2020 Honda Pilot Electrical Problems

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the radio made an abnormal crackling and popping sound, and the instrument cluster flickered with the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), and the cruise control became inoperable while driving. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the contact was informed that the failure could not be duplicated. The contact associated the failure with TSB: 20-058 and 21-012, and NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V431000 (Back Over Prevention). The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the contact was informed that there would be a charge for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 10.

NHTSA ID

11755856

Incident

Oct 17, 2020

Mileage

10 mi

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message that the radio was shutting off was displayed. Additionally, the speakers made a crackling sound before the radio shut off, and the main screen became inoperable. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V431000 (Back Over Prevention); as a possible cause for the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer times; however, the technicians were unable to duplicate the issue. During the final visit, the dealer diagnosed the vehicle with an amplifier failure and replaced the part; however, the issue persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,000.

NHTSA ID

11754784

Incident

Apr 1, 2026

Mileage

58,000 mi

Summary of safety defect and failed recall repair: Vehicle: 2020 Honda Pilot EX (Clean California Title) Core Issue: Persistent, catastrophic failure of the MOST Bus fiber-optic communication network, resulting in complete blackout of the federally mandated rear backup camera (FMVSS No. 111 violation), total infotainment reboot loops, loud audio cracking/popping, and instrument panel system failure during active vehicle operation at 65+ mph highway speeds. RECALL REMEDY FAILURE CHRONOLOGY: 1. IN-WARRANTY ANCHOR: On April 20, 2022 (34,201 miles) at Tracy Honda, initial network cracking/popping and communication faults were logged under factory warranty. Display head unit was replaced, but underlying MOST Bus backbone issues persisted. Fakra connectors replaced to attempt to fix the issue. 2. RECALL ATTEMPT: On July 17, 2025, at Lompoc Honda, the vehicle was presented specifically under Safety Recall Campaign 23-047 / NHTSA 23V-431. Dealer technicians installed FAKRA connectors and connector jumpers per official remedy instructions. 3. REMEDY FAILURE: The recall remedy failed to correct the defect. The vehicle continues to experience "Network Communication Lost" and "Check Tuner" system collapses, completely disabling the rear backup camera display without warning - all while being in a 10-minute reboot loops. SAFETY HAZARD: The sudden, unannounced loss of rear visibility and screen blackout creates a direct backover and collision hazard in violation of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111. Furthermore, total network reboots at highway speeds cause severe driver distraction. REMEDY REQUESTED: American Honda Motor Co., Inc. has been notified (Corporate Case #XXX), but has failed to remedy this known federal safety defect after statutory repair opportunities. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11753899

Incident

Jul 25, 2026

Full brake system, Emissions System problem, and Service System malfunctioning, out of the blue. Factory Reset and System Updated performed with no improvement.

NHTSA ID

11751683

Incident

Jul 20, 2026

Engine start/stop function fails to restart after automatically shutting off at a light or in traffic. It falters and fails to start, then the dashboard lights up with errors, and I have to put it into park before restarting. Sometimes it takes a few tries before restarting. The battery has been replaced twice in the last year and the starter motor within the last year too, but the issue persists.

NHTSA ID

11750995

Incident

Jul 16, 2026

First of, there are a LOT of Honda Pilot owners online who have the same exact complaints in honda forums and social media. Windshield Lane Keep Assist camera is malfunctioning. Adaptive cruise control, Emissions systems, Road departure system, Auto high beam problem, Lane keeping assist, Collision mitigation system warning lights all come on. No previous warnings or failures prior. This started out of the blue and has been happening everyday for a few months now. This malfunction puts driver and passengers at risk.

NHTSA ID

11749829

Incident

May 16, 2026

The car makes a popping/static sound weather turned off or on . The infotainment center and screen has shut off while driving and using GPS leaving me to scramble with my phone to get a GPS on and this happens without any warning so I don't have any time to pull over to a safe place . I have taken the vehicle to 2 different mechanic shops and they did not find anything when hooked up to their computer . This is a random problem that happens at different times ,there is no telling when it will happen .when the popping/ static sound starts it is difficult to hear the music and the GPS on the car is not always correct it leads to the wrong places.

NHTSA ID

11743006

Incident

Jan 5, 2026

If I leave the auto idle engine stop on,and come to a complete stop, the auto engine stop turns on, but as I release the brake to drive, the vehicle stalls in drive and engine shuts down. I will have to manually turn the car back on and restart the whole system before being allowed to continue. All while at a green light and a ton of traffic waiting behind me to move! Its very disappointing and embarrassing. The failure happened about 5 days after purchase. I just assumed it was a bug, and always turn it off before starting my drive.

