2006 Honda Pilot Owner Complaints

Suspension is rusted out and falling apart

NHTSA ID

11725138

Incident

Aug 1, 2025

Unknown

NHTSA ID

11694291

Incident

Sep 17, 2025

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2006 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was an auction sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 74,009 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 300,151.

NHTSA ID

11690295

Incident

Sep 1, 2025

Mileage

300,151 mi

The Vehicle Stability Assit (VSA) system in activating inappropriately causing the vehicle to brake unexpectedly. There is a Honda Service Bulletin (13-026) for this problem for 2005 Honda Pilots. Well, the same problem is happening to my 2006 Pilot.

NHTSA ID

11676493

Incident

Jul 22, 2025

When I got into the vehicle this morning, I opened the door and smoke came out from inside, then I noticed in the driver's seat there was fire from the control panel of the driver's seat. Where the fire affected the seat, the seat belt and the interior panel of the driver's door.

NHTSA ID

11675877

Incident

Jul 24, 2025

Rear suspension cradle attachment points at the frame corrode. This is common on all pilots in northern climates. Honda has recalled both the Ridgeline and CRV models for corrosion issues related to suspension attachment point corrosion but refuses to recall the pilot. While they claim you will not lose control when the suspension disconnects from the frame the vehicle cannot pass inspection and thus becomes disposable. When vehicles are otherwise perfect this is not acceptable from both safety and fiscal aspects. Please investigate this further as Honda has a repair kit and guidelines but charges thousands for the work .

NHTSA ID

11653782

Incident

Apr 1, 2025

While driving, the seat came off the base and something was loose, the seat basically will fall back if you just lean back, while stop and go the seat will also move back, something is loose or broken, this is a defect from Honda. Yes this can be inspected upon request this is dangerous because the seat can break off and just fall back anytime not only impact the driver safety while it can also hurt someone sitting behind it No the seat has not been inspected by anyone other during oil change check was told to have someone to look at it. No there is no warning or message or any symptoms before the failure

NHTSA ID

11624295

Incident

Oct 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2006 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that following a State Safety Inspection, the vehicle failed due to extensive corrosion to the rear suspension and to the rear trailing arm. The contact was advised by the State Inspector not to drive the vehicle due to the advanced state of corrosion. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V228000 (Structure). The contact had called the manufacturer and was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.

NHTSA ID

11607352

Incident

Jul 29, 2024

Mileage

175,000 mi

Hi Honda pallet is completely rusted out and corroded on the back underneath. My mechanic said it is dangerous. The left-hand side could literally fall out while driving and this is not something normally seen even with the car being older

NHTSA ID

11577961

Incident

Mar 18, 2024

I just purchased a 2006 honda pilot 4 wheel drive....i did not get under the suv to look at the frame structure, i had the differential fluid changed, the suv was put on a lift and noticed there is extreme rusting going on under the vehicle. in reading some complaint from previous owners, the possibility of the frame separating from the body is a possibility , in addition to other parts doing the same thing, this presents a severe safety issue for me and my family. IF HONDA did not protect the under carriage with the proper rust prevention inhibitors , this might cause the under parts to fall apart.... I THINK HONDA NEEDS TO DO WHAT IS NECESSARY TO REMOVE THE RUST AND COAT THE NECESSARY PARTS TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. THE POSSIBILITY OF AN ACCIDENT HAPPENING BECAUSE OF THE RUSTING , COULD HAVE PEOPLE KILLED IN GOING DOWN THE FREEWAY AT HIGH SPEEDS. THIS LOOKS LIKE A TREMENDOUS LAWSUIT AGAINST HONDA FOR NOT PROPERLY INSULATING THE METAL TO AVOID THE RUSTING.. THIS NEEDS IMMEDIATE ATTENTION BY THE HONDA CORP TO AVOID FUTURE LAWSUITS............................................................... PLEASE EXPEDITE THIS COMPLAINT TO THE PROPER HONDA PERSONNEL TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM............................................................................................................................. PLEASE RESPOND ASAP... THANK YOU, [XXX] , [XXX] , MY CELL [XXX] TODAY IS MARCH 16TH 2024.. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11577813

Incident

Mar 16, 2024

2006 Honda Pilot Subframe rust which is causing the subframe to pull away from the body of the vehicle. Known issue with a patch kit, but no dealership or auto body shop willing to fix it. Honda has recalled the Ridgeline and CRV for the same issue, but not the Honda Pilot. Vehicle is in perfect running condition except for this design flaw. Would like to get it repaired instead of junking a perfectly drivable vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11577232

Incident

Sep 13, 2023

The car was making a lot of noise, so we took it to the shop. Upon investigation, they told us we were lucky we hadn't had a catastrophic failure as the frame was rusted through. We were told not to drive it further. The car has been well taken care of.

NHTSA ID

11576206

Incident

Mar 1, 2024

235/70R16 I purchased 4 Michelin defender LXT tires, on 02/06/2024. I had to have all the tires rebalanced. The tire shop. Said said all tires were 1 1/2 to 2 oz off. This problem should not be occurring in such a short period of time. Repair was made on 02/20/2024

NHTSA ID

11573167

Incident

Feb 20, 2024

While driving at night, with rain and fog, the low beam headlights became extremely dim which made it impossible to see the road. Surprisingly both low beam headlights went dim, not effective at all, I had to depend on my fog lights for a bit of visibility. Could it be the headlamp, turn signal switch on the column that has gone bad?? So dangerous, my wife was almost shaking as we slowly made our way home, and we live in the country so scary drive home.

NHTSA ID

11571692

Incident

Feb 12, 2024

Dave at Beard Auto Repair in downers grove, Il told me: Whole rear subframe rotted away from the main frame Shock support rotted away Suspension completely detached - not safe to drive AT ALL. Not even for 5 minutes. Subframe holds all your suspension One severe bump could make wheels fall off and roll away Im thinking the recall on the older CRVs should probably be extended to Pilots as well since I'm having similar issues as listed in this recall article. [XXX] Honda Corportate told me to bring to nearest dealership and have them inspect and provide diagnosis so they can assess what they can do for me. They’ve have it for 2.5 months. I’ve called and emailed 30 times and still have not been given an answer. I see online that tons of people in rust belt states are having the exact same problem with this exact same model and year. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11562491

Incident

Oct 1, 2023

About 9 days ago our Honda Pilot (parked, off, keys out of ingnition) had a malfunction in the drivers side heated seat and caught fire burning half the seat and the door, this could have happened while driving which makes this a massive safety issue, I had previously had my car checked out only days prior to incident and nothing was found. There was no indication, warning lights anything to tell us this would happen No one has checked the car since because we have no money and the car is no longer legal to drive

NHTSA ID

11561149

Incident

Dec 11, 2023

When I had taken my vehicle in to the dealership for power steering issues and other routine maintenance, I was told that my rear bumper was extremely rusted out as well as the frame on the driver side. I was advised this is a major safety concern and that the frame cannot be fixed by the dealership.

NHTSA ID

11532462

Incident

Jul 13, 2023

Car keeps going into limp mode. The VTM and VSA light flash on and the car will not accelerate. Happens at different occasions. It has happenstance while driving on highway and I’m traffic. The only way to reset is to cut car off and turn on. Sometimes, it doesn’t work with that and you have to sit and wait. It has been checked but no one see no faults and it’s never on the dashboard if you cut off then cut back on. This is becoming a huge risk when driving with children and family. Also, electrical issues has been going on and no one can figure out. Have been looked at and even quoted for new pets but no fox for why the electrical is not working. One side of car has no electric and nobody knows why. My car was taken apart and still no fix for electric. This effects the passenger side windows and turn signals. The vehicle is forcing me to have to look for another one even though it’s paid off and has done well for me and my family. Please help and assist thanks.

NHTSA ID

11526184

Incident

Jun 9, 2023

The car's rear subframe has rusted to the point where the suspension no longer correctly mounts to the frame causing an unstable ride and handling issues. Yes, the car can be inspected. This is a safety issue because other parts of the suspension system or brake system could become loose or break off or otherwise be negatively affected by this corrosion. It could also cause me to be unable to control the vehicle properly if it gets worse. Yes, the problem has been confirmed by both a dealer and an independent mechanic. The Honda dealership has inspected it. There is a very similar problem with some of Honda's other models from this era including the Ridgeline and the CRV that have recently been recalled and I think this vehicle should be recalled for this issue as well.

NHTSA ID

11524539

Incident

Sep 5, 2022

Rear steel bumper totally corroded rendering bumper protection deficient. Significant rusting on rear bumper beam.

NHTSA ID

11521185

Incident

May 9, 2023

The contact owns a 2006 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the vehicle stability assist system, ABS, check engine, and brake system warning lights illuminated. The contacted stated that after pulling over, placing the gear shifter into park(P) and turning off the vehicle, the vehicle was able to restart but was unable to accelerate above 15 MPH. The contact also stated that after coming to a stop at a stop light, the failure recurred, and the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it remained awaiting diagnostic test and repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 112,000.

NHTSA ID

11514802

Incident

Nov 1, 2022

Mileage

112,000 mi

The left rear frame of the vehicle is rusted out where the rear drive line bolts to the body or frame. Causing the rear drive line to have the ability of failing to stay attached to the vehicle. The rear suspension also connects at the same area. Just a huge rotted out hole at the moment.

NHTSA ID

11501383

Incident

Dec 17, 2022

The contact owned a 2006 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, another vehicle rear-ended her vehicle, causing her vehicle to crash into another vehicle from the driver's side front door. The rear bumper and exhaust pipe detached. The driver's side air bag did not deploy. The contact sustained a back injury and received medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where it was deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. Prior to the failure, the dealer had previously performed a recall repair for the driver's and passenger's side air bags. The failure mileage was approximately 187,000.

NHTSA ID

11496558

Incident

Nov 16, 2022

Mileage

187,000 mi

The contact’s husband owns a 2006 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while the vehicle was vacant and in a parked position, she noticed a dark gray cloud of smoke and fire inside the vehicle. The contact then stated that she noticed that the front driver’s side door and the car seat had melted. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was required. The fire department was notified, and the fire was extinguished. A fire report was not filed. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The dealer nor the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA ID

11488218

Incident

Oct 5, 2022

Mileage

200,000 mi

The contact owned a 2006 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that initially, her check engine light had been illuminated on her instrument panel. She then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who replaced both her fuel injectors and spark plugs. The mechanic then took the vehicle to a dealer since the check engine light remained illuminated on the instrument panel. The PCM software was updated by the dealer; however, the light still remained. Upon picking up the vehicle, the contact was informed that her check engine light remained illuminated due to a misfire in cylinder#1. The contact was assured by the mechanic that the vehicle passed the PCM test and that the vehicle was safe to drive. While dropping her child off at school, a cloud of white smoke began to emit from the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle quickly became engulfed in flames as the contact exited the vehicle. The authorities were called to the scene and the local fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A fire and police report were filed. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was deemed a total loss. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was approximately 256,000.

NHTSA ID

11460794

Incident

Apr 13, 2022

Mileage

256,000 mi