2005 Honda Pilot Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Quick Facts · 2005 Honda Pilot
- Has 15 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module.
- Scores 4 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2007 Honda Pilot earns a 87.
- The system most likely to surface first: automatic transmission (major severity).
Should You Buy the 2005 Honda Pilot?
The 2005 Honda Pilot stands as a generally robust family hauler, a testament to Honda's engineering, but it demands diligent preventative maintenance to truly shine. While offering excellent utility and a comfortable ride, critical attention to its known transmission and power steering vulnerabilities will ensure a long and dependable service life. Approach a used model with a thorough pre-purchase inspection and a clear understanding of its service history.
Biggest Strengths
- Durable 3.5L V6 engine (if maintained)
- Excellent utility and passenger space
- Reliable AWD system (if VTM-4 serviced)
Top Risk Areas
The systems that break first on the 2005 Honda Pilot. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
NHTSA Recalls
15 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain Accelerator Pedal Assemblies part numbers 699-114 and 825-5029-1, sold as replacement parts for 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2004-2008 Acura TL and TSX, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2007-2011 Honda Element, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot and 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. The rotating portion of the accelerator pedal assembly may bind. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 124, "Accelerator Control Systems."
What breaks on the 2005 Honda Pilot?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
OwnerKeep Passport · $499 · one-time
Just bought a 2005 Honda Pilot? Keep it that way.
Snap a receipt — AI logs it. Build an OwnerScore. Sell with a buyer-ready Passport dossier.
Honda Pilot by Year
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Honda Pilot. Click any year for its full report.
If You're Considering This, Also Look At
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2005 Honda Pilot
Parts and accessories matched to your 2005 Honda Pilot
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Comparisons
Just bought a 2005 Honda Pilot? Keep it that way.
OwnerKeep Passport turns your Honda Pilot's care history into a luxury digital vault — AI-logged receipts, an OwnerScore that pays at resale, and a buyer-ready dossier in one tap.
- AI receipt OCR — snap and log
- Fuel & mileage tracker
- Tri-Score OwnerScore
- One-tap resale dossier PDF
Recommended Reading for the Honda Pilot
Honda CR-V Common Problems and Repair Costs
Discover the most common Honda CR-V problems and their estimated repair costs, gaining insights to maintain your vehicle or budget for future fixes today.
Honda CR-V Years to Avoid (Worst to Best Ranked)
Uncover the worst Honda CR-V years to avoid and the best models for reliability, helping you choose wisely for your next SUV.
Honda Accord Years to Avoid (Worst to Best Ranked)
Uncover the definitive ranking of Honda Accord model years, revealing which to avoid due to common issues and which offer superior reliability.