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 ↗2020 Honda Pilot electrical problems
moderate Owners of the 2020 Honda Pilot have filed 194 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 4,500 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
194
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 Pilot | 530 |
| 2017 Pilot | 234 |
| 2018 Pilot | 70 |
| 2019 Pilot | 230 |
| 2020 Pilot (this page) | 194 |
| 2021 Pilot | 113 |
| 2022 Pilot | 27 |
| 2023 Pilot | 22 |
| 2024 Pilot | 6 |
2crashes
1fire
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 194 electrical complaints filed for the 2020 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
Electrical accounts for 41% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 194 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.
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 2020 Honda Pilot electrical complaints cluster around interconnected infotainment and powertrain defects that have persisted across production run despite multiple dealer service attempts and some Honda recalls. The core issue is the infotainment system and instrument cluster going completely black while driving—owners lose speedometer, fuel gauge, navigation, backup camera, and radio simultaneously. This happens intermittently, sometimes after just 500 miles, and recurs after dealer repairs. Dealers have replaced wiring harnesses, connectors, amplifiers, and even entire dashboard harnesses, but owners report the blackouts return within days or weeks. Honda service advisors have told owners directly that 'there is no known permanent fix' and 'engineers are aware but don't have a fix yet.'
Accompanying the blackouts are loud cracking and popping sounds through speakers, even with audio off. The auto engine idle stop system fails to restart the engine at traffic lights, leaving drivers stranded in traffic with no warning. The forward collision braking system activates constantly on clear roads with no vehicles present, creating rear-end collision risk. Battery failures occur with no warning lights, some replacements fail within months. One owner reported a smart control module with manufacturing defects (incomplete conformal coating causing dendritic growth) that rendered the vehicle inoperable. Dealers acknowledge these are known issues but cannot provide effective repairs. Multiple owners state they would not have purchased the vehicle had they known of these defects, and some no longer trust Honda as a brand.
Same Honda Pilot electrical reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2019 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Infotainment system blackout and reboot cycles
Instrument cluster and infotainment display go completely black or show a blank screen while driving. The system reboots repeatedly and sometimes displays error messages such as 'Network Communication Lost,' 'Network Connection Lost,' 'MOST Net Off,' or 'COM.HONDA.TELEPHONYSERVICE HAS STOPPED.' Backup camera, navigation, radio, and vehicle speed data become unavailable. Issues occur while in motion or parked.
When: Typically within the first few months to one year of ownership. Some began as early as ~500 miles; others at 3,000–3,700 miles. Recurrence variable; can happen daily or intermittently over weeks. Issues may worsen after turns, bumpy roads, or specific road conditions, but also occur on straight, smooth roads.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete blackout of instrument cluster and infotainment screen; Screen freezes or reboots multiple times in succession; Backup camera goes blank or does not display image; Navigation/GPS becomes unavailable; Radio, Bluetooth, and audio controls become inoperable; Speedometer and fuel gauge not visible; Error messages displayed on screen before blackout
Codes mentioned: Network Communication Lost, MOST Net Off, COM.HONDA.TELEPHONYSERVICE HAS STOPPED, No Audio Connection, Check Tuner
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have replaced wiring harness connectors (fakra connectors, MOST Bus Network connectors), adjusted wiring harness, tightened screws, and replaced amplifier on infotainment system. Some dealers replaced entire dashboard harness. Others replaced MOST module. Software/gauge cluster updates have been performed. One independent technician cleaned circuit board and removed dendritic growth on smart control module (part# 38320-TG7-L112-M1). Despite multiple repairs, many owners report the problem returns within days to months. Owners cite dealer statements that 'there is no known permanent fix' and 'engineers are aware but don't have a fix yet.'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda issued Recall 20-047 and Recall 20-051 for MOST Bus Network Connectors and related wiring. Recall 23-047 included cable replacement and system rewiring in some cases. Dealers acknowledge Honda is aware of the problem but has not provided a permanent solution. One owner mentions Honda stated they were 'working on the issue' and 'a recall is coming' (in 2020) but parts were being made before recall release. Service advisors have stated Honda engineers know of the issue but lack a fix.
Cracking and popping noises through speakers and dash area
Loud, intermittent crackling and popping sounds emanate from speakers, dash area, or both, even when audio is turned off. Noise occurs while the vehicle is moving or stationary and is exacerbated by turns, bumpy roads, or driving over bridges. Some owners describe the noise as sounding like a firecracker.