NHTSA ID

11739590

Incident

May 6, 2022

MOST Network problems continue to persist even after MOST FAKRA Service Cables Safety Recall work was performed. Typical progression: Radio goes silent, Infotainment Screen displays error message, "Network Communication Lost / MOST Net Off", Driver Information Interface Display goes blank, then 3 error messages cycle, "Blind Spot Info System Problem", "Emissions System Problem", "Transmission System Problem", and vehicle enters limp mode (stuck in 3rd gear). Multiple safety issues: Rearview camera does not function, vehicle speed is not displayed, vehicle gas gauge is not displayed, blind spot system does not operate, reduced vehicle power.

NHTSA ID

11738554

Incident

Apr 13, 2026

When starting vehicle after leaving the grocery store, there were multiple fault messages displayed on the dash cluster. They were showing five fault areas, the Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assistance and Parking Collision Warning. When arriving at the Honda dealer service department I was advised that this is a common issue and would most likely be a front camera failure. After the Honda service department diagnosed the issue they confirmed it was a camera failure. I contacted American Honda asking for goodwill assistance and after giving all of my information, I was sent an email to reply to with the same information. Two days later I received a call and had to go over the same information a third time. I was advised this process would be 2-3 days. Three days later I receive a call and was requested to give the same information a fourth time and the told it would be 3-5 days from then to evaluate and I would receive a call. Four days later I called American Honda for status and was offered a partial goodwill assistance that I would be need to pay $955 for the repair instead of $2200+ which was originally quoted. From working for Acura for 17 years it is obvious that American Honda assisted minimally as the warranty rate is around the same cost. They made the dealer take the cut in pay and endured minimal cost to American Honda and a major cut ended by the dealer. Being this is a common issue with a $2000+ cost, there should be more consideration allowed for this failure.

NHTSA ID

11737997

Incident

May 4, 2026

Infotainment center making popping and cracking sounds during every drive. System will completely shut down and not work at all. No access to navigation, phone or infotainment center at all. Audio will completely cut out during music and phone calls.

NHTSA ID

11726111

Incident

Mar 21, 2026

While driving, we eill hear a popping noice coming from the dash speakers - almost sounds like fine grains if sand hitting windshield - at which time the media display, i.e. navigation /radio control display/etc. will turn black and briefly display "Network Connection Lost, MOST Net Off" message before the display goes completely black. This has only been noticed AFTER a recall service was performed.

NHTSA ID

11722007

Incident

Mar 3, 2026

CAR WILL RANDOMLY LOSE ALL POWER AS IF THE BATTERY IS DEAD AND THEN FLICKER AND COME BACK ON. NO WARNING LIGHTS OR CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS ARE ON. NOTHING HAS BEEN INSPECTED YET BUT THIS SAME PROBLEM WAS A PREVIOUS RECALL ON THIS MAKE AND MODEL

NHTSA ID

11718097

Incident

Feb 15, 2026

Driving on the highway dash goes completely black. Can’t see speed. Cruise control shuts down. Have to pull off the highway shut the engine down and wait for a couple minutes then restart. I have had all recalls repaired at the dealership where purchased but this happens weekly. At 50,000 miles I noticed rough and abrupt transmission shifting and clunking with a lag in acceleration. This continues despite multiple transmission flushes. The problem continues to worsen and current mileage is at 71000

NHTSA ID

11716679

Incident

Feb 3, 2026

My wife drives this vehicle daily with our 3 children all of sudden these warning lights come up: Trailer stability assist problem Road departure mitigation system problem Power steering system problem Emission system problem Vehicle stability assist problem Hill start assist problem The last time this happen was 1/28/2026 Took it to the dealer 1/31/2026 showed the association the video he said he has not heard of this but mostly caused by the battery. They looked at the battery all is well. If it happens again to bring it in he said. This was the 3rd time this happens the warning lights will go off. Took it to auto zone and they could not find the caused. This is dangerous to happen and unacceptable. Based on social media multiple people have this issue and causinga safety concern. What would it take for HONDA TO FIX THIS. PLEASE MAKE A RECALL!!

NHTSA ID

11715957

Incident

Jan 28, 2026

2020 Honda pilot will sporadically turn off at highway speeds and at stop lights and will not turn back on until placed in park with foot on the brake. This is not to be confused with the start/stop feature used to save fuel. Additionally the 2020 pilot will lurch forward (like stuck in drive) while still in park.

NHTSA ID

11708440

Incident

Jul 31, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that an ABS message was frequently displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the contact was informed that there was a miscommunication error with the front camera, which caused the failure. The contact was informed that the failure was not a safety issue and was given an estimate for the repair; however, the contact declined the repair. Since the failure, the contact received various messages on the instrument panel, with one message related to the transmission. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who confirmed the miscommunication error and that if not addressed, the failure could lead to other major safety issues. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

NHTSA ID

11702933

Incident

Nov 1, 2024

Mileage

125,000 mi

The infotainment center goes out, the screen reads "Network Communication Lost" "MOST Net off". This occurs while using the rearview camera, causing a safety issue. This is a known Honda issue, bulletin 20-049, 20-058, A19-030B. Replacement of FAKRA connectors, MOST bus wiring harness (parts 39817-TJB-ACO housing or 39165-TG7 cords) or the entire floor harness.. Vehicle has 79,000 miles.

