Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2019 Honda Pilot
The 2019 Honda Pilot has substantial recall and complaint data. Notable issues include electrical system errors and engine failures, but the wide coverage of recalls and complaints indicates variances in individual vehicles' reliability. Detailed inspection and test drives are crucial to assess the specific vehicle's condition.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2019 Honda Pilot has 13 NHTSA recall campaigns and 927 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #26V365000 Rear Suspension Components May Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #26V332000 Air Bags May Deploy Unintentionally During a Crash NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V858000 Fuel Pump May Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V751000 Engine Damage from Connecting Rod Bearing Wear NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V431000 Rearview Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V932000 Hood May Open While Driving NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V215000 Fuel Pump May Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V165000 Tire Failure may Cause Sudden Air Loss NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V439000 Instrument Panel Software Incorrect/FMVSS 101/111 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V440000 Delayed or Inoperative Rearview Camera/FMVSS 111 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V784000 Incomplete Body Welding NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V298000 Timing Belt Teeth May Separate NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V848000 Pillar Mounting Holes Incorrect Size/FMVSS 214 226 NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Electrical System 266 complaints
- Engine 241 complaints
- Unknown or Other 170 complaints
- Forward Collision Avoidance 129 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 120 complaints
- Power Train 95 complaints
Of the 927 complaints on file, 13 report a crash and 6 a fire; across all 927 complaints, owners report 15 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Engine mechanical failures
How to check: Ask about any recent engine noises or repairs.
Software malfunctions
How to check: Check infotainment and camera systems for errors.
Hood latch problems
How to check: Inspect hood latch for proper alignment.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Unusual clunking or knocking noises
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check dashboard for warning lights.
Red flag: Persistent engine warning lights
- 03
Low-speed drive
What to check: Test infotainment system operations.
Red flag: Malfunctioning display or controls
- 04
City driving
What to check: Observe transmission smoothness.
Red flag: Jerking or delayed shifts
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Check for stable acceleration response.
Red flag: Hesitation or lack of power
- 06
Parking maneuvers
What to check: Verify rearview camera function.
Red flag: Camera image not displaying
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the engine been repaired recently?
- Any electrical system issues noticed?
- Has the rearview camera been replaced?
- Are all recall repairs completed?
- Has the hood latch been inspected?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Repair history
- Recall service records
- Vehicle maintenance records
- Title and registration
- Owner's manual
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2019 Honda Pilot at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2019 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.