What Year Honda Pilot to Avoid?
The Honda Pilot is a reliable and popular midsize SUV known for its comfort, spacious interior, and strong fuel economy. However, even the most reliable vehicles have their flaws, and some model years may be better to avoid than others. In this article, we’ll dive into the details and identify the Honda Pilot years to avoid.
The First Generation (2002-2008)
The first-generation Honda Pilot, produced from 2002 to 2008, had its fair share of issues. Some of the problems reported by owners include:
- Transmission failures: The 5-speed automatic transmission was prone to failure, leading to costly repairs.
- Airbag recalls: Honda recalled over 100,000 Pilot models due to concerns over faulty airbags that may not deploy properly.
- Rust and corrosion: Some owners reported rust and corrosion issues on the undercarriage and frame, which can be expensive to repair.
Model Years to Avoid
Based on the issues listed above, the following Honda Pilot model years are best avoided:
- 2002-2003: These early models are particularly prone to transmission failures and airbag recalls.
- 2004-2005: While not as prone to transmission issues, these years still had rust and corrosion problems.
- 2006-2008: These models had the same rust and corrosion issues, but transmission failures became less common.
The Second Generation (2009-2015)
The second-generation Honda Pilot, produced from 2009 to 2015, addressed some of the issues from the first generation. However, it introduced its own set of problems:
- Fuel system issues: Some owners reported fuel leaks, clogged fuel injectors, and faulty fuel pumps.
- Electrical system glitches: Problems with the infotainment system, heated seats, and other features were common.
- Safety issues: Honda recalled the 2010-2012 Pilot models due to concerns over faulty seat belts and airbags.
Model Years to Avoid
Based on the issues listed above, the following Honda Pilot model years are best avoided:
- 2009-2010: These models had the most significant fuel system issues.
- 2011-2012: These years were plagued by electrical system glitches and safety issues.
- 2013-2015: While less severe, these models still had some fuel system and electrical system issues.
The Third Generation (2016-Present)
The third-generation Honda Pilot, produced from 2016 to present, has seen significant improvements in reliability. However, some issues remain:
- Infotainment system glitches: Some owners reported issues with the infotainment system, including freezing and connectivity problems.
- Transmission hesitations: Some owners reported hesitations and jerks when shifting gears.
- Rearview camera issues: Some owners reported issues with the rearview camera, including poor video quality and failure to detect objects.
Model Years to Avoid
Based on the issues listed above, the following Honda Pilot model years are best avoided:
- 2016: This model year had some of the most significant infotainment system glitches.
- 2017: Transmission hesitations were common in this year.
- 2018: Some owners reported issues with the rearview camera.
Table: Honda Pilot Model Years and Their Issues
| Model Year | Transmission Failures | Airbag Recalls | Rust and Corrosion | Fuel System Issues | Electrical System Glitches | Safety Issues |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002-2003 | High | High | High | – | – | – |
| 2004-2005 | – | – | High | – | – | – |
| 2006-2008 | – | – | High | – | – | – |
| 2009-2010 | – | – | – | High | – | – |
| 2010-2012 | – | High | – | – | High | High |
| 2011-2012 | – | High | – | – | High | High |
| 2013-2015 | – | – | – | Medium | Medium | – |
| 2016 | – | – | – | – | High | – |
| 2017 | – | – | – | – | High | – |
| 2018 | – | – | – | – | Medium | – |
Conclusion
While the Honda Pilot is a reliable and popular vehicle, some model years may be better to avoid due to issues with transmission failures, airbag recalls, rust and corrosion, fuel system issues, electrical system glitches, and safety issues. By understanding the problems associated with each model year, you can make an informed decision when purchasing a used Honda Pilot. Remember to research and test drive the vehicle thoroughly before making a purchase.
