Honda Pilot VIN Number Check

Decode a Honda Pilot VIN free with NHTSA vPIC. See its generation and the NHTSA recalls for that model year, then read what owners have reported.

VIN prefix5FN2HK

Free decode plus the NHTSA recalls for its model year. 17 characters, no I, O or Q.

Honda Pilot

About the Honda Pilot

Honda has sold the Pilot in the US since the 2003 model year, and there have been four generations. Gen 1 first (2003–2008), then Gen 2 (2009–2015). The Gen 3 arrived for 2016–2022, and the Gen 4 took over for 2023–2026. Across those years NHTSA lists 62 vehicle recall campaigns and 9,314 owner complaints. Complaints pile up on the Gen 3. Its 2016 and 2017 model years alone account for 2,638 of them, with owners bringing up engine and cooling most often and the electrical system after that. EPA rates the Gen 1 at 17–18 mpg combined, while the Gen 4 gets 20–22 mpg. A free VIN decode gives you NHTSA vPIC’s record for the car (model year, engine, plant) and the NHTSA recalls for its model year. It won’t show theft, flood or lemon-law history.

US model years2003–2026

GenerationsGen 1 · Gen 2 · Gen 3 · Gen 4

NHTSA recall campaigns62

Owner complaints9,314 at NHTSA

Honda Pilot photographed at a US vehicle auction — Auction lot photo, for illustration

Generations

Honda Pilot generations

Four generations since the 2003 model year. The Gen 3 (2016–2022) has both the most owner complaints and the most recall campaigns (23).

4 / 4

Gen 4

2023–20264th generation

Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

20032010201520202025

2023–2026· Generation 4 of 4

Gen 4 · 4th generation

PlatformHonda PF7

EPA combined mpg20–22

NHTSA recalls8

Engines (EPA)

3.5 L 6-cyl · 2023–2026

Drive & transmission (EPA)

AWD/4WD, FWD
automatic (2023–2026)

Known issues to check

Forward collision avoidance (124)Steering (88)Electrical system (82)1 high-risk recall campaign

Mentions in 482 NHTSA complaints.

Sample VIN pattern · Gen 45FNYG1H8?PB······NHTSA vPIC decodes it as a 2023 Honda Pilot ELITE, built in Lincoln, Alabama

Check a Pilot VIN

Sources: Wikipedia · EPA · NHTSA · vPIC

NHTSA campaign data

Which Pilot model years each recall covers

NHTSA data

NHTSA has 62 campaigns on file for Pilot model years 2003–2026, and the 2003, 2005 and 2019 show up in the most (13 each). Move the line to your model year to see which apply.

Pick a row

What to ask

Source: NHTSA recall database, vehicle campaigns only; row text is NHTSA’s summary. A listed year does not mean every car is covered, so check the VIN.

Canada rows: Transport Canada recalls database. Transport Canada recalls that match an NHTSA campaign are folded into that row by VinNumber.net; rows with the Canadian flag have no NHTSA match. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada · Transport Canada.

Owner reports · NHTSA complaints

What Honda Pilot owners report

Owner summaries + NHTSA data

Complaints peak with the 2016 (1,709 of 9,314). Tap any bar or generation.

9,314NHTSA complaints, 2003–2026

345mention a crash

96mention a fire

463injuries reported

Owner complaints by model yearGen 4: 482 complaints · most for the 2025 (202)

Top complaint areas · Gen 4

Mentions in 482 complaints, 2023–2026.

Forward collision avoidance124

Steering88

Electrical system82

Seat belts74

Brakes60

Engine and cooling53

Crashes 16Fires 2Injuries 16

2023–2026 (Gen 4)

NHTSA data summary

By area, nothing stands out. Forward collision avoidance leads with 124, with the steering (88) and the electrical system (82) close behind. Complaints peak with the 2025 (202 of 482).

What Pilot owners report across recent generations

Owner summary

2023–present (4th generation)

Owner data is still thin for this generation. On the 2025, NHTSA complaints most often involve the collision mitigation braking system, with owners describing hard, unexpected braking on open roads. CarComplaints has only about ten reports for 2023, led by battery failure, a wheel sensor failure and a tailgate that stopped opening. Recalls cover 2023–2025 models whose fuel filler neck tube and pipe may separate and leak, and a brake pedal pivot pin that may not be secured. [1] [2]

2016–2022 (3rd generation)

The 2016, first year of this generation, draws by far the most NHTSA complaints. Owners describe stalling with warning lights, batteries that drain, fuel injector trouble and engine failures. CarComplaints ranks transmission problems first, with jerking when accelerating, and points to a late 2016 Honda bulletin on torque converter judder between 20 and 60 mph. Recalls cover connecting rod bearings that may wear and seize the engine on 2016 and 2018–2019 models, 2016 fuel tanks that may leak and a hood latch striker on 2016–2019 models. [3] [4]

