 miles.
Filed with NHTSA, June 2022
Multiple vehicle battery failures. Vehicle fails to start after a vehicle is parked. Alternator is overtaxed and unable to maintain battery charge. Each time vehicle required “jump starting” Noted vehicle has approximately 13,000 miles. Battery passed “Honda “ test.
Filed with NHTSA, June 2021
The pilot will suddenly not start and has around 36k miles. Took it to the dealer and they braid the battery is fine. Replaced battery regardless. It has also stopped at red lights and then have to jump it, making me carry a jump brick with me at all times. Has been a happening for two months. Have had to turn off eco system and also have to turn off the gas saving feature at traffic lights where the engine shouted down when stopped so as not to stall.
Filed with NHTSA, July 2022
Vehicle shows Emission System Fail and problem with AWD system after 36000 miles. I am not sure how safe it is to drive this vehicle. Problem started same day when I went to dealer to check if there is any issues with my car. Vehicle is right now at dealer and they said they are going to charge me for finding out issue. Message in dashboard came out when honda dealer’s technician was driving.
Filed with NHTSA, February 2023
As soon as my car hit 58,000 miles all of a sudden my transmission is doing a jerking like if it’s trying to fail, which doesn’t make sense because I’ve never heard of transmissions going on a car so young with very few mileage and then I realized, and I looked it up that pilot from 2018 2017 and 2019 are known to have transmission issues. Why didn’t Honda fix this issue already?
Filed with NHTSA, April 2025
Transmission fluid is burning up within 15,000 miles or less. When the flood is going bad the vehicle studders as you accelerate and it's not safe. Ive seen a lot of people online with the same issue. Contacted Honda of America and they also know about the issue and are not doing anything to help.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2023
How the 2019 compares with other Pilot years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2019 has the most owner complaints of the 8 Pilot years we cover, about 3.5 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Electrical22358
- Fuel system12717
- Engine9623
- Transmission7722
- Automatic emergency braking4515
- Backup camera201
Where the 2019 fits in the Pilot's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2019 is the fourth model year of the Pilot's third generation (2016–2022).
It is also the first year of a mid-cycle update.
What changed for 2019
- Updated exterior with new bumpers and grille
- Interior infotainment system updated
Recalls to confirm (11)
Recall repairs are free at any Honda dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
23V858000Fuel systemDec 2023
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
23V751000EngineNov 2023
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.
Risk: A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 28, 2024. 2016-2017 Acura MDX owner letters were mailed November 1, 2024. 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed in mid-December 2024. Honda began mailing owner notification letters as of March 18, 2024. 2015-2016 Acura owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-December 2024, 2018 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed the end of March/early April 2024, 2019 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-May 2024, 2020 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-June 2024, and 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed January 27, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XG1 and GG0.
23V431000Backup cameraJun 2023
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Pilot, and 2019-2023 Passport vehicles. Due to a faulty Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) communication coaxial cable connector, the rearview camera image may not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility.".
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the MOST cable harness and install a straightening cover over the vehicle cable connector, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are EEL, ZEM, and SFC.
21V932000Body and structureNov 2021
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 Passport, 2016-2019 Pilot, and 2017-2020 Ridgeline vehicles. The hood latch striker may become damaged and separate from the hood, which can result in the hood opening while driving.
Risk: A hood that opens while driving can obstruct the driver's view and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will either repair the hood latch striker, or replace the hood if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is PBV.
21V215000Fuel systemMar 2021
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-314.
21V165000Wheels and tiresMar 2021
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Passport and Pilot vehicles equipped with Continental tires. On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production.
Risk: Overcured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation, which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four tires and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 22, 2021. Owners may contact American Honda Motor Co. customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is UA2.
20V439000Backup cameraJul 2020
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Odyssey, 2019-2020 Passport, and 2019-2021 Pilot vehicles. Incorrect instrument panel control module software can cause the instrument panel to not display critical information, such as engine oil pressure, speedometer, and gear selector position until the next ignition cycle. Additionally, it can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 101, "Control and Displays" and 111, "Rearview Mirrors.".
Risk: Operating a vehicle without a functioning instrument panel or rearview camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument panel control module software, free of charge. The recall began September 23, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is T89.
20V440000ElectricalJul 2020
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Pilot, 2019-2020 Odyssey and 2019-2020 Passport vehicles. Incorrect central network software programming may cause several errors to occur that can delay or prevent the rearview camera image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors.".
Risk: A delayed or inoperative rearview camera display can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Honda will notify owners that updated software is available. Owners have the option to either follow the mailed instructions to download and update the software for free, or visit a dealer to have the software update performed, free of charge. The recall began September 23, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is Y7Y.
19V784000Body and structureOct 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Pilot and 2019 Passport vehicles. The front frame left and right side upper members may not have been welded completely to the unibody. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 219, "Windshield Zone Intrusion.".
Risk: In the event of a crash, incomplete body welding may provide inadequate protection to occupants, increasing the risk of an injury.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle for missing welds, free of charge. If the vehicle is identified as missing welds, the dealer will offer to repurchase the vehicle or provide a similar replacement vehicle. Owner notification began November 6 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is X6J.
19V298000EngineApr 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Acura MDX and Honda Pilot vehicles and 2019 Acura RLX, RLX Sport Hybrid, TLX and Honda Odyssey and Ridgeline vehicles. The timing belt teeth may separate from the belt.
Risk: Teeth separation from the timing belt may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace any affected timing belt free of charge. Vehicles receiving a replacement timing belt will also have the engine inspected and any damaged components will be replaced for free. The recall began June 7, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is L4M. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is Z4L.
18V848000Body and structureNov 2018
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 Honda Ridgeline and Pilot vehicles. The mounting holes for the clip that secures the right center pillar trim panel may be larger than intended. In the event of a crash necessitating right side curtain air bag deployment, the clip may not hold the center pillar trim panel in position and it may potentially interfere with the curtain air bag deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 214, "Side Impact Protection," and 226, "Ejection Mitigation.".
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the curtain air bag does not deploy as intended, it can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install a bracket on the right center pillar that will securely hold the center pillar trim clip, free of charge. The recall began January 22, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is D3D.
Also looking at these instead of a Pilot?
Cars shoppers compare with the Honda Pilot, with their own 2019 checklists.
2019 owner complaints, side by side
- Mazda CX-952
- Nissan Pathfinder71
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- Toyota Highlander414
- Volkswagen Atlas437
- Ford Edge687
- 2019 Honda Pilot794
