Owner report · 2020 model year

2020 Honda Pilot

2020 Honda Pilot
Crash-test image: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), U.S. Department of Transportation.

The Verdict

Worst problem area

Electrical

Electrical leads by volume: 215 of 494 complaints (44%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Brakes include more reported injuries (6) than those mentioning any other identified area.

Complaints filed fell from 929 in 2019 to 494 in 2020.

Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology

At a glance

NHTSA complaints
494
Recall campaigns
11
EPA fuel cost per year
$2,700–$2,950
Combined MPG
21–23

Complaints by model year

  1. 4422018
  2. 9292019
  3. 4942020
  4. 4542021
  5. 1752022

Where owners report problems

  1. Electrical215 (44%)
  2. Driver Assistance & Speed Control120 (24%)
  3. Engine104 (21%)
  4. Other104 (21%)
  5. Fuel System54 (11%)
  6. Brakes35 (7%)
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Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History

Fuel cost, fuel economy, and complaint history by model-yearScroll sideways to see all 5 years. Fuel figures show the range across trims for years with more than one EPA-rated configuration.Also cataloged for 2020: 2 configuration(s) of a different vehicle class, excluded from the comparison bar only (but included in the figures above).
Category20182019202020212022vs. 2020 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Annual fuel cost ($)2,700–2,9502,700–2,9502,700–2,9502,700–2,8502,700–2,950
Combined MPG21–2321–2321–2322–2321–23
City / Highway MPG18–20 / 26–2718–20 / 26–2718–20 / 26–2719–20 / 26–2719–20 / 25–27
CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi)388–421388–421388–421388–406388–419
Complaints filed442929494454175Not compared
Recalls issued71311105Not compared
Crash-involved complaints91310147Not compared
Fire-involved complaints26520Not compared
Injuries reported111513104Not compared
Deaths reported00000Not compared
Configurations compared22212

Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.

Common questions

How many recalls does the 2020 Honda Pilot have?

11 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Nov 7, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.

What is the most common complaint about the 2020 Honda Pilot?

Electrical: 215 of 494 NHTSA complaints (44%) mention it.

What gas mileage does the 2020 Honda Pilot get?

EPA rates it 21–23 MPG combined.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2020 Honda Pilot?

EPA estimates $2,700–$2,950 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.

EPA-Rated Configurations (4)

Every EPA-rated configuration on this page, one row each.A number tagged (low) or (high) is this page’s own cost-table figure of that name, above.
ConfigurationTransmissionCylindersDisplacementDrivetrainFuel TypeVehicle ClassCityHighwayCombinedAnnual Fuel CostCO₂
Configuration 1Automatic (S9)63.5LFront-Wheel DriveRegularSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD20 mpg (high)27 mpg (high)23 mpg (high)$2,700 (low)388 g/mi (low)
Configuration 2Automatic 6-spd63.5LFront-Wheel DriveRegularSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD19 mpg27 mpg (high)22 mpg$2,850405 g/mi
Configuration 3Automatic (S9)63.5LAll-Wheel DriveRegularSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD19 mpg26 mpg (low)22 mpg$2,850407 g/mi
Configuration 4Automatic 6-spd63.5LAll-Wheel DriveRegularSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD18 mpg (low)26 mpg (low)21 mpg (low)$2,950 (high)421 g/mi (high)

Complaints by Category

Complaints by category, in the same fixed order on every page
CategoryComplaintsCrash-InvolvedFire-InvolvedInjuriesDeaths
Engine1040500
Transmission & Drivetrain350010
Fuel System540000
Electrical2152130
Brakes354060
Steering70000
Suspension, Wheels & Tires90000
Airbags & Restraints63050
Driver Assistance & Speed Control1202010
Body, Seats & Latches112030
Visibility & Lighting150000
Other1041110

A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.

Recalls (11)

  • STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS; SUSPENSION:REAR

    Campaign 26V365000 · Jun 4, 2026

    Defect
    American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles that were sold in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. The rear subframe may corrode at the suspension mounting points, which can result in rear suspension component failure.
    Consequence
    Failure of rear suspension components, such as the rear control arm, can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
    Remedy
    Dealers will inspect the rear subframe and install a rear subframe reinforcement kit and, as necessary, repair or replace the rear subframe components, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in the fall of 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are AOU and AOT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning June 10, 2026.
  • AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

    Campaign 26V332000 · May 21, 2026

    Defect
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
    Consequence
    Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
    Remedy
    Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
  • AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

    Campaign 24V064000 · Feb 1, 2024

    Defect
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
    Consequence
    An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
    Remedy
    Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
  • FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

    Campaign 23V858000 · Dec 18, 2023

    Defect
    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.
    Consequence
    Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy
    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.
  • BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

    Campaign 23V431000 · Jun 15, 2023

    Defect
    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."
    Consequence
    A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
    Remedy
    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.
  • VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR

    Campaign 23V174000 · Mar 16, 2023

    Defect
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2020-2022 Passport and Odyssey vehicles. The heating pads behind both side-view mirrors may not be bonded properly, allowing the mirror glass to detach. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
    Consequence
    Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy
    Dealers will replace both left and right side-view mirrors, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 17, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is FE5.
  • TIRES

    Campaign 21V165000 · Mar 11, 2021

    Defect
    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.
    Consequence
    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.
    Remedy
    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.
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

    Campaign 20V439000 · Jul 28, 2020

    Defect
    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."
    Consequence
    Operating a vehicle without a functioning instrument panel or rearview camera display increases the risk of a crash.
    Remedy
    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.
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

    Campaign 20V440000 · Jul 28, 2020

    Defect
    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."
    Consequence
    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.
    Remedy
    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.
  • EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

    Campaign 20V067000 · Feb 6, 2020

    Defect
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020 Passport and Pilot vehicles. The certification label may have been printed with ink that can be wiped away with a solvent, removing the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) information.
    Consequence
    If the operator is unable to refer to the label information, the vehicle may be overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the certification label, free of charge. The recall began March 24, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is B6T.
Show 1 earlier campaign
  • STRUCTURE:BODY

    Campaign 19V784000 · Oct 31, 2019

    Defect
    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."
    Consequence
    In the event of a crash, incomplete body welding may provide inadequate protection to occupants, increasing the risk of an injury.
    Remedy
    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.