2021 Honda Pilot Owner Complaints

When the brake is pressed at a light or when idling, the gear shifts automatically to neutral and will not drive. I have to press and hold the power button to restart the car. It is happening more frequently. I have taken it to the dealership several times and they have not been able to replicate it. It also doesn’t give any codes. This is a true safety concern because I have impeded traffic multiple times when it occurs. I tried to add pictures of the invoices that I received from the dealership but was unsuccessful.

NHTSA ID

11766025

Incident

Apr 17, 2026

The entire ADAS suddenly failed. the vehicle started cycling through all warning indicators (adaptive cruise control problem, abs problem, lane keep assist problem, brake mitigation system problem etc) brought it to Honda today and they confirmed that the "multi purpose camera/millimeter wave radar unit with aiming" had failed and needed to be replaced. Honda charged $1764.14 for all work to fix this on 9/15/2026

NHTSA ID

11764401

Incident

Sep 14, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under an unknown recall; however, the recall repair failed to prevent the failure. The contact stated that while shifting in reverse(R), the rear-view camera failed to display a clear image. The local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA ID

11764021

Incident

Aug 15, 2023

Mileage

75,000 mi

Our pilot is experiencing similar issues found online with catastrophic engine failure due to a misfire caused by a knocking rod. Honda so far has not responded to our claim despite it being a known issue around the same time ours was manufactured.

NHTSA ID

11763937

Incident

Sep 8, 2026

I am filing this complaint regarding a recurring “Network Communication Lost” issue with my Honda Pilot. I am aware that Honda has issued a recall related to network communication issues; however, when I checked my vehicle’s VIN, it is not included in the recall. My vehicle is experiencing the same network communication problem described in the recall. I am concerned that my vehicle may have the same underlying defect but is not currently covered by the recall. I believe this issue should be investigated because a loss of communication between vehicle systems can potentially affect the operation, reliability, and safety of the vehicle. I should not have to wait until my vehicle experiences a more serious failure before this issue is addressed. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether the recall should be expanded to include additional Honda Pilot vehicles, including vehicles with VINs that are currently excluded but are experiencing the same defect. I would also like this complaint documented as part of any investigation into Honda’s network communication system issue and any related safety defects.

NHTSA ID

11763297

Incident

Jan 1, 2026

Vehicle has multiple safety system failures. After extensive online research and multiple diagnostics, repair technicians indicating safety camera failure due to heat. Technician indicating significant increase specific to this vehicle of late. Excessive environmental temperature “frying” ADAS camera. This causes failure to HondaSense safety features such as collision mitigation, lane keeping, and road departure mitigation - features touted as industry leading by Honda. Matter has been diagnosed and duplicated by service technicians. Extensive online research indicates potential widespread issue that requires highly expensive replacement/repair and calibration.

NHTSA ID

11763127

Incident

Sep 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Pilot. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V365000 (STRUCTURE, SUSPENSION) and 24V064000(AIR BAGS); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID

11762787

Incident

Sep 8, 2026

Multiple times at a stoplight, car switched into Neutral I have to turn on my hazard lights, turn off the car and restart it

NHTSA ID

11762655

Incident

Sep 7, 2026

Front safety camera no longer works which has disabled the lane keep assist, automatic cruise control, brake system, and road departure mitigation system. This is a safety hazard.

NHTSA ID

11762610

Incident

Nov 24, 2025

Warning lamps for lkas, acc, auto lights and brake system started to appear. Honda diagnostics have pointed to an electrical failure with the multipurpose camera. The Honda representative admitted that this is a very common failure. I was told the car is “safe to drive” but there are constant brake system warning lights flashing on my dash. The net result is that I have no ability to know whether there is an actual brake system failure if one were to occur.

NHTSA ID

11760453

Incident

Aug 28, 2026

My 2021 Honda Pilot has repeatedly failed to restart after the Auto Idle Stop system shuts the engine off while the vehicle is stopped. When the system activates, the engine can fail to restart when I need to move, leaving the vehicle stalled in active traffic. This has happened multiple times and creates a serious safety risk, particularly at busy intersections. Honda previously performed the software update intended to address the Auto Idle Stop failure-to-restart condition, but the problem continued after the update. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Honda dealership because the problem persisted. The dealership has now diagnosed the starter as the cause of the failure-to-restart problem and recommended starter replacement. The vehicle and affected components are available for inspection. Honda has acknowledged Auto Idle Stop failure-to-restart problems on Honda Pilots and has extended warranty coverage for starter replacement on certain affected vehicles. However, American Honda has informed me that my specific vehicle is not included in the starter warranty extension, despite experiencing the same failure-to-restart condition, despite Honda's software update failing to correct it, and despite the Honda dealer diagnosing the starter as the cause. American Honda is considering partial goodwill assistance toward the starter repair but has told me that the repair will not be covered at 100%. I am reporting this because the Auto Idle Stop system can intentionally shut off the engine and the vehicle can then fail to restart, leaving the driver unable to move out of the way of traffic. I am concerned that Honda's existing remedy and the VIN population included in the starter warranty extension may not adequately address all vehicles experiencing this safety-related failure.