When: Typically begins within the first month to one year of ownership. One owner reported it within one month; others by 3,000–4,000 miles. Noise can be continuous or intermittent and often worsens over time.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud crackling or popping noise from speakers; Noise occurs even with radio and audio off; Noise intensifies on bumpy roads, curves, and bridges; Noise may accompany screen freezes or blackouts; Screen panel becomes hot to the touch in some cases; Noise is distracting and causes safety concerns
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have replaced amp on infotainment system, adjusted/tightened wiring harness, replaced wiring harness connectors, and replaced entire dashboard harness. One temporary repair involved replacing a cable with 'proper shielding.' Service techs have confirmed they heard the noise and witnessed screen blackouts during test drives. Dealers report 'they are unable to fix the problem at this time as Honda does not have a fix.' Multiple repair attempts have failed to permanently resolve the issue; problems return within days to weeks.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service advisors stated Honda is aware the popping/crackling issue is a known problem and indicated a recall was coming, with parts being manufactured. Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) exist for the popping/crackling issue, but dealers report parts are back-ordered. Dealer noted Honda engineers are aware of these issues but 'don't have a fix yet.' Honda corporate has acknowledged the problem in some cases but provided no permanent remedy.
Auto Engine Idle Stop system stalling and restart failure
When the Auto Engine Idle Stop (AEIS) system engages at a red light or complete stop, the engine shuts off as designed. However, when the driver releases the brake to accelerate, the engine fails to restart. The transmission may shift into Neutral on its own, and the vehicle becomes stranded in traffic. Dashboard warnings flash or error messages appear ('auto engine idle stop system problem,' 'shift to Park and restart engine'). Restart typically requires pressing the start button multiple times, opening the driver door, or cycling the entire system.
When: Occurred 4–5 times in one owner's experience over the ownership period. Events happen when stopping at red lights, traffic lights, and complete stops. One incident occurred on the interstate in downtown Atlanta stopped traffic. Another on a busy 4-lane interstate. Timing variable; some owners report increasing frequency over months.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine fails to restart after AEIS disengagement; Transmission shifts to Neutral on its own; Vehicle becomes stranded in traffic; Dashboard goes blank or displays warning messages; Battery indicator light illuminates; Beep sound followed by engine shutdown; Hazard lights shut off when attempting restart (concerning); Cannot shift transmission out of Neutral without engine restart; Vehicle may require multiple restart attempts or system reset to recover
Codes mentioned: auto engine idle stop system problem, shift to Park and restart engine
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have replaced battery (sometimes multiple times). One owner reported battery replaced but failure persisted. Dealer tested battery per Honda warranty and reported it 'passes' but the issue recurs. Dealers have run diagnostics and claimed no error records were found in the engine log; some states they 'could not replicate the problem.' One mechanic found battery holding only 30% charge; replacement lasted less than 5 months. No effective permanent repair has been documented in the narratives. Some owners mention dealers cannot find the root cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda Corporate advised one owner to contact dealership for powertrain warranty service. Dealers have acknowledged battery issues but also noted Honda warranty testing shows battery is within spec. No recalls specific to AEIS stalling have been mentioned in the narratives. One owner was told by Honda to 'turn off' the AEIS, which does not address the underlying defect.
Unwanted automatic braking and collision avoidance sensor malfunction
Forward collision warning and automatic braking system activate without any vehicle or object in front of the vehicle. Braking occurs while driving on open highways with no traffic, on two-lane roads at night, in parking lots, or in drive-thrus with the vehicle stationary for extended periods. The system is described as overly sensitive and dangerous, especially on bridges and two-lane roads with opposing traffic. Sensor falsely detects imminent collisions and applies brakes, sometimes with significant force (20–25 mph speed reduction reported).
When: Issues reported from early ownership onwards. One owner reports the system was triggered at least 12 times in two weeks on different road types (open highway, city roads, night driving). Another experienced multiple false activations on the same bridge trip. One incident occurred on I-66 at night when an 18-wheeler was exiting (not in the vehicle's lane).
Symptoms owners cite: Automatic braking activated with no object or vehicle in front; Brake warning light flashes with no collision threat; Vehicle brakes unexpectedly on open highways; System triggers on two-lane bridges; System triggers when oncoming traffic is present but in opposite lane; Braking occurs in drive-thrus when vehicle is stationary; Sensor activates during night driving with no visible threats; System applies moderate to heavy braking (20–25 mph reduction reported); Creates rear-end collision risk when vehicle behind brakes differently
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have stated they 'could not replicate' the issue or did not have the ability to reproduce it during test drives. One dealer suggested the owner simply 'turn off' the safety feature. No repairs or adjustments have been documented as effective. Owners report the system continues to malfunction even after multiple dealer visits.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers acknowledge the issue is overly sensitive and suggest disabling the feature, which is not a remedy. No recalls addressing collision avoidance sensitivity have been documented in the narratives. Honda has not provided an adjustment or permanent fix.
Brake system malfunction and unwanted acceleration events
Two documented incidents where the vehicle suddenly accelerated with the brake pedal fully depressed while the driver was parking. In both cases, the vehicle struck another parked vehicle. The automatic braking system did not deploy during either incident. Additionally, separate from these incidents, some owners report the brake system activates spontaneously or the vehicle loses braking capability in isolated cases.
When: Two incidents occurred exactly one year apart (7/24/21 and 7/13/22) on clear summer days with similar temperature and humidity conditions. Both occurred while parking in residential/city settings.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden, unintended acceleration while brake pedal is fully depressed; Vehicle strikes parked vehicle despite braking attempt; Automatic braking system does not engage; Brake pedal appears to have no effect during incident; Vehicle accelerates with significant force
Codes mentioned: C0040-62 Brake lamp switch failure stuck, U3000-49 Multi purpose camera/wave radar internal electronic failure, B2A60-97
Repairs/costs cited: First incident: One brake switch failure was replaced ($200 repair charge). Subsequent diagnostic codes identified brake lamp switch failure stuck and multi-purpose camera/wave radar electronic failure. Tech reset camera but system still gave failure codes. One owner reported hard braking and poor steering responsiveness during a separate brake-related incident. No permanent fix documented for the sudden acceleration events; Honda representative could not replicate the issue during inspection.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda investigated the sudden acceleration incidents but stated they 'could not replicate the sudden acceleration.' Private crash expert inspection found no crash data recorded (only records on airbag deployment). Brake lamp switch replacement was performed under warranty ($200). Dealer confirmed multiple codes but refused to provide vehicle replacement. No recall issued for this issue.
Battery failures and electrical drain
Vehicle experiences repeated dead battery conditions, leaving owners stranded. Batteries fail with no warning lights or prior indication. Some batteries fail very soon after replacement (less than 5 months). The infotainment system staying on when the car is turned off has been reported in at least one case, draining the battery.
When: One owner reported three dead batteries since 2020 with no warning lights. Another had a new battery fail after less than 5 months. Issues have occurred out-of-state, requiring towing. Some battery failures occur without warning.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start; completely dead battery; No warning lights or prior indication of battery issue; Vehicle becomes stranded; Infotainment system stays on after vehicle is turned off (one case)
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacements performed; however, replacements have failed again within months. Dealer testing using Honda warranty procedure indicates battery 'passes' even though it holds insufficient charge (one case: 30% charge). Independent mechanic testing found newer battery to be fine. Dealers continue to replace battery without identifying root cause of premature failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in narratives. Honda warranty battery testing has been performed but does not prevent failures. No root-cause remedy provided.
Smart Control Module failure and dendritic growth
Smart control module (part# 38320-TG7-L112-M1) was found to have incomplete conformal coating coverage on circuit board and significant dendritic growth on uncovered integrated circuits. This causes the vehicle alarm to trigger randomly, dashboard and interior lights to flash, relays to click, and the vehicle to become completely inoperable. Removing the battery to stop the alarm is necessary as a temporary measure.
When: Issue documented occurring approximately March 2025 on a vehicle that had sat for several hours. Reported to Honda USA in late March 2025.
Symptoms owners cite: Car alarm triggered with no interaction or reason; Flashing dash and interior lights; Clicking relays and/or electrical components; Vehicle becomes completely and utterly inoperable; Problem immediately returns upon battery reconnection
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosis, research, documentation, and repair were performed by an independent service technician. Proper cleaning of the circuit board alleviated the issue 'for the time being.' However, the repair is only temporary due to the underlying conformal coating defect. Dendritic growth is visible on photos of the board.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Problem reported to Honda USA in late March 2025; Honda provided no acceptable recourse or offer.
Engine stall and loss of power at highway speeds
Vehicle loses acceleration and power while driving at highway speed (~70 mph). Engine light flashes, vehicle is forced to limp to an exit ramp at ~5 mph. Electronics remain on but the engine lacks power to proceed. After turning off and restarting per manual instructions, vehicle recovers.
When: Occurred on one highway drive; vehicle was under warranty at the time of the incident.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not accelerate; Loss of engine power; Engine warning light flashing; Vehicle limited to ~5 mph; Electronics remain functional; Vehicle can be recovered by turning off and restarting
Codes mentioned: Engine light (on/flashing)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer inspection attempted to read the system but noted the engine light may not have been on long enough to capture a fault code. Dealer stated there is a 'known bulletin for a fuel injection problem' and recommended it, but noted the engine light would need to be on longer to justify a recall. No repair performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer acknowledged a known bulletin for fuel injection problem exists. Honda service line advised not to drive with engine light illuminated. No recall issued; dealer indicated engine light duration was insufficient to justify recall action.
Door lock and window/sunroof control malfunctions
In one incident, vehicle locked itself with a child inside and no one activating the lock. In another, remote start activated but windows and sunroof opened to halfway position unintentionally. Door locks make noise while stationary or driving.
