CarBrief

The 2012 Honda Pilot has 171 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, and engine and brake reports are the biggest groups[1][2][3]. It also has 9 recalls, mostly for air bag inflators, so check the VIN for open recalls before you buy[4].

171owner complaints[1]
9recalls[4]
20MPG combined (EPA)[5]
4★NHTSA overall rating[6]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 171 owner complaints for the 2012 Pilot[1]. Of those, 17 mention a crash, 3 a fire and 19 injuries, and none report a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports. One complaint can name more than one part, and the counts are not adjusted for how many Pilots were sold.

Here are the biggest complaint groups:

We read a small sample of complaint texts in four of these groups. This is what owners describe in that sample, not a measure of how common a problem is.

Engine[2]. In a sample of 12 complaints, 5 describe hard or intermittent starting, stalling or the engine shutting off. 3 describe a loud hum or whine from the A/C, 3 describe vibration at steady speeds, and 2 describe a delay before the car accelerates from low speed[2].

Brakes[3]. In a sample of 12 complaints, 5 describe shaking in the steering wheel or a pulsing feel when braking, and owners say dealers pointed to the rotors. 3 describe a brake pedal that travels too far or feels soft[3]. 2 describe brakes that did not respond, and both of those ended in a crash[3].

Electrical system[7]. In a sample of 12 complaints, 3 describe a sudden loss of power or a dashboard that went dark. 2 describe an A/C compressor hum and 2 describe key or key fob trouble[7]. One describes a fire in the engine compartment[7].

Air bags[9]. In a sample of 12 complaints, 4 say the air bags did not deploy in a crash. 2 describe the air bag warning light coming on, and 7 involve a recall notice or recall related repair[9].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2012 Pilot[4]. Seven involve the passenger front air bag inflator. Free repairs are promised in each, so ask a Honda dealer to run the VIN for open recalls. Newest first:

Fuel economy

Both versions use a 3.5L 6-cylinder with an automatic 5-speed and regular fuel[5][22].

EPA estimates annual fuel cost at $3,350 for each version[5][22]. That figure uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 4WD version 4 stars overall, 4 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 4 stars rollover, with a rollover risk of 16.4%[6]. The front-wheel drive version has the same star ratings, with a rollover risk of 17.4%[23].

Engine and size

The 3.5L 6-cylinder is rated at 250 hp in the EPA test car list[24].

Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models. Length is 191 in, width 78 in, height 73 in and wheelbase 109 in for both variants listed[25][26]. Curb weight is 4,328 lb for the front-wheel drive LX[26] and 4,537 lb for the all-wheel drive LX, EX, EX-L and Touring[25].

How 2012 compares with other years

2003: 720 complaints, 13 recalls20032004: 544 complaints, 12 recalls2005: 679 complaints, 13 recalls2006: 268 complaints, 8 recalls20062007: 211 complaints, 7 recalls2008: 133 complaints, 7 recalls2009: 134 complaints, 9 recalls20092010: 111 complaints, 10 recalls2011: 293 complaints, 11 recalls2012: 171 complaints, 9 recalls17120122013: 271 complaints, 6 recalls2014: 116 complaints, 3 recalls2015: 109 complaints, 4 recalls20152016: 1,716 complaints, 8 recalls2017: 935 complaints, 4 recalls2018: 440 complaints, 7 recalls20182019: 918 complaints, 13 recalls2020: 492 complaints, 11 recalls2021: 446 complaints, 10 recalls20212022: 166 complaints, 5 recalls2023: 146 complaints, 5 recalls2024: 116 complaints, 6 recalls20242025: 214 complaints, 4 recalls2026: 26 complaints, 1 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Pilot model year. The 2012 is highlighted[4].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
200372013
200454412
200567913
20062688
20072117
20081337
20091349
201011110
201129311
20121719
20132716
20141163
20151094
20161,7168
20179354
20184407
201991813
202049211
202144610
20221665
20231465
20241166
20252144
2026261

The 2012 Pilot has 171 complaints and 9 recalls[4]. Next to its neighbors, 2011 has 293 complaints and 11 recalls, and 2013 has 271 complaints and 6 recalls[4]. Earlier years 2009 and 2010 have 134 and 111 complaints, with 9 and 10 recalls[4]. Later years 2014 and 2015 have 116 and 109 complaints, with 3 and 4 recalls[4].

So within 2009 to 2015, 2012 has the third highest complaint count. Its 9 recalls tie with 2009, fewer than 2010 and 2011, and more than 2013 to 2015[4]. Years outside that range vary widely, for example 2016 has 1,716 complaints[4]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide.

Should you buy a used 2012 Pilot?

The record shows a Pilot with a notable list of recalls, mostly air bag inflators, and engine and brake complaints that lead the groups[4][2][3]. Owners in our small samples describe starting and stalling reports and braking vibration, though a sample cannot tell you how common they are. Crash and injury reports are most concentrated in the air bag group[9]. Before buying, have a Honda dealer check the VIN for open recalls and ask for proof that each one was done, and have the brakes inspected on a test drive. Fuel economy is 20 MPG combined for both versions, and NHTSA rates the car 4 stars overall[5][22][6][23].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Honda Pilot?
NHTSA has 171 complaints, and engine (45) and brakes (29) are the biggest groups[1][2][3]. In the small samples we read, owners describe starting or stalling trouble and shaking when braking.
Does the 2012 Honda Pilot have recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists 9 recalls[4]. Seven are for the passenger front air bag inflator, one for driver air bag rivets and one for the fuel tank vent valve[13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21].
How many miles per gallon does a 2012 Honda Pilot get?
EPA rates the 2WD at 18 city, 25 highway and 20 combined MPG, and the 4WD at 17 city, 24 highway and 20 combined[5][22].
How safe is the 2012 Honda Pilot?
NHTSA gives both the 4WD and front-wheel drive versions 4 stars overall and 5 stars for side protection[6][23].
Is 2012 a good year for the Honda Pilot?
NHTSA has 171 complaints and 9 recalls for 2012[1][4]. Among 2009 to 2015, 2011 and 2013 have more complaints, and 2009, 2010, 2014 and 2015 have fewer[4].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 171 owner complaints on file for the 2012 Honda Pilot (17 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 19 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 45 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 12,700). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. 29 complaints name the brakes component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 36,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. Owner complaints and recalls for every Honda Pilot model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  5. EPA rating for Pilot 2WD, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  6. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 22 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 3 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 30,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 20 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 4,839). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 20 complaints name the air bags component group (7 crashes, 0 fires, 12 injuries, median mileage at failure 58,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 17 complaints name the speed control component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 36,100). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 14 complaints name the suspension component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 75,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 11 complaints name the steering component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 25,563). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. Recall 19V502, filed June 27, 2019: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 19V378, filed May 16, 2019: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 18V661, filed September 27, 2018: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 18V268, filed April 26, 2018: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 18V042, filed January 9, 2018: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  18. Recall 17V545, filed August 31, 2017: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  19. Recall 17V030, filed January 10, 2017: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  20. Recall 13V016, filed January 18, 2013: Air Bags. NHTSA recall database
  21. Recall 12V063, filed February 17, 2012: Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly. NHTSA recall database
  22. EPA rating for Pilot 4WD, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
  24. EPA Test Car List, 2012 Honda Pilot with 3.5L 6-cylinder: rated 250 hp. www.epa.gov
  25. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, PILOT 4DR SUV AWD LX/EX/EX-L/TOURING: length 191 in, width 78 in, height 73 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 4,537 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  26. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, PILOT 4DR SUV FWD LX: length 191 in, width 78 in, height 73 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 4,328 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.