Why should buyers research the 2016–2018 3rd gen (pre-TSB) Pilot carefully?

Not a mechanical failure — a well-documented calibration and behavior problem Honda addressed via multiple TSBs.

Are all of these Pilot years bad?

No — none are automatic "walk away" cars. They just have a higher rate of specific problems than the rest of the lineup and reward a careful pre-purchase inspection.

What should I look for when inspecting a Pilot?

9AT test drive in stop-and-go.; V6 timing belt service verification.; AWD driveline vibration.; Third-row seat operation.; Airbag recall completion.

What are better alternative Pilot years?

2009–2015 2nd gen, 2019–2022 3rd gen post-refresh, 2023+ 4th gen generally offer a stronger ownership experience.

Can these problems be fixed?

Most can — typical repairs include TSB reflashes (free), Occasional valve-body updates. What matters is that they were addressed on the specific car you're evaluating.

Should I still buy a Honda Pilot from these years?

Skip 2016–2018 3rd gens unless the TSBs are documented and the test drive feels acceptable to you. The 2nd gen and post-refresh 3rd gen are the safe picks.

Buying Guides

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Buyer's Guide · Honda Pilot · 3-row midsize SUV

Used Honda Pilot Buying Guide

3 min readUpdated July 15, 2026

The Pilot is a refined 3-row family SUV built around the durable J35 V6. Later 9-speed automatic calibration issues are the main thing to check on 2016–2018 examples.

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Overall

★★★★★4.3/5

The J35 V6 is one of the most reliable modern V6s. The 6-speed automatic (2016–2018 lower trims) is proven; the ZF 9-speed on higher trims needed multiple software updates. 2019+ shift quality is much better.

Reliability

★★★★★4.3/5

Maintenance

★★★★★4.4/5

Parts availability

★★★★★5.0/5

Ownership cost

★★★★★4.4/5

Top Picks

Best Years to Buy

Generations with the strongest long-term reputation.

2016–2018 (3rd gen, 6AT trims)

J35 with the 6-speed — the simplest and safest 3rd-gen pick.

2019+ (post-9AT updates)

9AT calibration much improved; refined family SUV.

Do your homework

Years to Research Carefully

Not deal-breakers — but they reward a careful buyer.

2016–2018 (9AT trims)

Rough shifting complaints on early 9-speeds — verify software updates and shift quality on test drive.

2009–2015 (2nd gen)

Fine platform but interior wear and modest infotainment; timing-belt service on J35 (105k) required.

Known issues

Common Problems

Bring this list to your pre-purchase inspection.

✓
9-speed rough shifts on 2016–2018 (software addressed)
✓
VCM (cylinder deactivation) oil consumption on some examples
✓
AC condenser on high-mileage examples
✓
Rear entertainment (if equipped) failures

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Ownership

Maintenance Expectations

Pilot ownership is very close to Odyssey and Ridgeline — same J35 V6, same service intervals.

V6 timing belt (105k) is the largest scheduled expense; otherwise routine.

Before you buy

Inspection Checklist

What to verify on any candidate car.

Transmission (9AT)

Test-drive under varied conditions; verify latest software.

Engine

Watch for VCM-related oil consumption; verify timing-belt service on 100k+ cars.

AWD

Rear-diff fluid service on AWD examples.

Suspension

Struts and bushings at 150k+.

Rust

Rear subframe on Northeast examples.

Living with it

Ownership Experience

• Comfortable, quiet, and practical for large families. Third row is genuinely usable.
• Real-world 20 mpg mixed is typical.
• Reasonable insurance and predictable service costs.

The Verdict

Should You Buy a Used Honda Pilot?

Yes, if the third row matters. Prefer 2019+ for improved transmission calibration, or 2016–2018 lower trims for the simpler 6AT.

Frequently Asked Questions

How reliable is the Honda Pilot?

Our scoring puts the Honda Pilot at 4.3/5 for reliability. The J35 V6 is one of the most reliable modern V6s. The 6-speed automatic (2016–2018 lower trims) is proven; the ZF 9-speed on higher trims needed multiple software updates. 2019+ shift quality is much better.

Which Pilot years should I avoid?

2016–2018 (9AT trims) deserve the most scrutiny — see the Years to Research section for the specific issues to check.

What are the best years for the Honda Pilot?

2016–2018 (3rd gen, 6AT trims) are the strongest years to target — J35 with the 6-speed — the simplest and safest 3rd-gen pick.

How long does a Honda Pilot last?

A well-maintained Pilot from the recommended years should comfortably reach 200,000 miles, with the strongest powertrains clearing 300,000+.

Is the Pilot expensive to maintain?

Pilot ownership is very close to Odyssey and Ridgeline — same J35 V6, same service intervals.

What should I inspect before buying a used Pilot?

Focus on: Transmission (9AT), Engine, AWD, Suspension. Details for each are in the Inspection Checklist section.

What are the most common Pilot problems?

9-speed rough shifts on 2016–2018 (software addressed); VCM (cylinder deactivation) oil consumption on some examples; AC condenser on high-mileage examples; Rear entertainment (if equipped) failures

Is 150,000 miles too much for a Pilot?

Not on its own. A 150k-mile Pilot with documented service history is often a better buy than an 80k-mile example with no records — the Pilot's core mechanicals routinely run well past 200k.

Should I buy a used Honda Pilot?

Yes, if the third row matters. Prefer 2019+ for improved transmission calibration, or 2016–2018 lower trims for the simpler 6AT.

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