VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
2008 Honda Pilot
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 132 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2008 Honda Pilot, most frequently naming the airbags, engine and body & structure categories. 9 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 39 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 2014 | 2 | 47 |
| Jul 2014 | 1 | 48 |
| Nov 2014 | 1 | 49 |
| Jan 2015 | 2 | 51 |
| Feb 2015 | 2 | 53 |
| Mar 2015 | 1 | 54 |
| Apr 2015 | 2 | 56 |
| May 2015 | 1 | 57 |
| Jul 2015 | 3 | 60 |
| Aug 2015 | 1 | 61 |
| Sep 2015 | 2 | 63 |
| Dec 2015 | 1 | 64 |
| Apr 2016 | 1 | 65 |
| May 2016 | 1 | 66 |
| Jul 2016 | 5 | 71 |
| Aug 2016 | 3 | 74 |
| Sep 2016 | 4 | 78 |
| Oct 2016 | 2 | 80 |
| Nov 2016 | 1 | 81 |
| Dec 2016 | 2 | 83 |
| Jan 2017 | 1 | 84 |
| Feb 2017 | 2 | 86 |
| Jul 2017 | 2 | 88 |
| Nov 2017 | 1 | 89 |
| Dec 2017 | 2 | 91 |
| Jan 2018 | 1 | 92 |
| Feb 2018 | 1 | 93 |
| Mar 2018 | 1 | 94 |
| Sep 2018 | 1 | 95 |
| Oct 2018 | 2 | 97 |
| Nov 2018 | 2 | 99 |
| Dec 2018 | 2 | 101 |
| Feb 2019 | 1 | 102 |
| Jul 2019 | 1 | 103 |
| Aug 2019 | 2 | 105 |
| Sep 2019 | 1 | 106 |
| Nov 2019 | 1 | 107 |
| Jan 2020 | 1 | 108 |
| May 2020 | 1 | 109 |
| Jul 2020 | 1 | 110 |
| Aug 2020 | 1 | 111 |
| Sep 2020 | 1 | 112 |
| Nov 2020 | 1 | 113 |
| Mar 2021 | 1 | 114 |
| Apr 2021 | 1 | 115 |
| Nov 2021 | 1 | 116 |
| Dec 2021 | 1 | 117 |
| Apr 2022 | 1 | 118 |
| May 2022 | 1 | 119 |
| Jan 2023 | 1 | 120 |
| May 2023 | 3 | 123 |
| Jun 2023 | 1 | 124 |
| Nov 2023 | 1 | 125 |
| Jun 2024 | 1 | 126 |
| Nov 2024 | 1 | 127 |
| Aug 2025 | 1 | 128 |
| Sep 2025 | 1 | 129 |
| Oct 2025 | 1 | 130 |
| Jan 2026 | 1 | 131 |
| Mar 2026 | 1 | 132 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Airbags3220.3%
- Engine1710.8%
- Body & structure1610.1%
- Driver assistance148.9%
- Exterior lighting95.7%
- Electrical95.7%
- Powertrain (other)95.7%
- Steering85.1%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
9 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
Referring to my 2008 Honda Pilot, as I was pulling into my driveway I heard a very loud bang in the rear area of my vehicle. When I looked underneath the vehicle I could see the rear subframe had rusted through and detached. This is my main vehicle that I use on a daily basis to provide rides to family members. 3 weeks before this happened I had 7 people in this car that I drove approximately 30 miles one way which had us on the highway doing 70 mph. Please note that is the speed limit on that highway. Had the subframe broke off at that time it would have been catastrophic. Honda America requested I have it towed to the nearest Honda dealer to diagnose it. It happened on March 11, 2026 and was towed to the dealer that same day, with an appointment to be looked at on Friday March 13, 2026. The dealer diagnosed the subframe detached due to rust and had notified Honda America of this fact. Honda America just notified me today (Monday, March 30, 2026) that they will not assist me in anyway as this particular model Honda has not been recalled or is the result of any defects. There was no prior warning light to warn me.
- NHTSA ID
- 11728082
- Incident
- Mar 11, 2026
I could hear a loud grinding noise while driving and the rear of the truck felt like it was driving without any type of suspension. Any bump or slight imperfection in the roadway felt like metal banging and a severe thump could be felt inside the vehicle. The front of the vehicle felt fine but the rear felt extremely strange and unstable.
- NHTSA ID
- 11710110
- Incident
- Nov 1, 2024
the VSA and danger triangle lights are on
- NHTSA ID
- 11691352
- Incident
- Oct 2, 2024
Rear Subframe Body Mount Rust
- NHTSA ID
- 11688255
- Incident
- Sep 10, 2025
Had vehicle in for state inspection and was told the rear crossmember where the rear wheel assembly bolts into was rusting and should be fixed immediately.
