2021 Honda Pilot electrical system problems

Related recalls

• Recall 20V439000Jul 28, 2020607,786 vehicles
  BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

  Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Odyssey, 2019-2020 Passport, and 2019-2021 Pilot vehicles. Incorrect instrument panel control module software can cause the instrument panel to not display critical information, such as engine oil pressure, speedometer, and gear selector position until the next ignition cycle. Additionally, it can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 101, "Control and Displays" and 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

  Risk: Operating a vehicle without a functioning instrument panel or rearview camera display increases the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument panel control module software, free of charge. The recall began September 23, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is T89.

• Recall 20V440000Jul 28, 2020499,344 vehicles
  BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

  Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Pilot, 2019-2020 Odyssey and 2019-2020 Passport vehicles. Incorrect central network software programming may cause several errors to occur that can delay or prevent the rearview camera image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

  Risk: A delayed or inoperative rearview camera display can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Honda will notify owners that updated software is available. Owners have the option to either follow the mailed instructions to download and update the software for free, or visit a dealer to have the software update performed, free of charge. The recall began September 23, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is Y7Y.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 7, 2026180,000 miTXFireElectrical System

   The contact owns a 2021 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the vehicle had caught on fire while parked in the driveway. The vehicle was last driven at 12:51 PM in the day; however, at approximately 9:00 PM, after the vehicle had sat for over eight hours, the vehicle suddenly caught on fire. The local fire department responded to the scene and extinguish the fire. The vehicle was inspected and stated that the fire had originated from the battery or an electrical part inside…

   NHTSA complaint #11769675 · source
2. Filed Oct 1, 2026TXElectrical SystemEngine

   Idle auto stop / start - this has repeatedly failed at traffic lights. Vehicle stops dead and will not restart. Taken to 3 dealers over the course of 18 months and finally the 3rd Honda dealership acknowledged this. The problem has been identified and repeated by dealership mechanics. No warning lights at all.

   NHTSA complaint #11768369 · source
3. Filed Sep 30, 2026122,993 miTXElectrical SystemEngine

   The contact owns a 2021 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under Technical Service Bulletin: 23-008 (Product Update: PGM-FI Idle Stop Software Update); however, the failure occurred after the product update. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated to start after pressing the Engine Start button. The engine failed restart after coming to a complete stop and releasing the brake pedal and the Auto Idle Stop feature engaged. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11767979 · source
4. Filed Sep 25, 2026WIElectrical SystemEngine

   Multiple times, when stopped (i.e., red light) and auto-idle engaged, the car has not come out of auto engine stop, but instead has shifted into neutral upon releasing the brake pedal. Furthermore, the car cannot be put into drive from that state, but instead must be fully turned off, and then restarted, often after a pause, and a cranking challenge. Car has a new battery (8 months old) and weather is mild/warm. This problem is unpredictable, and has happened in busy traffic…

   NHTSA complaint #11767044 · source
5. Filed Sep 10, 2026TXElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   I am filing this complaint regarding a recurring “Network Communication Lost” issue with my Honda Pilot. I am aware that Honda has issued a recall related to network communication issues; however, when I checked my vehicle’s VIN, it is not included in the recall. My vehicle is experiencing the same network communication problem described in the recall. I am concerned that my vehicle may have the same underlying defect but is not currently covered by the recall. I believe…

   NHTSA complaint #11763297 · source
6. Filed Sep 8, 2026MAElectrical System

   Multiple times at a stoplight, car switched into Neutral I have to turn on my hazard lights, turn off the car and restart it

   NHTSA complaint #11762655 · source
7. Filed Aug 27, 2026FLElectrical SystemEngine

   My 2021 Honda Pilot has repeatedly failed to restart after the Auto Idle Stop system shuts the engine off while the vehicle is stopped. When the system activates, the engine can fail to restart when I need to move, leaving the vehicle stalled in active traffic. This has happened multiple times and creates a serious safety risk, particularly at busy intersections. Honda previously performed the software update intended to address the Auto Idle Stop failure-to-restart…

   NHTSA complaint #11760139 · source
8. Filed Aug 27, 2026OHElectrical System

   On at least 5 occasions this vehicle has gone completely dead as slowing down to stop or being completely stopped. Nothing electrical is available. No tail lights, headlights, or emergency flashers. After a long waiting period it has suddenly re-energized so far. This was purchased as Certified Honda used car and never serviced anywhere but a Honda delaership. They allegedly replaced the start/stop system under "extended warranty". The occurence is random. The dealership…

   NHTSA complaint #11759921 · source
9. Filed Aug 24, 2026CADriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System

   The infotainment system and rearview backup camera malfunction continually. While driving or attempting to reverse, the infotainment system frequently shuts off entirely and loses its fiber optic network connection. When it attempts to reboot and turn back on, loud popping and crackling noises emit from the vehicle speakers. Additionally, the backup camera regularly glitches and displays a message stating that the system is "Too Hot," causing the rearview monitor to go…

   NHTSA complaint #11759025 · source
10. Filed Aug 21, 2026CAElectrical SystemEngine

    The vehicle won't start, electrical system failure. Sometimes the electrical system fails when the car is driving/it will stall on the road. It was predicated by the alarm going off intermittently and without provocation (in the middle of the night/etc).

    NHTSA complaint #11758473 · source
11. Filed Aug 9, 2026TXElectrical SystemEngine

    My 2021 Honda Pilot Touring intermittently fails to restart after the Auto Idle Stop system shuts off the engine at a stop. This occurs about 10% of the time. When I release the brake, the engine does not restart, creating a risk of being stranded in traffic. I must shift to Park and press the Start button to restart it. No warning lights or messages were observed. The problem has not yet been inspected by a dealer. The vehicle is available for inspection. Scheduled…

    NHTSA complaint #11755752 · source
12. Filed Jul 27, 2026TXElectrical System

    Since 2023, this car’s auto start/stop feature has malfunctioned. Honda keeps replacing the battery and saying nothing else is wrong. It has had 4 battery replacements since 2023. Now they are saying I need to replace the starter. I no longer use the start/stop feature, but if I forget and it engages, my car will not restart leaving me in an intersection trying to get the car to restart, which in a large city is scary. They did adjust the controls one time under an extended…

    NHTSA complaint #11753106 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology