Service Bulletin - The wireless charger starts charging the phone and then stops charging, even when the phone remains in the correct position on the charger due to software specifications that can cause some phones to have issues charging.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Honda Pilot electrical problems
moderate 228 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
228
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1fire
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 228 electrical complaints filed for the 2019 Honda Pilot, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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 228 electrical 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 21 model years of Honda Pilot in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical 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 - The wireless charger starts charging the phone and then stops charging, even when the phone remains in the correct position on the charger.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - The wireless charger starts charging the phone and then stops charging, even when the phone remains in the correct position on the charger.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - The engine will not crank on initial startup after precipitation and sub-freezing temperatures. Water can enter the starter motor, and when temperatures drop below freezing, the water will freeze inside the starter motor. This will prevent the starter from cranking the engine.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and the idle stop feature engages, the vehicle may not automatically restart. Typically, the customer can immediately restart the vehicle by selecting Park and pushing the ENGINE START/STOP button.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2019 Pilot electrical system is a documented failure pattern. The most common complaint is infotainment blackouts: the center display and driver instrument cluster go dark while you're driving, wiping out speedometer visibility, backup camera, radio, and climate controls. This happens repeatedly—sometimes rebooting on its own in 10–30 seconds, sometimes requiring a full vehicle power-cycle. Crackling and popping noises from speakers are the early warning sign.
The auto stop/start system is a hazard. Engine regularly fails to restart when the brake is released at a red light, leaving owners stranded in active traffic. Dealerships blame the battery and replace it (some owners are on their third or fourth battery by 45,000 miles), but the stalling persists. Many owners disable the feature before every drive because Honda offers no permanent fix.
Complete electrical shutdown is reported: all power dies while driving, requiring jump-starts and towing. Dealership diagnostics find nothing wrong, even though faulty wiring has been the culprit in some cases. The multipurpose front camera that runs safety systems fails at under 80,000 miles, costing $1,579–$1,800 to replace and leaving all ADAS features offline. Electric shifters fail to stay in gear, and sudden false emergency braking creates collision risk. Over five years of complaints with no manufacturer acknowledgment of systemic defect.
Same Honda Pilot electrical reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2018 · 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Infotainment/Display System Failures
Center infotainment display and driver instrument cluster go black, blank, or lose functionality while driving or at rest. Owners report loss of speedometer, backup camera feed, radio, navigation, and safety controls. System may reboot on its own after seconds to 30+ minutes, or require full vehicle power-cycle (turn off/on) to restore. Crackling/popping sounds from speakers often precede or accompany blackouts.
When: Starts within weeks to months of purchase; recurs throughout ownership. One owner reported issues at 27,000 miles within first year (10/2019); another at 4,000 miles with used vehicle.
Symptoms owners cite: Center display goes black or blank while driving or parked; Instrument cluster (speedometer, gauges) disappear from view; Backup camera video feed fails or displays 'Camera System Failure'; Radio/audio becomes unavailable; error messages ('Network Communication Lost', 'MOST Net Off', 'Check Tuner', 'Radio Unavailable'); Crackling, popping, or static sounds from speakers (often first warning sign); Navigation and Bluetooth phone connectivity lost; System reboots repeatedly during single drive; Safety features become inoperable (cannot control cruise control, lane assist, automatic braking)
Codes mentioned: P0430, Network Communication Lost, MOST Net Off, MOST Bus Network error, Camera System Failure, Anti-Theft System: This system has lost power
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealership visits yielded repeated replacements: audio unit/display unit, amplifier (multiple attempts), control unit/navigator, wiring harnesses, FAKRA service cables, software updates. One owner quoted $1,462.41–$1,610.72 for amplifier replacement (labor includes 3rd-row seat removal). Repairs often temporary; same symptoms recur within weeks to months.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda performed campaign recall for MOST Bus Network Connectors (mentioned in narrative #4). 2018–2023 Multi-Model MOST Communication Error recall (Safety Recall 23-047, FAKRA Service Cables at MOST Bus Network). Some service bulletins issued or promised. Dealerships claim they cannot replicate issue or state 'no permanent fix found yet.'
Auto Stop/Start System Failure to Restart
Engine stalls when the auto stop/start feature engages at a traffic light or complete stop, then fails to restart automatically when driver releases brake. Vehicle becomes immobilized in traffic, blocking lanes. Owners must put car in park, turn off ignition, and restart manually—a process taking 10–15 seconds or longer. Hazard lights often cannot be activated; electric shift prevents neutral positioning.
When: Starts within months of purchase (some owners disabled feature after first incident). Recurs intermittently—sometimes monthly, sometimes years apart. One owner first incident at 35,600 miles; second at 62,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls when auto stop/start feature engages at red light or stop sign; Engine will not restart when brake pedal released; Vehicle shifts into neutral on its own during restart attempt; Warning lights and gauges flash or display 'wrong gear' message; Hazard lights inoperable or difficult to activate; Complete power loss reported in some cases (windows, radio, all systems); Brake lights lock; vehicle cannot be moved without full restart
Codes mentioned: Battery warning light, Wrong gear message
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships repeatedly replace battery (some owners on 3rd+ battery by 45,000 miles, despite batteries testing good). Battery replacement cost cited as ~$350 per unit. No permanent fix; owners manually disable auto stop/start before each drive to avoid issue. One owner reported 'old codes had to be erased' during battery service.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda states no recall for auto stop/start system. Dealership service advisors claim they cannot replicate the issue or suggest 'operator error.' One advisor told owner it shouldn't pose a threat because incidents only happen at rest. No service bulletins or permanent solutions offered.
