2020 Honda Pilot Electrical System Problems
Owners have filed 214 complaints with NHTSA about electrical system problems on the 2020 Honda Pilot, 43% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 1,850 miles. The words owners use most often: “backup camera” (8% of reports).
- 214electrical system complaints
- 1,850median miles at failure
- 2mention a crash
- 2mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 46%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Backup camera: mentioned in 17 of 214 complaints (8%)
- Start stop: mentioned in 15 of 214 complaints (7%)
- Network connection: mentioned in 11 of 214 complaints (5%)
- Popping crackling: mentioned in 11 of 214 complaints (5%)
At what mileage do electrical system problems happen?
Based on 90 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 214 complaints, 2 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 2 an injury.
Honda Pilot electrical system complaints by model year
| Model year | Electrical System complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Pilot | 1 | 4% | — |
| 2025 Pilot | 44 | 21% | 16,000 |
| 2024 Pilot | 11 | 9% | — |
| 2023 Pilot | 28 | 19% | 8,550 |
| 2022 Pilot | 38 | 23% | 40,000 |
| 2021 Pilot | 132 | 30% | 47,000 |
| 2020 Pilot | 214 | 43% | 1,850 |
| 2019 Pilot | 265 | 29% | 6,100 |
| 2018 Pilot | 85 | 19% | 51,250 |
| 2017 Pilot | 266 | 29% | 38,000 |
| 2016 Pilot | 579 | 34% | 49,008 |
| 2015 Pilot | 13 | 12% | 35,500 |
| 2014 Pilot | 9 | 8% | 18,500 |
| 2013 Pilot | 9 | 3% | 65,000 |
| 2012 Pilot | 22 | 13% | 30,000 |
| 2011 Pilot | 26 | 9% | 48,500 |
| 2010 Pilot | 9 | 8% | 2,000 |
| 2009 Pilot | 5 | 4% | 96,000 |
| 2008 Pilot | 9 | 7% | 78,500 |
| 2007 Pilot | 22 | 10% | 108,500 |
| 2006 Pilot | 18 | 7% | 96,000 |
| 2005 Pilot | 57 | 8% | 119,000 |
| 2004 Pilot | 60 | 11% | 106,000 |
| 2003 Pilot | 129 | 18% | 130,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera; electrical system:software
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera; electrical system:software
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Honda Pilot 2020 sensing multipurpose camera failure. DTC U3000-49
My front sensor camera has malfunctioned which is causing numerous failing safety systems such as lkas, adaptive cruise control and automated braking.
Multipurpose Camera Unit Failure, causing many warning symbols on dash.
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2020 Honda Pilots have electrical system problems?
No. NHTSA has 214 owner complaints about electrical system for the 2020 Honda Pilot (43% of the 492 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2020 Honda Pilot electrical system?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list electrical system. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do electrical system problems start?
The median reported mileage is 1,850 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about electrical system problems on the 2020 Honda Pilot?
The most frequent phrase is “backup camera”, in 17 of 214 complaints, followed by “start stop” (15).
Other 2020 Honda Pilot problems
See all 2020 Honda Pilot problems or electrical system problems across all Pilot years.