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2020 Honda Pilot

The Verdict

26 Check Engine

The 2020 Honda Pilot has 490 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are electrical (164 complaints) and engine (144 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 26/100, it earns a "Check Engine" rating. If you're shopping for a Honda Pilot, consider the 2015 model year which has 77% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2015 has 77% fewer complaints

View the 2015 Honda Pilot dashboard →

26

Klunk Score: Check Engine

More complaints than most vehicles. Known issues exist — budget for potential repairs.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

Recalls 2

Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.

23V174000 VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR

Honda (American Honda Motor Co) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2020-2022 Passport and Odyssey vehicles. The heating pads behind both side-view mirrors may not be bonded pr...

Risk

Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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 numbe...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

20V067000 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020 Passport and Pilot vehicles. The certification label may have been printed with ink that can be wiped away with a solvent, removing the G...

Risk

If the operator is unable to refer to the label information, the vehicle may be overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the certification label, free of charge. The recall began March 24, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's ...

Reported Jun 2, 2020

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
20031832624877211
20041841913867135
200516512216594130
20069932903710
20077819792510
2008536442010
2009441331397
201034837283
201111437804416
20124525345512
20139138279025
201451816365
2015431122294
201627620353948119
20171462011157681
20189453225248
20192353317739964
20201332116414428
20211722511112414
20227016294211
2023881520185
202472129176
202510230274018

By Category

Electrical
164
Engine
144
Body
133
Transmission
28
Brakes
21

By Severity

1
226
2
246
3
3
4
15

Worst Problems

Compare Against

See how the 2020 Honda Pilot stacks up against rivals.

Complaints

Body 2

On October 7, 2026, at approximately 131,425 miles, my 2020 Honda Pilot Elite suddenly displayed multiple Honda Sensing safety-system failures simultaneously without prior warning. The vehicle displayed Adaptive Cruise Control Problem, Lane Keeping Assist Problem, Collision Mitigation System Problem, Road Departure Mitigation System Problem, and Auto High-Beam Problem. I shut the vehicle completely off and restarted it, but the warnings returned. These failures appear to disable multiple advanced driver-assistance and collision-avoidance functions at the same time. I have found reports from other 2020 Honda Pilot owners describing similar simultaneous Honda Sensing failures, including reported failures of the multipurpose forward camera. I am having the vehicle diagnosed and will retain the diagnostic trouble codes and repair information. I am reporting this because the simultaneous loss of multiple collision-avoidance and driver-assistance safety systems appears to be a potential safety-related defect.

19d ago
Electrical 2

Honda Pilot 2020 sensing multipurpose camera failure. DTC U3000-49

20d ago
Body 1

When driving in normal conditions on a 2 lane road and passing oncoming vehicles the ‘auto emergency brake’ will flash on screen and briefly slow/attempt to apply brakes. Very intermittent, no consistency with other conditions such as weather, traffic flow or driving conditions. Concern - safe driving conditions are interrupted causing driver distraction and higher risk of accident.

22d ago
Electrical 2

My front sensor camera has malfunctioned which is causing numerous failing safety systems such as lkas, adaptive cruise control and automated braking.

27d ago
Body 1

I own a 2020 Honda Pilot with approximately 85,000 miles. While driving, the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) warning lights intermittently come on, causing these Honda Sensing safety functions to become unavailable. The warnings sometimes disappear and the systems operate normally again, but the problem continues to return. The vehicle was diagnosed with DTC U3000-49, Multipurpose Camera Unit Internal Electronic Failure. I took the vehicle to a repair facility and was advised that the multipurpose camera needs to be replaced, with an estimated repair cost of approximately $2,200. The repair facility also told me that they have recently seen other Honda vehicles with the same or very similar issue. They had a Honda Odyssey with a similar Honda Sensing/camera problem just before my Pilot. I am reporting this because the failure occurs while driving and disables ACC and CMBS. I am concerned that similar multipurpose camera failures may be occurring in other Honda Pilot and Odyssey vehicles.

29d ago
Electrical 1

Multipurpose Camera Unit Failure, causing many warning symbols on dash.

