Free used car buyer guide / Third generation / 2016-2022
Honda Pilot common problems and best years
By BYBA Research - how we score cars
Updated 2026-06-12
BYBA Buy Score
6.2/10
1 walk-away risk, 6 serious faults, 1 minor fault documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: j35 connecting-rod bearing recall. Score methodology.
The 2016-2022 Pilot is a strong three-row SUV when you buy around its recalls and 9-speed habits. The major traps are 2016-2019 idle-stop no-restart on 9-speed Touring/Elite, 2019-2022 MOST rear-camera failures, 2016-2021 Denso fuel-pump recall exposure, 2016/2018-2019 rod-bearing recall exposure, 2018-2019 timing-belt recall, 2016-2019 hood latch striker recall, and 2021-2022 brake master-cylinder fastener recall. The safest buy is a 2021-2022 EX-L/Special Edition/Touring with completed fuel, camera, brake and OCS recalls plus smooth transmission behaviour. Owners should keep recall files and transmission/ATF records because buyers know the third-gen Pilot has several overlapping campaigns.
Faults covered
8
Highest risk
J35 connecting-rod bearing
Best years
2021-2022
Best buys
- 2021-2022 Pilot with closed MOST camera, fuel pump, brake booster/master-cylinder and OCS recalls.
- 2019-2020 Pilot after hood, fuel pump, camera/network and transmission software checks.
- 2017-2018 lower-mileage 6-speed trims with hood latch and fuel-pump recalls complete.
Inspect hard
- 2016-2019 Touring/Elite 9-speed: idle-stop restart behaviour, battery/starter history, and transmission judder.
- 2019-2022: reverse camera, audio crackle, black screens, and MOST coax repair proof.
- 2016/2018-2019: rod bearing and timing-belt recall status plus engine noise.
Avoid
- Pilot that fails to restart after idle stop or has a disabled stop-start workaround.
- Engine knock, open rod-bearing recall, or unknown timing belt history.
- Blank reverse camera with no MOST repair documentation.
Next checks
Before you contact the seller
Check the car's history first. Then bring the right tools if it still looks worth viewing.
Primary next step
Check history, title, and recall status
The faults above matter more if the car also has accident history, finance flags, missing service records, or open safety recalls.
Viewing kit
Bring the right tools
Four cheap tools catch most of the faults on this page at a Honda Pilot viewing.
Printable workflow
Take the inspection pack
The PDF is the ordered checklist for the viewing: documents, walk-around, test drive, and scan.
Open PDF optionSome links here are partner links. If you buy through one, BYBA earns a commission. The price you pay does not change. How we make money.
Engines and trims
Which Honda Pilot should you buy?
On most used cars, the engine and trim choice changes the risk more than the mileage does. Narrow this down before you start viewing cars.
3.5L J35Y6 V6 with 6-speed automatic
2016-2022 selected lower trims
BEST SIMPLE SPEC
The 6-speed Pilot is less feature-rich but avoids the early 9-speed idle-stop reputation. It still needs timing-belt service, fuel-pump recall checks, VCM/mount attention and rear-differential fluid.
3.5L J35Y6 V6 with ZF 9-speed and idle stop
2016-2022 Touring/Elite/upper trims
INSPECT STOP-START
The 9-speed can be smooth when updated and serviced, but the idle-stop no-restart history makes upper trims riskier. Battery, starter, software and torque-converter behaviour all need inspection.
i-VTM4 AWD rear driveline
2016-2022 AWD
GOOD WITH FLUID
AWD is useful, but VTM-4 rear differential fluid is not lifetime. Chatter in tight turns, tyre mismatch and missing rear-diff service can make a good Pilot feel worn out.
J35 timing-belt service package
2016-2022
NON-NEGOTIABLE
The V6 uses a timing belt. A Pilot around 100k miles without belt, water pump, tensioner and coolant records is not ready for family use, especially if a recall belt applied.
Year notes
Year-by-year buyer advice
Use this to narrow the search before you spend time travelling to view a car.
2016
Third-gen launch. Fuel tank, instrument cluster, hood latch, rod bearing, fuel pump and 9-speed idle-stop concerns are key.
Buyer: A 2016 needs the longest recall printout and the hardest idle-stop/transmission test.
Owner: Close old recalls before they become resale objections; launch-year Pilots carry baggage.
2017
Fewer launch recalls, but hood latch and fuel pump recall exposure remain.
Buyer: Often better value than 2016. Check hood latch, fuel pump, timing-belt planning and rear diff service.
Owner: Do not skip rear-diff and ATF services; they define how the SUV feels with age.
2018
Timing belt recall affects some 2018-2019 Pilot/MDX units; seat recall and rod-bearing recall exposure appear.
Buyer: Engine recall status matters more than mileage. Listen for knock and verify belt campaign result.
Owner: Keep belt and bearing recall paperwork permanently.
2019
Refresh, but recall density is high: camera/network, hood, fuel pump, unibody weld, timing belt, bearing and MOST.
Buyer: A 2019 can be good after campaigns, but it is not a buy-without-paperwork year.
Owner: Organise recall records by campaign; there are too many to rely on memory.
2020
Camera/network software, MOST, fuel pump, mirror, OCS and brake-related recall exposure.
Buyer: Test electronics repeatedly and verify brake/seat sensor recall status.
Owner: Camera or display delay should be repaired under the right campaign before selling.
2021
Late production with camera, mirror, brake master-cylinder, OCS and fuel-pump recall checks.
Buyer: A clean 2021 is the sweet spot if brake, camera and pump work is done.
Owner: Keep brake recall paperwork; safety-related hydraulic work affects buyer confidence.
2022
Final third-gen Pilot year; MOST camera, brake master-cylinder and OCS recalls remain relevant.
Buyer: Best year mechanically if recalls are closed and transmission shifts cleanly.
Owner: Preserve final-year value by avoiding aftermarket wiring and documenting every campaign.
Common problems
Faults to check before buying
What fails, what it looks like, what it costs, and the quick checks you can do at the viewing - ranked by how badly each one can hurt you.
Fault 1
Auto Idle Stop no-restart
Affects
Mainly 2016-2019 Pilot 3.5 with 9-speed automatic.
Symptoms
Engine shuts off at stop, fails to restart, warnings, delayed gear engagement, intersection stall.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0-250 software; EUR 250-1,200 battery/starter; more if transmission-related.
Codes / scan clues
P2638 and starter/charging/communication codes may appear.
Root cause: Restart torque/software/battery/starter interaction can prevent clean restart after idle stop.
Quick check
- Warm car fully.
- Let idle stop activate several times.
- Check battery spec/date.
- Ask for A23-009 or idle-stop repair history.
Buyer note
A Pilot that cannot restart confidently after idle stop is not ready for family use.
Owner note
Do not solve this only by disabling the feature; document and diagnose it.
Fault 2
MOST coax rear-camera failure
Affects
2019-2022 Pilot under 23V431.
Symptoms
Blank reverse camera, audio crackle, screen reboot, network errors.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 recall; EUR 300-1,800 network repair.
Codes / scan clues
MOST/network codes.
Root cause: Faulty MOST coax connector interrupts camera display.
Quick check
- Test reverse camera repeatedly.
- Listen for audio pops.
- Check 23V431 invoice.
- Retest after bumps.
Buyer note
A blank camera on a Pilot is a recall-linked safety problem, not a minor screen quirk.
Owner note
Video intermittent camera failure before the dealer visit.
Fault 3
Denso low-pressure fuel pump recall
Affects
2016-2021 Pilot under 23V858 and earlier pump campaigns depending VIN.
Symptoms
Stall, no-start, long crank, hesitation, recall notice.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 recall; EUR 500-1,000 pump.
Codes / scan clues
Fuel pressure, lean, misfire.
Root cause: Fuel-pump impeller swelling can stop fuel delivery.
Quick check
- Run VIN.
- Confirm pump replacement.
- Hot restart.
- Scan fuel pressure history.
Buyer note
Do not buy a stalling Pilot while the pump recall is open.
Owner note
Finish recall work before a school-run stall forces a tow.
Fault 4
J35 connecting-rod bearing recall
Affects
Certain 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot under 23V751.
Symptoms
Knock, low oil pressure, seizure risk, metal in oil.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 recall; EUR 5,000-12,000 engine repair.
Codes / scan clues
Oil pressure/misfire possible.
Root cause: Manufacturing error can cause rod bearing wear and engine seizure.
Quick check
- Run VIN for 23V751.
- Listen cold/hot.
- Check oil records.
- Avoid bearing noise.
Buyer note
A Pilot with bearing uncertainty is too expensive to gamble on.
Owner note
Escalate knocking immediately; this recall is about engine seizure.
Fault 5
Timing belt tooth separation recall and belt service
Affects
Certain 2018-2019 Pilot under 19V298; all J35 Pilots by service interval.
Symptoms
Recall notice, rough running, no-start, timing noise.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 recall; EUR 900-1,800 timing belt package.
Codes / scan clues
Cam/crank correlation or misfire.
Root cause: Recall belts may shed teeth; normal belts age and can fail.
Quick check
- Run VIN for 19V298.
- Check timing-belt invoice.
- Inspect tensioner noise.
- Budget water pump/coolant.
Buyer note
A 100k-mile Pilot without belt proof is not fully maintained.
Owner note
Do belt, water pump, tensioner and coolant together.
Fault 6
Hood latch striker recall
Affects
2016-2019 Pilot under 21V932.
Symptoms
Hood flutter, loose striker, recall notice, hood-open risk.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 recall; EUR 200-1,500 latch/hood repair.
Codes / scan clues
None.
Root cause: Hood latch striker may become damaged and separate from hood.
Quick check
- Run VIN.
- Inspect striker and hood leading edge.
- Check for flutter on drive.
- Confirm recall completion.
Buyer note
A hood-opening recall should be closed before any motorway use.
