Pre Purchase Inspection for 2018 Honda Pilot

NHTSA recall 26V-365 covers certain 2016 to 2022 Pilots sold in certain states, mostly in the Northeast and Midwest, plus Washington DC. The rear subframe may rust at the suspension mounting points, and a rear control arm or other part can fail and cause a loss of control. Dealers will inspect the subframe, add a reinforcement kit, and repair or replace parts as needed, free. The final fix was not ready yet. Honda mailed interim letters on July 27, 2026 and expected the remedy in fall 2026.

WE CHECK We check the VIN for the open recall and where the Pilot was sold or registered, then look at the rear subframe and suspension mounts for heavy rust, flaking or cracks on a lift if one is available.

SOURCE NHTSA recall 26V-365

NHTSA recall 23V-458 covers certain 2021 and 2022 Pilots. The fastener that joins the brake booster to the master cylinder may have been put together wrong, so the master cylinder can separate and the brakes can lose function. Dealers inspect and repair the brake booster assembly as needed, free.

WE CHECK We check the VIN for an open recall, look at the booster and master cylinder joint, and check pedal feel and stopping on the road test.

SOURCE NHTSA recall 23V-458

NHTSA recall 19V-784 covers certain 2019 and 2020 Pilots whose front frame upper members may not be fully welded to the body, which gives less crash protection. Dealers inspect the welds, and if any are missing, Honda offers to buy the vehicle back or replace it. Recall 21V-932 covers certain 2016 to 2019 Pilots whose hood latch striker may break off, so the hood could open while driving. Dealers repair the striker or replace the hood.

WE CHECK We check the VIN for open recalls, look at the front frame area and welds under the hood, and check that the hood latches firmly on both catches.

SOURCE NHTSA recall 19V-784 · NHTSA recall 21V-932

NHTSA recalls 16V-417 and 17V-219 cover certain 2016 Pilots whose fuel tanks may leak, which can cause a fire. Dealers replace the tank. Recall 21V-215 covers certain 2019 Pilots, and recall 23V-858 covers certain Pilots in this span, whose fuel pump may fail and stall the engine. Dealers replace the pump for free.

WE CHECK We check the VIN for open recalls, look and smell for fuel leaks under the vehicle, and road test for stalling or hesitation.

SOURCE NHTSA recall 16V-417 · NHTSA recall 17V-219 · NHTSA recall 21V-215 · NHTSA recall 23V-858

NHTSA recalls 20V-439 and 20V-440 cover certain 2019 to 2021 Pilots. Software problems can make the gauges drop key information like oil pressure, speed and gear position, or keep the backup camera image from showing. The fix is a software update. Recall 23V-431 covers certain 2019 to 2022 Pilots with a faulty cable connector that can blank the camera image. Dealers replace the harness. Honda also covered audio popping, no sound, and Network Loss messages on 2019 and 2020 Pilots for 5 years or 60,000 miles from purchase, so on most of them that coverage has now ended.

WE CHECK We check the VIN for open recalls, shift into reverse several times to test the camera, watch the gauges on startup, and listen to the speakers for popping or dropouts.

SOURCE NHTSA recall 20V-439 · NHTSA recall 20V-440 · NHTSA recall 23V-431 · Honda dealer message: MOST bus connector warranty extension (on NHTSA) · NHTSA owner complaints, 2019 Honda Pilot

NHTSA recall 18V-221 covers certain 2018 Pilots whose front power seats may have bad rivets, so a seat may not stay fixed to the floor in a crash. Dealers replace the seat slide rails. Recall 24V-064 covers certain 2020 to 2022 Pilots, and recall 26V-332 expands it to certain 2017 to 2022 Pilots. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, so the air bag may not work as it should in a crash. Dealers replace the sensor for free.

WE CHECK We check the VIN for open recalls, check that the front seats are solid with no play, and watch the passenger air bag indicator with the seat empty and with an adult in it.

SOURCE NHTSA recall 18V-221 · NHTSA recall 24V-064 · NHTSA recall 26V-332