2019 Honda Pilot

2019 Honda Pilot

Overview

The 2019 Honda Pilot is a popular three-row SUV known for its family-friendly features and comfortable ride. Reliability is generally a strong suit for Honda, and the Pilot typically follows this trend. While most owners report a positive ownership experience with minimal unexpected repairs, like any vehicle, there are a few areas that have seen more attention from owners and technicians. This analysis focuses on documented technical issues beyond routine maintenance, providing insights into potential concerns for the 2019 model year across its available powertrains and key systems.

---

Engine

3.5L V6 (J35Y8)

Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) System

• Symptoms: Rough idling, engine misfires, check engine light illumination, potential oil consumption.
• Solution: Software update for VCM, replacement of faulty VCM deactivator or oil control jet, or in some cases, disabling the VCM system.
• Cost: $300 - $1200

Oil Leaks

• Symptoms: Visible oil spots under the vehicle, burning oil smell, low oil level.
• Solution: Replacement of leaking seals or gaskets (e.g., valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket).
• Cost: $200 - $800

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic Transmission

Hesitation or Jerking

• Symptoms: Slight delay or rough shifting during acceleration, particularly at lower speeds.
• Solution: Transmission fluid flush and refill, software update for transmission control module (TCM).
• Cost: $150 - $400

9-Speed Automatic Transmission (ZF9HP)

Harsh Shifting / Jerking

• Symptoms: Noticeable clunks or jerks during gear changes, especially between 2nd and 3rd gear.
• Solution: Software update for the TCM is the most common fix. In some cases, transmission fluid service may be recommended.
• Cost: $100 - $300

Transmission Fluid Leaks

• Symptoms: Puddles of fluid under the vehicle, burning smell, transmission warning light.
• Solution: Inspection and replacement of faulty seals, lines, or the transmission cooler.
• Cost: $300 - $1000

Suspension

Standard Independent Suspension

No Major Issues

• Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
• Solution: No widespread issues reported.
• Cost: No widespread issues reported.

Electrical

Infotainment System

Screen Freezing or Unresponsiveness

• Symptoms: Touchscreen becomes unresponsive, system freezes, or reboots randomly.
• Solution: Software update for the infotainment system, or in rare cases, replacement of the head unit.
• Cost: $100 - $800

Battery Drain

No major issues reported for this configuration.

Exterior

Body Panels & Paint

No Major Issues

• Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
• Solution: No widespread issues reported.
• Cost: No widespread issues reported.

Interior

Upholstery & Trim

No Major Issues

• Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
• Solution: No widespread issues reported.
• Cost: No widespread issues reported.

---

Summary Verdict

The 2019 Honda Pilot generally exhibits good reliability, aligning with Honda’s reputation. The most frequently cited technical concerns revolve around the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system in the 3.5L V6 engine, which can lead to performance issues and potential oil consumption. The 9-speed automatic transmission, while offering better fuel economy, has also seen reports of harsh shifting and occasional software glitches that are typically resolved with updates. Electrical issues, particularly with the infotainment system’s responsiveness, are also noted. However, these issues are not universal, and many owners experience trouble-free operation. Routine maintenance and addressing early signs of VCM or transmission behavior are key to maintaining long-term reliability.