One of the better Pilot years
Owners filed about 76% fewer complaints than a typical Pilot year. The area owners reported most is the engine and cooling, which half of owners reported by about 55,000 miles.
Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Pilot years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
Owners have filed 109 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015 Honda Pilot. The most reported problem area is the engine and cooling (24, 22% of complaints), followed by the electrical system and the brakes and stability control. That is the fewest complaints of any Pilot year from 2012 to 2024 on file. It has 4 recalls.
1 of these complaints came from Utah owners.
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Start my car searchMost reported problems
Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2015 Honda Pilot before you buy.
Engine and cooling
24 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 55,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
- Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
- Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
- Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.
Tools that help
What owners said
On July 3, 2026 the check engine light, check VSA warning and check emissions warning indicators all illuminated simultaneously and the vehicle began to misfire and sputter which triggered an immediate slow down of traffic behind me. My local Honda dealership acknowledged a known defect with 2013 - 2015 Pilots in which the piston rings…Owner complaint, filed 2026
While driving in traffic the vehicle suddenly began to sputter and lose power with check engine light flashing on the dash board. I was able to pull over and limp the car the one mile to my home on side streets. I parked the vehicle and called for a tow truck to tow the vehicle to my local dealership that I purchased the car from brand…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Electrical system
13 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 36,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
- Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
- Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2015 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle briefly started before stalling. After starting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer…Owner complaint, filed 2023, at 126,000 miles
2015 honda pilot. Consumer writes in regards to ignition failure. *ld the consumer stated the ignition failed to move when inserting the key. The dealer was notified, but could not duplicate the failure.Owner complaint, filed 2020
Brakes and stability control
12 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 4,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
- The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
- Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.
Tools that help
What owners said
Steering is shaking when braking at high speed. Replaced pads and rotors multiple times but problem keeps coming back. Lots of complaints also about this issue so please helpOwner complaint, filed 2025
This Honda Pilot has a very low brake pedal , I describe it as a soft pedal. You have to depress the pedal almost to the floor let up and press it again to get fairly decent stopping power, still not the best. This increases stopping distance and in an emergency it takes time to double pump the brakes. There are complaints on the…Owner complaint, filed 2023
Transmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 55,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
- Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
- Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
- If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.
Tools that help
What owners said
1. The engine assembly failed, Piston 1 suffered catastrophic failure due to VCM-related piston ring wear and oil sludge buildup, generating DTCs P0301, P0304 (engine misfire, cylinders 1, 4). Vehicle is completely non-operational. Failed engine is available for inspection in Mableton, GA 30126. 2. Progressive engine misfire created risk…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Transmission and drivetrain vehicle in motion from start up. Engine/transmission sounds as though it should shift but does not make smooth shift from 1 gear to next. Vehicle has vibration as result of transmission not making a shift up to next gear.Owner complaint, filed 2019
Air bags
11 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 60,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
- Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.
Tools that help
What owners said
Airbag lift would come on intermittently. Upon dealership inspection it was learned that it could be a possible issue with the passenger side airbag and instructed to not drive vehicle. Airbag was ordered and took over six weeks to receive and repair. Dealership said airbags are not covered by any recall or warranty. Is, should, this be…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Air Bag light is on. Service department informed me the passenger seat side air bag is faulty. There is no recall on this make year but Other Honda Pilots with same issue but other make years have been recalled.Owner complaint, filed 2024
Body, doors and structure
10 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 54,000 miles. Parts named most: Body (10).
What to check before you buy
- Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
- Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.
Tools that help
What owners said
On September 13, 2026, I was cleaning my 2015 Honda Pilot at a car wash while my young child was inside the vehicle. My keys and phone were also inside. After I closed the front passenger-side door, the vehicle unexpectedly locked all doors with my child, keys, and phone inside. I did not intentionally lock the vehicle and did not expect…Owner complaint, filed 2026
My Honda Pilot PAINT started coming off, paint peling off. Location: roof above windshield passenger side. My vehicle is garage kept at all times. Hand and automatic washed regularly. Please advise on how to proceed with repairs. Thank you in advanceOwner complaint, filed 2024
Lights, wipers and visibility
10 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 40,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
- Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2015 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, he became aware that the headlights failed to provide adequate illumination. After a visual inspection of the headlights, the contact observed that both headlight covers were foggy. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was…Owner complaint, filed 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, a sudden booming noise was heard, and the driver noticed that the sunroof had exploded causing the fractured glass to enter the cabin of the vehicle. No injuries were reported. The cause of the failure was not determined. A police report was…Owner complaint, filed 2022, at 85,000 miles
Suspension
7 complaintsClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 67,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
- Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
- Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2015 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that upon pulling into the gas station and parking the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound, and the contact also noticed a grinding sound coming from the underbody of the vehicle. The contact stated that the grinding sound persisted and became louder while reversing…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 270,000 miles
On February 3, 2022, the right front lower control arm bushing was observed to be leaking fluid. This condition was confirmed by a Honda dealer toward the end of the same month. The failed bushing is a defective design that has existed on Pilot vehicles since at least 2009 and persisted in successive models. The fluid-filled elastomeric…Owner complaint, filed 2022
Fuel system
6 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
- On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
- Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
My Honda was leaking gas, I normally park in my garage and the whole house smelled gas very dangerous being I have kids living in the house.. I had it repaired cost me $1500. This is very dangerousOwner complaint, filed 2024
When my car parked garage, I was starting to smell gas thru out house, I don’t have anything gas house all electric, started get light headed with headache never had it before, my son was also complaint of headaches. So I took it to Right Honda dealership they said fuel pump leaking gas very dangerous. Now they want me pay $1250 . Health…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Seats and seat belts
4 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
- Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.
