2024 Honda Pilot: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 82 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the steering, transmission, and wipers and visibility. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2024- Owner complaints
- 82
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes reported
- 1
- 2 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2024 Honda Pilot: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/2
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/3
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/1
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 2024 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 | 21–22 mpg |
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Pilot that averages well under the EPA 21 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.
Sudden multi-system warning cascade
105–300 miles
Transmission hesitation and jerky shifts
1300–5000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2024 Honda Pilot, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Steering16No crashes
Grinding, clicking, crunching or knocking comes from the steering when the wheel turns at parking-lot speeds or while stopped. It is usually worse once the car is warm. Dealers often replace the steering rack under warranty, but several reports say the noise returns, sometimes after a second rack, and parts can take weeks to arrive. Other dealers say they cannot reproduce it or call it normal. A separate, more dangerous pattern is a sudden loss of power assist on the road, along with a flood of safety-system warnings. Restarting the car usually clears it.
Transmission11No crashes
The 10-speed automatic hesitates, flares in RPM, then jerks or lunges forward, most often on the shift from first to second and more so when cold. Some owners report a 2 to 5 second delay pulling away from a stop, which is risky when merging into traffic. Reports start as early as 1300 miles. Dealers often call it normal when no warning light is on. More serious reports describe stalling at a light when auto idle-stop fails, and one transmission failure with a banging noise, a fluid leak and unexpected braking at highway speed.
Wipers and visibility6No crashes
A wavy, distorted windshield is the main complaint. Drivers describe dizziness, headaches and trouble judging distance. Replacement windshields can show the same rippling, and they have been backordered for weeks. Dealers sometimes resist confirming the defect. Several reports describe the panoramic roof glass shattering at highway speed with a loud pop, like a gunshot. Glass stayed out of the cabin only because the roof shade was closed. One owner says the dealer refused to cover the roof under warranty. A broken moonroof shade that leaves constant glare is also reported.
Seat belts6No crashes
Second-row belt sensors report a buckled passenger as unbuckled. The result is a constant chime and a dash warning for the whole trip. The middle seat comes up most often, but some cars have it in several second- and third-row seats. Some owners stop using the affected seats, and the driver cannot tell whether passengers are really belted. The fault tends to get worse over time and comes back after repeated dealer repairs. At least one dealer had no replacement part available.
Electrical6No crashes
With auto idle-stop on, the car can lose all power at a stop and fail to restart. Drivers are left stranded in intersections, and some cars have been towed. Reports say the problem persists after the related recall repair. Dealers often blame the battery and replace or recharge it without a lasting fix, and the only workaround offered is switching the feature off at every start. Other complaints describe automatic emergency braking on empty roads, and popping and crackling from the speakers starting within a few hundred miles.
Brakes51 crash
The car brakes hard on its own at 40 mph or at highway speed with nothing ahead, which creates a rear-end collision risk. Dealers often cannot reproduce it. Other reports describe sudden warnings for ABS, brake hold and related systems. One crash report involves a stiff brake pedal at about 5 mph that led to two low-speed rear-end impacts, even though the car had passed a brake recall inspection. Adaptive cruise control also brakes aggressively when the car runs slightly over the set speed, especially over hills and downhill.
Body and structure4No crashes
The lower outer corner of the front doors has a sharp metal edge. Two reports describe deep calf cuts when getting out, one needing 9 stitches and the other 12. Both owners describe it as a design issue that shows up on other examples of this model. Water leaking into the cargo area and spare-tire well after rain or a car wash is also reported, and resealing did not fix it. One owner reports paint bubbling, peeling and cracking, along with a misaligned fender.
Automatic emergency braking4No crashes
Phantom braking is the core problem. The collision mitigation system slams on the brakes at 40 to 50 mph on clear roads, sometimes because of strong shadows or a railroad crossing. Some cars come to a full stop in traffic, and drivers have to press the accelerator to override the system. Dealers say they cannot act without a repeatable fault. One report describes a flood of system warnings, a car that would not shut off, and a remote-start fault that locked the owners out.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Pilot owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
I bought my 2024 Honda Pilot two weeks ago, it only has 300 miles and suddenly all the warnings indicating system failures were activated, engine check, lane assist, emergency braking, emission system, etc., it almost didn't start, it left me in road. It is not possible that something practically new is failing like that with two weeks of use and only 300 miles, that is not right, it is putting lives in danger. honda has to solve that
Filed with NHTSA, November 2023
Our 2024 Honda Pilot started with a grinding noise in the steering. Our Pilot only has 011,208 miles on it. We took to the dealer and they said the steering rack needs replacing but its ok to continuing driving. The dealer will order the part. Its beend 3 weeks still no part. What happens on all these Pilots if the steering rack freezes up?