Owner note
Do not ignore hood flutter; the failure mode blocks driver vision.
Fault 7
Brake master-cylinder/booster fastener recall
Affects
2021-2022 Pilot under 23V458.
Symptoms
Brake warning, fluid leak, soft/long pedal, recall notice.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 recall; EUR 800-2,000 brake booster/master-cylinder work.
Codes / scan clues
Brake/ABS codes possible.
Root cause: Tie rod fastener between brake booster and master cylinder may be improperly assembled.
Quick check
- Run VIN for 23V458.
- Inspect brake fluid.
- Pedal feel test.
- Scan ABS/brake modules.
Buyer note
A 2021-2022 Pilot with brake recall open is not ready for a family handover.
Owner note
Treat pedal change as urgent and keep the recall invoice.
Fault 8
9-speed judder, torque-converter or fluid behaviour
Affects
2016-2022 Pilot 9-speed upper trims.
Symptoms
Judder, shudder, harsh shifts, delayed D/R, no restart overlap, whine.
Typical repair cost
EUR 200-450 ATF/software; EUR 1,000-3,000 torque converter; EUR 5,000-8,000 transmission.
Codes / scan clues
Transmission pressure/ratio and torque management codes.
Root cause: Software, fluid deterioration, torque-converter lockup behaviour, or internal wear.
Quick check
- Cold D/R.
- Light-throttle 20-45 mph.
- Ask for ATF/software records.
- Use Honda-capable scan.
Buyer note
A smooth 9-speed is fine; a shuddering one needs price room and proof of diagnosis.
Owner note
Service ATF early and do not let judder become normal.
Inspection pack
Printable checklist for the viewing
The free page helps you decide whether the car is worth seeing. The paid guide is the ordered, printable checklist you use at the car.
- Recall printout for 21V932, 23V431, 23V858, 23V751, 19V298, 23V458 and 24V064.
- Timing belt/water pump/tensioner records.
- ATF, rear differential, battery/starter and idle-stop repair records.
- Inspect hood striker, tyres, brake fluid, rear diff leaks and tow-hitch use.
- Check fuel smell and engine knock.
- Look for camera or wiring modifications.
- Test reverse camera repeatedly.
- Check SRS/OCS, brake, ABS and transmission warnings.
- Confirm Auto Idle Stop is not disabled by a workaround.
- Let Auto Idle Stop activate several times.
- Cold and warm transmission shift test.
- Tight-turn AWD chatter check.
- Read EPS/body network, transmission, ABS/brake, fuel pressure and idle-stop/charging history.
Bottom line
Buy: Buy a late third-gen Pilot with all recalls closed, smooth idle-stop behaviour, documented ATF/rear-diff service and timing-belt planning. A clean 2021-2022 is usually worth the premium.
Avoid: Avoid no-restart idle-stop cars, engine knock, open bearing/belt recalls, blank camera faults and shuddering 9-speeds with no service history.
Quick answers
Honda Pilot buyer questions
The short versions of what this page answers in full.
What are the most common Honda Pilot 2016-2022 problems?
The highest-impact documented faults are: Auto Idle Stop no-restart; MOST coax rear-camera failure; Denso low-pressure fuel pump recall. This guide covers 8 faults in total, each with symptoms, typical repair costs, and checks you can do at a viewing.
Which Honda Pilot years are the best to buy?
2021-2022 stand out in this generation. Buy a late third-gen Pilot with all recalls closed, smooth idle-stop behaviour, documented ATF/rear-diff service and timing-belt planning. A clean 2021-2022 is usually worth the premium.
Which Honda Pilot should I avoid?
Avoid no-restart idle-stop cars, engine knock, open bearing/belt recalls, blank camera faults and shuddering 9-speeds with no service history.
Is the Honda Pilot 2016-2022 a reliable used buy?
BYBA scores it 6.2/10 (buy with checks). 1 walk-away risk, 6 serious faults, 1 minor fault documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: j35 connecting-rod bearing recall.
Get updates when this guide changes
Recalls get added, repair costs shift, and new fault patterns show up in the data. Leave an email and we'll tell you when the Honda Pilot guide gets a meaningful revision. Nothing else, no selling your address.
Research basis
- api.nhtsa.gov: recallsByVehicle
- api.nhtsa.gov: recallsByVehicle
- api.nhtsa.gov: recallsByVehicle
- api.nhtsa.gov: recallsByVehicle
- oemdtc.com: PE22005
- carcomplaints.com: tsb-a23-009.shtml
- tsbsearch.com: 24-010
- carcomplaints.com: hood-may-open-while-driving-21v932000.shtml
- Honda idle-stop settlement complaint context
- Motor1 Honda camera recall
- Consumer Reports camera recall
- NHTSA 23V858 owner letter
- NHTSA Pilot 2018 recalls API
- NHTSA recall lookup
- Honda owner maintenance minder
- RepairPal Pilot estimator
- NHTSA Pilot 2017 recalls API
- NHTSA recall interest PDF
- Honda Pilot TSB list torque converter notes
- Honda TSB A17070C summary