CarModelProblems.com

2021 Honda Pilot Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Electrical System — runs 2.6× the fleet median for that category across the 2547 model-years tracked on this site.
401Complaints
10Recalls
12Crashes
1Fires
8Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Electrical System (27.9% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.

Electrical System complaints here are 2.6× the median for that category across the 2547 model-years tracked on this site.

An open NHTSA investigation (EA25004, opened Mar 2025) covers Engine, but no recall has been issued for it yet.

3 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 3 rest on owner reports alone.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Electrical System112 · 27.9%RecalledRecall 20V440000
Engine93 · 23.2%Under investigationEA25004
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking56 · 14%No official action
Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings48 · 12%No official action
Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control37 · 9.2%No official action
Air Bags30 · 7.5%RecalledRecall 24V064000 · Recall 26V332000

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM112 · 27.9%
ENGINE93 · 23.2%
Unspecified / other78 · 19.5%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL37 · 9.2%
AIR BAGS30 · 7.5%
SERVICE BRAKES24 · 6%
POWER TRAIN23 · 5.7%
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST23 · 5.7%

Percentages are the share of the 401 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 10 campaigns

Electrical System:software

NHTSA campaign 20V440000 · 2020 · reported 07/28/2020

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

NHTSA campaign 20V439000 · 2020 · reported 07/28/2020

Operating a vehicle without a functioning instrument panel or rearview camera display increases the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Tires

NHTSA campaign 20V725000 · 2020 · reported 11/20/2020

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Visibility:rearview Mirrors/devices:exterior

NHTSA campaign 23V174000 · 2023 · reported 03/16/2023

Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Back Over Prevention:display Function

NHTSA campaign 23V431000 · 2023 · reported 06/15/2023

A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder

NHTSA campaign 23V458000 · 2023 · reported 06/29/2023

Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification:front Passenger

NHTSA campaign 24V064000 · 2024 · reported 02/01/2024

An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

NHTSA campaign 23V858000 · 2023 · reported 12/18/2023

Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification:front Passenger

NHTSA campaign 26V332000 · 2026 · reported 05/21/2026

Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Structure:frame And Members

NHTSA campaign 26V365000 · 2026 · reported 06/04/2026

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“Audio system popping noise affecting the dashboard system and audio system not working loss of power controls to use any of the systems digital components…”NHTSA complaint 11526002 — filed 06/08/2023 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
“The Entertainment system makes popping and crackling sounds and will cut out. This is very distracting while driving. It does not allow you to use…”NHTSA complaint 11523802 — filed 05/25/2023 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
“The contact owns a 2021 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving in stop and go traffic, the Auto START/STOP feature malfunctioned causing the…”NHTSA complaint 11513014 — filed 03/21/2023 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

22020472021632022982023148202421520251022026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Honda Pilot?

Electrical system issues are the most-reported category, cited in 112 of 401 NHTSA complaints (27.9%), followed by engine (93), unspecified/other issues (78), forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking (56). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2021 Honda Pilot have?

401 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 12 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, and 8 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2021 Honda Pilot have any recalls?

Yes — 10 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 20V440000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2021 Honda Pilot's reported problems?

3 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. NHTSA has an open investigation (EA25004) into engine that has not led to a recall. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.