When: Lock-in incident: child locked in back seat immediately after mother closed the door with key fob (with fresh battery) on back seat. Remote start incident: occurred during remote start command. Door lock noise reported as ongoing.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle locked with child inside; key fob inside vehicle; No activation of lock button by user; Remote start activates windows and sunroof unintentionally; Door locks make audible noise when stationary or driving
Repairs/costs cited: Fire department was called to emergency open the vehicle in the lock-in case. A second key fob was made at Honda. No repair or root-cause explanation documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda Customer Support quoted a 'diagnosis' fee to investigate the lock-in incident but did not provide an explanation or remedy. No recall issued for this issue.
Transmission shift failure and inability to change gears
Vehicle fails to shift into reverse or drive when the gear shifter is moved. Transmission remains stuck or does not respond to shifter input. In one case involving auto idle stop, transmission shifts into Neutral on its own and will not shift to Park. In another case involving sudden acceleration, transmission did not respond to driver commands.
When: Reverse shift failure occurred upon arrival at a parking space. Auto idle stop neutral shift occurred at a red light. Timing varies.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fails to shift into reverse despite shifter being moved; Transmission fails to shift into drive; Auto idle stop causes unintended neutral shift; Transmission will not shift out of neutral; Shifter has no effect on transmission
Repairs/costs cited: In reverse shift case: vehicle was turned off and restarted, after which it returned to normal functionality. No root cause identified or repair performed. In auto idle stop case: issue persists as part of AEIS stalling defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented for transmission shift failures.
Synthesized from 194 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 10 most recent
Please note: all of the problems occurred on our 2019 pilot which we turned in as a "lemon". Now we have same problems with our 2020 pilot. Screen blacks out showing speedometer so we have no idea how fast we are driving. Gas gauge goes black so we don't know how much gas we have. Screen goes black & voice controls stop during navigation use so we get lost. Back-up/parking sensors stop…
Random popping noise, like sound of small rocks hitting windscreen. Occasionally the display where speedometer is goes out. Audio problems with random volume issues. Popping noise occurs whether audio system is on or off. Notice it more while in motion and going over bumpy road. Been to dealer 5 times and replaced wiring, amp, head unit, and still have issue.
My vehicle was recalled twice before 2,500 miles for wiring harness connector issues (snapping, popping, crackling). I was told I could lose visibility with all dash functions, navigation, radio, etc. After the first and second recall service fix I continued to experience the same symptoms. I opened a case with Honda in June, 2021, and notified my local dealer. The Honda case number is 12314702.…
Tl* the contact owns a 2020 Honda pilot. While driving or in park the problems could occur 5 MPH or 70 MPH, the speedometer, fuel gauge, odometer, radio and navigation screen turned black. The contact heard an abnormal noise and the "no audio connect" and "check tuner" warning indicators were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to pohanka Honda of fredericksburg (located at 60 s gateway dr,…
Purchased my 2020 pilot on 12/30/2019 in fresno, ca. Recently this month december 2020, I started hearing a cracking and popping noise from the speakers. The popping noise happens whether or not music is on. I also started hearing this weird noise that almost sounded like there was a compressor in my vehicle. I did some research on several Honda pilot threads and it seems to be the ac…
While driving we noticed what sounded like small rocks hitting the windshield. As we drove the car more the crackling/popping noise grew with frequency and intensity. Now every time we drive we hear intermittent crackling/popping noises. At times it is very loud and constant. It sounds as though the windshield is cracking or going to crack. When I park the car and turn the engine off the…
The Honda Pilot radio center includes the back-up camera and also Apple-Play used for navigation. This system was subject to a recall earlier when the radio would crackle and then the info center would lose power on an intermittent basis. A recall was performed, and a cable was replaced. That seems to have fixed the loud crackle issue, but I still have an intermittent problem with the info…
Vehicle cracks and pops from speaker system. Sounds as if your in a hail storm. Radio / navigation systems goes blank and back up camera goes black. Have had to Honda of bristol and they have 'fixed/repair' the problems. Vehicle works great for a few months, this past time after repairs it has only lasted one week. I do not feel as this is a safe vehicle for me and my family . The cracking…
In two, separate, instances the vehicle exhibited sudden acceleration with the brake pedal depressed. The first instance was, as the 2020 Honda Pilot was pulling into a driveway and was approximately 10 feet behind another vehicle parked in the driveway. With the brake pedal being depressed, as one does when parking, the 2020 Honda Pilot suddenly accelerated and struck the rear of the other…
Auto start/stop feature failed to restart vehicle and shifted to Neutral when foot was taken off the brake. Collision Mitigation Warning lights came on after vehicle power was shut off and turned back on to restart the motor.
Had electrical trouble with your 2020 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 2020 Honda Pilot?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 194 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 58 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 1,500 and 8,000 miles, with the median around 4,500. A quarter of owners report trouble before 1,500; a quarter make it past 8,000. 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/2020/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.