Is the Honda Pilot reliable?
41% of the 44 we inspected scored 60/100 or higher, with an average of 55/100 — it scores noticeably below average.
44
Cars inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections55/100
Average conditionall cars we check: 61/10041%
In good shape (60+)all cars we check: 55%Across 44 used Honda Pilots we inspected, this model scores noticeably below average — average condition 55/100 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
61%
Oil leaks · Engine
50%
Active error codes · Electronic equipment
43%
Fluid leaks · Steering (hydraulic power)
39%
Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
34%
Share of inspected Honda Pilots where each item was flagged.
How they score
Excellent 14%
Good 27%
Mediocre 32%
Poor 27%
Hidden history
What the seller might not mention — how often we find it on this model.
82%had a repainted or replaced panelall cars: 75%
2%showed structural repairall cars: 4%
32%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 · 70% good
Odyssey
51 cars · 53% good
CR-V
84 cars · 52% good
Civic
141 cars · 51% good
Accord
113 cars · 36% good
Other Honda models we've inspected — or see the full Honda profile.
Straight from recent Honda Pilot reports
2017 Honda Pilot · 100k mi — flagged: oil leaks, fault codes recently cleared, fuel trim out of range. Inspected Aug 8.
2022 Honda Pilot · 105k mi — flagged: oil leaks, fuel trim out of range, key fob. Inspected Aug 7.
The bottom line
Most Pilots that look sharp still hide engine trouble that decides the deal. Fuel-trim issues hit a majority and oil leaks half of them, so begin with a cold start, full code scan, and close look for seepage around the engine. Pair that with a paint-thickness check because repaints are extremely common and often mask prior work. Walk away from any example already showing active codes or signs of recent clearing—those turn costly. Make a powertrain-focused inspection your first filter and negotiate only after the mechanicals check out clean.
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 (61%), oil leaks (50%), active error codes (43%). Have these checked before buying.
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Should I worry about cleared fault codes?
On 32% 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 44 inspections · updated Aug 12, 2026
