Honda Pilot ReliabilityAll Years Ranked (2003–2025)
Side-by-side reliability scores, risk levels, and owner-cost projections for every Honda Pilot we've analyzed. Identify the best years to buy, the ones to avoid, and the problems that follow the Pilot across generations.
Average Score
83/100
Best Year
2021 Honda Pilot
Score 88
Weakest Year
2004 Honda Pilot
Score 75
Every Honda Pilot Ranked
Sorted by reliability score. Each link opens the full year-specific report.
A supremely practical and mechanically solid family hauler, though its tech stack might test your patience occasionally.
Top risks: Infotainment/Electrical System · Power Tailgate Mechanism · Engine (VCM-related)
A highly refined, low-risk family SUV that offers peace of mind through proven engineering.
Top risks: Fuel System · 9-Speed Automatic Transmission · Infotainment & Electrical
A solid, family-friendly SUV that delivers on Honda's promise of reliability, even in its first model year.
Top risks: Infotainment & Electrical · Transmission Shift Logic · Interior Rattles & Squeaks
A highly dependable family hauler with minimal predicted long-term risks, provided initial tech is sorted.
Top risks: Infotainment & Electrical Systems · 10-Speed Automatic Transmission · Brake Components
A top-tier family SUV with Honda's renowned reliability, making it a safe and smart long-term investment.
Top risks: Infotainment & Electrical · Automatic Stop/Start System · Minor Interior Trim & Rattles
A highly reliable and versatile family hauler, nearly bulletproof if its few well-known quirks are addressed proactively.
Top risks: Power Steering System · Automatic Transmission · Suspension Bushings & Mounts
A steadfast family SUV that, with a few preventative measures, will serve reliably for years to come.
Top risks: Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) System · Automatic Transmission (5-speed) · Power Steering System
A steadfast family hauler, the 2014 Pilot offers outstanding utility with only a few specific areas warranting proactive attention.
Top risks: Engine (VCM System) · Transmission · Power Steering System
A highly practical and generally dependable family SUV, though its transmission and infotainment require a watchful eye.
Top risks: Transmission · Electrical/Infotainment · Brakes
A highly capable family SUV, but requires awareness and potentially proactive mitigation of its VCM system for true peace of mind.
Top risks: Engine (VCM System) · Automatic Transmission · Power Steering System
A practical and spacious SUV, but its age and specific known issues necessitate careful inspection and committed maintenance.
Top risks: Automatic Transmission · Power Steering System · VTM-4 Rear Differential
A reliable family hauler, but proactively managing VCM and transmission care is paramount for long-term satisfaction.
Top risks: VCM-Related Engine Misfires · Automatic Transmission Failure · Power Steering System Leaks
A practical and capable family hauler, but known powertrain and steering quirks demand careful pre-purchase inspection and ongoing vigilance.
Top risks: Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) System · Power Steering System · Automatic Transmission Torque Converter
A spacious and practical family hauler, but diligent VCM mitigation and fluid maintenance are key to long-term satisfaction.
Top risks: Engine - Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) · Transmission - Fluid Leaks/Wear · Steering - Power Steering Pump
A practical family SUV, but beware the 9-speed transmission in higher trims; prioritize 6-speed models if possible.
Top risks: Transmission (9-Speed Automatic) · Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) · Electrical / Infotainment
A practical and capable SUV, but its automatic transmission demands rigorous scrutiny and proactive care.
Top risks: Automatic Transmission · Power Steering System · VTM-4 Rear Differential
A practical and spacious SUV, but its age and specific transmission vulnerabilities elevate the risk for the uninitiated.
Top risks: Automatic Transmission · Power Steering System · VTM-4 Rear Differential
A practical and safe family SUV that requires informed ownership to navigate its known powertrain weaknesses.
Top risks: 9-Speed Automatic Transmission · Engine Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) · HVAC System
A practical choice that can be a reliable workhorse if its few critical flaws are understood and proactively managed.
Top risks: Engine (VCM System) · Automatic Transmission · Power Steering System
A practical family hauler that demands diligent maintenance, particularly for its VCM-equipped engine, to ensure long-term reliability.
Top risks: Engine - Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) · Power Steering System · HVAC System
A practical family SUV, but beware the 9-speed transmission and VCM system, as they can quickly turn into money pits.
Top risks: 9-Speed Automatic Transmission (ZF9HP) · Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) · Infotainment System
A practical family hauler with a great engine, but buyer beware of the problematic 9-speed transmission.
Top risks: 9-Speed Automatic Transmission · Electrical / Infotainment System · Brake System
A practical family hauler, but be prepared to address its well-documented transmission and steering vulnerabilities.
Top risks: Transmission · Power Steering System · A/C Compressor
Problems That Follow the Pilot Across Generations
Issues that appear in the top-3 risks across multiple model years — the cost of ownership you can actually predict.
Power Steering System
Appears in 11 model years · 48% of generations
Automatic Transmission
Appears in 6 model years · 26% of generations
VTM-4 Rear Differential
Appears in 3 model years · 13% of generations
Transmission
Appears in 3 model years · 13% of generations
Engine (VCM System)
Appears in 3 model years · 13% of generations
9-Speed Automatic Transmission
Appears in 3 model years · 13% of generations
Infotainment & Electrical
Appears in 3 model years · 13% of generations
Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) System
Appears in 2 model years · 9% of generations