Every recall campaign and owner complaint the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration holds for the 2021 Honda Pilot. Nothing on this page is written from memory — it is all imported from NHTSA's public database.
10 recall campaigns filed by Honda for the 2021 Pilot, newest first.
| Campaign | Component | What the recall says |
|---|---|---|
| 20V440000 2020-07-28 |
Electrical System Software |
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Pilot, 2019-2020 Odyssey and 2019-2020 Passport vehicles. Incorrect central network software programming may cause several errors to occur that can delay or prevent the rearview camera image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Risk: A delayed or inoperative rearview camera display can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix: Honda will notify owners that updated software is available. Owners have the option to either follow the mailed instructions to download and update the software for free, or visit a dealer to have the software update performed, free of charge. The recall began September 23, 2020. Owners may… |
| 20V439000 2020-07-28 |
Back Over Prevention Sensing System Camera |
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Odyssey, 2019-2020 Passport, and 2019-2021 Pilot vehicles. Incorrect instrument panel control module software can cause the instrument panel to not display critical information, such as engine oil pressure, speedometer, and gear selector position until the next ignition cycle. Additionally, it can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying. …
Risk: Operating a vehicle without a functioning instrument panel or rearview camera display increases the risk of a crash. Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument panel control module software, free of charge. The recall began September 23, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is T89. |
| 20V725000 2020-11-20 |
Tires | American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain 2021 Pilot vehicles equipped with Continental CrossContact LX Sport 245/50R20 102 H tires with DOT serial number A376 D3K9 2920 and mold numbers S-421920 and S-421921. The tires may have been cured for a time beyond the specification limits.
Risk: Over-cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four tires and replace the tires that have the affected DOT serial number and mold number, free of charge. The recall began January 11, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is U8Y. |
| 23V174000 2023-03-16 |
Visibility Rearview Mirrors/Devices Exterior |
Honda (American Honda Motor Co) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2020-2022 Passport and Odyssey vehicles. The heating pads behind both side-view mirrors may not be bonded properly, allowing the mirror glass to detach. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix: Dealers will replace both left and right side-view mirrors, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 17, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is FE5. |
| 23V431000 2023-06-15 |
Back Over Prevention Display Function |
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Pilot, and 2019-2023 Passport vehicles. Due to a faulty Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) communication coaxial cable connector, the rearview camera image may not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Fix: Dealers will replace the MOST cable harness and install a straightening cover over the vehicle cable connector, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are EEL, ZEM, and SFC. |
| 23V458000 2023-06-29 |
Service Brakes, Hydraulic Foundation Components Master Cylinder |
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Civic, 2020-2023 Ridgeline, 2021-2023 Passport, 2021-2022 Pilot, and 2020 Acura MDX vehicles. The tie rod fastener that connects the brake booster and the brake master cylinder may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, which can cause the brake master cylinder to separate from the booster assembly.
Risk: Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash. Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the brake booster assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are VEU, AEV, and ZET. |
| 24V064000 2024-02-01 |
Air Bags Sensor Occupant Classification › Front Passenger |
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to…
Risk: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury. Fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ. |
| 23V858000 2023-12-18 |
Fuel System, Gasoline Delivery Fuel Pump |
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314. |
| 26V332000 2026-05-21 |
Air Bags Sensor Occupant Classification › Front Passenger |
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord…
Risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury. Fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK.… |
| 26V365000 2026-06-04 |
Structure Frame And Members |
American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles that were sold in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West…
Risk: Failure of rear suspension components, such as the rear control arm, can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Fix: Dealers will inspect the rear subframe and install a rear subframe reinforcement kit and, as necessary, repair or replace the rear subframe components, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final… |
Summaries are quoted verbatim from NHTSA's official campaign records. A single campaign often covers dozens of model years and several nameplates, so a summary may name vehicles other than the 2021 Pilot — that is normal. Every record listed here carries this vehicle's own make, model and model year in NHTSA's database. Whether a recall is still open on a particular car can only be determined by VIN.
447 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Pilot, grouped by the component owners reported. Counts reflect how many owners complained, not how often the fault actually occurs.
| Reported component | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System 1 fire |
45 | |
| Unknown Or Other | 40 | |
| Engine | 38 | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance 1 crash, 1 injured |
31 | |
| Electrical System,Engine | 26 | |
| Air Bags 2 crash, 3 injured |
23 | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance,Lane Departure | 20 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 16 | |
| Tires | 13 | |
| Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance 1 crash |
11 | |
| Lane Departure,Forward Collision Avoidance | 10 | |
| Electrical System,Unknown Or Other,Engine | 9 |
A complaint is an unverified owner report. It is a signal about where to look, not proof of a defect.
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaint filings on this model year. These are the owners' own words, not our diagnosis, and each one is a single unverified report.
Refer to [XXX]. My honda pilot started having electrical issues where the car alarm would go off randomly, radio would play at volumes randomly, dashboard lights would flicker on and off, interior lights would turn on, headlights would turn on. This resulted in multiple drained batteries and left the car inoperable until it could be jump started. This is a safety issue because if we drove somewhere without cell reception, could be stranded with a dead battery. Not to mention, it disturbed our neighbors when this occurred in the middle of the night. This is a known issue with various Honda veh
filed 10/17/2026 · ODI 11771795
This complaint is being filed regarding a FAILED REMEDY for NHTSA Safety Recall 23V-431 (Honda Campaign ZEM) on my 2021 Honda Pilot Touring. Although the vehicle history shows that the recall repair for the MOST fiber-optic wire harness was previously performed, the authorized remedy has completely failed to fix the safety defect. The central infotainment dashboard screen regularly displays a "Network Connection Lost" error message before freezing or shutting down entirely. This failure causes an immediate, total, and unpredictable loss of the backup camera display while the vehicle is in oper
filed 10/14/2026 · ODI 11771268
The car shut off and put itself in neutral in the middle of the road. It seemed that the automatic shutoff glitched and caused the car to shift to neutral. We had to shut it off then start it back. It didn’t start right up. We had to try a couple of times. It was very scary being stranded in the middle of the road and not knowing how to correct the problem.
filed 07/16/2026 · ODI 11750794
Automatic transmission problem. Got onto freeway as I started to pick up speed the car did not go out of first gear. I could hear it. The car would not move forward at all. It felt like it was in nuturel. I was able to pull over side of road. This happened about last week may 2026. This also happened about 6 months ago. I bought this car in 2022 hardly any miles on car. There is a defect in transmission. If I was on busy highway I would of gotten hit for sure. Transmission problem. car not shifting to higher gear when getting onto freeway!
filed 06/09/2026 · ODI 11743077
Our pilot is experiencing similar issues found online with catastrophic engine failure due to a misfire caused by a knocking rod. Honda so far has not responded to our claim despite it being a known issue around the same time ours was manufactured.
filed 09/13/2026 · ODI 11763937
Was driving vehicle and all of a sudden engine light pops up with no driver codes and the left side of engine starts knocking. I pull into the closest shop. They test a vehicle misfire in cylinder 5 and propose vehicle gets towed to dealership to look at codes. I tow vehicle to dealership for them to tell me rod bearings, crankshaft are bad and need a new engine. Engine was 99k and well maintained with every service record included. I asked about Honda goodwill which they denied me due to vehicle not getting serviced at Honda for oil changes. The rod bearings were recalled on previous Honda mo
filed 08/24/2026 · ODI 11759044
Front safety camera no longer works which has disabled the lane keep assist, automatic cruise control, brake system, and road departure mitigation system. This is a safety hazard.
filed 09/07/2026 · ODI 11762610
While driving down the road the emergency braking turned on many times when I wasn’t even near a vehicle. It turned on about a total of 10 times without a car being unsafely in front of me. I just got this vehicle today and I’m worried about whether I should keep it or not because of this.
filed 07/21/2026 · ODI 11751964
A recall only matters if it is open on your car. The lists above are for the model year as a whole; the free official lookup below tells you what applies to your specific 17-character VIN.
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Yes. NHTSA records 10 recall campaigns filed by Honda for the 2021 Pilot. The most recent is campaign 20V440000, filed 2020-07-28, covering Electrical System › Software.
Yes. 2 of the 10 campaigns on record for this model year involve the airbag system. The fix is a free inflator replacement at an authorised dealer.
The most-reported component is Electrical System with 45 of the 447 owner complaints on file. Complaint counts show where owners report trouble; they are not proof of a defect.
447 complaints with NHTSA for the 2021 Pilot, spread across 91 reported component groups.
Enter your 17-character VIN at NHTSA's free recall lookup. Recalls are applied per vehicle, so the model-year lists above cannot tell you whether your particular car is covered.