2019 Honda Pilot Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2019 Honda Pilot, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical26623.6%
- Engine24221.5%
- Driver assistance21419.0%
- Fuel system19317.1%
- Powertrain (other)887.8%
- Brakes423.7%
- Visibility242.1%
- Body & structure121.1%
- Exterior lighting90.8%
- Steering90.8%
- Airbags70.6%
- Suspension60.5%
- Transmission40.4%
- Interior & seats40.4%
- Seat belts20.2%
- Other / unspecified20.2%
- Tires & wheels20.2%
- Heating & air conditioning10.1%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Rearview camera is showing up as green and purple on the screen. It makes seeing what is behind the car hard when in reverse. Dealer does not know what caused it but it started as intermittent but now is constant
This vehicle is equipped with Honda's Auto Idle Stop (AIS) system, which shuts the engine off automatically when the vehicle comes to a stop and is designed to restart it when the brake pedal is released. On XXX, while stopped at a light at approximatly [XXX], the engine shut off as normal, but failed to restart when I released the brake. The vehicle was inoperable for approximately one to two minutes while stopped in a busy traffic muilti-lane road at a light over an expressway, creating a serious risk of being struck from behind by other traffic. This is not an isolated occurrence, I experience this AIS no-restart failure on a regular/recurring basis, not just this one time. I am aware that Honda has issued service bulletins related to this issue (TSB 23-008, TSB 23-009) and that this defect is the subject of a certified class action settlement (In re Honda Idle Stop Litigation, No XXX). I believe this represents an ongoing safety defect that creates a real risk of a collision, particularly in higher-speed or higher-traffic conditions where a temporarily immobile vehicle is a hazard to itself and surrounding traffic. This vehicle has a rebuilt/salvage title (repaired and retitled prior to my purchase; it passed state inspection and is legally registered and roadworthy). When I contacted Honda about repair under the applicable service bulletins (TSB 23-008 / TSB 23-009) for this defect, I was told the rebuilt title status disqualifies this vehicle from that repair coverage. I am not seeking a warranty or cost remedy through this complaint, I am reporting this because it means an unknown number of vehicles with this safety defect are currently excluded from any manufacturer-provided fix, leaving the underlying no-restart hazard unaddressed on the road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The car stalled in an intersection. The auto idle function had engaged when the car came to a full stop, but when i took my foot off the break it did not restart. It took a couple of tries to get it to restart, leaving my car in the intersection. This problem has been happening on and off since I bought it used in 2022. In May 2025, a Honda dealership near me made a valve adjustment and replaced the starter, which was supposed to have fixed the issue. However, it recently started occurring again.
I am having transmission issues with my 2019 Honda pilot. There is an extended warranty service bulletin out, Honda USA claims my vehicle does not fall under that extended warranty based on the VIN. I am experiencing all of the symptoms of the fuel injector issues that they report in the bulletin. I am unable to get anybody at Honda to help me.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Problem lights say systems are working.
I have issues with my 2019 honda pilot front windshield camera. when the front-facing camera malfunctions, it simultaneously shuts down multiple Honda Sensing driver-assistance systems. The front sensor camera mounted behind the windshield fails or glitches, causing simultaneous failures in adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The failure triggers a cascade of multiple warning messages (such as "adaptive cruise control problem" or "road departure mitigation system problem") i want Honda to repair it under recall.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
My 2019 Honda Pilot EX AWD (VIN [XXX]) with approximately 80,000 miles developed a check engine light along with dashboard messages indicating an Emissions System Problem and AWD System Problem. The vehicle continued to drive normally, but the warnings repeatedly returned. Diagnostic code P0172 (System Too Rich, Bank 1) was present. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Honda dealer on XXX which diagnosed failed fuel injectors and recommended replacement of the injector assembly at a cost of approximately $1,689. The failed components and dealer records are available for inspection upon request. While the vehicle has not experienced a loss of propulsion, I am concerned that a fuel injector defect could lead to engine performance issues, increased emissions, reduced reliability, or unsafe operating conditions if the condition worsens while driving. Honda has previously acknowledged fuel injector issues on certain 2017-2019 Honda Pilot vehicles and issued a warranty extension covering fuel injector repairs for eligible VINs. However, despite a dealer diagnosis of failed fuel injectors, I was informed that my VIN is not covered by the existing warranty extension. The vehicle has been inspected and the injector failure has been confirmed by a Honda dealership. Prior to diagnosis, the only symptoms were the check engine light and the Emissions System Problem and AWD System Problem warning messages. These warnings first appeared at approximately 80,000 miles. I am submitting this complaint because the failure appears similar to fuel injector issues already recognized by Honda, yet my vehicle is excluded from the existing warranty extension coverage. I believe NHTSA should review whether additional 2019 Honda Pilot vehicles outside the currently covered VIN population are experiencing similar fuel injector failures. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I am having transmission issues with my 2019 Honda pilot. There is an extended warranty service bulletin out, Honda USA claims my vehicle does not fall under that extended warranty based on the VIN. I am experiencing all of the symptoms of the fuel injector issues that they report in the bulletin. I am unable to get anybody at Honda to help me.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with fuel injector failure. The contact was informed that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The fuel injectors were replaced. The contact became aware of Technical Service Bulletin: 21-010, NHTSA ID Number: 10187008 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System, Equipment, Power Train). The contact called the dealer, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not covered under an extended warranty. The manufacturer was informed of the issue and confirmed that the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 91,670.
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the engine light was illuminated. The transmission emission message was displayed. The contact stated that the failure was associated with DTC: P0777. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who recommended a transmission flush. After the transmission flush the vehicle failed to shift from second to third gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer a second time and another transmission flush was recommended and the dealer eventually determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was driving around 30-35 mph when my car's dashboard lights were flickering on and it then gave me a warning that the collision mitigation system was coming on. The car started braking hard and it swerved me to the left, so much so that I was halfway into the left lane. Thankfully no other car was in that lane. Then my car automatically went into neutral and I had to stop on the side of the road. I took the car into the Honda Dealership the same day. They told me that it could possibly be a dirty multi use camera by the rear view mirror and so they claimed to have cleaned it. I'm not certain that was the issue since I had just gotten a car wash recently and it did not seem to have been dirty.
While driving straight, my 2019 Honda Pilot activates collision “BRAKE” warnings and applies steering wheel torque when there are no vehicles or obstacles present. The system intervenes unexpectedly and repeatedly. The attached documents show that I reported this issue to a Honda dealership and Honda Customer Relations (case #16094868). No diagnosis has been completed yet. This is a safety concern.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
This vehicle exhibits an issue with the fold down sun visors on both sides whereby the hinge mechanism is extremely tight. So much to the point that the sun visors will no longer fold up out of the drivers view. Additionally, if the vehicle was to be involved in an accident the front driver and passenger's heads would likely impact the partially lowered sun visor possibly resulting in additional injury. When brought to the attention of the service department at my local dealer, I was told there is no way to lubricate the hinge mechanism and I'd have to purchase new sun visors as it is a trim item not covered by my extended warranty. This issue started to occur around the 90,000 mile mark and has continued to get worse. The vehicle currently has approximately 120,000 miles now.
The vehicle’s A/C system is experiencing a refrigerant leak due to a known issue with the compressor shaft seal. This issue appears to be associated with the transition to the newer R1234yf refrigerant, after which the shaft seal design was not adequately updated, leading to premature seal failure and refrigerant leakage. This is not an isolated case. Similar A/C compressor shaft seal leaks have been widely reported across multiple Honda models, including the Honda Civic, Accord, and CR-V. For several of these models, Honda has acknowledged the defect and issued an extended warranty program covering A/C compressor shaft seal failures. However, for the Honda Pilot, although Honda has issued a service bulletin describing the same shaft seal leak condition and repair procedure, no extended warranty coverage has been provided. The service bulletin for the Pilot describes the same failure mode and repair process as those covered under extended warranty programs for other models, indicating that Honda is aware of the defect and its root cause. Despite this acknowledgment, Pilot owners are required to bear the full cost of repairs, which can be significant, even though the underlying issue is consistent with those already covered in other vehicles. This issue also has potential safety implications. Loss of A/C function can impair the defrosting system, leading to windshield fogging and reduced visibility, especially in humid or cold conditions. Reduced visibility can directly impact driver safety. Given that Honda has already recognized this defect in multiple models and implemented extended warranty coverage, I believe similar coverage should be extended to the Honda Pilot to ensure fair treatment of customers and to address the associated safety concerns. I have attached the extended warranty documentation for the Honda Civic as well as the service bulletin for the Honda Pilot; they describe the same issue and repair procedure.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Pilot. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V365000 (Structure, Suspension); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20-25 MPH from a complete stop, the vehicle partially spun out. The contact was able to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure could have caused a crash. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the earliest appointment for the recall repair was in four weeks. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
Premature paint delamination on a 2019 Honda Pilot. Notifying NHTSA to track factory paint adhesion defects correlating with active Attika v. American Honda Motor Co. litigation.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
Condensation in headlight assembly impeding forward visibility at night.
Headlight seal failure resulting in condensation buildup resulting in obstructing light while driving at night.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving straight, my 2019 Honda Pilot activates collision “BRAKE” warnings and applies steering wheel torque when there are no vehicles or obstacles present. The system intervenes unexpectedly and repeatedly. The attached documents show that I reported this issue to a Honda dealership and Honda Customer Relations (case #16094868). No diagnosis has been completed yet. This is a safety concern.
