What country makes the Honda Pilot?

The Honda Pilot is manufactured in the United States, at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama in Lincoln, Alabama.

As a cornerstone model for Honda in North America, the Pilot’s production is centered in the United States to serve regional markets. This article explains where the Pilot is built, why that site was chosen, and what it means for drivers and the auto industry.

Current production location

The following list identifies the primary production site for the Pilot in its current generation.

• Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (HMA) in Lincoln, Alabama, United States, where the Pilot is assembled for North American distribution.

In short, the Pilot’s production is anchored in Alabama to support the largest U.S. and Canadian markets, reflecting Honda’s strategy of regional assembly for key vehicles.

Production history and context

Understanding how the Pilot has been produced over time helps explain its country of manufacture today. While early generations of the Pilot were built at various U.S. sites, the current generation is predominantly assembled at the Alabama plant for North American buyers.

• Second- and later-generation Pilots have been produced in the United States, with Honda Manufacturing of Alabama serving as the main assembly site for the model in recent years.

This production approach ties the Pilot to Honda’s North American manufacturing network, emphasizing regional supply chains and proximity to major markets.

Why the production location matters

The site of assembly can influence delivery times, supply chains, and regional employment. For the Pilot, manufacturing in Alabama supports NAFTA/USMCA-aligned sourcing and allows Honda to keep production close to its largest customer base in North America.

Economic and regional impact

The Lincoln, Alabama facility contributes significant employment and manufacturing activity in the region, reinforcing Honda’s role in the U.S. auto industry and its focus on near-market production for popular models like the Pilot.

Summary

The Honda Pilot is made in the United States, specifically at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama in Lincoln, Alabama. This arrangement positions the Pilot to reliably serve North American buyers while integrating Honda’s regional production strategy into its broader global manufacturing network.

Is the Honda Pilot made in the USA?

Yes, Honda Pilots are made in the USA, specifically at the Honda Manufacturing of Alabama plant in Lincoln, Alabama. The Alabama plant is the sole global producer of the Pilot and also builds the Odyssey, Ridgeline, and Passport.
 

• Assembly location: All Honda Pilots sold in the U.S. are built at the Honda Manufacturing of Alabama plant in Lincoln, AL. 
• Other vehicles made at the plant: The plant also produces other large Honda vehicles, including the Odyssey minivan, Ridgeline pickup truck, and Passport SUV. 
• Engine production: V6 engines for the Pilot are also made at the Alabama plant. 
• Parts content: The Honda Pilot has a significant amount of U.S. and Canadian parts content, according to a YouTube video from March 2025. 

Is Honda owned by Japan or China?

Though Honda is a Japanese company, many of the new Honda vehicles sold in the United States are assembled in North America!

Are any Hondas sold in the US made in Japan?

Usually, everyone is aware that Honda is originally based in Japan; however, almost all Honda vehicles that are sold in North America are now being built in the United States.

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.