Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2008 Honda Pilot — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2011 to Dec 2013
The most reported issue is air bags problems (28 complaints). 11 complaints involved crashes. 3 involved fires.
Open Safety Recalls (9)
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: 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: 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: 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: 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 132)
Suspension →4 issues
Your rear subframe rusted through and detached from your vehicle while you were pulling into your driveway. You had driven with 7 passengers on the highway at 70 mph just three weeks earlier, and if the subframe had failed then, it could have caused a serious accident. The dealer confirmed the detachment was due to rust, but Honda declined to assist with repairs since this model hasn't been recalled.
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You're hearing a loud grinding noise while driving, and your car's rear end feels like it has no suspension. Every bump or road imperfection causes metal banging sounds and severe thumping inside the vehicle, making the rear feel unstable, while the front feels normal. The fix will likely involve inspecting and possibly replacing rear suspension components like shocks, struts, or bushings.
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During a state inspection, you were told that the rear crossmember—the metal frame where your rear wheels bolt on—is rusting and needs immediate repair. This is a structural component that supports your rear suspension, so rust damage could affect safety and handling.
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Your car's rear subframe has developed rust at the body mount points where it connects to the vehicle frame. This is a structural corrosion issue that should be inspected to ensure the connection remains secure. A mechanic will need to assess the extent of rust and determine whether the affected areas need to be cleaned, treated, and possibly reinforced or replaced.
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Unknown Or Other →3 issues
While driving under normal conditions, your vehicle suddenly makes a loud bang noise, shudders, and brakes hard without you pressing the brake pedal. The VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) warning light comes on, and the car doesn't respond normally until you turn it off and restart it. This has happened multiple times and was also reported by many other owners. Your mechanic found a VSA code 25-1. Fixing this issue typically requires replacing an expensive VSA component, though there's no guarantee the replacement will solve the problem.
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Your Honda Pilot's factory scissor jack suddenly broke while you were using it to lift the right rear wheel, causing the wheel to drop unexpectedly. You were following proper procedure on a level surface and using the correct jacking point, but the jack's threaded rod stopped turning smoothly and could no longer support any weight. The jack failed without warning, creating a safety risk. Repairing or replacing this issue would involve either servicing the jack's internal mechanisms or replacing it with a new OEM jack.
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Your front cabin heater has stopped blowing hot air, even though it worked fine before and continues to work normally in the back cabin. This appears to be a known issue affecting multiple Honda Pilot owners. The repair will likely involve inspecting the front heating system components, which could include checking the heater core, blend door actuator, or coolant flow to the front cabin.
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Structure →2 issues
The rear subframe on both sides of your 2008 Honda Pilot has corroded and rotted away. This is reportedly a widespread problem affecting many Pilots of this model year. A compromised subframe can affect suspension stability and safety. The fix will likely involve replacing the rear subframe assembly on both sides.
Parts you may need:
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Your Pilot's body has developed rust on the frame, which was discovered during a service visit for an unrelated noise issue. This rust is affecting the structural integrity of your vehicle's body. Addressing this will likely require rust removal, treatment, and possible welding or replacement of affected frame sections.
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Tires →2 issues
Your Bridgestone Dueler LX tires have been developing visible cracks for 8 months and are now separating between the tread areas. The cracks are getting progressively larger even though a tire shop has inspected them multiple times and said this is normal. Your wheels vibrate even after several rebalancing attempts, and you no longer feel safe driving on them, especially on the freeway, due to concern they might fail or explode. The tires will likely need to be replaced with a new set that meets your vehicle's specifications.
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Your rear driver-side tire suddenly deflated completely while driving at highway speed, even though the tire was properly maintained and had less than 10,000 miles on it. The tire failure appears to be due to a defect in the tire itself rather than road damage or improper care. You may need to replace the failed tire and have the remaining tires inspected for similar defects.
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Engine,fuel/propulsion System →1 issue
Your car accelerated on its own without you pressing the gas pedal. When you tried to brake, the brakes didn't respond, causing you to hit a tree. This resulted in damage to both your vehicle and property.
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Steering →1 issue
Your steering column started smoking and smelling burnt while starting the car. The engine started roughly and then shut off, and afterward the car wouldn't start again and wouldn't shift out of park. This creates a serious fire hazard and leaves your vehicle immobilized in potentially unsafe locations. The issue likely involves electrical or ignition system components in the steering column that need professional inspection and replacement.
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Vehicle Speed Control,service Brakes,engine →1 issue
While braking at a stop sign, your vehicle suddenly accelerated instead of slowing down, even though no warning lights appeared. You shifted into Neutral and continued braking, which caused the vehicle to shake violently before it finally stopped. A mechanic was unable to reproduce the problem, so the cause remains unknown.
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Engine →1 issue
While driving at 70 mph, your vehicle suddenly lost engine power and had to be pulled off the road. After restarting, the check engine light came on. A mechanic determined that the VSA sensor and yaw rate sensor needed to be replaced. The fix will involve diagnosing and replacing the faulty sensors that control your vehicle's stability and traction systems.
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Service Brakes →1 issue
Your Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) warning light and brake system warning light are both on. This typically indicates an issue with your braking system or stability control that needs diagnosis. A mechanic will need to scan your vehicle's computer to identify the specific problem.
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Electrical System,exterior Lighting →1 issue
Your left headlight has failed multiple times in a short period — it went out in July 2023, was replaced, failed again in November 2023, was replaced again, and failed once more about two weeks later. This repeated failure suggests there may be an underlying electrical issue rather than just a defective bulb. A mechanic should diagnose the headlight circuit, wiring, or socket to find and fix the root cause.
Parts you may need:
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Steering,service Brakes,forward Collision Avoidance →1 issue
Your steering, brakes, and forward collision warning system may be malfunctioning. The complaint doesn't specify which exact problems you're experiencing with these components. You should have a mechanic inspect your steering system, brake system, and collision avoidance sensors to identify and repair any issues.
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Seat Belts →1 issue
Your passenger seat belt won't retract properly. The dealership charged a $150 inspection fee before agreeing to examine it, and told you that only authorized dealers can sell replacement seat belts due to safety regulations. While seat belts do wear out over time, you're concerned about the high cost and limited repair options.
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Steering,suspension,engine →1 issue
Your car failed state inspection due to multiple issues: the check engine light is on because both catalytic converters have failed internally, the passenger side axle is leaking fluid, the power steering pump and reservoir tank are leaking, and your front and rear brake pads are worn. These problems will need to be addressed before your car can pass inspection and operate safely.
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Related Vehicles
Other Honda Pilot years: