Complaint volume
469 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2020 Honda Pilot Complaints
469 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2020 Honda Pilot, grouped by component category.
469 Total complaints
10 Crash reports
5 Fire reports
10 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are electrical system, engine, unknown or other. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 10 crash reports, 5 fire reports, 10 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 144 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 15,993 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to electrical system, engine, unknown or other?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2020 Honda Pilot?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2020 Honda Pilot
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2020 Honda Pilot complaints?
10 Crash
5 Fire
10 Injury
0 Fatality
11 Towed
6 Medical attention
What are the most common 2020 Honda Pilot complaint categories?
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 121
ENGINE 58
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 48
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 20
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 18
POWER TRAIN 18
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 17
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING 12
SERVICE BRAKES 11
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS 9
469 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE | my rear view camera went out and it is a $2,000 fix. can this please be a recall? i know many others this has happened to as well. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Almost immediately after purchase, the orange BRAKE sign came on and the gas pedal slightly braked for me. The forward collision light stayed on my dash board. The camera behind the windshield mirror seems to be malfunctioning. It will go off whether a car is close to me or not. It happens at random times during my drive and it worries me if I am going a decent spend with people behind me or in front of me and my car starts to break on its own, potentially causing a crash. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | AIR BAGS | Passenger airbag shows airbag as off very often. There will be a passenger over 65 pounds and still indicates that the airbag is off. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING | I will be driving down the road with no other cars in sight and the car will sense something that isn’t there and engage in emergency braking. This is very dangerous when traveling at high speeds. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING | January 2026 multiple dashboard warning lights stating ACC problem, LKAS problem, Collision Mitigation System problem, Road Departure Mitigation System problem, and Auto High-Beam problem. 3/18/26 took vehicle into local Honda dealership where they ran diagnostics with the results showing the "multi purpose camera unit internal failure." They checked wiring and connector which were ok so dealership is recommending replacement of camera and recalibration. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | February 2026 the air when the AC was on did not seem very cold then about 3 weeks later AC was not putting out any cold air. 3/18/26 took vehicle to local Honda dealership where they ran diagnostics with results showing "black death on the low and high side ports." Dealer recommends replacing entire AC system and then recharged. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL | LKAS, adaptive cruise control, auto high beams, forward collision, auto breaking warning lights all came on and failed. Lots of other Honda pilots of this vintage are experiencing this issue according to Honda forums. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Hi, I have a 2020 Honda Pilot that showed signs of stalling. AutoNation Honda Thornton Road checked (03/07/2026) and reported I need an INJECTOR KIT replaced and SDC GDI -INTAKE THROTTLE BODY FURL INJECTOR SERVICE. All warning lights were on intermittently (on all day then nothing for 2-3 days then on all day the following day.) The vehicle vibrates and feels like it's loosing power. Honda's website stated risk as " If the fuel pump module is inoperative, the engine may not start or can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. " I have two small kids (18 month and 5 year old) that I commute to and from school every day. Honda's website shows the same issue for Honda Pilots 2016-2021 however, my VIN does not qualify me for the recall. Instead I received an estimate for said repairs for 3,345.06. Please! I am asking you to intervein as it is unfair to single out some vehicle owner even though they are having the same issue as others. Thanks in advance. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact's husband owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 55 MPH, the Emissions warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The approximate failure mileage was 91,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 91,000 |
| Mar 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL | Almost every day since new the vehicle will alarm 'brake' on dash while driving on 2 lane back roads that have some slight curves (these are all around our house). At least once a month the car will automatically apply the brakes while coming around a curve or over a blind hill. Both of these scenarios occur 50/50 when there is oncoming traffic or no oncoming traffic. It can happen with someone ahead of me in the same lane, but not as often. In all cases throughout the years there has not be a need for braking. In one instance a few years ago we were driving on a divided 4 lane state highway. Cruise control was on and ACC was on. We moved into the left lane to pass a car. When we came within ~20' of the car, the Pilot engaged in automatic braking hard as it detected the car we were attempting to pass as an obstacle in front of us. There was never any danger of hitting the other car. However, a car following us almost rear-ended our car due to the unforseen/not needed hard braking. My wife will no longer use cruise control in this vehicle since this happened. The dash 'brake' warning is easy to replicate if you drive for a while on the roads near my house. The auto braking is not able to reproduced on demand. Now the car is complaining to see the dealer about a CMBS (collision mitigation braking system) error. I'll have to troubleshoot this (or maybe just turn it off), but the entire system has been sub par and accident prone since original purchase new in 2019. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING | An internal failure on the front windshield camera assembly part #36160-TG7-A63 had caused the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems to fail. Which in turn has caused the following systems to fail: Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assistance, Parking Collision Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Warning. Leaving these systems unrepaired due to a known and common hardware failure issue leads to this specific vehicle and the ones similar unsafe for the driver and occupants due to the safety systems being inoperable. The problem has been confirmed on two separate occasions by my local Honda dealer. The known issue with this specific camera assembly leads to a multitude of warning lights being displayed including: adaptive cruise control warning, lane keep assist, collision mitigation system problem, and auto high beam mitigation. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | ENGINE | Currently showing DTC P219B (O2 Sensor Signal Biased/Stuck Lean – Bank 2 Sensor 1) along with P0430 . For prior years thru 2019, Honda has issued Service Bulletins 19-072 and 20-100 covering DTCs P030x, P219A, and P219B, which may involve PCM software updates, a Cylinder A/F Test, and potential injector replacement. However, they have not issued bulletins for 2020. My car only has 58,000 miles. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 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 | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | SUV check engine light for the emissions system came on 11/21/2025. The light does not stay on all the time, it goes on and off ever several days. During my state inspection, dealer diagnosed issue to a P0430 code and ran a cylinder AF test. It revealed that cylinders 2, 5 and 6 failed for rich conditions and stated the fuel injectors require replacement. Both the dealer and honda Corp. stated there is no coverage for this issue. I did find that this issue was found with previous years for my model and make, however my year is not covered for the warrenty extension. Honda service bulletin 20 - 100. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING | On or about January 7, 2026, we were driving through town and the dash cluster lit up with five separate warnings for safety features no longer operational. These are adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, collision mitigation, road departure mitigation, and automatic high beams. We cleaned the windshield and radar housing. Then the battery was replaced. None corrected the problem. An appointment was then scheduled at the dealership for 1/9/2026. It was determined the multi-purpose camera had an internal short. The only fix is a new camera ($1284) and re-aim process. The total repair cost, not including the $165 diagnostic fee, is $1727. In the meantime, the driver safety features are mostly unavailable, including the traditional cruise control. I say mostly because the system randomly works for a few minutes before overheating/shorting. I worry about fire and sudden emergency braking due to the short. I must note this system has never functioned well. In particular, the camera and/or radar “sees” problems that don’t exist and unnecessarily and repeatedly activates the warning notifications, especially on two-lane highways. I may still have video of a trip where there were dozens of warning notifications within just a few miles for cars in their own lane. The collision mitigation system has been off for nearly all our ownership as it nearly caused a major accident on our second day. As I was accelerating up to highway speed to merge onto the highway I activated my turn signal. A truck in the driving lane was slowing to let me in, however, the system saw traffic in the vicinity and activated numerous warnings on the dash while simultaneously activating the brakes and steering me towards the ditch. The car behind me had to panic brake to avoid hitting me. I had limited driver input during this period but was able to get stopped on the shoulder of the highway. I liken the Honda Sensing system to a 16 year old driver who is prone to panic. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | 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 | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | SEATS | In my Honda 2020 Pilot, the driver's side headrest in the 3rd row will no longer stay upright. It simply stays flat and will not lock into place. As the headrest will not stay upright, the seat is unusable. If someone used that seat or if the headrest would fail while a person is sitting in that seat, it would cause an injury risk. It looks like their is evidence that Technical Information and Support may be aware of the issue as indicated in a document on the nhtsa website. | Crash: Yes Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 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!! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | ENGINE | There was a snap like sound under my hood while driving. Shortly after, the check engine light engaged and the vehicle lost all ability to accelerate. This happened while merging onto a fairly busy road, with rolling hills. If there were vehicles around there would have been potential for an accident. If this happened on the freeway in a middle lane, the vehicle would not have been able to successfully exit without causing extreme danger to the passengers and other vehicles. The vehicle stopped on the side of the road. When the ignition was briefly reengaged, there were rolling error codes, including vehicle stability, all wheel drive failure, etc. The engine was noticeably knocking. The vehicle was towed and inspected by an independent mechanic. The 3rd cylinder in the engine will no longer hold compression. I now need to get the vehicle to an engine specialist for further inspection and repair. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving 25-35 MPH and passing a vehicle on the left side of the vehicle, the vehicle stopped independently. The contact stated that the failure occurred while another vehicle was driving on the lane that was on the right side of the vehicle. The brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or to an independent mechanic for a diagnostic test. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving, the message "Emissions Control" was displayed intermittently, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Part store, where DTC: P219B was retrieved, and the contact was informed that the fuel injectors had failed. The contact stated that the message "Emissions Control" would be displayed when the fuel tank was less than half full. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 98,000 |
| Dec 2025 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | My car has always had slight issue getting consistent fuel pressure causing the engine to rev abnormally when giving gas during acceleration. On 11/25, my car failed to start due to the fuel pressure being too low. I brought my car into two mechanics including a Honda certified dealership to inspect an issue with my fuel pump. I was informed that other Honda Pilots of the same year as mine have a recall on their fuel pump, but my VIN was not included. Both mechanics indicated that this is the exact issue that the other Pilots under the recall have and they were not sure why mine was not included. It is pulling the same codes, too, when it went under diagnostic testing as issue with the lower fuel pump. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | Transmission is sluggish and the RPM’s fluctuate between 1200 and 1400 at any speed going back and forth so the car has a back and fourth motion. Engine failure on 12/3/25 car stopped while driving. Makes a loud knocking sound. Most likely faulty bearings due to poorly engineered camshaft. White pear paint peeling since I purchased car. Capital Honda in San Jose unable to address any issue saying nothing is covered under warranty. These issues where taking place even while under warranty. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |