Should I buy a 2005 Honda Pilot with documented steering problems?

Depends on the price and the specific vehicle. Documented steering issues should be priced into the purchase — if the seller is asking full retail, negotiate down by the expected repair cost. A pre-purchase inspection from an independent shop tells you whether THIS specific vehicle has already shown the symptoms or not.

2005 Honda Pilot steering problems

severe 36 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700

Complaints

Recalls

Crashes

Avg fix

$700

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 05V039000 03/02/2005

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.

What owners are reporting 1 most recent

steering · filed 12/30/2012

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 DRIVEWAY, SHE WAS STILL CRYING, NEVER HAD ANY ACCIDENTS BEFORE, OR SPEEDING TICKETS ( VERY PASSIVE DRIVER, OUR KIDS WHERE I…

Common questions

How serious is the steering problem on the 2005 Honda Pilot?

It's a meaningful issue. 36 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.

At what mileage does the steering typically fail?

Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.

Are there any recalls related to steering?

Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover steering issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.