NHTSA lists 10 safety recalls and 459 owner complaints for the 2021 Honda Pilot. It has 1 open investigation that names this model year.
Recalled components: air bags, backover prevention and rearview camera, body structure, brakes, and 4 more. Most-described problem: auto start-stop problems (75 complaints, 16%). Most-reported area: electrical system (139 complaints, 30%; median mileage when it happened: 47,000).
More complaints than a typical Pilot year
The 2021 drew 141 owner complaints in its first three years, against about 122 for a typical Pilot year.
No Pilot year stands out enough to avoid. Based on owner complaints, not adjusted for sales.
Data: NHTSA recall, complaint and investigation filesUpdated
10 safety recalls for the 2021 Honda Pilot
Grouped by the part recalled, largest group first, newest first within each part. Summaries are NHTSA's own wording. Open a recall for what is wrong, the fix and the full notice.
Air bags 2 recalls
sensor · occupant classification · front passenger
Risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
Risk: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
Fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
750,114 vehicles.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021CR-V,CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles.
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
Due to a faulty Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) communication coaxial cable connector, the rearview camera image may not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Fix: Dealers will replace the MOST cable harness and install a straightening cover over the vehicle cable connector, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are EEL, ZEM, and SFC.
Fails federal standard 111 (rear visibility) · 1,209,673 vehicles.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Pilot, and 2019-2023 Passport vehicles.
Risk: Operating a vehicle without a functioning instrument panel or rearview camera display increases the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
Incorrect instrument panel control module software can cause the instrument panel to not display critical information, such as engine oil pressure, speedometer, and gear selector position until the next ignition cycle. Additionally, it can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 101, "Control and Displays" and 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument panel control module software, free of charge. The recall began September 23, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is T89.
Fails federal standard 101 (controls and displays) · 607,786 vehicles.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Odyssey, 2019-2020 Passport, and 2019-2021 Pilot vehicles.
Risk: Failure of rear suspension components, such as the rear control arm, can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The rear subframe may corrode at the suspension mounting points, which can result in rear suspension component failure.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the rear subframe and install a rear subframe reinforcement kit and, as necessary, repair or replace the rear subframe components, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in the fall of 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are AOU and AOT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning June 10, 2026.
965,561 vehicles.
American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles that were sold in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin.
NHTSA listing: PILOT. Components: Body structure: frame and members; Suspension: rear. Honda campaign AOU, AOT.
Risk: Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The tie rod fastener that connects the brake booster and the brake master cylinder may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, which can cause the brake master cylinder to separate from the booster assembly.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the brake booster assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are VEU, AEV, and ZET.
Fails federal standard 135 (brakes) · 124,077 vehicles.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Civic, 2020-2023 Ridgeline, 2021-2023 Passport, 2021-2022 Pilot, and 2020 Acura MDX vehicles.
Risk: A delayed or inoperative rearview camera display can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
Incorrect central network software programming may cause several errors to occur that can delay or prevent the rearview camera image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Fix: Honda will notify owners that updated software is available. Owners have the option to either follow the mailed instructions to download and update the software for free, or visit a dealer to have the software update performed, free of charge. The recall began September 23, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is Y7Y.
Fails federal standard 111 (rear visibility) · 499,344 vehicles.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Pilot, 2019-2020 Odyssey and 2019-2020 Passport vehicles.
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Risk:Over-cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The tires may have been cured for a time beyond the specification limits.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four tires and replace the tires that have the affected DOT serial number and mold number, free of charge. The recall began January 11, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is U8Y.
214 vehicles.
American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain 2021 Pilot vehicles equipped with Continental CrossContact LX Sport 245/50R20 102 H tires with DOT serial number A376 D3K9 2920 and mold numbers S-421920 and S-421921.
Risk: Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The heating pads behind both side-view mirrors may not be bonded properly, allowing the mirror glass to detach. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Fix: Dealers will replace both left and right side-view mirrors, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 17, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is FE5.
Fails federal standard 111 (rear visibility) · 339,404 vehicles.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2020-2022 Passport and Odyssey vehicles.
NHTSA listing: PILOT. Honda campaign FE5.
Questions about any of these recalls: call NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA investigations
NHTSA has opened 1 investigation that names the 2021 Honda Pilot; it is still open. An investigation means NHTSA is reviewing reports of a problem. It is not a finding that the vehicle has a defect.
No restart after auto start/stop engages
Engineering analysis EA25004Open since Mar 26, 2025
On June 3, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE22005 after the agency received VOQs and several field reports concerning the Auto Idle Stop (AIS) feature on 2016-2019MY Honda… NHTSA's full summary
NHTSA listing: PILOT. Component: Engine and cooling (engine, crank/camshaft position sensor, engine control module (ecu/ECM), software, hard parts internal/mechanical).
An engineering analysis is a deeper review, usually opened after a preliminary evaluation. NHTSA lists investigations by make, model and model year only, so one can apply to only some versions of a model, such as one engine; its summary says which.
Owners have filed 459 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Pilot. Below, they are sorted by the problems owners describe and by the areas NHTSA files them under. NHTSA does not verify complaints.
Problems owners describe
Auto start-stop problems75 · 16%
Stalling or shutting off67 · 15%
Won't start43 · 9%
Backup camera problems28 · 6%
Driver-assist errors or blocked-sensor messages26 · 6%
Median 47,000 miles at failure, from 18 reports with mileage
Engine115 · 25%
Forward collision avoidance100 · 22%
Most named: automatic emergency braking (61); warnings (54)
Lane departure systems46 · 10%
Most named: assist (30); warning (23)
Air bags33 · 7%
Brakes28 · 6%
Powertrain25 · 5%
Unknown or other87 · 19%
A complaint can name more than one area, so shares add up to more than 100%. Mileage is shown where at least 15 owners reported it.
Honda Pilot recalls and complaints by model year
The highlighted bars are the 2021 model year. Newer model years have had less time on the road, so their counts are lower. Counting complaints filed in each model year's first three years, the 2020 Pilot drew the most (206) and the 2021 drew 141.
Owner complaints
2021: 459 complaintsTap or drag across the chart for other years.
Show as a table
Owner complaints by model year, Honda Pilot
Model year
Complaints
2010
111
2011
293
2012
173
2013
273
2014
116
2015
109
2016
1,730
2017
943
2018
443
2019
929
2020
497
2021
459
2022
175
2023
151
2024
119
2025
217
2026
31
Safety recalls
2021: 10 recallsTap or drag across the chart for other years.
Show as a table
Safety recalls by model year, Honda Pilot
Model year
Recalls
2010
10
2011
11
2012
9
2013
6
2014
3
2015
4
2016
8
2017
4
2018
7
2019
13
2020
11
2021
10
2022
5
2023
6
2024
7
2025
5
2026
1
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for each version it tested. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimate of the chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
In the 459 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Honda Pilot, the problems described most are auto start-stop problems (75), stalling or shutting off (67), and the engine not starting (43). NHTSA does not verify complaints, and one complaint can describe several problems.
Is the 2021 Honda Pilot safe?
In NHTSA crash tests every tested version of the 2021 Honda Pilot earns 5 stars overall. The table above lists each tested version.
Is NHTSA investigating the 2021 Honda Pilot?
Yes. NHTSA has 1 open investigation that names the 2021 Honda Pilot: no restart after auto start/stop engages (EA25004, opened Mar 26, 2025). An investigation is not a finding that the vehicle has a defect.
How do I check if my Pilot has an open recall?
Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard, door jamb or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The lookup lists unrepaired recalls for that exact vehicle. Safety recall repairs are free at Honda dealers.
Sources and method
NHTSA recalls file (NHTSA datasets), dated Nov 12, 2026; every campaign checked against NHTSA's recalls API.
NHTSA owner complaints file, dated Nov 11, 2026. Counted by complaint number, so a complaint naming three components counts once in the total.
NHTSA investigations file, dated Nov 12, 2026. Defect petitions, which ask NHTSA to open an investigation, are listed apart and only while open. Audit queries, which check whether a company met its recall and reporting duties rather than whether a vehicle has a problem, are not listed.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP).
NHTSA model names covered: PILOT.
Complaint counts are unverified owner reports. They rise with sales volume and time on the road, so compare model years with care. How we build these pages. Spotted an error? Tell us.