Where is the radar sensor on a Honda Pilot?

The radar sensor is located in the front of the vehicle, centered in the lower bumper area, tucked behind the bumper cover as part of Honda Sensing. In practice, you won’t see it from the outside without removing parts of the bumper.

Radar sensor location details

Understanding where the radar sits helps explain how the Honda Pilot’s safety systems work, including Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Collision Mitigation Braking. The sensor is designed to be protected inside the bumper assembly and works in concert with a forward-facing camera mounted near the windshield.

General placement

- Location: center of the front bumper, behind the lower grille or a small dedicated panel.

- Housing: mounted to the bumper reinforcement behind the bumper cover, not exposed to the outside.

- Visibility: not easily visible without removing the bumper or accessing the service panel.

- Function: part of the Honda Sensing suite; data from the radar is used for ACC, braking support, and related safety features.

- Complementary sensor: pairs with the forward camera for multi-sensor perception.

• Center-front bumper placement keeps the radar aligned with traffic ahead.


• The sensor is typically protected by a dedicated cover or panel within the bumper area.


• Access for service usually requires bumper or splash shield removal by a professional.


• Harsh impacts or bumper work can affect sensor alignment and trigger warnings.


• Most model years 2016–present keep the sensor in roughly the same location, though housing shapes may vary slightly by year or trim.

In short, the radar is buried in the front bumper’s center zone, designed to stay out of sight while performing its safety duties.

Year variations and considerations

Across Honda Pilot generations, the radar module for Honda Sensing has remained a front-center unit integrated with the bumper. Some model-year updates may adjust the exact housing style or the proximity of the sensor to a cover, but the fundamental location remains the same. If you recently had bumper work or a collision, the sensor’s alignment could be affected and may trigger a warning until properly re-calibrated.

• 2016–2023 Pilots generally keep the radar in the same front-center bumper area; newer models retain the same concept with updated housings.


• Camera positioning (in the windshield) is separate but coordinated with the radar for sensing.


• After bumper replacement or repair, a factory calibration is often required to ensure proper sensor performance.

Note: If the Honda Sensing features appear degraded or unavailable, it can be due to sensor blockage, misalignment, or a fault code requiring dealer service.

Maintenance and troubleshooting tips

Keeping the radar sensor unobstructed and properly aligned is important for reliable operation. Improper cleaning or damage can affect performance, so follow these guidelines and seek professional service for any issues.

• Keep the bumper center area clean and free of dirt, snow, ice, and mud that could obscure the sensor.


• Avoid high-pressure washing directly at the sensor location or using abrasive brushes near the bumper cover.


• If you notice warning lights or the Honda Sensing features behaving erratically, have the sensor area inspected for damage, misalignment, or obstruction.


• After bumper repairs or replacement, insist on a sensor calibration if the dealer or reputable shop recommends it.

For any uncertainties, consult the vehicle’s owner manual or contact a Honda dealership or qualified mechanic. They can verify the exact sensor location for your model year and confirm proper calibration.

Summary

The radar sensor on a Honda Pilot sits in the front bumper, centered and behind the lower fascia, as part of the Honda Sensing system. It remains largely hidden from view, protected inside the bumper area, and works together with a forward camera to power adaptive cruise control and collision mitigation features. Vehicle maintenance and proper calibration are important after any bumper work to ensure optimal sensor performance.

Where is the front radar sensor on a 2019 Honda Pilot?

A driver support system which employs the use of two distinctly different kinds of sensors, a radar sensor located behind the emblem and a front sensor camera mounted to the interior side of the windshield, behind the rearview mirror.
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How to clean a Honda radar sensor?

Up top they have a forward- facing. Camera. So all you do is you take a cloth i keep one right in the side door and you just wipe off the camera on the top of the windshield. There.

Where is the radar sensor on a Honda?

The Honda radar sensor is typically located at the lower part of the front bumper, often behind the front grille or emblem. However, its exact position varies by model, so you may find it on the driver's side of the lower bumper (Civic, Insight), in the center of the lower bumper (Accord), or integrated into the grille to the side of the emblem (HR-V, CR-V). Always check your owner's manual for the most precise location for your specific vehicle.
 
This video shows the location of Honda radar sensors on different models: 35sHonda Canada Inc.YouTube · Jul 9, 2019
General locations by model

• Civic and Insight: Driver's side of the lower bumper 
• Accord: Center of the lower bumper 
• CR-V, Fit, Clarity, Odyssey, Pilot, and Ridgeline: Behind the emblem on the front grille 
• HR-V: Integrated into the front fascia, often on the passenger side 

Important notes

• The camera for the Honda Sensing system is typically a separate sensor located behind the rearview mirror on the inside of the windshield. 
• Keep the area around the radar sensor clean. Snow, dirt, or debris can obstruct it and cause the system to temporarily shut off. 
• Do not apply stickers, paint, or other objects to the sensor area, as this can interfere with its function. 

You can watch this video to learn how to clean Honda's sensors: 29sBrantford HondaYouTube · Dec 11, 2019

Where are the radar sensors located?

Radar sensors are most commonly located behind the front bumper, in the front grille, or behind the vehicle's emblem on the front fascia. Their specific position varies by car model, so it is best to check the owner's manual for the exact location.
 
This video explains the location of the radar sensor in a Kia Niro EV: 39sCardinal KiaYouTube · Mar 20, 2024
Common locations

• Inside the front bumper: The sensor may be behind a panel or the bumper cover itself to protect it. 
• Behind the front grille: It can be hidden behind a section of the grille, sometimes located near the manufacturer's emblem. 
• Behind the emblem: In some models, the sensor is placed directly behind the front emblem. 

This video demonstrates how to clean a radar sensor in a Honda Civic: 54sBrantford HondaYouTube · Dec 11, 2019
Important considerations

• Keep it clean: For the system to work correctly, the sensor's front surface must be kept clean from dirt, snow, ice, or any other obstruction. 
• Do not block it: Avoid installing accessories like grille guards or applying stickers in the area of the sensor. 
• Professional calibration: If the sensor's position is compromised due to damage, it may need to be inspected and recalibrated by a professional to ensure the advanced safety features function correctly.