NHTSA ID

11700825

Incident

Nov 20, 2025

The auto shut off has been not working properly and the vehicle wont restart after it shuts off. My wife was at a traffic light, and the vehicle shut off. When the light turned green, it did not restart. As a result of this she about got taken out by a semi that was coming in behind her. This could have been a deadly accident as it is raining and wet. She was stuck at the light on a busy highway for 3 minutes before the vehicle would restart.

NHTSA ID

11695873

Incident

Oct 27, 2025

My battery died while the vehicle was parked. I needed to physically move the vehicle but could not because the electronic button shifter would not allow me to put the transmission in Neutral. The only way to move it out of Park is a lengthy process requiring tools, engine component removals and a manual shifting of the linkage using a long wrench. My solution, was I had to leave the vehicle unattended, call a friend, get tools and replace the battery while blocking traffic. Safety concerns were that the vehicle was blocking traffic at a business and no documentation by Honda of how to fix or even shift the vehicle into Neutral. Now consider if someone has to try and manually tow the vehicle while in Park! I replaced the battery myself, but this is a well documented issue with electronic shifters, that will never make a dealership or service departments records or statistics! There was no warning of the failure, or battery light illuminating. Previous vehicle inspections at the dealership gave no indication that the battery was failing.

NHTSA ID

11694216

Incident

Oct 12, 2025

Lane departure front facing projection camera suddenly went out disabling multiple safety features of the car. The part number for the car is 36160-TG8-A83. This car only has ~86,000 miles and this is unacceptable. This failure disables the Lane keep assist, lane departure, auto high/low beam, adaptive cruise control, auto braking safety features and causes the brake light system light to come on. Apparently, this is a common issue and should be investigated. The parts are on back order nationally and good luck finding a used one.

NHTSA ID

11691505

Incident

Sep 19, 2025

The auto stop/start idle function does not re-engage after stopping the engine. This has happened at least 4 times in the last 3weeks with my vehicle. When stopped in traffic or at a light and stop sign the engine idle engages and stops running the engine, when releasing the brake pedal the engine does not turn on as it should and the car stalls. This requires the operator to engage hazard lights, shift into park and repeatedly try the push start button to turn on the vehicle to proceed. The passenger safety of myself and children are of concern. While having to wait on a car function, that is the core operation of the vehicle, it is dangerous to shut off a vehicle while in operation. Having other vehicles honking and trying to pass or even stopping at a highway entrance ramp then trying to engage the car to meet highway speeds is a dangerous time for an engine to stall and not re-engage. Yes, the issue has been reproduced and a dealer has already addressed the issue with a software update. This update has not resolved the issue. There are no current recalls on my vehicle. There are no warning signs or messages or the ability to turn off the function permanently. In addition, there a times during the operation of the vehicle where the engine stop/start function works after many stops but then randomly does not start. It is an inconsistent feature.

NHTSA ID

11691145

Incident

Sep 30, 2025

I am reporting a safety defect in my 2020 Honda Pilot EX-L ~86,300 miles. The rearview camera and electrical/infotainment system intermittently fail, showing static, disconnecting Bluetooth, and sometimes leaving the camera blank. This creates a serious safety risk when reversing, driving in tight spaces, or transporting my children. These issues began within the first year of ownership (2020–2021) and continued after Recall 23-047, during which cables were replaced and the system later rewired in August 2023. Despite these repairs, the defects persist. The dealership Pohanka Honda Fredericksburg confirmed the faults multiple times but now refuses to repair, quoting over $3,000. The vehicle has also experienced three dead batteries since 2020, leaving me stranded multiple times, including once during out-of-state travel. There were no warning lights for the battery failures, but infotainment and camera issues were noticeable immediately. The vehicle has been out of service for approximately three cumulative months, impairing reliability and my ability to perform daily work and family responsibilities. These defects have significantly impaired the use, value, and safety of the vehicle, especially given my responsibilities as a single mother, caregiver to a blind parent, and emergency department practitioner. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealer and reviewed by Honda corporate. I am seeking a proper remedy for a federally mandated safety feature (rear camera, FMVSS 111). The vehicle and affected components are available for inspection upon request. This complaint documents ongoing safety risks, repeated battery failures, and unresolved recall-related defects that began under warranty. Honda’s failure to properly repair these defects continues to create unsafe driving conditions and a serious risk of injury to myself, my passengers, and the public.

NHTSA ID

11690838

Incident

Aug 1, 2021

The LKAS camera stopped working and it won’t allow any of the connected systems to operate including ACC, emergency brake assist, cruise control, etc.

NHTSA ID

11685007

Incident

Aug 11, 2025

While stopped at red light the auto off feature engaged and the car stalled out when restarting. This has happened multiple times since buying the vehicle

NHTSA ID

11685006

Incident

Sep 4, 2025