Complete Vehicle Electrical Shutdown
Vehicle loses all electrical power while driving, parked, or at a complete stop. Engine stalls; all systems including lights, radio, windows, and transmission controls go dead. Cannot restart immediately; jump-start often required. In some cases, vehicle takes hours or multiple restart attempts to regain power.
When: Occurs within first year to 3+ years of ownership. One incident reported at 30,000 miles (within original warranty period but owner told warranty was 30k, not 36k). Another at 76,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of electrical power while vehicle in motion; Engine stalls; warning lights flash intensely before shutdown; All interior and exterior lights go out; Infotainment, radio, and climate control become inoperative; Cannot turn key or press start button to restart; Transmission shifter inoperable (electric shift requires power); Vehicle stuck in park; cannot be moved to safety without tow truck; Jump-start does not always restore power immediately
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership battery tests show battery is 'good' or fully charged; no fault code found upon diagnostic. Technicians unable to find root cause. Some owners report loose or improperly installed wire harnesses found and corrected. One owner describes '10 months of attempts' before finding faulty wiring; another spent ~$2,800 on repair attempts with no success.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda Roadside Assistance refuses coverage once vehicle exceeds mileage threshold (one owner told 30k cutoff despite believing 36k applied). Dealerships perform diagnostics free under warranty but offer no root-cause solution.
Multipurpose Camera / ADAS Module Failure
Front windshield-mounted multipurpose camera fails internally, disabling all Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that depend on it: adaptive cruise control, automatic headlights, lane-keeping assist, collision mitigation, and road departure mitigation. Failure causes permanent warning light display on dashboard and loss of critical safety features.
When: Failures reported starting in 2023 on vehicles with 76,000+ miles. One owner reports failure at ~5 years of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: All ADAS warning lights illuminate permanently on startup; Adaptive cruise control stops functioning; Lane-keeping assist disabled; Automatic emergency braking system offline; Blind-spot warning lost; Collision avoidance system inoperative; Engine and brake system warning lights stay on (though not actually faulty) because camera failure prevents proper diagnostic clarity
Codes mentioned: Multipurpose camera internal electronic failure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replacement quote: $1,579–$1,800 plus tax for camera replacement and proper aiming. Multiple owners report this is a known issue among 2016–2020 Pilots per online forums.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued for vehicles with certain first-7 VIN characters, per one owner complaint. Honda refuses to cover repair. Dealers acknowledge many 2019 Pilots coming in with same issue.
Unexpected Shift to Neutral / Transmission Control Failure
Vehicle shifts from Park to Neutral or from Drive to Neutral on its own without driver input, typically while parked or stopped at a red light. Electric push-button shifter fails to hold gear; car cannot be shifted back to Drive without multiple restart attempts. Creates imminent collision risk in traffic.
When: Occurs intermittently with no predictable pattern. One owner experienced 3 occurrences in 6 weeks; another reports multiple incidents over ownership span.
Symptoms owners cite: Car shifts from Park to Neutral spontaneously while parked; Car shifts from Drive to Neutral at a traffic light; Electric shifter buttons unresponsive or stuck; Cannot shift back into Drive without turning off engine and restarting; Must cycle through Park twice or more to lock gear; No warning lights or sensor alerts prior to shift; Vehicle must be restarted 2+ times before gear engages
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership initially diagnosed as battery issue; owner paid to replace 3.5-year-old battery that tested good. New battery (1 year old) shows same symptoms recurring. No permanent fix offered.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership states 'if they cannot repeat it, they cannot fix it.' No recall or service bulletin issued. Owner notes this model has been recalled multiple times for electrical issues.
High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
High-pressure fuel pump fails, causing engine noise, reduced power, and stalling. Misdiagnosed initially via dashboard fault codes pointing to catalytic converter failure; owner spent ~$4,000 replacing wrong parts before correct diagnosis.
When: At 76,000 miles on vehicle.
Symptoms owners cite: Strange, loud noise coming from engine compartment; Severe reduction in engine power; Engine stalling; Vehicle feels unsafe to drive with children
Codes mentioned: P0430 (catalytic converter code—misdiagnosis), High-pressure fuel pump failure
Repairs/costs cited: Owner replaced 2 catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, and associated system parts (~$4,000) based on erroneous P0430 code before dealer diagnosed true cause: fuel pump. Owner questions why dashboard gave wrong code and why car so new (76k miles) has such critical failures.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda dealer also flagged malfunctioning front dash camera needing replacement. Owner claims Honda should be responsible for repair given manufacturing defect in diagnostic system accuracy.
