Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2012 Honda Pilot — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2014 to Dec 2023
The most reported issue is air bags problems (17 complaints). 17 complaints involved crashes. 2 involved fires.
Open Safety Recalls (9)
NHTSA Campaign: 18V661000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014 Honda Insight and Acura TSX and TSX Wagon, 2014-2015 Honda Crosstour and Pilot vehicles nationwide, as well as certain 2014 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, California, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan) and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Honda is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Acura TSX, TSX Wagon and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Insight, Fit and Pilot vehicles, 2011-2012 Honda Accord and 2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the 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. Lastly, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot, 2011-2013 TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord and 2010-2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles 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 air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher 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 air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are M2J and S2K.
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: 19V502000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic GX NGV, 2012-2015 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2014 Fit EV, 2010-2014 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot 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 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 F5F and Q5E.
NHTSA Campaign: 19V378000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2013 TSX Sport Wagon, and 2010-2012 ZDX and 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, 2012-2014 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2013 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The front passenger air bag inflator may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
Risk: An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly deploy the passenger frontal air bag in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator installation and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are M4O, P4R, T4Q, and W4P.
NHTSA Campaign: 17V545000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2008-2012 Accord, 2010-2012 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2012 Fit and Pilot, 2010-2012 Insight, and 2009-2012 Acura TSX vehicles that received replacement passenger frontal air bag inflators. One dealership may have incorrectly installed the replacement air bag inflators.
Risk: In the event of a crash, an incorrectly installed passenger frontal air bag inflator may deploy the air bag improperly, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are O07, Y0A, N06, G05, M04, Y01, and O09.
NHTSA Campaign: 17V030000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Acura TSX, 2011-2012 Acura TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Acura ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2012 Honda Accord Crosstour and Honda Insight, 2009-2012 Honda Fit, 2009-2012 Pilot, 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2012 Honda FCX Clarity and 2006-2011 Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid, Civic NGV 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 2009 Acura TSX, Honda Fit and Pilot, 2008-2009 Honda Accord, 2006-2009 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, and 2007-2009 Honda CR-V 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 B" above, Honda is recalling certain 2008 Honda Accord, 2006-2008 Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV and 2007-2008 Honda CR-V 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 side air bag inflator, free of charge. The manufacturer has mailed an interim notification, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KE1 and KE2.
NHTSA Campaign: 18V042000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX, ZDX, Honda Accord Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot vehicles, 2011-13 Acura TSX Sportswagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord,, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles and 2013 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles ever registered in the states of 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, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2012 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Accord Crosstour, Fit and Pilot, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V, and 2010 Acura ZDX and Honda Insight vehicles ever registered in the states of 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." Unless included in Zones A or B above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid, CR-V, Fit, and Pilot vehicles ever registered in the states of 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 or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher 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 air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 16, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are B0K and L0J.
NHTSA Campaign: 12V063000
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 PILOT AND ACURA MDX VEHICLES. THE VENT SHUT FLOAT (VSF) VALVE CASE IN THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY DOES NOT MEET THE DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS.
Risk: AS A RESULT, FUEL MAY LEAK FROM THE TANK, INCREASING THE RISK OF FIRE.
Fix: HONDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VSF ASSEMBLY DATE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 13, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-999-1009.
NHTSA Campaign: 13V016000
Component: AIR BAGS
Honda is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 Pilot and 2011-2013 Odyssey passenger vehicles manufactured from March 13, 2008, through December 21, 2012. One or more rivets that attach the airbag module to the airbag cover may be missing.
Risk: The absence of more than one rivet could alter the performance of the driver's airbag during deployment. This could potentially increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda dealer. The dealer will inspect the driver's airbag module and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 14, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 169)
Electrical System →5 issues
This complaint involves allegations of odometer fraud and improper vehicle title transfers across multiple vehicles, not a mechanical defect with your 2012 Honda Pilot. The complaint claims vehicles were transferred without proper odometer disclosures and titles were signed fraudulently. This is a legal and registration matter that should be addressed with state motor vehicle authorities and law enforcement, not a repair issue.
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You discovered that your 2012 Honda Pilot's odometer may have been tampered with or rolled back. The vehicle showed 67,450 miles when you purchased it, but a Carfax report revealed the actual mileage was 140,000 miles. This is a significant discrepancy that suggests potential odometer fraud. Resolving this may require contacting the seller, filing a complaint with local authorities, or seeking legal advice to address the fraudulent sale.
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You purchased a 2012 Honda Pilot from a private seller who listed it with 94,397 miles on the odometer. When you obtained a Carfax report, the vehicle's actual mileage history showed 204,943 miles — a discrepancy of over 110,000 miles. This suggests the odometer may have been rolled back or tampered with before the sale. You may want to consult with a lawyer or your state's attorney general about odometer fraud, as this is a serious issue that affects the vehicle's true condition and value.
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You discovered a mileage discrepancy on your 2012 Honda Pilot after purchase. The odometer showed 112,000 miles when you bought the vehicle, but registration revealed the actual mileage was 240,000 miles, indicating the odometer may have been tampered with or rolled back. This is a case of odometer fraud from a private sale. Resolving this may require working with your state's motor vehicle department and potentially consulting with an attorney about the private sale.
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Your check engine light turned on and your vehicle started shaking. The diagnostic code indicated a misfire in cylinder 1, and you've been experiencing ongoing misfiring problems in various cylinders. Even after replacing the spark plugs and ignition coils multiple times, the problem keeps coming back. The underlying cause may require deeper engine diagnostics to identify what's preventing the cylinders from firing properly.
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Unknown Or Other →2 issues
Your car's Pearl White paint is peeling off in sheets from the roof, hood, and other surfaces, exposing bare metal that's starting to rust. You've had to pay out of pocket for repainting, but the problem is recurring on other parts of the vehicle. Honda has told you they won't cover this as a warranty issue, though your dealer says this is a known, long-standing problem with this paint color on Honda vehicles. Addressing this will likely require professional repainting of affected body panels and potential rust treatment.
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Your car's paint is peeling, and a body shop confirmed this is a manufacturing defect rather than damage from use or weather. The peeling is getting worse over time. You may need to contact Honda directly about a warranty claim or repair, as this appears to be a factory issue rather than normal wear.
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Air Bags →1 issue
Your passenger airbag started turning on and off unpredictably, and your airbag warning light came on. A scan revealed the passenger weight sensor isn't communicating with the system. Honda has discontinued this part and it's on backorder with no confirmed delivery date, making the car unsafe to drive until it's repaired.
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Service Brakes →1 issue
Your 2012 Honda Pilot's brakes fail to stop the vehicle when you press the brake pedal, but only during winter cold weather—the problem disappears in warmer months. You've had the front brake pads, rotors, brake fluid, and entire brake system flushed by mechanics, but the issue keeps returning and can't be reproduced when you take it in for service. The brakes may need a more thorough inspection of the brake system components that are sensitive to cold temperatures, such as brake fluid viscosity issues or air in the brake lines.
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Seat Belts →1 issue
Your driver's side seat belt has torn and is no longer functional. The dealership contacted Honda, but Honda refused to repair or replace it under warranty. A damaged seat belt is a safety hazard because it won't properly restrain you in a crash.
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Steering,suspension →1 issue
While driving on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, your steering wheel suddenly locked and wouldn't turn right when you needed to navigate a curve, causing your car to hit the concrete barrier on the left side of the road. After the steering unlocked, the car drifted right and struck the guard rail on the opposite side, resulting in severe damage and a total loss. The underlying cause of the steering lock-up is unknown, though it may be related to the front suspension assembly. Diagnosis would require a professional inspection of the steering system and front suspension components.
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Fuel/propulsion System →1 issue
Your 2012 Honda Pilot's engine is experiencing rough idling, strong fuel smell, hesitation, and power loss during acceleration — symptoms consistent with a Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system defect that Honda has acknowledged and recalled on 2013–2015 Pilot models with the same 3.5L V6 engine. Your dealership did not address these issues when you brought the vehicle in for service in 2023. Honda has extended warranty coverage for this defect on newer model years but has not recalled or acknowledged the problem on 2012 Pilots, even though they use identical engine architecture. Fixing this issue may require replacing piston rings, spark plugs, or addressing the VCM system to restore proper engine combustion.
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Parking Brake →1 issue
Your parking brake cable has seized and stopped working properly. During a state inspection, this was discovered when the brake failed to engage as it should. Your dealer confirmed the cable needs to be replaced to restore parking brake function.
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Power Train,electrical System →1 issue
While driving at around 45 MPH, your vehicle suddenly lost all power for 3-5 seconds, causing the dashboard lights to illuminate. The engine then restarted on its own without you turning the ignition key, and the dashboard lights went back off. This has happened a few times intermittently. Your dealer found the problem was a faulty positive battery terminal connector, which they replaced.
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Suspension,engine →1 issue
Your engine is burning through oil faster than normal due to faulty gaskets that allow oil to leak into cylinder 3, which fouls the spark plug repeatedly and triggers your check engine light with a loss of power. The same leaking oil is dripping onto your alternator, causing it to fail. Additionally, your wheels and steering wheel shake when you brake, even after replacing the brakes and rotors multiple times. This will likely require replacing the cylinder 3 gaskets and seals, inspecting the alternator mounting area, and having the braking system thoroughly diagnosed.
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Engine →1 issue
Your car's check engine light is turning on due to misfires detected in cylinders 1 through 4, which means the engine isn't firing properly in those cylinders. Both the Honda dealer and an independent mechanic confirmed this issue. The fix will likely involve inspecting and replacing ignition components like spark plugs or ignition coils, and possibly checking fuel injectors.
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Power Train,engine →1 issue
Your check transmission light turns on and off intermittently, and your mechanic says it's throwing a torque converter code, though the transmission doesn't drive rough. The light stays off for extended periods after you restart the car, suggesting it may be a faulty sensor or software issue rather than an actual transmission problem. A Honda dealer diagnostic costs $100+ and could lead to unnecessary transmission replacement.
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Electrical System,engine And Engine Cooling →1 issue
The owner filed a complaint about the electrical system and engine cooling components, but did not provide specific details about what problem they're experiencing. Without additional information about the symptoms or issues observed, it's unclear what repairs might be needed.
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Power Train →1 issue
While driving your 2012 Honda Pilot, you experienced shuddering and saw warning lights illuminate on your dashboard. You took the vehicle to an independent mechanic but weren't informed of what the diagnostic found, and the vehicle wasn't repaired. The issue likely stems from a powertrain component that needs proper diagnosis.
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Structure →1 issue
The paint on your passenger side doors is peeling and flaking off, exposing bare metal underneath. This exposes the metal to rust and corrosion over time. The fix will likely involve sanding down the damaged areas, applying primer, and repainting the affected doors.
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