Honda Pilot — the 4 years we've written up
2013–2020, side by side: what goes wrong on each, what the fix costs, and what they typically ask. 4 of the 4 carry a high-severity issue.
What this page is
These are the 4 Honda Pilot model years Kestrel has done the homework on — not every year Honda built one. A year that isn't listed here isn't a year we're warning you off; it's one we haven't written up yet. Ranking a whole model run would mean telling you about years we've never looked at.
Honda Pilot by year
How many owner complaints NHTSA holds. A big number usually means a lot were sold; the shape matters more than the total.
Year by year
9-speed ZF transmission shudder — $0-$4,000
Connecting rod bearings can wear and seize the engine (recall) — $0 with the recall — verify it was performed; $5,500–$9,000 for a replacement engine outside the campaign, which is more than a third of what this vehicle is typically worth
VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) misfires and oil consumption — $150 for a disabler, $2,500-$4,000 for a ring job
VCM cylinder deactivation misfires and oil consumption — $150 disabler, $2,500-$4,000 ring job
Looking at one in particular?
This page covers the Honda Pilot in general. The Kestrel report covers the one you're looking at — the asking price against the market, the photos, the seller's description, and a BUY / NEGOTIATE / WALK AWAY verdict with a negotiation script.
Get My Verdict — $7.99Not ready to pay for one? The free read is instant and needs no card — it checks the asking price against the market and names the top issues for that year.
Known issues are based on documented owner reports, NHTSA complaints, class-action records, and manufacturer technical service bulletins. Individual vehicles vary. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is always worth doing.
No bullshit, no upsells, no affiliate links. One report, one price — we'll never charge you rent for your own thinking.
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