2005 model year · 0+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2005 Honda Pilot has 8 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. Across all issues, repair costs range from $20 to $1,200. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2003-2011 Honda Pilot 3.5L V6, a very common Honda V6-era issue is power steering pump noise caused by suction-side air intrusion, often from a hardened inlet O-ring or aging pump seals. Owners report a cold-start groan or whining noise, visible bubbles in the reservoir, intermittent heavy steering, and fluid seepage around the pump. If ignored, the pump can wear out and steering assist may become inconsistent, especially in cold weather or parking maneuvers.
Inspect the reservoir for foamy fluid and check the pump inlet O-ring, hoses, and pump body for leaks or seepage. Replacing the inlet O-ring is a low-cost first step and often cures the noise if caught early; otherwise the pump may need replacement and the system should be bled thoroughly with the correct Honda-compatible fluid. Also inspect the return hose and reservoir screen if noise persists after pump service.
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On the 2003-2013 Honda Pilot, wheel bearing wear is a widely reported Pilot problem across both generations, often showing up as a growling or humming noise that changes with road speed and steering input. On some vehicles, excessive bearing play or damage to the integrated wheel speed sensor tone ring can also trigger ABS or VSA warnings. Heavier curb weight and age appear to contribute to repeat bearing replacements on higher-mileage vehicles.
Road-test to isolate the noisy corner, then confirm with chassis ears or by checking for roughness/play with the wheel unloaded. Repair requires replacing the affected hub/bearing assembly or pressed-in bearing depending on axle position and generation, followed by alignment checks if suspension components were disturbed. If ABS/VSA lights are on, inspect the wheel speed sensor and tone ring during bearing service.
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On the 2003-2008 Honda Pilot 3.5L V6, first-generation Pilots commonly develop worn front compliance bushings and lower control arm bushings, leading to clunking over bumps, vague steering feel, braking instability, and uneven front tire wear. This is widely reported by owners and independent shops because the heavy front end and age-related rubber deterioration accelerate bushing failure. In many cases, the bushing tears or separates enough that the arm shifts under braking or when hitting potholes.
Inspect the front lower control arm rear compliance bushings for cracking, fluid leakage (if hydraulic style), or separation, and check ball joints and sway bar links at the same time. Most shops replace the complete control arm assembly rather than pressing bushings only, followed by a four-wheel alignment. If tire wear has already started, replacing worn tires after alignment may be necessary to restore ride quality.
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On the 2003-2013 Honda Pilot 3.5L V6, brake pulsation from front rotor thickness variation is one of the most commonly reported Pilot complaints across both generations. Owners describe steering wheel shake and pedal pulsation during highway-speed braking, often recurring after inexpensive pad-and-rotor jobs if hub runout, caliper slide condition, or lug torque is ignored. The Pilot's weight and heat load can make low-quality rotors especially prone to repeat judder.
Confirm the vibration occurs only during braking, then measure rotor thickness variation and check hub runout, caliper slide pins, and pad wear pattern. Replace rotors and pads with quality parts, clean rust from the hub face, lubricate slide pins, torque wheels evenly by hand to spec, and flush old brake fluid if caliper drag is suspected. If pulsation returns quickly, inspect for sticking calipers or rear brake imbalance contributing to front overheating.
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On the 2003-2013 Honda Pilot 3.5L V6, owners across both generations report water leaks into the cabin, commonly from clogged sunroof drains, deteriorated roof seam sealer, windshield perimeter leaks, or rear body seam leaks. Symptoms include wet headliners, damp carpets, musty odor, water in the overhead console area, and occasional electrical issues when moisture reaches connectors or modules. On older first-generation trucks, seam sealer shrinkage and body aging are frequent contributors.
Perform a controlled water test beginning at the roof, windshield, and sunroof cassette drains, then inspect headliner and pillar trim for water tracks. Clear sunroof drains with low-pressure air or flexible line, reseal failed roof/body seams with automotive seam sealer, and repair windshield or hatch-area leaks as needed. Dry the carpet and inspect under-seat and pillar connectors to prevent corrosion-related electrical faults.
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On the 2003-2008 Honda Pilot, 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. Honda issued service information and many owners report repeated SRS lamp illumination even when the belts latch normally. The problem is usually isolated to the buckle switch contacts or wiring in the seat area rather than the airbag module itself.
Scan the SRS system with a capable Honda-compatible tool and inspect buckle switch status data for the driver and passenger seats. Repair typically involves replacing the affected seat belt buckle assembly or repairing seat harness wiring/connectors, then clearing SRS codes. Generic code readers usually cannot access these faults, so proper SRS diagnostics are important.
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On the 2003-2008 Honda Pilot, first-generation Pilots commonly develop coolant leaks from the plastic radiator end tanks or crimp seams as the radiator ages. Owners often notice a sweet smell, coolant residue on the radiator side tanks, or a gradual drop in coolant level before an overheating event. If ignored, the leak can worsen quickly and cause engine overheating, especially in hot weather or stop-and-go driving.
Pressure-test the cooling system when cold and hot, inspect the radiator side tanks and upper seam for seepage, and verify the cooling fans operate correctly. The standard repair is radiator replacement, usually along with fresh coolant and often new upper/lower hoses and radiator cap if aged. Any overheating incident should be followed by checks for head gasket damage and cooling system air pockets.
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On the 2003-2008 Honda Pilot, 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, rear glass release, power lock, or tailgate-related electrical functions. The issue is typically caused by copper conductors fracturing inside intact-looking insulation.
Inspect the hatch harness where it flexes at the top of the liftgate, peeling back the rubber boot and tug-testing each wire. Repair involves soldering in new wire sections or replacing the damaged harness, then sealing the repair to prevent moisture intrusion. Because multiple circuits can fail at once, continuity testing each affected wire is usually faster than replacing individual components.
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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.
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.
AIR BAGS
Honda is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 Pilot and 2011-2013 Odyssey passenger vehicles manufactured from March 13, 2008, through December 21, 2012. One or more rivets that attach the airbag module to the airbag cover may be missing.
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According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2005-2005 Honda Pilot has 8 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Front Suspension Compliance Bushing and Lower Control Arm Wear Causing Clunks and Tire Wear, Front Brake Rotor Warping and Brake Judder Under Moderate Braking, Power Steering Pump and O-Ring Air Ingestion Causing Whine, Foamy Fluid, and Hard Steering. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.
The 2005-2005 Honda Pilot has 8 known issues documented across 0+ owner reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Honda Pilot issues range from $20 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.
First-generation Pilots commonly develop worn front compliance bushings and lower control arm bushings, leading to clunking over bumps, vague steering feel, braking instability, and uneven front tire wear. This is widely reported by owners and independent shops because the heavy… Repairs typically run $500-$1,200. Severity: medium.
Brake pulsation from front rotor thickness variation is one of the most commonly reported Pilot complaints across both generations. Owners describe steering wheel shake and pedal pulsation during highway-speed braking, often recurring after inexpensive pad-and-rotor jobs if hub r… Repairs typically run $300-$900. Severity: medium.
A very common Honda V6-era issue is power steering pump noise caused by suction-side air intrusion, often from a hardened inlet O-ring or aging pump seals. Owners report a cold-start groan or whining noise, visible bubbles in the reservoir, intermittent heavy steering, and fluid… Repairs typically run $20-$700. Severity: medium.
Owners across both generations report water leaks into the cabin, commonly from clogged sunroof drains, deteriorated roof seam sealer, windshield perimeter leaks, or rear body seam leaks. Symptoms include wet headliners, damp carpets, musty odor, water in the overhead console are… Repairs typically run $100-$1,200. Severity: medium.
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. Honda issued service information and many owners report repeated SRS lamp illumination eve… Repairs typically run $250-$700. Severity: medium.
First-generation Pilots commonly develop coolant leaks from the plastic radiator end tanks or crimp seams as the radiator ages. Owners often notice a sweet smell, coolant residue on the radiator side tanks, or a gradual drop in coolant level before an overheating event. If ignore… Repairs typically run $400-$900. Severity: medium.
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, rear glass release, power lock, or tailgate-r… Repairs typically run $150-$700. Severity: medium.
Wheel bearing wear is a widely reported Pilot problem across both generations, often showing up as a growling or humming noise that changes with road speed and steering input. On some vehicles, excessive bearing play or damage to the integrated wheel speed sensor tone ring can al… Repairs typically run $350-$900. Severity: medium.
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.
