2021 Honda Pilot Visibility Problems

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.

NHTSA ID

11751970

Incident

Jun 6, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11705289

Incident

Dec 2, 2025

Mileage

100,000 mi

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V174000 (VISIBILITY), 24V064000 (AIR BAGS), and under TSB: 0101T0. The contact stated that the dealer did not repair all the recalls. The contact stated that in the driver’s side mirror, the image appeared wavy and resembled a funhouse mirror. The TSB regarding the coaxial cable terminal (FAKRA) was not repaired properly. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started there was an abnormal popping and crackling sound coming from the speakers. The contact returned the vehicle to the Service Department to have the vehicle re-examined; however, the dealer refused. In addition, the contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The dealer stated that the camera was on fish-eye mode. The dealer switched the lens and cleaned the camera. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 84,436.

NHTSA ID

11700685

Incident

Nov 13, 2025

Mileage

84,436 mi

Last year my Honda dealership, Honda of Harvey in Harvey, Louisiana did the recall of the falling side view mirrors on my 2021 Honda Pilot. This is recall 23V174000. Year later my driver side view mirror is doing the same thing. It is moving around and vibrating. Making it hard to see the traffic to the side and behind me. The service dept explained to me that the glue is coming apart. I told them that was what the recall was for. They said they did the recall once and are not doing it again. So it seems the fix honda had for this situation was not a fix but just a band aid. I did call Honda customer service and they blamed the dealership. No one wants to take the blame for this.

NHTSA ID

11655767

Incident

Apr 17, 2025

After having recall work done on the vehicle, the recalled driver side mirror is now not able to be to view roadway safely. The mirror is projecting duplicate images in a single lane and is impossible to view out of. In the photo you can see how the newly installed Honda side mirror is distorted.

NHTSA ID

11647124

Incident

Mar 8, 2025

Side view mirrors started shaking few months after buying car, had them replaced under warranty. After replacement drivers side was so distorted I took it back. They replaced again, still distorted but better. Too, to dealer for service and they replaced again due to recall, mirror is so distorted again i can barely see out it. I see many complaints on forums regarding this. Honda needs to correct this with the proper glass before an accident happens

NHTSA ID

11584187

Incident

Apr 19, 2024

There was a recall for driver side mirrors. The original mirror was fine but they replaced it with a mirror that is distorted/warped. They replaced it again with another distorted mirror. All the replacement mirrors are faulty. You can not safely drive with them !

NHTSA ID

11548232

Incident

Sep 30, 2023

The sunroof of my 2021 Honda Pilot spontaneously shattered while driving down the highway with my family inside the car. There is a class action lawsuit against Honda for this issue at the moment as well.

NHTSA ID

11537096

Incident

Aug 3, 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that he had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 23V174000 (Visibility), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for repair. Following the repair, the contact became aware that the side-view mirrors were distorted, severely compromising side-view visibility. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,000.

NHTSA ID

11535733

Incident

Jul 26, 2023

Mileage

34,000 mi

On 2 land roads especially with no other vehicles in view, the car will suddenly brake, flash the dash for emergency braking and violently shake the steering wheel back and forth and almost take it out of your hands. It was done this since new. Taken to dealer 11/15/21 for this issue, they "aligned it" and made it somewhat better but still did the braking and steering wheel shake on way home from dealer. We just put up with it as the vehicle cost so much. The dealer also replaced the windshield as it cracked within 3 months of new sitting in a parking lot. This again required another paid alignment of this system. They said windshield may have been defective buy we had to pay for it anyway, alignment was needed for avoidance system In may of 2023, the vehicle became un-drivable as it would kick the process off about every 30-50 feet. The vehicle has never been in any accident or collision of any type. So they said they aligned it gain but replaced some sensors. The vehicle still has some issues and they charged us $904 to replace some sensors even though they said they were believed they were good but could not find any other explanation, yes the vehicle has been under warranty during this entire time. Dealer and Honda spoke person stated warranty repair is discretionary on these repairs. So they will not honor their warranty either on this system

NHTSA ID

11533513

Incident

May 18, 2023

I went to my Honda dealership today 7/15/23, and my side mirrors were on a recall, and they replaced them and my driver side mirror is all distorted. It looks like I’m looking through my contacts while wearing my glasses. It’s given me a headache. My passenger side mirror looks fine. I’ll be calling the dealership on Monday morning. This fix is awful and a real safety hazard because now I don’t want to look out of the mirror because it gives me a really bad headache.

NHTSA ID

11532508

Incident

Jul 15, 2023

I received the recall remedy for my Pilot from a Honda service center per the side-view mirrors detachment recall (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 23V174000). Although my side-mirror was working just fine, I decided to receive the recall remedy, i.e., new side-mirrors, believing that it will improve safety of my car. However, after the Honda service center finished replacing my old side-mirrors with new side-mirrors, I realized while I was driving away from the center that the image of the new side-mirror on the driver side was very waving and distorted, which made me feel nauseous and zoned in when I looked at it. In fact, I had to keep looking at the mirror for more than a second while driving in order to clearly see what's behind my left lane. After trying to adjust myself to the new mirror for several minutes, I realized that I couldn't do it. So I had to take my car back to the service center and they explained that they received the same complaint a lot but another new mirror would have the same issue. After several back and forth between me and the staff, thankfully they replaced it with another new mirror. Although the distorted image on the mirror got better, it still bothered me while driving. As the manager at the center suggested that another new mirror replacement might be even worse than the current one, I decided to try the current one for now, and not ask for another replacement. In addition, I kept asking if I could get my original old mirror back since it was working just fine. But the center said that it is impossible due to the federal obligation they have toward NHTSA. I think quality of the recall remedy should be warranted. But, here, my situation got worse after receiving the recall remedy. I hope NHTSA will look into this issue and make sure the quality of the mirror provided by the manufacturer meets the basic customer expectation. Thank you. (FYI: https://www.piloteers.org/threads/distorted-sideview-mirror-image.180764/)

NHTSA ID

11529830

Incident

Jun 30, 2023

Inside rearview mirror(adhesive detched and air bubble is between windshield and rearview mirror) a crack had since developed exactly dead center where the rearview mirror has come detached. Problem has not been confirmed with dealer. Not yet. December 7th (when I noticed a few weeks ago, i went back into my camera roll and looked for pictures of my car and I found one where I can see the air bubble between the mirror and windshield before the crack had formed.

NHTSA ID

11528122

Incident

Dec 7, 2022

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently shifted to the left and right. Additionally, the passenger's side front mirror was shaking abnormally. Additionally, and the driver's side front window made abnormal sounds. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed as needing a wheel alignment. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 9,000.

NHTSA ID

11501479

Incident

Oct 15, 2021

Mileage

9,000 mi

Front windshield broke while the vehicle was sitting in the parking lot. I was staying overnight at a hotel. When I went to bed the car was fine. When I got up the next morning the windshield was broken. The car had been parked all night and it was in a secure area. The windshield broke on its own. My insurance paid for the broken windshield.

NHTSA ID

11500687

Incident

Jul 1, 2021

Sunroof exploded on 2021 Honda Pilot. On Wednesday November 9, 2022 approximately 3PM, my wife was driving her 2021 Honda Pilot down the freeway when she heard a loud explosion above her head followed by the sound of rushing air. The sunroof glass had spontaneously exploded. Fortunately the sunroof internal cover was pulled shut or else broken glass would have fallen on my wife's head. Driving conditions were good and my wife did not see any object strike the vehicle. We have owned the car since April 2021 and it has ~ 8000 miles. It is in pristine condition, no damage or accidents.

NHTSA ID

11495599

Incident

Nov 9, 2022

Sideview mirror on driver's side shakes/vibrates, thus causing blurry view. Noticed more during higher speeds.

NHTSA ID

11479894

Incident

Aug 12, 2022

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Pilot. The contact stated both exterior mirrors turned inward independently. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated she positioned both mirrors but continued to experience a failure. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 29,300.

