Years to avoid
Honda Pilot Years to Avoid
The 2019, 2020, 2018, 2021 model years stand out as the weakest in this Honda Pilot dataset. We only publish this page when at least four years are available and the score spread is large enough to make the comparison meaningful.
Data updated June 2026
- Weakest year
- 2019
- Model average
- 68/100
- Complaints, weakest year
- 794
- Recalls, weakest year
- 11
56/100 reliability
25-point range
12 crash · 5 fire reports
NHTSA campaigns on file
Bottom line
Why the 2019 Honda Pilot ranks last
The 2019 scores 56/100, rated mixed, versus a model average of 68/100. NHTSA data contains 794 owner complaints and 11 recall campaigns for this model year.
Its most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (223), Unknown Or Other (102), Engine (96), Power Train (77). Those counts are investigation leads, not proof that every vehicle has the problem.
Inspect the full 2019 Honda Pilot record →Evidence by year
The weakest Honda Pilot model years compared
2019 Honda Pilot
- Complaints
- 794
- Recalls
- 11
- Crash reports
- 12
- Fire reports
- 5
Top issues: Electrical System (223), Unknown Or Other (102), Engine (96)
View 2019 details →2020 Honda Pilot
- Complaints
- 431
- Recalls
- 9
- Crash reports
- 10
- Fire reports
- 5
Top issues: Electrical System (186), Unknown Or Other (46), Engine (39)
View 2020 details →2018 Honda Pilot
- Complaints
- 408
- Recalls
- 5
- Crash reports
- 9
- Fire reports
- 2
Top issues: Engine (72), Electrical System (68), Power Train (66)
View 2018 details →2021 Honda Pilot
- Complaints
- 358
- Recalls
- 8
- Crash reports
- 11
- Fire reports
- 1
Top issues: Electrical System (95), Unknown Or Other (48), Forward Collision Avoidance (36)
View 2021 details →Better alternatives
Stronger Honda Pilot years to put on your shortlist
Read this carefully
“Avoid” is a comparison signal, not a verdict on one VIN
A year qualifies here only when it trails the model average by at least five points, trails the best year by at least ten points, or falls below 60/100. The model also needs at least four scored years and a six-point spread. Age, sales volume and time on the road can affect raw complaint totals, so use the score and severity mix together.
Source trail
Where this Honda Pilot data comes from
VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Honda Pilot research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.
Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.
Buyer questions
Honda Pilot research FAQ
Which Honda Pilot years should I avoid?
2019, 2020, 2018, 2021 score materially below the strongest Honda Pilot years in this dataset. The 2019 is the weakest at 56/100, with 794 owner complaints and 11 recalls on file.
Does a low-scoring Honda Pilot year mean every car is bad?
No. Model-year data describes population-level patterns. A well-maintained vehicle with a clean title and completed recall work can be a better purchase than a neglected example from a higher-scoring year.
What should I buy instead of the worst Honda Pilot year?
The strongest alternatives in this dataset are 2026 (81/100), 2024 (72/100), 2023 (72/100). Compare price, mileage, equipment and the individual VIN before deciding.
Check the actual car
Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.
Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Honda Pilot you are considering.