Needed a steering rack. Needed a new transmission due to a torque converter failure. Now AWD is intermittently faulty needing fuel injectors. All within 1 year
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the message "Air Bag System - SRS Fault" was intermittently displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The dealer retrieved an intermittent diagnostic trouble code associated with the cable reel. The contact stated that the message was constantly displayed. The dealer was notified of the failure and forwarded an email with an estimate for a diagnostic test and the repair. The contact advised the dealer to notify the manufacturer of the failure; however, the contact believed that the manufacturer was not notified. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 94,800.
Airbags deployed without impact
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
my car's mile is 61500. Front Suspension conection parts have a lot of rust. It looks dangerous. My husband saw that he was looking at tires. I believe It will cause more damages to my car in the future. please advise!
Ön teker sağ ve sol teker bağlantı yerleri sübvansiyon bağlantı yerleri aşırı paslanma var. tesadüfen gördüm arabam 61500 mile
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was restarted; however, the advanced safety features remained inoperable. The vehicle remained in LIMP Mode and failed to properly accelerate while driving. The contact referenced TSB: 23-0780 (Torque Converter); however, the vehicle was not associated with the TSB. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 99,500.
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the battery and the traction control system warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that he was able to manually shift to neutral. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. The VIN was not available.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
While operating I was on Highway driving my car the driver seat was set up according to my height, when I use the break to slow down for the heavy traffic during the rush hour wasn't that fast at all I believe my car was at 30 in mph around somehow my car seat dropped too low and I was afraid that I can barley seen in the front. Some how I manage to get home but not sure if there is blown fuses, faulty switches, or loose wiring connectors under the seat or electrical seat problems. This Vehicle is from year 2019 when we purchased. I haven't call the Honda for service yet, cause it's weekend now. I will call on following Monday 22. for Check up.
The sensor system for my car are malfunctioning when the car is off. This causes the fuse system to malfunction and power the vehicle without keys being located near the vehicle. The car tries to start as well as the lights flash, dash turns on, and also the horn blares. The fuse system located under the steering wheel sounds like it will spark or blow fuses. The dealer is unable to fix the problem until May because the part is backordered due to many others having the same issue. This has been occurring for months. This issue required the removal of the horn fuse which is a public and personal safety hazard to drive without a functioning horn. The technician with Honda also mentioned I should remove the battery cable every night to prevent the car from draining the battery. The technician himself is also experiencing the same problem with his car.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
The seatbelt that serves the middle row center seat detached from its attachment point during normal use without an accident. We are the original owners of the car with no accidents. My daughter has sat in that seat for 4.5 years and 50,000 miles. She is currently 10 years old. Had we been in an accident, I believe that she would have not been protected by her seatbelt. One day, we noticed a large bulge in the back of the car roof that we hadn’t seen before. The next day, when my daughter puller her seatbelt out, there was resistance when she pulled. Once the seatbelt did come out, white fabric came out of the seatbelt hole and the seatbelt fabric was torn/frayed. We brought the car into the dealership where we purchased it. Upon inspection, the bulge was the reel assembly that had detached from the frame of the car. The seatbelt assembly was wedged between the metal roof and the fabric trim - not attached to anything. It is being repaired under warranty on 6/16/2023 at the dealership.
The driver's belt buckle receiver started malfunctioning and would click, but the seat belt would not lock at 93k miles. The belt would come unlatched while driving. The red release button would stick in the down position as well. Honda dealer said they would replace it under warranty, but it was non the less scary not to have a working seat belt. I question the quality of the part as I have had many other Hondas with 2-3 times the miles that never had a seat belt failure. I am driving a 2022 Honda Pilot loaner with 600 miles, and while the seat belt locks, it looks like it could eventually fail as well. I would feel safer if a Honda engineer inspected the buckle locks.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
See attached document for complaint
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the battery and the traction control system warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that he was able to manually shift to neutral. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. The VIN was not available.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Pilot equipped with Continental Tires, Tire Line: Cross Contact LX Sport, Tire Size: 245/50/R20, DOT Number: A376D3K92119. The contact stated that all four tires had experienced low air pressure on multiple occasions. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the rubber on the front passenger’s side tread had peeled off and separated from the tire. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failures and informed that the VIN and DOT numbers were not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V165000 (Tires). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 17,000.
SIDE-WALL BLEW OUT OF TIRE WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 55-60MPH ON NORMAL, PAVED ROAD. NO DEBRIS WAS HIT AT THE TIME OF FAILURE AND THERE WAS NO KNOWN HISTORY OF STRIKING DEBRIS WITH THE SIDEWALL. TIRE HAD APPROXIMATELY 16,000 MILES ON IT (65,000 MILE TIRES) AND HAD BEEN ROTATED TWICE SINCE PURCHASE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
The air conditioning system abruptly ceased emitting cold air, prompting the involvement of the dealership. Their assessment revealed a compressor leak stemming from the failure of the shaft seal.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .