2005 Honda Pilot Problems: 9 Known Issues
2005 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2005 Honda Pilot has 9 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Radiator's internal transmission cooler fails and mixes coolant with transmission fluid (owner reports). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $100 to $1,200. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 9 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls14 recalls
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014 Honda Insight and Acura TSX and TSX Wagon, 2014-2015 Honda Crosstour and Pilot vehicles nationwide, as well as certain 2014 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, California, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan) and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Honda is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Acura TSX, TSX Wagon and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Insight, Fit and Pilot vehicles, 2011-2012 Honda Accord and 2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the 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. Lastly, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot, 2011-2013 TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord and 2010-2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles 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 air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic GX NGV, 2012-2015 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2014 Fit EV, 2010-2014 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot 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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2013 TSX Sport Wagon, and 2010-2012 ZDX and 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, 2012-2014 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2013 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The front passenger air bag inflator may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX, ZDX, Honda Accord Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot vehicles, 2011-13 Acura TSX Sportswagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord,, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles and 2013 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles ever registered in the states of 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, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2012 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Accord Crosstour, Fit and Pilot, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V, and 2010 Acura ZDX and Honda Insight vehicles ever registered in the states of 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." Unless included in Zones A or B above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid, CR-V, Fit, and Pilot vehicles ever registered in the states of 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 or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Honda Pilot problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2005 Honda Pilot has 9 documented issues. Documented issues include: Radiator's internal transmission cooler fails and mixes coolant with transmission fluid (owner reports), Front lower control arm (compliance) bushings crack early (owner reports), Exhaust Front Pipe / Flex Pipe Cracking Causing Leak, Drone, and Fumes. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Honda Pilot reliable?
The 2005 Honda Pilot has 9 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Radiator's internal transmission cooler fails and mixes coolant with transmission fluid (owner reports). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Honda Pilot problems?
Repair costs for known Honda Pilot issues range from $100 to $1,200, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2005-2006 Honda Pilot Radiator's internal transmission cooler fails and mixes coolant with transmission fluid (owner reports)?
Owners report the transmission cooler inside the radiator failing and allowing coolant and transmission fluid to mix. Some report milky red fluid in the coolant overflow bottle and subsequent transmission damage. The inspected owner reports concern 2005 and 2006 Pilots. They desc… Severity: high.
What is the 2003-2008 Honda Pilot Front lower control arm (compliance) bushings crack early (owner reports)?
Owners of 2004 Pilots report the front lower control arm (compliance) bushings cracking or needing replacement early, one at about 40,000 miles. The inspected owner reports describe 2004 Honda Pilots. One complaint is indexed under 2005 but explicitly describes a 2004 vehicle. Th… Severity: medium.
What is the 2003-2008 Honda Pilot Exhaust Front Pipe / Flex Pipe Cracking Causing Leak, Drone, and Fumes?
The braided flex section of the exhaust front pipe develops holes in its mesh and cracks, producing a loud exhaust drone/roar, a rattle, and exhaust odor that can enter the cabin. Failure is accelerated by worn/broken engine mounts that let the engine rock and stress the flex joi… Repairs typically run $200-$700. Severity: medium.
What is the 2003-2013 Honda Pilot Brake pulsation and steering shake from front rotors (owner reports)?
Owners report the steering wheel shaking and the brake pedal pulsating when braking, especially from highway speed, with dealers or shops describing the front rotors as warped. Several report it returning after rotors were resurfaced or replaced. The inspected braking-vibration o… Severity: medium.
What is the 2003-2008 Honda Pilot Tailgate/Rear Hatch Wiring Harness Breaks Causing Inoperative Rear Lights, Lock, or Wiper?
On first-generation Pilots, repeated opening and closing of the rear hatch can fatigue and break wires inside the hatch harness near the hinge or rubber boot. Owners report intermittent or failed rear license plate lights, rear wiper, power lock, or tailgate-related electrical fu… Repairs typically run $150-$700. Severity: medium.
What is the 2003-2015 Honda Pilot Rear noise and judder when turning from worn VTM-4 differential fluid (Honda bulletin)?
Honda 04-040 describes rear noise and judder when turning from contaminated or overdue VTM-4 fluid. Pink drained fluid indicates water contamination and may not be cured by fluid replacement. Original VTM-4 four-wheel-drive Pilots, 2003–2015. The August 2008 Honda 04-040 document… Severity: medium.
What is the 2003, 2005-2006, 2009-2015 Honda Pilot Rear A/C Blows Warm — Clogged Rear Expansion Valve / Evaporator or Stuck Rear Blend Door?
On the Pilot's dual-zone rear A/C system, the front vents blow cold but the rear vents blow warm. Common causes are a clogged or stuck-closed rear expansion valve (starving the rear evaporator of refrigerant), a plugged rear evaporator, or a stuck rear blend-door actuator holding… Repairs typically run $150-$1,200. Severity: medium.
What is the 2003-2008 Honda Pilot Front Seat Belt Buckle Switch Failure Triggers Airbag Warning Light?
A common first-generation Pilot issue is failure of the front seat belt buckle switch or related SRS wiring, which turns on the airbag warning light and can affect occupant detection logic. Many owners report repeated SRS lamp illumination even when the belts latch normally. The… Repairs typically run $250-$700. Severity: medium.
What is the 2003, 2005-2006, 2009-2015 Honda Pilot Second-Row Seat Fold/Tilt Latch and Cable Failure — Seat Won't Fold Flat or Tumble Forward?
The second-row seat's fold/tilt mechanism fails when the release cable comes loose/frays or the plastic tab on the top latch is cut through by its actuating wire. The lever moves but the latch won't release, so the seat won't fold flat for cargo or won't tilt/slide forward for th… Repairs typically run $100-$400. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.