Tools that help
What owners said
The seats become uncomfortable after driving for about 20 minutes causing hip and leg pain. We plan to drive the car on long trips, however, this car is not suited for distance driving due to the construction of the seats.Owner complaint, filed 2017
I have never been in an accident other than being rear ended and it was not major. My air bag light would not go out. My seat belt alarms would no longer work and my locks would not work automatically. My air bag module(SRS unit) needed replaced. It effected my airbags, seat belts and my power locks. The dealership did not know that the…Owner complaint, filed 2021
Steering
3 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
- On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
- A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
After taking the pilot for a wheel alignment twice, the car still pulling to the right. I will take it for a third time this week. Tire pressure is ok, brakes are ok.Owner complaint, filed 2017, at 35,000 miles
Cruise control and acceleration
3 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
- Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2015 honda pilot. While the vehicle was at a stop light, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The [VIN] was not informed of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.Owner complaint, filed 2016, at 20,000 miles
Engine would not accelerate/misfiring on highway nearly causing an accident certified mechanic replaced timing tensioner, timing belt and water pump also replaced variable timing tensioner, coil packs, spark plugs. Issue still persist with engine light coming on blinking clearing constantly also anti traction light. There are several…Owner complaint, filed 2021
Driver assist systems
2 complaintsPhantom braking, false collision warnings, and lane keeping or backup sensors that act up.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
- Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
- Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.
Tools that help
What owners said
2015 honda pilot. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle back up lighting too dim and back up camera issues. *smd the consumer stated when backing up on level ground or downhill, the brake lights provided enough useful light to back up slowly. However, he was unable to see anything backing uphill where he can't ride the brake. Also, the…Owner complaint, filed 2016
Wheels and tires
1 complaintTire failures, wheels and lug nuts, and tire pressure sensor faults.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
- Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
- The tire pressure light should go out after startup.
Tools that help
What owners said
My vehicle started shimmying at 55 MPH up to 70 MPH. My repair show told me that two of the tire walls are flattening out and it's dangerous to drive.Owner complaint, filed 2025
Honda Pilot complaints by year
Compare the 2015 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.
Compare with similar 2015 midsize SUVs
Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.
| Car | Vs. its other years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 Honda Pilot | One of the better years | 4 |
| 2015 Toyota Highlander | About average | 2 |
| 2015 Ford Explorer | About average | 9 |
| 2015 Chevrolet Traverse | About average | 5 |
2015 Honda Pilot recalls
Fuel system Fuel pump
- Risk
- Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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 Inflator module
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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 Inflator module
- Risk
- An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly deploy the passenger frontal air bag in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator installation and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Air bags Inflator module
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
2015 Honda Pilot questions
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Honda Pilot?
The most reported problem areas on the 2015 Honda Pilot are the engine and cooling (24 complaints), the electrical system (13 complaints) and the brakes and stability control (12 complaints).
Is the 2015 Honda Pilot a good year to buy?
One of the better Pilot years. Owners filed about 76% fewer complaints than a typical Pilot year. The area owners reported most is the engine and cooling, which half of owners reported by about 55,000 miles. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Pilot years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
How many recalls does the 2015 Honda Pilot have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2015 Honda Pilot. The most recent, from Dec 2023, covers the fuel pump. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.
At what mileage do 2015 Honda Pilot problems start?
Half of the owners who reported a problem with the engine and cooling gave a mileage of about 55,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the electrical system gave a mileage of about 36,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.
Which Honda Pilot years should I avoid?
The Pilot years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2016, 2017 and 2019. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2012, 2014 and 2015. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.
Check the exact car
These problems are for the model year as a whole. Here is how to find out about the one you are looking at.
Looking at a 2015 Honda Pilot?
We inspect the car with a scan tool and paint gauge, read the history report and tell you whether it is worth the asking price, before you hand over any money.
- Check a specific car for open recalls at NHTSA
- Decode a VIN to see recalls, safety ratings and complaints for that exact year, make and model