2019 Honda Pilot Visibility Problems

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.

NHTSA ID

11735201

Incident

Apr 25, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the sunroof unexpectedly exploded without impact. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an independent auto glass specialist was unable to determine the cause of failure. The contact was informed that the sunroof needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA ID

11731546

Incident

Mar 26, 2026

Mileage

160,000 mi

Rear backup camera is distorted and cannot see clearly while in reverse.

NHTSA ID

11699247

Incident

Sep 17, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that upon coming to a complete stop, the A/C started to blow warm air; however, upon acceleration, the vehicle resumed blowing cold air. The contact stated that over time, the contact stated that the failure initially occurred approximately an hour after driving before the failure became a constant failure after starting the vehicle. The contact called the dealer and made an appointment to repair the vehicle. The mechanic discovered that the fan control relay was defective due to the relay melting into the fuse box. The contact was informed that the engine compartment harness needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. In addition, the contact received an email with a form to fill out for the Manufacturer’s Goodwill Assistance Program. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.

NHTSA ID

11672891

Incident

Jun 28, 2025

Mileage

131,000 mi

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID

11650686

Incident

Dec 31, 2024

Rear camera (74810-TG7-A41) view is distorted, shows green, red, purple among others, unable to determine any images. Back over can easily occur as view is useless.Car currently has 26,101 miles, this first started around 22,000 miles.

NHTSA ID

11649340

Incident

Apr 1, 2024

The air conditioner system has stopped blowing cold a/c air. Honda service says its an internal failure of the compressor and the entire system needs to be replaced at the cost of $5,500. Without working a/c, the front windshield defogger does not work. This is an issue in the humid southeast. Visibility issues persist every night when attempting to drive. Honda rejected a goodwill claim for repair stating that my car at 44,000 miles is outside their 36,000 mile warranty for A/C and that we have not been with one dealership for enough service history. The car has been exclusively serviced at honda dealerships, but we are a military family, thus unable to stay in one location for service due to military orders. Without a front windshield defog system, the car is unsafe to drive due to poor visibility.

NHTSA ID

11619849

Incident

Sep 24, 2024

My 2019 Honda Pilot Touring was included in the Stop Sale/Safety Recall: 2018-2023 Multi-Model MOST Communication Error. In May 2024, Schomp Honda dealership attempted to fix the recall. In September 2024 my Honda Pilot began experiencing audio and display issues. The display would cut out while driving and I would hear static through the speakers. On September 24, 2024 I took a short drive and the backup camera worked when I reversed out of my garage, but 12 mins later when trying to park, my backup camera video would not display. It stays on a black screen with "Camera System Failure" when in reverse, I tried parking the vehicle, turning the engine off and back on. While I waited for my service appointment at the Schomp Honda Dealership (the same dealership who performed the attempted recall fix) on Oct 2, 2024 the video from the backup camera would intermittently display (approximately 10% of the time I would see video when in reverse). The other 90% of the time, the display shows a black, sometimes flickering green image. I believe the Stop Sale/Safety Recall: 2018-2023 Multi-Model MOST Communication Error was not fixed by the service technicians at Schomp Honda Dealership for my 2019 Honda Pilot Touring. I am experiencing the exact issues with 23-047, Safety Recall: 2019-23 Passport/Pilot Install FAKRA Service Cables at MOST Bus Network was supposed to fix. An improperly functioning rearview camera impairs my rearward visibility, potentially increasing the risk of a back-up collision or injury. I cannot see children or people that are shorter than my rear window.

NHTSA ID

11617703

Incident

Sep 24, 2024

Backup camera started showing rainbow colors making it difficult to use and see objects. It is always happening and not sporadic.

NHTSA ID

11588962

Incident

Mar 15, 2024

Backup camera recently began displaying a purple and green screen making the image in the backup view unable to be seen. Vehicle is garage parked or nearly always under covered parking. Taken to a Honda dealership and told camera needs to be replaced.

NHTSA ID

11574988

Incident

Mar 1, 2024

the moonroof malfunctioned and came off of the track. I could not close or open it. we brought the car into Honda. They also had problems closing the moonroof, and had to manually force it closed. they werent sure if its the track or the cable or motor. They asked me what I did to cause this.. I said all I did was press the button to open it. it opened and made a crunchy noise when I pressed the button again to close it. there were no warnings , symptoms of this problem prior to it coming off of the track. my car was 6 months out of warranty. the cost of the repair was $4000, Honda customer service was contacted and they agree to pay 40% of the cost , so the repair cost me 1475.39. ive heard from other Pilot owners of this occurring . 3 of the other owners had this repair done FREE, out of warranty.... Its not like its something I caused.. I just pressed a button and failure.

NHTSA ID

11556151

Incident

Jul 31, 2023

The driver side and passenger side sun visors hinge mechanism does not operate properly. The visors do not fold up completely and are difficult to fold down to block sunlight. This is a known problem with Honda Pilot sun visors. I purchased my 2019 Honda Pilot new.

NHTSA ID

11555689

Incident

Jan 1, 2021

excessive vibration on driver's side mirror at highway speed, rendering mirror useless to check for adjacent cars

NHTSA ID

11547430

Incident

Sep 29, 2023

My rear camera does not work in my car. I received a recall notice regarding this. It was unable to be completed because my Infotainment system is completely non functional at this point. This is an on going issue that I have had with this car almost immediately after purchase. My speedometer also disappears while driving… the screen goes completely black and I have no idea how fast I’m going. It happens numerous times a week at this point.

