Is the 2021 Honda PILOT reliable?

The 2021 Honda PILOT has 661 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.8x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS problems.

What are common problems with the 2021 Honda PILOT?

Top problems: DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS (172 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (109 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (94 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2021 Honda PILOT?

Yes, there are 10 recall(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA, TIRES, VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR, BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER, AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP, AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER, STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS. Contact any Honda dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Honda PILOT?

The 2021 Honda PILOT gets 22 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2182. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2021 Honda PILOT?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2021 Honda PILOT is approximately $1,735/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2021 Honda PILOT

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2021 Honda PILOT has 661 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.8x the segment average of 366. The most common issue is driver assist/cameras problems (26% of all complaints), specifically: this is new honda pilot 2021 trim ex-l purchase in dec,2020. miles 3300. it seems honda is having software issues. without on of lane keeping assist system (lkas) feature is activating automatically and taking over driving or steering of the vehicle and attempt to steer the vehicle back into the c. There are 10 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 2 fire reports filed.

2 fire reports 22 crash reports 11 injuries

661

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

1.8x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS

172 complaints

26%

• This is New Honda Pilot 2021 Trim EX-L purchase in Dec,2020. Miles 3300. It seems Honda is having software issues. Without ON of Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) feature is activating automatically and taking over driving or steering of the vehicle and attempt to steer the vehicle back into the c
• I have a major safety complaint with Honda’s computer system. I understand that Honda works hard to make their vehicles as safe as possible. With that said, on 7/29/21 around 9:40am I was driving on a country style road. Out of no where with nothing around me but trees the auto break safety feature
• Loud popping and crackling noise emitting from speakers. Cannot turn them off, and causes major interruptions in navigation, radio, entertainment. Dealer said Falkra wiring is faulty, but is back-ordered, and could not even give us an estimate of when it would arrive. Essentially told us to suck it

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 8 crashes

“This is New Honda Pilot 2021 Trim EX-L purchase in Dec,2020. Miles 3300. It seems Honda is having software issues. Without ON of Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) feature is activating automatically and taking over driving or steering of the vehicle and attempt to steer the vehicle back into the c”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2021 Honda PILOT

Based on 56 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 31K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 33K mi · 9 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

VISIBILITY

In line with typicalmedian 19K mi · 8 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS

Later than typicalmedian 40K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

High-mileage issuemedian 44K mi · 15 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (10)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE28/07/2020

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Pilot, 2019-2020 Odyssey and 2019-2020 Passport vehicles. 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."

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.

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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Honda PILOT

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,182

Per month

$182

Per mile

18.2¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,527/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,847/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Honda PILOT

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,735

Full coverage / month

$145

Liability only / year

$600

vs US avg

+4%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$1735

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Honda PILOT Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

60K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

Maintenance Minder shows exact intervals based on your driving. CVT-equipped models (Civic, HR-V, Accord Hybrid) need CVT fluid service, not conventional ATF.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Honda New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Honda. If you're buying a used 2021 PILOT, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Honda dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 661 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: This is New Honda Pilot 2021 Trim EX-L purchase in Dec,2020. Miles 3300. It seems Honda is having software issues. Without ON of Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) feature is activating automatically and taking over driving or steering of the vehicle and attempt to steer the vehicle back into the c
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: WHILE DRIVING FOR ABOUT AN HOUR ON THE FREEWAY THE SOUND TO MY BLUETOOTH AUDIO QUIT. THEN THE APPLE CARPLAY WOULD NOT CONNECT. WHEN I GOT TO THE GROCERY STORE TRYIN TO MANEAVER INTO A PARKING SPOT THE BACKUP CAMERA DID NOT WORK WHEN I PUT IN REVERSE. AT FIRST I THOUGHT I HAD PRESSED PARK INSTEAD OF
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: We just got the car from the dealer and it is still less than 200 miles and it’s leaking oil. There’s oil leaks in my garage which I thought was water coming from AC. When I check the oil dip stick. It was empty.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: WHILE DRIVING FOR ABOUT AN HOUR ON THE FREEWAY THE SOUND TO MY BLUETOOTH AUDIO QUIT. THEN THE APPLE CARPLAY WOULD NOT CONNECT. WHEN I GOT TO THE GROCERY STORE TRYIN TO MANEAVER INTO A PARKING SPOT THE BACKUP CAMERA DID NOT WORK WHEN I PUT IN REVERSE. AT FIRST I THOUGHT I HAD PRESSED PARK INSTEAD OF
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 10 recalls have been completed — free at any Honda dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)