Is the Honda Pilot reliable?
41% of the 47 we inspected scored 60/100 or higher, with an average of 55/100 — it scores noticeably below average.
47
Cars inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections55/100
Average conditionall cars we check: 61/10041%
In good shape (60+)all cars we check: 56%Across 47 used Honda Pilots we inspected, this model scores noticeably below average — average condition 55/100 vs 61 for all cars we check. Every number on this page comes from real pre-purchase inspections — cars people were about to buy and paid an independent inspector to go through point by point, engine to underbody, paint depth to error codes. Not owner surveys, not warranty statistics, not forum lore: what we actually found.
What we found
Most common faults
Fuel trim out of range · Engine
60%
Oil leaks · Engine
51%
Active error codes · Electronic equipment
40%
Fluid leaks · Steering (hydraulic power)
36%
Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
34%
Share of inspected Honda Pilots where each item was flagged.
How they score
Excellent 13%
Good 28%
Mediocre 34%
Poor 26%
Hidden history
What the seller might not mention — how often we find it on this model.
83%had a repainted or replaced panelall cars: 75%
2%showed structural repairall cars: 4%
34%had fault codes recently clearedall cars: 23%
How long does a Pilot stay good?
Good cars by mileage
Share of Honda Pilots in good shape (scoring 60+/100) by mileage and by age when we inspected them (each dot ≥5 cars; rolled-back odometers excluded from the mileage curve). The dashed grey curve is all cars we check.
More on Honda
Fit
31 cars · 71% good
CR-V
89 cars · 54% good
Odyssey
54 cars · 53% good
Civic
146 cars · 51% good
Accord
117 cars · 37% good
Other Honda models we've inspected — or see the full Honda profile.
Straight from recent Honda Pilot reports
2016 Honda Pilot · 159k mi — flagged: low coolant / cooling system issues, oil leaks, battery condition. Inspected Aug 24.
2017 Honda Pilot · 153k mi — flagged: transmission control module, cv joints, signs of airbag deployment. Inspected Aug 22.
The bottom line
These Pilots usually look cleaner than they run. Repainted panels are the norm, so do not let glossy bodywork talk you out of a real engine check. Fuel-trim issues hit 60 percent of them and oil leaks more than half, so start with a cold idle, a look underneath, and a live scan before you talk money. Cleared codes turn up often enough that a seller claiming a clean history needs extra skepticism. Check the hydraulic steering rack for wetness and the tires for wear. If the engine is leaking or still throwing codes, walk; only a dry, quiet example is worth negotiating.
FAQ
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What are the most common problems on a used Honda Pilot?
The items we flag most often are fuel trim out of range (60%), oil leaks (51%), active error codes (40%). Have these checked before buying.
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Should I worry about cleared fault codes?
On 34% of these cars the ECU codes had been erased shortly before sale, which can hide active faults. Ask for a diagnostic scan and start the engine from cold.
Thinking of buying a Honda Pilot? Get the exact car inspected before you pay.
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Based on 47 inspections · updated Aug 28, 2026