2009–2015 (2nd generation)

Owner trouble is modest for this generation. On the 2011, many NHTSA complaints concern the front air bag inflator recalls, along with brake, steering and vibration reports, and some owners mention worn suspension compliance bushings. CarComplaints notes a small trend of engine hesitation when accelerating on the 2012 and 2013, adding that most owners do not experience it. Several recalls cover front air bag inflators across this generation. [5] [6]

What to check before buying

Run the VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup, including the air bag inflator recalls on 2009–2015 models, the connecting rod bearing recall on 2016 and 2018–2019 models and the fuel filler and brake pedal recalls on 2023–2025 models.
Ask for transmission fluid service and battery records.
On the drive, feel for judder between 20 and 60 mph, hesitation when accelerating and any unexpected automatic braking.

Sources (6) and method

Sources:

Counts: NHTSA complaints file, records to October 1, 2026, one count per complaint; areas are NHTSA component groups.

Owner summary updated September 25, 2026.

Owner opinions · Reddit

What Honda Pilot owners say on Reddit

Summarized from public threads

SummaryPros & consThreads

Pilot owners on Reddit like the newest generation for its room, three rows, strong V6 and long list of safety features, and several 2024 and 2025 owners report no problems so far. The transmission is the recurring complaint. Owners of 2016 to 2018 models describe hard shifts, warning lights and failures, while some 2023 and 2024 owners say the ten-speed downshifts roughly in city traffic. Others mention fuel economy below expectations and a battery replaced under warranty. Older second-generation fans still praise the ride and the opening rear glass.

Pros

Roomy three-row cabin that works well for families
Strong V6 and plenty of safety features on newer models
Many recent owners report no issues so far

Cons

Transmission failures and hard shifts on 2016 to 2018 models
Rough downshifts in city driving on some newer ones
Fuel economy lower than many owners expected

Please let me know what issues have y’all had with Honda Pilots? r/hondapilot · 2026-01-07
How are we liking the 25 pilot? r/hondapilot · 2025-07-18
Our 2016 Honda Pilot Transmission Failed at 79,000 Miles Despite Being Maintained Exclusively by Honda r/hondapilot · 2026-06-24
Which Generation of Pilot is the best? r/hondapilot · 2026-08-11

Opinions of individual owners, summarized in our own words. Not verified data; check recalls and complaints above.

Owner complaints · by model year

Pilot complaint breakdown by model year

NHTSA data

Every Pilot version is counted together. Tap a year to see its top systems.

9,314complaints, 2003–2026

345mention a crash

96mention a fire

463injuries reported

5complaints report a death

Most complaints: 2016 (1,709), 2017 (929), 2019 (907)

2016 · 1,709 complaints

Crashes 23 · fires 10 · injuries 20

Engine771

Electrical system579

Unknown or other291

Power train201

Fuel/propulsion system170

Systems as NHTSA names them; a complaint can list several. Source: NHTSA complaints data, records to October 1, 2026.

EPA fuel economy & emissions

Pilot CO₂, smog rating and yearly fuel cost

EPA data

EPA lists 64 Pilot versions for model years 2003–2026. The lowest tailpipe CO₂ is 388 g/mi (2022). Pick a model year and powertrain to see each version.

Gen 12003–2008

17–18 mpg · CO₂ 494–523 g/mi

Gen 22009–2015

18–20 mpg · CO₂ 433–494 g/mi

Gen 32016–2022

21–23 mpg · CO₂ 388–423 g/mi

Gen 42023–2026

20–22 mpg · CO₂ 402–444 g/mi

Model year2025

22combined MPG

402CO₂ grams per mile (tailpipe)

$3,050EPA yearly fuel cost

6/10Smog rating

1 = worst · 10 = cleanest

5/10Greenhouse gas rating

California LEV-III SULEV30 · Federal Tier 3 Bin 30Emission standard

Cleanest gas version of 2025: FWD · Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.5 L — 22 MPG · 402 g/mi

Best (lowest) CO₂ by model year

Gas

Annual fuel cost is EPA’s estimate at its current fuel-price assumptions (15,000 miles a year, 55% city driving), so older years are priced at today’s fuel prices. Smog rating and emission standard can differ by sales area (federal vs. California); both are shown. Greenhouse-gas ratings start with the 2013 model year. Source: fueleconomy.gov.

