Complaint volume
403 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
2021 Honda Pilot Complaints
403 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2021 Honda Pilot, grouped by component category.
403 Total complaints
12 Crash reports
1 Fire reports
7 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 unknown or other, electrical system, engine. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 12 crash reports, 1 fire report, 7 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 42 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 36,320 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to unknown or other, electrical system, engine?
- 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 2021 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.
2021 Honda Pilot
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2021 Honda Pilot complaints?
12 Crash
1 Fire
7 Injury
0 Fatality
12 Towed
4 Medical attention
What are the most common 2021 Honda Pilot complaint categories?
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 40
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 37
ENGINE 33
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 29
AIR BAGS 22
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 20
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE 16
VISIBILITY/WIPER 16
TIRES 13
SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 11
403 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | The contact owns a 2021 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while at a complete stop with the START/STOP feature activated, the engine shut off while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. After waiting for several minutes, the contact had to perform several procedures to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was initially taken to a dealer where a software update was performed; however, the failure returned weekly. Recently, the contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle after the failure, the vehicle began to jerk while accelerating, with an abnormal tapping sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was diagnosed with a defective engine rod bearing. The contact was informed by the mechanic that the repair could not be warranted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 15,000 |
| Aug 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | My 2021 Honda Pilot SE has developed a failure of the forward-facing Multipurpose Camera Unit (mounted behind the rearview mirror). A scan with a professional tool confirmed Diagnostic Trouble Code U3000-49 – “Multipurpose Camera Unit Internal Electronic Failure.” When this occurs, the vehicle immediately displays multiple warning lights at every startup: Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and Automatic High-Beam/Dimming headlights. In addition, the dashboard shows a “brake system failure” message, although the brakes continue to function normally. This single camera failure disables all of Honda’s Honda Sensing crash-avoidance features, leaving the driver without forward collision prevention or lane-keeping systems. The failure is persistent, and the DTC remains “Current” after clearing. I took the vehicle to a Honda dealer, but because the car is out of warranty they refused to perform diagnosis or provide a repair estimate, essentially telling me it was my responsibility to resolve. This problem is widely reported by owners of Pilots, Odysseys, CR-Vs, Accords, and Passports, all showing the same U3000-49 code and symptoms. Independent shops confirm they often see these failures, and forums show repeated cases of owners paying high out-of-pocket costs, sometimes with parts on back-order. Honda has recalled less serious issues, such as rearview camera display faults, while this defect disables forward collision prevention and lane safety systems—far more critical to protection. Other automakers (Toyota, GM, Subaru) have recalled forward cameras and radar modules under similar conditions. This is a major safety defect that removes federally promoted crash-avoidance systems with no fallback. I urge NHTSA to investigate and require Honda to issue a recall at manufacturer expense, and please advise how long the process may take, as my vehicle is less safe to drive | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | The 2021 Honda Pilot would randomly flash brake, which would lock up the steering wheel, electronic warnings going off when nothing was there, and then all of the CMBS warnings came on. Dealer charged for diagnosis, and requires $2,300.00 to fix the sensor. The vehicle was never in an accident, and various ghost electronic issues would be present over the last few years before the system failed with multiple warnings. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Auto engine idle keeps stalling When I press the brake the engine cuts off idle and when I release the brake engine stall | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | SEATS | There is already an active recall , OHB 24V-064, on this vehicle for a seat weight sensor circuit board. I have made numerous inquiries at two local Honda dealerships in Phoenix over the last 9 months about getting this fixed, but they never have the part(s) available. One dealership, Bell Honda, promised six months ago to call me when they got the parts; I have not heard back from them. I went to another dealership, Right Honda in Scottsdale, yesterday for some other maintenance. They just told me that the parts were not available and could not tell me when or if they would have them. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | ENGINE | 1. ABOUT A YEAR AGO THE ENGINE STOP/START FUNCTION STARTED TO FAIL INTERMITTENTLY. I WENT TO THE HONDA DEALER WHO THEY CHARGED US ABOUT $500 FOR A BATTERY AND NEVER MENTIONED A RECALL OR REPAIR. 2. ABOUT SIX WEEKS AGO THE AUTO ENGINE STOP/START FUNCTION FAILED TO RESTART THE ENGINE AFTER STOPPING. I THOUGHT IT WAS THE BATTERY AGAIN AND WENT BACK TO THE HONDA DEALER. THEY CHARGED ABOUT $1,500 FOR VARIOUS THINGS BUT STATED THAT THE AUTO STOP/START FUNCTION SOFTWARE HAD BEEN UPDATED AND IF THERE ANY FUTURE PROBLEMS TO RETURN. 8/19/2025. WE WERE ON THE INTERSTATE HWY IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. WE WERE STOPPED IN THE LEFT LANE AND THE TRAFFIC STARTED GOING AGAIN. THE CARS IN FRONT OF US STARTED GOING AND WE WERE LEFT BEHIND. THE CARS BEHIND US WENT AROUND AND WE WERE LEFT STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSTATE HWY. AFTER A FEW MINUTES I GOT THE CAR RUNNING. BEING STALLED ON THE INSERSTATE HWY IS A LIFE THREATING ISSUE! I TOOK THE 2021 HONDA PILOT TO THE HONDA DEALER ON 8/20/2025 WHO STATES THAT THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. PLEASE NOTE THIS THE THIRD (3RD) TRIP TO HONDA FOR THE SAME ISSUE. NO RESOLUTION THERE HAVE BEEN MANY OTHER TIMES WHERE THIS OCCURED AND I JUST TURNED THE FUNCTION OFF WHICH ONLY WORKS TILL THE NEXT TIME YOU DRIVE THE CAR. PLEASE HELP WITH THIS ISSUE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT... | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | I purchased my vehicle approximately 8 months ago, and recently all of the warning lights on my dashboard began coming on randomly while driving. I immediately brought the vehicle back to the dealership where I purchased it. At that visit, I was told the cause was unknown and that it might possibly be related to the battery. Unsatisfied with that explanation, I took the car to a second authorized dealership for another opinion. After inspection, I was advised that there was nothing wrong with the battery and no clear cause was identified for the warning lights. Despite taking the car to two dealerships, I have received no resolution or effective support. The issue remains ongoing, and I am now left uncertain about the reliability of my vehicle. Warning lights are designed to alert drivers to serious problems, and when they come on without explanation, it creates a very real safety concern. I do not know if my car is safe to drive. My concern is heightened by the fact that I have since learned this vehicle model has been subject to a recall in the past for the same issue. This raises the possibility that my car may be experiencing a known defect that was not properly resolved. As a consumer and driver, I should not be left to guess about the safety of my vehicle, especially when a documented recall exists. I am formally requesting immediate assistance: a complete inspection by a qualified technician, confirmation of whether my car is covered by any recall, and repair of the defect at no cost if it is recall-related. I also request written documentation of findings and assurance that my vehicle is safe to operate. At this point, I feel I have not been provided with adequate support or resolution. I am extremely concerned for my safety and believe this matter requires urgent attention. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | When stopped at a stop light the auto idle stop turned the car off. When we tried to go at the green light the car wouldn't move. The transmission shifted to neutral and was stuck. We couldn't put the car in park, we couldn't turn the car off, we couldn't put it in gear. We considered calling the police for help since we were stuck in an intersection. The car eventually turned off and we tried pushing all the buttons to do something it finally allowed us to turn the car 100% off and restart it. Then we could go. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | POWER TRAIN | While driving on the highway, I heard a loud whirring noise then my vehicle started to decelerate. After continuing to push on the accelerator, an error message appeared that stated something to the effect of "move vehicle from neutral to park". I tried to put the vehicle back into drive but my car had thrown itself into neutral and would not go back into drive. Another error message came up and indicated something about the transmission and that I should pull over to safety and put the car in park (or something of that nature). I was able to pull over but the car was frozen and I could not put the car back into drive, only into park. The vehicle was towed to a dealership where I was told the car needed to have the transmission replaced and that the Carfax report showed the transmission fluid had never been changed/replaced. The car is only four years old and I have never received an error or warning on the vehicle that there was an issue with the transmission fluid. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2021 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that after coming to a complete stop, the START/STOP function activated and turned the vehicle off; however, while attempting to drive from the stop, the engine failed to restart. After waiting 5-10 minutes, the vehicle was able to restart and returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. 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 44,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 44,000 |
| Aug 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The USB port of connection for apple CarPlay, yes it is available for inspection. Distraction is caused from disconnection of directions while driving. Meaning directions will disconnect when in use putting others at risk No No Yes, “ to use Apple CarPlay, check the settings on your vehicle and iPhone and connect a compatible iPhone to the USB port”. Although the settings are fine and it is compatible because it connected five seconds ago. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | My 2021 Honda Pilot SE FWD would not restart after the auto off/on turned my engine off at a stop light. Of course this happened at a busy intersection causing backup and an unsafe environment to get out and inspect the vehicle. The car had to be jump started by a kind individual. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | AIR BAGS,LANE DEPARTURE,BACK OVER PREVENTION | The car's steering wheel got locked out and air bags came out suddenly while car is still moving on the road and driver blocked and not able to do anything and hit the parked car on the street due to car's system malfunction. Since incident happened in the housing community area with speed 20-25 miles and not majorly hit anyone but reported to and inspected by city police inspected. This was the first time this situation happed and however, had other incidents with the car auto feature malfunction, when stop on the red signal and suddenly the card shutdown with lot of beeps. This mentioned to the service center where normally go for servicing activities like oil change etc. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Towed | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2021 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic signal, the vehicle independently shifted into neutral(N). The contact shifted vehicle into park(P) and turned off and restarted the vehicle and shifted into drive(D). There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with a faulty brake switch and determined that the 12-Volt battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred, and the vehicle independently shifted into neutral(N). The contact stated that the failure had occurred while stopped with the vehicle still in drive(D). The vehicle was taken to the same dealer however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure or determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 38,000 |
| Jul 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | All I did was simply change my battery. Up until this point the car had run perfect and no issues or warnings. Now after placing the correct AGM battery the dash has lit up like Christmas. I am getting ACC, LKAS, Auto Head light, forward collision and Brake System warning lights. I was informed that this is a very costly repair, a camera needs to be replaced and recalibrated, $2000 estimate. This should be a recall based on the other numerous complaints I'm seeing. I reached out to Honda with no response as of yet. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | As I was driving, I had to press on my break fairly firmly for about two seconds due to a car in front of me making a left-hand turn. I released the break, and the car in front of me was completely out of my lane. There was about a 2 to 3 second span of time ,after I released the break and in which I was coasting, before the automatic breaking system pressed hard on the break for at least one second and then it released. I had not placed my foot near the brake or accelerator at that time. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | screen stopped working suddenly. will randomly flash bright blue or a gray static, then go back to black. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE | I have photos, but unable to up load at this time. Suddenly, 9 different consecutive warning messages with bell associated with each, appeared on the instrument panel. The barrage of these 9 messages continued until I shut the engine off. I was in a very congested parking lot when this began. The Pilot was subsequently checked for codes and battery condition. The evidence suggests the VSA Modulator. The Messages continue when powered up with or without the engine running. Lane keep assist problem. LKAS All wheel drive system problem. VSA problem. ACC Adaptive cruise control problem problem. Road departure mitigation system problem. Collision mitigation system problem. Collision mitigation system problem. TSA trailer stability assist problem. Hill start assist problem. Power steering system (EPS) problem. Plus: AWD, Brake System and steering caution lights remain on continuously. I am very glad we were not towing our travel trailer this week. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | The Auto Idle Stop (AIS) feature on my 2021 Honda Pilot intermittently causes the engine to shut off at a stop and fail to restart. When this happens the vehicle remains completely unresponsive until I shift into Park and manually restart the engine.This has happened multiple times in traffic and at intersections, creating a huge safety risk. I have already replaced the battery and had the latest software update installed at my local Honda dealership, but the issue persists. The problem is intermittent and difficult for the dealership to replicate. The auto idle stop issue is a known problem with Honda even extending a warranty coverage for the starter assembly and starter relays. The NHTSA number EA25004 addresses this yet the local dealership will only update the software and change the battery. They are failing to honor the second stage of the repair calling out specifically replacing the starter assembly, starter relays and adjusting the valves. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | The contact owns a 2021 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while temporarily stopped at a traffic light or a stop sign, the vehicle occasionally shifted into neutral, or the vehicle shut off unintendedly. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 68,000 |
| Jun 2025 | AIR BAGS | As many before me, I urge NHTSA to hold Honda accountable for failure to rectify the "2020-2022 Acura/Honda Multi-model Seat Weight Sensor Recall" announced on February 6, 2024. I received the initial notice in March 2024, followed by a post card stating that the parts were in stock in April 2025. Upon calling Honda the following day, I was told that the parts were again out of stock and that I would be notified when the recall repair was ready. Nearly 17 months later, I am still waiting for Honda to have the part in stock to fix an issue that has the potential to (quoting Honda) "increase the risk of injury" and is so serious that the manufacturer itself has issued a STOP SALE to prevent any further sales of the affected vehicles. To limit exposure to this risk, I refuse to allow anyone to ride in the passenger seat of the vehicle. This has resulted in the loss of use of my vehicle and Honda needs to be held accountable for its delays. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2021 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the idle STOP/START system suddenly activated while idling at a stop sign, stop light, and driving at slower speeds of approximately 5 MPH. The vehicle stalled while the failure occurred, causing the contact to make several attempts to restart the vehicle. The failure was more persistent. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the diagnostic test and repair were not covered under the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 62,000 |
| Jun 2025 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2021 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the main engine bearings and connecting rods had failed. The contact was advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 143,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 143,000 |
| Jun 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Recently , I stated seeing CMBC failure in my 2021 Honda Pilot 2wd. My car has 41500 miles in it. I took car to dealer ship and dealer ship says they are no recalls i need to change my camera. i am not understanding it's like brand new car and not driven many miles. i research on google and there are so many pilot owners having same problems. Can this be recall? | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | ENGINE | On multiple occasions, when sitting at a stop light and then attempting to drive as the light changes, the engine just shuts off as I take my foot off the brake. It then takes several attempts to get the car started. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |