RoadVitals

2011 Honda Pilot

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
292
Latest Jul 8, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
11
Latest Jun 27, 2019
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
34
31 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 292 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2011 Honda Pilot, most frequently naming the airbags, brakes and engine categories. 11 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 77 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.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

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

11 campaigns cover this model year

View all 11

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.gov
19V502000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jun 27, 2019
9,555 units potentially affected
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic GX NGV, 2012-2015 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2014 Fit EV, 2010-2014 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are F5F and Q5E.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)Manufacturer number F5F, Q5EView on NHTSA.gov
19V378000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

May 16, 2019
19,138 units potentially affected
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2013 TSX Sport Wagon, and 2010-2012 ZDX and 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, 2012-2014 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2013 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The front passenger air bag inflator may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
The risk: An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly deploy the passenger frontal air bag in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator installation and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are M4O, P4R, T4Q, and W4P.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)Manufacturer number M4O, P4R, T4Q, W4PView on NHTSA.gov
18V661000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Sep 27, 2018
1,355,406 units potentially affected
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014 Honda Insight and Acura TSX and TSX Wagon, 2014-2015 Honda Crosstour and Pilot vehicles nationwide, as well as certain 2014 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, California, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan) and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Honda is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Acura TSX, TSX Wagon and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Insight, Fit and Pilot vehicles, 2011-2012 Honda Accord and 2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Lastly, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot, 2011-2013 TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord and 2010-2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are M2J and S2K.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)Manufacturer number M2J, S2KView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 292
Seat belts
Filed Jul 8, 2026

The contact owns a 2011 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while parked, the front driver-side seat belt retractor failed to retract as intended. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V468000 (Seat Belts). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 149,775.

NHTSA ID
11749162
Incident
May 13, 2026
Mileage
149,775 mi
Airbags
Filed Jun 16, 2026

On XXX at approximately 6:04 PM, the vehicle was being driven on a highway in [XXX] — after dark, during an active snowstorm, on slick roads, at approximately 40 MPH — when the front passenger-side airbag deployed spontaneously with no collision, no impact, and no warning of any kind. There were no prior warning lamps or symptoms. The deployment cracked the windshield and caused interior damage. The component is available for inspection upon request. This vehicle had the Takata recall performed in 2019. The failure is believed to be related to NHTSA Recall 19V502000 (Honda Recall Nos. F5F/Q5E), covering 2009-2015 Honda Pilots with passenger frontal airbag inflators that may explode due to propellant degradation from humidity and temperature cycling. A spontaneous deployment with no crash is consistent with this defect. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Honda dealership. Technician findings included: blown fuses 9 and 11, diagnostic system crashing repeatedly, complete loss of SRS/ABS/gauge communication, burning smell from the airbag inflator, copious F-CAN malfunction codes, and DTC U0151. Technician concluded: "ADVISE replacing deployed passenger airbag and inflator assembly." The dealership confirmed the component needs replacement but could not determine the cause. A spontaneous airbag deployment at highway speed during a snowstorm with no crash poses extreme risk to the driver and public. This incident warrants investigation to determine whether recall remedy parts from prior Takata campaigns are continuing to fail in other vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11744589
Incident
Feb 19, 2026
Electrical
Filed Apr 7, 2026

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 115,776 and at the time of registration. The contact stated the vehicle was currently at 116,187 miles. The contact recently received a Carfax Report and discovered that the mileage was 191,299 on March 22, 2026. The mileage was listed at 115,776.

NHTSA ID
11729775
Incident
Apr 3, 2026
Mileage
191,299 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Mar 3, 2026

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Honda Pilot. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale from the Facebook Marketplace on 2/25/26. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 144,135. After retrieving a Carfax Report, the contact discovered that the mileage was 204,000. The contact stated that while driving at speeds of 35 MPH or lower, there were sounds of an electrical system failure coming from the vehicle. The following morning, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer confirmed that the actual mileage was 204,000. The contact reported the odometer fraud to the DMV, who then informed the contact that the private seller had not transferred the title yet. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure.

NHTSA ID
11721713
Incident
Feb 25, 2026
Mileage
204,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Feb 27, 2026

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Honda Pilot. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 144,000. Twenty-four hours after the purchase, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact had an appraisal on the vehicle, and it was discovered that the mileage on the Title was 204,000.

NHTSA ID
11720964
Incident
Feb 27, 2026
Mileage
204,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Jan 20, 2026

Unknown

NHTSA ID
11712050
Incident
Aug 1, 2018
BrakesSeat belts
Filed Oct 27, 2025

Malfunctioned the brake the pedal and the seatbelt it was on Friday to I was driving after I yield drive there was few cars head of me ON A distance now I am trying to start slowdown early can't find the brake so I press the pedal with force when the pedal reaches to the floor slim stop right behind the car of me I will say 99% inch away to touch the car in front of me and the seatbelt even help me back and the all way have trying to move to other direction on when driving shifting unstable I don't fell save at all when I'm driving that specially driving to work at night for me that car need to have a state inspection and a complete repair before the dealership sold that car to me

NHTSA ID
11695719
Incident
Oct 24, 2025
Visibility
Filed Sep 4, 2025

The contact’s wife owns a 2011 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, the rear window unexpectedly shattered. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA ID
11684991
Incident
Sep 4, 2025
Mileage
150,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

A18-066

AIR BAGS

Service Bulletin - Warranty Extension: Customer Support Program For Front Passenger's Airbag Inflator.

A21120A

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.

A13-082

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

"Service bulletin - American Honda is announcing a powertrain warranty extension as a result of a settlement of a class action captioned, Soto et al.v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Case No. 3:12-cv-1377-SI (N.D. Cal.). The piston rings on certain cylinders may rotate and align, which can lead to spark plug fouling. This can set DTCs P0301 No. 1 cylinder misfire detected, P0302 No. 2 cylinder misfire detected, P0303 No. 3 cylinder misfire detected, P0304 No. 4 cylinder misfire detected, and cause the MIL to come on."

A21120A

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.

A07-030

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

"Service Bulletin - There are several A/C leak detection tools available. -Refrigerant Gas Leak Detector -Ultrasonic Leak Detector -Leak Dye"

DOR-M3J3F-07

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected.

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

Honda Pilot by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026101043.4
20251784163.3
20241076263.3
20231315263.5
20221395165.0
202141610163.1
202047611466.1
201987713465.8
20184347463.6
20179084464.5
20161,6798465.4
20151084161.6
20141163056.0
20132706052.5
20121709057.8
2011Viewing29211058.4
201011110054.0
20091349054.3
20081329162.9
20072119359.3
200626610364.2
200567915763.1
200454413562.6
200372014561.6

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.