Is the 2021 Honda Pilot a good car?
An honest AI verdict — reliability, common problems, and real cost to own.
B+8.5/10
The 2021 Honda Pilot Special Edition offers reliability and practicality, making it a great choice for families who need space and comfort.
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Pros
- Spacious interior
- Strong V6 engine
- Excellent safety ratings
Cons
- Less fuel-efficient for its class
- Infotainment system could be cumbersome
- Some road noise
Ownership at a glance
Fuel economy
20 mpg
Maintenance cost
$2,500/yr
Expected lifespan
250,000 miles
Common problems to watch for
- Infotainment system glitches
- Transmission software updates
- Rear suspension noise
CarsJudge exclusive data
Active recalls (10)
The 2021 Honda Pilot has 10 NHTSA recalls on record. Most recent: Structure — Frame And Members (campaign 26V365000). All recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
- Air Bags — Sensor — Occupant Classification — Front Passenger — Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passpo…
- Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery — Fuel Pump — Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 …
- Air Bags — Sensor — Occupant Classification — Front Passenger — Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 201…
- Structure — Frame And Members — American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles that were sold in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Il…
Recall data: NHTSA. Owner costs & MPG: anonymized aggregates from CarsJudge users who track this vehicle. Updated 2026-07-05.
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This AI-generated assessment is general guidance only, not a substitute for a professional inspection. Always inspect a used vehicle before purchase.