What are the recalls for 2021 Honda Pilot?

The recalls for the 2021 Honda Pilot are VIN-specific; to know exactly which campaigns affect your vehicle, check the NHTSA SaferCar VIN lookup or Honda’s recall page for current information.

How to check if your 2021 Honda Pilot is affected

To determine whether a recall applies to your specific vehicle, perform a VIN-based search and review official notices from the manufacturer and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

• Locate your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN is usually found on the driver’s side dashboard near the windshield, on the driver's door jamb, or on your vehicle title and insurance documents.


• Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) SaferCar VIN lookup page and enter your VIN to see any open recalls.


• Visit Honda’s official recall page and search by VIN for recall notices specific to your Pilot.


• Contact your local Honda dealer to verify the status of any recalls and schedule a free repair if a campaign applies to your VIN.


• Keep an eye out for recall notices in the mail or email, and sign up for recall alerts if available.

By following these steps, you’ll confirm whether your 2021 Pilot is affected and understand the recommended remedy and timeline for service.

Common recall categories that have affected Honda Pilot models

While exact campaigns depend on VIN, several categories frequently appear in recall notices for Honda Pilot and related models, reflecting common safety and reliability concerns.

• Airbag and occupant-sensing system components, including inflators and associated wiring or sensors.


• Fuel system components, such as fuel delivery or fuel pump modules that could affect engine performance or safety.


• Seat belt pretensioners or related mounting hardware and wiring that could impact occupant protection.


• Electronic control units and software, including ECU firmware updates or programming that affect vehicle behavior or safety features.


• Transmission or drivetrain-related concerns that could affect shifting, performance, or reliability.

These categories illustrate the typical areas where recalls may arise, but the exact campaigns for your vehicle will be VIN-specific and listed by NHTSA/Honda as open recalls.

What to do if a recall affects your 2021 Pilot

If a recall applies to your vehicle, you should arrange service with an authorized Honda dealer as soon as possible. Repairs are performed at no charge under the recall, and many recalls can be completed quickly with a loaner vehicle or courtesy transportation offered by the dealer as needed.

• Contact the dealer to confirm the recall status and request a service appointment.


• Ensure the vehicle is inspected and the corrective action is performed by a qualified technician.


• Ask about the expected service time and whether a loaner car or shuttle service is available during the repair.


• Keep documentation of the recall notice and service for your records and future resale.

Dealers will provide the necessary parts and labor free of charge when a recall applies to your VIN, and you should not be charged for recall work.

Notes on VIN-specific recall information

The most authoritative recall information for a specific 2021 Honda Pilot is always tied to the vehicle’s VIN. Even if a recall exists for the model year in general, it may not affect every car from that year. Checking SaferCar.gov and Honda’s official recall pages with your VIN ensures accuracy and the correct service steps.

Summary

Recalls for the 2021 Honda Pilot are VIN-specific and subject to update. To protect your safety and avoid unnecessary costs, verify any recall using official VIN lookups from NHTSA and Honda, and contact a Honda dealer promptly if a recall is identified. Regularly checking for updates and keeping your vehicle's documentation handy will help you stay informed about recalls that may affect your Pilot.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 Honda Pilot?

Common problems: Some of the most common issues with the 2021 Honda Pilot include Forward Collision Avoidance, Electrical, and Engine system defects.

Which Honda Pilots are being recalled?

Recent Honda Pilot recall issues include a potential loss of power due to a software error in the fuel injection ECU for model years 2023-2025, a steering rack failure in 2023-2024 models that could cause the steering to jam, and a brake pedal issue with the pivot pin for 2021-2025 models. Previous recalls affected certain 2019-2022 Pilots due to a rearview camera malfunction. You can check for specific recalls by using your vehicle's VIN on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. 
2023-2025 Honda Pilot

• Engine stall: A software error in the fuel injection electronic control unit (FI-ECU) could cause the engine to stall or lose power. 
• Brake pedal: The brake pedal pivot pin may not be secured properly, which can cause the pedal to shift and prevent braking. 

