Is the Honda Pilot reliable?
36% of the 42 we inspected scored 60/100 or higher, with an average of 57/100 — it scores a little below average.
42
Cars inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections57/100
Average conditionall cars we check: 61/10036%
In good shape (60+)all cars we check: 53%Across 42 used Honda Pilots we inspected, this model scores a little below average — average condition 57/100 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
60%
Oil leaks · Engine
48%
Active error codes · Electronic equipment
45%
Fluid leaks · Steering (hydraulic power)
40%
Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
33%
Share of inspected Honda Pilots where each item was flagged.
How they score
Excellent 5%
Good 31%
Mediocre 60%
Poor 5%
Hidden history
What the seller might not mention — how often we find it on this model.
81%had a repainted or replaced panelall cars: 75%
2%showed structural repairall cars: 4%
31%had fault codes recently clearedall cars: 23%
How long does a Pilot stay good?
Good cars by mileage
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
30 cars · 53% good
CR-V
83 cars · 52% good
Civic
139 cars · 44% good
Odyssey
50 cars · 44% good
Accord
109 cars · 39% good
Other Honda models we've inspected — or see the full Honda profile.
Straight from recent Honda Pilot reports
2013 Honda Pilot · 131k mi — flagged: oil leaks, fault codes recently cleared, fuel trim out of range. Inspected Jul 26.
2022 Honda Pilot · 89k mi — flagged: battery condition, excessive pads wear, tires condition & wear. Inspected Jul 18.
The bottom line
Most Pilots sit in mediocre shape because the engine is already complaining—fuel trims out of range on 60% and oil leaks close behind—so make the first move a thorough under-hood check and a live scan before you even discuss price. The 81% repaint rate tells you the body often hides earlier hits, and cleared codes show up enough that you should pull the history yourself rather than trust the dash. Negotiate hard for the repair work ahead or walk if steering fluid is already weeping and the tires look tired; only a clean engine bay and honest paint make one worth taking home.
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 (60%), oil leaks (48%), active error codes (45%). Have these checked before buying.
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Should I worry about cleared fault codes?
On 31% 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 42 inspections · updated Aug 1, 2026
