Free. Instant. No signup. Pulls recalls and complaints for your exact vehicle.
Couldn't find that VIN. Check the digits and try again.
severe Owners of the 2011 Honda Pilot have filed 64 NHTSA complaints about the airbags, typically surfacing around 61,000 miles at roughly $1,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See airbags across all vehicles →
| Model year | airbags complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 Pilot | 50 |
| 2008 Pilot | 29 |
| 2009 Pilot | 29 |
| 2010 Pilot | 30 |
| 2011 Pilot (this page) | 64 |
| 2012 Pilot | 19 |
| 2013 Pilot | 17 |
| 2014 Pilot | 9 |
| 2015 Pilot | 9 |
Of the 64 airbags complaints filed for the 2011 Honda Pilot, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
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.
Among the 19 model years of Honda Pilot in our records for airbags problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
All 9 active airbags recalls on this vehicle land at critical or severe — none classified moderate.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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.
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.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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.
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 - Warranty Extension: Customer Support Program For Front Passenger's Airbag Inflator.
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 ↗Warranty Extension: Customer Support Program For Front Passenger's Airbag Inflator for 2010-12 Accord and Other Listed Years and Models (Expires September 30, 2028)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - American Honda is conducting an inspection of certain vehicles that have previously had the passenger's airbag inflator replaced as part of the Takata Passsenger's Airbag Inflator recall. If you completed the repair described by this service bulletin on or before May 10, 2019, make sure to use the Warranty Claim Information provided below.
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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The 2011 Pilot is most notorious for the prolonged Takata airbag inflator recall (campaign 16V346000), issued July 2016. Owners waited months—often 60+ days—for replacement parts that never arrived at dealers. Honda repeatedly told owners to avoid the front passenger seat indefinitely, denied loaner vehicles, and failed to provide delivery dates or call back with status updates. Owners with families or those needing to transport passengers found the vehicle unusable for its intended purpose.
Beyond the recall backlog, owners reported airbags failing to deploy in head-on collisions at 30–60 mph, including one incident where the vehicle hit a utility pole head-on at 45 mph without either airbag firing. In a separate near-head-on collision, the driver's side curtain airbag did not deploy, leaving the driver's head just inches from a crushed door frame. One unusual case involved an airbag deploying without warning when a passenger simply shut the door—the bag struck the passenger's head and arm, causing hearing injuries to occupants.
Separately, owners reported SRS warning lights illuminating years into ownership with no accident history; dealers quoted $900–$1,200 replacements and claimed no warranty coverage. One owner documented suspected exposure to airbag chemical irritants (sodium azide and potassium nitrate) causing progressive throat, eye, and lip burning over months and years, despite multiple cabin filter replacements and HVAC inspections.
Same Honda Pilot airbags reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2009 · 2010 · 2012 · 2013
Owners received Takata recall notices (primarily campaign 16V346000) starting July 2016, but dealers could not source replacement inflators for extended periods (often 60+ days). Honda and dealers offered no firm delivery dates, loaner vehicles were repeatedly denied, and owners were instructed to avoid using the front passenger seat indefinitely. This created significant hardship for families and those who needed to transport passengers.
When: 2016-2018, recalled vehicles
Symptoms owners cite: Recall notice received with no parts available at dealer; Honda case managers failed to call back after multiple contact attempts; No estimated delivery date provided; Loaner vehicle requests denied repeatedly; Owners forced to avoid front passenger seat for months
Codes mentioned: 16V346000, 18V661000
Repairs/costs cited: Airbag inflator replacement pending; no parts in stock. One owner reported inflator was finally replaced in late September after months of waiting.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Takata recall (campaigns 16V346000, 18V661000). Honda instructed owners to avoid front passenger seat. No proactive communication or loaner program established. Parts distribution was severely delayed.
Multiple owners reported airbags that failed to deploy in head-on or significant-impact collisions at speeds of 30-60 mph. In one case, a vehicle hit a utility pole head-on at 45 mph and neither airbag deployed. In another, a near-head-on collision at 45+ mph disabled the driver's side curtain airbag while the passenger side did deploy. A third crash at 30 mph head-on resulted in no airbag deployment; owner suffered chest injuries requiring hospitalization.
When: Various mileages; incidents reported at 10,000 to 20,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Airbags did not deploy in head-on collision at 30 mph; Airbags did not deploy in head-on collision at 45 mph against utility pole; Driver's side curtain airbag did not deploy in near head-on collision at 45+ mph; Owner struck steering wheel and windshield without airbag protection; Chest injuries, facial injuries, and loss of consciousness reported
Codes mentioned: 13V016000
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported airbag control unit and airbag sensors had to be replaced after a collision. Others reported no repairs were made because manufacturers stated the vehicles were not included in recalls.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One vehicle inspection revealed no recall was applicable despite failure. Owners stated manufacturer was not notified of some failures.