Filed with NHTSA, October 2025
My Pilot has less than 1300 miles on it and when in lower gears the transmission will rev high, hesitate, then jerk forward, at times feeling as though it’s losing power before the gear catches. Called the dealership who told me it’s normal and without any warning lights on they won’t find anything.
Filed with NHTSA, June 2024
When transmission is in "Normal" operating mode and starting to move, it has a hesitation when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear, then the motor races and the vehicle lunges forward. I have taken it to the dealership but they said they found nothing wrong. The problem is worse when the motor is cold but it happens at any motor temperature. I have read about many, many people having this problem.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2024
The moon roof cover broke. This causes a glare inside the vehicle that cannot be reduced during the day. We didn't have children in the car at the time it broke, but it snapped back violently.
Filed with NHTSA, November 2025
Every time I drive my 2024 Honda Pilot I get dizzy and a headache from the distorted windshield. This is very dangerous to drive like this everyday to my jobs.
Filed with NHTSA, April 2024
When the safety belt is buckled in the middle row seat with people sitting there, the system shows the safety belt isn't buckled and warning alert sounds some times. It is very annoying. The dealership hasn't part to replace it.
Filed with NHTSA, June 2025
The seat belt sensor keeps going off in the middle row - middle seat even though my child is buckled. And its getting worse as my child continues to sit there. So we are no longer able to use that middle seat due to the issue
Filed with NHTSA, November 2025
How the 2024 compares with other Pilot years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2024 has the fewest owner complaints of the 8 Pilot years we cover, well under the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Steering166
- Transmission1132
- Wipers and visibility65
- Seat belts63
- Electrical689
- Brakes59
Where the 2024 fits in the Pilot's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2024 is the second model year of the Pilot's fourth generation (2023 on).
Honda updated the Pilot for 2026, so a 2024 does not have those changes.
What changed for 2026 (not on a 2024)
- Redesigned front fascia
- Updated interior technology
Recalls to confirm (6)
Recall repairs are free at any Honda dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
26V054000SeatsJan 2026
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023 Honda Accord, Accord Hybrid, and 2024 HR-V, Pilot, and Acura Integra vehicles. The driver's seat cushion frame may not have been tightened properly, which can result in a loose seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 207, "Seating Systems.".
Risk: A loose driver's seat may not adequately restrain the driver during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the driver's seat cushion frame, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 9, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are ONC, KND, BNE and ZNF. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning February 5, 2026. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V859.
25V391000BrakesJun 2025
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Acura TLX, 2023-2025 Acura MDX, and 2023-2025 Honda Pilot vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin was not secured properly, which can cause the pedal to shift out of position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems.".
Risk: A brake pedal that shifts out of position can prevent the driver from applying the brakes as intended, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pedal assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are FLX and XLY.
25V031000Fuel systemJan 2025
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Acura MDX Type-S, 2023-2025 Honda Pilot, and 2021-2025 Acura TLX Type-S vehicles. A software error in the fuel injection electronic control unit (FI-ECU) may cause an engine stall or a loss of power.
Risk: An engine stall or loss of power can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Dealers will reprogram the FI-ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are EL1 and AL0.
24V900000Fuel systemNov 2024
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Passport and 2023-2025 Pilot vehicles. The fuel filler neck tube and fuel filler pipe may separate, allowing fuel to leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the fuel filler neck tube and pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is OKM.
24V859000SeatsNov 2024
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Honda Accord, Accord Hybrid, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Pilot, and 2024 HR-V, Acura Integra and Acura Integra Type S vehicles. The driver's seat cushion frame may not have been tightened properly, which can result in an unsecured seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 207, "Seating Systems.".
Risk: An unsecured driver's seat may not adequately restrain the driver during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the driver's seat cushion frame, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 6, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
23V735000SteeringNov 2023
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Pilot vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the gear box assembly may contain a loose ball bearing, which can result in a loss of steering control or steering lock-up.
Risk: A loss of steering control or steering lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the electric power steering rack, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is FFX.
Also looking at these instead of a Pilot?
Cars shoppers compare with the Honda Pilot, with their own 2024 checklists.
2024 owner complaints, side by side
- Nissan Pathfinder38
- 2024 Honda Pilot82
- Toyota Grand Highlander171
- Kia Telluride180
- Jeep Grand Cherokee204
- Volkswagen Atlas209
- Mazda CX-90259
