Complaint volume
456 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
456 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2020 Honda Pilot, grouped by component category.
456 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 143 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 15,413 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 87
ENGINE 38
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 36
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 24
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 21
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 21
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 16
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 15
POWER TRAIN 15
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE 13
456 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | In April 2021 Honda issued a warranty extension due to loose connection in the MOSTbus network causing. Popping or crackling and Network Loss. My vehicle was checked and nothing done. Then in 2023 recall-Due to improperly designed and manufactured connectors, the Media-oriented system transport (MOST) communication coaxial cable counter may have a poor connection. My car was taken in for this recall and this “repair” had not been resolved. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | My car was fine. I was driving fine and then I pulled out of my neighborhood and all of a sudden my check engine light started blinking and my car was hesitating and jumping. I pulled over for 10 minutes with the car turned off and then it was fine. It did something similar once before a week prior but I thought it was a one time thing. There are recalls for fuel injectors on the year prior honda pilots. And the mechanic shop said that’s what they would replace when they looked at it. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE | No incident. Turned my car on and the ACC, LKAS, Collision mitigation and brake system lights all are amber. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE | All the associated warnings are on dash, diagnosed at local Honda dealership with code u 3006-16. Advised multi camera failure and requested $1600 to repair. Immediate after I am now getting a transmission warning problem on dash. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | I am writing to formally report a safety concern related to a recent maintenance issue on my Honda vehicle. Approximately one month ago, I had my vehicle serviced to address an issue with the rear tailgate lighting. Although the issue was supposedly repaired, I discovered during nighttime driving that the tailgate lights were still not functioning properly. Despite the headlights being on, the rear tailgate lighting failed to illuminate, creating a serious safety hazard. I was nearly involved in a rear-end collision with a truck due to this malfunction. Upon stopping and inspecting the vehicle, I confirmed that the tailgate lights were not working as intended. This problem raises serious concerns, especially considering the dealership performed a multi-point inspection at the time of service. The malfunction was not detected or corrected adequately. Additionally, I question the reliability of these inspections, as there have been inconsistencies in their findings. For example, one inspection indicated that my brakes were fine, but just three weeks later, another inspection claimed they required replacement. The main issue, however, is that the tailgate lights were supposedly repaired but were not correctly configured to turn on automatically with the headlights. This oversight directly jeopardized my safety and the safety of others on the road. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this matter and determine whether there is a broader issue with the repair or inspection protocols being followed by Honda service centers, particularly regarding rear lighting systems and multi-point inspections. Thank you for your attention to this urgent safety concern. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Several system failures relates to a faulty multipurpose camera used by the Honda Sensing system from collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control and land keeping assist. Multipurpose camera premature failure leads to loss of several safety features. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | ENGINE | My 2020 Honda Pilot has 53k miles on it. I have have the vehicle for 8ths and 8k miles. The vehicle engine light suddenly began flashing and the vehicle began running rough. A loud knocking sound was coming from the engine when accelerating. The vehicle was taken to a Honda dealer and analyzed. The testing showed that the camshaft and cylinder #2 rod bearing was damaged to the point of the engine needing replacement. Upon research of the problem and damage found by the dealer, it matches a major issue found on many Honda's and Accura's. A manufacturing defect in the crankshaft leads to excessive wear and failure of the connecting rod bearings. This problem can cause the engine to suddenly seize or fail. Honda is currently refusing to cover the repair cost because the VIN of my vehicle isn't on the recall list. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | STEERING | Loud clicking noise when turning/steering at low speeds. Problem has been worsening over past several months. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The infotainment screen is turning off and says “Network Communication Lost. MOST Net Off”. This means the infotainment screen goes black, often for long periods before it cycles back on, making it difficult to use Navigation and the screen for reverse camera. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Crackling sounds coming from the front of the car similar to the original recall in 2020 and the front digital panel is not functioning and shutting down endangering the drive by not displaying information. My recall was cleared but the malfunction seems to have returned. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE | Turned car on one day and warning lights on dash. ACC problem, Collision mitigation system problem, road departure mitigation problem, LKAS, Auto high beam, CMBS problem. Prior there were no issues Took car to dealership and they determined its the forward looking camera U3000-49, see uploaded file. The front camera has failed without incident, windshield isn't damaged, windshield has not been replaced. When it malfunctions and myself or family are relying on this feature it becomes a safety issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | •What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The “smart” control module, part# 38320-TG7-L112-M1 was removed and inspected; obvious incomplete conformation coverage was discovered along with significant dendritic growth on an uncovered IC. Proper cleaning of the board alleviated the issue – for the time being at any rate. I am including pictures of the board and growth that clearly show this defect and its related consequences, but I can provide the part for inspection if it’s feasible timewise and if I haven’t sold the vehicle by that point. •How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The vehicle was rendered completely and utterly inoperable by this condition and additionally necessitated the removal of the battery to keep the car alarm from triggering randomly. If this condition manifests itself at the wrong time it could easily create a dangerous situation for myself, my family and others. •Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The diagnosis, research, documentation and associated repair were performed by an independent service technician. •Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? This problem was reported to Honda USA in late March of 2025; no acceptable recourse was provided or offered. •Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No. On Friday March 21st at approx. 6PM, the car alarm was triggered with no interaction whatsoever after the vehicle had sat for several hours. After disconnecting the battery for over an hour the problem immediately returned upon reconnection along with flashing dash & interior lights and clicking relays and/or components. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | ENGINE | Our 2020 Honda Pilot has 96,000 miles on it. We were traveling on the interstate and the engine light came on and an immediate grinding and knocking sound was heard. We pulled over on an exit ramp. We called AAA and had the vehicle towed 35 miles to the nearest city. The vehicle was determined to have a connecting rod bearing failure that required the engine to be replaced. I understand there is a potential recall for this issue for Honda vehicles, that includes the 2020 Honda Pilot. I wanted to provide this information to support the NHTSA's findings that there are issues with this engine that should not occur. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled in the middle of the road. The vehicle was able to restart after several attempts. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the recall repair was performed. The contact stated that the failure ceased; however, the message "Emissions Problems" was displayed, and the AWD warning light was illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,300. | Crash: No Fire: No | 84,300 |
| Apr 2025 | POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 1.)Transmission!! Problems such as Transmission fluid overheating, RPM's boggle up & down while on flat roads at steady speeds, cruise control wont stay activated, shaking or vibration while stopped and while driving. 2.) mine and my kids safety is at risk when we have to pull over to let the transmission cool and are on a busy interstate. It also risks us breaking down while we are traveling long distance and being stranded in the middle of nowhere. 3.) I had my vehicle worked on at a Honda dealer in the past 2 months for the shaking, but they did not resolve the shaking or cruise control issue. 4.) March 30th was the first time the Transmission fluid to hot warning has come up. The other symptoms listed above started in December of 24. my vehicle isnt listed as a recall but everey symptom it list i have. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 2020 Honda Pilot has acceleration issues also. I forgot to list it in my last post. loss of power is evident. shaking, cruise control won't stay engaged. has trouble climbing incline roads. gas mileage is crap now. the 2020 Pilots should absolutely be included in the recall. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | The auto start/stop on my car will cause my car to not restart when I’m at a stoplight. This has happened multiple times. I have to remember to turn off the auto start/Stop function every time I get in the vehicle. It will shut my whole car down and take several seconds for me to be able to turn the car back on putting me at risk when I’m stopped in traffic. It has happened multiple times since May 2024. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE | The ADAS camera had an internal failure, rendering all of the driver assistance features inoperable. The camera was the one that came from the car new. The old camera is available for inspection. The problem was observed by an independent repair shop. There were several warnings about the problem before the camera failure in the months before. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | The car's engine randomly stopped working and required jump start twice. Despite replacing the valve adjustment and battery, the problem persisted. The Honda dealer we approached did diagnostic testing twice, stated that it could be a problem with the car's Auto Idle Stop system, but did not offer a definitive solution. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | BACK OVER PREVENTION | The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera was not functioning properly. The rear-view image was distorted, compromising the back over prevention system. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V431000 (Back Over Prevention), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION | The instrument panel blacks out and does not display critical information such as engine oil pressure radio goes out speedometer goes out rear camera goes out. There was a recall T89 but Honda says my VIN does not come up under the recall even though it is the same issue. This is an intermittent problem. Everything will be working and then while driving it blacks out. The black could last hours. Unable to get navigation. Then when it comes back on the panel light up with engine light warning brake warning low gas warning even though tank is full traction control light comes on These warning lights will come on and after a few minutes go out. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 2020 Honda Pilot Touring was purchased in CT at Honda of Stamford, May of 2023. I started having issues in July pertaining to extreme dust coming into the cabin causing my children and myself asthma conditions to worsen. I took the car to the dealer and they blew out something connected with the system. I than started having issues with the radio system and large popping sounds coming from it. The dealer didn't check this for me. The car also brakes on it's own while driving without warning and nothing is in front of me. The dealer didn't check this. On [XXX] the dashboard lite up with a lot of error messages and the car brake light was on. The car would only go 20mph on the highway. The car was stuck in Greenwich, CT at my son school for 2 days until I got it towed to the dealer. On Feb24th the car was towed to the dealer. I was told the brake switch went out and needed replacement. I was charged 200.00. I picked the car up on Feb25th @1pm and the dealer claimed the repair was done. On [XXX]. I was traveling on the highway in Norwalk, CT and the dashboard lite up with the same errors and he brakes did the same thing and the car was hard to steering. I took it back to the dealer and was told 3 other things was wrong with the car. Code-C0040-62 Brake lamp switch failure stuck. U3000-49 Multi purpose camerawave radar internal electronic failure. B2A60-97. Tech reset camera and the system still gave failure codes. The dealer confirmed the issues, but refused to give me a replacement. I had a DMV investigation and the out was to refund me for the conveyance fee the dealer lied about on the contract. I was also refunded for vin etching the dealer lied about on the contract and refunded for Honda Care. I was in the car with my children when the brake issue happened both times and it was scary. The car was never inspected before it was sold to me. I also never received several documents from the dealership required by CT state law. I left the car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | ENGINE | [XXX]: While driving on [XXX] in Pennsylvania, my check engine light illuminated in a tight construction zone with jersey barriers & speed limit of 55 mph during inclement weather. I chose to remain behind a tractor trailer driving under the speed limit for the remainder of the construction zone approximately 1 mile. Once out of the construction zone, I attempted to pass the truck in front of me; however, when I moved into the passing lane, my vehicle would not accelerate to pass the truck placing myself and my 2 children in danger on [XXX] in inclement weather. Fortunately, I was able to safely return to the travel lane & then exited at the next exit which was about 2 miles away. I proceeded to a pull off right after the exit ramp & called my spouse. When he arrived, we decided to attempt to drive the vehicle home an alternate route; however, while driving about 2-3 miles the check engine light remained on & I was not able to accelerate beyond 35 mph. We decided to pull into our HS parking lot where I shut off my car for about 5 minutes. When the vehicle was restarted, the check engine light was no longer on, so we drove around the parking lot & the vehicle appeared to be operating normally allowing acceleration to occur, so we attempted to return home. While driving about 3 miles, the check engine light once again displayed as well as a series of other warnings. The vehicle began to shake and various noises were produced from the front end of the vehicle including what sounded like metal on metal grinding. ASAP, I proceeded to a parking lot to ensure safety for myself & children to stop the car and have it towed to a local mechanic, then to a Honda Dealership. After initial diagnostics, we were informed our engine failed & needed replaced due to what they suspected was a connecting rod bearing issue. Our engine is currently being replaced, but we informed them we wanted the defective engine held to be available for inspection for this investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that upon arriving at the destination and attempting to reverse into a parking space, the transmission failed to shift into reverse even though the gear shifter was in reverse. The vehicle failed to shift back into drive, prompting the contact to turn off and restart the vehicle. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality and the contact continued driving the vehicle. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power and was unable to accelerate above 20 MPH. The contact was able to reach her destination and turned the vehicle off, after which the vehicle was unable to restart. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the brake switch and possibly other faults with the electrical system. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 52,000. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 52,000 |
| Feb 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I pulled into a parking space at PAM Rehab hospital. Pressed the brake to stop vehicle and it accelerated forward with passenger side wheel jumping over concrete bar and into bushes and driver side concrete bar stopped it from going into the retaining wall. All airbags deployed trapping me in vehicle. Vehicle remained running and I was able to put in park and turn off engine so nurse from rehab could get me out. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Injuries: 1 Towed Medical attention | Unknown |