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ProblemsByVin File / 2009-HONDA-PILOT
2009 · Honda

Honda Pilot problems

0 safety recalls. 134 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.6 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
0
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

airbags
29 reports · avg $1,100
severe
engine
29 reports · avg $3,100
severe
suspension
14 reports · avg $900
moderate
steering
13 reports · avg $700
severe
powertrain
10 reports · avg $2,500
severe
brakes
5 reports · avg $450
severe
electrical
5 reports · avg $850
moderate
cruise control
4 reports · avg $600
severe

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2009 Pilot · steering
THE STEERING WHEEL ON MY 2009 HONDA PILOT VIBRATES EXCESSIVELY AT ANY SPEED OVER 50MPH. I HAVE COMPLETELY REPLACED THE BRAKE ROTOR AND PADS WITH BRAND NEW PARTS. IT IMPROVED SOMEWHAT, BUT DIDN'T ELIMINATE THE VIBRATION PROBLEM. MY ONLINE RESEARCH SHOWS THEY ARE MANY OTHERS…
12/31/2015 · NHTSA ODI #10817255.0
2009 Pilot · powertrain
DISCOVERED MASSIVE WEEPING OF TRANSMISSION FLUID FROM THE CASE AFTER 3700 MILES. AUTOMOBILE WAS PURCHASED NEW WITH 9 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. *TR
12/31/2008 · NHTSA ODI #10253374.0
2009 Pilot · powertrain
WE HAVE LEARNED FROM OTHER Honda Pilot OWNERS AS WELL FROM THE DEALER THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS A VERY, VERY, VERY, VERY COMMON ISSUE. IT WILL COST OVER $6,000 TO FIX. THAT IS CORRECT, OVER $ 6,000 !!!!!!!! WE HOPE THE US GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE ACTION. WE DO NOT HAVE THE…
12/20/2022 · NHTSA ODI #11498297.0
2009 Pilot · powertrain
VARIABLE CYLINDER MANAGEMENT (VCM) EXCESS OIL CONSUMPTION, WHICH HAS PROMPT TO AN ENGINE LIGHT "P3497 CYLINDER DEACTIVATION SYSTEM BANK 2" I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER, AND I AM WAITING FOR A RESOLUTION/S. THE CAR IS A THE DEALERSHIP AS I AM WRITING THIS... I WILL KEEP YOU…
12/17/2016 · NHTSA ODI #10935980.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
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Common questions

Is the 2009 Honda Pilot reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.6 out of 10 based on 134 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Honda Pilot is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2009 Honda Pilot?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 29 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. 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 2009 Honda Pilot?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 134 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, 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 aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Honda. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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