KnownCarProblems2020 Honda Pilot Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 492 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Honda Pilot, most often about the electrical (44% of complaints, typically around 2,000 miles). It is 7th of 24 Pilot model years by number of complaints and has 11 recalls.
Most common 2020 Honda Pilot problems
Electrical
214 complaints · 44%Half of these problems showed up before 2,000 miles. Parts named most often: instrument cluster/panel, wiring, ignition.
We we're driving down the interstate and the instrument panel as well as the infotainment center went black/completely out. We could not tell our speed nor any other vehicle data as the instrument pane was dead. While the infotainment center going out is bad, having no instrument panel is very dangerous and a major…
While driving my speakers began to crack : you can't listen to the radio . After a few momments the screen turns black ' network connection lost ' goes blank or audio turned off . Them goes completely blank . Them the speedometer will also go blank. This happen while using apple car play , GPS. As well as xmradio . I…
Engine
104 complaints · 21%Half of these problems showed up before 42,000 miles. Parts named most often: exhaust system.
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while his daughter was driving at an unknown speed when she smelled an odor of smoke coming from the vehicle, then she noticed fire coming from the vehicle. She was able to exit the vehicle safely as it started to burn. The fire department was able to extinguish…
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who examined the engine and discovered metal shavings inside the oil pan and there was engine rod bearing damage. The contact…
Driver assistance
97 complaints · 20%Half of these problems showed up before 20,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic emergency braking, warnings, adaptive cruise control, warning.
This vehicle has been nothing but problems since day 1. It began with the sunroof leaking and causing puddles in the front and rear passenger floors. That issue required 4 trips to the dealer. The speakers then began popping and the radio and dash would completely shut off while driving. Fixing that has been attempted…
Pilot was parked and when I went to get in it to leave, I noticed the rear window looked weird. Walked around back and the back glass had just exploded. Glass was bulging with a large missing piece. It was cracked all the way thru and on the passenger side was a big piece missing where a rear defroster module would be…
Other or unspecified
95 complaints · 19%Half of these problems showed up before 2,500 miles.
Last week 4/8/2020, my 2020 Honda Pilot elite starting making cracking noises through the speakers while driving. A couple of seconds later the entire radio, navigation, and information center with speedometer, gas and other vital information of engine systems went black. The system came up and stated that it was…
As per other drivers of 2019 pilots and odysseys, the screens on my new 2020 vehicle have gone out, while driving, rendering it impossible to get any information about the vehicle, including speed, while the vehicle is in operation. Dashboard reboots several times while driving. Backup camera is not able to be…
Fuel system
54 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 54,000 miles. Parts named most often: delivery, fuel injection system.
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle…
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v858000 (fuel system, gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer…
Transmission
35 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 57,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled; the vehicle returned to normal operation several minutes after the failure had occurred. No warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v858000 (fuel…
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle shifted into park independently. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while restarting the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated to restart for approximately 90-seconds, and then operated as intended.…
Brakes
26 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 3,500 miles. Parts named most often: antilock.
The collision mitigation system (brakes) will slam on the brakes with no hazard in the area. The system frequently flashes a message on the display to brake in red and black. At least once the system has actually slammed on the brakes and nearly caused an accident. The salesman said this is a known problem and that I…
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while applying the brakes, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to frank fletcher Honda (2921 moberly ln, bentonville, ar 72712) where the contact was informed that the sound was normal. The vehicle was not…
Speed control
16 complaints · 3%Half of these problems showed up before 2,000 miles.
Last week 4/8/2020, my 2020 Honda Pilot elite starting making cracking noises through the speakers while driving. A couple of seconds later the entire radio, navigation, and information center with speedometer, gas and other vital information of engine systems went black. The system came up and stated that it was…
Follow-up on complaint #11340119. July 26, 2020. As previously noted in complaint, 2020 Honda Pilot information system popping noise: now the electrical service to information system is completely blacking out: no speedometer information, no telephone, no back-up camera. All information systems go black from 10…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2020 Honda Pilot recalls
Suspension: rear
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Air bags: front passenger
Risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Air bags: front passenger
Risk: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Fuel system: fuel pump
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Backup camera: display function
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.
Full defect summary
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."
Visibility and wipers: exterior
Risk: Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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."
Wheels and tires: tires
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Backup camera: camera
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.
Full defect summary
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."
Backup camera: camera
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.
Full defect summary
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."
Equipment: labels
Risk: If the operator is unable to refer to the label information, the vehicle may be overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Body and structure: body
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.
Full defect summary
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."
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Engine failure
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) has received 414 reports of connecting rod bearing failures in the 3.5l v6 engine used in the following vehicles: model years (my) 2018-2020 acura tlx, my2016-2020 acura mdx, my2016-2020 honda pilot, my2018-2020 honda odyssey, and my2017-2019 honda ridgeline.â the subject engine failures were analyzed as part of a recall query (rq24013).â it was determined that these engine failures are outside the scope of honda recall 23v-751. Further, evidence gathered in conjunction with rq24013 does not suggest this failure is caused by the same crankshaft manufacturing defect that is addressed by honda in recall 23v-751.â based on analysis of data from rq24013,
No restart after auto start/stop engages
Summary
On june 3, 2022, the oï¬ce of defects investigation (odi) opened preliminary evaluation pe22005 after the agency received voqs and several ï¬eld reports concerning the auto idle stop (ais) feature on 2016-2019my honda pilot vehicles. The complaints allege that the engine fails to restart on its own from a complete stop at a traï¬c light or road intersection with the ais function engaged. The subject vehicles are equipped with a 3.5l engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission. On january 6, 2023, honda released service bulletins 23-008 and 23-009. These service bulletins address the failure to restart issue in the 2016-2019my honda pilot vehicles, as well as the 2015-2020 acura tlx, 2016
Engine failure
Summary
On november 8, 2024, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened recall query rq24013 to assess the scope of honda recall 23v-751 after receiving complaints that alleged connecting rod bearing failures in vehicles that were not within the scope of recall 23v-751. In november 2023, honda recalled 248,999 various model year (my)2016â2020 honda and acura vehicles equipped with the 3.5l v6 engine. Honda recalled these vehicles due to a crankshaft manufacturing defect that caused premature connecting rod bearing wear and engine seizure. While the out-of-scope failures involved in these complaints appear to have a very similar failure mechanism as the recalled engines, a thorough analysis o
No restart after auto start/stop engages
Summary
On june 3, 2022, the oï¬ce of defects investigation (odi) opened preliminary evaluation pe22005 after the agency received voqs and several ï¬eld reports concerning the auto idle stop (ais) feature on 2016-2019my honda pilot vehicles. The complaints allege that the engine fails to restart on its own from a complete stop at a traï¬c light or road intersection with the ais function engaged. The subject vehicles are equipped with a 3.5l engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission. On january 6, 2023, honda released service bulletins 23-008 and 23-009. These service bulletins address the failure to restart issue in the 2016-2019my honda pilot vehicles, as well as the 2015-2020 acura tlx, 2016
Questions about the 2020 Honda Pilot
- What are the most common problems with the 2020 Honda Pilot?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: electrical (214 complaints, typically around 2,000 miles); engine (104 complaints, typically around 42,000 miles); driver assistance (97 complaints, typically around 20,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2020 Honda Pilot have?
- 11 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from June 4, 2026 (suspension). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2020 a bad year for the Honda Pilot?
- It is 7th of 24 Pilot model years by number of complaints, with 492 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.