TransmissionHigh
9-speed ZF automatic hesitation, hard shifts and judder (early cars).
- Typically appears
- Any
- What to inspect
- Test-drive through stop-start traffic and feel for harsh or delayed shifts.
- Typical repair
- Significant repair · £400–£1,400
Is the 2016–2022 Honda Pilot reliable?
Scored from 8 documented faults · reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
5.5/ 10
MixedOn our documented-fault scoring the Honda Pilot rates 5.5 out of 10 · mixed. We hold 8 known faults for it and 2 are rated high severity, so the risk is real but contained. The weak points cluster around transmission, engine and electrical. A well-serviced example with evidence for the big-ticket items is usually a safe buy; the score describes the model, not the specific car in front of you.
Verdict · Negotiate · budget for the known faults
What the score is built from
- Critical
- 0
- High
- 2
- Medium
- 3
- Low
- 3
Weak points cluster around transmission, engine, electrical, body.
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Check this carThe faults that decide it
Engine / Fuel SystemHigh
Rough idle and illuminated engine management light due to direct fuel injector failure.
- Typically appears
- 40,000-80,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Start the engine from cold. Feel for a noticeable misfire or rough vibration through the steering wheel and check the dash for an 'Emissions System Problem' warning.
- Typical repair
- Injector set replacement & coding · £500–£1,600
EngineMedium
VCM cylinder deactivation causing misfires and oil dilution.
- Typically appears
- 60,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Check for a slight vibration and inspect oil for fuel smell.
- Typical repair
- Routine repair · £180–£700
SuspensionMedium
Clunking noises and vague steering caused by torn front lower suspension arm bushes.
- Typically appears
- 50,000-70,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Apply full steering lock and visually inspect the rear compliance bush on the front lower suspension arms for tearing or leaking fluid. Bounce the front end to listen for clunks.
- Typical repair
- Suspension refresh (per axle) · £250–£1,100
DrivetrainMedium
Grinding or juddering sensation from the rear axle during tight cornering due to degraded differential fluid.
- Typically appears
- Every 15,000-30,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Perform a tight figure-of-eight manoeuvre at low speed on the forecourt. Listen and feel for binding, groaning, or juddering from the rear differential.
- Typical repair
- EGR valve / cooler replacement · £300–£900
Costs are indicative UK independent-garage bands for budgeting and negotiation · never a quote.
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