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 88
ENGINE 41
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 37
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 25
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 21
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 21
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 16
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 16
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE 15
POWER TRAIN 15
469 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2024 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Vehicle braking randomly. Cars can be nowhere in sight and this vehicle will slam the brakes. I have almost been rear-ended several times and almost ended up in a road rage incident due to this vehicle slamming the brakes. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | The car's front and back sensors will trigger for no reason. In a drive-thru it'll tell me that I am going to run into something after I've been sitting there for three minutes and not moving. The brakes slam on consistently, this happens at least three times every time I drive the car, as I'm driving down a road not about to run into anything or anyone. It's quite scary, and luckily, I haven't been rear-ended yet, I honked a few times but was not rear-ended. The low tire sensor goes off even though there's no low tire. I checked at several different service places, and all of them say the tire is fine. After It's checked, the light goes off, but it comes back on within a few weeks. There is a bad smell inside the car as if a diesel truck is passing us. it is so bad That we have to roll down the windows to be comfortable inside the car. Even though this recall has been done, I still get a loud popping and cracking on the radio when I'm making phone calls or getting phone calls. I have a son with autism, and I have to stop the car and let him out when it gets really bad. I have video on Google Photos but I am [XXX] and I do not know how to share them from my computer, sorry INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | The recurring malfunctions in my vehicle's front screen system have repeatedly endangered me, especially when it suddenly blacks out while navigating unfamiliar roads or during backing maneuvers. Additionally, the faulty front vehicle sensor has caused my vehicle to halt abruptly, even when no obstacles are present. Despite numerous visits to the dealer, the issues persist, and their repeated requests to bring it in have yielded no solutions. Since purchasing the vehicle new in 2020, these persistent safety concerns have become increasingly dangerous as they are getting worse. I have attempted to contact Honda with no resolution | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | TIRES | The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot equipped with Continental Tires, Tire Line: Cross Contact LX Sport, Tire Size: 245/50/R20, DOT Number: [XXX] . The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the tire pressure monitoring system warning light illuminated. The contact stated that there was a pop sound and the rear driver's side tire had a side wall had a blowout. The contact pulled the vehicle to the side of the road and observed that the tread was detached and pulled away from the tire. The contact installed the spare tire on the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the tire was replaced. The tire was the original equipment. The contact was notified of the Technical Service Bulletin: [XXX]; however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The vehicle failure mileage was approximately 32,490. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | 32,490 |
| Apr 2024 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving on the freeway at approximately 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, the instrument panel and radio flashed then the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle was taken to the residence. The failure recurred while driving on the freeway. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the buyback was denied. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 76,000 |
| Mar 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Windows Down and Sunroof Open randomly if the unlock button on the FOB is pushed too long. This can happen then the FOB is in your pocket. I have found my car with the windows all open. Casuing the possiblity of the car being stolen, or worse this can happen and if it rains it an damage the car. Dealer says this cannot be disabled | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2024 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | We received a recall notification in December 2023 for fuel the pump on this vehicle. Now we’re being told that a replacement may not be available until fall which means it could be a year since the notice until the repair. With the possibility of an instant failure (as the notice said was possible) how is this vehicle safe to drive at freeway speed in let’s say WV with the power brakes, steering, etc. out of commission? Suppose it breaks down in Elko, NV? There’s no dealer for 200 miles. These repairs need to be made immediately or Honda needs to buy the vehicle back. The issue is beyond a possible inconvenience it’s dangerous. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2024 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE | In late December of 2023, our 2020 Honda Pilot began showing a "brake system" warning light, as well as numerous dashboard warnings indicating that automatic cruise control, lane keeping assist, collision mitigation, automatic high beam, and lane departure were not functioning properly. Our local Honda dealer diagnosed the vehicle as having a multipurpose camera failure. There were no accidents or damage of any sort that preceded this incident, and replacement of this camera cost us nearly $2000 out of pocket (invoice attached). There appear to be numerous similar reports on Honda internet forums, such as this one [XXX] ). Given the proven benefit of advanced safety systems, this failure absolutely increased the risk of collision. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2024 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | I had no prior warning that anything was wrong with my Pilot. I tried to start my vehicle and it would not stay running. We first replaced the battery and it still wouldn't run. We had the vehicle towed to the repair shop. We were told the fuel pump was bad and we had it replaced. Vehicle runs perfectly now. I know there is a recall on many Honda vehicles but my VIN number was not part of the fuel pump recall. I believe that it should have been part of the recall and that Honda should pay for the repair and towing. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Phantom braking from the CMBS collision avoidance system. It occurs randomly and applies brakes when the road is clear. The amount of braking varies from a partial second to more severe. This will cause an accident. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The vehicle has a defect with the radio/audio/bluetooth system making a crackling sound while operating the vehicle. The Honda dealer acknowledged that this is a recall issue, although no recall currently exists and as a result they replaced the FAKRA service cables. This did not solve the problem and it is one that is common to all Honda Pilots of this year. It is very distracting and cannot be stopped unless the vehicle is completely shut off. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | We received written notice from Honda of NHTSA Recall Number 23V-858 of the Safety Recall for fuel pump failure and possible stalling and loss of power. The notice states that there is an increased risk of crash or injury, but they say they will be unable to perform repairs until the fall of 2024. When calling the local dealership they confirmed that they do not have any of the replacement parts to conduct the Recall repairs. It is wildly unacceptable that Honda will not begin repairs for at least another seven months given the vehicle can lose power and stall while driving. Vehicle owners should not be expected to pay for safety recall repairs up front in order to have a safe vehicle for their family. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Honda announced this recall in December it keeps showing up on my HondaLink app. Yet here we are in February nearly 2 months after the recall & they still do not have a fix. How many people are driving their recalled vehicles? Sorry but all Honda is doing is trying to limit their liability by telling owners there is a problem & not offering a solution. They need to be forced to get these vehicles fixed. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | SUSPENSION | I am told by Right Honda dealership in Scottsdale, AZ that the "front lower control arms" are tearing open after 3.5 years and approx. 48k miles. This is a premature failure that appears to have affected many other Honda owners. I am told that my steering can lose control as a result of this defect. The dealership charges over $1000 for this repair and it is just outside of warranty. Please investigate this dangerous defect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Passenger side floor soaked. Dealer said it was a grommet that was missing on ac line and was fixed. However the issue is still happening. Had to replace carpet and most likely will have to again. And the problem is still not fixed. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Transmission was running hot causing the pilot to have a bad "jitter" when driving. The software had to be updated and transition had to be flushed a few times. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2024 | ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Since I bought the car in 2019, Movie CD does not work all the time. Fixed once. Automatic emergency breaking. It does not stop. Have taken it to the dealership at least 4 times and they say they are not able to replicate the problem. Set the cruise speed control and it does not work. Currently not working for over a month. The engine transmission does not stop the car and if it does work the car does not stop totally and car jumps 2-3 feet while foot is on brake. Dealership say they can not duplicate the problem. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2024 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE | Auto high bean is not working and no sign of auto( headlight on with letter A) on dashboard is not show. Trying to reset by holding high beam for 40 seconds still not working ( only blinking once), meaning still not working. That problem had after came back from recall on cracking sound inside speakers. Recently brought the car to Honda Beltsville, MD on January 15, 2024 about when stopping at traffic light when pressed the brakes hard the auto on/off engine is not working. Message on dashboard show that( the auto engine idle stop unavailable ). With my vehicle had 2 problems 1- light is not working on auto high beam and no sign on of auto headlight with letter A showing on dashboard. 2- auto on/off is still not working when stop at traffic light( Auto engine idle stop unavailable) massage on dashboard Please check this out, thank you. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2024 | ENGINE | While driving the vehicle, it would randomly lose power. This has occurred 6 times in the last 7 months. All of them at an Interstate. Each occurrence has happened when the vehicle has been driven 2 or more hours. While driving, all of a sudden the gas pedal would not produce any power. IE. Could be driving 70 mph, then all of a sudden the gas pedal would stop responding. Each occurrence, would have to pump the gas pedal (1-3x). Eventually the power would kick on and the vehicle would go, sometimes launch you as if the gas pedal is being ‘floored’. After which, the vehicle drives normal again. However, there’s no certain moment to know when the power would cease. It could happen at any time. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2024 | POWER TRAIN | 2020 Honda Pilot had started what was called Juddering by the dealer. Transmission upon acceleration will hesitate and jump hundreds of rpms up and down. I did research and was told also by the dealer Honda had issue with a torque converter within the transmission that I was told a bulletin extended the warranty on the 2017-19 pilots with 6 speed auto transmission. The 2020 I own has the same issue which the dealer confirmed but also told me my vin and model year is not covered. It is the same issue as the 17-19 and I'm concerned for me and my family's safety due to the transmissions' issue. Concern it will get much worse possibly breaking down on a longer highway trip which we will take sometimes 3 times per year. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2024 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE | While driving the vehicle, all the aforementioned systems came on the cars dashboard stating that all of them have been turned off, and now there is a brake system issue with the vehicle. The car has 35000 miles and has not been in any accident or collision. Currently there is no warranty on the vehicle, but given that this is something that is impacting the safety of properly operating the vehicle and it’s safety equipment is not being made accessible to leverage is a major concern for a possible accident. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2024 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to restart after being jumpstarted. On another occasion while in reverse(R), the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to restart after being jumpstarted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2024 | VISIBILITY | The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V174000 (Visibility) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer and the recall repair was completed. The contact stated that after the recall repair was completed, the vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that when the camera system was enabled, the camera was inoperable and displayed a black screen. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure however, the contact was informed that the failure would not be honored by the recall repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 44,616. | Crash: No Fire: No | 44,616 |
| Dec 2023 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | Visors are defective on both the driver and passenger side. They are flopping down and impeding driver visibility, causing a safety hazard. According to my service advisor at the local Honda dealer, this is a known problem occurring as a result of warping plastic that holds the rod in the visor. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |