2021 Honda Pilot Problems

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

My wife was driving at about 40mph and hit a curb while driving straight. The car’s swerved and hit the front right and right rear tire with the curb. The right side curtain airbag deployed. This vehicle was taken to the Honda dealership a few months ago to address the exact same problem that was addressed through a safety recall with a sensor that was supposedly replaced but the Honda dealership in Waco Texas. I am requesting assistance to hopefully get the vehicle inspected and repaired at no cost by the dealership. This should not be happening.

I am submitting this letter as an official complaint regarding a potential safety defect involving the airbag system in my 2021 Honda Pilot. I was involved in a motor vehicle accident on February 3, 2026 in Atlanta, GA. The collision was a direct frontal impact with another vehicle at approximately 35 mph. The vehicle sustained damage with repair estimates over $8,000. Despite the nature of the crash, the airbags did not deploy. However, post-accident diagnostic information reported by the auto body repair shop indicates that the vehicle’s computer system recorded the airbags as having deployed. This discrepancy raises serious safety concerns, as the system appears to have registered a deployment event that did not physically occur. This could indicate a malfunction in the airbag control module, sensors, wiring, or software. A failure of this kind prevented the proper airbag deployment in a crash where it was needed, posing a significant risk to my safety. To my knowledge, the airbag system had no prior warnings or indicators of malfunction before the accident. Directly following the accident an error appeared on the screen behind the steering wheel stating "Airbag System (SRS) Problem." The vehicle is currently at the body shop and available for inspection.

My 2021 Honda Pilot has a recurring electrical/network communication failure that causes “Network Communication Lost” and “MOST Net Off” messages to appear on the infotainment screen. When this occurs, the infotainment system malfunctions, audio becomes unavailable, and the backup camera display is lost without warning. The problem is intermittent, unpredictable, and has occurred numerous times. The loss of the backup camera is a serious safety concern because it occurs while the vehicle is otherwise operating normally. During reversing, rear visibility is reduced, increasing the risk of striking another vehicle, pedestrian, child, cyclist, or object. The error messages and loss of infotainment functions also create driver distraction and raise concerns about the reliability of the vehicle’s electronic systems. I reported the issue to an authorized Honda dealership multiple times. They recommended replacement of the audio/display unit, and I paid for the repair. However, the same failure returned. The dealer later advised that the root cause may involve wiring, MOST network components, or another electrical defect and estimated approximately $3,000 in additional repairs. Despite multiple visits and approximately $983.29 in diagnostic and repair costs, the defect remains unresolved. Honda Service Bulletin 20-058 describes similar MOST bus symptoms, including communication errors, loss of audio, infotainment malfunctions, and multimedia network failures. My vehicle exhibits the same symptoms. Because the dealer-recommended repair failed, the problem appears to involve the vehicle’s electrical communication network rather than a single component. This recurring defect affects the backup camera, infotainment system, and other electronics relied upon for safe operation. I believe it may affect other 2019–2021 Honda Pilot vehicles and may represent a widespread safety defect. I request NHTSA investigate to determine whether a recall / other corrective action is warranted.

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Pilot. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V174000 (Visibility), but the failure occurred. The contact stated that the first time the driver's side mirror was replaced, the image in the mirror was distorted, severely compromising driver visibility. The contact stated that the mirror looked like it was made of plastic and not glass. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The driver's side mirror was replaced. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the driver's side mirror was replaced. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that before the recall the driver's side mirror never experienced the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

One day my wife was driven the car to a friend on [XXX] push the brake pedal and the car fail to stop, thank GOD the cars in front of her moved before impact for . She took the car to the dealer, she asks if any recall for power break buster .They reply NO. She ask how much is to check the problem with the breaks. They reply $ 350 just to tell her the problem . The repair is $1000 dollars or more .She took the car to King Muffler Hollywood were they drove the car to see the complain . They check the car give her an Price for $ 880 for parts and labor . After 3 mounts she whent to the Nation wide honda to see if is any reimbursement . They told her to call Honda Corp.we call Honda Corp says NO . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I purchased my vehicle approximately 8 months ago, and recently all of the warning lights on my dashboard began coming on randomly while driving. I immediately brought the vehicle back to the dealership where I purchased it. At that visit, I was told the cause was unknown and that it might possibly be related to the battery. Unsatisfied with that explanation, I took the car to a second authorized dealership for another opinion. After inspection, I was advised that there was nothing wrong with the battery and no clear cause was identified for the warning lights. Despite taking the car to two dealerships, I have received no resolution or effective support. The issue remains ongoing, and I am now left uncertain about the reliability of my vehicle. Warning lights are designed to alert drivers to serious problems, and when they come on without explanation, it creates a very real safety concern. I do not know if my car is safe to drive. My concern is heightened by the fact that I have since learned this vehicle model has been subject to a recall in the past for the same issue. This raises the possibility that my car may be experiencing a known defect that was not properly resolved. As a consumer and driver, I should not be left to guess about the safety of my vehicle, especially when a documented recall exists. I am formally requesting immediate assistance: a complete inspection by a qualified technician, confirmation of whether my car is covered by any recall, and repair of the defect at no cost if it is recall-related. I also request written documentation of findings and assurance that my vehicle is safe to operate. At this point, I feel I have not been provided with adequate support or resolution. I am extremely concerned for my safety and believe this matter requires urgent attention.

