Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2006 Honda Pilot
The 2006 Honda Pilot shows some concerns mainly related to airbag issues, with several recalls issued. A high number of complaints linked to airbag inflators and engine problems suggest potential risks, but overall, the data is limited, requiring thorough inspection before purchase.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2006 Honda Pilot has 10 NHTSA recall campaigns and 268 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #19E068000 Accelerator Pedal May Bind/FMVSS 124 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V499000 Driver Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V501000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V182000 Driver Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V268000 Improperly Installed Passenger Air Bag NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V029000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V344000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V320000 Driver's Frontal Air Bag May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #08E013000 AFTERMARKET HITCH STYLE BIKE RACK NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06V270000 OWNER'S MANUAL HOTLINE INFORMATION INCORRECT NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Air Bags 61 complaints
- Structure 26 complaints
- Service Brakes 24 complaints
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 22 complaints
- Engine 22 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 20 complaints
Of the 268 complaints on file, 23 report a crash and 7 a fire; across all 268 complaints, owners report 119 injuries and 99 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Airbag inflator issues
How to check: Verify airbag recall completion via VIN check.
Engine performance concerns
How to check: Listen for unusual noises during idle and acceleration.
Frequent brake complaints
How to check: Check for smooth braking without noise or pulsation.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Loud knocking or ticking sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights on
- 03
City driving
What to check: Test brakes for smooth stop.
Red flag: Braking noise or pulsation
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure smooth acceleration without hesitation.
Red flag: Engine hesitates or jerks
- 05
Steady highway speed
What to check: Check for steering stability.
Red flag: Steering wheel vibration
- 06
Parking
What to check: Listen for suspension or steering noise during turns.
Red flag: Clunking or grinding noises
- 07
Reverse gear
What to check: Engage reverse to check transmission response.
Red flag: Delayed or harsh shifting
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall been completed?
- Any recent engine repairs performed?
- Are there issues with the brakes?
- Has the car been in any accidents?
- Is there a history of regular maintenance?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Vehicle recall completion records
- Service and maintenance records
- Accident history report
- Title and registration
- Previous ownership details
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2006 Honda Pilot at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2006 Honda Pilot? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.