2023-2024 Honda Pilot 

• Steering failure: A loose ball bearing in the steering rack could cause the rack to fail or jam, potentially locking the steering. 

2019-2022 Honda Pilot

• Rearview camera: A faulty coaxial cable connector may prevent the rearview camera image from appearing on the display. 

2021 Honda Pilot

• Tires: Certain 2021 models equipped with specific Continental tires may have been cured beyond specification limits. 

How to check for recalls

• Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website and enter your vehicle's VIN to see if it is affected by any open recalls. 

What is the most common problem with the Honda Pilot?

The most common problem with the Honda Pilot is transmission failure, often caused by a faulty radiator that allows coolant to leak into the transmission fluid, leading to expensive damage. Other widespread issues include problems with the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system, which can cause unintended braking, and various electrical and infotainment system malfunctions.
 
This video discusses common problems in the second generation Honda Pilot, including airbag recalls and engine issues: 59sMJ100kYouTube · Sep 30, 2025
Transmission and cooling system

• Coolant-transmission fluid mixing: A radiator design flaw can cause coolant to leak into the transmission fluid, leading to transmission failure. 
• Symptoms: Drivers report shuddering, jerking, and sudden loss of power, with failures often occurring between 120,000 and 150,000 miles. 
• Solutions: Repairs are costly and can involve a full transmission replacement. 

Electrical and computer systems 

• Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system: Some models experience the VSA system applying the brakes without driver input, which can be dangerous. This is often traced to a faulty yaw sensor. 
• Infotainment system: Issues like blank screens, malfunctioning wireless chargers, and inoperable backup cameras have been reported, particularly in newer models. 
• Auto start/stop system: The engine's auto start/stop system has been reported to malfunction, sometimes failing to restart the engine. 

This video highlights trending issues in the 2023-2025 Honda Pilot, including broken battery sensor wires: 1mBCauto_YouTube · Jan 30, 2025
Engine and emissions

• Engine issues: Some older models have had issues with engine sludge due to piston ring deterioration. 
• Emissions system: Warning lights may indicate a problem with the fuel injectors or catalytic converter. 
• Oil consumption: Some models have reported excessive oil consumption. 

You can watch this video to learn what the owner wishes they knew before buying the Honda Pilot, including infotainment and engine issues: 58sAdventure Gear TVYouTube · Apr 9, 2022
Other problems

• Brake issues: Warped front brake rotors causing vibration and problems with the anti-lock braking system have been reported. 
• Water intrusion: Some models have reported water leaks, particularly in the rear, which can cause electrical problems. 
• Airbag recalls: Certain model years, especially the second generation (2009-2015), have been affected by airbag recalls. 

Are there any recalls on the 2021 Honda Pilot?

The 2021 Honda Pilot has had several recalls, including one for a potential engine stall due to a fuel injection system software issue, a recall for specific tires manufactured with an incorrect curing process, and a recall for a defect that could cause the airbags to deploy unintentionally. The engine stall issue affects newer models as well, and Honda dealers will provide free software updates for that specific recall. 
This video explains one of the recent recalls for the 2021 Honda Pilot: 56sDRM NewsYouTube · Jan 29, 2025
Recalls for the 2021 Honda Pilot

• Engine Stalling (2021-2025 models): A software issue in the fuel injection electronic control unit (FI-ECU) could cause the engine to stall. Honda Newsroom dealers will provide a free software update to fix this. 
• Airbag Defect (2020-2022 models): A defect in the airbag sensors could lead to unintentional deployment. YouTube dealers will replace the affected sensors to fix this problem. 
• Tire Rupture (Specific tires): Certain 2021 Pilots equipped with a specific type of Continental tire may have a defect that could cause the tire to rupture unexpectedly. Honda Newsroom are working to address this with affected owners. 

What to do

• Check your vehicle's recall status by using the VIN on the Honda Recall Website. 
• Contact a Honda dealer to schedule a free repair if your vehicle is affected by any of the recalls. 

This video explains how to check if your Honda Pilot is affected by a recall: 31sCarnivautoYouTube · Feb 23, 2025