2020 Honda Pilot

The 2020 Honda Pilot is a popular mid-size SUV known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and family-friendly features. It generally receives positive reviews for reliability, but like any vehicle, it has its share of reported problems. The 2020 Pilot came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a 6-speed automatic transmission (LX, EX, EX-L trims) or a 9-speed automatic transmission (Touring, Elite, Black Edition trims). What people generally like about the Pilot is its practicality, roomy third row, and reputation for Honda reliability. Common dislikes include the sometimes-clunky 9-speed transmission, and the infotainment system’s interface.

Engine

3.5L V6

• Variable Timing Solenoid Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine may exhibit rough idling, stalling, decreased fuel efficiency, and the check engine light may illuminate. This is often related to dirty or degraded oil affecting the VTC actuator.
  • Solution: Replacement of the VTC actuator and ensuring proper oil maintenance.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic No Issues Found

9-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting/Jerking/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners report experiencing harsh shifting, jerking during gear changes, hesitation upon acceleration, or general clunkiness with the 9-speed automatic transmission. The symptoms may be more pronounced at lower speeds or when the transmission is cold.
  • Solution: Software updates or reprogramming the transmission control module (TCM) may alleviate the issue. In some cases, replacement of valve body or even the entire transmission is needed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (Software Update) - $5,000+ (Transmission Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Shock Absorber Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature wear and leaks in the rear shock absorbers. Owners notice excessive bouncing over bumps, reduced ride comfort, and visual evidence of fluid leakage from the shock absorbers.
  • Solution: Replacement of the rear shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature battery drain leading to difficulty starting the vehicle or requiring frequent jump starts.
  • Solution: Diagnostics to identify the source of the parasitic drain, which could be a faulty module, relay, or wiring issue. Replacement of the battery and addressing the underlying electrical problem.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (Battery Replacement) - $500+ (Electrical Diagnosis and Repair)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Infotainment System Freezing/Rebooting
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system may freeze, become unresponsive, or spontaneously reboot while driving. This can affect navigation, audio, and other vehicle functions controlled through the system.
  • Solution: Software update or replacement of the head unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (Software Update) - $1500+ (Head Unit Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Automatic Tailgate Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The automatic tailgate may fail to open or close properly, get stuck in an intermediate position, or emit unusual noises.
  • Solution: Check and/or replace the tailgate struts, motor, latch, or sensors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Rattling Noise from Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners report hearing rattling or buzzing noises emanating from the dashboard area, particularly when driving on rough roads.
  • Solution: Locating and securing the source of the rattle. This may involve tightening loose components or adding sound dampening material.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2020 Honda Pilot, while generally reliable, has some reported issues, with the 9-speed transmission being a common source of complaints. Electrical issues such as battery drain and infotainment system malfunctions also appear. While some fixes are relatively inexpensive (software updates), others, like transmission or head unit replacements, can be costly. Overall, owners should be aware of these potential issues and perform regular maintenance to mitigate the risk of problems. The severity and cost of the issues vary, with the transmission issues being the most concerning due to potential expense.