IllustrationEXCESSIVE OIL USAGE - FOULING PLUGS - REDUCED GAS MILEAGE - VCM FAULT DTC 3400 TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB #11-033)
2012 Honda Pilot
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2012 Honda Pilot do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 239.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Pilot years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
540–25K
2625–50K
1850–75K
1075–100K
14100–150K
5150K+
127 reports with mileage · 44 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Engine. Review the 35 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Service Brakes. Review the 25 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 22 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
17 crash reports3 fire reports9 injury reports
What owners actually said
171 reportsBOTH FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS FAILED, CREATED A DRONING AND RUMBLING NOISE WHILE DRIVING. THERE WAS ALSO VIBRATION THROUGH THE CAR. IT WAS FELT AT ALL SPEEDS. THE DEALER REPLACED BOTH BEARINGS TO REPLACE FIX THE ISSUE AND APPEARS TO BE RESOLVED, BUT UNKNOWN IF THIS ISSUE WILL RETURN. SPOKE WITH A FRIEND THAT WITH A PILOT AND TH…
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BOTH FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS FAILED, CREATED A DRONING AND RUMBLING NOISE WHILE DRIVING. THERE WAS ALSO VIBRATION THROUGH THE CAR. IT WAS FELT AT ALL SPEEDS. THE DEALER REPLACED BOTH BEARINGS TO REPLACE FIX THE ISSUE AND APPEARS TO BE RESOLVED, BUT UNKNOWN IF THIS ISSUE WILL RETURN. SPOKE WITH A FRIEND THAT WITH A PILOT AND THIS ALSO HAPPENED TO HIS VEHICLE.
THE SUNROOF OF MY 2012 HONDA PILOT SHATTERED FOR NO REASON AFTER A VERY LOUD EXPLOSION SOUND (SOUNDED LIKE A FIRE CRACKER INSIDE THE SUV). THIS HAPPENED AS MY SON, MOTHER IN LAW AND I WERE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THIS ABRUPT EXPLOTION AND BREAKAGE COULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY. I URGE THAT HONDA TAKES OWNERSHIP OF THIS ISSUE. I REA…
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THE SUNROOF OF MY 2012 HONDA PILOT SHATTERED FOR NO REASON AFTER A VERY LOUD EXPLOSION SOUND (SOUNDED LIKE A FIRE CRACKER INSIDE THE SUV). THIS HAPPENED AS MY SON, MOTHER IN LAW AND I WERE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THIS ABRUPT EXPLOTION AND BREAKAGE COULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY. I URGE THAT HONDA TAKES OWNERSHIP OF THIS ISSUE. I READ MANY BLOGS AND FOR MY SURPRISE IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE DUE TO POOR QUALITY MATERIAL OF CHOICE BY THE MANUFACTURERS. NOW THE WORST PART IS THAT THIS REPLACEMENT IS VERY EXPENSIVE AND NEITHER THE HONDA DEALER OR GEICO WANTS TO HELP AND NOW I HAVE TO PAY A DEDUCTIBLE OF $500. DEFINITELY NOT A FAIR BARGAIN FOR ME AFTER SPENDING $40,000 FOR A HONDA SUV
IN TWO INSTANCES WHEN PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT A SLOW SPEED WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE PILOT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED CAUSING A COLLISION WITH (1) A TREE AND (2) A BUILDING. IN BOTH CASES MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. THE FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED IN 2014 AND THE SECOND IN 2017. NEITHER OF THE INCIDENTS CAUSED BODILY HARM. …
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IN TWO INSTANCES WHEN PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT A SLOW SPEED WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE PILOT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED CAUSING A COLLISION WITH (1) A TREE AND (2) A BUILDING. IN BOTH CASES MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. THE FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED IN 2014 AND THE SECOND IN 2017. NEITHER OF THE INCIDENTS CAUSED BODILY HARM. IN THE 2014 INCIDENT POLICE WERE NOT CALLED AND IT WAS NOT REPORTED TO INSURANCE. IN THE 2017 INCIDENT POLICE WERE CALLED AND A CLAIM WILL BE FILED WITH INSURANCE.
GAS TANK LEAKS AFTER FILLING. STRONG ODOR OF GAS.
MY HONDA HAS 60K MILES ON IT. IN OCTOBER, I NOTICED VIBRATION AND SHAKING WHEN BRAKING AT HIGH SPEEDS. I HAD MY PADS REPLACED AND MY ROTORS MACHINED. HERE IT IS A FEW MONTHS LATER AND I'M HAVING THE SAME ISSUES, THE CAR SHAKES AND VIBRATES SEVERELY WHEN GOING DOWNHILL.
MY 2012 HONDA PILOT ROTOR WARP PREMATURELY RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL AND INCREASED RISK FOR CRASH WHEN DRIVING AT MODERATE TO HIGH SPEEDS. AFTER BEING SHOOK TO DEATH AFTER HEAVY BREAKING, I TOOK MY PILOT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT ROTORS CARRY A 12K MILE WARRANTY. THEY SAY THAT THE ROTORS A…
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MY 2012 HONDA PILOT ROTOR WARP PREMATURELY RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL AND INCREASED RISK FOR CRASH WHEN DRIVING AT MODERATE TO HIGH SPEEDS. AFTER BEING SHOOK TO DEATH AFTER HEAVY BREAKING, I TOOK MY PILOT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT ROTORS CARRY A 12K MILE WARRANTY. THEY SAY THAT THE ROTORS ARE NOT PROPERLY DESIGNED FOR THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE. IN FACT, THEY UPDATED THE NEW PILOTS BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. ALSO, THE HAVE A REPLACEMENT FOR THE HONDA ODYSSEY BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE BUT NOTHING FOR THE HONDA PILOT. THUS, I AM FORCE TO CHANGE OUT MY ROTORS EVERY 15K MILES BECAUSE OF HONDA'S POOR DESIGN. LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO IMPROPERLY DESIGN ROTOR SHOULD BE RECALLED. THIS ON TOP OF HONDA KNOWINGLY AND ADMITTING THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM THAT AFFECTS SAFETY, IS PURE NEGLIGENCE. *TR
WHEN BACKING UP USING THE BACKUP CAMERA THE CAMERA DISPLAY WILL SOMETIMES GO BLACK ON THE SCREEN. I HAVE ALMOST ON TWO OCCASIONS ALMOST HIT SOMEONE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING LOT. THIS IS A INTERMITTENT PROBLEM THAT COMES AND GOES. I FEEL IT'S A SAFETY ISSUES TO HAVE YOUR VISION SUDDENLY CUT OUT WITH NO WARNING.
I GOT AN ACCIDENT ON 06/30/2016 AND STILL WAITING FOR MY HONDA PILOT 2012 AIRBAG (PASSENGER SIDE) SINCE MONTH AND A HALF. I OPENED A CASE WITH AMERICAN HONDA TO PROVIDE ME AN ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION AS THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO DELIVER THE AIRBAG WITHIN REASONABLE TIMEFRAME BUT IT ENDED UP WITH A MOMENT OF DISAPPOINTMENT. AFTE…
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I GOT AN ACCIDENT ON 06/30/2016 AND STILL WAITING FOR MY HONDA PILOT 2012 AIRBAG (PASSENGER SIDE) SINCE MONTH AND A HALF. I OPENED A CASE WITH AMERICAN HONDA TO PROVIDE ME AN ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION AS THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO DELIVER THE AIRBAG WITHIN REASONABLE TIMEFRAME BUT IT ENDED UP WITH A MOMENT OF DISAPPOINTMENT. AFTER THREE WEEKS OF HASSLE, THE AMERICAN HONDA SAID WE CANNOT PROVIDE YOU ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AS THE AIR BAG IS NOT PART OF RECALL. HOWEVER, THE CASE MANAGER SAID "THE PART IS ON CRITICAL BACKORDER, IT'S ON THE HIGHEST LEVEL AND THERE IS NO ETA". THE DISAPPOINTMENT DOES NOT END HERE! I ASK THE CASE MANAGER TO SEND ME THIS DECISION IN BLACK AND WHITE SO I CAN DISCUSS THIS MATTER WITH LEGAL EXPERTS BUT ALL I HEAR NO, THEY ARE NOT ALLOWED TO DO SO. MOREOVER, I ASKED AMERICAN HONDA TO TALK TO SUPERVISOR OF MY CASE MANAGER AND ITS ALMOST A WEEK SINCE I AM WAITING, WAITING AND WAITING. JUST SO YOU KNOW, FOR ME IT'S A BIG WASTE OF TIME AND I FOUND HONDA SERVICE REPS REALLY UNPROFESSIONAL.