1mo ago
Electrical 1

Front facing camera fail. Causing brake system adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist , collision mitigation, road departure mitigation. Auto high beams to not work

1mo ago
Engine 1

After previously reporting that a connecting rod bearing noise developed after the timing belt maintenance package was performed near 100,000 miles, the connecting rod bearings failed around 3,000 miles later while going down the interstate with children in the car. Thankfully the Pilot, which was shaking and making noise, was able to be pulled over to side of the interstate and later towed to the dealer service. No symptoms other than the noise at low speeds usually from take off, which regional Honda said wouldn’t damage anything, but apparently it did.

1mo ago
Body 2

There is significant rust on the frame and undercarriage of the vehicle. There has been no actual safety concerns yet, but it may lead to severe issues if unaddressed. It has since an active recall exists for the corrosion of the rear subframe. A specific rust-related inspection is on hold until I receive further direction from the dealership I purchased the vehicle from.

1mo ago
Transmission 1

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating and was shaking violently. The contact associated the failure with the transmission. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered a goodwill repair; however, the contact had not agreed to the terms. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer confirmed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact stated that prior to the transmission failure, the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the hesitation issue, and the dealer associated the failure with the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired for personal reasons.

1mo ago
Body 1

I got in the car one morning and had 5 error codes come on and they have not gone off. None of the driver assist controls are working. The cruise control does not work either. All of the dash lights are on. Toyota determined it is the front camera that failed and repair would be $2000. Car is available for inspection anytime. Unable to drive for long periods as the cruise control does not work. The lane assist option does not work. The automatic break system does not work. Half of the option this car came with do not work.

1mo ago
Electrical 2

While driving on my way home from work (24 mile drive) I received on my dashboard faults that flashed briefly for my steering, lane keeping assistance, lane departure, forward collision, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and parking collision (warning lamps). My radio also had cut out at the same time. While that occurred my steering wheel jerked suddenly while going straight at speeds around 60mph. I brushed it off as a communication issue since it is known to occur on these vehicles, but the steering wheel jerking was new to me. Made it home turned the vehicle off (vehicle was off for 15 minutes). I started up the vehicle no warning lamps came on. But as soon as I got up to 40mph and a mile from my home the same issue occurred but more frequent, but less of the steering wheel jerking. I got where I needed to go and got back onto the road and reached 30 mph the warning lamps came on more a lot more frequently on my way home. As soon as reached my alleyway turning left, the steering wheel had a moment of locking up (about 5-10mph). This came as a shock for me. I backed up into my garage and had to turn the steering wheel left again and the same thing happened. I parked the while the vehicle was running I turned the steering wheel really fast, recreated the steering wheel locking momentarily a few times. I turned the vehicle off and tried to restart it but there was no power. Turns out that my battery had gone bad. I had no indication of a low voltage or battery issue. I replaced the battery and issue was resolved. For me and a situationally unaware driver and this issue occurs where the steering wheel jerked and/or an emergency evasive action was needed, this could cause an accident due to the sudden loss of steering. There was no indication of battery issues. No dealer or independent shops were involved. I am a mechanic myself.

1mo ago
Electrical 2

There's an old recall called FAKRA Service Cable Safety, Recall Number #23V-431, The recall issue was fixed, but it is now recurring. The cracking windshield sound, along with the screen shutting off or going blank, increases the risk of a crash or injury when backing up or driving while using the navigation system. We contacted Honda about this issue, but they don't seem keen on fixing it, especially now that it's out of warranty.

2mo ago
Body 2

All safety alerts started showing as the forward camera has an internal failure as diagnosed by the dealer

2mo ago
Body 2

While driving the vehicle on a family trip all of the driver assist functions shut off. Cruise Control, Lane Assist, etc. Numerous warning lights were triggered including brake system. Most noted the various driver assist functions became disabled. We had the vehicle codes read by a couple non-dealer locations. The OBD readers indicted that everything was fine with no codes being presented suggesting an error. Vehicle could be driven but none of the standard safety features with the camera system worked. Took it to Honda Dealer (Honda Marysville, Ohio) who performs all service on the vehicle. They concluded a faulty main camera and noted there were no recalls attributed to the device. Information we researched suggests these Camera's should last the life of the vehicle or at least 10 years. This car's windshield has never been replaced, and the car spends 75% of it's time in a garage. All mileage on the vehicle is highway mileage. Researched information suggests changing the windshield or subjecting cameras to extreme heat (sitting in sun all day, every day) can result in damage but this car was not subject to any of that from it's manufacture. Online forums suggest this issue is impacting both Honda Pilot's and Honda Ridgeline, with a lot more complaints on the Ridgelines. I have all paperwork from Honda and requested the part be returned to us for which Honda complied. No accident occurred as a result of the faulty camera.

2mo ago
Engine 2

Tachometer is starting to surging idle. Getting a wave of errors lights and messages. It’s also a known problem on the 2019 of the same model and it has a recall. I received the same code from an auto repair shop. Service Bulletin 21-010

2mo ago
Electrical 1

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the radio made an abnormal crackling and popping sound, and the instrument cluster flickered with the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), and the cruise control became inoperable while driving. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the contact was informed that the failure could not be duplicated. The contact associated the failure with TSB: 20-058 and 21-012, and NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V431000 (Back Over Prevention). The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the contact was informed that there would be a charge for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 10.

2mo ago
Electrical 1

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message that the radio was shutting off was displayed. Additionally, the speakers made a crackling sound before the radio shut off, and the main screen became inoperable. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V431000 (Back Over Prevention); as a possible cause for the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer times; however, the technicians were unable to duplicate the issue. During the final visit, the dealer diagnosed the vehicle with an amplifier failure and replaced the part; however, the issue persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,000.

2mo ago
Transmission 2

I am reporting a severe safety defect regarding the automatic transmission on my 2020 Honda Pilot AWD (VIN: [XXX]). The vehicle experiences a violent and constant transmission vibration/judder under light throttle acceleration. On XXX, at 127,073 miles, an authorized Honda dealership officially diagnosed the vehicle under Repair Order # XXX, confirming the presence of "shudder at light throttle". Despite changing the transmission fluid as required by maintenance schedules, the issue persists. This failure causes unexpected vehicle hesitation and jerky shifts while driving at highway speeds, creating a high risk of rear-end collisions and posing an immediate safety hazard to my family and other drivers on the road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

2mo ago
Electrical 2

Summary of safety defect and failed recall repair: Vehicle: 2020 Honda Pilot EX (Clean California Title) Core Issue: Persistent, catastrophic failure of the MOST Bus fiber-optic communication network, resulting in complete blackout of the federally mandated rear backup camera (FMVSS No. 111 violation), total infotainment reboot loops, loud audio cracking/popping, and instrument panel system failure during active vehicle operation at 65+ mph highway speeds. RECALL REMEDY FAILURE CHRONOLOGY: 1. IN-WARRANTY ANCHOR: On April 20, 2022 (34,201 miles) at Tracy Honda, initial network cracking/popping and communication faults were logged under factory warranty. Display head unit was replaced, but underlying MOST Bus backbone issues persisted. Fakra connectors replaced to attempt to fix the issue. 2. RECALL ATTEMPT: On July 17, 2025, at Lompoc Honda, the vehicle was presented specifically under Safety Recall Campaign 23-047 / NHTSA 23V-431. Dealer technicians installed FAKRA connectors and connector jumpers per official remedy instructions. 3. REMEDY FAILURE: The recall remedy failed to correct the defect. The vehicle continues to experience "Network Communication Lost" and "Check Tuner" system collapses, completely disabling the rear backup camera display without warning - all while being in a 10-minute reboot loops. SAFETY HAZARD: The sudden, unannounced loss of rear visibility and screen blackout creates a direct backover and collision hazard in violation of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111. Furthermore, total network reboots at highway speeds cause severe driver distraction. REMEDY REQUESTED: American Honda Motor Co., Inc. has been notified (Corporate Case #XXX), but has failed to remedy this known federal safety defect after statutory repair opportunities. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

2mo ago

490 total

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