What Year of Honda Pilot Is the Best?

The best all-around years for the Honda Pilot are 2019–2021 for used buyers and 2024 for new buyers, thanks to a strong blend of reliability, safety tech, and day-to-day refinement. In short, 2019–2021 models hit the sweet spot in the third generation after key updates, while the 2024 (second year of the latest redesign) benefits from fresh engineering without the first-year hiccups that can accompany an all-new model.

How “Best Year” Was Determined

Several factors separate a merely good Pilot from a great one. To identify the best years, we weighed owner-reported reliability, safety performance, drivability and comfort, powertrain updates, standard features, and the timing of model refreshes and redesigns.

• Reliability and known trouble spots across generations
• Safety ratings and availability of advanced driver-assistance features
• Transmission and engine improvements over time
• Infotainment usability and smartphone integration
• Value retention, operating costs, and maintenance needs

Taken together, these criteria favor later-years in a generation (after early bugs are worked out) and mid-cycle refreshes that add safety tech and usability updates without introducing unproven hardware.

Generation-by-Generation Overview

First Generation (2003–2008)

The original Pilot helped establish Honda’s three-row reputation. Earlier years (especially 2003–2005) saw more transmission complaints and wear issues common to early-2000s Honda automatics. Later models, particularly 2006–2008, tend to be the most sorted of the first-gen if you’re shopping at a very low price point and can verify maintenance history.

Second Generation (2009–2015)

This boxier Pilot boosted space and towing, but the launch year (2009) and some early years drew more owner complaints, including reports of excessive engine mount wear, premature brake wear, and variable cylinder management (VCM) concerns for some drivers. The 2012 refresh improved refinement and features; 2012–2015 examples with documented maintenance are generally the safer picks within this generation.

Third Generation (2016–2022)

With a return to smoother styling and better efficiency, the third-gen Pilot is where the model truly hits its stride. The 2016 launch brought strong fundamentals but also teething issues—rough shifts from the then-optional 9‑speed automatic in higher trims and some infotainment glitches. Honda steadily refined the formula: the 2019 refresh added a friendlier infotainment interface and improved shift logic, 2019 made Honda Sensing driver-assist features widely standard, and 2021 made the 9‑speed automatic standard across trims with further calibration improvements. For most used buyers, 2019–2021 stands out as the best balance of reliability, tech, and value; 2022 is also a solid choice.

Fourth Generation (2023–present)

The 2023 redesign brought a more modern cabin, substantially improved ride/handling, updated safety tech, and the off-road-oriented TrailSport. As with many first-year redesigns, 2023 units saw a handful of early-production recalls and software updates—nothing unusual, but worth checking via the NHTSA VIN tool. The 2024 model year benefits from running updates without major changes, making it the best new Pilot to target; 2025 continues the formula with incremental tweaks.

The Best Years by Buyer Type

Your “best year” also depends on budget, feature priorities, and appetite for new versus used. The following picks aim to maximize value and minimize known headaches for each bracket.

• Value-focused used: 2012–2015 (second-gen refresh) with thorough service records
• Balanced used: 2019–2021 (third-gen refresh and refinements; standard Honda Sensing; improved 9‑speed tuning)
• Nearly-new/CPO: 2021–2022 (latest third-gen tech and calibration, often at a discount to new)
• New: 2024 (second year of the latest redesign; broad safety tech; improved dynamics)

These recommendations emphasize later, more refined years within each generation and prioritize models that added modern safety and infotainment without introducing unproven components.

Years to Approach with Caution

Not every Pilot year is equally trouble-free. While many owners have good experiences across all vintages, certain model years deserve extra scrutiny or a strong pre-purchase inspection.

• 2003–2005: Higher incidence of early-2000s Honda automatic transmission wear/issues
• 2009: First year of the second generation; more early complaints versus later years
• 2016: First year of the third generation; reports of 9‑speed shift quality and infotainment glitches in higher trims
• 2023: First year of the fourth generation; ensure all recalls/software updates are completed

Being cautious doesn’t necessarily mean avoiding these years outright, but it does mean verifying maintenance, test-driving carefully, and checking recall and service campaign completion.

Safety and Technology Benchmarks

Honda progressively added driver-assistance features and improved infotainment throughout the Pilot’s run; choosing the right year can substantially change your daily experience.

• Honda Sensing suite (adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision mitigation) became broadly standard starting with 2019
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto arrived for most trims starting in 2017; 2019 added a physical volume knob and a more responsive interface
• Wireless smartphone integration and the latest UI are found on 2023+ models
• Crash safety performance is consistently strong in later years; verify specific trims/headlight ratings if IIHS Top Safety Pick status matters to you

If advanced driver assistance and seamless smartphone integration are priorities, 2019+ is the safer starting point, with 2024 offering the most polished package for new buyers.

What to Check When Buying a Used Pilot

A well-maintained Pilot can run for many years, but attention to a few items will help you pick a winner and avoid deferred maintenance.

• Transmission behavior and service records (especially for 2016–2018 9‑speed units in higher trims)
• Timing belt replacement on earlier engines per Honda’s interval (common on pre-2023 Pilots); confirm documentation
• VCM-related complaints or abnormal vibrations on older V6 models; look for maintenance or software updates
• All-wheel-drive fluid service and rear differential condition if equipped
• Infotainment responsiveness and smartphone integration stability during a long test drive
• Recall completion via NHTSA VIN lookup and any dealer software updates

A pre-purchase inspection by a Honda-experienced mechanic is a smart move, particularly for early years of a new generation or high-mileage examples.

Bottom Line

If you want the safest bet in a used Honda Pilot, aim for 2019–2021; they combine the third generation’s broad updates with the benefit of post-refresh refinements. If you’re buying new, the 2024 model year is the standout choice, offering the latest design and tech without first-year growing pains. As always, prioritize maintenance history and recall completion for the best ownership experience.

Summary

Best used years: 2019–2021 (with 2022 also strong). Best new year: 2024. Approach 2003–2005, 2009, 2016, and 2023 with added due diligence. Look for standard Honda Sensing (2019+), CarPlay/Android Auto usability (2017+, improved in 2019), and documented maintenance, especially transmission service and timing belt replacement on earlier engines.

Which year did Honda Pilot have transmission problems?

Honda Pilot Model Years To Avoid
The 2003 and 2004 models of the first generation are particularly noteworthy for their transmission problems. These early models often suffered from transmission failure, which could lead to costly repairs or replacements, significantly affecting the vehicle’s overall reliability.

What year is the most reliable Honda Pilot?

Consumer Reports says second-generation models are generally more reliable than the third, while 2014 and 2021 versions get its “recommended” label.

What Honda Pilot to stay away from?

Years to Avoid: Identifying Problematic Models
While the Honda Pilot is generally reliable, certain model years have been identified as problematic. The 2003, 2005, and 2016 models, in particular, have garnered numerous complaints regarding transmission issues and other mechanical problems.

What is the best year for a pilot?

Honda Pilots built between 2006 and 2008, as well as 2017 to 2021 models, have considerably fewer reported complaints than other model years.