NHTSA ID

11539561

Incident

Aug 18, 2023

Drivers side outside mirror vibrates at highway speeds to the point that images become blurry and making distances unknown. This does not effect the passenger side outside mirror. Bought to Honda dealer and their response is this is a very common issue that the consumer must fix out of pocket if the repair is out of factory warranty.

NHTSA ID

11471398

Incident

Jun 1, 2022

The rear hatch glass and gasket blew out when the rear side door was opened then shut (in cold weather-approx. 24 degrees F). If this had happened while the vehicle was in motion, it could pose a safety concern. Believe this failure was caused by a faulty component or an assembly error at the factory. Although Honda says this failure could be due to a pre-existing rock chip, this is highly unlikely since this is not the windshield, but the rear hatch glass. Consumer stated now appears the window failure may have been due to vandalism and the initial damage could have been concealed by a layer of frost.

NHTSA ID

11448077

Incident

Jan 18, 2022

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - rear view camera How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? -I am unable to view if anything is obstructing my vehicle. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? I will be taking it in on 9/29 for diagnosis, seeing that my VIN is not eligible for bulletin 20-051 when bulletin states " the rear view camera may not display when shifting to reverse" Service bulletin 20-047 was previously done on the 25th of September. Also, at the same time the rear camera stopped working, the rear wiper also stopped working. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No, it was not. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No, I had no indication prior to failure.

NHTSA ID

11434670

Incident

Sep 20, 2021

The windshield randomly cracked in the lower passenger side of my 2019 honda pilot exl while i was driving i have done research and found this to be a common occurrence in these vehicles and a safety issue

NHTSA ID

11421488

Incident

Jun 19, 2021

WHEN I WAS BACKING MY CAR, I SAW A WHITE CAR APPROACHING FROM MY REAR END CAMERA BUT THERE WAS NO SOUND OR WARNING SOUND AS USUAL. I STOPPED MY CAR UNTIL THE CAR PASSED BY. THEN I STARTED BACKING SLOWLY WITHOUT SEEING ANY CAR MOVING OR APPROACHING. SUDDENLY I SAW AN OLD DARK GREEN HONDA CRV CAR ON MY REAR BACK CAMERA CAME FROM NOWHERE WITH HIGH SPEED AND NO WARNING OR SOUND. I PRESSED MY BRAKE IMMEDIATELY. I DID NOT FEEL ANY PULSE OR COLLISION. WHEN I DROVE HOME AND FOUND A SMALL DAMAGE ON MY CAR REAR BUMPER. I FILED AN ACCIDENT REPORT M0153386 IN WASHINGTON STATE.

NHTSA ID

11350012

Incident

Aug 7, 2020

Mileage

7,918 mi

AT 800 PM PST IN NORTHERN CALIF, MY BACK WINDOW EXPLODED, CAUSING A SPIDER-WEB PATTERN. THE CAR WAS PARKED AND I HEARD A ROLLING/CASCADING CRUNCHING SOUND. I DID NOT REALIZE WHAT HAPPENED OR WHAT CAUSED THAT SOUND UNTIL THE FOLLOWING MORNING. AFTER SEEING THE DAMAGE, I TAPED IT UP AND CALLED MY INSURANCE. STEVENS CREEK HONDA ADVISED IT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY.

NHTSA ID

11279172

Incident

Nov 8, 2019

Mileage

4,700 mi

ON 11/09/19 AT OR AROUND 800PM PST, MY REAR HATCH WINDOW EXPLODED FROM SIDE TO SIDE CAUSING A SPIDER-WEB PATTERN. NOTHING TOUCHED THE WINDOW. HOWEVER, APPROX ONE HOUR PRIOR TO THIS EVENT I DID ACTIVATE THE REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER FOR ONLY 5 MINUTES. STEVENS CREEK HONDA IN SAN JOSE, CA ADVISED THIS BROKEN WINDOW WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I THEN CALLED MY INSURANCE COMPANY. AS A NOTE, THE HONDA DEALERSHIP PARTS DEPT SAID THE BACK WINDOW WAS BACK-ORDERED AND NO ETA AS TO WHEN A BACK WINDOW WOULD OR COULD BE SHIPPED. NOW, I AM DEALING WITH

NHTSA ID

11279138

Incident

Nov 8, 2019

Mileage

4,700 mi

DRIVERS SIDE MIRROR SHAKES WHILE DRIVING. CENTER CONTROL STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY. LOUD SOUND WILL COME OVER ON THE RADIO AND THEN ALL SYSTEMS STOP WORKING. BACK UP CAMERA DOES NOT WORK, RADIO DOES NOT WORK. VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF BUT THE CENTER CONTROL SCREEN IS FROZEN ON AND WILL NOT TURN OFF. WHEN ON THE BLUETOOTH, RECIPIENT CALLER CANNOT HEAR PERSON INITIATING THE CALL.

NHTSA ID

11242203

Incident

Aug 7, 2019

Mileage

4,500 mi

THE PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR WON'T STAY AT THE PROPER ADJUSTMENT. YOU SET IT AND IT DROPS IN A FEW MINUTES SO YOU CAN'T SEE THE CARS BEHIND YOU. WHEN YOU DRIVE YOU HAVE TO KEEP ADJUSTING THE MIRROR. IT'S A SMALL PROBLEM BUT COULD BE A BIG PROBLEM IF THERE IS AN ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ID

11216913

Incident

Feb 6, 2019

Mileage

800 mi