One owner reported a passenger airbag deployed when the passenger simply entered the vehicle and shut the door while stationary. No collision occurred. The airbag struck the passenger on the head and arm, and the loud noise caused headaches and ear aches in the driver and three child passengers.
When: Approximately 61,100 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag deployed when passenger shut the door while vehicle was stationary; Passenger struck on head and arm; Loud noise caused headaches and ear aches in driver and children
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle taken to dealer for diagnostic testing; mechanic had never experienced the failure. District manager had to confirm vehicle was not in a crash.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was not notified of the failure.
Multiple owners reported the SRS (airbag) warning light coming on intermittently or continuously. One owner reported the light began in November 2014 and diagnostics revealed code 11-21 (open or increased resistance on airbag), requiring a $1,200+ airbag replacement. Another owner reported the light illuminated at 135,000 miles. Dealers claimed the failures were not covered under warranty and were not part of recalls, despite the vehicles never being in accidents.
When: 5-6 years of ownership; intermittent starting November 2014 in one case; 135,000 miles in another
Symptoms owners cite: SRS warning light coming on intermittently or constantly; Light appeared after 5-6 years of ownership with no accident history; Light illuminated on instrument panel after starting vehicle
Codes mentioned: 11-21
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer quoted $900-$1,200 for airbag replacement. One owner suspected tampering with airbag wiring, though as original owner they had not tampered. Owner questioned quality of original airbag installation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer claimed failure not covered under warranty and not part of recalls. Manufacturer did not offer goodwill repairs.
Wife experienced progressive eye, throat, nose, and lip irritation when traveling in the vehicle for 30+ minutes, with worsening over months and years. Symptom onset and year-round persistence (with heater and A/C both in use) suggested chemical exposure. Owner's internet research pointed to sodium azide and potassium nitrate used in airbag inflators. Dealer checks for HVAC/engine leaks and cabin filter replacements found no relief. Problem later affected other passengers including four grandchildren.
When: Ongoing from shortly after purchase (2011 model year); worsened over months and years
Symptoms owners cite: Eyes and throat irritation after 30+ minutes in vehicle; No visible odor; Burning sensation in eyes, nose, throat, and lips; Headaches; Affected wife, owner, and four grandchildren over time; Problem persisted year-round with heater and A/C operation
Repairs/costs cited: Cabin air filter replaced multiple times; no HVAC or engine leaks found. No repairs resolved the issue. Owner managed by turning off vents and opening windows.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No known Honda response documented. Two other Honda dealers claimed no knowledge of the problem but offered to troubleshoot at owner's expense.
Owner's wife (5'3") was in a low-speed collision (parked vehicle) while sitting close to the steering wheel (necessary to reach pedals). The airbag deployed and struck her face, fracturing the bridge of her nose, causing bleeding in the left eye, and severe facial swelling. Owner contended that at such low speed, the airbag deployment caused more injury than the collision itself would have, and noted the vehicle lacked a telescoping steering wheel to provide clearance.
When: Low-speed collision with parked vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag deployed into face at low speed; Fractured bridge of nose; Bleeding in left eye; Severe swelling of left side of face; Inability to recognize facial features due to swelling
Repairs/costs cited: Airbag deployed and caused injury; vehicle design (no telescoping wheel) contributed to harm.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented.
In one head-on collision at 30 mph, the seat belt failed to retract properly and did not restrain the driver, resulting in the driver striking the steering wheel and windshield. In another low-speed parking garage impact (5 mph), a rear second-row seat belt failed to pretension, and the passenger sustained bruises to the neck, ribs, and other body areas. Airbags also failed to deploy in both incidents. One vehicle involved in a crash had front seat belts damaged beyond repair from the impact.
When: Various; 5 mph to 30 mph impacts
Symptoms owners cite: Seat belt failed to retract in head-on collision; Driver struck steering wheel and windshield due to lack of restraint; Rear seat belt failed to pretension in low-speed impact; Passenger sustained neck, rib, and body bruises; Front seat belts damaged beyond repair in high-impact crash
Codes mentioned: 11V468000
Repairs/costs cited: Front seat belts replaced after impact; rear seat belt inspection not documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One vehicle had NHTSA campaign 11V468000 (seat belts) noted; manufacturer verified vehicle was not included in the recall.
Synthesized from 64 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Honda pilot. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v346000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not…
I took my car to dealer to work on 3 recall notices on driver side airbag (not takata related since it's not a takata airbag), passenger side airbag, and seat belt. I also had a SRS warning light that was on constantly for about 2 years so I had the dealer diagnose the warning light. The code showed 11-21 (something about open or increased resistance on the airbag). The dealer said the airbag…
I received a letter from Honda early last summer notifying me of the recall of my airbags saying parts would be ready in the fall and I would get another letter. So far I have heard nothing else from them.
It's a meaningful issue. 64 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
Across the 20 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 42,500 and 120,000 miles, with the median around 61,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 42,500; a quarter make it past 120,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
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.
Yes — 9 active recall(s) cover airbags 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.