Is a used Honda Pilot a good deal?
Short answer: A used Honda Pilot can be a good deal when the price is in line with local comparable listings, open recalls are fixed and the out-the-door quote has no padded fees. It loses value faster than average: iSeeCars measures 44.8% five-year depreciation vs 41.7% for all vehicles, which makes a used one a relatively better deal than new. The biggest money leaks we see are dealer add-ons and fees, not the sticker price.
Looking at a used Honda Pilot? Check its VIN free for recalls and complaints, then scan the dealer quote free for junk fees. Want an expert? Check My Deal for $19 (money-back guarantee).
Depreciation and value retention
| Age | Depreciation | Value kept | Typical resale value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 years | 23.5% | 76.5% | $32,453 |
| 5 years | 44.8% | 55.2% | $23,385 |
| 7 years | 54.4% | 45.6% | $19,331 |
| 10 years | 68.4% | 31.6% | $13,383 |
Its class (midsize SUV) averages 46.4% after five years; all vehicles average 41.7%. Source: iSeeCars, Honda Pilot resale value.
Recalls and complaints by model year
| Model year | NHTSA recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 13 | 909 | Electrical System (264), Engine (234), Forward Collision Avoidance (123) |
| 2020 | 11 | 490 | Electrical System (213), Engine (101), Forward Collision Avoidance (87) |
| 2021 | 10 | 438 | Electrical System (129), Engine (107), Forward Collision Avoidance (98) |
| 2022 | 5 | 160 | Forward Collision Avoidance (43), Electrical System (37), Engine (32) |
| 2023 | 5 | 144 | Seat Belts (34), Electrical System (28), Forward Collision Avoidance (20) |
Source: NHTSA recalls and complaints APIs, pulled 2026-10-07. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Example recall campaigns
- 20V439000 (Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera): 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 displa…
- 20V440000 (Electrical System:software): 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 o…
- 21V932000 (Structure:body:hood): Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 Passport, 2016-2019 Pilot, and 2017-2020 Ridgeline vehicles. The hood latch striker may become damaged and separate from the hood, which can result in the hood …
- 21V165000 (Tires): Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Passport and Pilot vehicles equipped with Continental tires. On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during…
- 21V215000 (Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump): Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan…
Fuel cost
The EPA estimates $2,900–$3,200 per year in fuel for 2022 Honda Pilot versions (21–23 MPG combined across 3 configurations). Source: fueleconomy.gov (EPA/DOE).
Dealer add-ons to watch for
- Paint and fabric protection or ceramic coating packages
- VIN etching and "anti-theft" packages
- Nitrogen-filled tires
- Dealer prep, reconditioning or "certification" fees on top of the advertised price
- Market adjustment or "additional dealer markup" stickers
- Window tint, door-edge guards and all-weather mat bundles
- In the finance office: extended warranties, GAP, tire-and-wheel and key-replacement plans. All optional; get prices in writing
What to check before you buy
- Run the VIN through our free VIN check or NHTSA and confirm open recalls were repaired.
- Owners report problems most often with: Electrical System, Engine, Forward Collision Avoidance. Ask for service records covering these and have a mechanic look at them.
- Get a vehicle history report and a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic.
- Compare the price against local listings of the same year, trim and mileage. Dealers price models like this with more room to negotiate.
- Read the FTC Buyers Guide on the window: it says whether the car is sold as-is or with a warranty (FTC).
- Ask for the full out-the-door price in writing before you visit.
FAQ
Is a used Honda Pilot a good deal?
A used Honda Pilot can be a good deal when the price is in line with local comparable listings, open recalls are fixed and the out-the-door quote has no padded fees. It loses value faster than average: iSeeCars measures 44.8% five-year depreciation vs 41.7% for all vehicles, which makes a used one a relatively better deal than new. The biggest money leaks we see are dealer add-ons and fees, not the sticker price.
How much does a Honda Pilot depreciate?
iSeeCars estimates a Honda Pilot loses 44.8% of its value after five years (23.5% after three years, 68.4% after ten).
Does the Honda Pilot have recalls?
NHTSA lists 44 recall campaigns across the 2019–2023 model years combined (counted per year, so a campaign covering several years counts in each). Check any specific car by VIN: an open recall should be fixed free by a franchised dealer before you buy.
Which Honda Pilot year has the most complaints?
Among 2019–2023, the 2019 has the most NHTSA owner complaints (909). Complaint counts also grow with sales volume and time on the road, so compare years, not models.
How much does a Honda Pilot cost to fuel per year?
The EPA estimates $2,900–$3,200 a year in fuel for 2022 versions, based on its standard mileage and price assumptions.
What dealer add-ons should I refuse on a used Honda Pilot?
Common ones are paint/fabric protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires, dealer prep fees and market adjustments. They are optional; ask for them to be removed or get an itemized out-the-door price.
Looking at a used Honda Pilot? Check its VIN free for recalls and complaints, then scan the dealer quote free for junk fees. Want an expert? Check My Deal for $19 (money-back guarantee).
Data as published by each source; pulled 2026-10-07. All used car models