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2009 Honda Pilot Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2009 Honda Pilot has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Compliance bushing failure and brake-time vibration.” Honda vehicles use the Maintenance Minder system — your dashboard displays a Code A (oil change) or Code B (oil change plus inspections) along with sub-codes 1-6 for additional services. Intervals adjust based on how you drive. The schedule below reflects Honda's underlying targets.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2009 Honda Pilot.

Reported to NHTSA

Compliance bushing failure and brake-time vibration

SUSPENSION, SERVICE BRAKES

24 NHTSA complaints · 2011-08 → 2019-10

“AFTER READING THE DREADED COMPLIANCE BUSHING ISSUE ON A FEW HONDA PILOT OWNER'S FORUMS AS WELL AS SAFERCAR.GOV, I THOUGHT ABOUT CHECKING MY VEHICLE TO SEE IF I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. SURE ENOUGH, THE BUSHINGS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE HAVE LEAKED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10726666
“AT 60 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES, AS IF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM IS ENGAGED, JUST WITH A SLIGHT TAP OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VIBRATION IS AT A CONSISTENT RATE, AND DOES NOT SLOW WHEN THE VEHICLE SLOWS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10522652
“SHAKING AND VIBRATING OF THE STEERING WHEEL RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO ROTORS. HONDA IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE HOWEVER THEY HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING ABOUT THIS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10532099

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Driver seat belt buckle release while driving

SEAT BELTS

4 NHTSA complaints · 2018-03 → 2023-03

“My driver's side seat belt is constantly releasing as I'm driving”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11513890
“THE DRIVER SIDE SAFETY BELT LATCH COMES UNDONE WHILE DRIVING. WHEN YOU BUCKLE THE LATCH, IT SEEMS THAT IT IS LOCKED. BUT YOU PULL ON IT OR TAKE A CORNER AT REGULAR SPEED, THE LATCH COMES UNDONE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11078731
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA PILOT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT INDEPENDENTLY UNLATCHED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE PERSISTED FOR THE PAST SIX MONTHS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11297362

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Excessive oil consumption and engine failure

ENGINE

31 NHTSA complaints · 2009-11 → 2026-01

“EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. 1 QT PER WEEK, TERRIBLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10986257
“"EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL BURN" VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH THE OIL LIFE MINDER AND MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDS THE OIL CHANGE WHEN THE OIL LIFE DROPS TO 15% AND BELOW”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11176422
“WITH NO WARNING, THE ENGINE ON MY 2009 HONDA PILOT BLEW UP WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE ENGINE ABRUPTLY LOST POWER AND CAUGHT ON FIRE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10876395

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Takata airbag recall repair delay

AIR BAGS

21 NHTSA complaints · 2016-04 → 2017-05

“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V346000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE RECALL REMEDY WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10917619
“TAKATA RECALL. A LETTER WAS SENT TO ME IN JULY 2016 REGARDING THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. THE SAFETY CONCERN WAS THE AIRBAG COULD CAUSE METAL FRAGMENTS TO INJURE THE PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE IF THE AIRBAG WAS DEPLOYED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10928973
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 HONDA PILOT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH IN A SNOW STORM, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE DUE TO BLACK ICE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE SLID INTO A GUARDRAIL AND THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10991025

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission shuddering and fluid leakage

POWER TRAIN

7 NHTSA complaints · 2008-12 → 2025-10

“SHUDDERING AT 40 AND 60 MPH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11191183
“TORQUE CONVERTER SHUDDER OR VIBRATION BETWEEN 35-40 MPH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10627893
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION COOLER PIECE FRACTURED INTERNALLY, WHICH CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION FLUID TO LEAK INTO THE RADIATOR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10783674

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power seat track and motor failure

