Does Honda Pilot have rear AC?
Yes. The Honda Pilot provides rear air conditioning vents for back-seat passengers, and higher trims offer more advanced rear climate control with independent temperature options. If you’re shopping for a specific year or trim, the exact setup can vary.
Across generations, the Pilot’s climate system is designed to service the entire cabin through front controls and rear vents. The availability and sophistication of rear climate control depend on the model year and trim level, so it’s worth confirming the exact configuration for the specific vehicle you’re considering.
Rear HVAC: venting, zones, and trim differences
The following overview describes what to expect in most recent Honda Pilot models. It covers where air reaches rear passengers and how many climate zones are typically offered by trim level.
- Rear air vents are mounted on the back of the center console, providing airflow to second- and third-row passengers.
- Two-zone automatic climate control is common on base LX and EX trims, giving separate control for the driver and front passenger while rear passengers receive airflow from the vents.
- Higher trims (such as EX-L, Touring, and Elite) typically add tri-zone automatic climate control, which can allow a separate rear temperature setting in addition to the front zones.
In short, the Honda Pilot does include rear AC/venting on all contemporary models, and if you want independent rear temperature control, you’ll want to look for a higher trim with tri-zone climate control.
Model year and trim variations
Model years and trims influence the exact rear climate setup. Newer Pilots tend to standardize more features, but the precise configuration can differ by generation. When shopping, verify the rear HVAC features in the brochure for the specific year and trim you’re considering.
Recent generations (2016–present)
From the 2016 redesign onward, rear air vents have been standard, and higher trims commonly offer tri-zone automatic climate control or enhanced rear climate capabilities. Always check the exact features listed for the model year you’re evaluating.
Earlier generations (2009–2015)
Earlier Pilots offered rear ventilation and climate control that supported rear airflow, but the level of rear-zone control was typically more limited than in later models. If you’re buying used, confirm the specific capabilities for that year/trim.
Summary
The Honda Pilot typically provides rear air conditioning vents for rear-seat occupants in modern generations, with more advanced, independent rear climate control available on higher trims. If rear climate control is important to you, aim for a mid- to high-level trim (EX-L, Touring, Elite) and verify the exact features listed for the model year you’re considering.
For buyers or owners seeking the most accurate details, consult the official Honda brochure for your specific model year or speak with a dealer to confirm whether tri-zone rear climate control is included in your preferred configuration.
How do I turn off the rear AC in my Honda Pilot?
Using the Rear Climate Control System From the Front Panel
- Press the REAR (ON/OFF) button.
- Press the REAR SETTINGS button. The system switches to the rear control mode for 10 seconds.
- Press the AUTO button. The rear system changes to AUTO mode.
- To turn off the rear climate control system, press the REAR (ON/OFF) button.
Which Honda Pilot years to stay away from?
The Honda Pilot years to avoid include 2003, 2004, 2005, 2011, 2016, and 2017 due to common issues like transmission failures, airbag problems (especially the 2003 model), electrical glitches, and premature brake/suspension issues. The 2016 model is also frequently cited as one to avoid as it was the first year of a new generation and had many initial problems.
This video discusses the best and worst years for the Honda Pilot: 52sCar ComfyYouTube · Sep 26, 2025
Model years to avoid
- 2003: Suffered from a significant number of complaints and recalls, including a major airbag defect that led to a "Do Not Drive" advisory in some cases.
- 2004 and 2005: Faced recurring transmission issues, leading to costly repairs.
- 2011: Had a high number of owner complaints and a range of issues, including transmission problems.
- 2016: This model year was the first for the third generation and had numerous problems, including transmission failures and electrical system issues.
- 2017: Continued to have many of the issues from the 2016 model, as Honda was still working to fix them.
Common problems across multiple years
- Transmission: Problems were particularly prevalent in the 2003-2005 and 2016-2017 model years. Older models may have issues with the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system, which can be addressed with a disabler device.
- Brakes: Owners of 2003-2017 models reported problems with warped brake rotors, leading to vibrations while braking.
- Electrical: Some models, especially the 2016 and 2019, experienced issues with the infotainment system, including frozen screens and loss of connectivity.
- Airbags: The 2003 model was affected by the Takata airbag defect, leading to safety concerns and recalls.
Which Hondas have rear AC?
Most notably, the company says, all 2025 Accord sedans will come with rear air conditioning vents and rear USB-C ports. The upgrades bring a small price increase. The 2024 Accord on dealer lots today starts at $28,990, including a mandatory $1,095 destination charge.
What is the weakness of the Honda Pilot?
A: The most common problems across these less reliable Honda Pilot years include transmission failures, excessive oil consumption, peeling paint, recurring fault codes, fuel injector failures, brake issues, and electrical problems.
