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ProblemsByVinFile / 2005-HONDA-PILOTNHTSA data synced 4 days ago
2005 · Honda
Honda Pilot problems
678 owners have filed defect reports on this one. That's not a small number. 3 active recall campaigns on file.
Reliability score
6.2 / 10
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
3
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2005 Pilot?
High-risk ownership
Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open.
Brakes: 73 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 60,000–115,900 mi
Electrical system: 50 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 75,000–152,000 mi
Reliability score 6.2/10 — around the segment average
3 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2005 Pilot· powertrain
When I am going in a speed range about 35 MPH I get like shudder/grinding sound coming out of the bottom of the pilot. I am getting very concern because I've driven other pilots and they all do the same and they shouldn't be doing this noise. *js
Heard a weird noise while driving home from work. When I pulled over to see what it was, tranny fluid was bubbling out of the radiator overflow. Had the transmission and radiator replaced by aul, the extended warranty co. They sent a used tranny and within a week it was shaking…
My wife lost control , 2 lane paved road 45 MPH (car damage from bumper till rear end) coming to stop in a ditch to her left. No other vehicle/involved, report was filed with insurance, car repaired ( over $10,000 ) I arrived as police officer was interviewing my wife @ our…
I am the owner on a 2005 Honda pilot ex. I was driving down the interstate and the glass in my sunroof shattered. It made a large pop and then we were showered with shards of glass. There are no signs that an object impacted the glass. *tr
Had a problem with your 2005 Honda Pilot?
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Honda is recalling certain model year 2002 through 2004 cr-v; model year 2003 through 2005 pilot; and model year 2002 and 2003 civic vehicles
If the terminal ends melt within the wiring harness connector, the low beam headlights may become inoperative, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will repair the low beam terminal harness or replace the lighting switch as necessary, free of charge. The original recall began in april 2012. Owners of vehicles involved in the september 2012 expansion will be notified in september 2012. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
On certain minivans and sport utility vehicles, the steering column may be incorrectly assembled, which could result in a loss of steering control
Loss of steering control can cause a vehicle crash without prior notice.
Fix: Owners were notified by telephone on january 25, 2005, and arrangements were made to have their vehicles towed to their dealers and have the repairs performed. The recall began on january 25, 2005.
Under investigation
2 open at NHTSA
EAAir Bags › Frontal · opened September 2021
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA21002 on NHTSA →
EAAir Bags › Frontal · opened February 2015
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA15001 on NHTSA →
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.2 out of 10 based on 678 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 Honda Pilot has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2005 Honda Pilot?
The 2005 Honda Pilot is a higher-risk ownership prospect. Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open. The record behind that call: Brakes: 73 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 60,000–115,900 mi; Electrical system: 50 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 75,000–152,000 mi; Reliability score 6.2/10 — around the segment average; 3 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2005 Honda Pilot?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 146 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 99,300 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 99,300 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Honda Pilot has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2005 Honda Pilot?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 678 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Honda/Pilot.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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