Is the Honda Pilot reliable?
39% of the 49 we inspected scored 60/100 or higher, with an average of 54/100 — it scores noticeably below average.
49
Cars inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections54/100
Average conditionall cars we check: 61/10039%
In good shape (60+)all cars we check: 56%Across 49 used Honda Pilots we inspected, this model scores noticeably below average — average condition 54/100 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
61%
Oil leaks · Engine
53%
Active error codes · Electronic equipment
39%
Fluid leaks · Steering (hydraulic power)
37%
Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
35%
Share of inspected Honda Pilots where each item was flagged.
How they score
Excellent 12%
Good 27%
Mediocre 37%
Poor 24%
Hidden history
What the seller might not mention — how often we find it on this model.
84%had a repainted or replaced panelall cars: 75%
2%showed structural repairall cars: 4%
35%had fault codes recently clearedall cars: 24%
How long does a Pilot stay good?
Good cars by mileage
Good cars by age
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
32 cars · 72% good
CR-V
98 cars · 55% good
Odyssey
59 cars · 52% good
Civic
152 cars · 51% good
Accord
121 cars · 37% good
Other Honda models we've inspected — or see the full Honda profile.
Straight from recent Honda Pilot reports
2014 Honda Pilot · 94k mi — flagged: crankcase gas pressure, oil leaks, oil sludge. Inspected Oct 10.
2010 Honda Pilot · 121k mi — flagged: oil leaks, battery condition, fault codes recently cleared. Inspected Sep 9.
The bottom line
Do not let a shiny Pilot fool you. Repainted panels are the rule, so check every door, fender, and bumper for mismatch and overspray before you talk price. Then go straight to the engine: fuel trim is out of range on 61 percent of them and oil leaks are almost as common, so a live scan and a look underneath are non-negotiable. If codes have been cleared and the seller shrugs, walk. After that, check hydraulic steering for wetness and tires for remaining life. Engine work plus a respray is your leverage; a leaking motor with a wiped computer is your exit.
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 (61%), oil leaks (53%), active error codes (39%). Have these checked before buying.
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Should I worry about cleared fault codes?
On 35% 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 49 inspections · updated Oct 11, 2026
