2026 Honda Pilot: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 22 owner complaints on record; most reports concern steering.
Data updated weekly · 10 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Jul 2026
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“When turning steering there is a clicking noise almost like a spring clicking on a gear. It is sound like it is coming from under the middle part where the airbag sits. Not sure if it is the airbag mechanism that it is the attached to the steering or a faulty clock spring.”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2026
“The airbag light came on and a warning stating " Supplemental restraint system problem" on my brand new car. I purchased the car on Friday and the warnings occurred Sunday. The car has 280 miles on it. From a Facebook group I can se that this appears to be a frequent issue.”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2026
“The vehicle since purchase has a delay of a few seconds after hitting the gas pedal to move forward. Once the vehicle does decide to move, it surges to a high rpm before switching to second gear moving forward rather aggressively. This causes the vehicle to be unpredictable and unsafe when making decisions in navigating traffic.”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2026
Show 6 more owner reports
“The contact owns a 2026 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and placing a child inside the safety seat, the rear passenger's side seat belt was loose, and the locking mechanism failed to perform normally and became inoperable. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jul 2026
“I was driving down the road, when suddenly my sunroof exploded. Thankfully the cloth part was shut, otherwise glass would have shattered through the car, but it was loud and scary. Insurance company has seen car, and is replacing glass, I am calling the Honda dealership to let them know what happened.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2026
“Steering wheel started making a clicking noise after a couple hundred miles. Dealer replaced clock spring and wrapped in felt tape. I could hear the felt tape a few days later when turning the wheel, and the clicking returned within a few hundred miles, returned to dealer again and they replaced clock spring again and wrapped in felt tape. The issue was only fixed for 1 day before I started hearing the felt tape when turning the wheel.”Owner report · Steering · Jul 2026
“Slowed down to turn right into a parking lot, power steering suddenly disabled and multiple warning lights appeared on dash. Warning messages stating auto brake system disabled, lane departure assist disabled, hill assist and start disabled, and more warning lights. Steering suddenly became difficult and dangerous with moving traffic behind me. Pulled into a parking lot and restarted car multiple times. After more than 10 minutes and restarting vehicle, power steering came back.”Owner report · Steering,Electrical System,Service Brakes · Jun 2026
“Intermittent severe shaking in steering wheel while driving at various speeds. No warning. Vehicle has less than 500 miles.”Owner report · Steering,Suspension,Unknown Or Other · Jun 2026
“The second and third row seats do not recognize when passengers are exiting the vehicle. All second and third row seats cause the seat belt warning to go off multiple times even when there are not passengers in the vehicle. Car in park does not mitigate this problem.”Owner report · Seat Belts,Seats,Unknown Or Other · Mar 2026
Recalls - 1 campaign
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2026 Pilot and Passport vehicles. The rear subframe bolts may have been tightened improperly.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rear subframe bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is OOY. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 10, 2026.
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all Pilot years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact Pilot by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2026 Honda Pilot reliable?
NHTSA has 22 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2026 Honda Pilot. The most complained-about area is steering.
Does the 2026 Honda Pilot have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning structure. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.