Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2006 Honda Pilot — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2010 to Dec 2023
The most reported issue is air bags problems (57 complaints). 23 complaints involved crashes. 7 involved fires.
Open Safety Recalls (10)
NHTSA Campaign: 19V182000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.
Risk: An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.
NHTSA Campaign: 19E068000
Component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain Accelerator Pedal Assemblies part numbers 699-114 and 825-5029-1, sold as replacement parts for 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2004-2008 Acura TL and TSX, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2007-2011 Honda Element, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot and 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. The rotating portion of the accelerator pedal assembly may bind. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 124, "Accelerator Control Systems."
Risk: If the accelerator pedal binds, the engine may not quickly return to idle after the pedal is no longer pressed, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dorman will notify owners, and qualified service facilities will replace the affected accelerator pedal assemblies, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2019. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492, using option 5. Dorman's number for this recall is AS1019XXXX.
NHTSA Campaign: 19V499000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are Q5A and Y58.
NHTSA Campaign: 19V501000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are E5D and X5C.
NHTSA Campaign: 06V270000
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MOTORCYCLES, THE OWNER'S MANUALS CONTAIN INCORRECT CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S (NHTSA) VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE.
Risk: THE LANGUAGE IN THE OWNER'S MANUALS IS NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CURRENT MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS.
Fix: HONDA WILL SEND A POSTCARD TO DEALERS AND OWNERS WITH THE CORRECT NHTSA VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE INFORMATION AND WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO INSERT THE CARD INTO THE "REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS" SECTION OF THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 2, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009, ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238 OR HONDA MOTORCYCLES AT 1-866-784-1870.
NHTSA Campaign: 18V268000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Insight, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2012 Ridgeline vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
Risk: An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 22, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are K1P, and M1O.
NHTSA Campaign: 17V029000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2011 Honda Element vehicles, 2005-2012 Acura RL vehicles, 2006-2012 Honda Ridgeline vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles and 2005-2008 Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2009 Acura RL and Honda Element vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot vehicles and 2006-2009 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2008 Acura RL, Honda Element and Honda Pilot vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles and 2006-2008 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall bagan March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KD9 and KE0.
NHTSA Campaign: 16V344000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2011 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2011 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2008 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2008 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2008 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling model year 2002-2004 Odyssey and model year 2003-2004 Acura MDX, Honda Element, and Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA0, KA1, KA2, and KA3.
NHTSA Campaign: 15V320000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2007 Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2006 Ridgeline, 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2003-2006 Acura MDX, and 2002-2003 Acura 3.2TL vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion and other factors, including manufacturing variability that, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238, select option 4. Note: Vehicles that have had their driver frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy prior to September 12, 2014 need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Vehicles that, on or after September 12, 2014, received a remedy for a prior driver frontal air bag inflator recall already received an inflator of a different design, and therefore are not included in this recall and do not require additional servicing. Note: This recall fully supersedes recalls 08V-593, 09V-259, 10V-041, 11V-260, 14V-351 and 15V-153. Honda's numbers for this recall are JQ9, JR0, JR1, JR2, JR3, JR4, JR5, JR6, JR7, and JR8.
NHTSA Campaign: 08E013000
Component: EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:CARRIER/RACK
HONDA IS RECALLING 2,032 HITCH STYLE BIKE RACKS SOLD AS AFTERMARKET FOR USE ON MY 2003-2007 AND SOME MY 2008 HONDA PILOT, RIDGELINE, AND ACURA MDX VEHICLES. A PINCH BOLT EXISTS BETWEEN THE BIKE ARM BRACKET AND THE UPRIGHT ASSEMBLY OF THE "HITCH" STYLE BICYCLE RACK.
Risk: WHEN MOVING THE BIKE ARM BRACKET TO ITS DOWN POSITION, THIS PINCH BOLT HAS THE POTENTIAL OF CAUSING SEVERE LACERATION OR AMPUTATION TO THE USER'S FINGERTIPS OR HAND.
Fix: OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT THULE AT 800-THULE91 (800-848-5391) TO OBTAIN A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS OR OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 266)
Structure →3 issues
Your car's structural frame underneath the back is severely rusted and corroded. Your mechanic warns this is dangerous because the left side could potentially separate while you're driving—something that shouldn't normally happen even for a car of this age. This will likely require welding or replacement of the corroded frame sections to restore structural integrity.
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Your 2006 Honda Pilot failed a state safety inspection due to severe rust and corrosion on the rear suspension and trailing arm. A state inspector advised you not to drive the vehicle because of the advanced corrosion. You researched this online and found it may be related to a known Honda recall, but the manufacturer confirmed your vehicle isn't included in that recall. Addressing this will likely require having a mechanic inspect the corroded suspension components and replace any damaged parts.
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Your Pilot's subframe is rusting and pulling away from the vehicle body, which is a known design issue. While Honda has recalled the Ridgeline and CR-V for this same problem, your Pilot hasn't been recalled, and repair shops are reluctant to fix it. A patch kit exists for this issue, but getting it installed may require contacting Honda directly or finding a specialist willing to perform the repair.
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Unknown Or Other →3 issues
Your car was making excessive noise, and a mechanic discovered severe rust that had eaten through the frame itself. You were advised not to drive the vehicle due to the risk of catastrophic failure. This is a serious structural issue that requires professional inspection and likely frame repair or replacement.