I am having an issue with the start stop function on my 2021 Honda Pilot. When active, the start stop struggles to restart after it is engaged at a stop light. There have been two instances in the last two weeks where the vehicle did not restart on its own and needed to be restarted manually. Spoke to the dealer service team and they indicated there were no known recalls and it would be out of pocket for me to diagnose and repair.

Engine started knocking and within a couple days my wife was left stranded. The vehicle went into limp mode with check engine light flashing, and would not accelerate. The vehicle stopped completely in the middle of the road and lost all power, which could’ve caused a major accident. Scheduled maintenance and oil changes has been kept up by me. I had the vehicle towed to a trusted shop and was informing that there were metal shavings in the oil filter. They inspected the top end of the engine and everything was normal. The only indication is that the problem is internal to the engine. There is a recall for Honda Pilots up to model year 2020 but I believe this issue is affecting vehicles up to 2022.

My current 2021 Honda Pilot (purchased used May 2024) is stalling out in live traffic - the most recent on XXX creating a massive safety hazard. (In addition, the engine is making the same exact clicking noise that the 2015 Honda VIN:[XXX] made right before the engine catastrophically seized on my way to work. That 2015 Honda Pilot seized due to a defective Variable Cynlinder Management (VCM) system. This defect was covered by a court-ordered federal class-action settlement warranty extension (Alex [XXX] v. American Honda, Case No. XXX), extending coverage to 10 years/150,000 miles. While that vehicle was fully within this window - Honda of [XXX] wrongfully denied this legal warranty.) The CURRENT 2021 Honda Pilot (Purchased Used) VIN: [XXX] suffers from intermittent engine stalling in live traffic. The dealership has failed to resolve this issue across three separate visits, while exploiting the emergencies. The timeline of failed repairs includes: 2/14/25: The vehicle stalled in live traffic. The dealership charged me $420.48 for diagnostics and a failed repair. 8/13/25: The dashboard lit up and the vehicle suffered engine failure leaving my family stranded for 9 hours waiting for Honda Assist. It was brought to the Honda of New Rochelle service center where they exploited this emergency to charge me an exorbitant $1,300.00 out of pocket for unrelated work financed via Sunbit loan. 9/24/2025: The vehicle stalled in live traffic for a third time. The dealership charged me an additional $572.00 for another failed repair. They reguse to give me the RO's and the car has 29 active codes including U3006-16 (ECU Power Source Failure), proving a severe electrical or fuel delivery hazard remains completely unresolved. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

My vehicle has failed to restart several times with the auto idle start feature enabled while stopped at a stoplight. I was in a turning lane the first time it happened, so other vehicles had to make a left hand turn from a lane that was meant to go straight to get around me. The starter has not been inspected There weren't warning lamps prior to the auto start feature not working. When the car would not turn back on. I had to put the car in park, turn off "Accesory mode", turn the car back on, and put the car back in drive. There have been several other instances the car has hesitated to restart, but it does.

I am reporting a safety defect involving Continental CrossContact LX Sport tires, size 245/50 R20 used on my 2021 Honda Pilot. These tires are not currently included in the existing Continental recalls, but they are showing the same types of failures described in NHTSA recall 21T‑001 and related Continental bulletins. Specifically, my tires developed cracking/localized tread wear/vibration and visible separation in the tread/sidewall area. This matches the recall descriptions of carcass breaks and belt‑edge separations that can cause sudden air loss or partial/full tread and belt loss, leading to loss of vehicle control and increased risk of a crash. I believe these tires were manufactured with a similar defect and should be investigated and included in the recall.

Size of tires: 245/59 R 20, 102H DOT serial #: [XXX] The 2021 Honda Pilot came equipped with the tires in this discussion. At 30,000 mile check up at dealership, we were informed the 3 tires with this DOT number had “dry rot” and needed replacing. A fourth tire with a different number is in excellent shape. These tires are NOT on a recall list. Many of the Continental tires of this type have been recalled. Obviously since 3/4 tires are falling apart, it is not environmental or from road conditions or driving. These tires should be included in a recall. They are not safe and should last much longer than 30,000 miles of wear. We are going to have to replace them as soon as possible so they are not available for inspection. If they had failed, we could have crashed. There were no warning messages or lamps. I noticed they looked odd but it was just confirmed last week during the service visit that they had “dry rot” and needed replacing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

There is already an active recall , OHB 24V-064, on this vehicle for a seat weight sensor circuit board. I have made numerous inquiries at two local Honda dealerships in Phoenix over the last 9 months about getting this fixed, but they never have the part(s) available. One dealership, Bell Honda, promised six months ago to call me when they got the parts; I have not heard back from them. I went to another dealership, Right Honda in Scottsdale, yesterday for some other maintenance. They just told me that the parts were not available and could not tell me when or if they would have them.

I would like to present an issue with the third row seat headrest in my 2021 Honda Pilot. After stowing the third row seat to utilize the rear storage area the third row driver side head rest on the seat would not return to the upright position. After a few attempts to fold the seat/reset the position of the seat and still the headrest not folding up - took to dealership and upon their inspection determined the seat folding mechanism (which also folds the headrest) needed to be replaced. This was not covered by the factory warranty nor the extended warranty company which the dealership uses. As such, the mechanism needed to be replaced by the dealership (the third row in my vehicle is used everyday for occupants).

I have 4 car washed for this car so far Ive only had it for a few weeks. Every time I wash it the dome light/rear mirror leaks water and wets the entire cup holder and center console.

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving over a speed bump at an undisclosed speed, he heard a knocking sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the subframe was damaged. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 7,000.

Steering rack and pinion worn with approx 38,000 miles. Dealerships (2) advised the” clunking” was “normal” on the model. Another dealership advised it was more likely the CV-axles worn. Took to two independent garages who advised steering rack was bad. I advised them the dealer stated it was CV-axles. They stated the axles were fine. No wrecks, no driving off-road, and no driving in a manner that would cause failure. 2 years of asking about the clunking noise (now at 54,000 miles) and no ownership or accountability by the OEM for garbage parts. A steering rack should not be worn out in 5 yrs or 54,000 miles. I have my late father’s 1977 truck and it still has the original steering from the day he bought it in the fall of 1976. Forums and many other owners tell me it’s a safety concern and I agree. If Honda thinks sub-par steering components are ok… then I’ll be sure to replace every aircraft component on the executive jets with the same cost savings. It’s not insignificant parts, theirs is truly placing cost savings per unit above lives of people.

It's been a while my vehicle acting up, the brake is not working the way it was, had complained to the dealer but stating everthing looks ok, but i know how my car drives, steering is getting hard something is wrong its not normal, I have another suv I can tell something mechanical is wrong

Rear sub-frame welds failed. On January 1st 2023 while driving the vehicle a loud noise was observed. We got an appointment at the local Honda service center and we were told in fact it was the sub-frame and that Honda is refusing to cover this under the factory warranty. We are almost 500 miles from home and have a two year old vehicle with a broken sub-frame

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Pilot. The stated that the vehicle was pulling to the left or right while driving. The contact stated while depressing the brake pedal the vehicle started pulling to the right. Additionally, while driving over rough road surfaces the vehicle was making a loud rumbling sound as if the traction control was failing. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 9,800.

There is an electrical malfunction which causes all of the electrical components to flash on/off, glitch. This has occured while driving but primarily when the vehicle is parked and unattended. I’m afraid it can short and cause a fire. The vehicle will turn istelf on and off repeatedly and rapidly while unattended. This has been going on for 2 years with our vehicle and not under warranty.

LED Headlight burned out and is not possible to change or remove, dealer indicated it is not something that normally goes out, and wants to charge $2,000

I have had numerous issues with the car stalling while in idle- it will shut off but still display all the warning lights on the dash. It would require the car engine to be restarted. Has happened at stop signs, stop lights, carpool lights. This has happened at least 10 times over 3.5 years. Last week I had a similar issue but this time it was much scarier- it did that same shut off but completely shut off the engine. All systems were black and the start button did not trigger a response for at least a minute. Once it finally restarted it displayed a “lost power” message on the screen. More similar issues to report.

I have no idea

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while the engine was idling and with the gear shifter in the park position, the contact reached into the vehicle from the front driver's door, and suddenly the vehicle began to slowly roll backwards. The contact was pushed to the ground, causing the front driver's side wheel to roll over the contact's right leg. The vehicle continued to roll backwards before making a U-turn and then rolling forward down the inclined street and increasing speed. To avoid having the vehicle roll down hill into a crowded street with pedestrians, the front passenger inside the vehicle turned the steering wheel, causing the vehicle to crash into the rear of another parked vehicle. During the incident, the contact suffered an injured right leg and was transported to the hospital. A police report was taken at the scene, and the vehicle was towed away. The both air bags had deployed, and the vehicle was destroyed. The contact indicated that during the incident, the emergency brake was not activated. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the incident. The failure mileage was 20,000.