Compare rivals

Pilot vs Toyota Highlander vs Ford Explorer

NHTSA + EPA data

Take 2023–2026. NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the Pilot, against 10 for the Toyota Highlander and 43 for the Ford Explorer. Pick a range to compare.

Honda PilotGen 4

Model years 2023–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 8
NHTSA owner complaints: 482
EPA combined mpg: 20–22
Engines (EPA): 6-cyl 3.5 L
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD, FWD
NHTSA crash rating: 5★ overall (2025)

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Forward collision avoidance 124
Steering 88
Electrical system 82

Toyota Highlander

Model years 2023–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 10
NHTSA owner complaints: 245
EPA combined mpg: 24–36
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 2.4, 2.5 L
Also listed: turbo, hybrid
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD, FWD
NHTSA crash rating: 5★ overall (2025)

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Structure and body 40
Engine and cooling 35
Brakes 29

Ford Explorer

Model years 2023–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 43
NHTSA owner complaints: 273
EPA combined mpg: 19–27
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 2.3 L · 6-cyl 3.0, 3.3 L
Also listed: turbo, hybrid
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD, RWD
NHTSA crash rating: 5★ overall (2025)

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Electrical system 47
Forward collision avoidance 32
Powertrain (transmission, driveline) 31

NHTSA recalls (vehicle campaigns for all powertrain versions; equipment and tire campaigns left out), complaints (not sales-adjusted) and 5-Star overall ratings for the latest year rated for all three; EPA mpg, engines and drive. Rivals: same EPA class, picked by VinNumber.net.

Honda Pilot VIN number location

Where to find the VIN on a Pilot

Tap a spot. Every location should show the same 17 characters.

Red Honda Pilot (fourth generation) SUV, front three-quarter view, with the VIN locations marked

Photo: Hans Haase, CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped

Illustration: VinNumber.net

Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0; edited and VIN pins added by VinNumber.net

The Pilot's VIN sits at the base of the driver's side windshield. Three secondary labels, door jamb sticker, B-pillar label, and a cargo area floor sticker, reflect its role as a three-row family hauler. The Gen 4 generation starts with the 2023 model year; the VIN’s 10th character (P for 2023) shows which side of that line a car falls on.

Windshield plateRead it through the glass at the base of the driver's side windshield.
Source: 49 CFR 565.13(f) (NHTSA): VIN inside the passenger compartment, readable through the glazing next to the left windshield pillar
Door jamb labelOpen the driver's door: the certification label on the B-pillar lists the VIN.
Source: 49 CFR 567.4 (NHTSA): certification label with VIN at the driver door hinge pillar, latch post or door edge

The title, registration and insurance card show the VIN as well. All locations should match.

FAQ

Common Honda Pilot VIN questions

Which Honda Pilot model years have the most owner complaints?

The 2016 leads with 1,709, ahead of the 2017 (929) and 2019 (907). Those first two alone make up 28% of the 9,314 Pilot complaints filed with NHTSA, not adjusted for sales.

How many recalls has the Honda Pilot had?

NHTSA’s recall records show 62 vehicle campaigns for model years 2003–2026, leaving out equipment and tire campaigns. By generation, Gen 3 leads with 23. Then come the Gen 1 (19), Gen 2 (14) and Gen 4 (8), and a campaign can span two generations.

Which Honda Pilot recalls are high risk?

15V-320, 15V-370, 16V-344, 17V-029, 16V-346 and 17V-030 cover air bag inflators that can rupture. 18V-268, 19V-182, 19V-499, 19V-501, 17V-545, 18V-042, 19V-378, 19V-502 and 1 more cover air bag inflator modules and how they deploy. NHTSA’s record names a fire risk in 04V-541, 12V-063, 16V-417, 17V-219, 23V-751 and 24V-900. Each should show as closed on a VIN check.

Which Pilot generation am I looking at?

By US model year, the Gen 1 is 2003–2008 and the Gen 2 2009–2015. Gen 3 spans 2016–2022, Gen 4 2023–2026. Read the year off the VIN’s 10th character (P is 2023).

What fuel economy does the Honda Pilot get?

It varies. EPA rates the 2023–2026 Gen 4 at 20–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drive, up from 17–18 mpg for the 2003–2008 Gen 1 (fueleconomy.gov).

How does the Honda Pilot compare with the Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer on recalls?

For 2023–2026 models the Pilot has 8 NHTSA recall campaigns. The Toyota Highlander has 10, the Ford Explorer 43. Complaints run 482, 245 and 273 in that order, with no sales adjustment.

What crash rating does the Honda Pilot have?

NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2025 Pilot 5 stars overall. Both rated versions, FWD and AWD, get that score.

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