MODEL
Honda Pilot Safety
NHTSA safety across every Honda Pilot model year we cover.
Across the 8 model years of the Honda Pilot we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 90 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2019 at 72. 55 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Honda Pilot is a three-row midsize SUV that has been a cornerstone of the family hauler segment for over two decades. Targeting households that need genuine eight-passenger capacity without stepping into truck-based territory, the Pilot competes in one of the most hotly contested spaces in the American market. It blends everyday practicality with Honda's reputation for refined engineering, making it a perennial consideration for buyers prioritizing space and safety.
The 2023 Honda Pilot achieved a Safety Index of 85 out of 100, placing it in the Strong performance band for that model year. This rating is supported by generally capable crash-test results; however, a high recall volume and significant owner complaint count warrant scrutiny. Side protection is a clear highlight for the Pilot, earning a full 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA testing. Frontal and rollover ratings each stand at 4 out of 5 stars. For a three-row SUV, the 4 out of 5-star rollover score is a specific data point for prospective buyers to consider. The recall record for the Pilot presents a more challenging assessment. Across the 2019 through 2025 model years, 54 recalls have been issued. This figure exceeds what is typical for the segment. While recalls are a standard safety mechanism, the sheer number for the Pilot merits close attention. Owners should use NHTSA's lookup tool to confirm the recall status of any specific vehicle by its VIN. Owner complaints total 2,202 over the same period. These include 54 reported crashes and 50 reported injuries. Though these are unverified allegations, their volume is substantial enough to be taken seriously. There were no reported deaths within this dataset. Ultimately, the Pilot's crash-test performance, particularly its side impact protection, is solid. However, the volume of recalls and the number of owner complaints represent the primary safety considerations for consumers.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Honda Pilot as one of the more polished and well-rounded three-row family SUVs in its class, praising its composed ride, practical interior packaging, and user-friendly technology. Most consider it a strong default choice for families, though some note that the competitive segment means buyers have several compelling alternatives worth cross-shopping.
- The Pilot's best NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100 in 2023 places it in the Strong band for that year, but earlier model years in our coverage window have landed in the Average band, so the year you buy matters.
- Side crash protection is the standout result at 5 out of 5 stars, but both the frontal and rollover ratings sit at 4 out of 5 stars. For a tall three-row SUV carrying a full family, that rollover rating deserves consideration.
- Fifty-four recalls across 2019 to 2025 is a high count for this segment. Before finalizing any purchase, run the VIN through NHTSA's free recall lookup to confirm all outstanding safety campaigns have been completed by the seller.
- The 2,202 owner complaints on file include 54 reported crashes and 50 reported injuries. These are unverified allegations rather than confirmed events, but the volume signals that real-world ownership issues have been documented and are worth researching by model year before you buy.
Most-recalled year on record: 2019 Honda Pilot with 13 recalls.