Complaint volume
388 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
388 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2021 Honda Pilot, grouped by component category.
388 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 41 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 34,816 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 38
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 35
ENGINE 30
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 27
AIR BAGS 22
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 19
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE 16
VISIBILITY/WIPER 16
TIRES 13
SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 11
388 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 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 | 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 |
| May 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | The camera in the windshield used for collision mitigation, cruise control, lane keep assist, auto high beams, etc. has been found to have gone bad and need replaced by the Honda service center near me. The dashboard indicates all of these issues and disables the use of these safety features. The cost to repair is $1900 which includes camera, installation, and calibration. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The BCM body control module is not working. My wife is scared to drive thinking it can turn on lights wipers and other components. For being a Farley new car it’s crazy to think it’s defected. I had no warning prior to the incident. Honda dealer says they don’t know what caused it The alarm goes off all the time so I have to have it in the driveway with the battery unplugged Honda charges me $2,100 to fix it which is absurd | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | AIR BAGS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Here it is over two years later and passenger seat switch has not been replaced I was At Gunn Honda in 2/2024 and 6/2024 requesting an update of replacement answer was no parts. Here it is 5/2025 and I have nothing can you get this resolved asap? Recall: #OHB 2020-22 Multi-Model Seat Weight Sensor Safety Recall | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | While driving the CMBS (crash mitigation braking system) turns on at random timed intervals causing sudden breaking and jerking of the steering wheel towards center. This causes severe safety issues including increasing the chances of a wreck due to wheel jerk movements during turning and sudden breaking. The CMBS error message pops up on the touchscreen and during the episodes of sudden onset the entire digital display both on the gage cluster and entertainment center go black and an audible clicking is heard in the steering column. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I closed my back door and my back hatchback window shattered outwards. It isn’t winter and nothing hit window. The entire window shattered at same time. Not a crack and then shattered. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | Auto start/stop feature turned off the engine at a stoplight. When the light turned green and the brake pedal was released, the engine did not restart. There also appeared to be some sort of electrical malfunction since the start stop button would not turn off the ignition system in an attempt to reset the vehicle. This happened on a light regulated highway with a posted speed limit of 55 mph. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | No FIRENo INJURIES0 DEATHS0 The collision mitigation braking system problem, adaptive cruise control problem, lane keeping assist problem, road departure mitigation system problem and auto high-beam problem. All these are keep showing on my dashboard. It is stated that this is the Multi Point Camera RADAR avg cost repair 2000.OO | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE | The collision mitigation braking system problem, adaptive cruise control problem, lane keeping assist problem, road departure mitigation system problem and auto high-beam problem. All these are keep showing on my dashboard. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I notice there is an investigation on the Honda Pilot Stop and start shutting off the engine this also happen to my car twice this week and also once prior to this. There are also issue where the radio will restart when the auto stop and start restart. In the report I don't believe the 2021 Honda Pilot was included. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The Auto-Idle-Stop system in my Pilot just shut off my engine and then failed to restart. The engine finally restarted after multiple attempts and finally holding the start button for 5 seconds. This happened in traffic and could have caused an accident. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | LED Headlight burned out and is not possible to change or remove, dealer indicated it is not something that normally goes out, and wants to charge $2,000 | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | Vehicle when trying to start locks up, have had the battery alternator starter checked, changed the brake switch and still having issues with hard start to my 2021 Honda Pilot. When this happens all the lights come on. I push the Idle/Start switch when I do get it started so that it does shut off when I’m at a red light or stop sign. Because I’m afraid it will not start. Dealership could not find any issues with the vehicle, I’ve taken it to another mechanic and they could not. It has been put on diagnostics several times. I keep putting money into trying to find out what the issue is!!! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2021 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal, loud rattling sound. The contact stated that her husband had noticed that the rattling sound persisted while the vehicle was parked. The contact stated that upon opening the hood to inspect the vehicle, the contact noticed that the driver's side engine cooling fan had melted. The contact purchased a new engine cooling fan from O'Reilly Auto Parts, and the vehicle was taken to Four Brothers Auto Services, where the engine cooling fan was replaced. The contact stated that while driving on another occasion, the vehicle made an abnormal rattling sound. The contact stated that while idling in line at the airport Arrival and Pick-Up level, the rattling sound became louder, and the vehicle made an abnormal popping sound. The contact stated that the engine started overheating. The contact pulled over to a safe location and inspected the underhood. The contact noticed that the passenger's side cooling fan had separated. The contact was able to drive to the destination. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 86,000 |
| Apr 2025 | AIR BAGS | The contact owns a 2021 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied, while attempting to start the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the SRS air bag system failure message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the SRS control unit and weight sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (Air Bags); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 41,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 41,000 |
| Apr 2025 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | Last year my Honda dealership, Honda of Harvey in Harvey, Louisiana did the recall of the falling side view mirrors on my 2021 Honda Pilot. This is recall 23V174000. Year later my driver side view mirror is doing the same thing. It is moving around and vibrating. Making it hard to see the traffic to the side and behind me. The service dept explained to me that the glue is coming apart. I told them that was what the recall was for. They said they did the recall once and are not doing it again. So it seems the fix honda had for this situation was not a fix but just a band aid. I did call Honda customer service and they blamed the dealership. No one wants to take the blame for this. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |