CSR

Honda · NHTSA safety record

2026 Honda Pilot

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

11

Complaints

0

Crashes

0

Fires

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2026 Honda Pilot have filed 11 safety complaints with NHTSA between May 2026 and August 2026. The most complained-about system is the steering, named in 4 of them (36%).

NHTSA has issued 1 recall covering this vehicle.

Recalls (1)

SUSPENSION:REAR

26V424000 · July 1, 2026

The defect
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2026 Pilot and Passport vehicles. The rear subframe bolts may have been tightened improperly.
The risk
Loose rear subframe bolts can lead to a loss of vehicle stability or rear subframe detachment, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the rear subframe bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be 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.

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) · up to 3,933 vehicles across all model years covered

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 11.

STEERING 4 36%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 4 36%
SEAT BELTS 3 27%
AIR BAGS 1 9%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 1 9%
POWER TRAIN 1 9%
SEATS 1 9%
SERVICE BRAKES 1 9%
SUSPENSION 1 9%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 1 9%

In owners' own words

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I am submitting a formal vehicle safety complaint regarding a persistent and hazardous malfunction that has been present since the day I purchased my vehicle. Below are the required details: 1. Component or System Failure The issue appears to involve the drivetrain or transmission engagement system. From the moment I purchased the vehicle—when it had only 17 miles—the vehicle has consistently hesitated for several seconds before engaging when shifting from Park to Drive, Reverse to Drive, or when attempting to accelerate while already in Drive. This hesitation continues now at nearly 6,000 miles. The affected components are available for inspection upon request. 2. Safety Risk This

NHTSA complaint 11757383, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

POWER TRAIN
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.

NHTSA complaint 11754575. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.

NHTSA complaint 11750287. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SEAT BELTS
When dropping off rear-seat passengers, the seat belt alarm continues to sound loudly for an extended period after passengers unbuckle and exit the vehicle. This behavior persists even after the door has been opened and closed. In contrast, the front passenger seat does not behave this way, and in my previous vehicle—a 2023 Honda Pilot Touring—the rear seat alert would disengage promptly once the door was opened and closed. At the dealership we tested a 2026 Honda Pilot Touring and this issue does not exist in that model either. Seems specific to only 2026 Honda Pilot Trailsport trim level or possibly just some 2026 Honda Pilot Trailsport vehicles. This issue occurs regardless if the

NHTSA complaint 11746492, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STEERING
Intermittent severe shaking in steering wheel while driving at various speeds. No warning. Vehicle has less than 500 miles.

NHTSA complaint 11745662. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STEERING
Vehicle: 2026 Honda Pilot Elite AWD Current Mileage: ~3,850 VIN: [XXX] ——— Defect Summary: Persistent component defect and failure within the steering column assembly, specifically involving the steering clock spring (cable reel assembly). The vehicle experiences an audible clicking, rattling, and binding sensation during normal steering wheel rotation. Authorized Honda dealership warranty repairs have failed to remedy the issue due to replacement parts failing immediately upon installation. Chronology of Failures: 1. [XXX] (2,078 miles): Vehicle brought to Hennessy Honda for stiff steering and a loud clicking noise. Technicians noted the steering cable gear was making noise and binding.

NHTSA complaint 11745482, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Honda Pilot

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2025 180 4
2024 107 6
2023 131 5
2022 140 5
2021 418 10
2020 476 11
2019 878 13
2018 435 7
2017 909 4
2016 1,681 8
2015 108 4
2014 116 3
2013 270 6
2012 170 9
2011 292 11
2010 111 10

Other 2026 Honda models

Every Honda on this site — 187 vehicles, 362 recall campaigns and 10 open investigation s.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. What each state asks for , read from the statutes.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst