2009 model year · 0+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2009 Honda Pilot has 4 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 2003-2013 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.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
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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AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Insight, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2012 Ridgeline vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
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 2008-2012 Accord, 2010-2012 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2012 Fit and Pilot, 2010-2012 Insight, and 2009-2012 Acura TSX vehicles that received replacement passenger frontal air bag inflators. One dealership may have incorrectly installed the replacement air bag inflators.
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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According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2009-2009 Honda Pilot has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 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, Water Intrusion Through Roof Seams or Sunroof Drains Causing Wet Headliner and Electrical Problems. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.
The 2009-2009 Honda Pilot has 4 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.
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.
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.
