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2021 Honda Pilot Brakes Problems

17 owner-reported brakes complaints from NHTSA data

17
Complaints
1
Recalls
2
Crashes
Feb 2022Nov 2021
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Brakes Recalls (1)

RECALLCampaign #23V458000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Civic, 2020-2023 Ridgeline, 2021-2023 Passport, 2021-2022 Pilot, and 2020 Acura MDX vehicles. The tie rod fastener that connects the brake booster and the brake master cylinder may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, which can cause the brake master cylinder to separate from the booster assembly.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the brake booster assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are VEU, AEV, and ZET.

Owner Complaints (17)

criticalSERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
CrashFiled: Sep 2024

Car in front of me stopped. My vehicle did not causing a rear end collision. I do not recall the brake warning flashing to alert me to brake.

NHTSA #: 11613185
criticalSERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Mar 2024

I see that the NTSHA is already launching an investigation into certain Handa Passports and Insights. The 2021 (and likely other) Pilot Ibown has the same phantom emergency braking issue. This happens at least on a monthly basis if not more often.

NHTSA #: 11578152
criticalSERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Sep 2023

I have had the AEB system engage incorrectly. 1.) Driving on a two lane road at about 40 MPH when I started to enter a curve in the road to the left with no oncoming traffic and no cars in front of or behind my car the AEB engaged and started braking the car.

NHTSA #: 11543152
criticalSERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Feb 2022

There have been multiple instances where the Automatic Braking system has engaged preventing me as the operator from making adjustments. I have almost been in 2 collisions due to this feature. The automatic braking system prevents me from making a correction and will automatically lock up the brakes and steering.

NHTSA #: 11453989
criticalSERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Feb 2022

There have been several times the automatic braking assist has completely stopped the car. This has caused vehicles behind me to break hard almost causing accidents. I now disengage the automatic breaking assist when I use the car.

NHTSA #: 11454077
highSERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Filed: Apr 2025

Fuel system, gasoline, fuel pump failure causes the engine to stall while driving.

NHTSA #: 11654051
highSERVICE BRAKES,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Feb 2024

Our brakes failed coming down a steep hill. We missed hitting a car by passing in the wrong lane. We had to cross a road across two lanes which fortunately had no cars on it where we crossed.

NHTSA #: 11574800
highSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
CrashFiled: Oct 2023

The contact owned a 2021 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while her friend was driving at an undisclosed speed, with the brake pedal depressed all the way to the floorboard, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. As a result, the vehicle left the roadway, hitting a stop sign before coming to a complete stop after colliding with a concrete wall.

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NHTSA #: 11552722
mediumSERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Aug 2025

I purchased my vehicle approximately 8 months ago, and recently all of the warning lights on my dashboard began coming on randomly while driving. I immediately brought the vehicle back to the dealership where I purchased it. At that visit, I was told the cause was unknown and that it might possibly be related to the battery.

NHTSA #: 11681492
mediumSERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Jun 2025

Recently , I stated seeing CMBC failure in my 2021 Honda Pilot 2wd. My car has 41500 miles in it. I took car to dealer ship and dealer ship says they are no recalls I need to change my camera.

NHTSA #: 11666676
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Nov 2021

Brake grinding noise when rotors get hot

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NHTSA #: 11440032
lowSERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Jul 2025

As I was driving, I had to press on my break fairly firmly for about two seconds due to a car in front of me making a left-hand turn. I released the break, and the car in front of me was completely out of my lane.

NHTSA #: 11674883
lowSERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Filed: Jul 2024

when auto-idle engaged and car is stopped, it will not restart the car's engine. My safety was at risk because the event took place while I was in traffic with my family. The problem has not been reproduced.

NHTSA #: 11597943
lowSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: May 2024

My 2021 Honda Pilot experienced premature degradation of front and rear rotors and brake pads after 21,869 miles due to extreme rust pitting and scoring. Vehicle started displaying brake warning message while driving.

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NHTSA #: 11590525
lowSERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Apr 2024

I see there is an investigation involving the automatic emergency braking on some Hondas. I previously owned a 2018 Honda Accord, but currently own a 2021 Honda Pilot. Both had/have the automatic emergency braking.

NHTSA #: 11583923
lowSERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Feb 2022

Automatic braking system is engaging when there is nothing in front of or near the vehicle. When driving on the highway it will engage, flash BRAKE on the front dash, and engage the brakes and slow WAY down while doing 60+ MPH.

NHTSA #: 11454038
lowSERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Feb 2022

My car has had the automatic emergency braking system kick in randomly at least 6 times since I bought it. No cars in front of me, nothing on the shoulder next to me. Twice when a car was in opposite direction lane but nowhere near the center line.

NHTSA #: 11453811

Other 2021 Honda Pilot Issues