SEATS

6 NHTSA complaints · 2009-06 → 2021-07

“THE DRIVER'S POWER SEAT HORIZONTAL POSITION TRACK JAMMED SO THAT THE SEAT COULD ONLY BE MOVED ABOUT 2 INCHES FORWARD/BACKWARD. THIS LOCKED THE DRIVER INTO A POSITION VERY CLOSE TO THE STEERING WHEEL AND UNABLE TO REACH AUTO CONTROLS, SEAT BELT WITHOUT SIGNIFICANT DIFFICULTY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11281354
“2009 HONDA PILOT,TWO MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW,I WENT TO BUCKLE MY GRANDCHILDREN IN THE SECOND SEAT,AND THE SEAT LIFTED OFF THE FRAME”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10299013
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT WAS FALLING OFF THE TRACK AND SQUEAKING. HE WAS CONCERNED THAT THE SEAT WOULD FAIL WHILE DRIVING AND CAUSE A CRASH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10274843

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake pedal failure and loss of braking

SERVICE BRAKES

4 NHTSA complaints · 2013-10 → 2022-02

“The contact owns a 2009 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 45 MPH, the brake pedal failed to operate as needed upon depression as his wife crashed a vehicle that stopped at the light”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11453866
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA PILOT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING, IT SURGED WITHOUT WARNING. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED BUT FAILED TO RESPOND AND DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11064746
“SINCE OWNING MY 2009 HONDA PILOT NEW, I HAVE REPLACED THE ROTORS THREE TIMES AND HAD THEM CUT MANY TIMES DUE TO WARPING. THERE MUST BE A DEFECTIVE ISSUE HERE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10662437

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Code A)

Every 7,500 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter. The Maintenance Minder triggers Code A between 7,500 and 10,000 miles depending on driving conditions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation (Sub-code 1)

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires front-to-back to even out wear. Honda triggers Sub-code 1 alongside every other oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection (Code B)

Every 15,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake. Code B includes a multi-point inspection of brakes, suspension, and fluids.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid (Sub-code 5)

Every 45,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 3 years regardless of mileage to prevent moisture absorption and corrosion of ABS components.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission / CVT Fluid (Sub-code 3)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace ATF or CVT fluid. Honda CVT models (Civic, HR-V, Accord LX) use Honda HCF-2 — do not substitute. The Maintenance Minder triggers earlier under heavy stop-and-go.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Rear Differential Fluid (AWD models, Sub-code 5)

Every 30,000 mi

AWD CR-V, Pilot, Passport, Ridgeline: replace rear diff fluid every 30,000 miles, sooner if towing.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Engine Air Filter (Sub-code 4)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Honda uses a long-life cellulose element on most port-injected engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs (Sub-code 6)

Every 105,000 mi

Honda uses iridium-tipped plugs rated for 100,000+ miles. Replace at 105,000 miles or whenever Sub-code 6 displays.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant (Sub-code 5)

Every 60,000 mi

Honda Long-Life Type 2 (blue) coolant: first change at 120,000 miles, then every 60,000 miles. Do not mix with other coolant types.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter (Sub-code 3)

Every 15,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter — accessible behind the glove box on most Hondas. Honda recommends 15,000 miles in dusty conditions, longer in clean climates.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Valve Clearance Adjustment (Sub-code 6)

Every 105,000 mi

Inspect and adjust valve clearances at 105,000 miles. Critical on K-series and L-series engines to prevent valve recession.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$495–$535

Shop

~$345–$375

DIY

Pro only

Mechanical-bucket valvetrains (many Honda 4-cyls, older Toyotas) need this. Hydraulic lifters don't. Shop work — feeler-gauge precision required.

Timing Chain — No Replacement

On condition / lifetime

Modern Honda engines (K-series, L-series, R-series, plus all Earth Dreams 1.5T and 2.0T) use a timing chain designed to last the life of the engine. No scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

28 crashes 1990–2024

How the 28 occupant deaths break down

20

driver deaths

8

passenger deaths

28

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2010 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

9

complaints mentioning a crash

4

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2009 Honda Pilot reflects Honda's published service intervals and the Maintenance Minder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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