2021 Honda Pilot: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Refreshed third-gen Pilot with the revised transmission and good all-round family ability; minor Honda Sensing and idle-stop quirks remain. 1 known issue pattern is documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2021 Honda Pilot ranged from $32,550 to $50,220 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Refreshed third-gen Pilot with the revised transmission and good all-round family ability; minor Honda Sensing and idle-stop quirks remain.
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…
- usedcaryear.comhttps://www.usedcaryear.com/articles/should-you-buy-2016-2019-honda-pilot
- truedelta.comhttps://www.truedelta.com/Honda-Pilot/reliability-114
- lemonlawhelp.comhttps://lemonlawhelp.com/blog/hondas-9-speed-transmission-problems/
Known issues
-
The nine-speed automatic transmission in certain models may suffer from a programming defect causing rough and delayed shifting, loud noises during shifting, sudden harsh accelerations/decelerations, and a sudden loss of power.
commonly reported · transmission
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (6)
- imba.missouri.eduhttps://imba.missouri.edu/2019-honda-pilot-issues-0497524499.html
- m.carcomplaints.comhttps://m.carcomplaints.com/Honda/Pilot/2019/electrical/electrical_system-2.s…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/honda/pilot/2019/brakes-making-noise
- m.carcomplaints.comhttps://m.carcomplaints.com/Honda/Pilot/2019/engine/engine.shtml
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/symptom/honda/pilot/2019/ac-not-working
- community.cartalk.comhttps://community.cartalk.com/t/honda-pilot-2019-overheating-ac-stops-working…
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
- Comfortable ride, refined 3.5L V6 power and competitive fuel economy for a three-row SUV.
- Roomy, practical cabin seating up to eight with a large, flexible cargo area.
- Strong resale value and available all-wheel drive.
Cons
- Push-button gear selector and early touchscreen with no volume knob frustrate some owners.
- The 2016-2020 V6 is covered by a connecting-rod-bearing engine-failure recall (23V-751).
- Honda Sensing camera failures and direct-injection fuel-injector issues are commonly reported.
- The 2016-2018 ZF 9-speed automatic (Touring/Elite) is prone to harsh, jerky shifting and shudder; revised for 2019 and lower trims use a smoother 6-speed.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX | $32,550 | discontinued | 3.5L V6 | — |
| EX | $35,230 | discontinued | 3.5L V6 | — |
| EX-L | $38,660 | $44,695 | 3.5L V6 | — |
| SE | $39,260 | discontinued | 3.5L V6 | — |
| Touring | $43,220 | $51,295 | 3.5L V6 | — |
| Elite | $48,720 | $53,695 | 3.5L V6 | — |
| Black Edition | $50,220 | discontinued | 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.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (3)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2021-honda-pilot-price
- fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/menu/options?year=2016&make=Honda…
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/honda-pilot-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($32,550). Higher trims started higher (up to $50,220), and options added more.
Curve outlook: a typical 2021 loses roughly another 24% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (2)
- caredge.comhttps://caredge.com/honda/pilot/depreciation
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/honda-pilot/resale-value
Cost to own
| Routine maintenance | ≈ $600–650/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $2,100–2,200/yr |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (1)
- caredge.comhttps://caredge.com/honda/pilot/depreciation
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2021 Honda Pilot have?
Documented issue patterns include: The nine-speed automatic transmission in certain models may suffer from a programming defect causing rough and delayed shifting, loud noises during shifting, sudden harsh accelerations/decelerations, and a sudden loss of power. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2021 Honda Pilot reliable?
Refreshed third-gen Pilot with the revised transmission and good all-round family ability; minor Honda Sensing and idle-stop quirks remain.
How much did the 2021 Honda Pilot cost new?
Between $32,550 and $50,220 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. 2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Is the Honda Pilot expensive to maintain?
Estimated routine maintenance runs about $600–650/year.
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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.