- NHTSA ID
- 11683074
- Incident
- Mar 14, 2025
Failure of Honda Pilot OEM jack. On 11/04/24 I was jacking up the right rear wheel of my 2008 Honda Pilot when the OEM scissor jack I was using suddenly and loudly broke, allowing the wheel to come down violently. Note that I was jacking the vehicle on a firm, level surface, using the reinforced jacking point as instructed in the vehicle manual, and that the vehicle did NOT fall off of the jack; the jack simply broke. I removed the jack from under the vehicle and inspected and tested it. The threaded rod in the jack would no longer turn smoothly and when testing the jack, it would not lift any weight without falling back down. Summary: Failure of 2008 Honda Pilot jack Failure did put me at risk when jacked wheel suddenly fell. Jack has not been inspected or tested by dealer, etc, Jack failed without warning. Incident not reported to police, insurance, etc. Jack IS available for inspection.
- NHTSA ID
- 11623768
- Incident
- Nov 4, 2024
Hello, I have a set of 4 Bridgestone Dueler LX tires that have been cracking for the past 8 months and now appear to be separating in between the treads. I’ve had America’s Tire Company look at them within the past 6 months and they always seem to state that it’s normal, but the cracks seem to be getting bigger and bigger. The wheels vibrate some, even after several re-balancing attempts. The tires were purchased on [XXX] and I don’t feel safe driving on these tires anymore to the point that I really hesitate driving on the freeway now for that they might fail/explode. I will be submitting a call/claim directly with Bridgestone at 800-847-3272 tomorrow as well. The tire size is P235/70R 16. There has been no incident yet, so I will use today's date. Of the photos uploaded, IMG's 3506 and 3507 were recently placed in the rear and IMG 3508 are in the back. Here are the DOT #'s in no particular order: [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- NHTSA ID
- 11595210
- Incident
- Jun 18, 2024
Left headlight went out in July 2023 while traveling in Oklahoma. I had it replaced at a NAPA shop in Kansas shortly after. The headlight went out again while home in Charleston, SC in November 2023. I had it replaced again. 2 weeks later around roughly November 15th 2023 the light went out again.
- NHTSA ID
- 11556052
- Incident
- Jul 13, 2023
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
AIR BAGS
Service Bulletin - Warranty Extension: Customer Support Program For Front Passenger's Airbag Inflator.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)
Service News - The navigation clock and date are incorrect. This is due to a limited GPS receiver Capacity resulting in rollover of the internal chip memory; the rollover occurred on January 1, 2022, at 12:00AM local time.
AIR BAGS
Service bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement front passenger's airbag inflator only.
STRUCTURE
Service Bulletin - Corrosion of the frame rail that supports the rear subframe may occur on some vehicles that are commonly driven in harsh environments. The subframe mounts may pull away from the body of the vehicle (see images below), but extensive testing has concluded that vehicle stability will be maintained. As an alternative to a complete frame replacement, a frame repair kit has been developed.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
ServiceNews Article - The clock shows the incorrect time. This issue is due to a limited GPS receiver capacity resulting in "rollover" of the internal chip memory; the "rollover" will occur on January 1, 2022, at 12:00AM local time. As a result, once specific triggers are met, the navigation date and time will be incorrect.
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
"Service Bulletin - There are several A/C leak detection tools available. -Refrigerant Gas Leak Detector -Ultrasonic Leak Detector -Leak Dye"
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 43.4 |
| 2025 | 178 | 4 | 1 | 63.3 |
| 2024 | 107 | 6 | 2 | 63.3 |
| 2023 | 131 | 5 | 2 | 63.5 |
| 2022 | 139 | 5 | 1 | 65.0 |
| 2021 | 416 | 10 | 1 | 63.1 |
| 2020 | 476 | 11 | 4 | 66.1 |
| 2019 | 877 | 13 | 4 | 65.8 |
| 2018 | 434 | 7 | 4 | 63.6 |
| 2017 | 908 | 4 | 4 | 64.5 |
| 2016 | 1,679 | 8 | 4 | 65.4 |
| 2015 | 108 | 4 | 1 | 61.6 |
| 2014 | 116 | 3 | 0 | 56.0 |
| 2013 | 270 | 6 | 0 | 52.5 |
| 2012 | 170 | 9 | 0 | 57.8 |
| 2011 | 292 | 11 | 0 | 58.4 |
| 2010 | 111 | 10 | 0 | 54.0 |
| 2009 | 134 | 9 | 0 | 54.3 |
| 2008Viewing | 132 | 9 | 1 | 62.9 |
| 2007 | 211 | 9 | 3 | 59.3 |
| 2006 | 266 | 10 | 3 | 64.2 |
| 2005 | 679 | 15 | 7 | 63.1 |
| 2004 | 544 | 13 | 5 | 62.6 |
| 2003 | 720 | 14 | 5 | 61.6 |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.