NHTSA ID

11760139

Incident

May 1, 2026

On at least 5 occasions this vehicle has gone completely dead as slowing down to stop or being completely stopped. Nothing electrical is available. No tail lights, headlights, or emergency flashers. After a long waiting period it has suddenly re-energized so far. This was purchased as Certified Honda used car and never serviced anywhere but a Honda delaership. They allegedly replaced the start/stop system under "extended warranty". The occurence is random. The dealership pushes back on taking any action because they can't repeat the problem on the spot. The car has staranded us at very major interesections twice and had to be towed. The risk driving this car is unacceptably high. We have video evidence of the failure. There may be a police report as we called them to control traffic.

NHTSA ID

11759921

Incident

Aug 14, 2026

Was driving vehicle and all of a sudden engine light pops up with no driver codes and the left side of engine starts knocking. I pull into the closest shop. They test a vehicle misfire in cylinder 5 and propose vehicle gets towed to dealership to look at codes. I tow vehicle to dealership for them to tell me rod bearings, crankshaft are bad and need a new engine. Engine was 99k and well maintained with every service record included. I asked about Honda goodwill which they denied me due to vehicle not getting serviced at Honda for oil changes. The rod bearings were recalled on previous Honda models and there is currently an open investigation on 2021 models but no official recall.

NHTSA ID

11759044

Incident

Aug 11, 2026

The infotainment system and rearview backup camera malfunction continually. While driving or attempting to reverse, the infotainment system frequently shuts off entirely and loses its fiber optic network connection. When it attempts to reboot and turn back on, loud popping and crackling noises emit from the vehicle speakers. Additionally, the backup camera regularly glitches and displays a message stating that the system is "Too Hot," causing the rearview monitor to go entirely blank. These issues are especially severe on hot days.This creates an immediate safety hazard, as it unexpectedly eliminates rear visibility while backing up, increasing the risk of a collision. It also causes distracted driving conditions due to the sudden, loud audio popping and screen blackouts. This failure mimics the exact symptoms outlined in Honda's active MOST Bus Coaxial Cable recall, yet my vehicle is experiencing the same severe safety defects. Rear view camera does warn it no longer works due to heat. No inspection done as of yet but plan on taking it to dealership.

NHTSA ID

11759025

Incident

Aug 23, 2026

The vehicle won't start, electrical system failure. Sometimes the electrical system fails when the car is driving/it will stall on the road. It was predicated by the alarm going off intermittently and without provocation (in the middle of the night/etc).

NHTSA ID

11758473

Incident

Jan 7, 2026

I am reporting a catastrophic engine failure involving my 2021 Honda Pilot equipped with the 3.5L V6 engine. The vehicle has approximately 77,000 miles. The vehicle developed an engine rattling noise followed by complete engine failure and loss of motive power. I had the vehicle transported to an authorized Honda dealership for diagnosis. Following inspection and engine teardown, the Honda dealer documented a hole in the front side of the short block, a large amount of metal debris in the oil pan, and the cylinder #3 connecting rod broken in half. The dealer concluded that the engine experienced catastrophic internal failure with widespread metal contamination throughout the lower and upper engine components. Due to the extent of the damage, the Honda dealer recommended replacement of the short-block assembly, both complete cylinder heads, fuel injectors and associated components. The estimated engine repair alone is approximately $20,275. I am concerned that this failure may represent a safety-related engine defect because catastrophic connecting-rod failure can result in sudden loss of motive power. Honda has previously recalled certain vehicles equipped with 3.5L V6 engines for connecting-rod-bearing failures that can cause engine damage, engine failure and loss of motive power. My 2021 Pilot is not currently included in that recall population. I am not asserting that the cause of my engine failure has been established as identical to the existing recall defect. However, given the catastrophic connecting-rod failure documented by an authorized Honda dealer, I am requesting that NHTSA review this incident and determine whether it may be related to the broader pattern of connecting-rod/engine failures involving Honda 3.5L V6 engines, including vehicles outside the existing recall population.

NHTSA ID

11757552

Incident

Apr 30, 2026

#1 connecting rod bearing failure at 89,000 miles, all oil changes were done timely and properly. Car is very well maintained. While engine is running it has a very loud rod knock coming from bottom of engine. I did some research and it’s the same symptoms and issues as (NHTSA Campaign 23V751) 2016-2020 Honda pilot recall.

