Reliability AnalysisBased on known issue patterns, repair cost data, and ownership trends · How we score

2008 Honda Pilot Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict

83/ 100
MODERATE RISK

Grade: B

A reliable family hauler, but proactively managing VCM and transmission care is paramount for long-term satisfaction.

Full system breakdown + what I would do

Should You Buy the 2008 Honda Pilot?

The 2008 Honda Pilot is a robust and highly functional SUV that offers tremendous value, especially if its primary weaknesses—the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system and automatic transmission—have been proactively addressed. With careful pre-purchase inspection and diligent maintenance, this generation can provide many more years of dependable service.

Biggest Strengths

  • Core durability of the J35 V6 engine (if VCM managed)
  • Spacious and versatile interior for families
  • Generally strong safety ratings for its class

Top Risk Areas

The systems that break first on the 2008 Honda Pilot. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.

1
VCM-Related Engine Misfiresmoderate
2
Automatic Transmission Failuremajor
3
Power Steering System Leaksmoderate
Typical mileage, cost ranges, and the exact what-to-check list are in the full report.

NHTSA Recalls

9 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 2008 Honda Pilot?

Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.

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Honda Pilot by Year

Compare reliability scores across nearby years of the Honda Pilot. Click any year for its full report.

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Similar class, similar year range — ranked by reliability score.

Relevant Products for Your 2008 Honda Pilot

Parts and accessories matched to your 2008 Honda Pilot

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Frequently Asked Questions

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