Service bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement front passenger's airbag inflator only.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Honda Pilot airbags problems
critical 60 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
60
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
9crashes
1fire
111injuries
99fatalities
When does it fail?
Of the 60 airbags complaints filed for the 2006 Honda Pilot, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 150,000+ mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 60 airbags complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 18 model years of Honda Pilot in our records for airbags problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Service Bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement driver's airbag inflator only.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement front passenger's airbag inflator only.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement front passengers airbag inflator only.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement front passengers airbag inflator only.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2006 Pilot's airbag system shows multiple distinct failure patterns tied largely to Takata inflators. Most prevalent are parts-supply delays tied to recalls 14V351000, 15V320000, 16V344000, and 16V346000—roughly 20 complaints document owners unable to get recall parts for months, some told geographic restrictions applied despite receiving notices, and one owner discovering work was performed on the wrong vehicle entirely.
When airbags do deploy, they sometimes malfunction: one engineer-owner reported a steering-wheel bag at only 5–10% inflation after a low-speed hit, causing a second-degree burn rather than protection. Two owners suffered chemical burns from inflator discharge. Spontaneously, bags have fired at highway speeds with no crash or warning light.
Equally troubling are non-deployments during actual collisions. Owners report rear-end crashes, multi-vehicle pileups, and a rollover where front and curtain bags never fired, leaving occupants with head trauma, broken bones, and shattered windshields. One vehicle had prior recall service but bags still failed to deploy in a crash. A persistent airbag warning light disabled other safety systems on another; dealer refused to repair the driver-side inflator, quoting $638 out-of-pocket because the vehicle exceeded recall age limits.
Same Honda Pilot airbags reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2007 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Takata Inflator Defect – Insufficient Inflation
Airbag deploys but does not inflate properly or at all. One owner with engineering background reported steering-wheel bag inflated to only 5–10% of capacity after a low-speed collision, causing second-degree burn to his arm while failing to provide cushioning. A replacement bag installed during recall service exhibited the same defect.
When: Upon deployment during minor collisions or impacts
Symptoms owners cite: Bag deploys but lacks adequate cushioning; Severe underinflation reported (5–10% capacity); Thermal burns from deploying bag; Bag tissue ruptures or bursts without proper air support
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported the vehicle was serviced under recall but the replacement inflator was defective; repair costs unknown
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 16V344000, 15V320000, 14V351000, 19V499000 (Takata inflator recalls); Honda stated on one complaint that bag inflation occurs quickly and blamed owner perception, but owner disputed this assessment
Spontaneous Airbag Deployment – No Impact
Airbags deploy without collision or intentional trigger. Owners report curtain bags and seat airbags firing at highway speeds with no warning light or discernible cause. Dealers attributed one incident to possible hot wiring near the front end and trailer package installation.
When: While driving at 35–55 mph with no impact or warning
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag deploys without impact; No warning light prior to deployment; Curtain and/or seat airbags fire simultaneously; Seat belt tightens unexpectedly during deployment; Driver reaction swerve due to unexpected constriction
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer cut airbag out with razor blade on one vehicle; another case undiagnosed at owner request
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer on one complaint suggested possible hot wiring to rear power inverter; manufacturer suggested possible trailer package interference; no field service bulletin or recall issued for spontaneous deployment
Airbag Failure to Deploy – Crash Event
Airbags do not deploy during actual collisions of moderate to high severity. Multiple owners report crashes, rear-end collisions, and rollovers where front and/or curtain airbags never fired, resulting in injuries to occupants. Owners sustained head, neck, rib, and back injuries; vehicle damage was extensive in all reported cases.
When: During collisions at 35–65 mph; one incident at undisclosed speed
Symptoms owners cite: Complete failure to deploy in multi-vehicle accidents; No airbag deployment in rear-end collisions; No deployment during rollover (vehicle flipped multiple times); Head and neck trauma from impact with steering wheel and windshield; Windshield shattered without airbag protection
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles declared total losses; no repairs performed; one owner noted vehicle had prior recall repair on driver and passenger airbags before failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA recalls 16V344000, 15V320000, 14V351000 issued; no specific field service bulletins for non-deployment
Airbag Warning Light – Persistent After Repair
Airbag warning light illuminates and remains on even after dealer performs recall inflator replacement. One owner reported passenger-side inflator replaced under recall, then light returned; diagnostic revealed driver-side inflator failed. Dealer refused to replace driver-side under recall citing vehicle age, quoting $638.18 for out-of-pocket replacement. With warning light on, other airbags are disabled.
When: After recall service completion; appears intermittently or persistently
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light illumination; Light returns within 1 day of reset; Light remains on after passenger-side inflator replacement; Diagnostic code indicates driver-side inflator failure; All airbag deployment disabled while warning is active
Repairs/costs cited: Passenger-side inflator replaced under recall; driver-side replacement quoted at $638.18; owner responsible for cost due to vehicle age beyond recall eligibility
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda recall 16V344000; dealer stated age of vehicle (2006 Pilot) disqualified it from full replacement coverage; owner states safety should override age-based exclusions
Airbag Thermal Injury – Chemical Burn
Airbag deployment causes chemical burns to occupants. Two owners reported burns from airbag inflation—one a second-degree burn to the right arm from an underinflated steering-wheel bag in a low-speed collision, another reporting chemical escape from airbag causing burns to the right hand and possible concussion symptoms during a 45 mph crash.
When: Upon airbag deployment during collisions
Symptoms owners cite: Second-degree thermal burns to arm/hand; Chemical residue from inflator; Possible concussion-like symptoms (headache, disorientation); Minor lacerations and hematomas from bag material
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles involved in collisions; medical attention required; one vehicle destroyed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 16V344000 (Takata inflator); manufacturer acknowledged complaint but offered no further assistance beyond recall notice
Recall Parts Supply Shortage – Extended Delays
Owners unable to complete recall repairs for months or over a year due to unavailable replacement parts. Approximately 20 complaints document dealers reporting parts on 'back order' with no estimated delivery date, manufacturers exceeding reasonable recall timeframes, and owners unable to have passengers in front seat per recall guidance during the waiting period. Some complaints span from mid-2014 through late 2016.
When: From receipt of recall notice through attempted repair scheduling (delays of 3–12+ months reported)
Symptoms owners cite: Recall parts unavailable at dealership; No estimated parts arrival date provided; Manufacturer unable to prioritize vehicle repairs; Repeated calls to dealer/manufacturer yield no updates; Vehicle restricted from normal use (passenger-side seat unavailable per recall letter)
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs completed; parts distribution disconnect; some vehicles finally repaired months later; one owner reports correct parts ordered but used on another customer's vehicle instead
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaigns 14V351000, 15V320000, 16V344000, 16V346000; recall notices issued but parts supply chain unable to support timely remedy; some dealers reported recall parts limited to southern/tropical climate regions only, creating confusion on eligibility
Recall Service Error – Wrong Vehicle Worked On
Dealer performed recall work and other service (battery replacement) on wrong vehicle, documenting repair completion on the owner's vehicle while actually servicing another. Owner discovered discrepancy only because they requested old battery back. Dealer did not verify VIN before or after service.
When: During scheduled recall service visit
Symptoms owners cite: Recall documented as completed on vehicle without actual work performed; Battery replacement charged but not executed; Defective airbag left in vehicle; Service record shows work completed; vehicle still has original defect
Repairs/costs cited: No actual repair performed; defective Takata inflator remains in vehicle undetected
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign (Takata recall); incident revealed due to owner follow-up, not service verification
Recall Eligibility Confusion – Geographic Restrictions
Owners receive recall notices but dealers refuse service citing vehicle location restrictions (tropical/southern climate zones only). Confusion over which vehicles qualify for recall remedy based on where owner lives versus where vehicle is registered. One owner lives in Florida six months per year but vehicle registered in New Jersey; another told only tropical-region vehicles covered despite receiving notice.
When: At time of recall service scheduling
Symptoms owners cite: Recall notice received; Dealer refuses to perform recall due to vehicle location; Conflicting information on recall eligibility; Owner lives in non-covered region per dealer but received recall notice; VIN tool shows 0 recalls despite multiple recall visits
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles not repaired due to geographic eligibility dispute
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 16V344000 issued; geographic restrictions applied; unclear communication to owners and dealers about coverage area eligibility
Vehicle Modification Interference – Wiring and Trailer Package
Dealers cite possible airbag malfunction caused by vehicle modifications, including hot wiring from front end to rear power inverter and aftermarket trailer package installation. Spontaneous airbag deployment occurred in vehicle with possible electrical modification.
When: During normal driving at 35 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Spontaneous airbag deployment; No warning indicators illuminated; Vehicle has possible electrical modification or trailer package; Passenger injured from unexpected deployment
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to determine final cause; vehicle cut out of service
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda suggested trailer package may have caused failure; no field service bulletin issued; unclear if modification responsibility assigned to owner or vehicle defect
SRS Sensor Non-Deployment – Low-Impact Collision
One owner reports hitting a deer at low speed, sustaining front and side damage with airbags failing to deploy. Owner inquires whether SRS sensor recalls exist. No diagnosis provided; timing unclear but occurred when odometer read approximately 70,827 miles.
When: Low-impact collision with animal
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag failure to deploy despite impact damage; Front and side damage to vehicle; No deployment from side or front airbags
Repairs/costs cited: No repair information provided
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented; owner questioning SRS sensor involvement
Synthesized from 60 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
The contact owned a 2006 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, another vehicle rear-ended her vehicle, causing her vehicle to crash into another vehicle from the driver's side front door. The rear bumper and exhaust pipe detached. The driver's side air bag did not deploy. The contact sustained a back injury and received medical attention. A police report was…
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Honda pilot. The contact received a notification for recall NHTSA campaign id number: 14v351000 (air bags) and stated that the part needed was unavailable to repair the vehicle. The dealer was unable to inform when the part would become available. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Updated 01/15/15*lj the…
Struck 2 mailboxes and post. Airbag exploded, ripping open on right and left sides. Both hands of driver received multiple small hematomas (broken small blood vessels) and left hand received significant deep cuts. Strong impact of airbag hitting driver left driver displaying symptoms of possible concussion. *tr
Takata recall - my VIN # is showing 0 recalls, however, I have had to go in twice for a recall on my vehicle. Why is your website recording 0 recalls? I was in a four car accident in 2016 (I believe, may have been late 2015) and my airbags did not deploy. There was 1 car in front that didn't get hit bad, but the two vehicles behind me had their airbags deployed. I have the same Honda pilot…
While driving on the highway the side airbag by the driver popped out and blew up. No collision no blown tires. The vehicle was in motion on a highway
Had airbags trouble with your 2006 Honda Pilot?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2006 Honda Pilot?
It's a serious issue. 60 complaints have been filed, including 9 reports involving a crash and 99 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Across the 17 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 70,000 and 178,250 miles, with the median around 91,644. A quarter of owners report trouble before 70,000; a quarter make it past 178,250. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags 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 airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Honda/Pilot.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.