2021 Honda Pilot
2021 Honda Pilot
Overview
The 2021 Honda Pilot is a popular mid-size 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 occasional reports of concern. This analysis focuses on documented technical issues beyond routine maintenance, providing insights into potential problem areas and their typical resolutions for the 2021 model year, specifically addressing its primary powertrain configurations.
Engine
3.5L V6 (J35Y8)
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: N/A
Transmission
9-Speed Automatic (K9B4)
Hesitation or Jerking
- Symptoms: Some drivers have reported occasional hesitation or jerky shifts, particularly at lower speeds or when downshifting.
- Solution: Software updates for the transmission control module (TCM) are often the first step. In more severe cases, internal transmission repairs might be necessary.
- Cost: $150 - $500 (for software update/diagnosis), $1,500 - $4,000 (for internal repairs)
6-Speed Automatic (BVA)
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: N/A
Suspension
Standard Independent Suspension
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: N/A
Electrical
Infotainment System
Occasional Glitches
- Symptoms: Some users have reported minor glitches with the infotainment system, such as freezing or unresponsiveness.
- Solution: A software update for the infotainment unit is typically effective. In rare cases, the unit may need to be replaced.
- Cost: $100 - $300 (for software update/diagnosis), $800 - $1,500 (for replacement)
Battery
Premature Failure
- Symptoms: A small number of owners have experienced premature battery failure, leading to starting issues.
- Solution: Battery replacement.
- Cost: $200 - $400
Exterior
Body Panels and Paint
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: N/A
Lighting
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: N/A
Interior
Upholstery and Trim
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: N/A
Climate Control System
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: N/A
Summary Verdict
The 2021 Honda Pilot demonstrates strong overall reliability, consistent with Honda’s reputation. The standard 3.5L V6 engine is robust and rarely presents significant issues. The 9-speed automatic transmission, while generally reliable, has seen some reports of minor shifting anomalies that are often resolved with software updates. The 6-speed automatic is even more proven. Electrical components, particularly the infotainment system, can occasionally exhibit minor glitches, usually fixable via software. Battery longevity has been a minor concern for a small percentage of owners. Suspension, exterior, and interior components are largely free of widespread problems. For prospective buyers, the 2021 Pilot remains a solid choice, with most potential issues being minor and manageable.