NHTSA ID

11756835

Incident

Aug 11, 2026

My 2021 Honda Pilot displayed a U3000 diagnostic trouble code, indicating an internal electronic failure of the front-facing multipurpose camera that operates the vehicle's Honda Sensing safety systems (Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Keeping Assist System, Road Departure Mitigation, and Adaptive Cruise Control). As a result, these safety systems became inoperative. I took the vehicle to an authorized Honda dealer, who confirmed the U3000 code and quoted approximately $2,000 to replace the camera unit. I have since learned this is a widely reported failure across multiple Honda and Acura models (Pilot, Odyssey, CR-V, Accord, Civic, HR-V, Clarity, RDX, MDX) and is the subject of a proposed class action lawsuit alleging Honda knew of the defect and failed to disclose it or issue a recall. I am filing this report to document the failure and its safety impact.

NHTSA ID

11756019

Incident

Aug 5, 2026

My 2021 Honda Pilot Touring intermittently fails to restart after the Auto Idle Stop system shuts off the engine at a stop. This occurs about 10% of the time. When I release the brake, the engine does not restart, creating a risk of being stranded in traffic. I must shift to Park and press the Start button to restart it. No warning lights or messages were observed. The problem has not yet been inspected by a dealer. The vehicle is available for inspection. Scheduled appointment at Honda service.

NHTSA ID

11755752

Incident

Aug 6, 2026

The vehicle’s driver‑assist and collision‑avoidance systems began failing simultaneously. Multiple warnings appear on the dashboard every time the vehicle is started, and the cruise control system has stopped functioning entirely. Adaptive Cruise Control cannot be disabled, preventing the use of standard cruise control. Collision Mitigation System Problem Adaptive Cruise Control Problem (ACC) Lane Keeping Assist Problem (LKAS) Road Departure Mitigation System Problem Auto High-Beam Problem The failure of one component impacts multiple vehicle features, the ability to maintain safe following distance, avoid collisions, stay within lane boundaries, and properly manage headlights. The loss of cruise control functionality also affects long‑distance driving safety and consistency. These systems are designed to prevent accidents; their simultaneous failure represents a significant safety hazard. Dealer inspection indicates repairs costing thousands of dollars, often involving replacement of sensors, radar units, or wiring harnesses. No recall or service bulletin has been provided to address this widespread issue. Many Honda owners have reported identical failures on online forums and owner groups. The pattern suggests a systemic defect affecting Honda’s driver‑assist safety systems across multiple models and years. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue as a potential safety defect affecting Honda vehicles. The failure of multiple collision‑avoidance and lane‑keeping systems at once poses a serious risk to drivers, passengers, and others on the road.

NHTSA ID

11755694

Incident

Apr 19, 2026

Ive had about 5 times my car Honda pilot 2021 stall at a stop light, a stop sign. The first it took a minute to go and the light was green. I was honked at and yelled at. It finally kicked on and we went, the next time it went into accessory mode at a stop sign, then into N then off…. All while in drive to start. The rest were times I was in auto start stop and it just wouldn’t start. Each 5 times it gave an error code that disappeared right after I had to try snd restart by pushing the button. I went to Honda 2 times now, first time they said they did the program… that didn’t stop the issue, I then took it again after the 4th time and they said it was a bad battery… replaced it mind you $400 later… and it did it the next day.. they won’t cover a free inspection and when I said there’s a bulletin about this they said they did id already but still doing it. I am very frustrated and j drive 3 kids under 7 this is very very unsafe especially someone who already has a brain injury from aka c I dent.

NHTSA ID

11755662

Incident

Jul 7, 2026

My Honda has recently began displaying ADAS Failure where none of the features work including cruise control. I took to a mechanic and they displayed code U3000. This seems to be a common issue that Honda is not addressing. The fee to repair is over $1500 and the car is less than 5 years old. This is a safety issue.

NHTSA ID

11754390

Incident

Jun 14, 2026

I am having these problems with my 2021 Honda Pilot Touring causing intermittent sudden braking. The dealership is quoting me a lot of money to fix them. Collision Mitigation System problem Road Departure Mitigation System Problem Auto High Beam Problem Lane Keep Assist Problem Adaptive Cruise Control Problem These problems should not be occurring to a an expensive vehicle worth over $45,000 for no reason. The dealership mentioned that they are caused by a failed battery fan.

NHTSA ID

11753380

Incident

Feb 26, 2026

Since 2023, this car’s auto start/stop feature has malfunctioned. Honda keeps replacing the battery and saying nothing else is wrong. It has had 4 battery replacements since 2023. Now they are saying I need to replace the starter. I no longer use the start/stop feature, but if I forget and it engages, my car will not restart leaving me in an intersection trying to get the car to restart, which in a large city is scary. They did adjust the controls one time under an extended warranty, but it did not help. The service manager says nothing else can be done, but I’m reading this is an open investigation on this issue and Honda should be replacing the starter as well. My car has had all scheduled maintenance done at the dealership and only has around 56,000.

NHTSA ID

11753106

Incident

Jul 27, 2026

When at a stop, the automatic idle stop shuts off the engine and doesn’t come back out of that to start back up. Have to put the car in park to restart. This is a major safety issue especially when vehicles are behind me beeping the horn. Happened on several occasions.

NHTSA ID

11752970

Incident

Jul 26, 2026