Best & Worst Honda Pilot Years (2003 – 2004)

This guide compares every Honda Pilot from 2003 to this year’s model, highlighting the best and worst.

Keep away from the worst Honda Pilot model years. To determine which Honda Pilot model year is the best and worst, you can use this guide.

To find the best and worst model years of this popular SUV, we analyzed real-world data and conducted extensive research.

Our comprehensive analysis and industry expertise have enabled us to meticulously classify each Honda Pilot model year based on reliability ratings, maintenance costs, and owner feedback.

As we go through each Honda Pilot generation, we’ll discuss the best and worst features, as well as potential problems.

Your next Honda Pilot purchase will be more informed if you have this information on hand.

It’s time to get started.

Honda Pilot Generations

In 2003, Honda introduced the Pilot, a family SUV that has proved to be reliable for over a decade. In addition to its spacious interior and robust performance, the car’s safety features make it a favourite among consumers.

The following generations provide a quick overview of this venerable SUV’s evolution:

Understanding the changes and updates that occur with each generation is essential to choosing the right generation for your needs.

Honda Pilot Best, Neutral and Worst Years

A variety of factors are considered during our ranking and categorization process, including:

• Assurance of reliability from owners (surveys)
• An annual cost analysis of maintenance
• Regulatory rating for safety
• According to Consumer Reports, its reliability score is high
• Scores based on Consumer Reports’ survey of owners
• The NHTSA’s recalls, investigations, and complaints
• On Edmunds, owner ratings can be found
• Reviews from JD Power owners
• Kelley’s Blue Book (KBB) ratings for owners
• The ratings of owners on VehicleHistory
• Detailed ratings of owners on Cars.com

The following table provides a comparison of Best, Neutral, and Worst Years for each company:

Neutral Years are characterized by average performance and reliability without any notable issues or noteworthy features.

The NHTSA rating of a vehicle can reduce its overall reliability and, consequently, its overall score.

We will examine each generation’s best, neutral, and worst years in the following paragraphs.

Honda Pilot 4th Generation [2023]

In 2023, Honda Pilot will introduce a new generation that will bring numerous advancements and raise the bar for its class. To reflect Honda’s latest design language, the interior and front fascia have also been redesigned.

A number of technological and safety upgrades have also been introduced by Honda. The 2023 Pilot offers advanced infotainment functionality with its large, high-resolution touchscreen. Additionally, Wi-Fi hotspots, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are included as standard features, ensuring passengers remain entertained and connected.

There are also a number of new safety features available with Honda Sensing, including traffic jam assist and low-speed braking control. In addition to improving fuel efficiency and performance, Honda also improved the powertrain for the 2023 Pilot.

It is important for potential buyers to be aware that any newly introduced model may have teething issues. Some minor problems may occur during the initial production run, but they usually resolve themselves by the following model year. Keeping an eye on 2023 Honda consumer reviews and recalls is always a good idea.

Best & Worst Years for Honda Pilot 3rd Generation [2016 to 2022]

The third generation Honda Pilot was launched in 2016 with a major redesign. Compared to its predecessor, the new vehicle was more streamlined, modern, and less boxy.

In addition to introducing new technology, Honda also improved performance, but some glitches occurred.

The Best Years: 2018, 2020

With the introduction of Honda Sensing in 2018, Honda addresses some of the concerns raised with the earlier models.

The system is equipped with features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and collision mitigation braking. The infotainment system has also been upgraded to include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

With the 2020 model, these features have been further enhanced. Fuel economy was enhanced by the vehicle’s nine-speed automatic transmission, which was available in higher trim levels.

A high safety rating was also achieved with Honda Sensing, a standard feature on all Hondas.

The Neutral Years: 2019, 2021, 2022

In 2019-2021-2022, Honda Pilot has three neutral models. There were no significant changes made to their safety or technological features compared to their best years.

Fuel efficiency and performance were good, as were the models’ reliability and comfort.

The Worst Years: 2016, 2017

Early on, the Honda Pilot third-generation, 2016 and 2017, faced a number of challenges.

These models received the most complaints from the NHTSA of all generations.

Engines, electrical systems, and powertrains have caused many complaints, which negatively impacted vehicle reliability.

In spite of the modern design and new features introduced during these years, reliability issues affected the decisions of potential buyers.

Best & Worst Years for Honda Pilot 2nd Generation [2009 to 2015]

In 2009, Honda Pilot’s second generation was introduced with a boxier design and improved safety features.

As well as being capable of towing and off-roading, the interior is comfortable and spacious.

The Best Years: 2009, 2015

With a bang, the 2009 model introduced the second generation. A powerful 3.5L V6 engine with 250 horsepower was also available in addition to the V6 engine.

Fuel economy, interior space, and cargo space are some of the advantages of this vehicle. Furthermore, the car had anti-lock brakes, side curtain airbags, and stability control.

Again, the 2015 model stood out among the second generation models. With its 6-speed automatic transmission, it was more fuel efficient and smoother transitioning.

The vehicle also comes with Honda’s LaneWatch feature, which enhances visibility for the driver.

The Neutral Years: 2012, 2013, 2014

There is no neutral year in 2012, 2013, or 2014. Although they didn’t introduce any groundbreaking changes, they kept the Honda Pilot’s reputation for being a reliable, comfortable, and strong vehicle.

These models carried forward many of the features of the 2009 model, including its powerful V6 engine and spacious interior.

The Worst Years: 2010, 2011

Honda Pilots of the second generation are considered to be at their worst in 2010 and 2011.

Several safety and reliability issues were reported with the 2010 model, including problems with the airbags and the engine.

The 2011 model has been reported to have a number of issues, including airbags, the engine, suspension, and steering.

Furthermore, these issues adversely affected consumer satisfaction ratings and damaged the reputations of these models.

Best & Worst Years for Honda Pilot 1st Generation [2003 to 2008]

Pilot, Honda’s first midsize crossover SUV, was introduced in 2003, marking the company’s entry into the market. With its spacious interior and smooth ride, the car was also praised for its powerful V6 engine.

The Best Years: 2006

From the perspective of the first generation, the 2006 model stands out. Several improvements have been made to this model as far as performance and comfort are concerned. The car produced 244 horsepower and had a 3.5L V6 engine and 5-speed automatic transmission.

Additionally, the 2006 Pilot had electronic stability control as well as side curtain airbags, both of which were innovative for the time.

The Neutral Years: 2007

The 2007 model year falls into the neutral category. In spite of the lack of significant changes, the Pilot continued to maintain its popularity – reliability, spaciousness, and performance.

While the exterior and interior design of this model were tweaked slightly, its reputation remained unchanged.

The Worst Years: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008

In 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2008, Honda Pilot models of the first generation are considered the worst models.

Airbags, the power train, and the electrical system were among the issues that plagued the initial 2003 model, leading to several NHTSA recalls.

Also in 2004, the power train and airbags failed, as well as the driver’s seat loosening uncontrollably, causing discomfort and safety concerns.

A number of problems were reported with the 2005 model, including the airbag system, power train, electronic stability control, and service brakes.

Airbag issues also marred the otherwise reliable performance of the 2008 model.

Common Problems With The Honda Pilot

The following list of Honda Pilot problems will help you decide which model you should drive.

Transmission Failures

This is probably the most common transmission failure problem for Honda Pilots. This problem mostly affects 2003 models, which is a good thing. However, isolated transmission failures may occur in Pilot models with other transmissions. 

It is one of the most expensive repairs you can make to fix a vehicle that has a known issue, such as a transmission failure. Drivers may also experience difficulty controlling their cars when their transmission fails, resulting in accidents. 

Excessive Oil Consumption

The Honda Pilot has experienced oil consumption problems in several model years, and it is one of the most common problems among SUVs. Having an SUV that consumes oil may not seem like a big deal if you know about it, but if you are unaware of the possibility, it can be. 

Overheating can occur if you allow the oil level to drop too low, but only if the level becomes too low overall. 

Keep an oil can in the trunk and top it off every couple weeks, just like you would with an oil leak. Cutting down on oil consumption will make it harder for you to maintain your vehicle. 

Peeling Paint

It is more difficult to fix peeling paint in wet and rusted areas than in dry areas. 

In spite of the fact that you don’t think peeling paint is serious enough to prevent you from buying a car, you may need to repaint your car at some point. 

Recurring Fault Codes 

If recurring fault codes conceal a serious problem, there is usually no danger associated with them.

They are triggered by your Pilot’s sensors when they detect an unresolved issue. You can usually identify fault codes quickly if you notice recurrences of fault codes. Problems are not caused by fault codes themselves; they are caused by your Pilot teaching you not to take them seriously after you have already been trained not to. 

You may unintentionally damage your vehicle if you interpret a legitimate fault code as a false alarm.

Fuel Injector Failure

The failure of the fuel injectors is another common Honda Pilot problem, and it can be a very costly one to repair. There is a tendency for Honda Pilots from recent generations to have this issue more frequently than earlier models, particularly those from 2016. 

 Typically occurring around 60k miles, this problem usually surfaces early in the life of a vehicle. 

Research this issue before buying a Honda Pilot if you are considering one. Several thousand dollars may be required to fix it.

Brake Issues

According to frustrated Pilot owners, warped brake rotors cause vibrations while braking on 2003-2017 models. The vibrations can be quite unsettling due to the high speed at which they occur. There have been reports of clunking noises when braking in some cases. According to experts, the problem was caused by a faulty brake pad shim.

This issue can be easily resolved by replacing the broken component. Replacing a brake pad can cost between $30 and $80. It will cost you between $100 and $200 to replace the brake rotors, not including labor.

Electrical Problems

There are a number of electrical problems with the 2020 Pilot, though they are less frequent than other issues. The navigation system, instrument panel, and infotainment system of the 2020 model have been reported to have electrical problems. Some reports state that dashboard clicking or ticking usually precedes these issues.

This problem is said to be caused by loose wiring, according to Service Bulletin #A19030B. Under the dash wiring was not able to be connected, which caused the issue to persist.

Is The Honda Pilot A Reliable Automobile?

Purchasing a vehicle should be based on its reliability and capacity to complete the task at hand. Aside from its long history, the Honda Pilot has won the trust of its customers because of its reliability.

The Honda Pilot is a reliable vehicle without a doubt. Honda Pilots score highly in reliability, friendliness, and comfort tests conducted by J.D. Power and Associates. One of the best cars on the market is the Honda Pilot 2021, which has a reliability rating of 78 out of 100.

Its power and dependable performance make the Pilot Honda’s largest and most comprehensive vehicle. Its maintenance costs are also lower than those of some other SUVs.

Which Honda Pilot Models Are Good To Buy Used 

There is more to buying a used car than just finding a reliable one. You need to find a used car that can handle a lot of mileage, has been well maintained, and has been driven a lot. 

This makes the 2010 Honda Pilot a good choice among older models. In addition to having many modern conveniences, the 2009 model is more reliable, making it a better long-term investment. 

You should be able to find a model that meets your needs between 2015-2020, except for the 2016 release.

Is The Honda Pilot A Good Investment?

If you decide to resell your car, you should know if it will retain its value. When it comes to the Honda Pilot, its value is well maintained. Honda Pilots are fantastic vehicles, and the price decreases by about 40% during the first five years of ownership, which is fantastic.

You would get a very fair price for your automobile if you decided to sell it. You must take good care of them if you want them to resell for a profit, since they have excellent resale values.

Read: Best & Worst Honda CR-V Years
Read: Toyota RAV4 Engine Oil Capacity
Read: How Long Do Toyota RAV4s Last?
Read: Toyota RAV4 Lug Nut Torque Specifications
Read: Lunar Rock Toyota RAV4 Color

FAQs

Conclusion

You can now choose the Honda Pilot model year that is ideal for you much more easily. Over time, you will become more familiar with the latest Pilot models as you gather more data.

In your experience, how has the Honda Pilot performed? Why do you prefer a particular generation or year?

You will be very helpful to those who are planning to purchase a Honda Pilot. Comment below with what you think and what you’ve experienced.

Related posts:

Best & Worst Jeep Grand Cherokee Years [Models To Avoid] Best & Worst Mazda CX-5 Years [Models To Avoid] Best & Worst Ford Ranger Years [Models To Avoid] Best & Worst Toyota 4Runner Years [Models To Avoid]