RoadVitals

2011 Honda Pilot Owner Complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers, shown in full

Data refreshed

Complaints on fileComplaints 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
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
Filed in the last 12 monthsReports filed with NHTSA in the trailing 365 days. Recent volume reflects attention and vehicle age as much as anything else.
8
Reports on file since Jun 4, 2010

What this page shows

Our database holds 292 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2011 Honda Pilot. Each one is a report filed by an owner or driver and published by NHTSA without most of them being verified. A complaint is not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. Narratives are shown exactly as filed.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Complaints, most recent first

Showing 1–25 of 292 · page 1 of 12

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
Electrical
Filed Jul 28, 2025

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 vehicle mileage was 55,653 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 225,000.

NHTSA ID
11676811
Incident
Jul 8, 2025
Mileage
225,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Jun 26, 2025

Break pedal goes to the floor

NHTSA ID
11669371
Incident
Jun 9, 2025
Electrical
Filed Apr 29, 2025

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 dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 150,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 166,000.

NHTSA ID
11657444
Incident
Apr 29, 2025
Mileage
166,000 mi
Filed Apr 8, 2025

He sold me the Honda 2011 pilot the defective transmission I bought it from the person by marketplace when 1 week ago when I took it to change the transmission oil they told me that the transmission was damaged

NHTSA ID
11653372
Incident
Mar 28, 2025
Engine
Filed Apr 1, 2025

I was driving along [XXX] , wheb I came to a stop at the stoplight at the intersection of [XXX] The vehicle shut off and couldn't restart. I had to tow it to a garage where the engine is being repaired. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11652013
Incident
Mar 19, 2025
Filed Dec 23, 2024

I was hearing clunking in the back and brought it into the shop to get it checked out. I was told the rear subframe broke from being rusted/rotted out. I looked my car up to see if there were any recalls for it and found that there were recalls/buy backs for the same thing for 2003-2008 Honda pilots, 2007-2011 CR-V's and Ridgeline's in cold weather states, but not for my year of pilot even though it is the same issue wrong with the subframe. We tried contacting Honda, but after going back and forth with voice messages they told us there was nothing they can do because our year didn't have the recall. The pictures I uploaded are stills from videos taken. The videos can't be uploaded though this.

NHTSA ID
11632217
Incident
Jan 15, 2024
Fuel system
Filed Dec 29, 2023

The gas tank bands are rusting out, they are about to break causing the gas tank to fall and probably catch fire. The gas tank protector and gas tank guard are also rusted out to the point of falling off and crumbling rust.

NHTSA ID
11562504
Incident
Dec 19, 2023
Visibility
Filed Dec 7, 2023

The contact owns a 2011 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the rearview mirror was inoperable. The contact was unable to view objects in the rearview mirror. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rearview mirror had delaminated from the inside and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 246,632.

NHTSA ID
11558917
Incident
Nov 22, 2023
Mileage
246,632 mi
Electrical
Filed Aug 16, 2023

The contact owns a 2011 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V573000 (Electrical System) however, neither the VIN nor the year vehicle was included. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 318,000.

NHTSA ID
11538946
Incident
Feb 16, 2022
Mileage
318,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Aug 15, 2023

Airbag light on.

NHTSA ID
11538796
Incident
Aug 15, 2023
Driver assistance
Filed Aug 2, 2023

The contact owns a 2011 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while in the process of parallel parking, he shifted into drive(D) and slightly depressed the accelerator pedal however, the vehicle accelerated forward unintendedly and hit the rear driver's side fender of another unoccupied parked vehicle. The contact stated his foot was stuck on the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that he had to manually remove his foot from the accelerator pedal. The contact was able to continue driving. An unknown local dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ID
11536107
Incident
Jun 5, 2023
Mileage
140,000 mi
AirbagsElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed May 24, 2023

