Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2011 Honda Pilot
The 2011 Honda Pilot has some concerns, mainly with airbag recalls and a moderate level of owner complaints, particularly regarding airbags, brakes, and suspension. The recall data suggests a need to check airbags and seat belts, while the complaints point towards potential issues with the engine, electrical system, and suspension. Given the number of recalls and complaints, prospective buyers should thoroughly inspect these areas and verify recall repairs.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2011 Honda Pilot has 11 NHTSA recall campaigns and 293 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #19V502000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V378000 Improperly Installed Passenger Air Bag Inflator NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V661000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V268000 Improperly Installed Passenger Air Bag NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V042000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V545000 Incorrectly Installed Replacement Air Bag NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V030000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V346000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #13V016000 Driver's Airbag Module may be Missing Rivets NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #11V468000 SEATBELT STITCHING NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #10V640000 FRONT SUSPENSION DAMPER BOLTS AND SPINDLE NUTS NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Air Bags 68 complaints
- Service Brakes 39 complaints
- Steering 34 complaints
- Suspension 34 complaints
- Engine 31 complaints
- Electrical System 26 complaints
Of the 293 complaints on file, 29 report a crash and 5 a fire; across all 293 complaints, owners report 31 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Airbag inflator issues
How to check: Ensure recall repairs for airbag inflator are done
Braking system problems
How to check: Inspect brake pedal feel and brake performance
Loose front suspension bolts
How to check: Check for properly tightened suspension bolts
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 if airbag warning light is on
Red flag: Airbag light remains on
- 03
City driving
What to check: Assess brake performance and noise
Red flag: Squealing or poor braking responsiveness
- 04
Steering maneuvers
What to check: Evaluate steering response and feel
Red flag: Stiff or unresponsive steering
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Test for smooth gear shifts
Red flag: Harsh or delayed shifting
- 06
Cornering
What to check: Feel for suspension stability
Red flag: Excessive body roll or noise
- 07
Final idling
What to check: Observe for any warning lights on dash
Red flag: Persistent warning lights
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall been addressed?
- Are there records of brake maintenance?
- Have suspension issues been rectified?
- Any known electrical problems?
- Has the transmission been serviced regularly?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Completed recall repair documentation
- Maintenance records
- Brake service history
- Suspension repair receipts
- Vehicle history report
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2011 Honda Pilot at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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