BRAKES ARE VERY SOFT FROM NEW. DEALER NEVER FIX PROBLEM. ALWAYS SAID IS NORMAL.
Official recalls
919V502000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Jun 27, 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic GX NGV, 2012-2015 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2014 Fit EV, 2010-2014 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are F5F and Q5E.
19V378000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
May 16, 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2013 TSX Sport Wagon, and 2010-2012 ZDX and 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, 2012-2014 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2013 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The front passenger air bag inflator may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly deploy the passenger frontal air bag in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator installation and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are M4O, P4R, T4Q, and W4P.
18V661000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Sep 27, 2018
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014 Honda Insight and Acura TSX and TSX Wagon, 2014-2015 Honda Crosstour and Pilot vehicles nationwide, as well as certain 2014 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, California, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan) and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Honda is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Acura TSX, TSX Wagon and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Insight, Fit and Pilot vehicles, 2011-2012 Honda Accord and 2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Lastly, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot, 2011-2013 TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord and 2010-2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are M2J and S2K.
18V268000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Apr 26, 2018
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Insight, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2012 Ridgeline vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 22, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are K1P, and M1O.
18V042000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Jan 9, 2018
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX, ZDX, Honda Accord Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot vehicles, 2011-13 Acura TSX Sportswagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord,, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles and 2013 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2012 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Accord Crosstour, Fit and Pilot, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V, and 2010 Acura ZDX and Honda Insight vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Unless included in Zones A or B above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid, CR-V, Fit, and Pilot vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 16, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are B0K and L0J.
17V545000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Aug 31, 2017
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2008-2012 Accord, 2010-2012 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2012 Fit and Pilot, 2010-2012 Insight, and 2009-2012 Acura TSX vehicles that received replacement passenger frontal air bag inflators. One dealership may have incorrectly installed the replacement air bag inflators.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash, an incorrectly installed passenger frontal air bag inflator may deploy the air bag improperly, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are O07, Y0A, N06, G05, M04, Y01, and O09.
17V030000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Jan 10, 2017
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Acura TSX, 2011-2012 Acura TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Acura ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2012 Honda Accord Crosstour and Honda Insight, 2009-2012 Honda Fit, 2009-2012 Pilot, 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2012 Honda FCX Clarity and 2006-2011 Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid, Civic NGV vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura TSX, Honda Fit and Pilot, 2008-2009 Honda Accord, 2006-2009 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, and 2007-2009 Honda CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, if not included in "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling certain 2008 Honda Accord, 2006-2008 Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV and 2007-2008 Honda CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The manufacturer has mailed an interim notification, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KE1 and KE2.
13V016000 · Air Bags
Jan 18, 2013
Honda is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 Pilot and 2011-2013 Odyssey passenger vehicles manufactured from March 13, 2008, through December 21, 2012. One or more rivets that attach the airbag module to the airbag cover may be missing.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The absence of more than one rivet could alter the performance of the driver's airbag during deployment. This could potentially increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda dealer. The dealer will inspect the driver's airbag module and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 14, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
12V063000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
Feb 17, 2012
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 PILOT AND ACURA MDX VEHICLES. THE VENT SHUT FLOAT (VSF) VALVE CASE IN THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY DOES NOT MEET THE DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: AS A RESULT, FUEL MAY LEAK FROM THE TANK, INCREASING THE RISK OF FIRE.
Remedy: HONDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VSF ASSEMBLY DATE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 13, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-999-1009.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.