Have a known hacker. They have shown experience on remote hacking using TimeStomping and ECM modifications. I work as an Amazon Delivery driver in Kentucky. My Hackers are my Employer and the Operations Manager. The same hacking to their company vehicles are being done to employees personal vehicles. Forced Limp Mode, Power distribution, Fake sensors malfunctions, and Alarm controls are reoccurring. My entire communications network is compromised. When I called Honda (888) 528-7876) from my Boost Mobile iPhone, the automated system did not recognize my T-Mobile Android phone number that is registered on MyHonda. The person I spoke to asked my name, Vin number, and then asked if the T-Mobile phone number is the one associated with my Honda Pilot. After I mentioned the automated system did not have that number, I was to my number popped up as a caller ID. 2 different phones on 2 different networks acting as one!?!? 05/24/2023 At 11:55 am, I travel from my work to tha gas station. I put air in a tire that seems to leak air sporadically. After about 2 mins, my pilot power systems light turns on. I have already had my battery and systems tested less the 2 months prior, but travel down hwy for 15 miles. While having battery looked at, my pilot deactivated the air-bag system. The Auto Zone employee attempted to pull check engine codes. The first 2 attempts the pilot would not read anything at all. After I explained the previous instances when this had happened before with multiple other vehicles, he was finally able to read multiple (undisplayed) codes. As I travelled to the mechanic, I received a mystery call. Did not answer, but called back on android phone. It was a fund raising auto number. My pilot is hacked and using false time stamps. I was told this was discovered before, but never addressed as a form of undetectable hacking.

NHTSA ID
11523691
Incident
May 24, 2023
Electrical
Filed Mar 20, 2023

There must be some department that will resolve this safety issue. American Honda case # 13705515 . Largely unknown by most Honda owners is the built in DysFunction of all locks unlocking, all windows and moonroof opening by pressing unlock then again & hold. There are countless stories of damage and danger to customers vehicles like myself. No one uses this " feature " and in my case it happens in the middle of the night by itself for no reason. My 2011 Honda Pilot has been seriously rained inside of and snowed in causing interior damage as well as possible electrical damage, that is very well a safety issue. The immediate safety issue is that the vehicle is rendered open to any criminal who may hide inside to attack the owner, this is a breach of security that all vehicle owners expect their vehicle to stay locked and safe. Please help customers get Honda to reprogram all body module computers to delete this " function " at Hondas expense.

NHTSA ID
11512907
Incident
Mar 17, 2023
Body & structure
Filed Feb 13, 2023

Left side front windshield garnish / trim piece detached at highway speed and went airborne. Impacted following vehicle’s front windshield.

NHTSA ID
11507072
Incident
Jan 8, 2023
Engine
Filed Feb 10, 2023

We have our truck services only at the dealership. My husband had the oil changed just two months ago. He had to take the truck back to the dealership last week because it was making a strange noise and when he checked the oil gage it was empty. When he got to the dealership the lady that helped us told us this was due to excessive oil consumption. I was able to look at the website www.vehiclehistory.com/articles/honda-pilot-excessive-oil-consumption-recalls and found out there is a documented issue with the 2009-2013 Honda pilots. I purchased this vehicle in 2013 and and did not have a problem until now. Honda needs to fix this as this fall under this recall even if the VIN number was not initially associated with this. This vehicle has only been serviced at Russ Darrow Honda in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and I have never been advised of anything until now. I really need help with this. I have been a loyal Honda owner as this is my third Honda and I am not in position to purchase a new vehicle so please help. [XXX], [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID
11506604
Incident
Jan 31, 2023
Electrical
Filed Feb 7, 2023

The contact owns a 2011 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the navigation system clock failed to adjust to the correct time. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed her to purchase a new vehicle. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11506032
Incident
Oct 1, 2021
Electrical
Filed Sep 28, 2022

The contact owns a 2011 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled in the middle of the road. Due to failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic since the vehicle failed to restart. The independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with a defective ignition switch cylinder. The contact called the dealer and the manufacturer and was informed that there was no recall on her vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11486945
Incident
Feb 28, 2022

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.

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