2019 Honda Pilot Safety Report

2019 Honda Pilot: Strong Crash Ratings Undermined by Numerous Electrical, Engine, and ADAS System Complaints and 11 Recalls

810Complaints
11Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
60/100Reliability Score
15Injuries
Most reported components: Electrical System (85)Engine (83)Unknown Or Other (70)Fuel System, Gasoline (69)Fuel/Propulsion System (57)Electrical System,Engine (37)Power Train (36)Forward Collision Avoidance,Lane Departure (25)Forward Collision Avoidance (23)Electrical System,Unknown Or Other (21)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Honda Pilot

The 2019 Honda Pilot presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with an overall 5-star NHTSA rating, including 5 stars for side impact and 4 stars for frontal and rollover, the vehicle has a significant number of owner complaints and a high volume of recalls. With 810 total complaints, 15 resulting in injuries, there are clear patterns of recurring issues. A major concern revolves around the electrical system and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), with numerous reports of front camera failures leading to inoperative features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision mitigation braking, sometimes causing unexpected braking or loss of functionality. Engine-related issues are also prominent, including stalls, loss of power, and reports of connecting rod bearing failures, some of which are linked to recalls. The high number of recalls (11 total) indicates several manufacturing defects that Honda has addressed, including critical issues like fuel pump failures, engine damage risks, rearview camera malfunctions, and even structural welding defects. Despite strong crash ratings, the frequent complaints about critical safety systems and engine reliability suggest potential real-world safety compromises.

Reliability Score

The 2019 Honda Pilot receives a reliability score of 60 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2019 Honda Pilot

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Honda Pilot:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Front Camera/Adas System Failure
The forward-facing camera often fails, disabling critical safety features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, and Collision Mitigation Braking System, sometimes causing unexpected braking or system warnings.
High Common unknown miles
Engine Stalling/Loss Of Power
Drivers report sudden engine stalls or significant loss of power while driving, often accompanied by warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash. This is linked to fuel pump and internal engine component recalls.
High Occasional unknown miles
Fuel Pump Failure
Multiple recalls address fuel pump failures that can lead to engine stalling while driving, increasing crash risk. Complaints also mention incorrect fuel gauge readings leading to stalls.
High Occasional unknown miles
Rearview Camera Malfunction
The rearview camera may display a blank screen or be inoperative due to faulty communication components or incorrect software, reducing driver visibility and increasing crash risk.
Medium Occasional unknown miles
Engine Internal Component Damage (Connecting Rods)
A manufacturing defect can lead to damaged engine components, including connecting rod bearing knock and failure, potentially causing engine stall, fire, or crash. This was subject to a recall.
High Occasional unknown miles
Transmission Issues (Limp Mode, Overheating)
Reports of the transmission entering 'limp mode' or overheating, leading to loss of power and requiring towing.
High Rare unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2019 Honda Pilot:

Electrical System 10% of complaints

Frequent issues with the electrical system, particularly related to the front camera and ADAS, causing various warning lights and system malfunctions.

Engine 10% of complaints

Numerous complaints about engine stalling, loss of power, and internal engine component failures, some linked to manufacturing defects and recalls.

Fuel System, Gasoline 8% of complaints

Problems with the fuel pump leading to engine stalls and incorrect fuel gauge readings, addressed by multiple recalls.

Forward Collision Avoidance 5% of complaints

Malfunctions of the forward collision avoidance system, often due to front camera failure, leading to inoperative features or unexpected braking.

Power Train 4% of complaints

Reports of transmission issues, including entering limp mode or overheating, affecting vehicle drivability.

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera 3% of complaints

Rearview camera failures, including blank screens or delayed displays, reducing rear visibility.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Honda Pilot

Is the 2019 Honda Pilot safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 Honda Pilot received excellent crash test ratings (5-star overall, 5-star side, 4-star frontal and rollover). However, it has a high number of owner complaints (810 total, 15 injuries) and 11 recalls, many addressing critical safety components like fuel pumps, engine parts, and advanced driver-assistance systems. While it performs well in controlled crash tests, real-world reliability of safety features is a concern.

What are common problems with the 2019 Honda Pilot?

The most reported issues for the 2019 Honda Pilot involve the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (85 complaints), ENGINE (83 complaints), and FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE (69 complaints). Specific common problems include front camera failures disabling ADAS features, engine stalling or loss of power, fuel pump malfunctions, and rearview camera issues. Several of these are addressed by recalls.

Are there any recalls for the 2019 Honda Pilot?

Yes, the 2019 Honda Pilot has 11 recalls. These include critical issues such as fuel pump failures (multiple recalls), engine internal component damage (e.g., connecting rod issues), rearview camera malfunctions, hood latch striker separation, tire defects, and structural welding defects. It is crucial to ensure all applicable recalls have been addressed.

How does the 2019 Honda Pilot perform in crash tests?

The 2019 Honda Pilot received a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. It scored 4 stars for frontal crash, 5 stars for side crash, and 4 stars for rollover resistance, indicating strong performance in these controlled tests.

What should I look out for when buying a used 2019 Honda Pilot?

When considering a used 2019 Honda Pilot, prioritize checking if all 11 recalls have been completed. Pay close attention to the functionality of the advanced driver-assistance systems (ACC, LKAS, CMBS) and the rearview camera. Listen for any unusual engine noises, and ensure there are no persistent warning lights on the dashboard, especially those related to the electrical system or engine.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the strong crash test ratings but numerous complaints and recalls concerning critical safety and powertrain components, thoroughly verify all 11 recalls have been completed and have a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the electrical system, ADAS, and engine before buying a 2019 Honda Pilot.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Honda Pilot

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Honda Pilot. The data includes 810 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 11 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 15 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2019 Honda Pilot an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.