NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Honda Pilot Safety Ratings
The 2019 Honda Pilot scores 72 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 13 recalls, and 855 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Honda Pilot scores 72 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, placing it in the Average band. Strong crash-test hardware and a full suite of standard avoidance tech are offset by a defect record score of just 1 out of 20, driven by 13 recall campaigns attached to this model year.
The 2019 Honda Pilot earned an overall NHTSA crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars and a NHTSA Safety Index of 72 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 93 SUVs from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Honda Pilot ranks 87 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 72 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.4% |
| Recalls on file | 13 |
| Owner complaints | 855 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 87 of 93 SUVs tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Honda Pilot?
The 2019 Honda Pilot presents a notable dichotomy in its safety profile, reflected in its Safety Index score of 72 out of 100. While its crash protection sub-score of 61 out of 70 indicates strong performance in federal evaluations, and its avoidance technology sub-score is a perfect 10 out of 10 due to standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, these strengths are undermined by its defect record. The vehicle received the lowest possible defect sub-score, 1 out of 20. This low score stems from thirteen recall campaigns addressing diverse issues, including frame structure, air bag occupant sensors, the fuel pump, internal engine components, and the backup camera display. Additionally, 855 unverified owner complaints have been filed, with electrical and engine concerns as the leading categories. There is no prior-year Safety Index available for comparison. Therefore, for the 2019 Pilot, robust crash hardware is a clear strength, but its extensive recall and complaint history requires careful consideration from a safety perspective.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Honda Pilot perform in crash tests?
Side protection for the 2019 Honda Pilot earned a perfect 5 stars from NHTSA. The Pilot achieved an overall 5 out of 5 stars in the agency's evaluations. Frontal impact protection and the rollover resistance assessment each rated 4 out of 5 stars. The vehicle's rollover risk is officially 16 percent, with the dynamic tip test recording no tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13646
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Honda Pilot have any recalls?
Yes, 13 recall campaigns cover this model year. Named components include the structural frame and members, the front-passenger occupant classification sensor in the air bag system, the gasoline fuel pump, internal engine hard parts, and the backup camera display function. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the supplied campaign data, but buyers should verify current remedy status by VIN at NHTSA.gov.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS26V365000
Risk: Failure of rear suspension components, such as the rear control arm, can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear subframe and install a rear subframe reinforcement kit and, as necessary, repair or replace the rear subframe components, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in the fall of 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888
Reported 2026-06-04
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER26V332000
Risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involve
Reported 2026-05-21
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP23V858000
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Reported 2023-12-18
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL23V751000
Risk: A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 28, 2024. 2016-2017 Acura MDX owner letters were mailed November 1, 2024. 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed in mid-December 2024. Honda began mailing owner notification letters as of March 18, 2024. 2015-2016 Acura owner letters are expected to be mailed mi
Reported 2023-11-13
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION23V431000
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the MOST cable harness and install a straightening cover over the vehicle cable connector, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are EEL, ZEM, and SFC.
Reported 2023-06-15
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD21V932000
Risk: A hood that opens while driving can obstruct the driver's view and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will either repair the hood latch striker, or replace the hood if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is PBV.
Reported 2021-11-29
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP21V215000
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-314.
Reported 2021-03-25
TIRES21V165000
Risk: Overcured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation, which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four tires and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 22, 2021. Owners may contact American Honda Motor Co. customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is UA2.
Reported 2021-03-11
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA20V439000
Risk: Operating a vehicle without a functioning instrument panel or rearview camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument panel control module software, free of charge. The recall began September 23, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is T89.
Reported 2020-07-28
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE20V440000
Risk: A delayed or inoperative rearview camera display can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners that updated software is available. Owners have the option to either follow the mailed instructions to download and update the software for free, or visit a dealer to have the software update performed, free of charge. The recall began September 23, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is Y7Y.
Reported 2020-07-28
STRUCTURE:BODY19V784000
Risk: In the event of a crash, incomplete body welding may provide inadequate protection to occupants, increasing the risk of an injury.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle for missing welds, free of charge. If the vehicle is identified as missing welds, the dealer will offer to repurchase the vehicle or provide a similar replacement vehicle. Owner notification began November 6 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is X6J.
Reported 2019-10-31
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS19V298000
Risk: Teeth separation from the timing belt may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace any affected timing belt free of charge. Vehicles receiving a replacement timing belt will also have the engine inspected and any damaged components will be replaced for free. The recall began June 7, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is L4M. Acura owners may c
Reported 2019-04-12
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Honda Pilot?
NHTSA has logged 855 unverified owner complaints for the 2019 Pilot. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System with 250 reports, the Engine with 217, and the Fuel and Propulsion System with 108. An additional 107 complaints allege issues specifically with the Forward Collision Avoidance system. All figures represent unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
855 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Honda Pilot?
Prospective owners of a used 2019 Honda Pilot should note the vehicle's substantial recall history. The model year has been subject to 13 separate recall campaigns. Before finalizing a purchase, buyers must verify the vehicle's VIN on NHTSA.gov to ascertain which of these recalls, if any, remain open. It is the buyer's responsibility to address any outstanding safety-critical component recalls post-purchase, particularly those concerning air bag sensors or the fuel delivery system.
- The 2019 Pilot's defect record sub-score of 1 out of 20 is the single largest factor pulling the Safety Index down to 72, reflecting 13 recall campaigns that cover components as varied as the structural frame, air bag occupant sensors, the fuel pump, and the backup camera display.
- NHTSA recorded 107 unverified complaints specifically targeting the Forward Collision Avoidance system on this model year, a notable figure given that forward collision warning is listed as standard equipment and contributes to the perfect 10 out of 10 avoidance-tech sub-score.
- The rollover rating of 4 out of 5 stars comes with a measured rollover risk of 16 percent and a dynamic tip test result of No Tip, giving shoppers two distinct data points rather than a single star figure to evaluate rollover behavior.
- Two of the 13 recall campaigns were initiated in 2026, meaning remedy parts or scheduling may still be in early stages, and a VIN check at NHTSA.gov is especially important for any 2019 Pilot currently on the used market.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Honda Pilot places
The 2019 Honda Pilot qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Honda Pilot safety questions
Was the 2019 Honda Pilot crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Honda Pilot, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 72 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Honda Pilot crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Honda Pilot earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 16.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Honda Pilot have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 13 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Honda Pilot. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Honda Pilot?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 855 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Honda Pilot. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Pilot years
Rivals in SUV (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Tesla Model X 60d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 75d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P100d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Nissan Murano | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13646), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Honda Pilot 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 87 of 93 in the SUV class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.