NHTSA ID

11478730

Incident

Aug 8, 2022

Mileage

29,300 mi

On June 4, 2022, our 2021 Pilot was parked on the driveway with no one around it. It has been parked there for 2 days and the last time it was driven was on June 2. I was walking on the driveway towards our mailbox when all of a sudden the rear window exploded outward. Almost all of the glass were on the driveway and there were hardly any glass inside the vehicle. I called Honda Customer Service and I was told that I had to bring it to a dealer to see if it was a manufacturer's defect. However, the dealer would not be able to look at the car in a timely manner. I called my insurance and they covered the replacement glass yesterday. I researched the internet there were several similar incidents involving the rear window of Honda Pilots bursting/exploding. I am reporting this since this could be a potential driving hazard and a safety issue.

NHTSA ID

11468036

Incident

Jun 4, 2022

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving above 20 MPH, the driver's side mirror was vibrating and causing a visibility issue. The failure had been reoccurring since the vehicle was purchased. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the failure was due to the adhesive used to secure the mirror. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. In June 2021 consumer bought a new Honda Pilot. From the time consumer drove it off the lot, she noticed that the driver's side mirror shook on rough roads and at highway speeds.

NHTSA ID

11460636

Incident

Jun 3, 2021

The entire rear windshield compeltely failed on us. Last night (02/06/21) when we we turned on our NEW 2021 Pilot and started exiting the garage, the rear windshield forcefully exploded! The ENTIRE windshield shattered to pieces. It seemed like someone shot at our windshield but no one was outside. The windshield was never cracked before either, it was a new car! There were kids in the back and it was a HUGE SAFTEY HAZARD. The glass pieces were everywhere. This couldve happened on the road as well but thankfully we were in the garage. This is totally unacceptable for a new car and surely there was a defect in the tampered glass developed hy Honda in the first place. We have done a previous service with Honda and Honda told us all is good. Honda must answer for this since this was a very dangerous situation and traumatizing for my kids.

NHTSA ID

11450646

Incident

Feb 5, 2022

Driver side vehicle outside rear view mirror has separated from its' underlying mounting plate, while still being attached by a heating wire connected to the back surface of the mirror. Therefore it has been vibrating such that rearward visibility has been severely compromised and places both us and others at risk. It has now separated to the point that it is pulling out the wire and without tape will hang off it's housing. We have brought this issue to the attention of Hertrich Honda of Easton Md. as well as Honda. We are told by the dealer that this is a common issue on the Pilot and other models and that Honda has not provided a fix for the problem. In fact we are told by the dealer that there are no replacement components or mirrors available to fix the problem. Honda indicates that they are not aware of the problem. We have been addressing this problem with the dealer for over five months with no resolution. At this time the passenger side mirror is also vibrating severely but to our knowledge has not separated completely from the housing. We believe that this situation is very dangerous and seem not to be making progress in finding an acceptable resolution.

NHTSA ID

11447919

Incident

Aug 3, 2021

The problem is the driver's outside rearview mirror. The mirror shakes so much that it is useless at highway speed, you cannot focus on vehicles coming up on your left hand side. The dealer and Honda are aware of the problem since the beginning of 2021. That being said both allowed me to purchase the 2021 Honda Pilot in June 2021. I have been in contact with the dealer over 6 times to see if a fix has been made available? I also filed a complaint with Honda in July 2021 and got no date for a fix. I have avoided an accident on three occasions, my daughter once and my wife has had close calls. How can a dealer and Honda sell me a vehicle with a known defect and not be able to fix it?

NHTSA ID

11443414

Incident

Jul 1, 2021

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 - 30 MPH, a loud bang noise was heard. The contact stated that the sunroof glass had exploded, and glass shards came inside of the vehicle and landed on the contact's hair and clothing. There was no impact on the sunroof that could have caused it to shatter. The contact did not sustain any injuries. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer informed the contact that a stone must have hit the sunroof and referred the contact to file a claim with the insurance company. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.

NHTSA ID

11435520

Incident

Oct 1, 2021

Mileage

8,000 mi

Driver side mirror glass distorted and is available for inspection upon request. The driver side mirror distortion is difficult to see traffic causing a safety issue. Dealer has tried twice to repair with no final resolution. Service manager states Honda has inspected the review mirror issue.

NHTSA ID

11433018

Incident

Sep 15, 2021