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Your dealership identified severe rust on your rear bumper and the driver's side frame during a service visit. They indicated this is a major safety concern and that the frame rust cannot be repaired at their facility. You may need to have the rusted frame and bumper inspected by a body shop or corrosion specialist to assess whether welding, replacement, or structural reinforcement is necessary.
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Your rear steel bumper has severely rusted and corroded, which means it may not provide adequate protection in a collision. The bumper beam underneath also shows significant rust damage. Fixing this will likely require replacing the bumper assembly and possibly treating or replacing the corroded beam.
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Suspension →3 issues
Your rear suspension subframe has severely rusted and separated from the main frame, making the vehicle unsafe to drive. The shock support has also rotted away, and your suspension is completely detached from the vehicle. A severe bump could cause your wheels to fall off, creating an immediate safety hazard. This will likely require replacement of the rear subframe and suspension components.
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Your Pilot's suspension components are severely corroded and deteriorating. This could affect your vehicle's handling and stability while driving. You should have a mechanic inspect the suspension system immediately to assess which parts need replacement.
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When your 2006 Honda Pilot was lifted for service, you noticed extreme rust accumulating underneath the vehicle on the frame and other structural components. You're concerned that without proper rust protection from the factory, these rusted parts could weaken or separate, creating a potential safety hazard while driving. Addressing this would typically involve professional rust removal and applying protective coatings to prevent further deterioration of the undercarriage.
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Electrical System →2 issues
Your vehicle experienced a fire that started in the driver's seat control panel. Smoke came from inside the vehicle when you opened the door, and flames affected the driver's seat, seat belt, and interior door panel. This electrical fire requires immediate professional inspection and repair of the seat heating controls and wiring.
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You purchased a 2006 Honda Pilot from an auction and discovered a mileage discrepancy when registering the vehicle. The odometer showed 74,009 miles at purchase, but the actual mileage was 300,151 miles — a significant difference that suggests odometer fraud. Addressing this issue will likely require consulting with your state's motor vehicle department and potentially pursuing legal action against the seller.
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Suspension,structure →2 issues
Your Pilot's rear suspension cradle attachment points are prone to corrosion, especially in northern climates, causing them to rust and weaken at the frame connection. This corrosion can prevent your vehicle from passing inspection even if the rest of the car is in good condition. While Honda offers a repair kit and has issued recalls for similar issues on the Ridgeline and CR-V, the Pilot hasn't been recalled, and repairs can cost thousands of dollars. Fixing this typically involves removing the corroded suspension cradle, treating the affected frame areas, and reinstalling or replacing the attachment hardware.
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Your Pilot's rear subframe has rusted severely, causing the suspension to not mount properly to the frame. This creates an unstable ride and handling problems that could worsen and affect your ability to control the vehicle safely. Both a Honda dealer and an independent mechanic have confirmed the issue. The fix will likely require inspection and replacement or repair of the rusted subframe and associated suspension components.
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Exterior Lighting →1 issue
Both of your low beam headlights became extremely dim while driving at night in rain and fog, making it nearly impossible to see the road. You had to rely on your fog lights to see enough to drive home safely. The problem could be caused by a faulty headlight bulb, a bad headlight switch, or a wiring/electrical issue in the headlight circuit.
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Electrical System,seats,unknown Or Other →1 issue
Your car's driver's side heated seat caught fire while parked with the engine off, severely burning the seat and door. This happened without any warning lights or signs of trouble, despite a recent inspection. Because heated seats can malfunction unexpectedly and pose a serious fire risk—especially while driving—this needs immediate professional attention. The fix will likely require replacement of the heated seat element and wiring, along with inspection of the electrical system to prevent future fires.
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Steering,service Brakes →1 issue
Your car's steering and brake systems may not be working properly. The specific issues weren't detailed in this report. You should have a mechanic inspect both your steering and braking systems to identify what needs repair.
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Vehicle Speed Control →1 issue
Your Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system is activating when it shouldn't, causing your car to brake unexpectedly. This problem has been documented in Honda service bulletins for similar model years. A technician will need to diagnose why the VSA system is triggering inappropriately, which may involve checking the system's sensors, wiring, or potentially reprogramming the stability control module.
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Seats →1 issue
Your driver's seat is loose and unstable—it rocks backward when you lean back and shifts during stop-and-go driving. Something is broken or disconnected at the seat base that's allowing it to move around. This is a safety concern because the seat could potentially detach completely while driving. The issue will likely require inspecting the seat mounting bolts and brackets to identify what's loose or damaged.
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Electrical System,vehicle Speed Control →1 issue
Your car randomly enters limp mode where the VTM and VSA lights flash and the engine won't accelerate properly, happening both on highways and in traffic. The only temporary fix is turning the car off and back on, though sometimes that doesn't work and you have to wait. Additionally, your car has ongoing electrical problems on the passenger side that affect the windows and turn signals, which mechanics have been unable to diagnose or fix despite multiple inspections. A comprehensive electrical system inspection and potential module replacement may be needed to resolve both the limp mode and electrical failures.
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Tires →1 issue
Your four new Michelin Defender LXT tires needed rebalancing just two weeks after purchase because each tire was 1.5 to 2 ounces out of balance. You shouldn't experience this kind of imbalance so quickly on new tires. The tire shop rebalanced them for you.
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