2009 Honda Pilot: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

First second-gen year; rugged and roomy but the VCM 3.5L V6 oil-consumption problem (class-action covered) and Takata recall are the headline risks. 4 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2009 Honda Pilot ranged from $27,695 to $36,895 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

6/10
Mixed track record

First second-gen year; rugged and roomy but the VCM 3.5L V6 oil-consumption problem (class-action covered) and Takata recall are the headline risks.

Sources (5)
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=honda&model=pilot&m…
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=honda&model=pilot&m…
  • samarins.comhttps://www.samarins.com/reviews/pilot.html
  • blog.1aauto.comhttps://blog.1aauto.com/common-2nd-gen-honda-pilot-problems/
  • hondaproblems.comhttps://www.hondaproblems.com/excessive-oil-consumption/

Known issues

Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.

Sources (2)
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=honda&model=pilot&m…
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=honda&model=pilot&m…

Recalls & safety

Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.

Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Durable and easy to service; many examples reach 200,000-plus miles with regular care.
  • Simple, dependable 5-speed automatic with no turbo or CVT to worry about.
  • Rugged, roomy three-row family hauler with a strong V6 and high towing capacity for the class.

Cons

  • Boxy styling, thirsty around town and a dated infotainment setup.
  • The VCM-equipped 3.5L V6 is prone to excessive oil consumption, fouled plugs and motor-mount damage.
  • Takata airbag inflator recall affects these model years.

Trims & original pricing

TrimOriginal base MSRPNew todayEngineMPG
LX $27,695 discontinued 3.5L V6 —
EX $30,495 discontinued 3.5L V6 —
EX-L $35,023 $44,695 3.5L V6 —
Touring $36,895 $51,295 3.5L V6 —

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Sources (3)
  • iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2009-honda-pilot-price
  • fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/menu/options?year=2009&make=Honda…
  • iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/honda-pilot-price

Depreciation

$12k $24k $36k $48k 2009201220152018202120242027
2009 entry trim from new typical floor (assumed, past curve data) same model bought new today

Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.

Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($27,695). Higher trims started higher (up to $36,895), and options added more.

The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.

Sources (2)
  • caredge.comhttps://caredge.com/honda/pilot/depreciation
  • iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/honda-pilot/resale-value

Cost to own

Repairs (rises with mileage)≈ $500–550/yr
Expected lifespan~250k miles

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (1)

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2009 Honda Pilot have?

Documented issue patterns include: Takata airbag inflator recall, risk of non-deployment or rupture; long parts-availability delays reported; Excessive oil consumption from the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) 3.5L V6, fouled spark plugs, misfires and damaged motor mounts; covered by a class-action settlement and extended powertrain warranty on 2009-2013 models; Front suspension compliance (lower control-arm) bushing wear causing clunking, vibration and uneven feel; Steering-wheel and brake-pedal vibration at highway speed, often traced to warped front rotors. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2009 Honda Pilot reliable?

First second-gen year; rugged and roomy but the VCM 3.5L V6 oil-consumption problem (class-action covered) and Takata recall are the headline risks.

How much did the 2009 Honda Pilot cost new?

Between $27,695 and $36,895 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Is the Honda Pilot expensive to maintain?

Estimated repairs run roughly $500–550/year as mileage climbs.

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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.