Battery Drain / Repeated Battery Failure
Battery dies repeatedly and must be replaced multiple times within short intervals (some owners on 2nd or 3rd battery by 45,000 miles). Batteries test 'good' or 'cells fine' per dealership but still fail to hold charge. Root cause is undiagnosed electrical drain or charging system fault.
When: First battery failure within 1–3 years of ownership; recurs every 1–1.5 years thereafter. One owner had 3 batteries by 45,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start after sitting overnight; Must start car daily or it will not turn on next day; Battery repeatedly dies even after recharge; Jump-start required to restart vehicle; No warning lights or messages prior to failure; Battery tests 'good' or 'cells fine' but still fails
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership battery replacement cost: ~$350–$400 per unit. One owner on 3rd battery by 45k miles; another required new battery at 45k miles. Dealership states 'could take 3–5 more battery failures before discovering root cause.' No diagnostics for electrical drain performed initially.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda Roadside Assistance and warranty coverage offer no explanation or permanent solution. Dealerships perform standard battery testing but do not investigate underlying electrical drain. Some owners report being denied warranty coverage.
False Automatic Emergency Braking (Collision Avoidance Malfunction)
Collision mitigation/automatic emergency braking system activates without cause, applying brakes suddenly during normal driving. Vehicle perceives phantom obstacles or oncoming vehicles when none exist. Creates severe whiplash and crash risk, especially on curves or intersections.
When: Reported occurring throughout ownership; some owners avoid highway driving due to frequency.
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes apply suddenly and forcefully without driver input; Vehicle perceives collision threat when driving alone on empty road; False alerts on curves or at intersections; Lane-keeping assist and automatic braking toggle on/off unpredictably; Vehicle cannot be driven on freeway safely due to false braking
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports issue resolved after underlying electrical wiring fault was found and corrected; no other repair note provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships state no recall for this. After electrical wiring repair, one owner noted this and related ADAS issues resolved, suggesting systemic wiring defect.
Windshield Wipers and Accessories Malfunction
Windshield wipers activate randomly during normal driving when not controlled by driver. Other electrical accessories (brake lights, interior electrical features) also malfunction unpredictably.
When: Reported from early ownership (within first months to years).
Symptoms owners cite: Windshield wipers engage without driver input; Brake light flashes randomly; Inability to control or disable features once activated
Repairs/costs cited: No repair notes provided in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership visits yield no findings or repairs. Owners report dealership staff imply issues do not exist or are operator error.
Charger / Power System and Charging System Warning
Dashboard warning for charging system appears indicating potential charging system or electrical regulation failure. Owners express fear of electrical fire or complete vehicle failure.
When: Reported at various mileages in mid-to-late ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Charging system warning light illuminates on dashboard; Vehicle hesitation during acceleration; Owner anxiety about electrical fire risk
Codes mentioned: Charging System problem (dashboard message)
Repairs/costs cited: No repair notes provided; vehicle not yet inspected by dealership per one narrative.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Unknown; vehicle awaiting dealership inspection.
Synthesized from 228 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
The driver display and the infotainment system of the Honda pilot continuously goes blank and not sure what other effects it has on the vehicle as the drive is unable to see the speed they are driving or if anything else is working in the vehicle. This is a safety hazard especially when using speed control or other devices. This happens in motion, on highways, city streets, and stationary. First…
Honda had issued a recall on the MOST coax cable in 2023 or 2024. As I had issues with mine, and my vehicle was part of the recall, I had it repaired in 2024. For the last 3 months, the issue has started again. When the MOST network fails, the entire infotainment system goes offline. This includes the reverse camera. I have contacted Honda, and they stated they will not correct ongoing…
The dashboard has a popping/cracking noise all the time like electric short when listening to music or radio it sounds like a scatch cd all the time or if the stereo its off still does it I have take it to the dealer four times they said they know about the problem but are waiting on Honda for the next step but there are a lot of cars affected with the same problem I hope they do a recalled to…
Car has failed to restart multiple times after the idle mode feature kicks in when coming to a complete stop. Emergency lights also do not function when this occurs making this very dangerous, especially at night. It can take several minutes before the car starts. Car was looked at by the dealership where they could not replicate it. I disable this feature now when driving. The car has failed to…
The following occur on a daily basis: radio crackles and pops. The radio display goes blank and will not work for several minutes to hours. The following occur sporadically: the instrument panel (including speedometer) goes blank while driving. The radio and rear view camera switch back and forth repeatedly (I have video). Multiple messages pop up when the radio isn't working. The fan speed…
When stopped at a light, the auto engine idle stop/start did not re-engage after taking my foot off the brake. It took the car a few seconds to turn back on and be able to accelerate. This could happen in the middle of an intersection and cause accidents. This happened a second time today and the LKAS system was alerting that maintenance is needed.
Had electrical trouble with your 2019 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 electrical problem on the 2019 Honda Pilot?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 228 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 55 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 3,500 and 19,000 miles, with the median around 6,200. A quarter of owners report trouble before 3,500; a quarter make it past 19,000. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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/2019/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.